Foreign Ministry spokesperson's remarks on countermeasures against U.S. arms sales to China's Taiwan region People's Daily Online) 17:16, December 26, 2025 Q: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has put on its website the decision to take countermeasures against 20 U.S. defense companies and 10 senior executives. Do you have any further comment? A: In response to the latest U.S. announcement of large-scale arms sales to China's Taiwan region, China has decided to take countermeasures in accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law against 20 U.S. defense-related companies and 10 senior executives who have engaged in arming Taiwan in recent years. 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-U.S. relations. Anyone who attempts to cross the line and make provocations on the Taiwan question will be met with China's firm response. Any company or individual who engages in arms sales to Taiwan will pay the price for the wrongdoing. No country or force shall ever underestimate the resolve, will and ability of the Chinese government and people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China once again urges the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, act on the commitment of the U.S. leader, 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. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming) While many families in Appleton, Wisconsin, were settling in after Christmas celebrations, police say a suspected thief was making the rounds in a residential neighborhood. The Appleton Police Department shared surveillance footage this week in hopes of identifying an individual believed to be connected to a series of vehicle thefts that occurred in the early morning hours of Christmas Day, Dec. 25. The incidents were reported in the 1300 block of East Fremont Street. In a post shared on social media, police noted that Santa wasnt the only one making the rounds on Christmas night, adding that the suspect appeared to be targeting vehicles while most residents were asleep. The department also made a lighthearted reference to the fictional Wet Bandits from Home Alone, calling the suspect a real-life Grinch during what should have been a peaceful holiday night. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities are asking residents in the area to review any security camera footage or images from the overnight hours and to come forward if they notice anything suspicious. Even small details, police say, could help move the investigation forward. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Appleton Police Department at 920-832-5500, send a direct message to the departments social media page, or submit an anonymous tip through the departments website or by emailing APDTips@appletonwi.gov. Officials ask that anyone reaching out reference case number A25064546. Police emphasized that all individuals depicted are considered innocent unless charged and proven guilty. Stories like this are a reminder that many Wisconsin communities are dealing with real challenges right now from neighborhood safety concerns to ongoing animal shelter overcrowding. Over a thousand cats need homes in Wisconsin right now. For a lighter local read, this beloved Midwestern gas station was just named the best in the country and Wisconsinites are feeling very validated. A Reddit post about a culture clash between an American manager and a Dutch employee has gone viral because it sums up in a tidy little anecdote why so many Americans feel perpetually exhausted by work. And it humbles us all a little bit on this side of the pond, by exposing how working people elsewhere see our exhaustion as unnecessary, even absurd. In the post, a Netherlands-based employee at the Dutch branch of a large U.S. tech company describes getting a new middle manager based in New York. The manager, the employee says, quickly became concerned about their commitment to the job not because of missed deadlines or poor performance, or any metrics that really matter to results. Rather, it was because the employee logged off Slack at 5:01 PM, didnt respond to a Saturday email until Monday morning, and declined a team bonding Zoom scheduled for 7 PM local time. Advertisement Advertisement The manager reportedly delivered this zinger, a type of reasoning often used to defend a total lack of work-life balance: In this company, we go the extra mile. Instead of apologizing, the employee pushed back unapologetically. According to the post, they reminded their manager that in the Netherlands, not finishing work by 5 PM doesnt signal dedication. It means you are inefficient or understaffed, they said, adding that their contract was for 40 hours, not 40 hours plus nights and weekends. When the manager escalated with a threat of a performance improvement plan, the employee forwarded the exchange to local Dutch HR. The post says the local HR representative laughed, told the employee to ignore the threat, and promised to have a chat with the manager about local labor laws. Since then, the manager has reportedly stopped emailing after hours. Advertisement Advertisement That victory over unreasonable authority meant a lot to people, and turned the comments into a full-blown catharsis session. One of the most upvoted replies zeroed in on the OP's line about working long hours being a symptom of being inefficient or understaffed. The commenter added simply: Hahahah nailed it. American commenters, in particular, expressed a mix of embarrassment and resignation. I honestly feel bad for you guys in the US, the original poster wrote and many Americans agreed. Were expected to work for free, one commenter said flatly. Another added, This is why people are burned out. Its not the work its the constant boundary violations. Union protections and overtime rules came up repeatedly. A union worker contrasted their experience with salaried U.S. employees, noting that any after-hours work triggers overtime pay and therefore isnt casually demanded. Theres also literally no expectation that we need to answer emails after hours, they wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Several commenters tied the story to broader structural issues. Some blamed weak labor laws, others private equity ownership, and many pointed to a culture that equates availability with virtue. Its not corporate culture, one person argued. Its just culture. And its rancid. Few commenters argued that late-night emails or weekend responsiveness actually make work better. Instead, the dominant mood was recognition a shared understanding that going the extra mile has quietly come to mean donating unpaid labor, time, and mental space. The post resonated so widely because it exposes a whole toxic system where burnout is normalized even celebrated and the rare, satisfying moment when someone refuses to accept it. Theres something funny about adulthood. You spend all year chasing status, whether its a raise, a blue checkmark, or, in my case, Group 1 boarding. Travel is a huge part of my life as a journalist, and having airline status genuinely makes my travel days easier. This year, I held United Premier Gold thanks to the number of trips I took from my home airport, Newark, where United has an entire terminal. Even with Gold, I still find myself walking by the United Club with a little envy as I hunt for an empty seat and a snack that isnt wildly overpriced. But the perks are real: earlier boarding, free Economy Plus seats, and checked bags up to 70 lbs. For someone who travels constantly, those upgrades add up. But status doesnt last forever. And thats where my chaotic Boston day comes in. I took a same-day flight to Boston and never left the airportall to keep my airline status (James Barrett @jimmyrox) I was 137 points away from requalifying United status resets every year on December 31. Whatever premier qualifying flights (PQF) and premier qualifying points (PQP) youve earned by then determines your status for the following year. Advertisement Advertisement To qualify for Gold, United requires 10,000 PQP and 30 PQF. This year I came up 137 points short. PQF are premier qualifying flightsbut beware, some basic economy fares dont count. PQP are the number of points you earn based on the pre-tax dollar amount of your ticket. Heres the catch: if you miss the cut-off, everything resets. All those points? Gone. United encouraged me to fly again I called United customer service twice, hoping theyd honor the missing points or offer a grace period, and both calls led to completely different answers. Between my conversations and research, the reality was clearif I wanted Gold again, I needed to take another flight before the clock strikes midnight on December 31. Advertisement Advertisement So, I booked the cheapest, quickest option that would earn enough PQP. From New Jersey, that turned out to beBoston. I took a same-day flight to Boston and never left the airportall to keep my airline status (James Barrett @jimmyrox) I left my house in New Jersey and was home by 5PM My flight left Newark at 1 AM and returned from Boston at 3PM. Thats it. No sightseeing. No clam chowder. Not even a walk outside. Just a same-day mileage run with a small backpack and the hope that this wasnt a wildly unhinged decision. Mileage runs have been part of travel culture for yearsfrequent flyers will take quick trips specifically to earn or maintain airline status. But I never thought Id be one of them. A surprise twist: I found a lounge I didn't know I had access to After landing in Boston, I saw a huge ad for the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge. Since Im a cardmember, I stopped by to see if I could get in. Advertisement Advertisement Inside, I enjoyed a great lunch, a beer, fast wifi, elevated bathrooms and a quiet place to work that didnt involve hovering over strangers to steal their charging outlet. To access other lounges, my Chase Reserve card also includes a complimentary Priority Pass membership with access to lounges worldwide, so suddenly my spontaneous flight had a little luxury built in. I took a same-day flight to Boston and never left the airportall to keep my airline status (James Barrett @jimmyrox) The lounge had absolutely nothing to do with United Gold, but it did make the layover feel like less of a fever dream. Was it worth it? For me, yes. If you travel often, especially if you take multiple long-haul or international trips a year, the value of status is very real. With United Premier Gold, you get: Group 1 boarding, free Economy Plus seating for yourself and a companion, 2 free checked bags, Higher weight allowance (70 lbs instead of 50 lbs), Access to United Clubs when flying internationally, and Better upgrade eligibility Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of a year, those perks easily outweigh the cost of a single mileage run. What my Boston mileage run cost My NewarkBoston round-trip fare was: $200 and the trip earned me just over the exact PQP I needed to requalify. When you consider baggage fees, lounge access, seat upgrades and travel convenience over 12 months, paying for one short flight made sense. Pro tip: the cost might be cheaper if you purchase two flights individually instead of one round-trip ticket. Should you ever do a mileage run? Mileage runs arent for everyone. Heres a simple way to know if its right for you: A mileage run may make sense if you fly at least once a month including multiple international trips and regularly check bags. It might not be for you if you only fly 2-4 times a year, usually buy basic economy, and dont care about early boarding or upgrades. Status should make your life easier, not be the reason youre stressed at the end of every year. These little upgrades make us feel like were leveling up in life. And this time, my upgrade just happened to involve a same-day round-trip ticket to Boston. Vietnam and Malaysia are rising tourism stars in Southeast Asia thanks to relaxed visa policies and improving infrastructure while Thailand has lost its lead due to border clashes and safety concerns. Vietnam received its 20th millionth foreign visitor in a year for the first time at the Phu Quoc International Airport on Dec. 15, marking a milestone for its tourism sector. The full-year is expected to exceed 21 million, surpassing the previous record of 18 million achieved in 2019 before Covid. With its 21% growth rate this year, Vietnam is regarded by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. Malaysia attracted 28.2 million tourists in the first eight months of this year, a 14.5% increase year-on-year. The industry will be supported by stronger Chinese tourist arrivals, improving flight connectivity and the government's ambitious "Visit Malaysia 2026" campaign, according to HSBC Global Research. "Malaysia is on track to easily exceed its 2025 tourism target of 31.4 million tourists, making it one of the few ASEAN economies to achieve its target. "We estimate the number of tourists is likely to exceed 40 million." This year, both countries have strived to ease visa polices, enhance promotion campaigns and improve airport infrastructure. Indonesia and Laos have also seen increasing tourist numbers. Indonesia received over 12.76 million foreign visitors in the first 10 months, a 10% increase, with Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and India being the leading source markets. Laos received 3.8 million, a 13% increase. Challenging year for Thailand, Cambodia Once a tourism powerhouse in Southeast Asia, Thailand has struggled with setback after setback this year. The crisis began in January as many Chinese tourists canceled their trips to the country following the high-profile abduction of Chinese actor Xing Xing. Two months later a deadly earthquake in Myanmar that sent tremors across Bangkok caused widespread damage to the tourism industry. Escalating military clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border also triggered a surge in cancellations across provinces near the fighting. Some countries warned their citizens to postpone traveling to Thailand. Arrivals as of early December declined by 7% to 30 million. Thailand had received 40 million tourists in 2019 and 35 million last year. Meanwhile, Cambodia's reputation took a beating in the eyes of South Koreans due to online scams and the disappearance of hundreds of their fellow citizens who entered that country. The South Korean government has issued warnings to its citizens to cancel or postpone non-essential travel to the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh and areas like Sihanoukville and Bokor Mountain. Cambodia attracted only 4.75 million tourists in January-October, a decrease of 11.6%. The Philippines received 4.7 million foreign visitors in the first 11 months of the year, a 3.02% decline due to significantly lower arrivals from South Korea and China. A series of incidents involving the deaths of South Korean and Japanese tourists has raised safety concerns about travel to the Philippines. The government pledged to strengthen safety measures for foreign tourists, according to the Philippine News Agency. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the United States offered Ukraine security guarantees for 15 years with the possibility of extension and stated that he is ready to submit US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war to a nationwide referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire for at least 60 days. In a telephone interview with Axios published on Friday, Zelenskyy stressed that holding such a plebiscite would pose significant political, logistical, and security challenges. "That's why he believes that a 60-day ceasefire to organize and hold the vote 'is the minimum,'" the publication writes. According to Axios, a senior U.S. official said that the Russians understand the need for a ceasefire if Zelenskyy calls a referendum but want a shorter timetable. The report notes that the American side views Zelenskyy's willingness to hold a referendum and his openness to territorial concessions as important steps forward. At the same time, the Ukrainian president said that he would still like to negotiate a better deal regarding the territory. However, if the plan requires a "very difficult" decision on this issue, he believes the best approach would be to put the entire 20-point plan to a referendum. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy stressed that if the referendum takes place amid ongoing Russian attacks, it will "end badly," and despite all the talk about security guarantees and economic benefits, "people will see missiles." The president also noted that if people don't vote due to security concerns, the referendum's outcome could be illegitimate. "It's better not to hold a referendum at all than to hold a referendum where people won't have the opportunity to vote," he stressed. Zelenskyy said that it was unclear to him whether Russia was willing to accept Trump's proposal. "I have some intelligence, but now I only want to believe the words of the leaders," he said. He added that most aspects of the bilateral agreements between the United States and Ukraine had already been defined and codified in five documents, though one more could be added. Regarding the key issue of security guarantees, Zelenskyy said, "We are ready with these documents," though some "technical things" require further discussion. One of these is the agreement's duration. The United States has proposed a 15-year pact that can be renewed. "I think we need more than 15 years," Zelenskyy said. He added that he would consider it a "great success" if Trump agreed to it during their meeting. The Ukrainian president said that both the United States and Ukraine will submit the security guarantees to their legislatures for ratification. Top New Music Industry News Last Week Top new music industry news last week includes predictions for 2026 from experts, how musicians will get discovered in 2026, Songcards, the Measure of Music Conference, France honoring EDM and more. Trump administration confirms US President's meeting with Zelenskyy on Sunday Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official The administration of US President Donald Trump confirmed that the American leader will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida on Sunday. According to the schedule of the head of the White House, the bilateral meeting will be held in Palm Beach at 3:00 p.m. local time (10:00 p.m. Kyiv time). Trump's private residence Mar-a-Lago is located near this resort, where, judging by the schedule, he arrived for the weekend. Mar-a-Lago is a private residence in Florida that belongs to Trump. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As Myanmar goes to the polls on Sunday in the first of three phases in a tightly controlled election, brightly coloured campaign posters loom over families with children still hacking a living from the rubble of buildings destroyed in Mandalays devastating earthquake nine months ago. People here in Mandalay and in the commercial capital Yangon express a mix of anger and resignation over this so-called democratic exercise, in stark contrast to the enthusiasm seen in the votes of 2020 and 2015, when Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy defeated the militarys proxy party and its allies by a landslide. Bulldozers throw up clouds of dust over streets now packed with traffic and people, as well as the billboards advertising the few parties vetted by the junta and allowed to stand in the polls, the first since the generals ousted Aung San Suu Kyis elected government in a coup nearly five years ago. The earthquake killed thousands of people and propelled Myanmar back onto the international stage, as many countries contributed to the regimes relief efforts. But if the junta thought that spelled its reintegration into the global fold then it was mistaken; many of those same countries, as well as the resistance forces across Myanmar, have denounced these elections as far from free and fair in the midst of civil war. We are forced to go and vote this time. We dont know what could happen to us if we dont, says Khin Nang* in Mandalay. Her brother is a political prisoner and she has to be careful. We hope for an amnesty after the elections, she says, as she fills a bag with avocados, oranges, biscuits, cooked meat and prawns to take to him. Prison food is not good, she adds. open image in gallery An election sign in front of a pile of rubble in Mandalay, Myanmar ( Sara Perria ) Ill go and vote because I have to. The system is electronic for the first time and its not even possible to leave a blank, says Zaw Zaw. I dont even know the names of the people running or their parties. In Yangon, close to Bokyoke Aung San market, named after Aung San Suu Kyis father and independence leader, people check their names on electoral lists posted in public. Many say they will vote out of fear of punishment, others openly declare they will boycott the process. A few families are divided, with some mostly older members saying they will choose the militarys political proxy, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). open image in gallery File: In this photo taken on 14 March, 2016 Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi (R) is accompanied by Lower House speaker Win Myint (L) after a meeting of National League for Democracy (NLD) members of parliament in Naypyidaw ( AFP via Getty Images ) Myanmars main regime-controlled cities in the heart of the country are relatively insulated from the conflict that has raged between the military and a combination of long-standing ethnic armed groups and the Peoples Defence Forces, which formed after the 2021 coup. The military has been able to hold on in the centre largely thanks to its artillery and air power, often striking civilian targets like hospitals and schools in an attempt to weaken grassroots support for resistance groups. A heavily weakened economy somehow still functions, but soaring food prices and extreme housing difficulties weigh on the urban centres swollen with people seeking refuge from the fighting and natural disasters. While most of the country struggles, wealthier Burmese can enjoy well-stocked markets, imported food, and a night scene of live music and restaurants, five-star hotels filled with Christmas decorations and few military uniforms in sight. open image in gallery The USDP junta-backed party out campaigning in Thaketa township, Yangon on Friday morning ( Sara Perria ) Largely thanks to direct intervention by neighbouring China and drone technology and other military support supplied by Russia, the regime has regained substantial territory it lost following an October 2023 offensive launched in Shan State in the east and in western Rakhine by an alliance of ethnic groups. The rebel advance was initially endorsed by China, partly with the aim of cracking down on a vast complex of scam centres, some operated by Chinese criminal gangs close to its border and targeting Chinese citizens. In a clear demonstration of how Beijing is now firmly backing the junta, China in August hosted Myanmars coup leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, during 80th anniversary celebrations of victory over Japan, alongside Russias Vladimir Putin and North Koreas Kim Jong Un. There has been a turning point in the country, since Chinas more explicit siding with the regime, says a diplomat in Yangon. They are more in control. With these elections they just want to show their strength. Thousands of civilians have died in the conflict the exact toll is not known and over 20,000 political prisoners are still held in abysmal conditions, including Aung San Suu Kyi, of whom little information emerges. open image in gallery A family works on the site of a building destroyed by the earthquake in Mandalay ( Sara Perria ) Opposition to the elections is a new crime and more than 200 people have been arrested since July for related offences, such as critical social media posts and distributing anti-vote leaflets. Jail terms over 40 years have been imposed. Aung San Suu Kyi is serving a 27-year sentence for alleged corruption, charges which have been widely condemned as politically motivated. Her NLD and other anti-regime parties that refused to apply to register for the elections have been dissolved by the regime. A lawyer in Bangkok familiar with Aung San Suu Kyis situation says she recently had dental trouble but does not receive proper medical assistance. There is some speculation that the elections will lead to an amnesty, but few believe her release is on the cards. And while her reputation has been heavily dented outside Myanmar for defending the militarys onslaught against the Rohingya in 2017 the subject of an Independent documentary released at this time a year ago inside Myanmar she remains widely revered. open image in gallery The electoral list displayed alongside a poster in Myanmar ( Sara Perria ) We keep praying for her, said Mya Hlaing, a teacher in Yangon, highlighting widespread affection for their former leader. People go to Shwedagon Pagoda to pray for her on her birthday and take a red rose. Last time my sister said to be careful, it was too dangerous a political statement. There are, however, two factors making it less likely she could regain her pivotal role even if she survives detention: her age she turned 80 in prison last June and the emergence of a new generation of the Bamar majority leading the fight against the regime. Gen Z still respect her, but they wouldnt listen to her, says the lawyer. The country has to move on, says Win Htet, a journalist and analyst in Yangon. open image in gallery An election poster on a street in Yangon, Myanmar ( Sara Perria ) A garment factory owner in Yangons industrial zone hopes the elections will bring stability and more foreign investment. We had to stop operations last month as all orders were cancelled because people are afraid of whats happening. But few seem to believe that the juntas installation of a nominally civilian government will put an end to a brutal civil war that involves not just ethnic armed groups concentrated in borderlands but now also the Bamar majority in the heartlands around Mandalay. What will change after these elections? Nothing, replies Thiri. * Names of people interviewed in Myanmar have been changed to protect their identities Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Thailand and Cambodia have agreed a new ceasefire after weeks of deadly fighting along their disputed border, halting the worst escalation in violence in more than a decade. The agreement, signed on Saturday by their defence ministers, came after sustained clashes over competing territorial claims killed dozens of people, forced evacuations and heightened regional concern about instability in Southeast Asia. The neighbours agreed to an immediate halt to fighting, a freeze on further military movements, and a ban on violations of each others airspaces for military purposes. The ceasefire took effect at noon local time. Two hours later, a Thai defence ministry spokesman, Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, told Reuters that it was holding. So far, there's been no report of gunfire," he said. Only Thailand had carried out airstrikes during the fighting, hitting sites inside Cambodia as recently as Saturday morning, Cambodias defence ministry said. Cambodia's top diplomat Prak Sokhonn and his Thai counterpart Sihasak Phuangketkeow are meeting Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Sunday and Monday to discuss the situation, according to statements from the Cambodian foreign ministry and a Thai official. A key provision of the new deal requires Thailand to return 18 Cambodian soldiers, taken during clashes earlier in the year, once the truce completes 72 hours. Their release had been a central demand from Phnom Penh. The ceasefire agreement was signed at a border checkpoint by Cambodias defence minister Tea Seiha and his Thai counterpart Nattaphon Narkphanit, following three days of talks by military officials under the framework of the long-standing General Border Committee. Thai military fires artillery towards Cambodia on Friday ( AP ) It reaffirms commitments made under a ceasefire deal reached in July following five days of fighting, as well as 16 agreed de-escalation measures. That earlier truce was brokered by Malaysia and enabled by pressure from US president Donald Trump, who threatened to suspend trade privileges unless both sides agreed to halt hostilities. In spite of those efforts, relations deteriorated in the months that followed, with a war of words between the two governments and sporadic border incidents escalating into heavy fighting in early December. Since 7 December, Thailand claims 26 of its soldiers and one civilian have been killed by the fighting. Bangkok has also reported a further 44 civilian deaths linked to the wider impact of the conflict. Cambodia has not released military casualty figures but says at least 30 civilians have been killed, and 90 injured. Hundreds of thousands of residents have been evacuated from border areas on both sides. Both sides have blamed the other for triggering the fighting and said they were acting in self-defence. The truce deal also commits the neighbours to respecting international conventions banning landmines, an issue that has fuelled tensions. Thai soldiers have been wounded in at least nine explosions along the border this year that Bangkok has claimed were caused by newly planted Cambodian mines. Cambodia denies this, saying the devices date back to its civil war, which ended in the late 1990s. Another provision of the deal calls on both countries to refrain from spreading false information and to resume stalled efforts to formally demarcate the border. The deal also includes cooperation against transnational crime, a reference largely aimed at tackling organised online scam networks that have defrauded victims worldwide of billions of dollars, with Cambodia identified as a major hub for such operations. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice At least seven people were killed after a bus carrying a charity group overturned on a mountainous road in northern Vietnam on Saturday, authorities said. The 29-seater was travelling downhill in the Yen Bai province when it flipped and was crushed, the Vietnam News Agency reported. The vehicle went crashing into a stretch of guardrail for about 50 metres before overturning on a sloped road linking National Highway 32 and Provincial Road 174 in Yen Bai. It was carrying a group of teachers, who were travelling from Hanoi to a village school site for volunteer work, according to local media. There were 19 people onboard at the time of the crash. Rescue workers had pulled 10 survivors from the wreckage, while others remained trapped as of 10.30am local time, officials said. Heavy machinery was deployed to cut through the bus as emergency workers raced to reach the trapped passengers. At least nine of the rescued people were injured. Some news outlets put the death toll at nine as well. Officials were yet to disclose the identities of the victims or confirm whether the death toll could rise. Hoang Anh Tuan, a senior local official, told the news agency that the crash was likely caused by brake failure, though authorities said an investigation into the exact cause was ongoing. Police and military units, local officials, and residents were mobilised to assist in rescue efforts in the remote area, where steep terrain complicated emergency access. Calls to provincial authorities for further comment were not immediately answered. Road accidents remain a major problem in Vietnam, especially on mountainous routes in the north where steep gradients, narrow roads, and heavy vehicles increase the risk of crashes. Authorities say they will provide further updates as rescue operations continue and the investigation progresses. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Doctors and nurses from foreign countries are shunning the NHS due to a hostile environment created by anti-migrant rhetoric, according to the leader of the UKs medics. The growing perception of the UK as being unwelcoming and racist due to the governments immigration approach is creating a risk for the health service, according to Jeanette Dickson, chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges. Ms Dickson, who leads the body representing the UK and Irelands 220,000 doctors, including GPs, surgeons and anaesthetists, told The Guardian: My feeling is we are creating a culture where the rhetoric is foreigner bad. If you have never visited Britain and are looking at our media, the social media, press media, print media, what our politicians are reported as saying, I think that its not unreasonable to see that as a hostile environment. She warned that the NHS could quite easily fall over and be left without a critical mass of people there to run the service safely. open image in gallery At least 42 per cent of the UKs doctors qualified abroad ( Peter Byrne/PA Wire ) Because [foreign health staff] see Britain retreating from Europe, we can go it alone, she continued. They see attacks on synagogues, they see anti-Muslim protests. They see the rhetoric that immigration is bad, [that] immigration is a major problem for the country. She asked: Why would you go somewhere where people are going, We dont need you, we dont want you? For them that makes Britain appear unwelcoming, racist. The prevalence of it [hostility to migrants] is significantly more [than] ten years ago. A 2025 workforce report by the UKs General Medical Council found that 42 per cent of UK doctors qualified abroad. The report said: If we see even a small percentage increase in them leaving, our health services will end up with huge holes that theyll struggle to fill. open image in gallery Wes Streeting warned that NHS staff are facing 1970s style racist abuse in healthcare settings ( PA Wire ) However, data from the GMC released last month revealed a 26 per cent increase in overseas-trained doctors leaving the NHS in record numbers. However, recent reports also suggest that staff are facing increasing 1970s, 1980s-style racist abuse in healthcare settings, according to health secretary Wes Streetings statements last month. Even if youve got a long wait, which I know is frustrating, or you feel like youve been sent from pillar to post, which sadly does happen, theres no excuse for taking that out on staff, he told The Guardian. Mr Streeting added: But the thing that has shocked me most of all is that the rising tide of racism and the way in which kind of 1970s, 1980s-style racism has apparently become permissible again in this country. Im really shocked at the way this is now impacting on NHS staff. A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "The NHS benefits hugely from its international staff, and well continue to support and attract talented overseas staff who want to dedicate their time, energy and skills to the health service. Discrimination against patients and staff alike undermines everything our health service stands for - and the NHS has a zero tolerance for racism. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah has arrived in the UK following his release from prison in Egypt after a presidential pardon. His family and Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the news on Friday, The 44-year-old has long been considered Egypt's most high-profile political prisoner, having spent much of his adult life incarcerated for his activism. He stands as a rare symbol of dissent against the extensive crackdown overseen by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. His prolonged detention, coupled with repeated hunger strikes, sparked widespread international calls for his freedom. Abd el-Fattah acquired British citizenship in 2021 through his mother, Laila Soueif. Alaa Abd el-Fattah embraces his mother Laila and sister Sanaa after more than a decade behind bars ( Family handout ) She confirmed his return on Facebook: "Praise be to Allah, Alaa reached London safely". In a longer statement, his family said he flew to Britain on Friday from Cairo after his travel ban was lifted by Egyptian authorities on December 20. The statement said he would shortly be reunited with his 14-year-old son Khaled, who lives in Brighton in southern England with his mother. "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," Starmer said on social media platform X. "I want to pay tribute to Alaas family, and to all those that have worked and campaigned for this moment." Despite campaigns calling for Abd el-Fattah's release, notably during the COP27 climate summit that Egypt hosted in 2022, Sisi pardoned him in September this year, having ordered authorities to study his possible pardon. Abd el-Fattah's name had been removed from Egypt's "terrorism" list months earlier. On Friday, Starmer also thanked the president for his decision to grant the pardon. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Prince Harry and Meghan Markles chief communications officer has stepped down after less than a year in the job. Meredith Maines, who started working for the Sussexes in March 2025, is believed to be the eleventh publicist in five years to exit the role after the couple stepped back from their roles as working royals and relocated to California in 2020. A statement from Ms Maines read: After a year of inspiring work with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archewell, I will be pursuing a new opportunity in 2026. I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and the good they are doing in the world. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have also parted ways with Method Communications, a US-based PR firm, after they announced a partnership seven months ago with the organisation that brands itself as a company that challenges the status quo. A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: Meredith Maines and Method Communications have concluded their work with Archewell. The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ( Getty Images ) Harry and Meghan are reportedly not looking to hire a replacement for Ms Maines, as it is understood that the UK and Europe director of communications, Liam Maguire, will take the lead instead. This departure comes on the heels of last weeks announcement that Meghan and Harrys Archewell Philanthropies, formerly known as the Archewell Foundation, would cut staff as it closes down. A spokesperson told People: The move toward a fiscal sponsor operating model does mean that some staff redundancies are inevitable, particularly with junior admin roles. We will not be discussing these personnel details further, other than to say that we are honored to have worked with incredibly talented and caring people who dedicate themselves to helping others. Ms Maines was spotted in July speaking with senior aides working for the King outside a Mayfair private members club, as the Royal households appeared to take steps towards repairing their relationship. A Stanford graduate with a background in venture capitalism, Ms Maines has previously worked for Hulu, GOOP and Google. It is unclear what she will do next. Three communications officers stopped working for the Sussexes this summer, including Charlie Gipson and Kyle Boulia. Ashley Hanson, former global press secretary, stepped down a year ago to start her own consultancy firm after two years running the couples PR. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Furious Christmas shoppers have accused Britains largest supermarkets of ruining Christmas after their turkeys were found to be smelly and discoloured upon delivery. The shoppers posted pictures of yellowed turkeys, complaining about the smell as they criticised the supermarket giants for failing to supply healthy meat. Just opened the turkey I ordered & it has MOULD on it & the smell is awful, it's rotten, said a Tesco shopper, alongside a picture of a rancid-looking yellow turkey. Thank you for ruining Xmas, I don't have a back up, so it's just stuffing & pigs in blankets for us, if they aren't off too. Never again. Omg the smell is everywhere, need candles ASAP, she added. Another shopper, who paid Sainsburys nearly 32 for a 1.8kg turkey, said: Rancid taste the difference turkey opened Christmas morning! In date till 26/12, the smell was so bad!! 31 and had to go in the bin! Another Sainsburys shopper said turkey had to be dropped from the Christmas menu on Thursday. No turkey for us today! he posted on X. Bought on Saturday, been in the fridge ever since. The pictures really don't portray how bad it smelt once we cut the packaging open. Very disappointed Sainsbury's. One shopper accused Sainsburys Longwater Superstore in Norwich of selling him a rotten turkey which he opened up to a Christmas morning stench. He added: Im certainly gonna taste the difference with this!!!!! Another shopper, who opted for beef, said: Thanks @LidlGB our beef is rotten for Xmas day. Not good. Other shoppers complained that their meat went out of date before Christmas Day arrived - or even long before they had been bought. I bought these turkey 10/12. They are massively past their sell by, said one Tesco shopper, alongside pictures of turkeys which went out of date in May and June 2025. Ealing Broadway store should be fined for food hygiene failures . I didnt notice . Not expecting turkeys on sale in December to be past their date. Another Tesco shopper who collected an order on 23 December soon found out that the use by date on her unsmoked bone-in gammon joint was 24 December. @Tesco Collected order 23 December. Just noticed date is 24 December and it smells! Cooking this for xmas dinner!! Disgusted, the shopper wrote. Tesco asked her to direct message further details about the incident. A spokesperson for Sainsburys said: "We will be contacting these customers who received a turkey that does not meet our usual high standards to say how sorry we are for this experience and reassure them that we're looking into how this may have happened." The Independent has contacted Tesco and Lidl for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A British anti-disinformation campaigner has accused sociopathic tech firms of being behind a bid to deport him from the US. Imran Ahmed, a former Labour adviser, was sanctioned by Donald Trumps administration over his work as chief executive of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), which campaigns against online disinformation and antisemitism. Senior State Department figures accused Mr Ahmed of seeking to censor social media platforms such as Elon Musks X. The billionaire tried unsuccessfully to sue the CCDH last year over its claims there had been a rise in hate speech and disinformation on his website. In an interview with the Guardian on Friday, Mr Ahmed said the decision to sanction him had never been about politics, and pointed the finger at the social media companies he has sought to hold accountable. He said: What it has been about is companies that simply do not want to be held accountable and, because of the influence of big money in Washington, are corrupting the system and trying to bend it to their will, and their will is to be unable to be held accountable. There is no other industry that acts with such arrogance, indifference and a lack of humility and sociopathic greed at the expense of people. 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. His lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, said the US governments actions were unjustified and blatantly unconstitutional, while Mr Ahmed himself said he was confident his right to free speech would be upheld. 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. 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. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice 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. 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. Zelenskyy on his way to Trump in USA will stop in Canada to talk with Carney, European leaders Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, as well as an online meeting with European leaders on the way to Florida. "Yes, we're currently on a plane en route to Florida in the United States. On the way, we will stop in Canada, where I will meet with Prime Minister Carney. He and I plan to communicate with European leaders online, discuss all issues, and exchange details of the documents that I will discuss with the President of the United States," Zelenskyy told reporters on Saturday. The president added that he will discuss the sensitive issues in these documents with the leaders. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice New official analysis suggests that Nigel Farages policy on child benefit would plunge at least 450,000 children back into poverty if Reform UK were to win power. Mr Farage seized headlines when he announced that he would scrap the two child benefit cap, months before Labour decided to do it in last months Budget. But the Reform UK leader later clarified that this was only for working British people, meaning a couple who both work 37.5 hours a week. New Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) analysis shows that of the 470,000 households affected by the two-child limit (in receipt of Universal Credit with three or more children, of whom the third was born after 6 April 2017), just 3,700 less than 0.8 per cent of the total have two adults working full-time. open image in gallery Nigel Farage said single women would be removed under his plans for mass deportations ( PA Wire ) This means that the cap would be reintroduced to apply for the vast majority of them. Charities have warned that it means there is little difference between Reform's policy and Tory plans to bring back the two child benefit cap in full with Kemi Badenoch claiming the 3.5bn to scrap it was unaffordable and that the Budget was for benefits street. With Labour and Reform battling over votes from working class communities, Anna Turley MP, chair of the Labour Party, warned: Nigel Farage may boast about being on the side of low-paid workers, but his bogus two-child limit policy hardly helps any of the people he pretends to care about, and would lift almost no children out of poverty at all. And the Tories put 900,000 children into poverty during their time in office and are openly committed to increasing child poverty all over again. But a Reform UK spokesman hit back, saying: Labour's Budget robbed alarm clock Britain in order to pay for Benefits Britain. Their blanket lifting of the two-child cap proves this government lacks the guts to tackle the runaway welfare bill and back working British families, opting instead to reward those on benefits. "Reform will reinstate the two-child cap except for British families where both parents are in full-time work, saving the hardworking British taxpayer 2.7 billion a year over the next 5 years and incentivising more people into work." open image in gallery Scrapping the two child benefit cap was the centrepiece of Rachel Reeves Budget ( PA Wire ) However, charities warned about the impact of Reforms policy on child poverty in the UK. Joseph Rowntree Foundation's chief analyst Peter Matejic said: Removing the two-child limit in full is the best decision as far as poverty is concerned and is a necessary part of any credible child poverty strategy. Removing it is the most cost-effective way to reduce child poverty, it will reduce demand on public services over the medium-term, and increase the health and education outcomes of the children who would have been hit by the limit by the end of the decade. Both the Reform and Conservative Party plans amount to leaving around half a million children in poverty. Dan Paskins, executive director of UK Impact, said: "We have been clear for many years that scrapping the two-child limit to benefits in full is the most cost effective way of bringing a significant numbers of children out of poverty. We were delighted to see the UK Government announce the end of the cap at the Budget and by their own assessment this lifts 450,000 children out of poverty. Only by scrapping the policy in full are we closer to helping children have the start in life they deserve." Meagan Levin, Policy Manager at Turn2us, added: Reinstating the two-child limit would push families into significant hardship. The Child Poverty Strategy was clear that this is the single most effective policy to reduce child poverty. The proposals laid out by these [Reform and the Conservatives] to reintroduce the limit, or keep it in any conditional form, would be a major step backwards, pushing hundreds of thousands of children back into significant hardship. Children should not be punished because of their families circumstances, especially when times are tough and when so many people are juggling insecure work, caring responsibilities, ill health or disability. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Keir Starmer has been warned that trade union members are turning to Nigel Farage because he is too obsessed with polls and not properly focused on the cost of living. Paul Nowak, the general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), spoke to The Independent ahead of releasing his new year message with shocking polling by Survation revealing the depth of the crisis faced by many households. The trade union boss has said that the prime minister and his cabinet need to stop playing games and be focused on the cost of living crisis in 2026. open image in gallery Farage at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ( Reuters ) According to the findings of the poll commissioned by the TUC and and campaign group 38 Degrees, one in five (21 per cent) are skipping meals every day or most days because they cannot afford to eat or are making sacrifices for their children. More than one in three (36 per cent) are cutting back on their heating every day or most days. Four in five (79 per cent) say their financial circumstances are either stagnant or getting worse. Mr Nowak warned: The government needs to focus relentlessly on the cost of living and then the polls will look after themselves. Suggesting that there is too much attention to weekly polls in Downing Street, he added: Politicians are focused on the minutiae of polls while ordinary people are focused on the minutiae of their bank accounts. The TUC leader has applauded the workers rights package passed just before Christmas, adding that it was trade unions who forced a reluctant Labour government to ditch the two-child benefit cap. But he has insisted there is more that needs doing. He also warned that a failure to deliver the change that was on the front of the Labour manifesto means people are turning to Reform in what he believes is a mistaken view that Mr Farage will solve their problems. The Reform UK leader has flirted with left-wing voters with promises of nationalising steel production and water companies as well as scrapping the two-child benefit cap before Labour relented on the issue. Mr Nowak said: A lot of our [union] members vote Reform. But we should not be going around calling them racists though. Instead he wants the Labour government to expose what a Farage-led government would really do while dealing with the actual day-to-day problems people have. open image in gallery Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC (Peter Byrne/PA) ( PA Wire ) He said: A Farage-led government would be a disaster for workers. Those new rights that weve just secured would be under attack, a return to austerity, privatisation of our NHS, you know, his big economic reset speech where, you know, delivered it in the City of London and talked about the need to deregulate the finance sector, because that worked so well the last time round. Obviously, trashing the relationship with our closest trading partner in terms of the European Union. So, you know, I mean, weve got no doubt reform would be a cul-de-sac. But instead, Mr Nowak, like many others in the trade union movement, is concerned about the amount of infighting within the cabinet and manoeuvring by rivals to replace Sir Keir. He said: When a government is trailing so far behind in the polls, and the PMs personal approval ratings are low, theres always going to be some sort of speculation. I think its incumbent on everybody, the prime minister, the cabinet, the Labour government, the entire parliamentary Labour Party, you cant afford to take your eyes off the day job, which is delivering on living standards, and indulge in the sort of internal naval gaze here, whos up and whos down in the cabinet. He added: I think there are some people who see politics as a game. I dont think for our members, politics is a game. I mean, this, this is the difference between, you know, for some people, it is at the sharp end about whether they are turnding on the heating or, you know, God forbid, missing a meal, because, you know, theyd rather the kids have tea, rather than, you know, them. And while trade unions remain Labours biggest donors, there have been a number of larger unions which are now questioning their ongoing relationship with Labour under Sir Keirs leadership. Unison, the biggest trade union, just elected Corbynista Andrea Egan, who wants to reduce support for Labour, while the second biggest union, Unite, is discussing disaffiliating from the party. Mr Nowak said: Our job is not to be passive cheerleaders on the sideline, applauding everything the government does. I think our job is to work with the government to deliver on the issues that really matter to our members and their families and their communities, to call the government out when they get it wrong. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Buried over 700 feet beneath a sprawling and luxurious resort in the hills of West Virginia lies a vast bunker, designed to hold and protect every single member of Congress in the event of nuclear armageddon. The underground stronghold lies on the grounds of the 11,000-acre property at the Greenbrier, in the remote Allegheny Mountains, and contains all the necessary facilities for federal lawmakers to continue to carry out their duties should the worst happen all from behind 25-ton blast doors. Built during the height of the Cold War, when fears of nuclear catastrophe reached fever pitch, the bunkers existence was common knowledge to residents, many of whom worked at the Greenbrier in other capacities, despite being a tightly kept government secret. open image in gallery Buried over 700 feet beneath a sprawling and luxurious resort in the hills of West Virginia lies a vast bunker, designed to hold and protect every single member of Congress in the event of a nuclear war ( The Greenbrier ) open image in gallery The underground stronghold lies under the grounds of the 11,000 acre property at Greenbrier, in the remote Allegheny Mountains ( Getty Images ) Its existence was officially revealed to the world in 1992 in an expose written by journalist Ted Gup and published in the Washington Post, ending more than five decades of mystery and speculation. Today, the dystopian facility has been the subject of multiple books and documentaries, and is even open to the public for tours. Building the Bunker The Greenbrier, located around five hours' drive south-west of Washington D.C., was used by the federal government during the later years of the Second World War as an internment facility for Japanese, Italian and German diplomats. In 1942, the entire resort was purchased by the U.S. Army, and it was converted into a 2,200-bed military hospital. open image in gallery Construction on the bunker code-named Project Greek Island began in 1959 a year after being authorized by Congress, when fear of a Soviet nuclear attack was at the forefront of minds of both politicians and ordinary citizens alike ( The Greenbrier ) In 1949, ten years before ground was broken on the bunker, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson met at the Greenbrier with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the secretaries of the Army, Air Force and Navy for what a history of the resort called a "top-secret discussion of postwar military strategy, according to Gups article. Construction on the bunker code-named Project Greek Island began in 1959, a year after being authorized by Congress, when fear of a Soviet nuclear attack was at the forefront of the minds of both politicians and ordinary citizens. open image in gallery Installation of the blast door at the west portal of the Greenbrier bunker in 1961. The project was finished in 1962, the same year as The Cuban Missile Crisis ( The Greenbrier ) Two-and-a-half years and around 50,000 tonnes of concrete later, the project was completed as John F Kennedy Jr and Nikita Khrushchev squared off over the Cuban Missile Crisis and the country scrambled to build its own backyard bomb shelters. One Nation Underground According to Gup, the bunker was custom-designed to meet the needs of a Congress-in-hiding, complete with a chamber for the Senate, a chamber for the House and a massive hall for joint sessions. open image in gallery Two separate auditoriums, fitted with green corduroy-covered chairs and a red carpet leading to the stage, were designed to hold congressional sessions ( Getty Images ) Two separate auditoriums, fitted with green corduroy-covered chairs and a red carpet leading to the stage, were designed to hold congressional sessions. The larger of the two has a capacity of around 470, enough to accommodate the 435-member House of Representatives. The smaller auditorium holds around 130, enough to serve as a temporary Senate chamber. A separate Exhibit Hall was meant for use in joint sessions of Congress. Elsewhere, a television studio stands, which legislators would have used to address what remained of the country, should nuclear warheads have touched down on U.S. soil. There is also a radio and communications room as well as specially soundproofed phone booths, fitted with cryptographic machines. open image in gallery The bunker also contained a television studio, which legislators would have used to address what remained of the country, should nuclear warheads have touched down on U.S. soil. There is also a radio and communications room as well as specially soundproofed phone booths, fitted with cryptographic machines ( Getty Images ) open image in gallery As well as working facilities, lawmakers who would have been rushed to the bunker needed somewhere to stay potentially for the long haul. The subterranean hideout boasts more than 1,000 bunk beds ( The Greenbrier ) As well as working facilities, lawmakers who would have been rushed to the bunker needed somewhere to stay potentially for the long haul. The subterranean hideout boasts more than 1,000 bunk beds, a 400-seat cafeteria, a full kitchen, and numerous offices. Workers reported seeing over 100 urinals being transported into the construction site, which also held showers, storage rooms and enormous water tanks. There was also a huge trash incinerator that could serve, morbidly, as a crematorium. Once the blast doors were sealed, no one could enter or leave until the crisis had passed, Gup noted. open image in gallery An infirmary was also set up as well as a huge trash incinerator that could serve as a crematorium ( Getty Images ) The Doors Standing in the way of congressional members and nuclear evaporation are four enormous doors, each weighing between 18 and 30 tonnes. The blast doors were built by Mosler Safe Co., an Ohio-based manufacturer renowned for its vaults and safes, which was contracted by the government during the period to build multiple relocation centers and bunkers. Two of the four doors known as GH 1 and GH 3 were big enough to drive vehicles through, according to Gups report. GH 1 measured 12 feet 3 inches wide and 15 feet high and weighed more than 28 tons. GH 3, which weighed more than 20 tons. Both doors were 19.5 inches thick and hung with two hinges that weighed 1.5 tons by themselves, according to Mosler order reports. open image in gallery The bunker contained a personnel door which was 7 feet wide by 8 feet high, and another hatch-like door which was 3 feet by 3.5 feet ( Getty Images ) The two other doors were much smaller, with one, a hatch-like door, measuring 3 feet by 3.5 feet, and a "personnel door" which was 7 feet wide by 8 feet high. Mosler claimed its doors could survive the impact of an atomic bomb blast, having conducted successful tests on a vault door at the government's Nevada Test Site in 1957. The doors were moved from Moslers plant in Hamilton, Ohio, to West Virginia by train, though they were so big that they could not be laid in an ordinary freight car. They had to be transported either standing, tilted at an angle or in a special car that was low enough for them not to collide with tunnels or other obstacles along the way. open image in gallery The other doors, large enough to drive vehicles through, weighed between 18 and 30 tonnes. Their maker, Mosler, claimed the doors could survive the impact of an atomic bomb blast, having conducted successful tests on a vault door at the government's Nevada Test Site in 1957 ( AFP via Getty Images ) A Regrettable Revelation The Greenbrier was different in that it relied more on the element of secrecy than on any mountain of rock to shield it from incoming bombs, Gup wrote in his article, which was published in The Posts magazine on May 31, 1992. Yet despite the discretion of the resort staff, the existence of some kind of hidden government installation there was widely known. It was perhaps for this reason that the piece angered not just government officials, but the locals themselves, who considered it a point of pride to have a secret that the rest of the country did not know about, according to lifelong Greenbrier resident Trish Parker. When someone who they considered an outsider came in and revealed it, they felt very betrayed, Parker told Smithsonian Magazine. Even though they knew of the bunkers existence, many were still surprised to learn of its real purpose and that it was large enough to hold 1,100 of the countrys most important and high-profile people. Gups expose also revealed that of all the employees at Greenbrier, it was the seven-man strong team at Forsythe Associates ostensibly in charge of repairing the resorts electrical equipment that oversaw the upkeep of the vault. open image in gallery One of the three outside entrances of a former government relocation facility, also know as "the bunker," is seen during a media tour at Greenbrier Resort July 14, 2006 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia ( Getty Images ) In a statement released at the time, Congressional leaders expressed regret at The Posts decision to publish Gups pieces. It was always clear that if the secret of the facilitys location were to be compromised, the effectiveness and security of the program would be jeopardized, if not terminated, the statement read. Tours and Pricing The Greenbrier bunker was declassified shortly after its existence was made public, and the vault has featured in a number of articles and documentaries. Tours have run since 1995, both regular and private. Nowadays, regular admission prices for adults are $52 per person, while youth admission (from ages 10 to 17) is $24. For private tours, which can accommodate up to 25 guests, prices vary depending on time. Before 5:00 p.m.. a large private tour costs $1,205.20, increasing to $1,766 before 6.30 p.m. and going up to $1,815 before 8 p.m. Bunker tours depart from the Trellis Lobby near the lobby bar, with guests advised to allow ample time for parking, arrive 15 minutes before their allotted time, and wear comfortable shoes. The bunker will be closed to the public from March 9 to 12, 2026, according to the official website. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A three-alarm fire tore through the historic Old Port waterfront in Portland, Maine, on the day after Christmas, damaging buildings and sinking one boat. Around 5:30 p.m. on Friday, ferry passengers noticed flames on the Custom House Wharf, a pier that extends into the harbor and houses several businesses, according to a fire department news release. Within minutes, the first emergency crews arrived at the scene, where they encountered significant smoke and fire spreading through several commercial buildings. Additional units from nearby towns, as well as a fireboat, quickly joined the response. Due to intense fire conditions, challenges with multiple additional exposures, access issues related to being on the wharf, and structural collapse of the building, crews were forced to eventually operate defensively, officials said. Photos posted by the Portland Fire Department show buildings ablaze next to tied-up boats and huge plumes of smoke rising above the citys skyline. And a video posted by Portland Maine Old Port shows water being doused on a raging fire, which cast a red glow over the harbor. open image in gallery A fire tore through the historic waterfront of Portland, Maine, the day after Christmas, burning buildings and sinking at least one boat ( Portland Press Herald ) open image in gallery The fire was deemed under control at about 7:20 p.m., nearly two hours after firefighters rushed to the waterfront ( Portland Press Herald ) The fire was deemed under control at about 7:20 p.m., nearly two hours after firefighters rushed to the waterfront. Given the age of the structures and obviously, the potential of fire spread down here, everybody did a really great job to work really hard to stop the fire where we did, Deputy Fire Chief John Hendricks said during a press conference, according to The Bangor Daily News. A pair of firefighters suffered minor injuries that did not require hospitalization, and no members of the public were injured, officials said. Several boats at the wharf were damaged as a result of the blaze and one vessel sank. The public is encouraged to use caution in the area as crews remain on scene attending to hotspots and due to possible icy conditions related to operations, officials said on Saturday. Its not clear what caused the fire, which is currently under investigation by the Maine State Fire Marshalls Office. open image in gallery The cause or origin of the fire remains unknown, officials said ( Portland Maine Old Port ) Multiple businesses that operate near the wharf reacted to the blaze on social media. Praying everyone in the Old Port and area is safe right now, The Thirsty Pig pub wrote in a Facebook post. The Porthole Restaurant, a seafood spot, said in a post on Saturday that it will remain open regular hours if you need a familiar place to gather. Our hearts are with everyone impacted by last nights fire at Custom House Wharf, the business added. Were grateful for the first responders and for the safety of our neighbors. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Christmas Eve turned into a nightmare for one Texas family after a 19-year-old woman vanished from her San Antonio home, leaving behind her phone and car. Camila Mendoza Olmos was last seen just before 7 a.m. Wednesday outside her home, according to the Bexar County Sheriffs Office. Authorities say she appeared to be heading out for what her family believed was just a routine walk. Surveillance video shows Camila wearing baby blue pajama shorts, a black hoodie and white shoes as she rummaged through her car before the footage cut off, officials said. Her vehicle was left at the home, and investigators believe she walked away carrying only her car keys and possibly her drivers license. The morning she disappeared, Camila had been sleeping in the same bed as her mother, Rosario Olmos. She told KENS5 that she felt her daughter get up but stayed in bed for about 90 minutes before checking on her. open image in gallery Camila Mendoza Olmos was last seen outside her Bexar County Home on December 24 ( Bexar County Sheriff's Office ) When she realized Camila was gone, Rosario tried calling her, but then found her daughters phone turned off and left on the bed. I called her cell phone, but the cell phone was there on the bed and it was turned off, Rosario said. 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. Rosario searched the neighborhood, believing she would spot her daughter on her usual route, but she was nowhere to be found. After contacting Camilas boyfriend and father, both of whom said they had not seen or heard from her, she filed a missing persons report. A CLEAR (Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue) Alert was also issued for Camila, who is listed as missing and possibly endangered. open image in gallery Camila is listed as missing and possibly endangered ( Bexar County Sheriff's Office ) open image in gallery Camilas family said it is completely out of character for her to disappear without telling anyone where she was going ( Bexar County Sheriff's Office ) Family and friends spent Christmas Day searching areas near the home but found no sign of her, Rosario said, adding that it is completely out of character for Camila to disappear without telling anyone where she was going. I only ask God to please bring her back home, Rosario told KENS5. Bring her back to me. Friends said Camila regularly went on walks, but that she always stayed on the phone with someone during them. Its been very out of the normal, her friend, Isabela told KSAT. Its not like her. Shes always been the one to always stalk on us and like, why arent you doing this? [She would] make sure that her phones always charged. open image in gallery As hundreds of loved ones and community members search for Camila, her family pleads for her safe return ( Bexar County Sheriff's Office ) As hundreds of loved ones and community members search for Camila, her family pleads for her safe return. Its been real hard, Camilas father, Alfonso Mendoza, told KSAT. Please come home, he added in a plea to his daughter. Daddys missing you. Her brother, Carlos Mendoza, flew back to Texas after learning she was missing and has been searching on foot with volunteers. Weve been searching on foot within a three-mile radius, Mendoza said. I want her to come back. Anyone who may have seen or heard from her is asked to contact the Bexar County Sheriffs Office at 210-335-6000. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice 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. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice 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. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump has called on the Justice Department to release the names of all Democrats tied to Jeffrey Epstein, as he called the controversy over the so-called Epstein files a witch hunt and a Democrat inspired hoax. Now 1,000,000 more pages on Epstein are found. DOJ is being forced to spend all of its time on this Democrat inspired Hoax, Trump wrote Friday on Truth Social. When do they say NO MORE, and work on Election Fraud etc. The Dems are the ones who worked with Epstein, not the Republicans. Release all of their names, embarrass them, and get back to helping our Country! The Radical Left doesnt want people talking about TRUMP & REPUBLICAN SUCCESS, only a long ago dead Jeffrey Epstein - Just another Witch Hunt, he added. This comes after Trump shared a Christmas Day rant about the investigation into the dead sex offender, claiming he cut ties with Epstein long before it became fashionable. He went on to call the controversy surrounding the Epstein files a Radical Left Witch Hunt. open image in gallery President Donald Trump called on the DOJ to release the names of Democrats tied to Jeffrey Epstein ( Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images ) 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, he wrote Thursday on Truth Social. Trump was once friendly with Epstein, and called him a terrific guy in a 2002 interview with New York Magazine. But Trump has said their friendship ended before the financier pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008. The White House has also said Trump kicked Epstein out of his Mar-a-Lago club for being a creep. The Trump administration released some of the Epstein files on December 19, a deadline that was set by Congress. open image in gallery Hundreds of pages of documents in the DOJs partial release of files related to the Epstein investigations have been heavily redacted ( AP ) The administration faced swift pushback over the partial release last week, with critics pointing out that several documents were heavily redacted. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, trolled the the president by posting a video to X that showed pages of redactions cut with footage of Trump and Epstein talking in the 1990s. 2025: REDACTED, Newsom captioned the video. Justice Department officials later admitted that they discovered more than a million more documents potentially tied to Epsteins case, which could take a few more weeks to release. We have lawyers working around the clock to review and make the legally required redactions to protect victims, and we will release the documents as soon as possible, the Justice Department said Wednesday in a statement. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee also released a new batch of photos from Epsteins estate on December 12, which included images of Trump and other powerful figures, including former President Bill Clinton. Trump and Clinton have not been formally accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Italian authorities arrested nine people linked to three charitable organizations on suspicion of raising millions of euros in funds for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, anti-terrorism prosecutors said in a statement Saturday. The suspects are accused of sending about 7 million euros ($8.2 million) to associations based in Gaza, the Palestinian territories, or Israel, owned, controlled, or linked to Hamas, the statement said. Among those arrested was Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, prosecutors said, describing him as the head of the Italian cell of the Hamas organization. The European Union has Hamas listed on its terror list. According to Italian prosecutors, who collaborated with other EU countries in the probe, the illegal funds were delivered through triangulation operations via bank transfers or through organizations based abroad to associations based in Gaza, which have been declared illegal by Israel for their ties to Hamas. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi wrote on X that the operation lifted the veil on behavior and activities which, pretending to be initiatives in favor of the Palestinian population, concealed support for and participation in terrorist organizations. There was no immediate comment from the suspects or the associations. In January 202, the European Council decided to extend existing restrictive measures against 12 individuals and three entities that support the financing of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice On a strip of calm blue water in the Costa Brava, a fisherman pulls a fluorescent orange stick from the sea. We are in a boat in the waters off of Llanca, a town near the Spanish-French border that heaves with British tourists in the summer months. But far from the luxury hotels and restaurants, fishermen and marine biologists are battling to save corals, sponges and other creatures from the damage caused by climate change, pollution and overfishing. Rising temperatures in the sea caused by climate change are decimating the coral, sponge and other marine creatures which live 50 metres below the surface, where the mercury can reach 25C. Pollution caused by clumps of wet wipes and other plastics has also accumulated in some areas. open image in gallery A fluorescent orange coral that lives under the sea on the Costa Brava ( LIFEECOFOREST Marion Payr ) Overfishing has had a dramatic effect on complex habitats, and some species, such as the precious red coral, which is commonly used for jewellery, have largely disappeared from the western Mediterranean. In a bid to fight back, fishermen on the Costa Brava are saving any corals which come up in their nets as part of a new scheme started in 2022 with the help of marine biologists. If I want the sea to have any future, it makes sense to put something back, like these corals, says Franc Ontiveros, a lifelong fisherman taking part in the project. Poor management of fishing stocks has been a problem but if I can do something to help then I would like to. I am not sure fishing has a future but at least if I do this, I will be trying to do something about it. open image in gallery Fisherman on one of their regular missions to save the coral ( LIFEECOFOREST Marion Payr ) Mr Ontiveros, 50, fishes for monkfish, mullet and hake but can haul tens of corals every day that he goes to sea. After they are plucked from the water, they are put in a bucket before being handed over to marine biologists. They are then kept in special aquariums, where they are assessed to see if they will survive. The lucky ones are returned to the seas along the Catalan coast in special no take zones, where authorities track the activities of boats to make sure they do not fish. Mr Ontiveross boat, which is based in Palamos, a Catalan fishing town famous for its prawns, is one of about 48 along this stretch of Spanish coastline that have joined this effort to protect threatened species. open image in gallery The precious red coral is often used for jewellery ( LIFEECOFOREST Marion Payr ) The haul of corals depends on the type of fishing, boats and habitat. Those who go out for red shrimps catch very few, but fishermen who trawl for fish on sea shelves have a large haul. Jordi Grinyo Andreu, a researcher at the Institute of Sea Sciences in Barcelona and an expert in seafloor ecology, has been working on the 3.6m (3.15m) project since it started in 2022. It is partly funded by the European Union, with the rest of the funds coming from the Spanish government. These creatures are being decimated by climate change and the destruction of their natural habitats, he says. We have encouraged the fishermen to take part. As one said: If I want my son to be a fisherman one day, I have to act now. open image in gallery The fate of corals and sponges in the western Mediterranean is replicated elsewhere ( LIFEECOFOREST Marion Payr ) Mr Grinyo is passionate about the orange, pink and black corals he helps save with the fishermen. The coral populations in the Mediterranean have been under high threat. Some populations are stable, others are declining and some are critically endangered, like red coral and Isidella bamboo corals, he adds. Sadly, the fate of corals and sponges in the western Mediterranean is not an isolated one. Mr Grinyo says that seafloor ecosystems around the world face the same daunting future. But researchers hope the knowledge gained from the scheme will help save these beautiful seafloor dwellers in other parts of the sea. New projects are expected to start in the Balearic Islands, near Cadiz and in Sicily. open image in gallery The corals are kept in a special room by marine biologists ( LIFEECOFOREST Marion Payr ) Mr Grinyo says the cooperation between fishermen and marine biologists has given him hope for the future. This project shows that once fishermen and scientists work together, we can achieve great goals towards preserving marine ecosystems. In this sense, fishermen are a key component of the success of this project and they are working towards achieving a more sustainable form of fishing. Eventually the whole of society will benefit. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine/ The Ukrainian Red Cross (URCS) helped on the ground to eliminate the consequences of Russian air strikes in Kharkiv and Uman. "Kharkiv: The Ukrainian Red Cross Society rapid response unit worked at the scene of the attack in Kharkiv region. Together with other special services, volunteers conducted a house-to-house search to identify victims and provide first aid and psychological support," the URCS reported on Facebook on Saturday. An aid point operated by the Ukrainian Red Cross Society was set up at the site, where people could drink water, tea, or coffee and receive psychological support. Volunteers collected information about victims' needs to provide humanitarian aid. In Uman, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society team has been working at the scene of the attack since the very beginning, alongside the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Cherkasy region, the National Police, and Cherkasy Regional Military Administration. Volunteers from the Cherkasy regional, Uman city, and Zvenyhorod district organizations of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society have been involved in the response efforts. The Ukrainian Red Cross Society rapid response team in Cherkasy region is inspecting damaged housing and collecting information on each family's needs in order to provide residents with construction materials to quickly repair the damage. Volunteers have distributed film, tarpaulins, OSB boards, timber, and boards to residents of damaged houses. Two mobile heating stations have been set up at the site where people can warm up, get hot drinks, and rest. Additionally, psychologists are helping victims and their loved ones cope with the consequences of the shelling. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Russian troops launched guided airstrikes yesterday on Kharkiv's Shevchenkivsky district and its suburbs, killing two people and injuring six. Apartment buildings, private residences, and other buildings near the strike site were damaged. Two children and four adults were injured in the Russian missile strike on Uman. Dozens of houses were damaged and four were completely destroyed. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Volodymyr Zelensky prepares for a crunch peace meeting with US president Donald Trump on Sunday as Vladimir Putin continues to apply pressure with a huge bombardment which killed two and injured dozens. Russia launched almost 500 drones and 40 missiles targeting Kyiv and regions in the northeast and the south overnight on Friday. It was the second brutal airstrike on Ukraine in less than a week, after Moscow launched 587 drones and 34 missiles on Tuesday. A third of the capital city was left without heat in sub-zero weather conditions as the attack continued throughout Saturday morning, and a nearly 10-hour air raid alert for the capital only ended at 11.20am (9.20am GMT). Authorities said two people were killed in Kyiv and the surrounding region, while at least 46 people were wounded, including two children. open image in gallery Ukrainian firefighters work on site to extinguish the fire of a building damaged during a Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv ( Ukrainian Emergency Service/AFP/Getty ) The intense bombardments come after Mr Zelensky said that the 20-point plan draft was 90 per cent complete ahead of his meeting with President Trump on Sunday. The Ukrainian leader told reporters on Saturday afternoon that he was en route to his US counterparts Mar-a-Lago Florida residence, making a stop in Canada on the way to meet his close ally Mark Carney, the prime minister. Security guarantees and territorial issues in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia are set to dominate discussions, as they remain key sticking points in ending the war. Mr Zelensky said the country has its red lines, but he remained certain a compromise could be found. President Zelensky said, shortly before boarding the plane to the US, that the massive bombardment spoke volumes about Putins true attitude towards peace. There have been many questions over the past few days so where is Russias response to the proposals to end the war offered by the United States and the world? Russian representatives engage in lengthy talks, but in reality, Kinzhals and shaheds [drones] speak for them, he wrote in a post on X. open image in gallery Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky are set to meet on Sunday for crucial peace talks ( AFP/Getty ) This is the true attitude of Putin and his inner circle. They do not want to end the war and seek to use every opportunity to cause Ukraine even greater suffering and increase their pressure on others around the world. And this means that the pressure in response is still insufficient. Moscow has demanded that Ukraine withdraws from a large, densely urbanised chunk of the eastern region of Donetsk that Russian troops have failed to capture. Kyiv wants the fighting to stop at the current lines. A US compromise hopes to create a free economic zone if Ukraines troops pull back from parts of Donetsk, although details remain a grey area. Mr Zelensky has said the shape of US security guarantees is crucial to peace, and these would depend on what Mr Trump is ready to give, when he is ready to give it, and for how long. He told Axios earlier this week that the US had offered a 15-year deal on security guarantees, subject to renewal, but Kyiv wanted a longer agreement with legally binding provisions to guard against further Russian aggression. open image in gallery Ukraines president pictured during a meeting with journalists in Kyiv ( Ukrainian Presidential Office/AFP/Getty ) If unable to push the US to support Ukraines position in terms of land, Mr Zelensky has said he is willing to put the 20-point plan to a referendum. In order to allow for the democratic process, Russia would need to agree to a 60-day ceasefire to allow Ukraine to prepare for and hold the vote. Mr Trump said the US was the driving force behind the process, but that he believed Sundays meeting would go well. He doesnt have anything until I approve it, the US president told Politico. So well see what hes got. He also said he expected to speak with Mr Putin soon, as much as I want. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice 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. The word that defined 2025, according to Oxford University Press, was rage bait. The term, according to the publishing house, refers to online content deliberately designed to elicit anger or outrage by being frustrating, provocative or offensive, typically posted in order to increase traffic to or engagement. Rage baiting has existed long before online spheres made it fashionable or profitable. Provocateurs have always walked among us, needling their way into otherwise polite conversation to elicit fired-up responses, rather than fostering an actual personality of their own (pretty much everyone can recall being cornered in a pub by someone unbearable who begins, well, to play devils advocate). For women, responding to anything with anger or fury remains something of a taboo. Were taught that its unbecoming, and were forever lectured to take the high road when weve been wronged. Rage is dismissed as hysteria if its accompanied by frustrated tears, or more crudely described as being a bitch if the anger is expressed with even a hint of rudeness. open image in gallery Women responding to anything with anger was taboo, until now ( Getty ) Yet this year, there has been a palpable shift. Womens fury has been channelled into creating compelling art that has not only permeated popular culture, but dominated it, finally being treated as something to be celebrated rather than suppressed. Kate Nashs single Germ, a furious retort aimed at transphobes following a UK Supreme Court ruling that determined that the word woman refers to biological sex, received critical acclaim from LGBTQ+ allies and music critics alike. Elsewhere, Marina Diamandis described C***tissimo, a single from her sixth studio album, Princess of Power, as a defiant anthem against male-dominated society. Throughout the centuries, its been denied us that freedom to be silly and messy, she told Rolling Stone. Women have been under such a strict patriarchal power for so long, but this is just like, F*** you. Of course, Lily Allens West End Girl achieved the greatest commercial success. Her rage, channelled into a borderline operatic album telling the story of a woman wronged by her scoundrel ex-husband, sparked a cultural moment almost as influential as Charli XCXs Brat. Sabrina Carpenters furious response to the White House, after her music was used as a soundtrack to a video promoting ICE, deserves an honourable mention; her comment branding the government evil and disgusting garnered millions of likes. open image in gallery Lily Allens album West End Girl tells the story of a woman wronged by her scoundrel ex-husband ( Press ) Female rage has also surged across the big and small screen. Sally Wainwrights Riot Women explores female midlife fury, while Jennifer Lawrences turn in Die My Love tells the story of a vengeful woman and how the actions of a man trigger her descent into madness. Rose Byrne, meanwhile, unleashes a raw and ferocious performance in If I Had Legs, I Would Kick You, capturing the fury of a mother pushed to breaking point. This outpouring of rage into the art we create and consume has been a long time coming. Women, after all, have plenty to be angry about. The hard-earned rights our mothers and grandmothers fought for are being steadily eroded, with the overturning of Roe v Wade linked to increased maternal and infant mortality. Meanwhile, incel culture, once fringe and pitied, has edged ever closer to the mainstream; Netflixs Adolescence demonstrated just how easily young minds can be infected and consumed by hatred, while far-right pundit Nick Fuentes openly mocked womens liberties with the phrase Your body, my choice. The promise of having both a family and a career is increasingly out of reach, undermined by the soaring cost of childcare and the persistent shortage of decently paid work. Even those who manage the relentless juggle are burdened with a heavy mental load, carrying an average of between 26 and 34 hours worth of unpaid labour on top of their paid careers. open image in gallery Erin Doherty and Owen Cooper in the Netflix drama Adolescence ( Netflix ) Some of the worlds most powerful men are unabashed misogynists who openly belittle women who dare disagree, calling them piggy and instructing them to be quiet. The body-positive crusade, while imperfect, has given way to a new expectation: that women should be thinner, fitter and chemically enhanced in order to remain youthful and, therefore, worthy. Is it any wonder that our anger is now being placed under the microscope, examined and consumed by the very forces that helped create it? The past year may have been the year of rage bait, but it also revealed a growing willingness to scream back at the provocateurs. The popularity of art fuelled by female fury suggests that women may finally be heard not despite their anger, but because of it. This photograph taken on November 12, 2025 shows Wagyu cattle on farmer Phillip Warmoll's property that is part of the family-owned Jack's Creek wagyu beef produces located on the outskirts of the north-central New South Wales town of Gunnedah. (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images) Australian beef and lamb imports to Britain have surged following a free-trade deal between the two countries. The development has sparked anger among farmers who claim they have been undercut. Beef imports from Australia jumped almost 200pc, measured by volume, in the year after the free-trade deal between the two countries came into effect in May 2023. They climbed another 170pc last year and by more than 80pc in the first nine months of 2025, according to Australian data. Sheep meat imports, mostly lamb, rose 39pc in 2023 and 42pc last year, before a slowdown to single-digit growth this year. British farmers warned then-prime minister Boris Johnson before the deal was signed that it could unleash record levels of Australian meat imports and their fears seem to have been realised. David Barton, a cattle farmer who chairs the National Farmers Union livestock board, said: Weve long warned that the UK-Australia deal would have real consequences for British livestock producers. He added: Now, we are seeing those impacts play out. Increased meat imports are landing at a time when our domestic livestock farmers are already under significant strain from a challenging dry season. They need the confidence to produce British beef, which this undermines. Mr Barton said British farmers should not be penalised for what he argued were the UKs higher animal welfare and sustainability standards, which he said made it harder for British meat to be price-competitive. He added: The problem is that the Government seems to be quite happy with cheap imports that are not, perhaps, produced to the same standards or production methods that would be legal in the UK. But Australias Meat and Livestock Association (MLA) rejected the claim that meat was produced to a lower standard or that it was displacing British farmers output. Richard Saunders, the MLAs UK country manager, said: There is no way any flooding of the market is going on. He said Australian beef accounted for just 4pc of British beef imports, even though the country imported only about one-third of its beef. Australian beef exporters are only filling about one-third of the 50,000-tonne tariff-free quota available this year under the trade deal, he added. However, he acknowledged that Australians were keen to enter the British market. Mr Saunders said: If you look at the Wagyu brands, they want to grow their brand in places like the UK. We eat a lot of meat over here in Britain. On sheep meat, Australia is filling about half the trade deals tariff-free quota of exports to Britain, which was 36,000 tonnes this year. Britain imports between a quarter and a third of the lamb it consumes, and New Zealand and Australian lamb account for about 80pc of imports. Mr Saunders said: Its not very economical to grow lambs in the UK any more. The herd numbers are very small here. Overheads are huge because when youre doing lambing over here, you have to bring them inside. You have to keep them warm, turn on the lights. Whereas in Australia, its all out in the open. He said most Antipodean lamb was probably sold in London, as non-metropolitan consumers preferred to buy British where possible, even if it cost more. Mr Saunders said: Outside of London, if youre a restaurant and you dont have British lamb on the menu, youll be kicked out of town, which is great. As a butcher and a farmer, I love that kind of thing. They should definitely be looking after local producers. He added: But if Im a caterer and Im doing weddings, and my margins are very small, and the differences are quite substantial, Id probably use imported lamb. Mr Barton said the impact on British farmers was likely to be gradual. He said: This agreement is a clear example of how trade deals can have lasting effects. The cumulative impact of this deal, those that followed and future agreements must not be understated. We are probably one of the best countries to produce beef, with our maritime climate, the grass that we have and the really sustainable products. So we should be encouraged to do that. Mercosur and other trade deals will drag down food standards its time for consumers to take a stand Food safety affects all of us, and consumers must insist that imported food meets the same rules as Irish-produced crops Farmers gather near the European Parliament as they protest against the Mercosur deal. Photo: Yves Herman/Reuters PJ Phelan Sat 27 Dec 2025 at 06:30 When farmers took to the streets of Brussels this week, the images most people saw were tractors, banners and frustration directed at policymakers. The Indo Daily: Melania: The Movie We saw it, so you dont have to... A serial thief who pointed a kitchen knife at a furniture shop worker and demanded his watch and cash in a terrifying robbery attempt has been jailed for 19 months. The victim chased Sean Cummins (48) from his shop, but said the hold-up had left him shaken to his core and with a deep sense of vulnerability in his workplace. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official According to intelligence data, Russia has already set the task to ensure that Ukrainians who are in the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as in the temporarily occupied territories, have the opportunity to vote in order to not recognize the elections, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On Saturday, Zelenskyy told reporters, "This morning, I received an intelligence report from Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service. Russia has already ordered that everything be done to ensure that Ukrainians on Russian territory and in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories have the opportunity to vote." Then taoiseach Charles Haughey was asked in December 1991 to rescind the governments decision to move the CSO to Cork Central Statistics Office (CSO) executives vehemently opposed a decentralisation move from Dublin to Cork because it did not involve a city-centre site. New documents released as part of the State Papers revealed the Department of the Taoiseach was contacted over the plans in 1992 to voice concerns over what officials described as a totally unsuitable move. The situation is grave the Irish documents about Edward VIIIs abdication the UK wanted to keep private Three decades after the king gave up the throne to marry Wallis Simpson in 1936, the British government requested that a conversation involving Eamon de Valera not be published State Papers Day 1 - 1995 and its place in Irish history Ralph Riegel Sat 27 Dec 2025 at 06:30 The British government asked Irish officials to withhold any documentation relating to the 1936 abdication of King Edward VIII from public release, 32 years after he stepped down so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. The government examined a secret study in the 1970s whereby Northern Ireland could become a United Nations Trusteeship with its own UN force. The confidential study was so secret that one government memo warned that it must be done without consulting the UN, or even Irelands mission to the UN in New York. A sliver of good news came out of the Gaza Strip in the past few days. There are no longer any areas of the devastated Palestinian territory experiencing conditions of famine, according to the global authority on hunger. That follows a surge of humanitarian and commercial food deliveries after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire in October. But the report from the panel of international experts, known as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), still warned that three-quarters of Gazas population, or 1.6 million people, are experiencing acute food insecurity and malnutrition. Professor Geraldine Mooney Simmies mother Hilda grew up outside Listowel Professor Paul Conway, head of the School of Education, Professor Geraldine Mooney Simmie, Professor of STEM Education, Professor Deirdre McGrath, dean of the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences and Professor Shane Kilcommins, president of the University of Limerick. A woman with strong familial ties to north Kerry celebrated a major milestone in her academic career on Monday. Professor Geraldine Mooney Simmie, whose mother Hilda hailed from Listowel, presented her inaugural lecture at the University of Limerick on Monday, December 15. The inaugural lecture is a very special celebratory occasion for academic faculty who have achieved the status of full professor. Prof Mooneys mother Hilda Mooney (nee OConnor) was born outside Listowel. She was one of 13 children in her family, and her father worked at McKennas hardware shop in the town. Hilda met Stephen Mooney while working as a nurse in London before World War II. After her death at age 90, her family honoured her wishes to be buried with her sister Nellie in Ballyline, Ballylongford. Geraldine grew up in Lisdoonvarna, the seventh of nine siblings, and now lives in Furbo, Galway with her husband John and dog Banjo. Their adult sons Sean and Donal live in London. Her lecture, by special invitation from Prof Deirdre McGrath, dean of the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, marked the third year of Geraldines appointment as professor of STEM Education in the School of Education at UL. The lecture was formally opened by Prof Paul Conway, head of the School of Education, followed by a welcoming address by Prof Shane Kilcommins, president of UL. It provided an opportunity for Geraldine to share something of her background in relation to her passion as an educational researcher in the cultural politics of STEM education and her theorisations of STEM teachers identities and practices in international literature. Geraldine thanked her parents for their values and support, and expressed a special word of thanks to Sr Rosarii McGuane from Corofin and Tom Tarpey from Ardrahan for instilling in her a love of science, mathematics, music, culture and politics at Mary Immaculate Secondary School. Geraldine went on to thank the former Minister for Education, Donagh OMalley, for introducing the free education scheme which afforded her and her classmates the opportunity to enter the University of Galway. After graduating from the University of Galway, she became a science and maths teacher at the Jes (Colaiste Iognaid SJ) in the county. In her role, she wrote chemistry and science books and was a member of the Junior Cycle chemistry support team. This was followed by a decade supporting Transition Year in the west of Ireland. She said this experience awakened a deep understanding of what is meant by a holistic education. It is clearly more than the sum of the parts and more than anything that can be counted and measured, she said. She later entered higher education and studied a PhD in comparative policy education between Ireland and Norway in relation to science and maths teachers learning. Her research considers STEM education as an open ethical question concerned as much with human development as much as becoming a worker or an active citizen. Over the last 20 years at UL, Geraldine has produced a collection of academic papers in top international journals. Geraldine is also in her fifth year as director of EPI-STEM research centre at the National Centre for STEM Education at UL. In this role, she leads the research work of PhD students and research fellows with the help of her colleagues. Homes and businesses in County Louth are set to benefit from a major new national water infrastructure project, following the submission of a planning application this week by Uisce Eireann for what is being described as the largest water project in the history of the State. On Friday, December 19, Uisce Eireann formally lodged a Strategic Infrastructure Development planning application, along with a Compulsory Purchase Order application, to An Coimisiun Pleanala for the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region. The application runs to more than 500 documents. The once-in-a-generation project is designed to secure a sustainable, resilient drinking water supply for the Greater Dublin Area and wider Eastern and Midlands region, which currently relies heavily on a single source to supply around 1.7 million people. Crucially for Louth, the project will allow existing water supplies that currently serve Dublin to be redirected back towards counties including Louth, Meath, Kildare, Carlow and Wicklow, providing greater security of supply for homes and businesses and supporting future growth and development. Uisce Eireann has said the project will underpin housing delivery across the region and help meet rising demand linked to population growth and economic development, while also improving resilience in the face of climate change. When delivered, the Water Supply Project will have the capacity to support the water needs of up to 50 per cent of the States population. It will also create a treated water supply spine across the country, with the capacity for future offtakes to serve additional communities along the route. Subject to planning approval, construction is proposed to begin in 2028, with works expected to take up to five years. The estimated cost of the project is between 4.58 billion and 5.96 billion, with Uisce Eireann stating that the investment could deliver more than 10 in benefits for every 1 spent. At peak construction, the project is expected to employ more than 1,000 people directly, with additional economic benefits for local suppliers and services. A bespoke Community Benefit Scheme is also proposed, including a multi-million euro Community Gain Investment Fund to support economic, environmental and educational initiatives in communities hosting construction activity and permanent infrastructure. While the main abstraction point for the project is planned for the Parteen Basin on the Lower River Shannon, with water treated near Birdhill in Co Tipperary before being piped through Tipperary, Offaly and Kildare to Dublin, Uisce Eireann has confirmed that the project will deliver wider regional benefits, including enhanced supply resilience for counties such as Louth. Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers TD described the submission of the planning application as a major milestone, saying the project would help unlock housing delivery and support communities and businesses across the region. Maria ODwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director at Uisce Eireann, said current levels of water supply resilience in the Eastern and Midlands region were simply not sustainable, noting that water demand in the Greater Dublin Area is expected to increase by 34 per cent by 2044. She added that engagement with communities and stakeholders will continue in the coming months, with Community Liaison Officers and Landowner Liaison Officers appointed to support local engagement as the project progresses through the planning process. The heartbroken family of a Wexford mother who was killed earlier this year in an accident abroad are taking steps to get her the justice she deserves. Claire Cullen from Gorey died after she was struck by a car while attending her brothers wedding in the Dominican Republic in November. Claire who was a young mother of three was well-known for her kindness, her bright personality, and her endless love for her family. A successful hairdresser who inspired loyalty and creativity, she was know equally for her tremendous work ethic as she was for her mischievous laugh and love for life. The late Claire Cullen was tragically killed in the Dominican Republic. Today's News in 90 Seconds - Saturday, December 27th Now, members of her family are taking their first steps in seeking justice for Claire by fundraising to cover the cost of legal proceedings. Set up by her sister-in-law Helen Cullen, sister of Claires husband Ronan, she said that they are determined to pursue legal action against the person involved in the incident that took her life. "I am fundraising to help cover legal fees in the Dominican Republic in an effort to seek justice for my sister-in-law, Claire Cullen. Claire was tragically killed in a hit and run incident while on holiday to attend her brothers wedding. She died instantly, and the driver fled the scene without offering any help to Claire or her family, she wrote. Our family is completely heartbroken. We are doing everything we can to support her husband Ronan (my brother) and their boys during this devastating time. Legal fees should be the last thing any family has to worry about, but unfortunately we must pursue a legal case in the hope of securing some justice for Claire, Ronan and the boys. "We know this is a difficult time of year financially, so if you are able to donate, we are deeply grateful. If you are not in a position to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser. Thank you for your kindness and support," she added. With a fundraising goal of 30,000, at the time of writing, nearly 25,000 has been amassed in donations. The GoFundme page can be accessed here. Strong waves during the Tara Vale Swimmers New Year's Day Swim at Ballymoney Beach in 2024. Pic: Jim Campbell Fergus Rapple, Seamus Murphy, Tom Lynch, Danny O Connor and Rob Spencer from The Taravale Swimmers getting ready for their annual splash in aid of Jack & Jill and St. Aidans will take place New Years Day. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Locals in Wexford are gearing up for a cold splash to ring in the new year and raise vital funds for several charities. The annual Christmas Splash will take place on Thursday, January 1 (New Years Day) at Ballymoney Beach, in Gorey with swimmers taking the plunge at 12pm sharp. After 21 years, Rob Spencer of the Tara Vale swimmers said the annual event has continued to grow in popularity, with over 200 people attending the event at the beginning of 2025. This year, the Tara Vale swimmers have been raising money for Saint Aidans Services, The Jack and Jill Foundation and will also provide a donation to Courtown RNLI, to support their voluntary service. Rob said the charity group has raised around 275,000 for a number of charities over the last 21 years of taking the plunge. There's a group of about 16 of us that have been involved from the start and we're all buddies out around Ballymoney and it's just a great way to start the new year, Rob said. He also advised anybody wishing to take part in the splash to arrive early as there is usually a bit of a walk to the beach from where it is possible to park cars and vehicles. Strong waves during the Tara Vale Swimmers New Year's Day Swim at Ballymoney Beach in 2024. Pic: Jim Campbell After the swim, locals are invited to the Tara Vale bar and restaurant to continue the celebrations into the night with a raffle and auction with special items up for grabs. Anything from a bike to electrical goods, to gym equipment, and stuff like that - somebody local just gets up and becomes an auctioneer for the day. There's just a bit of novelty to it, Rob added. He further thanked the community for their support with the charity swim over the last 21 years and are excited to continue the tradition for many more years. "Its a great way of getting people together. The President's address to the participants of the meeting of the Coalition of the Wishing on December 11, 2025 | Photo: The Presidential Office of Ukraine / www.president.gov.ua The meeting with US President Donald Trump, which will take place on Sunday, will be public, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "I think our meeting will be open to the media and cameras. I dont know if it will be at the beginning or the end, but it will be public," Zelenskyy told reporters on Saturday. According to the president, after several meetings with the American delegation, the Ukrainian negotiating team concluded that a meeting at the leadership level would occur if there was progress. "The fact that we will have a meeting with President Trump in Florida tomorrow indicates that there is progress," Zelenskyy stressed. A Dublin woman who assaulted a garda while intoxicated has been fined 1,250, after the court heard the incident was completely out of character. Hazel Gahan (37), of St Brigids Cottages, Naas Road, Clondalkin, Dublin, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court for finalisation following the preparation of a probation report. Ms Gahan pleaded guilty to intoxication in a public place, two counts of assault, and one count of obstructing a peace officer in the execution of their duty. The court heard that while on patrol on September 14, 2024, gardai observed Ms Gahan outside an apartment complex at Elgin Heights, Bray. When gardai spoke to the defendant, they detected a strong smell of alcohol, and she was subsequently brought to Bray Garda Station. The court was told that Ms Gahan punched a garda sergeant in the chest and struck the on-site doctor. The Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew the assault charge relating to the doctor, as he did not wish to make a complaint. The accused has no previous convictions. In mitigation, solicitor Michael OConnor told the court that his client had been at a friends house, had consumed too much alcohol, and became out of control. He said she had since apologised and was mortified by her actions. The probation report described Ms Gahan as a low risk of reoffending, noting that she attended all scheduled appointments. Judge David Kennedy remarked that the report stated Ms Gahan believed her drink had been spiked and that she had identified herself as the real victim. The court also heard that Ms Gahan had recently begun working at a real estate agency, and that the behaviour was completely out of character. Judge Kennedy imposed fines totalling 1,250, with the public order matter taken into consideration. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh lost their home in the Palisades fire (Ian West/PA) US actor Miles Teller has gifted his wife with a replica of her wedding dress after it was destroyed in a fire earlier this year. Whiplash actor Teller, 38, and his partner Keleigh lost their home in the Palisades during the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles in January. In a video posted to her Instagram story, Keleigh, 33, who was wearing burgundy satin pyjamas and a Father Christmas hat, looked visibly shocked as she pulled a wedding dress out of a giant red box. The caption of the video said: Miles had my wedding dress remade after I lost it in the fires (almost passed out had to sit). Her dress, a floor-length gown with lace details and a train, was designed in collaboration with Monique Lhuillier. In January, Keleigh, who works as a model, posted a photo to Instagram that appeared to show their home in front of a plume of smoke. She wrote: I wish I grabbed my wedding dress .. wish I did a lot different but it doesnt matter, stay safe, get out. The month following, Teller described the day they were evacuated in an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He said: For the fire, man, it moved fast. I would say, from the time we woke up and saw it to mandatory evacuation, I would say, like 90 minutes, two hours, and were watching it on TV as its happening, and people are abandoning cars at that point, people were already, you know, grabbing their kids and running down the street. Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh lost their home in an LA fire (PA) It was pretty chaotic, absolutely. Teller and Keleigh announced their engagement in 2017 and got married two years later on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Speaking about her wedding dress to Vogue in 2019, Keleigh said: I wanted to keep it elegant and classic since our ceremony was in a church, but I also wanted there to be a light feel to the dress. She added: We started with a pretty simple dress that I redesigned a bit to get the perfect timeless feel. Dermot Bannon on haters, housing and his health: I was weeks away from a heart attack I was terrified The Room to Improve hosts talks about his spats with homeowners, how prioritising his health in 2025 helped him lose 7 kilos and why hes turned down Dancing with the Stars numerous times but would love to be on The Traitors Dermot Bannon reveals how he keeps things fresh after all the years Tanya Sweeney Sat 27 Dec 2025 at 06:30 Heres one thing I certainly didnt expect Dermot Bannon to say: that when it comes to the way he lives his life and the way he treats people, Cilla Black has proved to be a major influence. Kate Winslet has revealed that some of her first intimate experiences were with women. The Oscar-winning actor (50) described herself as curious in her late teenage years while discussing her feature film debut in Heavenly Creatures, in which she plays obsessive teen Juliet Hulme opposite Melanie Lynskey. The psychological crime drama, directed by Peter Jackson, was based on a real murder case in 1950s New Zealand in which two teenage girls retreat into a shared fantasy world and all-consuming friendship. While discussing the experience of making the 1994 film, during which she was aged just 17, Winslet said: Ill share something Ive never shared before. Some of my first intimate experiences as a young teen were actually with girls. Id kissed a few girls, Id kissed a few boys but I wasnt particularly evolved in either direction. There was something about the really intense connection that those two women have Speaking on the Team Deakins podcast, the actor-turned-director said she profoundly understood the really intense connection that the two female main characters of Heavenly Creatures shared. Winslet added: But at that stage in my life I certainly was curious and I think there was something about the really intense connection that those two women have that I profoundly understood. I was so immediately sucked into the vortex of that world they were in that obviously became horrendously damaging to both of them I mean they murdered someone because they truly believed that person was preventing them from being together. "And whilst of course I couldnt truly understand that part of it, I could certainly understand how influenced a young persons mind can become by just one other person when youre so, so vulnerable. Winslet told the podcast, hosted by cinematographer Roger Deakins and collaborator James Deakins, that she was just consumed by the role. She said: I know I came back a different person, because Id evolved so much in my learning and life experience and being in that wonderful country. Since then, the Titanic star has been married three times and is now with the businessman Edward Abel Smith, whom she married in 2012. Her ex-husbands include the painter and film director Jim Threapleton, with whom she has a daughter, the actor Mia Threapleton, and the British film director Sam Mendes, who is the father of her son, Joe Anders. Winslet also discussed her long-standing career, including saying that she has always been at odds with fame. She said: Id much rather be in the shadows of the trees just making art with friends and having a great time that way. I always feel as though fame kind of came and found me And the other side of the job, which is the exposure that has come hand in hand with the career that I have had, Ive always been slightly at odds with that. I always feel as though fame kind of came and found me, I actually didnt go searching for it, not in an ambitious way. Winslet, who has recently directed her first feature film titled Goodbye June, also revealed that directors sometimes tell her she is a method actor, but that she is not even sure what that is. She added she is not sure how she feels about that word used to describe the approach of adopting the characters identity rather than simply representing them on-screen. I just know that I have thrown myself at this job that I love and get to do and have found it more beneficial for me to be really deeply immersed in it than not and sometimes that can be quite damaging actually, she said, citing the drama miniseries Mare of Easttown. Nadene Ghouri: It is time for Andrew to come clean about all that he knows Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump to meet in Florida tomorrow for key talks Territory is the key component on the table as frustrated US proposes free economic zone The site of an apartment building damaged during a Russian drone strike, amid Russias ongoing attacks on Ukraine, in Chernihiv, Ukraine, on Christmas Eve. Photo: Reuters Yuliia Dysia Reuters Sat 27 Dec 2025 at 06:30 Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky will discuss territorial issues, the main stumbling block in talks to end the war, with US president Donald Trump in Florida tomorrow, as a 20-point peace framework and a security guarantee deal near completion. John Bolton: With a weak EU its no wonder Vladimir Putin feels he has time on side With domestic issues to handle, European leaders seem unable to step into the void left by disinterested Trump A serviceman decorates a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve in a dugout at the frontline in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. Photo: Reuters John Bolton Washington Post Sat 27 Dec 2025 at 06:30 Recent Western failures and mistakes have enhanced Russias chances of prevailing in its unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. US forces struck Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria on Thursday night, the US and Nigerian governments said, acting after threats by US president Donald Trump to attack the country in an effort to stop what he has said are the killings of Christians. Russia is demonstrating a desire to continue the war, and if the whole world is on Ukraine's side, then together we will be able to stop Putin, if someone, the US or Europe, is on Russia's side, it means that the war will continue, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "In this warRussia's war against Ukrainewe want peace. Russia, however, is demonstrating a desire to continue the war. If the whole worldEurope and Americais on our side, we can stop Putin together. We will all want the same thing: an end to the war and a sustainable peace that is safe for the whole world," Zelenskyy told reporters on Saturday. "If the US or Europe is on Russias side, the war will continue. There are no more options here," the president added. According to Zelenskyy, there are two options: ending the war as soon as possible or continuing it. Zelenskyy explained that the latter is "a risk for all countries in the world because Russia will not stop despite any agreements. No matter how eloquent their messages are, they will not stop in Ukraine." Kash Patel Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Hoover headquarters Washington December 26: Shutting down the Hoover Building. 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. Working directly with President Trump and Congress, we FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) December 26, 2025 Why the FBI Hoover headquarters is under fire J. Edgar Hoover Possible move to the Ronald Reagan Building Maryland pushes back on losing the FBI project Why the Greenbelt site was chosen earlier Patels past comments add fuel to the debate BREAKING: FBI Director Kash Patel just confirmed the FBI Hoover Building is SHUTTING DOWN after over 20 years of failed attempts PROMISE KEPT! Kash has vowed to do this since before he was even FBI Director. A $5 BILLION plan was canceled for new HQ that wouldn't open for a pic.twitter.com/G35GaHp5eR Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 26, 2025 FBI Hoover headquarters So, is the FBI Hoover headquarters really shutting down? FBI leadership FBI Hoover headquarters FAQs Is the FBI Hoover headquarters closed already? Where could the FBI move next? Why does the FBI want to leave the Hoover Building? Will Maryland lose the FBI headquarters project? The FBI is once again in the spotlight after comments from its director sparked fresh questions about the future of its long-time base in Washington, DC. Heres a clear and simple breakdown of whats happening with the FBI Hoover headquarters, why it matters, and what could come next., the current head of the, has said the agency plans to permanently shut down theinIn a recent post on X, Patel explained that the decision comes after more than two decades of failed efforts to modernise or replace the building. According to him, closing the site would save public money and allow the FBI to operate from a safer, more modern space.TheBuilding opened in 1975 on Pennsylvania Avenue. Built in a brutalist design, the building has faced criticism for years.Many insiders and lawmakers have called it outdated, poorly maintained, and unsuitable for modern security needs. Despite its central location, the structure has been described as worn out and expensive to maintain.One option being discussed is relocating FBI staff to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. If this move happens, the FBI would remain close to the Justice Department, the White House, and other key federal offices.This plan would keep top FBI officials in the heart of Washington, which many believe is important for coordination and national security work.The potential shutdown of the FBI Hoover headquarters is bad news for Maryland. In 2023, the state was told it would host the FBIs new campus in Greenbelt, after Congress approved funds for construction there.Maryland Governor Wes Moore and other state leaders have now taken legal action to stop the Greenbelt plan from being dropped. State officials argue the project would bring jobs and long-term growth to Prince Georges County.Marylands Attorney General Anthony Brown has said the state will fight to protect what it was promised.The General Services Administration previously backed the Greenbelt location, saying it offered the lowest cost to taxpayers. Officials also highlighted better transport access and a clearer construction timeline for the FBI.Despite this, Kash Patel has supported calls to rethink the location, aligning with long-standing views from former President Donald Trump, who openly criticised the Hoover Building.Before becoming FBI director, Patel made strong remarks about the. On a podcast last year, he said he would shut the building down and turn it into a museum, a comment that continues to resurface as plans evolve.Right now, no final move date has been announced. What is clear is that thewants to close the aging headquarters and shift operations elsewhere. Legal challenges, political pressure, and funding decisions will likely shape what happens next.For now, the future of theremains uncertainbut change appears closer than ever.No. The building is still in use, but plans are being discussed to shut it down permanently.One option is the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, though the Greenbelt, Maryland site is still under legal dispute.The building is old, costly to maintain, and no longer fits the FBIs modern security needs.That decision is still unclear, as Maryland has filed a lawsuit to keep the Greenbelt plan alive. Four hikers were found dead Friday afternoon in the Vardousia Mountains of central Greece, their bodies swept away by an avalanche that struck during a Christmas trekking expedition. Rescue teams discovered the three men and one woman buried beneath snow near the Korakas peak at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,200 feet). The group had been off the marked trail when the slope gave way, likely triggered by rising temperatures destabilizing fresh snowfall. The discovery ended a desperate two-day search operation launched after the group was reported missing on Christmas night. Authorities initially searched for three men but later determined a 31-year-old womana primary school teacher believed to be the partner of one of the climbershad joined the excursion. "The village is in shock," said Konstantinos Mastrokostopoulos, the local community president. Mr. Mastrokostopoulos noted that deceptive weather conditions played a fatal role. "They were taken by the avalanche and carried downhill," he said. "The weather looked good, with strong sunshine after days of frost, but those were exactly the conditions that can cause an avalanche." Rescuers found the victims close together, suggesting they had no time to react. The recovery effort involved more than 30 firefighters, drones, a helicopter, and specialized mountain guides, with the local school serving as a coordination center. The victims were described as experienced outdoor enthusiasts. One was a prominent climber from western Greece who documented his expeditions online; another, a tech professional, ran an extreme sports YouTube channel. A third victim had recently settled in the nearby village of Athanasios Diakos and had invited the group for the holiday hike. Authorities warned that climate-driven weather volatility has heightened risks for winter mountaineering, urging extreme caution regarding snowpack stability. iefimerida.gr Defense Minister Nikos Dendias delivered a sharp rebuke to Ankara from this eastern Aegean island, saying that Greece is fully prepared to defend its sovereign rights following "provocative" claims by the Turkish Defense Ministry. Speaking at the headquarters of the 79th National Guard Higher Commanda frontline outpost just miles from the Turkish coastMr. rejected accusations that Athens is fueling regional tension. "Our country threatens no one. Greece has not adopted revisionist rhetoric and has not issued threats against any of our neighbors," Mr. Dendias said. "But Greece is absolutely determined to defend its sovereigntyThis is the constitutional duty of the Armed Forces." The ministers comments served as a direct response to Rear Adm. Zeki Akturk, a spokesman for the Turkish Defense Ministry. In a briefing Thursday, Adm. Akturk blamed Athens for escalating tensions in the Aegean, claiming that alleged airspace violations stem from Greeces "inconsistent" alignment of its territorial waters and national airspace. "The side escalating tensions is not Turkey, but exclusive and unilateral actions," Adm. Akturk stated, warning that Ankara would not accept "faits accomplis." The diplomatic flare-up follows a trilateral summit held earlier this week in Jerusalem between the leaders of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, which drew sharp criticism from Ankara. While the NATO allies have sought to maintain "calm waters" in recent months, deep divisions over maritime boundaries and energy rights continue to test the fragile detente. iefimerida.gr A Wall Street Journal commentary warns that reintroducing Turkey to the F-35 program could destabilize the Middle East and erode Israels strategic military President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has described the recently concluded Christmas festive season in Nigeria as the most peaceful in recent years. Okoh made this statement while speaking with newsmen on Friday, after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at their residence in Ikoyi, Lagos. I can tell you that this Christmas happened to be the first Christmas in many years that we are not woken up with phone call in the midnight to say that a church was attacked and it is a testimony we must share and we hope and pray that this will continue, said Okoh. Advertisement He lauded Tinubu for this development, attributing the relative calm and peace recorded this festive season to Tinubus efforts at strengthening security across the country. We are seeing the renewed efforts and commitment to strengthen the security architecture and to ensure that Nigerians are going out in peace and coming back in peace. Of course there is still a lot to be done but we know that the President has started very well and we hope pray that this will be sustained.and we hope that maybe by next year we will be able to see visible results of what is being done now, he added. Nigeria has witnessed a series of coordinated attacks on Christians and churches in recent years. On December 25, 2022, gunmen attacked multiple Christian villages in the southern Kaduna region during Christmas celebrations, shortly after earlier killings in the area. There were multiple deaths as assailants returned to strike following funerals, creating fear and insecurity tied to the Christmas period. Additionally, armed militants targeted Christian communities in Kwande County, Benue State, killing civilians on December 25, 2024, killing at least 11 Christians during church services and related attacks. While the 2025 Christmas Day was relatively peaceful for many Christians in Nigeria, U.S. airstrikes were launched on ISIS-linked militant camps in Sokoto on Christmas Day, with U.S. officials framing the action as against militants responsible for the killings of Christians. According to Nigerias Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria authorised the US strike and provided the intelligence that led to the attack on terrorist targets within the country. Nigeria has remained consistent in its approach, which is to work with all partners that are committed to the fight against terrorism, irrespective of what religion, who the victims are, whether they are Muslims or Christians, and irrespective of what type of terrorism. So this is an ongoing process, said Tuggar. Seven natives of Lawanti village of Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State lost their lives in a tragic road accident at Potiskum while on their way to attend a wedding in Borno State. The victims, all hailing from the village, included three males and four females. Speaking to our correspondent, Malam Idris Lawanti, a father who lost two daughters in the crash, said the accident occurred on Friday. Advertisement It pains me so much, I have lost two of my precious daughters. One was about to finish nursing school, the other was in SS2, he lamented. A community member, Idris Abubakar, described the event as tragic and devastating. According to him, the accident has left the village in mourning, with residents grieving the loss of their loved ones. The community is in shock over this tragic incident. This is a very sad moment for us because we have lost promising young ones all in one day, he said. Meanwhile, the state governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has mourned with the Lawanti community over the deaths of seven locals. In a press statement issued by the Director General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, Governor Inuwa expressed deep sadness over the tragic motor accident. He described the incident as a painful and devastating loss, not only to the affected families but also to the entire Lawanti community, Akko LGA, and Gombe State at large. He noted that the untimely death of such precious souls has deeply touched the hearts of all, adding that no words can adequately console families who have lost loved ones under such tragic circumstances. The governor commiserated with the families of the victims, particularly the District Head, Bello Hassan Babangida, who lost his sister and niece; Idris Lawanti Maigari, who lost his daughters; and Idris A. Isah Lawanti, the Councillor representing Akko Ward, who also lost close relatives. He prayed that Almighty Allah grant the bereaved families, relatives, and the entire Lawanti community the strength, patience, and fortitude to bear this immense loss. Governor Inuwa Yahaya also prayed that Allah forgives the shortcomings of the deceased, accepts their good deeds, and grants them Aljannatul Firdaus, he said. FG GRADUATES OVER 7,000 FOREST GUARDS, SET FOR IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has announced the graduation of over 7,000 newly recruited Forest Guards drawn from seven frontline states, following the successful completion of an intensive three-month training programme under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative launched by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in May 2025. The initiative represents a coordinated FederalState security intervention aimed at reclaiming Nigerias forests from criminal exploitation. Advertisement The graduation ceremonies were held on 27 December 2025 across Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi States. The programme is designed to strengthen Nigerias internal security architecture by denying terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups sanctuary within forested and hard-to-reach terrains. The training programme was deliberately intensive, structured, and demanding, designed to transform loyal and committed Nigerians into agile, disciplined, and capable field operatives. The curriculum integrated environmental conservation principles with advanced security competencies, ensuring a balanced, professional, and mission-ready force. Trainees underwent extensive physical and mental conditioning, including endurance exercises, obstacle-crossing drills, and long-range patrol simulations to prepare them for sustained forest operations. They were also trained in tactical fieldcraft, including movement techniques, enemy-contact drills, ambush response, rescue operations, and coordinated offensive actionsequipping them to deny criminal elements any form of sanctuary within Nigerias forest spaces. Equally central to the programme was a strong emphasis on ethics, legality, and professionalism. The curriculum placed significant focus on human rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), gender rights, and the protection of civilians. Arms handling and use-of-force protocols were strictly regulated in line with an Arms Management Manual jointly agreed upon by all participating agencies. Speaking at the ceremonies, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described the initiative as a decisive step toward restoring state authority and protecting vulnerable communities. These Forest Guards are not just uniformed personnel. They are first responders, community protectors, and a critical layer of Nigerias security architecture. They will hold ground, gather intelligence, and support security agencies in reclaiming territories previously overtaken by criminal elements. The NSA confirmed that deployment will commence immediately, with no gap between graduation and operational duty. There will be no delay between graduation and deployment. Salaries and allowances will commence immediately, and every certified guard will proceed directly to assigned duty posts, he stated. The training programme recorded a 98.2 percent completion rate. A total of 81 trainees were disqualified on disciplinary grounds, while two trainees passed away due to pre-existing medical conditions. All successful participants have been fully certified and cleared for operational service. The graduating Forest Guards are indigenous to their respective local government areas, enabling them to leverage terrain familiarity and community trust in countering banditry, kidnapping, and the illegal exploitation of forest resources. The Nigerian Forest Guard is an inter-agency national security initiative established under the leadership and strategic guidance of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, and operationally coordinated by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Park Service. The programme draws doctrine, operational alignment, and strategic input from the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)ensuring unity of command, clarity of purpose, and operational effectiveness. Governors and Deputy Governors from the seven participating states attended the ceremonies, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, with other states represented by their Deputy Governors. Reaffirming the Federal Governments commitment, the NSA concluded: By protecting our forests, we are securing our territory. And by securing our territory, we are protecting our people. The Federal Government will not relent. This initiative will expand nationwide as part of our sustained effort to build a safer and more secure Nigeria. Rabiu Ibrahim Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation. Saturday, December 27, 2025 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that four attack helicopters purchased from the United States will arrive in Nigeria soon, as the country intensifies efforts to address worsening insecurity across several regions. The president disclosed this during a meeting with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), where he reassured citizens that his administration is taking concrete steps to strengthen the nations security architecture. He said the helicopters form part of ongoing initiatives to upgrade military capacity and improve rapid response to security threats. Advertisement Tinubu explained that procuring advanced military hardware takes time, noting that such equipment is not readily available off the shelf. Despite the delays, he emphasized the federal governments commitment to equipping the armed forces with modern tools needed to combat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities. The president also referenced broader security reforms, including renewed discussions on state and community policing, which he said would complement federal efforts and enhance grassroots intelligence gathering. Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnappings in the North-West, and communal violence in other regions. The incoming U.S.-made attack helicopters are expected to bolster aerial surveillance and combat operations. Tinubu added that his administration is working closely with international partners while exploring multiple strategies aimed at restoring peace and stability nationwide. The Federal Government has cleared the air on the coordinated operations between Nigeria and the US in the war against terrorism. There have been a lot of concerns over the operation, with some critics saying the mission was unsuccessful as only civilian locations were hit with minimal impact. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) had questioned Nigerias actual role in the collaboration and demanded clarifications on operational control, casualties, and specific information about the number and identity of actual terrorists that were killed in the operation. Advertisement The party cautioned against confusing collaboration with what it called myopic surrender, and expressed concern over the governments handling of the information surrounding the operation. But in a statement issued on Friday, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information, shed more light on the operation, revealing that the real locations of the drones were two major ISIS enclaves. The Federal Government of Nigeria in close coordination with the Government of the United States of America, has successfully conducted precision strike operations against two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves located within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State. Intelligence confirmed that these locations were being used as assembly and staging grounds by foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region, in collaboration with local affiliates, to plan and execute large-scale terrorist attacks within Nigerian territory. The precision strike operations were executed between 00:12 hours and 01:30 hours on Friday, 26 December, 2025, following explicit approval by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The operation was carried out under established command and control structures, with the full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and under the supervision of the Honourable Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff. The strikes were launched from maritime platforms domiciled in the Gulf of Guinea, after extensive intelligence gathering, operational planning, and reconnaissance. A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, successfully neutralising the targeted ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria from the Sahel corridor. During the course of the operation, debris from expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near the premises of a hotel. No civilian casualties were recorded in either location, and relevant authorities promptly secured the affected areas. The Minister said Nigeria remains determined to confront, degrade, and eliminate terrorist threats, particularly those posed by transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine Nigerias sovereignty and security. Nigeria remains fully aligned with its strategic partners and Friends of Nigeria in executing coordinated actions aimed at ensuring lasting peace, border security, and regional stability. The Federal Government assures all Nigerians that it remains firmly in control of the national security architecture and is fully committed to the protection of lives and property. Citizens are urged to remain calm and vigilant as decisive actions continue against all terrorist groups threatening the nation. A woman was killed in front of her three children reportedly by their father who then shot himself during a custody transfer early Friday afternoon in Upper Darby. Shortly after 1 p.m., Upper Darby police posted on social media that a man and woman had been found shot. Just after 6 p.m., Upper Darby police posted an update that the double shooting at Copley Road and Locust Street was another senseless act of domestic violence. Advertisement Officers responded to a 911 call for a shooting at the location and found the woman seated in the drivers seat of a vehicle with a gunshot wound. Lifesaving measures were attempted but unsuccessful for the woman, police said. The man was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition on life support, police said. Police Superintendent Timothy M. Bernhardt told the Delaware County Daily Times that the woman was 34 and the man is 45. Their identities have not yet been made public. Bernhardt told the Daily Times: What we know through investigation so far is that the female was there picking up children. Theres a custody order in place. The male had the children for Christmas, he walked up to the car with the children, the children got into the vehicle, there was some type of an argument, exchange of words, he pulled out a handgun and shot her got out of the vehicle and then shot himself. Three children inside the vehicle at the time of gunfire were not injured, Upper Darby police said. Yesterdays incident was a brutal act of domestic violence, Bernhardt said in a statement to The Inquirer. A mother was killed in front of her children. Those children will live with this trauma for the rest of their lives. There is no excuse for this kind of violence, and the damage it causes is permanent. Staff writer Maggie Prosser contributed to this article. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not see China's readiness to join the peaceful track, on the contrary, China has increased the volume of imports of Russian energy resources. "I do not see China's readiness to join the peaceful track yet. We always wanted China, and it may be able to put pressure on Russia to stop this war. China did not do this, unfortunately. China, on the contrary, increased the volume of imports of Russian energy resources," Zelenskyy told reporters on Saturday. The president added that China is currently the largest importer of Russian energy, and Russia is spending money from exports on war. Musician, writer, journalist, DJ, and tastemaker Joey Sweeney has been having a conversation about Philadelphia with Philadelphians for more than 25 years. The native Fishtowner broke into the Philly music scene in the 90s, eventually fronting bands like the Barnabys, the Trouble with Sweeney, and Joey Sweeney & The Neon Grease, as well as recording and performing solo. Advertisement Founding and publishing Phillys first cityblog, the now dormant Philebrity, in 2004, Sweeney wrote about Philly daily for a decade with signature snark. Before that, he wrote about music and culture for Philadelphia Weekly, City Paper, and national outlets. Since 2023, Sweeney, who is soon releasing a new single with the Grease, has also been creative director and vibe Sherpa at 48 Record Bar. In August, Sweeney, 53, joined WXPN as new Saturday morning host of Sleepy Hollow, one of the stations longest running weekend programs, which has played an intimate, ambient blend of folk, jazz, New Age, and indie since 1973. A definite change of pace for the longtime nighthawk Ive only recently discovered mornings, Sweeney said with a laugh joining the iconic show has been a dream, he said. The biggest wallop of it is experiencing that WXPN community from the other side, he said. The staff is amazing. The listeners are really passionate about loving the station. They really give their love to it. Especially with Sleepy Hollow. Its this legacy program, and you really want to honor that. The audience and the longevity and all the people who made it happen all those years. Its a powerful thing. Sweeney, who lives in Society Hill with his wife, Elizabeth Scanlon, poet and editor in chief of the American Poetry Review, and stepson, Sully, 20, says his perfect Philly day would revolve around a diverse culinary excursion through the Italian Market, record store shopping, a corner bar pit stop, and some late-night guitar in his attic. 8:30 a.m. Im going to Lorettas on Second Street. Its the coffee shop closest to my house, and they do wonderful things. Generally for me, its coffee and pastry, usually a chocolate croissant. If Im feeling extravagant, Ill go for their Betty sandwich. Its their breakfast sandwich, which is a really amazing riff on the classic bacon, egg, and cheese. 10 a.m. Then Ill head over to South Philly to Pho 75. I am a big pho-for-breakfast or pho-for-mid-morning-meal guy. I love Pho 75. Get the brisket with extra noodles. 11 a.m. Then, I hunt and gather my way back to my house. I walk down Ninth Street and get all the food we need for the week. All of the things that we need and eat on the regular, that are good, come from a six-block area around Ninth Street. My whole palate lives on that street or thereabouts. Im going to the Hung Vuong Supermarket, at 11th and Washington. Hung Vuong has all the noodles and dumplings and the chili crisp and fish sauce all that stuff you need. At Ninth Street, it will be any combination of the following: Anastasi Seafood, where I will probably get a half dozen already cooked crabs, and whatever fish we need for the week. Cod. Maybe, Branzino. Anastasi always does me right. They are our households Seven Fishes place. God forbid they ever went away. I dont know what happens to the fish order. Then, its Cappuccios Meats for their chevalatta. Its this very thin sausage with greens and cheese. Its a very Philly Catholic thing. And Espositos Meats. Because Espositos will grind meatball mix for you while you wait. The veal, beef, ground pork mix. They dont put it out with the rest of the stuff. You have to ask for it, and they go in the back and grind it up for you. Its the best way to make meatballs, by the way. My whole life, Ive been searching for how to get my Grandmas meatballs. She left us a long time ago, and I dont have the recipe. I finally figured it out. You gotta get it ground right there, and not use the crushed tomatoes. Use the canned tomatoes you squeeze with your hands. 1 p.m. Somewhere in the middle there, I will pop across the street to Mollys Books & Records. Pound for pound, Mollys has the best used record selection in the city, and the inventory changes over frequently. They dont gouge you on the prices. Ive been going to Mollys for as long as I can remember. I love giving Molly any shine. I would also go to Tortilleria San Roman at Ninth and Carpenter. They have these tortillas that they make right there. If I am doing meatballs, I am going to Tallutos, because they have cavatelli pasta, our house favorite. 2 p.m. Ive gotten my giant bag of food and records. At this point, I would like to go to Grace & Proper, over on Eighth. Its a corner bar right off the market. Theyre open Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Its got this cafe kind of vibe and theres something about it in the daytime. It depends how perishable the food is in my bag. But I might go there, have a drink, have a snack, before I come home and listen to whatever records I got. 6 p.m. I cook. But my wife, Elizabeth, is the better cook. If were not cooking, I like an early bird dinner. Since Im back in the neighborhood at this point, Im going to either Cry Baby or Bloomsday. Cry Baby, especially, is like a second home. Bridget Foy, who owns the place, was kind enough to let me shadow at Cry Baby before 48 Record Bar opened, because I had never had a proper hospitality job. She put me on every station in the place just about. It feels so casual and friendly, like a family spot. But you pop the hood on that place, and it runs like a machine. Her team is so amazing that by the end of it, I was like, oh, man, I would work here. 9 p.m. Creative times usually come after dinner. Maybe Ill put on a record or play some guitar. Or I will get on my computer in my attic office and start working on tunes. My wife and I had this really funny moment, like six months ago, where we were hanging out up in the office, and I started playing some of the songs that Ive been recording up there after dinner. And shes like, You never played this for me. This is an album youve got. This might be one of the better things youve ever done. When are you doing this? Im like, I do it after dinner. As a chef from Hawaii who has lived in Philadelphia for well over a decade, I saw firsthand the connection between both places. For years, through Poi Dog, I fed homesick Hawaii people and those who had celebrated weddings, honeymoons, and holidays in my home state, then came back to the mainland searching for a taste of the islands. These days, the question I get most often is simple: Where should I eat in Honolulu? Advertisement This is a special edition of our Field Trip series not a typical three-day drive, but a culinary escape meant for when youre bundled up at home, staring down winter, and dreaming of somewhere warmer. Think of it as planning your next trip while the heaters on: balmy breezes, sun-warmed beaches, and unlimited fresh poke, all waiting when youre ready to go. What follows is a starting point for eating your way through Honolulu, whose excellent, deeply multicultural food scene is built on Native Hawaiian traditions and shaped by waves of immigrants who came to work the sugarcane and pineapple plantations and now, the tourism industry. I urge you to explore far beyond this list, to leave Honolulu when you can, see the rest of Oahu, and visit its neighboring islands. But if youre beginning with the city, this is where to start. Honolulu is sprawling and encompasses a downtown business district, touristy Waikiki, Kaimuki with its many hip restaurants, Chinatown (which also has hip restaurants), and many suburbs. In the former three categories, we say theyre in town, though the limits of town are as heavily debated as the boundaries of Phillys neighborhoods. Chances are youre staying in Waikiki, and all of the following are in the most touristed district or are a quick, cheap Uber ride from Waikiki (unless of course, its rush hour, in which case, I cant help you). Honolulu restaurants to check out If youre going to Honolulu, the first order of business is getting real Hawaiian food. This means poi, or pounded taro root, the staple starch of the Hawaiians before laborers on Hawaiis sugarcane plantations from East Asia shifted the dominant starch of the islands to rice; smoky, tender kalua pig (preferably cooked in an imu, or underground oven); luau (a stew made from taro leaves, coconut milk, and usually with chicken or squid); and delicacies like opihi, small limpets that are somewhat similar in taste to abalone, and are notoriously challenging to collect, requiring one to pry the barnacles from slippery rocks while being pounded by surf. Hawaiian food is a distinctly different cuisine from Hawaiian BBQ, which falls under the category of local food in Hawaii a confusing term for outsiders because local food encompasses food that was introduced to Hawaii by its waves of immigrants. Native Hawaiian food does have immigrant influences and does incorporate ingredients not native to Hawaii, but in ways that predated its sugar plantation era. Helenas Hawaiian Food Helenas is the reigning queen of Hawaiian food and this is the ideal place for you to try all of the above Hawaiian specialties, including opihi. Their pipikaula, or Hawaiian-style beef jerky, is less jerky and more of a soy-marinated and dried short rib that manages to retain remarkable tenderness, concentrating sublime beefiness into tiny squares of meat. Cleanse your palate with a square of their haupia and a nibble on fresh, raw sweet onion dipped into red alaea salt, fixings that come with every set meal. Be mindful that Helenas is only open 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and it is closed on weekends. 1240 N. School St., Honolulu, Hawaii 96817, 808-845-8044, helenashawaiianfood.com Highway Inn If you cant make it past the throngs of people trying to get into Helenas, Highway Inn also serves great Hawaiian food in town. (Its original location is in Waipahu. They also just opened an outpost at the Bishop Museum.) Its open every day and in addition to Hawaiian stalwarts like kalua pig, chicken long rice, and squid luau, they also serve a large menu of riffs on these, like kalua pig nachos, with sides of lomi lomi salmon, a dish that is made entirely of introduced ingredients, but has been around so long that it has been accepted into the canon of Hawaiian food. 680 Ala Moana Blvd. #105, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, 808-954-4955, myhighwayinn.com Kyungs Seafood Some of Honolulus best Hawaiian BBQ intersects with Korean BBQ, and there are Korean dishes in Hawaii that are found nowhere else, not even Korea. Kyungs Seafood makes one of the very best versions of meat jun, one such Korean dish that exists in isolation, which consists of thinly sliced meat battered in scrambled eggs and served with a light soy dipping sauce. Marry their meat jun with rice and mac salad, and some of Kyungs excellent banchans or precisely arranged sashimi platters. 1269 S. King St., Honolulu, Hawaii 96814, 808-589-1144, @kyungsseafood Miro Kaimuki If youre celebrating something special, whether its an anniversary or a Tuesday, Miro in Kaimuki is the finest of dining on this list. Its a special occasion restaurant that doesnt feel the least bit stuffy, with beautifully balanced cocktails and wine pairings. Meals are prix fixe, with many possibilities of add-ons like flank washugyu, toasted brioche topped with curls of uni, and vanilla macarons filled with caviar. Miro also happens to be the self-declared Philadelphia Embassy in Hawaii, as many of its current and former staffers either hail from Philly or have spent time in the city (Zahav pops up on numerous Miro cooks resumes). 3446 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii 96816, 808-379-0124, mirokaimuki.com Sushi Izakaya Gaku Speaking of sashimi, Hawaii is really close to Japan, so not only do we get a wealth of fish pulled from surrounding waters, but we have an abundance of Japanese seafood flown in regularly. This makes for fantastic (and countless) omakase options, most of which hew to classic Japanese experiences. For a relaxed, island-style omakase or a la carte sushi and izakaya dinner, head to Sushi Izakaya Gaku. Gaku has the softest, silkiest, and lightest tamago, the homemade sweet egg omelet, and all the standard izakaya fare, but also some wild, more unusual specials, like seared sting ray, raw octopus, and thinly sliced beef tongue served over shaved onion with a big squeeze of lemon. 1329 S. King St., Honolulu, Hawaii 96814, 808-589-1329 Mitchs Fish Market and Sushi Bar Located right on the pier, where fishing boats dock and unload their ahi for the Honolulu Fish Auction, Mitchs Fish Market and Sushi Bar is an unbelievable option for generous cuts of sashimi, hefty chirashi bowls piled with shrimp, ahi, yellowtail, and tamago. Its small (make a reservation), casual, and perpetually proud of their most famous patron, President Barack Obama. 524 Ohohia St., Honolulu, Hawaii 96819, 808-837-7774, mitchssushi.com Stix Asia Food Hall In addition to ready access to Japanese ingredients, we have practically all the hot Japanese chain restaurants. like Marugame Udon, Han No Daidokoro (which specializes in fresh wagyu usually, when wagyu is exported, its frozen), and many others packed into Stix Asia, a Japanese food hall. Two of my favorites inside Stix Asia are Tempura Kiki for its avocado tempura and bowls of udon (no relation but they did offer me a discount because of my name), and Nanamusubi, which churns out omusubi made with specialty, heritage Japanese grains, and stuffed with an array of fish salads and pickled seaweeds. 2250 Kalakaua Ave., Lower Level 100, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815, 808-744-2445, stixasia.com Koko Head Cafe New York transplant and Top Chef competitor Lee Anne Wong pretty much single-handedly made brunch a craze in Honolulu a decade ago. Her Koko Head Cafe has since become a classic for eggs scrambled with local ingredients and enormous, indulgent bowls of congee topped with croutons. Hawaii and Japan also seem to have a restaurant exchange system; the cafe has also opened locations in Japan. Dont miss their poke omelets, and my favorite breakfast item, rusk spread with yogurt and fresh local fruit. 1120 12th Ave. #100, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816, 808-732-8920, kokoheadcafe.com The Pig and the Lady The Pig and the Lady is one of those chef-driven destination restaurants that appear on many a national list. It has gone through a couple iterations, and just opened a new location in Kaimuki that will more than scratch your itch for excellent Vietnamese food, if you cant live without your Gabriellas Vietnam fix. But there are unmistakable Hawaiian touches like chile pepper water-doused oysters, country ham served with persimmons, and banh xeo made with paiai or pounded taro. Vietnamese food like this exists nowhere else on the planet. 3650 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii 96816, 808-585-8255, thepigandthelady.com Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market The Pig and the Lady also sets up a stand at the Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market on Saturdays from 7:30 to 11 a.m., serving pho French dips, lemongrass chicken banh mis, bun bowls with a vermicelli base, and curry rice plates. The rest of KCC Farmers Market will knock your socks off with its array of prepared foods, fresh fruit juices, coffee stands, vendors hacking into fresh coconuts with machetes, and abundance of tropical produce, from papayas to ulu or breadfruit. If youre walking up to the Diamond Head trail from Waikiki, youll pass it near the trailhead, but build in time to stop for a siphon coffee at Ars Cafe for a cup that rivals one from Rays Cafe and Tea House in Philly. Parking Lot B, 4303 Diamond Head Rd., Honolulu, Hawaii 96816, hfbf.org/farmers-markets/kcc Musubi Iyasume Many of Waikikis 24-hour diner grand dames have closed at this point, but thankfully, my favorite breakfast in Waikiki doesnt involve sitting down. Musubi Iyasume has multiple locations, serving classic Spam musubis, as well as ones that pair avocado, eel, and tamago with Spam and rice. They have seven locations, but I love the one at Waikiki Beach Walk the most because it has the longest opening hours and can scratch your musubi cravings from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. 227 Lewers St., Honolulu, Hawaii 96815, 808-383-3442, iyasumehawaii.com Aloha Sugarcane Juices Wash down your breakfast musubi with one of the best deals in Waikiki: a sugarcane juice from the stationary food truck Aloha Sugarcane Juices, which you can get spiked with juicy, local calamansi, or blended with mangoes and papayas. 138 Uluniu Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 Zippys Head over to one of many locations of Zippys (a fast food diner chain that we love as dearly as Philadelphians love Wawa) to get some of the best of the islands fried chicken or to pick up a bento box to bring on one of Oahus legendary hikes. Zippys is also famous for their chili, which will require you to pick a stance when you order: pro-kidney beans or no-kidney beans. While Zippys locations are scattered throughout Oahu (and also Las Vegas, considered Hawaiis ninth island), I implore you to go to the one in Kapahulu, so you will be within walking distance of the legendary Leonards Malasadas. 601 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii 96815, 808-733-3725, zippys.com Alicias Market Delis in Hawaii dont resemble anything that might be called a deli in Philadelphia. Cold cases are filled with vats of fresh fish poke as opposed to deli meats, and Alicias Market mixes up some of Hawaiis best pokes (though honestly, unless youre going to one of those newfangled build-a-bear style poke joints, its hard to go wrong). 267 Mokauea St., Honolulu, Hawaii 96819, 808-841-1921, aliciasmarket.com Foodland Farms If youre committed to staying near Waikiki, Ala Moana Shopping Center is a short walk and pretty unavoidable if youre a tourist. Thankfully, Foodland Farms opened adjacent to the mall eight years ago, and it has only gotten better over the years. Its far more than just a grocery store, but a one-stop shop for great poke, edible island souvenirs (theres a huge selection of Hawaiian chocolate, sweets, and coffee), and bento boxes to take with you on hikes. Theres also a wine bar. 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, Hawaii 96814, 808-949-5044, shop.foodland.com Hawaii has a serious sweet tooth If you think Phillys water ice is good, wait till you taste shave ice. Forget about tiny little paper cups of flavored ice, in Hawaii, our shave ice (no d in shave) is a fluffy, lightly compacted pile of snow that will be quite a bit larger than your head. Shimazu Shave Ice Shimazu has been shaving ice for over 70 years and decorating the globes with stripes of tamarind, strawberry, passionfruit, mango, li hing mui (salty preserved plum), and many other syrups. Most shave ice shops will insist upon you consuming their shave ice outside. 3111 Castle St., Honolulu, Hawaii 96815, 808-782-2369, shimazushaveicekapahulu.com Asato Family Shop For something more akin to water ice, Asato Family Shop painstakingly makes small batches of sherbet inspired by the nostalgic flavors of crack seed stores, Hawaiis throwback snack shops filled with jars of pickled mango, dried seeds, and raisin-like apricots. 1306 Pali Hwy., Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, asatofamilyshop.com Leonards Bakery Need a doughnut? Malasadas, which are yeasty, pillowy Portuguese doughnuts without holes and tossed in sugar, are far superior to any doughnut. Dont be fooled by bakery being in Leonards name. These malasadas are fried. Go get one at Leonards original location (they also have trucks scattered throughout Oahu), and start with their original malasada, with no filling and a sugar coating, then move on to ones stuffed with haupia, or coconut pudding. 933 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii 96816, 808-737-5591, leonardshawaii.com The Local General Store Now that youve made it to this point in the guide, youve likely consumed a lot of rice and hopefully, poi. If you need your fresh baked bread fix, Local General Store has been garnering a lot of recent attention. Its on par with Phillys Lost Bread and Mighty Bread, but is a combination bakery and butcher shop, so you can stop by for a pastry and a porchetta, and perhaps, a slice of their housemade Spam. 3458 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii 96816, 808-777-2431, thelocalgeneralstorehi.com At some point, youre going to want to unwind with a cocktail La Mariana Sailing Club Yes, its hard to get around Honolulu without encountering a mai tai, but if youre a fan of kitsch and want to visit one of Oahus last remaining old school tiki bars, La Mariana Sailing Club leans hard into the theme. They have the vintage tiki mugs, the glass buoys hanging from the ceiling, the dangerously strong drinks. La Mariana is also near the airport if you need one last hurrah before passing out on the plane home. 50 Sand Island Access Rd., Honolulu, Hawaii 96819, 808-848-2800, la-mariana-sailing.club Podmore But if youre looking for refined fancy cocktails, youll find them at Podmore in Chinatown, which is fond of touches like yogurt-washed gin, heady spices, and a very good dry martini shaken with yuzu kosho. 202 Merchant St., Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, 808-521-7367, barpodmore.com Wild Orange For artful, Asian-inflected cocktails and vegan bar snacks, head to the Wild Orange speakeasy, hidden inside Hawaiian Brians and accessed by opening up the door to an Aloha Maid juice vending machine. 1680 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, Hawaii 96814, 808-892-6966, wildorangehi.com Restaurants for which you need a car and which are worth the drive If you want to get out of Waikiki, you need to rent a car. The restaurants in this portion of the list are technically outside of Honolulu, but easily accessible with a car if youre staying in Honolulu. For context, Haleiwa is the farthest point from Waikiki and is 33 miles across Oahu, which is basically like driving to Bucks County from Center City. Masa and Joyce Okazuya Masa and Joyce in Kaneohe is an old school okazuya, or casual Japanese lunch counter, that makes one of Oahus best versions of squid luau as well as spectacular hand rolls. It is usually my first stop after getting off the plane, their squid luau is so savory and mesmerizing. 45-582 Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, 808-235-6129, masaandjoyce.com Waiahole Poi Factory Waiahole Poi Factory is also in Kaneohe, but on your way to the North Shore if youre taking the scenic route around the eastern side of the island. In this factory that has been operating over a century, you can pick up poi thats both scaled up for larger production (steamed taro root passed through a grinder until it reaches a smooth consistency) and hand-pounded, but more importantly, dig into some of Oahus best Hawaiian food, like lau lau (ti leaf wrapped bundles of pork and butter fish) and a gingery beef luau. 48-140 Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, 808-239-2222, waiaholepoifactory.com Shiros Saimin Haven Ramen is great and all (and youll find a wealth of ramen shops in Honolulu) but in Hawaii, the classic noodle soup dish is saimin, with a lighter broth than most ramens, developed by both Chinese and Japanese laborers over the years. Shiros Saimin Haven is a classic saimin spot that serves vast bowls of fresh noodles sunk into a mild, lightly salted dashi that you can dress up with dozens of options for sides, from Filipino-style pork adobo to lau lau to Spam to roast duck. Everything here is good. There are two locations, in Aiea and Ewa Beach, but the Aiea one is the one that Ive been going to for years. 98-020 Kamehameha Hwy. #109, Aiea, Hawaii 96701, 808-488-4834, shiros-saimin.com Taniokas Seafoods and Catering But if youre heading in the direction of Ewa Beach, stop in Waipahu and pick up poke, a pupu or sashimi platter, and or a mochiko chicken bento from longtime neighborhood seafood spot Taniokas. This is a go-to takeout spot if you need to feed a lot of people at parties or if you want to grab a bento to eat after surfing. 94-903 Farrington Hwy., Waipahu, Hawaii 96797, 808-671-3779, taniokas.com Giovannis Shrimp Truck The closest food rivalry in Hawaii, akin to that between Pats and Genos, is between the shrimp trucks up at North Shore, which are parked close to the shrimp farms they source from. Giovannis, a white truck covered in the signatures of many happy visitors, even has a connection to our parts, as its owner Troy Nitsche is a Pennsylvania native. Dont leave Oahu without digging into a plate of Giovannis super garlicky and buttery shrimp scampi, sucking the shells dry, along the essential sides of rice and macaroni salad. Near Giovannis, in Haleiwa, stop in to Matsumoto Shave Ice to complete your North Shore experience. 56-505 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku, Hawaii 96731, 808-293-1839, giovannisshrimptruck.com Mikie Sherrill and running mate Dale Caldwell celebrate their victory at an election night party in East Brunswick Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Read more The story behind New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrills landslide victory last month can be understood by looking at her strong performance in the city of Camden. The young, diverse, and working-class city exemplifies trends that played out across the state as Sherrill reversed rightward shifts among the voter groups Democrats desperately need to rebound with nationally. Advertisement An Inquirer analysis of municipal-level data shows that Sherrill outperformed both former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 and outgoing Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021 across New Jerseys 564 cities, boroughs, and townships, winning 300 about 53% of them as compared with Harris 252 last year and Murphys 210 four years ago. She reversed gains made by President Donald Trump last year that gave Republicans false hope that Jack Ciattarelli, who was aligned with and endorsed by Trump, would do much better in November than he actually did as Sherrill outperformed expectations. Camdens population is more than 54% Hispanic and nearly 38% Black Democratic-leaning voter groups that had shifted toward Trump nationally in 2024. Sherrills campaign had outreach operations geared toward both Black and Hispanic voters. Every demographic group in the state swung toward Democrats this year, but Sherrills most striking improvement over Murphy and Harris seemed to be among Hispanic people, who make up more than half of Camdens population. She similarly made gains in areas across the state that have high populations of young voters, lower-income voters, and voters without college degrees like Camden. Voters in Camden turned out for Sherrill resoundingly with 92% of the vote, more than 10 percentage points better than Harris performed in the city during her presidential run last year, and Sherrill outperformed the former vice president in every one of the citys 40 precincts. The larger the Hispanic share of the voting district, the larger it shifted toward Sherrill. This was reflected statewide, with the states 10 largest Hispanic-majority cities moving an average of 18 points to the left while other New Jersey municipalities moved just about four points toward the Democrat. Latino outreach in Camden fueled Hispanic support Outreach to Hispanic voters was driven by a coordinated campaign between Sherrills campaign and the state Democratic Party, as well as independent expenditure groups. It seemed to pay off. In Camdens most heavily Hispanic precinct, for example, voters gave Sherrill 92% of the vote, 12 points more than they gave to Harris. Sherrills campaign and its backers knew how important it was to win over these voters who had felt taken for granted by the Democratic Party. Sherrill had limited time to introduce herself to voters coming out of a six-way competitive primary in June which she won big but with less success in some heavily Black and Hispanic areas. To many voters, especially in South Jersey, she was just another candidate. UnidosUS Action PAC experienced that unfamiliarity with Sherrill when its canvassers first started knocking on doors in Camden in September, said Rafael Collazo, the executive director of the PAC. The question that Latino voters and voters that we spoke to had wasnt if they were going to vote for Ciattarelli or not, because they were clearly against anyone associated with Trump, Collazo said. But they honestly werent sure if they were going to vote for Sherrill, because they didnt feel like they knew her. Sherrills campaign and backers tapped local leaders like pastors, nonprofit executives, and elected officials, and held events specifically catered to Latinos, said Vereliz Santana, the coordinated campaigns Latino base vote director, who grew up in Camden. They spread the message through Spanish-speaking door knockers and Spanish-language ads, which Camden City Councilman Falio Leyba-Martinez, a Democrat, called beyond impactful. She made it normal for people to understand that you dont speak English, he said. That was not always the case for New Jersey Democrats, according to Patricia Campos-Medina, a vice chair of Sherrills campaign and senior adviser for Sherrills Latino and progressive outreach. Democratic operatives in the state justified saving money on bilingual messaging over the last decade since most Latinos speak English, she said. But the problem is that Latinos have to hear that you are talking to them otherwise they feel like youre just ignoring them, she added. And its not just speaking Spanish. Showing cultural competency such as using Puerto Rican slang or phrases like reproductive healthcare instead of abortion rights is also critical, she said. Latino organizers in Camden said that community members who supported Trump or did not vote in 2024 have become frustrated by the high cost of living, slashed federal funding, and Immigration and Customs Enforcements tactics. Even those for whom immigration was not a top priority or who supported Trumps plan to deport people who committed crimes have been dismayed, they said. Camden City Council President Angel Fuentes said videos circulating of immigrants being detained locally have been particularly resonant. You can see the tears of these individuals, he said. You know, its so inhumane. I mean, I really want to use the f-word, but its so inhumane how theyre treated. Latinos we are all family. We should not be treated like this. Turnout increased compared to last race for governor Turnout is typically lower in cities with large numbers of lower-income voters and voters without college degrees, like Camden. But Democratic investments in the city seemed to make a difference this year. Camden saw a 63% increase in turnout compared with 2021. The jump in the city is more than double the 28% turnout increase statewide compared with the last race for governor. The city still has relatively low turnout compared with the full state, however, with only 26% of voters casting ballots in Camden compared with 51% statewide. Camden County as a whole was closer to the statewide turnout rate at 50%, but the countys increase of 32% from 2021 was smaller than the citys growth. Sherrill visited the city of Camden in July early in her general election campaign for a visit to CAMcare, a federally qualified health center that treats underserved communities, and went on to discuss it on a national podcast the next day. She did not return until October, at which point she visited the city three times in the lead-up to Election Day. Her campaign also held a rally outside city lines at the Camden County Democratic Party headquarters in Cherry Hill that Santana said was planned to feel authentically Latino. As part of their scientific strategy, Sherrill visited less-Democratic areas in the summer and early fall to try to win over swing voters before pivoting to bluer places like Camden, where they needed to motivate already-registered Democrats to cast their ballots, said Om Savargaonkar, the coordinated campaign director for Sherrills campaign and the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. As Sherrill zigzagged the state, a massive coordinated effort was underway to draw a strong Democratic turnout, bolstered by national funding from the Democratic National Committee. Sherrills coordinated campaign the state party operation that worked with the campaign made at least 19.5 million phone calls, door knocks, and text messages statewide, which was roughly 13 times more than the 1.5 million made for Murphys coordinated campaign in 2021, Savargaonkar said. Out of a roughly $12 million statewide investment, about $2 million to $3 million went directly to county parties to supplement the statewide turnout efforts, Savargaonkar said of the coordinated campaign. Sherrill did even better than previous Democrats in lower-income municipalities Democrats routinely score landslide wins in New Jerseys working-class municipalities. Both Murphy and Harris posted double-digit margins in these communities, but Sherrill took that strong base and supercharged it. She won nearly two-thirds of the vote in the lowest-income municipalities and in places where fewer voters have college degrees improving on Murphys and Harris performances by as much as eight percentage points. In Camden, fewer than one in 10 adults have a college degree and the typical household has an annual income of $40,000. Thats in a state where nearly 45% of residents are college-educated and with a median income of about $100,000. Sherrills campaign reached Latinos in Camden who voted for Trump last year because they believed he would make life more affordable but were having buyers remorse, organizers said. Her campaign spoke with locals about the negative impacts of Trumps tariffs, engaging with everyone from distributors and manufacturers to local business groups, Santana said. Local surrogates also discussed Trumps cuts to benefits and programs that help the community, said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. And Sherrills focus on affordability and Trump resonated more broadly. She also won among voters in wealthier places, including the middle 50% of towns by median household income places where Ciattarelli won four years ago and where Trump fought Harris to a near-draw last year. Like Harris before her, she managed to win the very wealthiest areas comfortably. While the city of Camden saw Sherrills biggest improvement over Harris in the county, her second-largest improvement came in nearby Runnemede, a borough in Camden County, where the typical households income is virtually identical to that of the state. Sherrill reversed losses among the youngest voters Trump made gains last year among younger voters across the country, and New Jersey was no different. The president won about 37% of the vote in the states youngest 25% of municipalities, beating Ciattarellis 2021 performance with that group by more than three percentage points even as he lost the state by nearly double Ciattarellis 2021 margin. This year, Sherrill reversed those inroads, improving on Harris performance by nearly eight points in places, including Camden, where the median age is 33. (New Jerseys median age is 40.) Sherrills campaign made partnering with social media influencers a key part of her strategy as more young people focus their attention online. She appeared on national podcasts and in TikTok videos, on Substack, Reddit, and Instagram often with Democratic-friendly hosts. Her team provided special access to influencers and held briefings with them. Sherrill appeared on 18 podcasts from January to October 2025, according to Edison Research, while Harris appeared on only eight during her campaign from July to November 2024. READ MORE: Mikie Sherrill sponsored the TikTok ban. Now shes on the app. Heres why. Her coordinated campaigns statewide Latino effort also had its own social media, spearheaded by Frank Santos, a 33-year-old Camden resident of Puerto Rican and Nicaraguan descent. Santos and other staffers on the Latino outreach team represented different sub-demographics of the larger Latino monolith, Santana said. Organizers also catered their conversations to different sub-demographics through smaller and more organic events, she said, noting that younger voters were generally more progressive. If youre trying to connect with a community, knowing that you yourself reflect and represent that community, I think it makes the world of a difference, she said. 71-year-old man killed in Kyiv, his wife is in serious condition in hospital, 32 people injured police As of 13:30, a 71-year-old man was killed in the Dniprovsky district of Kyiv, his wife is in serious condition in hospital, the number of injured has increased to 32 people, including two children, the press service of the capital's police reported. "One death has been confirmed at the scene where an enemy drone hit a multistory building in the Dniprovsky district. The deceased is a 71-year-old local resident. His 70-year-old wife is in serious condition in the hospital," the police said in a message posted to their Telegram channel on Saturday. Thirty-two people were injured, including two children. Law enforcement officers are assessing the damage, inspecting buildings, addressing citizen complaints, and providing necessary assistance. The work is ongoing. On a weekday afternoon in a quiet corner of a London studio, Darragh Ennis is getting ready to go to work. By work, he means stepping into one of the most-watched shows on British and Irish television, where he will on command transform into The Menace, the soft-spoken Irish scientist who became an unlikely household name. At the moment, though, hes still in his dressing room, half-chatting, half-prepping, and entirely unfazed by the fact that millions of people will soon be shouting answers at him through their televisions. The Department of Education received a flurry of queries and complaints from parents regarding schools charging enrolment or registration fees illegally following Irish Examiner coverage earlier this year. At the beginning of November, the Irish Examiner revealed how at least five Cork schools had sought fees from parents as they offered their child a place for next September in breach of current legislation. Since 2018, schools have been prohibited by the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 from charging fees or seeking contributions for the enrolment or continued enrolment of a student in a school. Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act show the department received several inquiries from parents and guardians following this reporting in November. One fifth year student in a Deis school wrote to the department at the beginning of November to highlight how their school had sought a 100 re-enrolment fee from each of its students. The student told the department how the schools principal had called an assembly with students to discuss the fee, where he listed numerous activities around the school, including extracurricular sports teams and fun, that would suffer if it was not paid. The principal also mentioned that the school toilets would have to be locked during break times as they would not be able to afford toilet paper without the fee, the student wrote, adding that multiple alerts were also sent out on the school app to parents for several weeks. I am unsure what can be done about this breach, but I believe it's important to bring attention to this. Parental anxiety One parent, who had not taken up an offer in a school, pointed out that it had sought a 150 from each of its prospective students. By my estimate, based on the school accepting 120 boys for placement in September 2025 and each of those prospective students paying an acceptance fee, the school contrary to their own admission policy collected 18,000 in revenue," they wrote. The parent added that 150 is not an insignificant sum, especially in the lead up to Christmas. Insisting that payment be made to secure placement plays unfairly on parental anxiety to ensure the best possible available placement for their child." Another parent sought clarification from the department in relation to school fees. I have two children applying to the school, and I am not in a financial position to pay 200 to be honest. I want to check where I stand before I challenge it Another parent wrote to the department as they had been charged mandatory fees to secure their childs school place. They also call for fees on a yearly basis, the parent added. The Department of Education has previously said Section 64 of the Education (Admissions to schools) Act 2018 "explicitly prohibits" the charging of admission and enrolment fees for admission to or for continued enrolment in a school. In instances where the department is made aware of schools charging fees that are prohibited by Section 64, the department will follow up with the school [or schools] concerned. The manner in which voluntary contributions are sought and collected is a matter for school management," it added. Police have made a public appeal to a man to contact them in relation to an attack in Co Down earlier this week. The appeal was made as part of investigations into a stabbing attack in the Chippendale Avenue area of Bangor on Christmas Eve. Jonathan Baker, 54, was last pictured in the Coniston Road area of Bangor at around 3.55pm on Christmas Eve, police said. The PSNI released a photo as part of an appeal for him to make contact with police amid concerns for his welfare. Handout image of Jonathan Baker in the Coniston Road area in Bangor at around 3.55pm on Christmas Eve (PSNI/PA) Superintendent Lindsay Fisher said: We are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare and today I am appealing directly to Jonathan to make contact with police. We have conducted a number of searches at different properties and areas as we actively seek to locate him. Officers also remain in attendance at Chippendale Avenue, the scene of the stabbing. A woman aged in her 50s and a man aged in his 20s were taken to hospital with serious injuries after the incident. Police had previously said one of them was in a critical condition. In an update on Saturday, police said that both had been discharged following treatment. Ms Fisher said police do not believe there is a risk to the wider community, but warned the public not to approach Mr Baker if he is spotted. She said: We now believe that Jonathan was wearing a navy blue jacket with the brand name Helly Hansen written on the back in white. He is described as being approximately 5ft 10 ins in height, with short, dark hair and wearing blue jeans, and dark trainers with white soles. Although we do not believe there is a serious risk to the wider community, we would continue to remind members of the public not to approach Jonathan if they see him, but to create a safe distance and contact police immediately on 101, or 999 in an emergency. The reference number to quote is 914 of 24/12/25. You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/. Plans to move the headquarters of the CSO from Dublin to Cork in the early 1990s were strongly criticised by the CSOs own top executive, who branded its proposed relocation to the Cork suburb of Mahon as totally unsuitable. Newly released files from the National Archives show the National Statistics Board (NSB), the CSOs advisory body, expressed concern the decentralisation plans could impact on the quality and timeliness of official statistics and the general efficiency of the office. In December 1991, the NSB urged the then taoiseach, Charles Haughey, to rescind the governments decision to move the CSO to Cork. It claimed the proposal posed a real threat to the CSOs ability to perform its functions satisfactorily, even in the medium-term. Documents released under the 30-year rule show that the CSO director, Donal Murphy, informed the Department of Finance in January 1992 that the selection of the site in Mahon which has been the headquarters of the CSO since February 1994 over a city centre location would compound the problems we anticipate in relocating to Cork. We wish to complete the move as efficiently as possible, and do not want it to be further complicated by a very unsuitable location for staff, said Mr Murphy. He urged the government to take his view into consideration in the decision on the location of the new CSO headquarters. In June 1991, Mr Murphy had criticised the governments failure to consult with the CSO about its proposed relocation to Cork in a letter to the Department of the Taoiseach, in which he claimed the plans would have very serious operational repercussions. After the government had already indicated it was in favour of the site in Mahon selected by the Office of Public Works, Mr Murphy wrote to the government secretary, Padraig O hUiginn, again in March 1992 to convey his strong preference that the CSO should be located on a site in Cork city centre. This would increase the attractiveness of Cork as a location, and greatly facilitate the staff of our operations there, said Mr Murphy. He expressed concern that the choice of a new building for the CSO in Cork would be determined predominantly on short-term financial grounds, which he noted would favour the outlying Mahon suburban location. However, Mr Murphy stressed that non-financial aspects must also be taken into consideration. He urged the government to take full account of the particular disadvantages of the site in Mahon as a location for a large office containing some 400 staff, which he said was totally unsuitable. The director pointed out that CSO management had identified the choice of site for the new offices as a critical factor for attracting and retaining a sufficient number of staff who would relocate to Cork voluntarily. Mr Murphy noted the majority of his staff were clerical grades who tended to be younger, with a relatively high dependence on public transport and rental accommodation. He said many staff would also be ex-patriates who might wish to return to particular parts of Cork or outlying areas for whom accessibility to the CSO offices would be a key factor. Mr Murphy said the availability of convenient services would also be a high priority for staff, which could affect morale if they were difficult to access. He said CSO management was convinced that only sites located in Cork city centre were capable of meeting all the criteria he had outlined, adding that Mahon was unsuitable on all counts. The institutional presence and public image of the CSO in Cork will be adversely affected if located in this outlying, non-prestigious area, Mr Murphy added. He also claimed a building in Mahon would be subject to high-security risks at night and weekends, while the personal security of CSO staff waiting for public transport on dark winter evenings was another concern. Files show that the NSB chairman, Patrick Geary, told Mr Haughey in December 1991 that the board had been advised by CSO management that the bulk of its existing staff across all grades would not volunteer to relocate to Cork. Mr Geary predicted that almost all existing CSO statisticians would have to be replaced because of the number of staff choosing to stay in Dublin, where they face redeployment. The NSB said the root of the problem was that almost the entire organisation was being relocated, while there was no entitlement to financial compensation, even moving expenses, for staff relocating voluntarily to Cork. State files show that the OPW examined four potential, privately owned sites in Cork for the new CSO headquarters: Andersons Quay, Penrose Quay, and Popes Quay, as well as the eventual location in Mahon. Albert Reynolds, who succeeded Mr Haughey as taoiseach, told the Dail in June 1992 that there would be cost savings arising out of the transfer of the bulk of CSO activities from Dublin to Cork. In the same month, a representative of Fianna Fail in Cork City, Denis J Murphy, lobbied the taoiseach on behalf of property development firm PJ Hegarty & Sons who had recently acquired a site opposite the Cork Harbour Commissioners offices in Cork, and who had asked him to put in a word for them. Mr Murphy noted people involved in the company were firm supporters of the party and really have been substantial subscribers in the past. Mr Murphy told Mr Reynolds they were very interested in the proposed CSO development, and particularly that a Cork firm would be granted this job. However, the taoiseach replied that the site in Mahon had already been chosen, with contractors selected, and pointed out that the additional cost involved in selecting a site in Cork city centre could not be justified. IT WAS a clumsy, tone-deaf phrase, uttered by then finance minister Brian Lenihan during a Prime Time interview in 2010, when pressed on whether politicians and regulators were to blame for the excesses of the Celtic Tiger era and the devastation that followed. Intended, perhaps, as an acknowledgement of collective complicity, it landed instead as abdication. Three words that seemed to shrug at the wreckage. And yet the phrase has endured, precisely because it captured something essential about the era: The hubris, the denial, the dangerous myth that this was a free bar and that the hangover belonged to no one in particular. We all partied, Lenihan said, as if a society (fed by its government) can binge without consequence, as if the music stopping were an act of God rather than the inevitable end of a badly-managed stag party. Twenty-five years on lets take 2001 as an imaginative starting point it is worth returning to that phrase, not to sneer at it, because sneering got us nowhere, but to dismantle it. To examine how we got there, what it looked like while it lasted, how it ended, and what, if anything, we learned. And crucially, to ask who was actually drinking, who was pouring, and who was left cleaning up when the lights came on. Construction cranes dominates the Cork skyline Ireland did not wander blindly into prosperity. The Celtic Tiger was not an accident, nor was it simply the product of luck or favourable winds. Its foundations were laid deliberately, patiently, by a generation of policy makers and economists who understood something deeply unfashionable at the time: That ideology is no substitute for strategy. By the late 1950s, Ireland faced a bleak reality. Chronic emigration hollowed out towns and parishes. Domestic industry was weak and protected. The tax base was narrow, and ambition smaller still. John Healys writing on emigration captured the psychic toll of that era the quiet despair of a country watching its young people leave, and the haunting refrain that no one shouted stop! on the cover of that book, with weeds growing up through an abandoned railway line haunted even then. It hits harder now. Healys polemic was published in 1968. The response was radical because it was pragmatic. If Ireland had no industry, then it would import it but it would do so intelligently. The IDA became the sharp end of that vision: Targeting foreign direct investment, selling political stability, education, access to Europe, and a young, adaptable workforce. This was not a get-rich-quick scheme. It was a long game. It was that rarest of things a vision. Former Tanaiste and finance minister Ray MacSharry. Figures such as Ray MacSharry mattered enormously in this period. MacSharry famously admitted that he did not understand economics but he understood expertise. He listened. He deferred. He helped stabilise public finances and restore international credibility at a moment when both were fragile. It was a politics rooted in humility, and it gave Ireland something precious: A fighting chance. By the late 1990s, the results were tangible. Multinationals arrived in force. Employment expanded. Wages rose. Education paid dividends. For the first time in modern Irish history, people stayed and many returned. The country stood at a crossroads. The opportunity was there to translate growth into permanence: To invest in infrastructure, housing, health, education, sport, and the arts; to build a society as well as an economy. The heavy lifting was done. What mattered next was how we chose to behave. By 2001, something subtle but profound had shifted. The discipline that brought prosperity gave way to the assumption that prosperity was permanent. Growth was no longer something to be managed; it was something to be celebrated. The expression of caution was a treasonous act. Caution became the killjoy, while regulation was recast as obstruction. Construction cranes dominates the Dublin Skyline in 2008. File picture: Eamonn Farrell/Photocall Ireland. This is where the phrase we all partied begins to take shape. Credit flowed freely, cheaply, and with astonishing confidence. Property prices climbed at a pace that should have set off alarms, but instead became a source of national pride. A boast at weddings. Suddenly everybody had a guy. A mortgage guy. A real-estate guy. A car guy. A tax guy none of whom looked old enough to rent a car themselves. Weekends away involved a short trip to New York to fill the bags. Checking on the place abroad became a common utterance. Banks competed to lend you money you hadnt asked for: 100% mortgages, interest-only loans, terms that assumed perpetual growth. Risk was not eliminated; it was simply ignored. Property became the national obsession. Teachers, gardai, taxi drivers were encouraged to see themselves not as workers but as investors. Entire property portfolios were assembled by people who were earning 42,000 a year. Apartments were bought off plans in places like Bulgaria developments that were never built, in countries buyers had never visited. The stories became folklore almost immediately. A friends brother bought a private jet. Flew it, by some accounts, fewer than 10 times before he could no longer afford the fuel. Helicopters filled the skies above Galway during race week like it was the fall of Saigon (in many ways it was). Champagne flowed at product launches, at GAA fundraisers, and parish socials. Meanwhile, many of us were still going to the bog, turning turf. This was the party. But it was not evenly attended, and certainly not supervised. Helicopters landing in Kinsale Plenty of powerful voices insisted the boom had no ceiling. Bank executives spoke earnestly about a new paradigm. Developers warned that any attempt to cool the market would strangle supply a claim now rendered grotesque by the scale of todays housing crisis. Politicians reassured voters that fundamentals were strong, that Ireland was different, that regulation would frighten investment away. There were dissenting voices, too. Economists who warned of overheating. Analysts who pointed to unsustainable price-to-income ratios. When the music stops, property prices will fall by 40 to 50%, economist Morgan Kelly told the Irish Times as early as 2006. At the time, Kelly was ridiculed by politicians, developers, and sections of the media. He was described as alarmist, irresponsible, even unpatriotic. His warnings were treated not as analysis but as provocation. Within three years, his forecast looked conservative. Even the Irish Congress of Trade Unions urged restraint, arguing that rising house prices were not a substitute for social housing policy. Conveniently, their posture was caricatured as anti-growth. Sitting on the sidelines, cribbing and moaning, is a lost opportunity. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern lectured reporters in 2007. I dont know how people who engage in that dont commit suicide because frankly the only thing that motivates me is being able to actively change something. Suicide. Knowing what we know now, and what the few Ahern was berating were trying to tell us, his cruel indifference sits as a totem of political arrogance. And this is where we all partied collapses as a throwaway explanation. Bertie Ahern pictured in amongst the punters at the Galway Races. Governments should never be guests at the party, never mind the hosts. They are the chaperones. Their role is not to drink the punch, but to make sure the floor doesnt give way. The purpose of regulation is not to dampen joy, but to prevent catastrophe. A state exists to protect the fundamentals of a democracy, not to shrug when the music stops and discover there is no food in the fridge for the kids the following morning. We know how it ended. The crash was not a hangover; it was complete organ failure. Banks collapsed. A property market inflated by fantasy imploded into negative equity. The State stepped in, socialising losses on a scale few had imagined possible. Austerity followed not as an abstract concept, but as lived reality. Emigration returned and services were cut. Trust was eroded. The pillars that should have been built in the late 1990s were non-existent so our doctors followed our nurses on the first plane to anywhere else. As we lurched toward the housing crisis we now find ourselves in, ghost estates and dereliction took hold like Japanese knotweed. And this is why the phrase still rankles. Because if we all partied, why was the bill not shared evenly? Why did the costs land so heavily on those who never owned a second property, never speculated, never set foot in a helicopter? None of the people sleeping rough in Cork last night were flying to the Galway Races in 2006, their bellies full of oysters and Dom Perignon Reserve. None of the families trapped on housing lists benefited from tax breaks on speculative developments. We all partied becomes, in this context, not a confession, but an evasion. Former Taoiseach Bertine Ahern having a lugh with former EU commissioner Ray MacSharry at the Galway Races. Picture Ray Ryan The lesson was supposed to be structural. Regulation matters. Housing is a social good before it is an asset class. Infrastructure cannot be retrofitted after the fact. Growth without governance is not success; it is delay. And yet, here we are. Twenty-five years on and homelessness is at record levels. Housing supply throttled by speculation and inertia. Health waiting lists stretching patience and credibility. A generation locked out of ownership, told again that fundamentals are strong, that relief is coming, that this time will be different. The Celtic Tiger still haunts us not because of its success, but because of how casually we squandered the chance it gave us. We came close to being a mature, confident economy that converted growth into resilience. The early vision the IDAs patience, MacSharrys humility, the long view showed what was possible. What we chose instead was speed. The get high, quick option. Property over people. Short-term gain over long-term care. In 1958, when Ireland was poor, emigration-ravaged, and uncertain of its future, TK Whitaker wrote something that should still stop us short: Economic expansion is not an end in itself but a means to an end. It was not a flourish. It was a warning. Growth, Whitaker understood, is only valuable if it leaves behind something solid institutions, security, opportunity rather than just the memory of momentum. By 2001, Ireland had arrived at the destination Whitaker had imagined. The country was confident, outward-looking, prosperous. We had done the hard part. What followed was not inevitability, but choice. We chose speed over stewardship, property over planning. We chose to believe that prosperity, once achieved, could be taken for granted. Former finance minister Brian Lenihan. File picture We all partied, Brian Lenihan would later say, trying to explain the wreckage. But Whitaker had already explained it, half a century earlier. Expansion without purpose hollows itself out. Short-term remedies become long-term problems. The absence of planning does not mean the absence of consequences it merely delays them. Those consequences are no longer theoretical. They are visible in todays housing crisis, in record homelessness, in hospitals stretched beyond dignity, in a generation once again asking whether Ireland can work for them. None of this is accidental. It is the residue of decisions taken when money was abundant and restraint unfashionable. The bitter irony is that the Ireland of 1958, with far less wealth and far fewer options, showed greater seriousness about the future than the Ireland of the boom. Whitakers generation did not mistake growth for success. They understood that the job of government is not to enjoy the good times, but to prepare for the bad ones and to make sure that prosperity, when it comes, is shared, protected, and enduring. The Celtic Tiger did not fail because we dreamed too big. It failed because we stopped planning. Because we forgot that growth is a tool, not a trophy. Because when the music was loudest, we lost the discipline that got us there in the first place. Twenty-five years on, the question is no longer whether we partied. It is whether we remember what Whitaker knew instinctively: That the real test of an economy is not how fast it grows, but what remains when the party ends. Russia has attacked Kyiv with missiles and drones, wounding at least 11 people, a day before key talks between Ukraine and the US. Explosions boomed across the Ukrainian capital for hours early on Saturday as ballistic missiles and drones hit the city, continuing as day broke. The attack came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to meet US President Donald Trump on Sunday for further talks in an effort to end the nearly four-year-old war. Mr Zelensky has said they plan to discuss issues including security guarantees and territorial matters in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. Two children were among those injured in the attack, which local officials said affected seven locations across the city of Kyiv. A fire broke out in an 18-storey residential building in Dnipro district and emergency crews rushed to the scene to contain the flames. A 24-storey residential building in Darnytsia district was also hit, local officials said, and more fires broke out in the Obolonskyi and Holosiivsky districts. In the wider Kyiv region, the strikes hit industrial and residential buildings, according to Ukraines Emergency Service. In the Vyshhorod area, emergency crews rescued one person found under the rubble of a destroyed house. It came hours after Mr Zelensky said he will meet Mr Trump in Florida over the weekend. He told journalists the 20-point plan under discussion is about 90% ready. 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 An economic agreement will also be discussed, he said, but he was unable to confirm whether anything will be finalised by the end. 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. The announced meeting is the latest development in an extensive US-led diplomatic push to end the war, but efforts have run into sharply conflicting demands by Moscow and Kyiv. Photo: Unsplash Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed two decrees implementing the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC). The first decision, as reported by the Presidents Office, concerns the synchronization of sanctions with the United Kingdom. Restrictions have been imposed on eight individuals and 40 entities, including citizens of Russia, Azerbaijan, Singapore, and New Zealand, who are involved in the forced deportation and re-education of Ukrainian children, as well as the supply of electronics and dual-use components to Russia used to manufacture missiles and drones used by Russia to strike Ukrainian cities and communities. The list of legal entities includes companies from Russia, Hong Kong, the UAE, Thailand, Turkey, India, and Singapore, which, among other things, help Russia evade international sanctions and supply industrial machine tools, aircraft equipment, components for shaheds, computer chips, and other microelectronics for the Russian military-industrial complex. Some companies are also involved in the Russian energy sector, importing Russian oil, and supporting the operation of the shadow fleet. In general, Ukraine has synchronized 14 sanction packages from its partners this year, including two from the USA and UK, eight from the European Union, and one each from Canada and Japan. The second decision expresses support for the proposals made by the Cabinet of Ministers, the introduction of sanctions in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the decision and regulation of the Council of the European Union on the situation in South Sudan. Eight individuals, belonging to South Sudan's military leadership, were sanctioned. They are implicated not only in the ongoing fighting and obstruction of peace talks, but also in acts of violence, particularly against women and children, including murder, torture, rape, abductions, and attacks on hospitals, schools, and churches. Among them are the Commander of the Defense Forces, the Head of the Presidential Guard, and the Chief of the General Staff. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The Trump administrations strike on Sokoto State in the far northwest of Nigeria had no legal basis in U.S. law. The United States is not at war with Nigeria, and Congress hasnt authorized any such actions, as is required by Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the US Constitution and the 1973 War Powers Resolution. Ironically, the strike was fully supported by the Muslim president of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and coordinated with the federal military. Nigerias Daily Post is more positive about the operation than most US newspapers. It says that US naval vessels in the Gulf of Guinea launched 16 guided MQ-9 Reaper missiles at two major Islamic State ISIS terrorist enclaves located within the Bauni Forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State. So Trumps attempt to configure the action as a Christian strike in defense of Christians (for his Evangelical base) is a stretch. He seems actually to have worked hand in glove with Tinibu and the Nigerian Muslim elite to hit a mutual problem. Although parts of Nigeria, especially the northeast, are poor and conflict-ridden, there is no evidence that Christians suffer worse from this violence than Muslims people from both communities have been kidnapped, brutalized, and killed by forces such as Boko Haram. The increasing dryness in the Sahel region because of human-driven climate breakdown is at the root of some of the accelerated competition for resources that produces this violence. The group that was struck at only actually has tenuous links to ISIL, the so-called Islamic State group. It is likely Lakurawa , who are part of a northwestern Nigerian Pied Piper of Hamlet story. Ill explain below. It is not clear whether some missiles went astray or what, but it wasnt only the Bauni Forest area that received fire. Some rockets landed in the fields of farmers outside the town of Jabo, which confused them no end since they dont have a history of ISIL presence, according to interviews done by Nimi Princewell at CNN. Help us reach our goal only one week left. $150 donation gets a signed copy of Juan Coles Gaza Yet Stands. 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) In any case, you cant actually fight a pastoral group like the Lakurawa by raining missiles down on them. They will run away from a conventional army ground attack, but you cant reliably hit them from the air. The US in the late 1990s used to try things like that against al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, which was so little effective that al-Qaeda went on to stage the 9/11 attacks. If you see someone bombing guerrilla groups, you should understand that it is just for show, not for military victory. Sokoto is savannah, and has marginal land that can be used to pasture livestock, because occasional rains cause pasturage to pop up even though there isnt enough rain in those areas to farm consistently. Pastoralists wander around with their cattle, sheep and goats in search of that pasturage, and they dont pay any attention to national borders, Lakurawa was founded in 2010 by herdsmen from Mali and Niger who wandered into Nigerias Sokoto State, which is dominated by Hausa Muslims with a minority of Fulani. Pastoralists carry rifles and can hunt wild game from horseback, so they are a natural cavalry. Settled farmers in Sokoto are occasionally raided by pastoralists or nomads. They also trade with each other, since farmers need dairy and meat products and pastoralists need grain. But sometimes the armed pastoralists decide to raid rather than trade. Some farming groups in 2017 hired the Lakurawa to fight off other pastoralists for them, which they did. But as in the tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, if you bring in someone to get rid of the rats, you had better pay them well, because otherwise they will come back for your children. 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. The Lakurawa, having chased off other pastoralists, saw an opportunity to dominate an area of Sokoto, taxing the farmers and regimenting them with what they represented as shariah law. Despite the fetish among the American Right about shariah, it just means the practice of Muslim law, which has many interpretations. It is akin to Jewish halakha or Roman Catholic canon law (though far less institutionalized). It forbids murder, theft, adultery, etc. There is a rigid and authoritarian version favored until recently in Saudi Arabia, but there are also more flexible approaches like that of the Hanafis (who in Turkey permit beer drinking). The Lakurawa adopted a Salafi, Saudi-inspired approach, much harsher than what the Muslim farmers of Sokoto were used to. So then in 2022 the farmers called in the Nigerian army to get rid of Lakurawa, who were chased back over the border into Niger. In 2024 some of them began trickling back in, apparently to that Bauni Forest area, and terrorizing the farmers again. Sokoto is 90% Muslim and 10% Christian. Lakurawa and other pastoralists have bothered farmers of both religions, but Ted Cruz only cares when he gets a report about a Christian village being raided. Characterizing the Lakurawa as ISIL is probably a stretch, but ISIL is after all just a franchise, so maybe some fighters have advertised themselves that way to seem like big men locally. Government House, Sokoto. Public Domain. Wikimedia Commons. Sokoto was the site of the modern Sokoto Caliphate in the nineteenth century, which was gradually subordinated to the British Empire. Nigeria, a former British colony, is about 56% Muslim and 43% Christian according to the Pew Research Center. Among adults, Christians may be a slight majority, but Muslims have larger families, so if you count the children, the Muslims form a solid majority. Less than 1% still practice traditional Nigerian religion, worshiping the gods and goddesses that still survive in Brazils Candomble hybrid of Catholicism and African spirituality. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed two decrees implementing the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC). The first decision, as reported by the Presidents Office, concerns the synchronization of sanctions with the United Kingdom. Restrictions have been imposed on eight individuals and 40 entities, including citizens of Russia, Azerbaijan, Singapore, and New Zealand, who are involved in the forced deportation and re-education of Ukrainian children, as well as the supply of electronics and dual-use components to Russia used to manufacture missiles and drones used by Russia to strike Ukrainian cities and communities. The list of legal entities includes companies from Russia, Hong Kong, the UAE, Thailand, Turkey, India, and Singapore, which, among other things, help Russia evade international sanctions and supply industrial machine tools, aircraft equipment, components for shaheds, computer chips, and other microelectronics for the Russian military-industrial complex. Some companies are also involved in the Russian energy sector, importing Russian oil, and supporting the operation of the shadow fleet. In general, Ukraine has synchronized 14 sanction packages from its partners this year, including two from the USA and UK, eight from the European Union, and one each from Canada and Japan. The second decision expresses support for the proposals made by the Cabinet of Ministers, the introduction of sanctions in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the decision and regulation of the Council of the European Union on the situation in South Sudan. Eight individuals, belonging to South Sudan's military leadership, were sanctioned. They are implicated not only in the ongoing fighting and obstruction of peace talks, but also in acts of violence, particularly against women and children, including murder, torture, rape, abductions, and attacks on hospitals, schools, and churches. Among them are the Commander of the Defense Forces, the Head of the Presidential Guard, and the Chief of the General Staff. Click here to donate via PayPal. Personal checks should be made out to Juan Cole and sent to me at: Juan ColeP. O. Box 4218,Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548USA(Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed) Venezuelans among the 252 rounded up in the United States in March and sent to a notorious Salvadoran prison demanded Friday the chance to challenge their designation as gang members before US courts. At a press conference in Caracas, representatives of the men said they wanted a chance to clear their names. The administration of President Donald Trump had expelled the men by invoking the Alien Enemies Act and claiming they were members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. They were detained and sent to El Salvador's so-called Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), where many claim they were tortured. The men were released four months later in a prisoner exchange deal with the United States, and returned to Venezuela. A federal court in Washington this week ordered the Trump administration to draw up a plan to "facilitate the return" of dozens of the men. A judge ruled they "should not have been removed in the manner that they were, with virtually no notice and no opportunity to contest the bases of their removal." The court ordered the US government to give the men a chance to contest their gang designations in legal proceedings. This could also be done in other countries, it ruled. The court gave the government two weeks to submit a proposal. In a statement read out on their behalf Friday, the migrants urged the US and Salvadoran governments to comply with the ruling. They said the court's decision "sets a crucial precedent for the protection of the rights of all migrants who leave their homes under hardship and vulnerability and who, for the most part, are humble, hard?working families." One of the men affected, 34-year-old Arturo Suarez, told AFP: "We want our names cleared and obviously for them to pay and try to make amends for what they did to us unjustly." Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele built the CECOT to house criminals in his own war on gangs. The Trump administration paid El Salvador $6 million to keep the Venezuelans behind bars in a move widely condemned by rights groups. Caracas is investigating alleged crimes against humanity. Volunteer Serhiy Sternenko, whose charitable foundation Sternenko Community is the largest non-governmental supplier of drones, proposes lifting the ban he says exists on the use of interceptor drones within and near major cities. "Most of the shaheds will be intercepted far from the cities. That's how it should be. But when they break through further, we shouldn't tie our own hands," he wrote on the social network X on Saturday after another massive enemy attack on Kyiv. According to Sternenko, the ban is due to the fact that "it's supposedly dangerous for an interceptor to fly over the city because it carries 0.5 kg of explosives." He believes these risks are comparable to those posed by machine guns, anti-aircraft mounts, and air defense missile systems. "Moreover, in most cases, when a Shahed is intercepted by a drone, its warhead detonates in the air, which is significantly safer for people than when a Shahed is shot down with a machine gun," the volunteer believes. According to a report by the Sternenko Community Charitable Foundation, in November it raised the largest amount of funds of any military foundationover UAH 330 millionand purchased 8,430 FPV drones for UAH 329.23 million, including 1,570 interceptor drones for UAH 136.82 million. A total of 243,180 drones had been purchased as of November 30. According to the foundation, at least 302 Shaheds were shot down by drones supplied by it in November, including the first recorded downing of jet-powered Shaheds. Friday, December 26, 2025 - Six suspects have been apprehended by Law Enforcement Officers in connection with a highway robbery in Mbumbuni, in Mbooni East Sub-County. The case is based on a report by a complainant who was travelling from Mbumbuni to Muuani on board a Probox. On reaching Sofia Shopping Centre in Muuani, they were ambushed by a group of people, some on a motorcycle while others lurked by the roadside. The gang hit the front windscreen using a shaving machine while displaying a toy gun, causing the driver to pull over. They were attacked and sustained head injuries before being robbed of their cash and other valuables. In a swift response, police officers from Mbumbuni Police Station launched a manhunt that eventually resulted in the arrest of Richard Muthoka, Mwenda Mutuku, Alex Musembi, James Musembi, Kevin Kioko, and Dennis Mambo. A search along a footpath leading to the house of two of the suspects led to the recovery of a handbag of the complainant. Also recovered was a toy pistol from one of the suspects, Mwenda Mutuku. The suspects are now in custody undergoing processing pending arraignment. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, December 26, 2025 - A Kenyan woman identified as Cate has shared an emotional account of the heartbreak, stigma and loneliness she endured after the tragic death of her husband, just five days before he was due to return home from Canada. In a moving Facebook post reflecting on the painful anniversary, Cate recalled how she had taken her husband to the airport with hope and excitement, believing they would soon reunite as a family and welcome their unborn child. A day like today five years ago, I took you to the airport to go back to Canada with hopes that you would come back to us and our unborn child, she wrote. However, what was meant to be a temporary separation turned into a devastating life-changing moment. As her husband prepared to travel back the following year, he passed away unexpectedly, only days before his scheduled journey home. Cates pain deepened when grief was replaced by suspicion and judgment from people she trusted. Instead of receiving comfort and support, she says she was accused of being responsible for his death. Only five days to coming home, you went to be with the Lord. It has never been easy, my love. Some said I killed you some said I could not keep a husband some sympathized with me, others became enemies, she recounted. Left to mourn both her husband and their unborn child, Cate says the period that followed was one of isolation and emotional torment. Christmas, once a season of joy, became a painful reminder of loss. Life became lonely. I lost you and our baby. Christmas became one with sad memories, she wrote. Despite the cruel accusations and heartbreak, Cate says she found strength in faith, believing that God carried her through the darkest moments of her life. She ended her tribute with a heartfelt message of enduring love: Keep looking at us from heaven. You are still loved, Peter. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, December 26, 2025 - Kapseret MP, Oscar Sudi, has touched many hearts this festive season after fulfilling a promise he made ten months ago. The legislator handed over a fully furnished threebedroom house to Peninah Manyara, fondly known as Mama Mungai, the mother of his late staff member. Sudi explained that the gesture was born out of compassion after witnessing her grief earlier this year. Mama Mungais son, a skilled IT professional working in one of Sudis Eldoret businesses, passed away in February, leaving his mother devastated and the family without its breadwinner. I saw the pain of a mother losing her breadwinner, and it touched my soul. I promised during the burial to buy her land and build a house for her and her children, Sudi said. On Friday, December 26th, he delivered on that promise, gifting her a new home in Lemook, Kapseret. Ten months down the line, today I delivered on my promise. Shell be moving from Langas to Lemook, where Ill now call her my neighbour, he added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, December 26, 2025 - Nairobi Woman Representative, Esther Passaris, has delivered a powerful clapback to online critics who told her to go back to India. In a TikTok post shared on Friday, December 26th, 2025, Passaris firmly rejected the xenophobic remarks, making it clear that she belongs in Kenya and will not be intimidated. Passaris explained that while she is Greek by heritage and Kenyan by citizenship, her identity is not defined by where her relatives live. Well, Im Greek, not Indian. The fact that my sister lives in India doesnt make me Indian But even if I were Indian, it would be fine. We are all from one original beginning, she said, stressing that humanity transcends race and nationality. Passaris revealed that such attacks often resurface whenever she shares personal family moments online. This Christmas, her sister travelled from India to Kenya to reunite with their mother after several years - a joyful occasion that critics twisted into fuel for hate. Passaris lamented that the negativity distracts from the true meaning of the festive season. Such comments are irrelevant, she noted, urging Kenyans to focus instead on gratitude, family, and compassion. She used the moment to highlight road safety, warning against reckless driving, overspeeding, and drunk driving during the holidays. Drive carefully and arrive alive, she appealed, reminding Kenyans that safety is everyones responsibility. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, December 26, 2025 - Interior Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, has unveiled details of the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway - sparking a heated debate among motorists. The 175-kilometre toll road will cost drivers Ksh1,400 for the full journey, with charges set at Ksh 8 per kilometre for small cars, while trucks and buses will be evaluated differently. When the road is complete, it will be tolled at Ksh 8 per kilometre, about Ksh1,400 for the full journey. But Kenyans will also have improved alternative routes, because choice matters. Safety matters. Fairness matters, states Omollo. Omollo emphasized that the project is more than just a toll road, calling it a symbol of progress. By the end of 2027, the NairobiNakuru journey will no longer feel like a test of patience but a sign of real progress, a Kenya moving forward for its people, he said. The highways design is ambitious: a four-lane dual carriageway from Rironi to Naivasha, expanding to six lanes from Naivasha to Nakuru to ease heavy traffic. From Naivasha to Nakuru, where the trucks and buses pack the road from morning to night, it expands to six lanes to keep everyone moving, PS Omollo asserted. In Nakuru City, the road will be elevated to bypass congestion, before continuing as a spacious four-lane highway to Mau Summit. Beyond Nakuru, the road becomes a spacious four-lane highway all the way to Mau Summit, opening up travel to Western Kenya like never before, PS Omollo stated. It means shorter trips for traders, faster access to hospitals, more reliable supply chains for farmers, and smoother trips for students travelling to and from school. However, the toll charges have stirred uproar among motorists. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, December 26, 2025 - A group of Kenyan ladies working in Saudi Arabia has been arrested after police raided an apartment where they were engaging in illegal activities. According to reports, the women had initially travelled to the Gulf nation for domestic jobs. However, they were later lured and recruited into the dirty business. Police, acting on intelligence, conducted a swoop on the apartment where the suspected activities were taking place, catching them by surprise. The ladies were taken into custody and are expected to be processed for deportation. Watch the video>>> Walikua Wanauza Tususu Saudi Arabia pic.twitter.com/8qFvmMYIo5 DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) December 27, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST US President Donald Trump plans to speak with Vladimir Putin soon, Politico reports. In an interview, the American president said he hopes to talk with Putin soon, as much as I want. I think its going to go good with [Vladimir] Putin, Trump said in an interview. The publication also notes that Trump has been reluctant to embrace Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's peace plan and is in no hurry to support the Ukrainian leader's proposal. He doesnt have anything until I approve it. So well see what hes got, Trump said. Specifically, the publication writes, Trump has effectively appointed himself the final "arbiter" of any peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. He also made rather odd comments regarding the 20-point plan that Zelenskyy will bring. Zelenskyy is expected to meet with Trump in Florida on Sunday and told reporters he will bring with him a new 20-point peace agreement plan. The framework includes a proposed demilitarized zone, and the meeting is expected to focus on US security guarantees. A MAN who allegedly ran an international prostitution ring from an address in Kildare town was sent forward to appear before Naas Circuit Court on 13 January for alleged offences where he could face up to 29 years on jail if found guilty. Marius Frunza (44), with an address at OConnell Street, Tipperary town appeared in Naas District Court last week (18 December) from custody where he has been since his arrest only nine days previously. Mr Frunza is charged with the keeping, assisting, and managing a brothel at Cleamore Terrace, Kildare town; controlling and directing prostitutes contrary to S9 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences Act); and money laundering 68,000 of the proceeds. Mr Frunza was in court to receive his book of evidence, but Judge Desmond Zaidan who had remanded him in custody from Athy last week commented: There is CCTV of these women coming in through Dublin Airport having allegedly served in Ireland and Europe on a roster. The enterprise allegedly went under the name of Escort Ireland. The judge added: He was remanded in custody because the gardai believe him to be a flight risk. This is the first time in my 20 years as a judge in which I was shown x-rated evidence, but there were different images used to promote this. Basically the pictures on the website were not the women involved. These were x-rated photographs staring back at me. He was first up (in court) on the 9 December, and today is the 18 December. That is very quick and efficient for just nine days between, arrest charge, and caution and the (presentation of) book of wvidence, he noted. First-Time Prosecution After reprising the four charges, the judge told the state that any videos out there must be furnished to the defence. This is the first time for a prosecution like this in Kildare, noted defending solicitor Tim Kennelly, laying the ground fora legal aid application for his client. Would you think Escort Ireland would be based in Kildare town? said Judge Zaidan. Its all very circumstantial, he was not caught in the act, the states case is all based on CCTV, said Mr Kennelly. The judge then turned to Sergeant Dave Hanrahan for the State to clarify the maximum sentences in each of the charges. Money laundering? Ten years? asked the judge. No, 14, clarified the sergeant, adding that the maximum for keeping a brothel was five years, and for organising prostitution it would be another 10 years. Stephen Maguire Two men who met in rehab have been fined after stealing a Christmas booze haul worth around 140 from Tesco in Co Donegal. The pair, who are from Belfast, appeared at Falcarragh District Court, charged with the thefts. Dean Clark and John Stokes pleaded guilty to the thefts which took place at Tesco in Letterkenny on December 16th last. The pair were charged that on December 16th, 2025, at Tesco, Letterkenny Shopping Centre, Letterkenny, they stole various alcohol bottles to the value of 141, which is the property of Tesco. The charges are contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that gardai received a call from Tesco saying that a number of bottles of alcohol had been stolen. Gardai viewed CCTV footage of two men stealing bottles of Buckfast, Bombay Sapphire gin, Jameson whiskey and Vodka to the value of 141. The men were later located a short distance away at the bus station and were drunk. The alcohol had been hidden behind a wall at the bus station. The items were recovered and were resalable. The court was told that both men have previous convictions in Northern Ireland but not in this jurisdiction. Solicitor for both men, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said both men had been drinking for two full days before they stole the alcohol from Tesco. He said Stokes, of Millrace, Belfast, was a separated man with three children who has a serious addiction to alcohol, having started drinking when he was just 12 years old. Mr Gallagher said there was no "masterplan" for stealing the alcohol and the men had only managed to get a short distance before being found with the booze. Clark, of Pottiger House, Belfast, Co Antrim, was a father of one who also has a serious addiction to alcohol. He met and became friends with Stokes while the pair were in rehab trying to get off booze, Mr Gallagher said. Mr Gallagher stressed that there was no aggravation to staff during the thefts. Judge Emile Daly said retail outlets were busy enough this time of year without having to deal with people shoplifting from their shelves. She noted there were no aggravating circumstances, the men were drunk and cooperative and had entered an early plea. Judge Daly fined both men 100 for the theft but also ordered them to compensate Tesco 150 to take ownership of their behaviour. She added that if there had not been an early plea, the court would have considered imposing a suspended sentence. Renowned actor Mikel Murfi presents his three one-man shows as a trilogy to create a unique theatrical event at the Watergate Theatre. The trilogy features The Man in the Womans Shoes, I Hear You and Rejoice, and The Mysterious Case of Kitsy Rainey all of which enjoyed both critical and popular acclaim at previous outings in Ireland, London and New York. The three shows follow the story of cobbler Pat Farnons journey in a most unexpected way - in a tender, heartfelt and joyously funny trilogy by one of Irelands most accomplished physical theatre performers. THE MAN IN THE WOMANS SHOES - 1pm A One Man Theatre Show Written and Directed by Mikel Murfi. Commissioned by the Hawks Well Theatre, Sligo and Sligo Arts Office as part of Bealtaine 2012, The Man In The Womans Shoes has toured extensively in Ireland since 2012. It has played in NYC at the Irish Arts Centre in Manhattan and The Tricycle Theatre, London. Just outside of town, cobbler Pat Farnon lives on his own, contentedly aging in the cottage in which he was reared. Join him as he walks the five miles into his metropolis populated with no-necked water diviners, sporting savants, loudmouths and preachers. I HEAR YOU AND REJOICE - 4pm Following the sellout success of The Man In The Womans Shoes, Mikel Murfi returns with a sequel one-man show. Late in his life, Pat Farnon, a cobbler and all-round contented man, embarks on a journey he had not quite planned and finds that every twist in the road can bring its own surprises. I Hear You And Rejoice is the second collaboration between Sligo County Council Arts Services, The Hawks Well Theatre, Sligo and Mikel Murfi. TAP HERE FOR MORE WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF KITSY RAINEY - 8PM The third in the series, takes us on a very unusual and otherworldly journey. Having married Kitsy Rainey late in life, cobbler Pat Farnon finally decides to lift the lid on a life previously lived by his wife. And all the while Pat faces down his own reckoning. Tender, heartfelt and joyously funny The Mysterious Case of Kitsy Rainey finishes out Pat Farnons journey in a most unexpected way. The Mikel Murfi trilogy will be staged at the Watergate Theatre on February 7. Tickets are 20 (two shows 35, three shows 50). A brave woman living in Kilkenny for the past 50 years is fighting for more to be done in all areas of the political to raise greater awareness and treatments for Lyme disease. Ann Maher has battled the horrific toll the cruel disease can have, battling severe side-effects over the past 29 years. Despite the immeasurable personal challenges she has faced since her health first began to decline in 1995, the Kilkenny resident has proven to be a continuing vocal champion for those inflicted with the condition. The little-known disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks and is usually easier to treat if its diagnosed early. Many people with Lyme disease can be treated by antibiotics by their GP but some may experience long-lasting, life debilitating effects. READ NEXT: Kilkenny woman with cruel disease meets TDs after years of being 'ignored' Most people with early symptoms of the disease develop a circular red skin rash around a tick bite, but that isnt universally the case and treatment can prove complex due to many unknowns in the medical profession. Born in Cullohill, County Laois in 1953, Ann moved to Kilkenny 21 years later to become a child care assistant in St Patricks Special School. After a number of months, she fell in love with the county and made the Marble City home, a place where she subsequently met her late husband Mick and laid down family roots. Unfortunately, life took a downward spiral in 1995, when Ann began to feel severely unwell. She jumped from one consultant to another, trying to find out what was causing her 'strange symptoms' but to no avail. Years of torrid side-effects followed, impacting Anns life immensely, with memory loss, stroke-like symptoms and extreme fatigue just some of the daily challenges that she had to overcome, with fear a constant as her husband working during the day left her in many cases, home alone and in fear of a medical emergency, a nightmare which was, unfortunately, credible with a number of hospital visits and bewildered doctors to follow. However, 2003 proved to be a year that offered a glimmer of hope and the beginning of a new chapter. After going to great lengths to research the disease, Ann became aware of a Lyme Literate in Switzerland and after weeks of communication via email and phone calls, the local woman was on the plane to Basel and a hospital in the city where she received the diagnosis she had suspected all along, Chronic Lyme disease. It was a diagnosis that brought some relief to the Maher family after years of turmoil. Now in 2025, Ann still stares Lyme disease square in the face personally and on behalf of other people. The Lyme disease advocate has devoted much of her life to shining a light on the day to day hurdles those with the disease face, both from the illness and the still relatively unfamiliar world that we live in. Currently, Ann works in co-ordination with her colleagues in Lymechat-Eire and Chronic Lyme Warriors England and Ireland. The latter wrote to the Royal family ahead of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, receiving replies from Prince Williams Office and King Charles offices last week. Closer to home, Ann has written to all county councillors asking for awareness signs to be erected, which might prevent someone else from a lifetime of Needless Chronic Lyme disease, Ann said. "Unfortunately, people dont take it seriously, I wrote my story last year and friends who knew I was unwell only really understood how unwell I was after they read it." "The reason I do this is we have two young patients up in Donegal in and out of hospital and they (the doctors) dont want to hear about Lyme disease and thats replicated around the country," she said. "Its not about me anymore, its about young kids to notify schools to let parents know that there is a risk and to check their kids after theyve been outside." FOR MORE KILKENNY COMMUNITY NEWS, CLICK HERE Poroshenko handed over five new excavators to the military for the construction of fortifications and container repair complexes Petro Poroshenko handed over five new excavators to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the construction of fortifications. In total, since the beginning of the invasion, the leader of Eurosolidarity has handed over 94 excavators to the front. "You may be surprised, but this is more than the entire Armed Forces of Ukraine have received from the state. And that is not normal. It should not be this way. Anyone who wants to question how important an excavator is on the front line today should take a sapper shovel and try to dig something at minus fifteen degrees. The old equipment is gone. Used machines often work for a few hours and then stop. That is why we only bought new ones, made in Ukraine, specially manufactured for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These excavators are not digging cottage towns along bypass roads. They work on the front line in artillery brigades, support forces, mechanised and airborne units," the European Solidarity website quotes Poroshenko as saying. He said that this time, the new construction equipment will strengthen the 71st Separate Jager Brigade, the 4th Separate Heavy Mechanised Brigade, the 49th Separate Demolition Brigade, the 159th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the Operational Combat Support Centre of the Ukrainian Navy. A separate area of work for the Poroshenko Foundation is to ensure the repair of equipment directly in the combat zone. "Previously, more than a hundred mobile repair workshops were transferred. When these opportunities were exhausted, the formation of container repair workshops began more equipped, efficient and autonomous. Today, five container repair workshops were handed over. In total, there are already twenty-eight such complexes. This is the equipment that every logistics chief, every repair company and every battalion on the front line dreams of," Poroshenko stated. The container workshops were received by the 43rd Separate Artillery Brigade, the Separate Special Operations Forces Centre, the 148th Separate Artillery Brigade of the Airborne Forces, the 1st Separate Heavy Mechanised Brigade and the 59th Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The cost of this batch of equipment exceeds UAH 29 million. All this aid was collected at the expense of the Poroshenko Foundation. Equipment is needed on the front line not after the holidays and not later. It is needed today. Therefore, this work has been ongoing, continues and will continue without interruption, the politician emphasised. CPC leadership meeting urges steadfast implementation of eight-point decision on improving conduct Xinhua) 09:11, December 27, 2025 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) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liu Ning) This is the latest attempt by Guatemalan scientists to make kids aware that the once-pristine lake is in danger of dying from the constant discharge of waste water, garbage and erosion In 1934, the famous British writer Aldous Huxley described Lake Atitlan, in the Guatemalan highlands, as too much of a good thing, alluding to its immeasurable beauty. In his travel book Beyond the Bay of Mexico, he compared it to Lake Como in Italy, which touches on the limit of permissibly picturesque, but Atitlan is Como with additional embellishments of several immense volcanoes, he wrote, namely San Pedro, Toliman, and Atitlan. More than 90 years later, Lake Atitlan faces a serious pollution problem: while on the surface the boats rock to the rhythm of a measured wave, deep below the water is impregnated by the discharge of waste from a dozen indigenous populations. Lake Atitlans main problem is cyanobacteria, which are highly toxic, and are nourished and spread by feces, says Fatima Reyes, the head of the research and quality department of AMSCLAE, the Authority for the Sustainable Management of the Lake Atitlan Basin and its Environment. According to Reyes, cyanobacteria are harmful to fish, ducks and birds while creating problems in the liver and nervous system in humans. Fatima Reyes teaches the module on emerging pollutants. Andres Suarez Jaramillo After battling for more than a decade with a variety of strategies to decontaminate Lake Atitlan, the authorities have opted to offer environmental education to the children in the area, resulting in a floating school a double-decker boat where kids around the age of 10 take a lake class once a month. We work with children to make them aware from an early age through experiments and research. The idea of the floating school is that they can share what they come to learn with their classmates at school and with their families, says Reyes. Water quality, the main focus of the floating school On a peaceful morning in the mountainous municipality of San Marcos La Laguna, around 60 fourth and fifth graders from the local school have descended from the mountains that surround the lake to the dock where a boat awaits them. One by one, they put on their life jackets and sign the attendance form with a fingerprint. On board, they are divided into groups with different learning modules. Fatima Reyes gives the children an introduction to the day. Andres Suarez Jaramillo One of the most interesting modules is the water quality and phytoplankton module, in which Ivan Coronado de Leon, an 11-year-old, appears particularly invested. When asked why it is important to learn about the environment, Ivan answers: Because that way we can take care of our lake, and continue to live from the water, because without water we cannot live. Lake Atitlan is a water reserve of great importance for Guatemala. According to the Global Water Partnership, the lake region has about 180,000 inhabitants, of which 91% are indigenous Mayans. Paying close attention, Ivan learns that much of the drinking water consumed by the Mayan Tzutujul and Kaqchikel populations is extracted from the lake, so it is a lot more than a scenic body of water. Ive learned about the bacteria that help our lake breathe and provide food for the fish... The floating school is very beautiful, I really like the lake, he says. What Ivan does not know is that two municipalities belonging to the lake basin, Santiago de Atitlan and San Lucas Toliman, get their drinking water supply exclusively from the lake. According to the authorities monitoring, the water is highly contaminated by fecal coliforms, bacteria that come in the feces of the wastewater. In recent years, children in these municipalities have suffered episodes of chronic diarrhea, which can be fatal in under five-year-olds. Ivan Coronado, 11 years old, in the water quality and phytoplankton module. Andres Suarez Jaramillo Fortunately, the municipality where Ivan lives, San Marcos La Laguna, obtains water from the rivers that wind through the mountain, ruling out the risk of ingesting cyanobacteria that in turn produce cyanotoxins microorganisms that can be deadly, and that the students were able to see through a microscope. Garbage and erosion: The other two sources of pollution On the second floor of the boat, the environmental education teacher, Pablo Alejandro Tello, queries students on aspects of the lakes daily pollution. Can someone tell me what organic waste is? he asks. An eggshell, responds one student; the skin of an avocado, replies another. What else? the teacher asks. In his module, Tello has buckets with a variety of organic waste to explain that another major source of pollution for the lake is garbage, but that there is a way to treat it. We teach them the composting process, in this case, how to compost from their homes. And we explained the importance of soils, the four types that we have in the basin, and did some experiments on how to avoid erosion. Soil erosion, a product of intensive agriculture, is another critical reason for the current pollution of the lake. To exemplify this, the teacher uses a watering can to pour water on a model of a sloping mountain with different types of soil. The most eroded part drags everything with it, while the more consolidated part, rich in vegetation, absorbs all the water. The childrens response has been very good, Tello says. They are pretty interested in the experiments, which is the most important thing. Giving them this experience on the boat, surrounded by mountains and forests, is giving them a chance at dynamic and experiential learning, so that they absorb the advice we give them and the basin improves environmentally. Lake Atitlan surrounded by the three volcanoes. Andres Suarez Jaramillo As noon approaches, the boat starts its engines and returns to the dock. In just one day, the children have learned that the spread of cyanobacteria in sewage, poor garbage management and soil erosion have reduced Lake Atitlan to a mesotrophic state, which means an intermediate state of contamination. And that, if there is not urgent action, that could slide into a eutrophic state, where oxygen is lost and aquatic life dies. It would result in a lake very different from the one known to their Mayan ancestors, and even to Aldous Huxley, when it was pristine. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition TIMES STAFF WRITER Sears, Roebuck & Co. rewarded its automotive repair personnel with prizes, trips and other awards for selling merchandise and services, part of an aggressive incentive program that led to alleged consumer rip-offs, Sears employees and the state Department of Consumer Affairs said Friday. While contests are common for sales of such goods as furniture or clothing, they do not appear to be widespread in the automotive repair business. Most mechanic shops, industry experts said, pay commissions alone. Encouraging employees to sell specific parts or services may lead to consumers paying for automotive repairs that they dont need, consumer advocates said. It sets up an an inherent conflict between the consumer and the employee, said Mark Foster of San Francisco-based Consumer Action. I dont see how you can have that kind of pressure on a product consumers cant judge, like car repairs. Advertisement Current and former Sears service workers said the company regularly conducted contests that pitted Southern California stores against each other in a race to sell springs or calipers, a brake system component. Winning employees received such prizes as tickets to California Angels games, while managers of top-selling departments were flown to the Indianapolis 500. The Consumer Affairs Department is seeking revocation of Sears license to perform auto repairs in California, charging that the nations second-largest retailer systematically charged consumers for unnecessary repairs. The state has blamed the overselling on the way Sears compensates its auto department employees. Within the last three years, according to the state, Sears has slashed the hourly wages of its mechanics and service advisers and begun paying commissions. At the same time, the state said, Sears set strict sales quotas for each employee. Advertisement Chico Johnson, an official with the United Auto Workers, which represents Sears automotive employees at its Westminster and Canoga Park stores, said employees received a 3% commission on sales up to $110,000, and 6% commission on sales above that figure. Is there any wonder why people want to sell as much as they can? he asked. Chester Swart, a 14-year veteran of the Sears Cerritos store, said he was recently instructed to sell $147 worth of parts and service per hour. Besides that, he said, he was told to meet a sales quota for front-end alignments, shocks and brakes. He said that the employees sales tallies are tracked weekly, and if employees fall 80% below a store average, they are subject to dismissal. Swart and other employees told of sales contests for springs and calipers. But within the last several months, employees were told to carefully measure a cars lift--the distance of the bumper from the ground--before selling springs. The directive came after the state told Sears of its investigation. Sears confirmed that such a directive was issued. They told us to tone it down, Swart said. Sears has consistently denied that it encouraged its employees to oversell and has maintained that its method of compensation is in line with industry practice. Company officials said that what the state calls quotas are really sales goals based on conservative projections of the workload for each store. On Friday, some employees defended Sears, which with 70 shops in California is the largest automotive repair operator in the state. We can tell you that we never ripped off any customer, said David Mendoza, manager of the Sears automotive department in Santa Monica. Im confident that Sears takes care of the customer better than anybody--Im 100% sure of that. Advertisement Indeed, compensation consultants said Friday that most car dealerships and franchised repair centers pay commissions to mechanics and service advisers. It is prevalent in the industry and is a good business incentive, said Harry Weisbrod, a Dallas-based consultant to the Automotive Service Assn. Weisbrod said mechanics who are paid commissions tend to work faster than those who are paid by the hour. But, he said, the system can get abused when you also have a quota and give away, lets say, a trip to Hawaii for the person who does the most brake jobs. He stressed that he had no personal knowledge of Sears compensation system. The charges against Sears come at a time when overall complaints about auto repairs are on the rise. The state Bureau of Auto Repair said it will have about 10,300 fraud-related complaints for fiscal 1991. That is up from 6,190 four years ago. The bureau, a unit of the state Department of Consumer Affairs, said the increase was because of better public awareness that the bureau exists, as well the recession, which is causing consumers to hold on to their old cars. In other developments Friday, the first of an anticipated flurry of class-action suits was filed against Sears. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in San Diego, alleges auto repair rip-offs as far back as 1985. Attorney Kevin McInerney, who filed the suit, declined to say why he believed that the problems have gone on for so long. A Sears spokesman said that company had not received a copy of the suit and had no comment. Advertisement Times staff writer Andrea Maier contributed to this story. Pope Leo XIV did not hold back during his first Christmas address on Thursday, making it clear where he stands on Donald Trump's immigration policies. Speaking from St Peter's Square, the pontiff urged people to show compassion for migrants desperately trying to reach America, even as the US president ramps up deportations and detention operations. The Chicago-born pope addressed roughly 26,000 worshippers gathered below the loggia, delivering what's known as the 'Urbi et Orbi' messageLatin for 'To the City and to the World'. Whilst Leo never actually said Trump's name out loud, everyone knew exactly what he was talking about. His remarks landed at a time when thousands of migrants are being rounded up across the United States, many of whom have lived there quietly for years. 'Enter Into the Suffering of Others' Leo's message was blunt. 'If he would truly enter into the suffering of others and stand in solidarity with the weak and the oppressed, then the world would change,' the pope said. It's worth noting that Leo himself is American - the first pope ever to come from the United States - which makes his criticism of US policy particularly striking. The pontiff went beyond just talking about America's southern border. He brought up the humanitarian disasters unfolding in Gaza and Yemen, drawing parallels between different kinds of suffering across the globe. 'In becoming man, Jesus took upon himself our fragility, identifying with each one of us... with those who are fleeing their homeland to seek a future elsewhere, like the many refugees and migrants who cross the Mediterranean or traverse the American continent,' Leo told the crowd. A Challenge to Detention Policies This is not the first time Leo has spoken out about Trump's immigration approach. Back in November, he called for 'deep reflection' on how America treats detained migrants. He pointed out something that often gets overlooked in political debates: 'Many people who have lived for years and years and years, never causing problems, have been deeply affected by what is going on right now.' But Leo went further than just criticising the roundups themselves. He argued that migrants in detention facilities deserve access to spiritual care, pushing ICE officials to let pastoral workers visit these centres. 'Many times, they've been separated from their families. No one knows what's happening, but their own spiritual needs should be attended to,' the pope said. He even invoked biblical scripture, reminding people of the question that supposedly gets asked 'at the end of the world': 'How did you receive the foreigner? Did you receive him and welcome him or not?' A Rebuke of Political 'Monologues' During his homily, Leo made another dig that seemed aimed squarely at political leaders who refuse to budge on their positions. 'There will be peace when our monologues are interrupted and, enriched by listening, we fall to our knees before the humanity of the other,' he said. That line hits differently when you consider how entrenched the immigration debate has become in America, with both sides often talking past each other rather than actually listening. Trump's administration has been aggressive about immigration enforcement since day one, carrying out what human rights groups describe as one of the harshest crackdowns in recent memory. The operations don't just target recent border crossers - they're sweeping up people who've been living and working in America for decades, often tearing apart families in the process. An American pope versus an American president The dynamic of an American Pope criticising a sitting American President is unprecedented. Vatican watchers say Leo's background gives him more credibility on the issue, as his understanding of US politics makes his comments harder for Washington to dismiss. His approach is also notably direct; rather than speaking in abstract theological terms, he is targeting specific policies and their human impact, representing a significant shift in how the Vatican engages with contemporary political issues. The Pope continues to attack President Trump on deportations. The Pope says deportations are tearing apart parishes, families, even clergy. Thousands of European churches have been burned down by Muslims in the past decade. The Pope never defends Catholics in Europe, he merely pic.twitter.com/LkRscyhE3x Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) December 26, 2025 Why the Pope's Words Matter Leo's Christmas message is not just spiritual guidance for Catholics. It could actually shape public opinion, especially in the United States where roughly 62 million people identify as Catholic. Many American Catholics find themselves caught between their church's teaching on immigration and their political leanings, and the pope's clear stance makes that tension harder to ignore. The broader point Leo seems to be making goes beyond US borders. By connecting migration across the American continent with the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean, and linking both to humanitarian disasters in Gaza and Yemen, he's framing migration as a fundamental moral issue that transcends politics. That framing challenges leaders everywhere to think about human dignity first and border security second - a priority flip that most governments, including Trump's, have firmly rejected. Originally published on IBTimes UK Venezuela's National Assembly, controlled by allies of Nicolas Maduro, approved legislation this week establishing prison sentences of up to 20 years for individuals who promote, support or finance acts described by the government as "piracy" or economic blockades against the country. The law was passed as the United States intensifies pressure on Caracas, including the interception and seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers in the Caribbean. The legislation, approved unanimously on Tuesday, is titled the Law for the Protection of the Freedoms of Navigation and Commerce Against Piracy, Blockades and Other Illicit International Acts. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez declared the law enacted at the conclusion of the debate, as local news site El Pitazo reports. Under Article 13, anyone who "promotes, instigates, solicits, invokes, favors, facilitates, supports, finances or participates" in acts of piracy or blockades targeting companies that conduct business with the Venezuelan state may face prison terms of 15 to 20 years. The law also authorizes fines tied to foreign exchange rates and allows for asset seizure under Venezuela's forfeiture statutes. Lawmakers said the measure is intended to protect Venezuela's commercial activity and economic sovereignty. Legislator Giuseppe Alessandrello said the law seeks to defend Venezuelans from what he described as "acts of depredation" by the United States, citing Washington's recent naval operations and the seizure of sanctioned oil shipments. The government argues the law is grounded in international frameworks such as the 1958 Geneva Convention on the High Seas and the United Nations Charter. The vote follows a series of U.S. actions aimed at restricting Venezuelan oil exports. President Donald Trump announced earlier this month that Washington would block sanctioned tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. U.S. authorities have since seized multiple vessels allegedly carrying sanctioned crude, including the Skipper tanker on Dec. 10, and have sought to intercept others as part of an expanded military deployment in the Caribbean. Venezuela's government has accused the United States of seeking regime change and control over its oil reserves. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, Venezuela's ambassador Samuel Moncada said the U.S. was acting "outside of international law," adding the "the threat is not Venezuela, the threat is the U.S. government." Russia and China criticized the U.S. actions, while Washington defended them as part of efforts to weaken what it calls Maduro's "illegitimate regime." The new law also comes amid heightened concern over Venezuela's internal human rights situation. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned last week that conditions in the country had deteriorated in recent months, citing increased repression, arbitrary detentions and restrictions on fundamental freedoms. Turk also cautioned that escalating external pressure risked leaving civilians "caught in the crossfire," urging all parties to prioritize the protection of ordinary Venezuelans. Originally published on Latin Times Editors Note: An earlier version of this story included an error that has since been corrected. The towns reorganization meeting and swearing in ceremony is scheduled at noon on Jan. 1. inside the community room at 535 Fisher Ave. Phillipsburg town meetings will return to the EnVision Center at 535 Fisher Ave. in the new year. The Phillipsburg EnVision Center is a hub at the town housing authority offices, 535 Fisher Ave. There, visitors can get information from a number of groups already familiar in the area, like NORWESCAP or Community Prevention Resources of Warren County. Council Vice President Lee Clark said the move aims to improve accessibility for residents who may struggle to attend meetings at the senior center, where they have been held recently. We each have our reasons for choosing to move the meeting back to Fisher Avenue, Clark said. The facility represents the first such center in New Jersey and is among only a few dozen nationwide. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development develops EnVision Centers to consolidate local and federal resources under one roof, helping people find jobs, pursue education, improve health and develop leadership skills. Phillipsburg previously held meetings at the EnVision Center after vacating the municipal building on Corliss Avenue due to mold and asbestos concerns. The building has remained empty since officials discovered mold in parts of the structure in January 2017. The town is now considering a proposal from developer Johnson Controls to renovate and privately manage the vacant municipal building. The date and time for town meetings may change, according to the town attorney. Residents can learn more at the reorganization meeting and swearing in ceremony scheduled at noon on Jan. 1. inside the community room at 535 Fisher Avenue. Lorenzo sells Mounjaro, a potent weight-loss pharmaceutical, on the black market. Hes been at it for two years from his home in the European microstate of Andorra, selling the product to clients from nearby Spain with neither prescription nor medical supervision. I began to do this because of my sister, who had a weight problem. Then I sought it out for myself, because Im an athlete, he says in a conversation via Telegram with a potential client. He tells his story via audio messages in which you can hear his phone beeping endlessly; notifications from customers interested in acquiring the pharmaceutical. According to the black-market vendor, hes not doing anything illegal: We make tax-free sales that are cheaper than market price. We are selling health, Lorenzo (not his real name) says. He charges 175 ($204) for two milligrams of Mounjaro, plus an additional 14 ($16.30) to send via courier to Madrid. We are professionals. I am a nutritionist and physical trainer. We only accept payment through Revolut [a financial app] so that everything is registered, he says. Weve been doing this for two years very successfully. A lot of people arent buying it just for the price. The product they sell in pharmacies requires refrigeration, and ours doesnt, though once you blend it, it should be kept in the refrigerator, he says. Hes talking about freeze-dried powdered presentations of the drug, a form of medication that is not approved in Spain, explains Cristobal Morales, an endocrinologist from Sevilles Hospital Vithas. This means were not sure of the components that it may contain, nor the conditions under which it was prepared. Mounjaro and Ozempic are part of a new generation of pharmaceuticals that are revolutionizing the treatment of obesity; medicines imitating the hormones that naturally generate the feeling of fullness in the body, which can translate into the loss of 15% to 25% of ones weight, according to the treatment. In Spain, these drugs can only be acquired with a medical prescription; the public health system only includes Ozempic, and only for the treatment of diabetes. Diego Bellido, president of the Spanish Society for the Study of Obesity (SEEDO), has witnessed the migratory flow of Mounjaro with his own eyes. I have seen how entire buses full of people go from Cadiz to Gibraltar [a British overseas territory at the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula] in order to buy the pharmaceutical without a prescription in the pharmacies there. A few months ago, they were selling it at half its price in Spain, says Bellido, who has spoken out against this black market, and says that hes never seen anything like it related to another medication. Right now, Ozempic and its family of drugs could well be the most sought-after products in the world. The reason for this is simple: excess body fat now affects half of the adult population in countries like Spain. Additionally, according to data from the International Diabetes Federation, one in every seven adults in the country suffer from the disease. Add to this the people who dont need the drugs, but who, through pressure from social media, believe that the magical medicines used by Hollywood stars will finally change their life. Who doesnt want to drop an inch from their waistline in a couple weeks?, asks Lorenzo, intent on making his sale. His fellow Ozempic narcos, as they are known by medical associations, come and go. This publication has confirmed that there are people in Colombia who travel to Spain to buy the product and resell it back home in Medellin, U.S. citizens who also come to Spain to buy it, as well as Spaniards who go to Andorra and Gibraltar to acquire the pharmaceuticals at a better price. Its all a matter of supply and demand. Prescriptions, doctors who require them or any other non-negotiables take a back seat when it comes to getting a better price for a supposedly easy path to slimming down. Just search any social media platform for Mounjaro sales Spain or Ozempic and a list will appear of groups selling the medication. A Colombian woman sells Mounjaro via WhatsApp to her clients in Medellin for $618 per 10-milligram dose. She acquires her supply by traveling to Madrid, Spain every month, where she buys it cheap to later resell. Rest assured that all this is very easy to use. Ill send a couple of TikTok videos to explain everything, and were ready to go, she says. The same woman explains that information is shared in these groups as to how to trick customs and go undetected. To do so, the product is divided between smaller packages that dont arrive directly to Spain, but rather, go through other countries with less restrictive border control and are then driven into the country. For the moment, the biggest shipment registered by the National Patients Association for Obesity Treatment (ANATO) was valued at $3,500. Trafficking of these drugs is becoming a public health problem. Three months ago, ANATO alerted the National Police and the Spanish Agency of Medications and Health Products (AEMPS) of several alleged scams related to the supply of the drugs that affected more than 200 people in total. On another occasion, the European Medicines Agency and the Heads of Medicines Agencies, of which AEMPS is part, have warned of an alarming increase in the amount of illegal drugs marketed as GLP-1 receptor agonists. According to their statement, These products, often sold via fraudulent websites and promoted on social media, are not authorized and do not meet necessary standards of quality, safety and efficacy, as this publication has independently confirmed. EL PAIS contacted a dozen vendors of the medication through social media. All have the same working method. Julio, for example, says he runs a pharmacy in Colombia and ships Ozempic internationally. Dont worry about the prescription, we have one here belonging to another patient that well give you, says the seller, who promises the shipment will arrive in a week at Madrids Barajas airport. No-prescription risks Teresa Millan, director of corporate affairs at Lilly (the pharmaceutical company that develops and manufactures Mounjaro) in Spain, explains that the drug should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare professional, and that it must be dispensed at a pharmacy. Any other way of accessing tirzepatide (Mounjaro), offered without a prescription or purchased on social media, is illegal and either counterfeit or being resold. In both cases, patients are put at risk. Millan, who is part of EMAs campaign to raise awareness about the risk of these drugs black-market sales, offers the reminder that unregulated pharmaceuticals, which include falsified versions and those acquired on the black market, may lack the advertised principal active ingredient, or any active principal ingredient at all. They can also contain incorrect doses, various mixed ingredients or even contaminated substances, bacteria and adulterants. No one should sell medication that does not have the guarantee of having been researched and tested, and no one should introduce such products into their body. Morales has more than two decades of experience in the treatment of obesity, and has never seen anything like this. We are in the era of influencers and TikTok, he summarizes. Medications that previously were only circulated by specialists are now on social media, where illegal copies proliferate, as well as falsified versions and anonymous vendors who promise fast results with no medical oversight. According to Morales, this explosive popularity which is fed by the algorithm has pushed thousands of people to buy Ozempic or Mounjaro outside of the healthcare system. The problem is not just use without a prescription. Many times, we dont even know what these copies have in them, he warns. The price of these pharmaceuticals varies widely between countries. According to experts, this is the primary reason for the surge in trafficking. For example, in Spain, with a prescription from the public health system, Ozempic costs just $4.66. But on the regular market, according to the countrys Health Ministry, its cost to the public is around $150. Last month, the U.S. government announced a new phase in its plan to Make America Healthy Again, a deal with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly companies that manufacture GLP-1 receptor agonists to lower the price of Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. They will be available via Medicare and Medicaid for $274 per month (according to Novo Nordisk, after having originally been announced by the federal government at $245 per month), and apparently available to Medicare beneficiaries for $50 per month for the treatment of diabetes and other diseases, but not weight loss. You have to be very careful Andrea Ciudin, an endocrinologist at Vall dHebron Hospital, is an expert in the treatment of obesity and new drugs, and she does not balk at warning of the risks of taking these medications. Not having a prescription or medical supervision can cause many health problems, she says. Cuidin has seen cases of people who gradually increase their own dose, based only on reading the package insert. That cant be. These are hormones, and you have to be very careful. This doesnt happen with any other medication in the world. But because obesity is seen as a moral or aesthetic issue which it is not it is trivialized. It is a chronic disease. The specialist sees patients who have gone to Gibraltar to buy higher doses and have would up getting sick. In theory, it is legal if you have a prescription, but if you dont, you shouldnt be able to get it. Also, its important to control the prescription by registration number, but no one does that. There is still no regulation, says Cuidin. Her conclusion is that all this is based on taking advantage of the desperation of many people who have spent their whole lives trying to lose weight or, worse still, people who do not need to and are driven to do so by the aesthetics of perfect bodies promoted by social media. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Saturday for the Lehigh Valley and Pocono regions, with lingering icy conditions creating potential travel hazards on untreated surfaces. Temperatures remain cold, with areas north and west of Interstate 95 experiencing mid to upper 20s. The National Weather Service warns that untreated roads, sidewalks, and driveways will likely be slick, particularly in the Philadelphia metro area northward. Patchy drizzle and freezing drizzle continue to create hazardous conditions, though precipitation largely diminished in the region shortly after sunrise. Temperatures will slowly rise throughout the day, with most areas expected to climb above freezing by afternoon. Winds will be gusty, particularly along coastal interfaces, with northeast winds around 10 to 15 mph and potential gusts up to 20 mph. The day is forecast to be seasonably cold with gradually improving visibility and lifting cloud cover. Looking ahead, a significant warm-up is expected Sunday into Monday, with temperatures potentially reaching the 50s and lower 60s. A strong cold front will move through the region Monday, bringing potential rain showers and gusty winds with speeds potentially reaching 40 to 50 mph. The extended forecast suggests a potential for light snow or snow squalls by Tuesday, primarily in the southern Pocono regions, though current forecasts indicate limited moisture and uncertainty about precipitation. A Laois woman's photo features in one of Ireland's most popular calendars after being selected from many entries for inclusion in the 2026 edition. 'Did I tell you the one about' is the composition by Velma Mercer of some pigs on her neighbour's farm between Portarlington and Mountmellick that was chose as photo of the month for February in the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) calendar. The calendar was circulated with around 70,000 copies of the Irish Farmers Journal to the four corners of Ireland just before Christmas. The Mountmellick Camera Club member spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live about winning the award and taking the photo, which was captured during the Covid-19 pandemic. She said the club agreed at an online meeting on a creative challenge, which had the theme of humour. This led her to the farm of a neighbour. "I went into the pig sty and sat down with two young pigs. They rushed all around me and were all excited to see something happening in their pig pen. "Within about half an hour, they settled down and lay down because I wasn't doing anything exciting. I just kept shooting until I got a photograph where it looked like they were telling jokes to each other," she said. The photographer stayed in her files until this year, when Velma decided to enter it into the IFA competition, having seen the invitation to enter online. She also entered it into a competition for the 2026 calendar of Lambe's Oil in Tullamore. By coincidence, it made it to both. Velma was also delighted with the prize of two night stay in one of the four-star Garyvoe Hotel in Cork which is part of the Original Irish Hotels group. "I'd like to thank both the IFA and Original Irish Hotels for such a fabulous prize. The hotel couldn't have been more friendly," she said. READ MORE BELOW THE WINNING PHOTO. 'Did I tell you the one about'. Pic: Velma Mercer Velma was busy during the pandemic, during which she did a course on food photography, which led to a certificate from the Irish Photography Association following a substantial amount of work. But her passion is outdoor photography, especially when she is out walking either in nature or in rural areas. She says that when she brings a camera out with her, she spends far more time outdoors than if she were to just go out for a walk. READ ALSO: Special Laois Winter Solstice sunrise gathering on Rock of Dunamase Velma is proud of Mountmellick Camera Club, which she says is made up of a friendly, relaxed and non-competitive group of people who love photography. "Through being a member for over 10 years, I have learned how to achieve good photos, and enjoyed many days out and many hours of good camaraderie in the process. The club welcomes new members at any time," she said. READ ALSO: Laois dialysis patients express their experiences through art The theme of the 2026 calendar was A Breath of Fresh Air. The Minister for Enterprise got a first-hand lesson in how to create homegrown jobs in Laois when he came to Portlaoise in March. READ MORE BELOW - TAP NEXT OR ARROW TO SEE MORE LAOIS PHOTOS. Minister Peter Burke was in Portlaoise to cut the ribbon on Midland Steel's 16m automated smart factory. Paid for by the Laois company itself, it is in J17 National Enterprise Park, built by Laois County Council to bring local jobs, due to the IDA's dismal record of bringing foreign direct investment jobs in Laois. Midland Steel's Mountmellick factory will remain its HQ, and is also in a locally built enterprise park. Minister Burke said there is 7 billion to be invested in IDA supported jobs in Ireland in the next five years. We want Laois to be front and centre of that, he said. March also saw a Laois electrical engineering company fined 400,000 in relation to the death of a Laois father of four in a workplace accident at a Dublin hospital seven years ago. However, the penalty handed down at the Central Criminal Court to the Portarlington company John Fletcher Ltd and a director led to anger in the courtroom with one member of the public describing the sentence as a 'f**king joke'. Emo native Alan Mulhall (34), lived in Portlaoise with his wife and children, when he was fatally injured when a low voltage switchgear weighing 760kg fell and struck his head while he was working at St Patrick's Hospital Dublin on November 23, 2017. Ambulance crews are incredibly frustrated and there are shortcomings in the emergency service provided to Laois people, a Portlaoise councillor claimed in March. Cllr Tommy Mulligan, who says his father's life was saved by paramedics in the town's GAA grounds, outlined the situation to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. "Paramedics are experiencing incredible frustration with their systems of work. Paramedics are a critical part of our community health service, and they provide our community with an invaluable service. Unfortunately, it appears there are serious shortcomings in the ambulance service in Laois," said the councillor. The death of Laois student Joe Drennan was a national story in 2025. He suffered catastrophic injuries inflicted in an unlawful killing by a driver who drove at such a speed that his BMW turned 180 degrees, became airborne and careered down the road backwards. These were some of the harrowing details the family of the late Camross man had to endure at the inquest into the circumstances of Joe's death in October 2023 in Limerick. The Limerick inquest heard that the driving of Kieran Fogarty caused Joe to suffer multiple traumatic injuries, including severe head injuries. There are situations where accidents occur, this is not an accident. This is not one of those situations, said Mr Luke OHiggins BL who represented the family. Ongoing shortcomings with Portlaoise Courthouse also were in the headlines in March when the case of a notorious criminal came before a judge. The suitability of the Portlaoise facility was again called into question after a judge agreed to transfer the trial of a notorious criminal to a more modern facility in Offaly on security grounds. Convicted murderer Frederick Thompson (44), who faces trial over an alleged assault on a prison officer and threats to kill a prison officer at Portlaoise Prison, signed an affidavit outlining his fears that he could be targeted at the courthouse due to the lack of modern facilities. The trial of the man linked to the Kinihan gang was moved to Tullamore Courthouse, which was refurbished in 2008. Work to advance Irelands national sustainability objectives by the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) have been recognised with the awarding of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Champion status. LOETB says this designation reflects its alignment with Government strategies to advance climate, housing, rural development and other goals. The board says it demonstrates how regional education and training structures can accelerate government priorities. LOETB says sustainability is embedded throughout LOETBs Statement of Strategy 20232027, ensuring all its services "support economic resilience, social inclusion, and climate ambition". LOETBs says it advances climate action, energy efficiency, and green skills through the National Construction Training Campus in Mount Lucas where it says it delivers programmes in retrofitting, energy efficiency, and modern methods of construction. LOETB also claims it has supported 35 companies, which resulted in over 15 million in savings. It says these programmes enhance SME competitiveness while contributing to the circular economy and resource-efficiency goals The Board claims its community education programmes in digital inclusion, sustainable horticulture, climate literacy, and social innovation support the Governments equality and inclusion LOETB adds that its sustainable agriculture and family farm traineeship programmes help diversify rural skills, support environmentally responsible farming, and contribute to national priorities in agri-food sustainability and just transition. LOETB says it is well-positioned to support the Government in advancing the SDGs. It adds that it is committed to working closely with Government departments, state agencies, industry partners, and community stakeholders to drive measurable progress toward the 2030 Agenda and Irelands national climate and skills targets. Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport, Darragh OBrien, spoke following the SDG Champions 2025-2027 launch in Dublin. SEE BELOW PHOTO. Pictured: SDG Champions Launch in Ashling Hotel with Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport, Darragh OBrien, TD. The world faces huge challenges in achieving the SDGs, with only 18% of the goals currently on track globally. However, this year, as we mark the 70th anniversary of Irelands membership of the United Nations, we are committed to achieving the vision and ambition of Agenda 2030, a roadmap for a fairer, safer, more prosperous, and sustainable world. In fulfilling the ambition of the SDGs, we have made considerable progress, but more is needed, and faster, from all stakeholders locally, nationally and internationally. READ ALSO: Iarnrod Eireann plants 2,500 native trees at Portlaoise Depot "Over 90 organisations applied to take part in the Programme this year, demonstrating the continued commitment of Irish society to help achieve and promote the SDGs. Partnerships play a crucial role, and it is great to have such a diverse range of organisations working collectively towards a better future for everyone. The SDG Champions Programme recognises that everyone has a role to play, and everyone can contribute to achieving the SDGs, he said. LOETB provides education and training across two counties, operating 15 Further Education and Training (FET) centres, nine post-primary schools, extensive apprenticeship provision, and dedicated youth services. The late Diana, Princess of Wales was far more skilled in the media battle with the then-Prince of Wales, Irish officials were advised 30 years ago, according to a newly released document which claims her staff were devoting time to upstaging St James Palace. The assessment is contained in Irish Government files that have been made public as part of an annual release from the National Archives of Ireland. The King conducted a two-day visit to Ireland while Prince of Wales in June 1995, after his separation from Diana in 1992. The files note that Charless camp saw coverage of the visit to Ireland as part of a long-term public relations strategy to rehabilitate the Prince in the eyes of the British public after the high-profile split. Charless press team, led by press secretary Alan Percival and his successor Sandy Henney, had reported to Irish officials that they felt the visit to Ireland was the best public outing the Prince has had in a very long time. Ms Henney was described in the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs document as fiercely loyal to Charles and alive to every opportunity to advance his cause. A Department of Foreign Affairs note shows officials were unsure if she was joking when she suggested that Diana may also want to visit Ireland. Henney (who would have been less aware of the political dimension than the more restrained Percival) told me that if she had any say in it the Prince would be here again before the summer was out, according to the document. She also remarked that if practice to date was any guide we could shortly expect an approach from Princess Diana! Department of Foreign Affairs official Joe Hayes added: I took this as a joke until she repeated it and assured me that in the media battle between the two, the Princess was by far the more predatory and skilled and her staff devoted a great deal of time to finding ways and means of upstaging St James Palace. Charles officials agreed with the Irish diplomats that coverage of the visit in the UK was, while positive, relatively light compared with that in Ireland. It was noted by officials on both sides of the Irish Sea that, in contrast with the blanket coverage in Ireland, the coverage of the visit in the UK was though positive, relatively light in tone. This article is based on documents contained in the file labelled 2025/124/160 in the National Archives of Ireland. Laois music fans will have a short distance to travel over the border to Kildare next month for the Spirit of Brigid Festival. Picture This, Gurriers, Blindboy, Celine Byrne, Jack L, Altan and more have been confirmed for this year's lineup. Kildare County Council has announced further programme highlights for Brigid 2026, a vibrant five-day celebration of music, art, conversation and family-friendly events taking place across County Kildare from Thursday, January 29 to Monday, February 2. This years festival promises a rich and diverse programme of events designed to mark the beginning of the year with creativity, culture and community, celebrating the enduring legacy and spirit of St. Brigid through performances, conversations and immersive experiences for all ages. Proudly delivered by Kildare County Council, Brigid 2026 brings together leading Irish and international artists across a range of disciplines. This years ticketed concert series, the Spirit of Kildare Sessions, will feature standout performances from Jack L, Picture This, Gurriers, Celine Byrne, Paul Noonan, Gemma Hayes, Lisa Hannigan, Altan and more, hosted in unique venues throughout the county. The festival opens on Thursday 29, with Kildare native Jack L hosting an evening of songs and stories at Christ Church, Celbridge, drawing on a three-decade career that has seen him share stages with artists including Sting, Jools Holland and Trevor Horn. The festival also sees Picture This return home for a sold-out performance at the Dreamland Ballroom, Athy, while the Gurriers take to the festival hub stage in the Spiegeltent at Cruinniu Chill Dara, Aras Chill Dara, Naas. On Saturday 31, internationally acclaimed soprano and Kildare native Celine Byrne will perform a rare and intimate concert at St. Brigids Cathedral, Kildare Town. Paul Noonan, Gemma Hayes and Lisa Hannigan will also unite as The Trio for a special performance at Cruinniu Chill Dara, bringing together three of Irelands most celebrated musicians for an unforgettable night of Irish music. The Spirit of Kildare Sessions continue on Monday 2, with legendary traditional Irish band Altan performing at the Naas Venue, led by renowned fiddle player Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh. Alongside music, Brigid 2026 also features an exceptional programme of live conversation. A special live recording of The Blindboy Podcast will take place at Cruinniu Chill Dara on Saturday 31 January, bringing one of Irelands most influential podcasters and authors to the festival hub. Irelands number one bilingual podcast, How To Gael, hosted by Doireann Ni Ghlacain and Louise Cantillon, will also present a live show on Monday 2nd February. Family-friendly events form a key part of the festival programme. Highlights include Bee is for Brid with the Green Grannies on Saturday morning at Cruinniu Chill Dara, alongside a sustainable bee costume workshop, and Fireside Stories with Volkidana in Maynooth, a visually spectacular storytelling experience blending puppetry, aerial artistry and folklore. Sunday morning sees a Taylor Swift Party for younger audiences at Cruinniu Chill Dara, while Carrying Her Flame, a powerful outdoor procession through the streets of Kildare Town, takes place later that day, marking the return of the light and the end of winter. Rounding out the family programme, Joe the Magician Beo from RTEjr will perform a high-energy magic show for children on Monday 2 February at Cruinniu Chill Dara. All childrens events taking place in Naas are free to attend, with advance booking required. A mix of free and ticketed events ensures the festival remains accessible to all audiences. Speaking about the festival, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, said: With the Brigid 2026 - Spirit of Kildare Festival, we are continuing the remarkable journey that began with the success of Brigid 1500 and grew even stronger in 2025. An inclusive celebration of St. Brigids enduring legacy, the 2026 festival seeks to further honour her life, spirit, and commitment to community by bringing her story to life in fresh, imaginative ways that resonate with people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds across Kildare. For tickets, event details and the full Brigid 2026 - Spirit of Kildare Festival programme, visit www.spiritofbrigid.ie Picture This, Gurriers, Blindboy, Celine Byrne, Jack L, Altan and more have been confirmed for the Spirit of Brigid Festival. Kildare County Council has announced further programme highlights for Brigid 2026, a vibrant five-day celebration of music, art, conversation and family-friendly events taking place across County Kildare from Thursday, January 29 to Monday, February 2. This years festival promises a rich and diverse programme of events designed to mark the beginning of the year with creativity, culture and community, celebrating the enduring legacy and spirit of St. Brigid through performances, conversations and immersive experiences for all ages. Proudly delivered by Kildare County Council, Brigid 2026 brings together leading Irish and international artists across a range of disciplines. This years ticketed concert series, the Spirit of Kildare Sessions, will feature standout performances from Jack L, Picture This, Gurriers, Celine Byrne, Paul Noonan, Gemma Hayes, Lisa Hannigan, Altan and more, hosted in unique venues throughout the county. The festival opens on Thursday 29, with Kildare native Jack L hosting an evening of songs and stories at Christ Church, Celbridge, drawing on a three-decade career that has seen him share stages with artists including Sting, Jools Holland and Trevor Horn. The festival also sees Picture This return home for a sold-out performance at the Dreamland Ballroom, Athy, while the Gurriers take to the festival hub stage in the Spiegeltent at Cruinniu Chill Dara, Aras Chill Dara, Naas. On Saturday 31, internationally acclaimed soprano and Kildare native Celine Byrne will perform a rare and intimate concert at St. Brigids Cathedral, Kildare Town. Paul Noonan, Gemma Hayes and Lisa Hannigan will also unite as The Trio for a special performance at Cruinniu Chill Dara, bringing together three of Irelands most celebrated musicians for an unforgettable night of Irish music. The Spirit of Kildare Sessions continue on Monday 2, with legendary traditional Irish band Altan performing at the Naas Venue, led by renowned fiddle player Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh. Alongside music, Brigid 2026 also features an exceptional programme of live conversation. A special live recording of The Blindboy Podcast will take place at Cruinniu Chill Dara on Saturday 31 January, bringing one of Irelands most influential podcasters and authors to the festival hub. Irelands number one bilingual podcast, How To Gael, hosted by Doireann Ni Ghlacain and Louise Cantillon, will also present a live show on Monday 2nd February. Family-friendly events form a key part of the festival programme. Highlights include Bee is for Brid with the Green Grannies on Saturday morning at Cruinniu Chill Dara, alongside a sustainable bee costume workshop, and Fireside Stories with Volkidana in Maynooth, a visually spectacular storytelling experience blending puppetry, aerial artistry and folklore. Sunday morning sees a Taylor Swift Party for younger audiences at Cruinniu Chill Dara, while Carrying Her Flame, a powerful outdoor procession through the streets of Kildare Town, takes place later that day, marking the return of the light and the end of winter. Rounding out the family programme, Joe the Magician Beo from RTEjr will perform a high-energy magic show for children on Monday 2 February at Cruinniu Chill Dara. All childrens events taking place in Naas are free to attend, with advance booking required. A mix of free and ticketed events ensures the festival remains accessible to all audiences. Speaking about the festival, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, said: With the Brigid 2026 - Spirit of Kildare Festival, we are continuing the remarkable journey that began with the success of Brigid 1500 and grew even stronger in 2025. An inclusive celebration of St. Brigids enduring legacy, the 2026 festival seeks to further honour her life, spirit, and commitment to community by bringing her story to life in fresh, imaginative ways that resonate with people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds across Kildare. For tickets, event details and the full Brigid 2026 - Spirit of Kildare Festival programme, visit www.spiritofbrigid.ie Sir John Major said being shouted at by an Irish Justice minister was like being in the House of Commons, according to state documents which show that Padraig Flynn took UK officials to task on co-operation over Northern Ireland. In September 1992, Mr Flynn was exercised by a range of security issues as well as a lack of clarity from Mr Majors government on the place of Northern Ireland in the Irish Constitution. The dispute has been revealed in a confidential note on a meeting in London which has been made public as part of the annual release from the National Archives of Ireland. In a meeting with the Prime Minister and Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mayhew as well as Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, Mr Flynn expressed concern that there had been an escalation of Loyalist paramilitary violence in the absence of meetings of the Anglo-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference. Prior to this meeting, Mr Major had held an hour-long tete-a-tete with Mr Reynolds where the Prime Minister had contended that co-operation on security matters had been better than it had ever been. However, that assessment was challenged when Mr Flynn and Mr Mayhew joined the leaders. The Justice Minister raised several issues including the closure of cross-border roads, the rebuilding of a British military watchtower near Cloghogue school, and a preference for mobile patrols over permanent vehicle checkpoints. In a record by an Irish civil servant which is not meant to be considered verbatim, Mr Flynn said he did not wish to intrude a discordant note but contended that cooperation with the Anglo-Irish Secretariat had decreased due to the break of meetings in the Conference. Mr Major told him not to worry about being discordant and assured him matters would be looked at. Mr Mayhew said that his officials had been tied up in talks with Northern Ireland political parties, but said there will be no lack of co-operation. The Prime Minister joked that this meant officials who had been working 16 hours a day would now be working 24 hours a day. On the checkpoints and closure of roads, Mr Mayhew said the official advice was that they were all necessary for security purposes. Mr Major asked Mr Mayhew if he wanted to get his own back towards Mr Flynn, to which the Northern Ireland Secretary replied: No, Prime Minister not long ago I would have wanted to. The Justice Minister said the talks with Northern Ireland political parties were sniffing around the mulberry bush but going nowhere. He said DUP leader Ian Paisley had previously absented himself from the talks but still reserved the right to return to negotiations for the purpose of insisting on a change in the Irish Constitutions territorial claim to the whole island of Ireland. Mr Major said he did not want to see the talks derailed: You have to deal with the Unionists in these talks but I deal with them every day. We must not lose sight of what you and I want to see come out of these talks. Mr Flynn said it is not helpful when Her Majestys Government says that the Irish Constitution must be changed and said there had been a hope that Mr Mayhew would have been able to use influence to pressure unionists on the issue. Let us not get into double speak here. Let us be clear: If the Unionists feel comfort from your or that a change in the Constitution is possible, there will be misunderstanding. The Northern Ireland Secretary said he wished it was true that he had influence over unionists, contending that they only hang on his words because they feel they are about to be betrayed. This sentiment was shared by Mr Major who told Mr Flynn that he may feel the UK Government has more control over the Unionists than we have. The Justice Minister said he, along with his Fianna Fail party and founder Eamon de Valera, had been insulted during the party talks and sought a commitment to a strong Government-to-Government foundation on the matters of the constitution. Mr Major reiterated his Governments sincerity and attempted the resolve the row amicably: I dont mind being shouted at it is quite like the House of Commons. Let us agree we are going to do this but you must not go away with suspicions about us. Apparently still in good humour, the Prime Minister ended that meeting by saying they would now go meet the reptiles in reference to the press gathered in the courtyard outside. This article is based on documents contained in the file labelled 2023/50/204 in the National Archives of Ireland. The White House wanted to avoid a photo of Bill Clinton shaking Gerry Adams hand at a Belfast reception held as part of the US presidents historic visit in 1995. The annual release of documents from the National Archives in Dublin showed the extensive engagements between Irish and US officials to co-ordinate the Clintons visit to the island of Ireland. It included discussions on whether the Clintons should stay in Northern Ireland as part of the visit, and a genealogy expert researching Mr Clintons ancestry, concluding that the suggestion his ancestors were from Co Fermanagh was based on fantasy although they may have come from a separate part of Ulster. The Clintons visited Northern Ireland in 1995 before travelling to Dublin. A reception was organised at Whitla Hall at Queens University in Belfast for November 30. A letter from the Irish joint secretary of the Anglo-Irish Secretariat, David Donoghue, sent to Sean O hUiginn at the Anglo-Irish Division, said that the Americans originally wanted to hold the reception and confine it to 120 people. He said the British side insisted that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Patrick Mayhew, should host it, which was agreed, and the guest list was expanded to 300 people. The ostensible intention is to enable the president to meet a wider range of people in Northern Ireland he wrote on November 28 1995. The real purpose, of course, is to de-emphasise the political nature of the occasion and to create a broader community event which, the British calculate, will make it easier for unionists to attend alongside Sinn Fein. Mr Donoghue said that the representatives would form pods at the reception a UUP pod, an Alliance pod etc determined on a pro rata basis in light of respective electoral strengths. In other words, each will form a distinct cluster of people to whom the president will be introduced in turn (on the lines of Buckingham Palace receptions). He also said that Peter Bell, from the Northern Ireland Office, had indicated the Americans would prefer to avoid a handshake photograph between the president and Adams. He also said that while one-on-one meetings had been planned with John Hume in Derry and David Trimble in a car journey after the reception at Queens, there was a general US reluctance to meet one-on-one with Adams, Ian Paisley, or John Alderdice. The general assumption, however, is that the president will take relevant individuals aside for separate private conversations on the margins of the reception. The two men shook hands for the first time in March of that year at the White House, as part of events held to mark St Patricks Day but after photographers had left the room. Mr Clinton was reportedly put under pressure at the time from then British prime minister John Major not to give Mr Adams a warm embrace at the luncheon, according to the New York Times. On the morning of November 30, before the reception in Belfast that evening, Mr Clinton met Mr Adams on the Falls Road in Belfast. As he left his car he paused to shake Mr Adamss hand a moment captured by an official White House photographer. Mr Clinton would later say of the handshake that it was a big deal and it felt at the time as though the pavement was about to crack open. Plans for the Clintons visit to Dublin, from December 1-2 1995, show that a US embassy official estimated that there was a 50/50 chance the visit would go ahead. An Irish genealogy expert also said claims that Clinton had Cassidy ancestors, who were from Co Fermanagh, were based largely on fantasy but the White House still wanted Cassidy aspects added to the visit. It had been claimed that Mr Clinton had Irish ancestry through his mother, Virginia Cassidy. Genealogist Sean Murphy, from Bray, Co Wicklow, undertook the task of tracing Bill Clintons Irish ancestry after media dissemination of claims concerning the presidents Irish ancestry which proved to be baseless, yet were left un-contradicted by any authoritative source. He told the taoiseachs office that the earliest trace of the presidents maternal ancestors of this line is probably Zachariah Cassidy, born in about 1750-60 in South Carolina, and his son Levi. The Cassidy clan claim that the earliest ancestor was a Luke or Lucas Cassidy of Roslea, Co Fermanagh, appears to be based largely on fantasy, he wrote on October 16. The biblical forenames Zachariah and Levi suggest a Protestant, and probably Presbyterian or Dissenter, as opposed to Catholic origin, and it is reasonable to speculate that the Cassidys would have been most likely to have emigrated to America from an Ulster county. In notes of a meeting with the US embassy held three days later, Irish officials said that a planned stop off in Lismore, Co Fermanagh, was being dropped, but the White House was still interested in using the Cassidy connection in a low-key way. They said this could mean casually passing a Cassidy premises. Mr Clinton would go on to visit Cassidys Bar in Dublin for an hour during the 1995 trip. This article is based on documents contained in the file labelled 2025/115/827 in the National Archives of Ireland. In the 1980s, four hippopotamuses landed in Colombia, part of an exotic whim of the feared drug trafficker Pablo Escobar. Later on, Pepe a wayward descendant became the herds most famous member when he was captured. Since then, the country has changed its Constitution, its presidents, and its wars, but four decades and various reporters later, the headline remains the same: Colombia doesnt know what to do with Pablo Escobars hippos. It doesnt matter when you read this, it will probably still be the case. The story began at Hacienda Napoles, located some 93 miles from Medellin, where Escobar possessed by the spirit of a megalomaniac Noah built a private zoo with rhinoceros, elephants, and other animals that had been purchased on the international black market. The hippos found an unexpected paradise in the Magdalena River basin: abundant water, no natural predators, and a perfect climate for breeding. After Escobars downfall and the abandonment of the estate, some escaped from their ponds and made their way into the river. Over time, the four became dozens. Today there are 169. There will be 1,000 by 2035. And if nothing is done, there will be 1,300 by 2060. The hippos are back in the public conversation if they ever really left. The government of Gustavo Petro, now in its final stretch, has also failed to solve the problem posed by the countrys most famous and heaviest invasive species. At the end of November, the Colombian newspaper El Espectador dedicated an extensive report to the animals that opened with the story of Luis Diaz, an illiterate farmer who was attacked by a hippopotamus as he drew water from the pond of a farm one morning in May 2020. He was nearly killed. That entire first year, he couldnt hear the name of the animal because he would start crying, said his mother. Sign warning of hippos at Hacienda Napoles, in August 2019. Juancho Torres (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) The report also mapped out the possible ways forward options that are all well known and all problematic. Contraception using a drug that requires multiple doses and costs a fortune would achieve eradication in about 45 years. Capture and sterilization, which requires at least 12 people and six hours of nighttime surgery on a three-ton animal, is a titanic effort. Or euthanasia, defended by part of the scientific community as the most effective solution, but opposed by progressive and animal-rights sectors of Colombian society. Petros government waded into this tangled web, promising a definitive, respectful strategy to address the dangerous hippos: relocating part of the population to foreign sanctuaries and controlling the rest with contraceptives. There were talks with Ecuador, Peru, the Philippines and India, but no country has closed an agreement it would be a problem for them too. Scientists criticize the fact that beyond the intention, there is no plan, no timeline, and no funding. Meanwhile, the population keeps growing, endemic species are under threat, attacks continue, and the urgency to act increases. Sculpture of a hippopotamus in Doradal (Colombia), in September 2018. Juancho Torres (Getty Images) A one-ton sculpture of a hippo made from red wire greets visitors to Bogotas National Museum. It is a reminder of the environmental problem and proof that the animal is no longer seen only as an invasive species. Instead, it has become something more: a symbol that both unsettles and fascinates. In fact, just a few weeks ago, several Colombian artists, inspired by the hippos, opened an exhibition that plays with wall hangings, photographs, paintings, and even the animals own dung, which has turned out to be an ideal habitat for a certain hallucinogenic fungus. To cap off the symbolism, artist Camilo Restrepo displayed the excrement molded to resemble cocaine bales. Colombia has always been adept at exploring its own contradictions. A country that turns a problem into metaphor, into an aesthetic object, into an uncomfortable reflection on its own history. Into memory. No matter when you read this piece: the hipposand, in some way, everything that brought them herewill still be there. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition British officials feared the top man behind the Northern Bank robbery in 2004 would be clever enough to avoid getting arrested. They also agreed that the heist would not derail peace process efforts, which included the details of decommissioning, but added that the republican movement had knocked up the price. The exchange about the impact of the high-profile robbery was made during a meeting of British and Irish officials at Downing Street on January 5 in 2005. A memo where the two governments discussed the robbery of 26 million in cash stolen from the Belfast bank in December 2004 was released as part of the annual release of National Archives in Dublin. Then Downing Street chief of staff Jonathan Powell said discussions about a bilateral deal were ruled out in the aftermath of the robbery, and a meeting with Gerry Adams in Dublin the next day would be called off. Irish civil servant Michael Collins said the Irish side shared the deep anxiety about the bank robbery and said they would welcome any information the British side had gathered. Mr Powell said that the British authorities were pretty certain that it was the IRA and that it was undertaken by people who were very close to the Sinn Fein leadership. He said that while the PSNI hoped to be in a position to make arrests in the time ahead, he feared that the top man involved would be clever enough to avoid being arrested. He also expected that the DUP would go on the rampage once then PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde attributed responsibility. Powell feared that the robbery would have proceeded even if the deal had been done with the DUP, the note states. Mr Collins said that it was almost incomprehensible that planning for the heist was taking place while the Sinn Fein leadership was involved in negotiations. The assessment on the Irish side was that the IRA remains a unified organisation; the Northern Bank was not a solo run. The two sides noted that while there were fissures in the IRA ceasefire, they were no longer recruiting in the Republic, and the organisation was becoming a more concentrated group of able people. Mr Powell also said that while the heist was a serious set-back, there was a need to keep the process going and then prime minister Tony Blair was not prepared to give up on the process. However, the republican movement had knocked up the price, the note said. Something categoric on criminality would now have to be part of the deal. There were two outstanding issues, of criminality and the transparency dimension of decommissioning. Mr Collins suggested that the two governments could stand back from transparency and a process of third party mediation or conciliation might, over time, identify a way forward. British civil servant Jonathan Phillips was sceptical a third party engagement would succeed. Mr Powell also said that the British would not demilitarise in return for IRA arms decommissioning, but would demilitarise in a house-keeping way as it wanted to scale back its presence in Northern Ireland. The British Government was not really interested in decommissioning; its priority was ending paramilitary activity and criminality. This article is based on documents contained in the file labelled 2025/127/90 in the National Archives of Ireland. Gen Z is right-leaning, addicted to their phone, diverse and critical, and grew up amid precarity, uncertainty and distrust in politics. Such is the portrait painted by older generations of young people between the ages of 13 and 28. In some countries, these youth have toppled governments, made things quite difficult for other administrations, and in November, a movement calling for protests under the banner of Generation Z had the Mexican government with its back against the ropes. For a couple of weeks, the phenomenon born from social media, with no famous faces, leaders nor unifying rallying cry, managed to install itself in public discourse, and forced Claudia Sheinbaums government to react. It began online, with AI-generated images that utilized the Japanese animated series One Piece. Quickly, it went from being a dispersed phenomenon to claiming popular attention, driven by an indignation awoken by the murder of the mayor of Urupan, Carlos Manzo. From Mexicos National Palace, the response was clear. The president dedicated space in several morning press conferences to disqualifying and minimizing the protest, citing an investigation by Infodemia that uncovered an international network of misinformation and bots behind the march, which cost around $5 million and was backed by business magnate Ricardo Salinas Pliego. For Andrea Samaniego, an expert on political discourse from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the government was perceiving a potential threat. In her opinion, the fact that Sheinbaum focused on the march during her morning press conferences shows that the movement was not as irrelevant as she claimed. If it were as tiny as she says, its hard to understand why she would dedicate two entire weeks at the press conferences to who was behind it, which actors, who was paying for it. So, I dont think it was that insignificant, she says. Finally, on November 15, the highly anticipated event took place. The Gen Z protest drew some 17,000 people in the Zocalo, Mexico Citys center square, where protestors clashed with the police. The official tally was 120 injured, 100 of them law enforcement, and 20 arrests. A follow-up came five days later, but wasnt as impactful, though organizers promised it would overshadow the citys Revolution Day parade. Ultimately, only a few hundred people showed up, escorted by a large police presence. The third and most recent protest was December 14. It failed, with barely 300 people showing up. Samaniego attributes this decline in the movement to the lack of clarity in its demands. In the calls to action, they only talk about a generation that has woken up, a generation that is fed up, but very ambiguously. They dont clearly communicate who is feeling aggrieved. The retreat is a direct result of not being clear about why they are marching. Generation Z protest in front of the National Palace. Aurea Del Rosario (El Pais) The use of symbols recognized by the age group didnt help clarify their message either. The images from One Piece, which had already been employed in Nepal, allude to young people being fed up, says Samaniego, who asks: fed up with what? Young people have something to demand. They are a sector that has been deeply marginalized by the system: they have no access to well-paid jobs, they are in the most precarious positions, most of them in the informal sector, they have no access to housing, not to buy nor, in many cases, to rent. To that vulnerability is added exposure to organized crime. Recruitment, drug sales, kidnapping in order to blackmail or even for human trafficking are some of the threats they face, Samaniego says. Even so, the protest lacked specific demands. The governments response may have inflated the moment. Saying that they are part of the opposition could have detonated it growing larger, like what happened in 2012 with the #YoSoy132 movement, Samaniego continues. At the time, she remembers, the rallying cry was We arent sold out, we arent uncritical. From this, she concludes: Devoting two weeks to criminalizing a protest as if the constitutional right to demonstrate didnt exist is serious. Even if those who were protesting had a certain political leaning, it was well within their rights. On the other hand, the movements lack of visible leaders worked both for and against it. By not having leadership, they are much more difficult to co-opt, though not impossible. There were many other opposition groups: peasants, farmers, those who had been affected by electoral reform, disputes with business associations like Grupo Salinas, who saw an opportunity to insert their own agendas. Different demands entered into the protest, and that diluted it, she says. All told, it seemed like it was not an organic movement. A natural movement persists as long as there is a clear demand. Here, there wasnt one. It wasnt completely artificial if it had been, the government wouldnt have dedicated so much time to it but it was amplified by other interests. After the protest, Sheinbaum convened her party and followers for a mobilization to show their strength, with the pretext of celebrating the seven years of their so-called Fourth Transformation (the national political reform agenda launched under president Lopez Obrador, which Sheinbaum supports). They countered with the march on December 7. It was supposed to be a celebration of seven years of victory, seven years of transformation, but it was also a response, says Samaniego. Sheinbaum insisted on demonstrating support for Mexican youth during the event: Let no one be mistaken, the majority of young people are with the transformation of public life in Mexico, she said. It was the second time in two months that she had sought to fill the Zocalo to silence critics. Generation Z march, November 15. Aurea Del Rosario At the close of 2025, the president still has high approval ratings, though there have been signs of her support weakening after the assassination of Manzo, youth protests, and demonstrations by transit workers and farmers. Her popularity is at 74%, still higher than that of her predecessors, but the lowest of her administration, according to the latest survey by Enkoll for EL PAIS and W Radio. In the video invitation for her Zocalo event, Sheinbaum speaks of the transformations defensive act against a monthlong attack campaign. At the rally she insisted: In these days, it has been demonstrated that, for all the dirty campaigns they pay on social media, for all the bots they buy, for all the alliances with special-interest groups, for all the communication consultants they hire to invent slander and lies, for all their attempts to make the world believe that Mexico is not a free and democratic country, for all of that, they will not defeat the Mexican people nor their president! To Samaniego, the reaction reveals nervousness. A government with a 70% approval rating shouldnt react like that. What are they afraid of? Perhaps different internal data, perhaps a right-leaning worldwide trend. It was a very reactive response, one of damage control. Samaniego offers her reading of the future of the Gen Z movement: Right now it is paused, but it could reactivate. The government still has issues to address with young people. As long as that structural vulnerability is not addressed, the breeding ground will continue to exist, she concludes. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Sinead O'Brien aka Sinead's Curvy Style Influencer/designer THE first thing that always comes to mind is the time spent with family on Christmas Day. We usually gather at my mams house, but this year were heading to my sister Marys, which means Im off the hook and dont have to cook. My beautiful son Jacob, along with all my gorgeous nieces, are at the heart of it. Watching my child open his presents and seeing the pure joy on his face means absolutely everything to me. When you finally sit down, take a breath, and look around, you really do see the true magic - and its written all over the kids faces. Weve also started a lovely new tradition of going into the city for Christmas lunch on Christmas Eve. We all meet up, and this year were heading to Da Vincenzos in Limerick, which Im really looking forward to. READ MORE: From the pitch to parenthood: Limerick-based rugby star celebrates arrival of first child Christine Hogan Love Is Blind: UK star My Christmas usually starts and finishes in Dingle. It begins with Other Voices and ends with Paidi OSes New Years Day, which is probably my favourite tradition of all. I love the time off work and meeting friends; its the one time of year when everyone makes a real effort to get together. I always try to get to a gig over Christmas, usually in Dolans or the Milk Market. Christmas Day itself is relaxed, spent with my parents, watching the turkey cook, wondering if its done yet and declaring every year that its the best dinner yet! I feel very blessed. Liam Dwan General manager of Brown Thomas One of my favourite things about Christmas is being in retail and soaking up the buzz in the store. Theres nothing else like it at any other time of year. I really enjoy the downtime on Christmas Eve evening, relaxing with my family and a few nice beverages with some food. Christmas Day starts early with a good breakfast, a walk, Mass, and then dinner in the afternoon. I usually crash out around 4pm for an hour or two, before getting a second wind around 6pm when more family arrive. Then its an early start again on Stephens morning, getting ready for yet another busy day ahead in retail. Fiona Doyle Personal stylist Christmas is my favourite time of year because its the one time when all my family are together, making it really special. I love attending carol services in the lead-up to Christmas, and a real highlight this year was my sons school choir and music group singing in the shopping centre. Christmas Eve is spent last minute shopping then home with family and neighbours calling in, which I always enjoy. On Christmas morning we wake up in our own home before heading to Mass and then my parents house, where we all gather. We also make a trip to Kenmare to visit my in-laws. Chloe Koyce Influencer and podcaster My favourite thing about Christmas is getting all the family together. On Christmas Eve we all come together for secret Santa. We have dinner together and go to Christmas Eve Mass. On Christmas morning myself and my siblings go to my parents room to open our stockings together and then down to the presents under the tree. We also have our nephew with us too so the magic will always be there. We are joined by our grandparents for dinner and we watch Christmas movies for the evening! All preparing for my birthday on the 26th its a jam packed few days full of fun. Andrew Moloney Traitors Ireland star Board games, party games and card games! Im a fan of settling down to play some forty-five, or board games like Catan, Scrabble and Articulate. As Ive gotten older Ive a greater appreciation for going to Mass on Christmas Day, meeting people and catching up which definitely isnt something younger me would have said! Im a fiend for mince pies and an Irish coffee. So, I eagerly wait for this time of year to engorge myself on mince pies. Lastly, its been a while since Ive had Santa visit, but now that we have baby Oisin in the house, Im excited for Santa visiting us at Christmas! A TIPPERARY man who committed multiple thefts in Limerick has been sentenced to four years in prison. Gary Quinlivan, 35, of Copperbeach View, Roscrea, Tipperary, produced a tool when a security guard approached him in Holland and Barrets health store in Limerick shopping centre on September 11, 2024. When he was approached by the security guard, the man was found with 64 worth of goods on his person. An altercation followed which was captured on CCTV. Mr Quinlivan maintained to gardai that the snips tool on his person that was produced was not a weapon but was instead used to steal items. Read More: Grants for vape and phone shops across Limerick go up in smoke Mr Quinlivan committed four thefts in the space of a month in April 2025. The court heard that when he leaving Lidl Mr Quinlivan wielded a hatchet at a security guard when he was approached and was found with over 800 of goods. The court heard that the security guard divulged in his victim impact statement that he had to take eight weeks off work and find a new job because of the incident. The court heard that after the altercation, the man fled the scene and left the trolley behind him. Mr Quinlivan was observed walking down Cruises Street with a hatchet on April 17, 2025. He then went on to steal 220 worth of goods from Supervalu in Castletroy. On another occasion in April of 2025, the man then took 1,000 worth of goods from Jetland, Dunnes Stores. Mr Quinlivian has over 112 previous convictions. Judge Colin Daly called the man a recidivist and told the court that all these thefts were quite brazen. Before sentencing, Judge Colin Daly summed up the mitigating factors in Mr Quinlivans case, saying that the man has had a very difficult background and his sister died tragically. He also stated that Mr Quinlivan is a father but has no relationship with his children. The judge commented that the man is doing well in prison and is drug free, has expressed remorse for his crimes and has some employment history. Mr Quinlivan was sentenced to four concurrent years in prison. The sentence was backdated to when he first was held in custody on April 23, 2025. A serial offender was sentenced to ten years imprisonment for Limerick city robberies. Limericks circuit court heard that Mark Foran, 38, of North Claghaun Road, Garryowen stole 350 from the till of Fine Wines in Corbally on October 20, 2023. In the shop, Mr Foran brandished a knife, and left the shop with tobacco, cigarettes and the charity box. Judge Colin Daly said in his summation of the crimes, that Mr Foran was wearing latex gloves when he committed the crime, which he had previously stolen from Dunnes Stores. The court heard that a few days later on October 31, 2023, Mr Foran robbed a city pharmacy. When Mr Foran was not happy with the amount taken from the till. A member of staff pressed the panic button, and gardai were alerted. READ MORE: Grants for vape and phone shops across Limerick go up in smoke The court heard that on February 19, 2025, Mr Foran took scissors from Hale vape shop and demanded money from the till from the shop worker. Judge Daly said the staff member screamed for help. Fifteen minutes later, the man brandished a sharp metal item inside Fine Wines on Catherine Street. Mr Foran took tobacco, money, captain morgans rum and a charity box from the shop. A woman accompanied him and waited outside these shops during the robberies in February. Adrienne Phayer, 37, of Island Road, Limerick, followed Mr Foran to the dole office on Henry street. The pair were tracked using CCTV. Judgy Daly said that Mr Foran was the principal offender and the woman played an assisting role in committing the thefts. Judge Daly said Mr Foran deliberately went out with the intention of robbery, however he has shown remorse. In mitigation, Judge Daly said that Ms Phayer has a significant drug addiction, and that she has a problem with heroin and crack cocaine. The court heard that Ms Phayer has been In recovery since shes been in custody, and is now taking methadone. Mr Foran has 72 previous convictions, many of which were for circuit court matters, while Ms Phayer has 19 previous convictions. Judge Daly sentenced Mr Foran to ten years imprisonment, and Ms Phayer to six years imprisonment. COUNCIL staff have removed almost 75 trees across the last five years, it has been revealed. At the metropolitan district meeting, Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-OMara sought a breakdown of the number of trees that have been purposely felled. In a response, senior engineer Aidan Finn wrote: The council would like to advise that any trees felled over the last five years were for health and safety reasons. These trees would have been identified as either dead trees or trees in serious decline showing structural weakness. In addition, trees would be removed which would have fallen as a result of a storm. READ MORE: 'Unforgettable experiences' - give a voucher for the Limerick Strand Hotel this Christmas He gave a list of areas where trees have been removed over the last half-decade. The area with the largest number of tree removals was in Castleconnell, where 43 were removed due to storm damage. Seven were taken from Sarsfield Park in the Ballinacurra area of the city. Nearby, structural damage saw one tree removed from the Baggot Estate. Another in the same park was removed due to ash-dieback, a fungal disease which can lead to the death of trees. Storm damage claimed a single tree in Lifford Avenue. Three dead trees were removed from Sheelin Road in Caherdavin. Five trees which were dead were taken from Merval Drive in Mayorstone. Storm damage sparked the removal of one tree from Ted Russell Park, Greystones respectively, and two from Park Canal. The remainder of the removals were in Newcastle West and Athea. Selin Kocalar was a freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) when she met Karun Kaushik and connected over their deep interest in AI and health tech. The duo, who started their MIT programme as classmates in 2021 dropped out of their course to co-found a startup named Delve, and scaled it into a $300 million business in just a period of two years. Recently, in a candid, roadside interview with vlogger Viraj Ala, Selin Kocalar gave aspiring entrepreneurs some valuable advice. Talking to Ala, she said that the worst piece of advice she received was that just sheer grit and hardwork will make one successful. Comparing life to climbing up trees, she said that if you put your ladder against the wrong one, you will not end up at the right destination. Also Read | From security guard to Zoho engineer: How a school dropout became a tech expert Life is like climbing up trees, and if you put your ladder against the wrong tree, you might climb up, spend all these years doing hard work just to reach the top of the tree and then realise there was a taller tree, she said. One has to make sure that their approach is right in order to be successful. And so to really reach your global maximum life, you've got to first make sure your ladder is on the right tree because just working hard doesn't guarantee anything, Kocalar said. Selin Kocalar, who is the COO of Delve, also suggested that one has to think generationally in order to be successful. Pretend you're a time traveller. Pretend you're 5, 10, 50 years into the future. You're successful, you've made it in life. Looking backward, how would you act now? If you were going to be Steve Jobs, how would you approach your day-to-day differently? You've got to think generationally, she said. Talking about going in the other direction, Kocalar said that doing something that not many people do will help you find yourself as you navigate through the challenges. Do the opposite of what everyone is doing just for the sake of it. Just for the sake of it. No other reason. When I had to pick a language to study, everyone took Spanish, so I took Chinese just for the sake of it. It means challenge. It means having to learn things that you're bad at and coming in with zero experience. And as you figure everything out, eventually trust that things will click. Use the time traveller mindset and you'll find yourself, she said. Who is Selin Kocalar? Selin Kocalar is the co-founder and chief operation officer at Delve, a company that automates regulatory compliance with AI agents thereby reducing hours of manual labour. Delve, which was founded barely two years ago from an MIT dorm room, announced a $3 million seed round in January. Her company is now valued at $300 million. Before building a startup, Kocalar said she was deep in research. Neuroscientist Nazareth Castellanos, pictured in Madrid. Jacobo Medrano She arrives at our meeting like a ray of sunshine. Vital, cheerful, and kind, Nazareth Castellanos, 48, runs a laboratory where she researches the neuroscience of meditation and the relationship between the brain and the rest of the body. A few months ago, she published the highly successful book El puente donde habitan las mariposas (The Bridge Where Butterflies Live), which discusses how with willpower and a lot of effort we can sculpt the brain through breathing. Drawing on the work of Santiago Ramon y Cajal, the father of neuroscience, and Martin Heideggers essay Building, Dwelling, Thinking, Castellanos suggests that we shape ourselves by protecting our own growth, that we truly dwell when we learn to take care of ourselves, and that thinking begins with gratitude. This requires cultivating an inner dialogue that strengthens rather than harms us letting go of what is damaging, refining our thoughts, and practicing self-compassion. Through conscious breathing, she argues, we can even sculpt the brain. Question. Your book is a tribute to Santiago Ramon y Cajal, and cites one of his famous sayings: Every man can be, if he sets his mind to it, a sculptor of his own brain. Where do we begin? Answer: Well, we can all achieve it, but not all of us set our minds to it. The book stems from that reflection: why some people shy away from the idea of sculpting their brains, which for me is one of the biggest problems we have in society. We have seriously neglected mental health, and I think its time to overcome that blindness. Theres an invisibility surrounding mental illness that generates a lot of suffering that could be avoided. Theres a concept in medicine that fascinates me: avoidable suffering. Its the kind of suffering that technology or medicine aims to reduce, just as pain is reduced by inventing a drug. Medicine works to prevent this avoidable suffering; however, theres no such concept applied to mental health. Thats where we need to focus our attention. Q. Youre a neuroscientist and have spent more than two decades studying the impact of breathing on the mind. How does science approach something as automatic as breathing? A. My interest arose when I was working at Kings College London on a project about childhood brain injury and its aftereffects. At that point in my life, I had a reflection that made me question science. I wondered why the science to which I dedicated so many hours wasnt teaching me anything about myself. Why couldnt I apply all that knowledge I had about the brain to my daily life? Sometimes I felt lost and didnt understand how it was possible that I, who studied the brain, couldnt apply what I researched to myself. After analyzing it, I came to the conclusion that it was easier to access the brain through the body than through the mind. I wanted a more practical, more accessible neuroscience. I already meditated, I knew different meditation techniques, and I wanted to connect them with science. In Europe, there was a movement proposing to study the influence of the body on the brain, and I joined that movement. I left the project at the University of London and returned to Spain to start another one on brain-body interaction at the Complutense University of Madrid. It was a very risky project; there was no scientific evidence, and it was funded with private resources. It has been a self-funded, long, and slow investigation, but also one with a freedom that I value immensely. Being able to decide which questions we addressed and how we addressed them, always following the scientific method, but without pressure. That freedom is wonderful; I wouldnt trade it for anything. Q. What does the title of your book, The Bridge Where Butterflies Live, allude to? What is that bridge? A. I wanted a poetic title, since it deals with something very personal to me, and I wanted to avoid the technical. We talked a lot about the plasticity of the brain, about bridges. Martin Heidegger says that the bridge is a place, synonymous with being present. Dwelling in it is the central theme that occupies Heidegger and that occupies me. And the butterflies refer to the mysterious butterflies of the soul, as Ramon y Cajal called neurons. Butterflies whose wingbeats who knows may one day reveal the secrets of the mind. Q. Heidegger plays a key role in your theory. How did you come to him? A. Out of curiosity. I was invited to a conference at the College of Technical Architects in Madrid, where they discussed the influence of architecture on our psyche, how the environment influences us. There, they mentioned Heideggers book, Building, Dwelling, Thinking, which captivated me. As soon as I left, I ordered the book, a small volume that engrossed me in months of reading, because Heidegger is very dense and condenses immense wisdom into every sentence. Its been my companion for over a year; Ive read and reread it... Q. Heidegger also says we are islands connected by bridges. Do you agree? A. Absolutely, its an idea that has helped me a lot. The bridge is a place. Its neither you nor me, its the interaction between us right now. From a bodily point of view, when there is synchronization between two bodies, its not my heart nor yours, not your brain nor mine... They both enter into a dance, they reach an agreement. To agree is to put hearts in sync. I find that idea of interaction very beautiful. He also said something that helped me understand many situations: we are two islands, from which shore of my island does the bridge that connects me to you emerge? There are shores that may be wounded and not be the best place to connect. This led me to consider from where I relate to others. Heidegger argues that the moment a bridge appears, a stretch of coastline emerges that you may not have known existed. I thought it was brilliant. Neuroscientist Nazareth Castellanos, pictured in Madrid. Jacobo Medrano Q. How does Heidegger complement Ramon y Cajal, the father of neuroscience in Spain? A. I think in many ways. For example, in the idea of serenity, what Heidegger calls gelassenheit. I strive for serenity during fierce storms and also when things are going well. I believe in experiencing joy and fulfillment from that serenity, and also pain. Thats where true strength lies, because without that calm, one reaches enormous levels of misery. Cajal also experienced the gelassenheit that Heidegger spoke of. Cajal had a difficult life, but he found refuge in painting, which allowed him to return to himself, find calm, and strengthen his will. I believe in that calm, which we study through conscious breathing. Calm is neither verbal nor analytical. Its about inhabiting, being present. Living in the moment, which can sometimes be very hard. There are situations that surpass understanding, and all that remains is to inhabit them. I like that gelassenheit, which translates as being here, being present, being equanimous... Its not at all analytical. Q. How does neuronal architecture get reshaped through willpower? Why is breathing such a fundamental tool? A. When the brain has to rebuild itself, one of the structures most involved in its reorganization is the anterior cingulate cortex, which divides the deeper and more superficial parts of the brain that is, the unconscious from the conscious. Its a kind of switch, a fascinating structure. Studies show that this area is activated in many ways and is involved in many processes. Simply by observing your breathing, even without changing the rhythm or breathing patterns, this area of the brain registers significantly more activity than if youre thinking about something else. By observing the breath, the brain recognizes that what youre observing is an interoceptive process [the ability to interpret internal signals from your own body], which triggers immense neural activity. The project I started here was to see what happens in the brain with moderate meditation. I wanted to study something I could do, like meditating for half an hour a day, and maybe not every day. Q. What conclusions have you reached through meditation? A. Meditation is intrinsic to human beings. Its not a technique invented by Buddhism; its present in all traditions. Its contemplation. I see it as more of a human trait than a cultural one. Its a very valuable tool that you can use even if you dont meditate regularly. Ideally, according to studies, you should meditate regularly at least five days a week for a minimum of half an hour. Weve worked with people we teach to meditate, to see what happens in their brains. At the end of the program, which lasts eight weeks, the vast majority dont continue meditating, but the benefit is that theyve learned strategies they can use at different times. Those who continue meditating experience many more benefits, as they create a much more stable baseline state. Those who dont can at least resort to this technique at certain times. Q. Should we all learn to breathe consciously? A. It really frustrates me that these techniques arent taught in school. We learn very complex things, but not these kinds of techniques. I learned to relate to my own emotions when I was in my thirties, and thats because this is what I do for a living. A wandering breath leads to a wandering mind. Observing your breath helps maintain serenity. Its scientifically proven and is a great tool against suffering. To reduce the bodys response to anxiety, you have to breathe, as orderly as possible, so the brain has one less stressor. I wonder how much suffering we could have avoided. Q. In correspondence between Heidegger and Hannah Arendt, he recommends inhaling while counting to three and exhaling slowly to six. Is that meditation? A. Thats the most basic process of slowing down breathing, the one that has been most scientifically studied. We tested it on a population with chronic pain from discopathy. We wanted to see not only how it influenced inflammatory factors, but also their experience of living with the pain day after day. When we inhale, the brain is oxygenated and certain areas are activated, and when we exhale, they are deactivated. The brain is like an airplane; it ascends very quickly and takes much longer to descend. Normally, we make the exhalation very short, interrupting the process, without allowing time for those areas to deactivate, which is fundamental. Researchers at the University of Tokyo demonstrated that when the exhalation is longer than the inhalation, the amygdala, which is the area of the brain most involved in emotion and anxiety, relaxes sufficiently, resulting in a less exaggerated response to anxiety. This slowing down, in addition to certain cardiovascular benefits, has analgesic properties, which is why we study it for chronic pain. It also has a calming effect. You should try to breathe slowly. Neuroscientist Nazareth Castellanos. Jacobo Medrano Q. What youre proposing seems valid for mature minds. How can we reach younger generations? A. We need to educate children in anxiety prevention techniques from school onwards. We suffer from a very serious mental health problem. There is enough scientific evidence to recommend including content on body awareness and relaxation techniques in the curriculum. It is a matter of public health. There are enormous levels of suffering, dissociation, and disturbance that are invisible and embedded in society. Q. How can we make this apparent to people in their twenties, who are already out of school? A. I see that theyre very demanding of new things. Im worried about young peoples dependence on social media, which makes them disconnect from being present, from communicating. Theyve found themselves with a new toy thats very dangerous. Social media often creates a distorted or false sense of reality. Ive experienced it myself. People tell me, Wow, you never stop! but thats not true. I spend almost every afternoon with my daughter, yet from whats posted on social media it looks like Im constantly busy, even though I advocate for rest. Everyone appears perfect on social media, which isnt true. Thats worrying to me. I think we should promote humility and simplicity. Im optimistic because it seems to me that schools are increasingly adopting approaches to address these new realities. Were on the right track, although theres still a lot to be done. Q. So how can we help young people stimulate cognitive development, curiosity, and enthusiasm? A. I think were already doing it. Personally, Id rather live in 2025 than in the 1970s. There has never been so much access to knowledge or so much curiosity. Very few people studied before, and yet the amount of information we have at our fingertips today is incredible. You just have to know how to search; thats the problem now. Because, who can I trust? Im a big advocate for science communication because, being illiterate when it comes to technical terms, its very easy to be taken in. Education gives you that ability to discern. A Facebook page uses artificial intelligence to make videos of me and dubs my voice saying utter nonsense. You wouldnt believe the number of messages I get from people asking if its really me. It makes me happy because it means there are already people with enough education to understand that some messages sound unbelievable. We have to keep working, but Im very optimistic. Q. You claim that 70% of European society is exhausted. How should we interpret this? A. Exhaustion is an underestimated issue that no one seems to care about or address. We study it extensively in the lab. Seventy percent of people are exhausted, and among mothers, the figure rises to over 80%. I often see a habit among my friends, one Ive also fallen into, which is using the TV as a babysitter for the children. We study the impact of overexposure to screens on children extensively, but the problem is that perhaps that mother simply cant take it anymore. We should be taking much better care of ourselves. Q. If society took better care of us and we took better care of ourselves, could we reverse that exhaustion? A. I now put my eight-year-old daughter first. But Im aware that if I dont take care of myself, everything will fall apart. When Im not looking after her, I feel terrible, and Im barely able to delegate. But if I dont take care of myself, I cant take care of her every day. Q. How can we begin to cultivate our brains so that we understand the importance of self-care? What kind of inner monologue do you propose? A. [The priest and writer] Pablo DOrs says something very beautiful: How can you know yourself if you dont love yourself? What good is self-knowledge if its not for self-care? Before you know yourself, you have to take care of yourself, as Heidegger says, and when I do know myself, it will be to take better care of myself. We must always maintain that dual perspective. Q. Is it necessary to verbalize our worries constantly? A. When my daughter was born, I was exhausted because I was taking care of her all day and working at night. I spent the whole day saying, Im exhausted! And I read articles that showed that exhaustion increases if you verbalize it. We underestimate the power of language; the act of verbalizing activates brain mechanisms that can be toxic. Language isnt just about what we say outwardly. We pay a very high price for language, which is why knowing how to listen is just as important as knowing when to be silent. When you breathe consciously, the areas of the brain that govern language lose neural resources. This is the key to the mantra effect being studied at Tel Aviv University. Researchers have shown that when inner dialogue becomes overwhelming or obsessive, and you cant stop ruminating on something, stress levels skyrocket. Since the brain needs language, they proposed giving it language but not content. Its necessary to repeatedly use a neutral word that has no religious or motivational significance. For example, glass. When anxiety spikes, repeating this word keeps the language areas active but interrupts the connection to the emotional area, thus reducing the anxiety-inducing spiral. The mantra effect also has a unique characteristic related to breathing, which is what religious prayers, for example, have always done: if you repeat a word over and over, you induce a regular, periodic breathing rhythm that modulates respiration. Its a very powerful technique for controlling anxiety. Q. You advocate practicing kindness and courtesy as tools for all these processes. Why? A. Kindness greatly changes the experience. Kindness is the way you look at things, not what is being seen. The same thing said in one way or another generates very different reactions. In legal proceedings, before going to court, a mediator is considered. I think its a very useful tool; it reduces hostility in how things are said. Q. Another brilliant line from your book is Tenderness is more important than intelligence. A. I think theyre linked, although I also believe that to be tender, you have to think. Because tenderness is one thing, and sentimentality is another. Tenderness isnt just how you say something; its understanding the other person, its your attitude. Eugenio Borgna, one of the great Italian doctors who humanized psychiatry and advocated for the closure of psychiatric hospitals, says that tenderness is making the other person feel deserving of the life they inhabit. Q. If we change our minds, do we also change our lives? A. Not life itself, but our position in life. Sculpting our minds can lead us to discover another person within ourselves. It requires courage, dedication, and confidence. Its also important to have resources that not everyone possesses, such as financial or cognitive resources, a support network... Circumstances play a significant role, which is why we must continue to support womens economic, cognitive, and emotional independence. There is still much to be done. To quote Ortega y Gasset: I am myself and my circumstances. You cant achieve it simply by wanting to. It requires intention, and also the right conditions. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Hurun India, in its latest rich list for the year 2025, awarded Jayshree Ullal, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of Arista Networks, the top rank among other Indian-origin leaders in the world, according to the official data. With this Hurun India Rich List 2025 achievement, Jayshree Ullal has successfully surpassed big tech Indian-origin leaders like Google's Sundar Pichai and Microsoft's Satya Nadella to now hold the top rank among the wealthiest executives in the technology sector. Who is Jayshree Ullal? Jayshree Ullal is an Indian-origin British-born billionaire businesswoman who has been heading the software services firm, Arista Networks, for the past 17 years. Earlier this year, 63-year-old Jayshree Ullal, ranked second among the top five first-generation women wealth creators, as per the Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List 2025. Ullal is based out of Santa Clara, California, where she runs the cloud networking company, which designs and sells multiple software products. According to her LinkedIn data, Jayshree Ullal did her Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from San Francisco State University in the United States. Later, she also completed her Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from Santa Clara University in 1986, and also received an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering in the year 2025. Jayshree Ullal completed her schooling at the Convent of Jesus & Mary in New Delhi. Ullal joined Arista Networks in September 2008 and is still serving in the company as its CEO. The company is a cloud networking firm which provides high-performance and software-driven switches along with solutions for large data centres, cloud service providers, and enterprise campus environments. Before joining Arista, Ullal worked in Cisco Systems, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices), and Fairchild Semiconductor. Jayshree Ullal's net worth According to the net worth data collected from Forbes, Jayshree Ullal's net worth stands at $5.7 billion as of 27 December 2025. Ullal's net worth recently recorded a $34 million rise as of the date. Currently, she ranks as the 713th richest person in the world based on net worth. While Indian-origin big tech leaders like Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's networth stood at $1.1 billion, recently marking a $250,000 drop as per the data collected on 27 December 2025. The Forbes data also showed that Google CEO Sundar Pichai has a net worth of $1.5 billion as of the date. The billionaire's net worth took a $2 billion hit as of 27 December 2025. The data also showed that Ullal's net worth has skyrocketed since 2020, on the backdrop of the booming artificial intelligence (AI) and software services sector. Jayshree Ullal owns nearly 3% of Arista Networks shares, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. India-New Zealand FTA: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday hailed the country's recently-inked the Free Trade Agreement with India, saying it will benefit 1.4 billion Indians. In a post on X, Luxon said that the India-New Zealand FTA will generate more jobs and higher income, apart from benefitting 1.4 billion Indian consumers through more exports. We said wed secure a Free Trade Agreement with India in our first term, and weve delivered. This landmark deal means more jobs, higher incomes and more exports by opening the door to 1.4 billion Indian consumers. Fixing the Basics. Building the Future, Luxon said in a post on X. India-New Zealand FTA India and New Zealand announced a free trade agreement on 22 December, concluding the comprehensive, balanced and forward-looking trade deal, marking one of New Delhi's most successful economic and strategic milestone in its engagement with the Indo-Pacific region. The India-New Zealand FTA, which was announced in March this year, stands out as one of the fastest-concluded trade deals in the country's history. The trade deal provides unprecedented duty-free access for Indian exports to New Zealand while safeguarding Indias sensitive sectors, strengthening economic resilience, and promoting inclusive growth aligned with Indias national priorities. What does the India-New Zealand FTA seek to do? The negotiations were formally launched on March 16, 2025 during the meeting between Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand Todd McClay. The economic partnership between India and New Zealand will promote employment, facilitate skill development, drive growth led by trade and investment, foster innovation for agricultural productivity, and enhance MSME participation to strengthen long-term economic resilience. What are the advantages for India? The India-New Zealand trade deal eliminates all tariffs on 100% Indian exports, with which they will enjoy duty free access. This market access enhances the competitiveness of India's labour-intensive sectors including textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, marine products, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, engineering goods and automobiles, directly supporting Indian workers, artisans, women, youth and MSMEs and integrating them deeper into global value chains, according to the commerce ministry. New Zealand has also offered its commitment across 118 services sectors, with Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment in 139 sectors. Also Read | Why New Zealand's ruling coalition member says they oppose FTA deal with India These include high-value sectors including IT and IT-enabled services, professional services, education, financial services, tourism, construction and other business services, opening substantial new opportunities for Indian service suppliers and high-skill employment, according to the commerce ministry. Juggling long workdays, tight deadlines, and unpredictable schedules often means money tasks get pushed to the weekend. A bank account that stays light on conditions can keep life simple, so you focus on work, not rules. For salaried and gig professionals across India, the right setup can make everyday banking smoother. This article explains how a zero-balance account helps busy professionals, the features to look for, and how it sits alongside a standard Savings Account, so you can choose with confidence. Top Benefits of Opening a Zero Balance Account for Working Professionals A zero balance account reduces the pressure to maintain a monthly minimum balance, which is handy when cash inflows and expenses vary throughout the month. The points below outline features that suit working professionals. Financial Flexibility With a Zero Balance Account The month ends can be tight. With no minimum balance requirement, you are less likely to worry about penalties during lean weeks. This setup supports healthier cash flow habits and helps you keep funds where they are needed most. Consider: Salary credits, freelance payouts, and reimbursements can land without balance anxiety. Bill cycles and investments can be timed on your terms. Quick & Easy Account Opening Online Digital onboarding for a salary account is built for busy calendars. Most banks now offer secure eKYC journeys with Aadhaar, PAN and video verification, so you can complete formalities from home or the office. Look for: A clear timeline for activation after KYC. Simple document lists and responsive in-app support. Higher Cash Withdrawal Limits Access to cash matters during travel, emergencies, or high-expense days. Some account variants provide higher ATM withdrawal and POS limits than basic options. Check: Daily ATM and UPI limits that match your spending pattern. A wide ATM network to avoid surcharge fees. Exclusive Offers for Account Holders Banks frequently partner with brands for card-linked deals on dining, travel, learning, and essentials. These can trim monthly costs when used wisely. Tips to use offers well: Track categories you already spend on, not extras you do not need. Review offer validity and merchant lists before checkout. Loyalty Rewards on Transactions Card swipes, UPI spends, and bill payments may earn points or cashback under selected programmes. Over time, steady usage can fund vouchers or fee waivers. Good practice: Redeem points regularly to avoid expiry. Prioritise everyday bills and fuel for consistent accrual. Extra Benefits With Zero Balance Account Beyond the basics, many accounts bundle sensible add-ons that support a fast-paced life: net banking and mobile app features, timely spend alerts, cheque services, and safe fund transfers through UPI, IMPS, and NEFT. Also consider: In-app budgeting tools and category spends. Clear grievance redressal and service turnaround times. Conclusion A thoughtful choice today can streamline payments, reduce avoidable fees, and keep your financial routine calm. If you are exploring options, review terms on the banks official website and compare them with your own usage pattern. For reference, you can learn more at IDFC FIRST Bank. Note to the Reader: This article is part of Mints promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Mint assumes no editorial responsibility for the content. MEXICO CITYWhen President Trump began raising tariffs earlier this year, government officials and economists feared Mexicos export-led economy would take a devastating hit. Instead, Mexican exports to the U.S. have grown. Because Mexicos ultimate tariff rate ended up lower than for most other countries, the disparity has helped Mexican exports fill some of the gap left by Chinese products subject to higher levies. Producers seeking a foothold in the U.S. have said that Mexico still has all the inherent advantages it had before tariffsproximity to the U.S., a low-cost manufacturing industry and a frayed but intact free-trade agreement. Even with steep tariffs on autos, steel and aluminum bound for America, Mexican manufacturing exports to the U.S. rose almost 9% from January to November, compared with the first 11 months of 2024, according to Mexican government data. Auto-industry exports to the U.S. fell close to 6% during the period, but exports of other manufactured goods surged 17%. Trade in goods between the U.S. and Mexico is on track to reach a record of nearly $900 billion this year. Mexicos economy is projected by its central bank to expand 0.3% in 2025anemic but far from the contraction of 1% that was expected by now, said Kathryn Exum, co-head of sovereign research at Gramercy Funds Management, which manages about $7 billion in emerging-market assets. The Nearshore Co.s experience illustrates how Mexico dodged a bullet in Trumps trade war. The company helps foreign manufacturers produce U.S.-bound goods in Mexico through its network of 18 industrial plants, mostly located along the border. The companys co-chief executive, Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen, said many manufacturing-investment plans had been put on ice earlier this year until companies had more clarity on the tariff levels for Mexico and other countries. Then came April 2Liberation Day, as Trump calls it. The president stood outside the White House with placards listing new tariff rates for almost every countryexcept Mexico. Gonzalez Henrichsen said he quickly received an avalanche of calls from people who wanted to restart manufacturing projects in Mexico that they had paused because of incoming tariffs. His clients concluded that Mexico was better off than many other U.S. trade partners, including rival manufacturers in Asia. In fact, it was Liberation Day for us," said Gonzalez Henrichsen. Mexico also overcame concerns about a zombie" U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a term used to describe a scenario in which North Americas free-trade deal remains but is undermined by unilateral tariffs. Today, almost 85% of Mexicos total exports remain tariff-free under the USMCA. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has worked hard to engage Trump and manage his use of trade as leverage on noneconomic issues. She has tightened drug enforcement along the border, expelled imprisoned cartel bosses wanted by the U.S. and imposed 50% tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles and other goods, defusing U.S. threats of harsher tariffs. Mexico has approached the relationship with the U.S. quite constructively," said Exum of Gramercy. Mexico still faces the highest tariffs in a generation: 25% on non-U.S. content in autos, up to 50% on aluminum and steel and 25% on nonUSMCAcompliant exports imposed because the U.S. has said Mexico hasnt done enough to curb drug flows. Competitors including China are stuck with steeper duties. According to the Penn Wharton Budget Model, Mexicos effective tariff rate is 4.7%, compared with 37.1% for China. The overall effective rate for the world is about 10%, according to Penn Wharton, reflecting all layers of taxation, deductions, credits and exemptions. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Mexico has managed to capture about 25% of the reduction in the U.S. trade deficit with China. The shift demonstrates the important role that Mexico plays in U.S. supply-chain resilience efforts," Greer told U.S. lawmakers in mid-December. Mexico overtook China as the top foreign-goods supplier to the U.S. in 2023 and has become its largest buyer, owing to deep regional manufacturing integration and a large, young, lowcost labor pool. Many of Mexicos U.S. imports are intermediate goods used to produce exports back to the U.S. Other elements strengthen Mexicos position. Proximity to U.S. markets cuts transportation costs for goods such as autos. The level of integration is such that the cost of eliminating the USMCA would be monumental," said Luis de la Calle, who served on the Mexican team that negotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement more than three decades ago. Many companies expect global trade uncertainty to be long-lasting, said Antonio Ortiz-Mena, chief executive of AOM Advisors, a trade and investment consulting firm. Mexico and Canada are likely to continue having lower average tariffs than the rest of the world, reducing uncertainty as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is up for review in 2026. While it wont be a perfect agreement, we are heading in that direction," Ortiz-Mena said. Mexican shipments of data-processing equipment more than doubled this year, bolstered by the U.S. build-out of data centers and artificial intelligence. Gonzalez Henrichsen of the Nearshore Co. said strong demand boosted output of electric transformers for data centers by a U.S. customer that began operations in Mexico in 2019 with one plant and 18 employees. Now the customer has four plants and 600 workers, with another 1,000 expected to be hired next year. We havent had any clients close down and pack up to the U.S.," he said. Write to Santiago Perez at santiago.perez@wsj.com and Anthony Harrup at anthony.harrup@wsj.com SRINAGAR : Jammu and Kashmir grows more apples than any other region in India, but its orchards sit in a fragile balance, exposed to hailstorms, heatwaves, and increasingly snowless winters that can wipe out a seasons labour. These climate shocks are beginning to unravel Kashmirs 15,000-crore fruit economy, trapping apple growers in a cycle of rising input costs and recurring losses, even as the promise of crop insurance remains largely theoretical. Weighed down by low enthusiasm after another season of heavy losses, fruit growers have begun the new farming cycle, pruning apple trees in their orchards, amid Chilai Kalan, Kashmir's harshest forty days of winter. In Allaiepora village of Pulwama, Khursheed Ahmad Allaie tells Mint that the apple growers who once invested heavily in establishing high-density orchards, converting paddy fields into apple farms, now find themselves at a loss, as the impacts of the climate crisis have intensified over the past decade. Global warming has changed everything. Heatwaves bring disease. Hailstorms destroy crop quality. Apples that should be A-grade become C-grade, bringing only losses to growers," says the 34-year-old while pointing to the scars on his trees, in his 15-kanal orchard, left by last Augusts extreme weather. The gamble that once promised higher yields and faster returns has increasingly become a source of anxiety and debt," he says, seated near a heap of applesdecayed brown, soft, slick with rot, adding that without crop insurance, growers like him have little option but to watch their produce spoil, absorbing the losses in silence. Further south, in Katrasoo in Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Bhat sets out on the narrow path to his 12-kanal orchard. His steps crunch on frozen soil as he passes rows of high-density plantations and decades-old traditional trees, their bare branches trembling in the cold wind. Crop insurance is our security. Without it, apple farming is just a gamble." Bhats family has tended these orchards for nearly 80 years. Each season, he weighs the riskshailstorms in June and July, sudden heatwaves, snowless winters against the rising costs of pesticides, labour and irrigation. This year, a hailstorm wiped out nearly half the crop. In 2020 and 2021, early snowfall snapped decades-old, fruit-laden trees. The relief we received was 1,000," says the 48-year-old. It barely covered anything." Horticulture underpins the Union territory's economy more than any other sector. Government estimates place its annual turnover at about 15,000 crore, with more than 3.5 million people deriving direct or indirect employment from it, making orchards the regions most dependable source of livelihoods. Data hurdle Allaies crop, like many others, remains in the hands of traders who claim their own losses. Fertiliser bills and pesticide payments are pending, and school fees for my children are overdue. If there had been insurance, we could have waited. Even if the crop spoiled, compensation would have helped us survive," he says. Mohammad Ashraf Wani, president of the mega fruit mandi in Shopian, often described as Kashmirs apple bowl, says crop insurance has become essential to the industrys survival. Climate change is hitting both quality and quantity," he says. We now see snowless winters when snow is crucial, heatwaves when rainfall is needed, heavy rain during flowering, scab outbreaks in peak summer and cloudbursts that wash away roads and disrupt transport." Wani, a seasoned apple grower, points to declining chilling hours as a key indicator of stress. Apple trees need around 1,600 chilling hours. Earlier, areas like Shopian recorded nearly 4,000. Today, it has dropped to around 320. Once temperatures cross 28 degrees Celsius, apple cultivation becomes unviable." Yet even as climatic risk intensifies, crop insurance in Kashmir has remained uneven and exclusionary. For instance, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched nationally in 2016, now covers all 20 districts of the Union territory. Enrolment has risen, premiums have been collected, and claims settled. Since its rollout, about 960,000 farmers in Jammu and Kashmir have been insured, covering roughly 560,000 hectares. Claims worth 156 crore have been paid out, with farmers receiving nearly 68 crore. However, most of this coverage has bypassed horticulture, particularly apple cultivation. Between 2017 and 2025, insurance payouts largely went to wheat, paddy, and oilseeds grown predominantly in the Jammu region. In the Kashmir Valley, where paddy fields are steadily being converted into apple orchards, insurance penetration remains limited. Only about 16% of cropped land is insured, well below the governments stated target of 25%. The scheme does not effectively cover horticulture," says Bashir Ahmad Basheer, chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union. Our economy depends on fruit, not food grains. But the PMFBY is still largely designed around agricultural crops." Basheer tells Mint that assurances were made years ago that horticulture insurance would be implemented, but little has changed on the ground. Most orchardists are small growers with limited land holdings. Losses pile up every year due to weather events, and there is still no safety net." Insurance companies, for their part, have remained wary of apples. Altaf Aijaz Andrabi, former director of agriculture and the first mission director of crop insurance in J&K, says the reluctance stems from weak data and flawed design. Insurance companies do not understand apple-yield estimation," he says. There is no standardized, notified yield assessment model backed by long-term weather data. That makes insurers hesitant." Climate change has compounded this uncertainty. Apples have become a highly fluctuating, high-risk crop," Andrabi adds. Insurers look for viability. Apples no longer offer predictability." Javid Ahmad Dar, J&Ks minister for agriculture production, acknowledges the problem. There are very few bidders," he tells Mint. Insurance companies operate for profit, and repeated weather events have made them cautious." According to Dar, the government is revisiting the scheme to make it more attractive to insurers while ensuring benefits for growers. For years, the Valley remained outside meaningful crop insurance coverage because companies quoted prohibitively high premiums, citing the risks of operating in Kashmir. Tenders were floated repeatedly, only to be scrapped when bids exceeded what the government was willing to accept. In the absence of insurance, growers absorbed losses from frequent weather shocks without institutional support. Haseeb Drabu, economist and former finance minister of the erstwhile state, argues that the absence of long-term data lies at the heart of the failure. You cannot design insurance without data. You need at least a hundred years of weather and yield patterns to assess risk," he tells Mint. Drabu also points to the orchard structure. Traditional orchards have highly variable yields. High-density, standardized plantations are easier to insure because output is more predictable. Uniformity reduces risk." Policy design, he says, must be driven by research institutions and grounded in data. The administrative bottlenecks have been equally damaging. Suhail Inamullah, technical officer to the director of agriculture, Kashmir, explains that earlier operational guidelines required insurers to bid for entire crop-cluster combinations. If a cluster had five crops, a company had to quote for all five. If even one crop was left out, the bid was null and void. Apples posed a particular problem because there was no ratified crop-cutting or yield-assessment module. As a result, bids kept failing." Also Read | How a lotus bloom in Wular Lake may boost Kashmir's green economy In 2019, the J&K government took up the issue with the Centre, leading to the rollout of the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) for horticulture. Since then, Inamullah says, insurer interest has picked up slowly. Financial barrier Still, affordability remains a major obstacle. Andrabi argues that insurance will not work without higher subsidies. A farmer's contribution of 1% is manageable. Even 5% is too high at current rates," he says. If premiums could be brought down to around 8,000 per hectare, growers might enrol. Anything higher, he says, is unaffordable. At present, premiums are capped at 25%, with the Centre bearing about 11%, the Union territory government 9% and growers 5%. Despite this, no company has come forward to insure apples. While other crops have found takers, apples remain excluded. How can growers pay high premiums when they dont even recover input costs?" Basheer asks. Fertilizers, sprays, labour and packaging costs have risen sharply, even as returns fluctuate. There are signs of movement. For example, in 2025, the government invited fresh bids for horticulture insurance. Four companies bid for the Kashmir division and five for Jammu. The bid evaluation committee has submitted its recommendations. Inamullah says this level of interest is unprecedented. We are hopeful the scheme will finally take off." Vikas Anand, director of horticulture, Kashmir, says the agriculture department is the nodal agency for implementing crop insurance in J&K, and the scheme is designed to address climate-induced losses. The restructured weather-based insurance covers losses caused by hailstorms, uneven temperature patterns and excessive rainfall." Bank Holiday Today, 27 December: Banks across India are closed today, Saturday, 27 December, as this is the fourth Saturday of the month. Banks including SBI, Punjab National Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank and Yes Bank are closed today, as are other private and public sector banks. Apart from the Saturday bank holiday, lenders have also closed their operations in Nagaland for Christmas celebrations, as per the RBI bank holiday calendar. When do banks typically close? According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bank holiday calendar, banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. They also remain closed on every Sunday of each month due to weekly offs. However, there are no bank holidays on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month due to week-off reasons. Also Read | Are banks open or closed on 26 December due to Christmas celebrations? Details Bank holiday on Saturday is designated as a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act by the RBI. This bank holiday regulates the issuing of cheques and promissory notes. The RBI categorises all bank holidays into three parts, namely, Negotiable Instruments Act, Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) holidays and banks closing of accounts. Bank holidays vary from region to region depending upon the festivals and observances there. For example, banks are closed in Kolkata for Durga Puja but remain open in Delhi. However, on national holidays like Independence Day and Republic Day, banks remain closed across India. On weekends too, banks across the country remain shut. When is the next bank holiday? The next bank holiday will be observed on Sunday, 28 December, due to the regular weekly off. Banks across the country will be shut tomorrow. It is important to check the bank holiday calendar with your local branch to get an idea about when important transactions like depositing a cheque will be closed. Services that require in-person visit to the branch, like withdrawing cash using cheque, are not available on bank holidays. Upcoming bank holidays in December 2025 Here is a list of the upcoming bank holidays in December 2025: 28 December: Bank holiday across India due to Sunday. 30 December: Banks will be shut in Meghalaya due to the Death Anniversary of U Kiang Nangbah. 31 December: Banks will be closed in Manipur and Mizoram on the occasion of New Year's Eve/ Imoinu Iratpa. There were a total of 14 bank holidays in December, apart from the weekly offs. These included a national bank holiday on Christmas, which is celebrated on 25 December. Silver rate today: The precious white metal continues to outperform across the bullion space, surging to a fresh record high of $79.67/oz on COMEX (Mar 2026 contract), logging around 190% rise against its 52-week low of $27.545 per ounce. Likewise, silver rates on MCX touched a new peak of 2,39,397 per kg on Friday. According to market experts, the silver price today is on an uptrend due to one basic reason a structural shift that is lifting the demand-supply constraint. They stated that such a structural shift is expected to occur and predicted silver prices to reach $100 per ounce levels in the short to medium term. Why is the Silver price today on an uptrend? Highlighting the reason for skyrocketing silver rates today, Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said, "Silver continues to outperform across the precious metals space, surging to fresh record highs around $7980/oz on COMEX (Mar 2026 contract). The rally is being driven by a powerful combination of safe-haven demand, accelerating industrial consumption and persistent supply tightness. The impulsive bullish structure remains dominant, with pullbacks shallow and short-lived. Silver is currently delivering one of its strongest annual performances in decades, significantly outperforming gold amid favourable fundamentals and elevated risk premiums." Samsung's solid-state battery fuels silver price On why the silver price is on an uptrend today, Anuj Gupta, Director of Ya Wealth, said, "The basic reason for rising silver prices can be attributed to the structural changes that have enabled the white precious metal to match gold as a safe-haven. The combination of technology, physics and geopolitics causes this structural change. Recently, Samsung has declared that it is moving towards the mass production of solid-state batteries, which will replace lithium-ion batteries. The new battery will be significantly better than the existing one, as it will take only 10 minutes to charge your cell phone's battery fully, and solid-state batteries are expected to last for nearly two decades. Silver is a core raw material for making these solid-state batteries. Apart from this, there is also demand for silver in the EV, solar, and other industries. This is expected to create a huge gap in the demand-supply constraint." Anuj Gupta of Ya Wealth stated that global silver production currently stands at around 850 million ounces, while demand for silver is approximately 1.16 billion ounces. This demand-supply constraint is expected to rise further when the electronics giant Samsung begins producing solid-state batteries. Samsung's move towards solid-state batteries is likely to lift demand for silver by around 100 million. Apart from this, there are EVs, solar energy, white goods, etc., as well as industrial demand, which is also increasing with the passage of time. "It's not just industrial demand, which is widening the demand-supply gap for silver. Rising geopolitical tensions have disrupted the traditional Caribbean shipping route for silver following the escalation of US-Venezuela tensions. This has put pressure on the silver export of the world's biggest suppliers, Peru and Chad. So, this is not a price production game but a big structural shift towards silver prices, and retail investors need to understand this as soon as they can because this structural shift may lift silver prices towards $100 per ounce levels in the short to medium term," said Anuj Gupta. China is changing the silver export rule from 1 Jan 2026 Anuj Gupta further added that, as of 1 January 2026, the Chinese government will change the silver export rules. Under these revised silver export rules, a company will be required to obtain a government license for exporting silver. To obtain a government license for silver export in China, a company must have an annual production of at least 80 tonnes and approximately $30 million in credit lines. This would also put pressure on the demand-supply constraint, negatively, and push silver prices further upward. "Silver prices have given a clean breakout above 2,32,000 to 2,35,000 range, which has triggered the next major leg of the rally, with upside targets opening towards the 2,40,000 to 2,50,000 per kg range," said Ponmudi R of Enrich Money. The government is likely to announce a manufacturing-focused incentive scheme under the Drone Shakti initiative in the Union budget for 2026-27 to accelerate the indigenous production of unmanned aerial vehicles, according to a Moneycontrol report. The proposed scheme is expected to run for five years and align with the period of the Sixteenth Finance Commission, the report said. Here are three drone stocks that stand to benefit should an announcement materialize. Note that this is not a fundamental analysis of these stocks and does not constitute a recommendation. Zen Technologies Zen Technologies has established itself as a leader in defence technology during a period of rapid technological advancement and evolving security threats. It is an expert in land-based force simulation training, developing state-of-the-art simulators that enable military personnel to rehearse for actual situations in safe settings. It currently provides the military with practical, economical, and long-lasting alternatives to traditional live drills by offering training systems for tanks, automobiles, artillery, and aircraft. The counter unmanned aerial system (CUAS) platform from Zen Technologies provides a complete anti-drone solution that effectively tackles the growing security risks presented by unapproved drone operations. The CUAS's multi-layered, multi-sensor architecture is intended to recognise, classify, and eliminate aerial threats. Zen Technologies reported revenue of 173.60 crore in Q2 FY26, against 241.80 crore a year earlier. Net profit decreased from 63.4 crore to 62 crore. The company expects FY26 will be a more measured year in terms of financials, primarily due to the timing of order inflows and execution cycles. Its medium-term goal is to generate a total of 6,000 crore of revenue over FY26, FY27, and FY28. This forecast highlights the maturity of its pipeline, the growing momentum in defence modernisation, and confidence in its technological capabilities. To know more, check out the Zen Technologies fact sheet and latest quarterly results. Paras Defence and Space Technologies Paras Defence and Space Technologies is an advanced Indian defence and space engineering company specialising in indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured products and solutions. Its drones business has been incorporated as a new subsidiary, Paras Heven Advanced Drones Private Ltd, a joint venture in which Paras Defence holds 51% and Israels Heven Drones owns 49%. Together, the companies plan to build advanced logistics and cargo drones in India. These drones arent just for the military; theyre meant for civilian use too, and they can carry loads anywhere from 10 to 40 kg. A key feature of this JV is the integration of Heven Drones' proprietary hydrogen-powered technology, which offers significantly longer flight endurance compared to traditional battery-powered drones. The company reported revenue of 105.7 crore for Q2 FY26, against 87.1 crore a year earlier. Net profit increased from 12.7 crore to 19.5 crore. It expects to gain from government drives such as Make in India and growing defence budgets aimed at self-reliance and homegrown technology. The company has bagged several major international deals, including contracts for anti-drone systems, signalling rising global confidence in its technology. Paras Defence almost completely controls the market for homegrown imaging parts used in space and defence systems, from high-precision sensors to rugged optical units. All this should spur growth over the next few years. To know more check out the Paras Defence fact sheet and latest quarterly results. Also Read | Three midcap drone stocks to add to your watchlist DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations DroneAcharya Aerial is a drone solutions company that offers training, defence systems, aerial services, and consulting. Its expertise spans design and manufacturing of next-generation drones purpose-built for agriculture, defence, logistics and infrastructure. It is also a DGCA-certified remote pilot training organization (RPTO). The first half FY26 for DroneAcharya was largely a period of strengthening overall operational efficiency, resulting in improved margins and a more focused approach. Standalone revenue from operations stood at 9.58 crore over this period and total revenue came in at 10.78 crore. Ebitda over this period came in at 4.62 crore and net profit at 1.94 crore. The company has expanded its defence solutions by developing an indigenized product range. With the recent defence order and a strong pipeline, the management remains confident of maintaining positive net profits. It continues to focus on high-value drone applications in defence, logistics, and industrial inspection, supported by its vision of enabling a skilled and self-reliant drone ecosystem in India. To know more, check out the DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations fact sheet and quarterly results. Conclusion Investing in drone stocks requires evaluating their market growth potential as well as company-specific risks and regulatory dynamics. Key factors include government policies, technological innovation and financial health. Investors should also evaluate a company's fundamentals, corporate governance, and stock valuation before making an investment decision. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. Learn more about our recommendation services here. Also Read | India maps rural land, eyes global rollout of drone mapping model Nvidias purchase of a nonexclusive license from Groq, the artificial-intelligence chip start-up, has raised a lot of eyebrows. For now, many questions remain unanswered, including the exact contours of the deal. But the big one is that Nvidia chips dominate AI computing, so why would it want other chips? Nvidias move is similar to Facebooknow Meta Platformsbuying Instagram in 2012. It was a purely defensive move, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg thought the upstart social network represented a threat to Facebooks singular place in social media. Zuckerberg was determined that Facebook not become another Myspace flash-in-the-pan. Defensive or not, the move worked out well for Meta, with Instagram having a younger demographic than Facebook and contributing to the 3.5 billion people worldwide who use at least one Meta app every day. Facebooks success with Instagram should offer Nvidia shareholders some comfort about the Groq deal. Still, the move is an admission from Nvidia that it sees competitive threats on the horizon and wants to get ahead of them. It may, in the end, keep Nvidias sales growth going, but it is likely to come at the cost of reduced profitability. Nvidias chips, known as GPUs, are the main workhorses of the AI computing revolution. The companys quarterly sales rose from $5.9 billion in the quarter before ChatGPTs release in November 2022 to almost 10 times that in the most recent quarter. Nvidias pre-eminent position can be seen in its stellar gross margin of 73% in the latest quarter. GPUs are all-purpose AI chips: They can be used both for training AI models as well as running those models for chatbots, image generation, and the like. Nvidias chips are considered the best, giving the company significant pricing power. But the competition is beginning to catch up. Alphabets Google was the first to make competing AI hardware, the TPU, in 2015. The other major clouds, Microsofts Azure and Amazon Web Services, have their own custom AI chips, and there are also many start-ups chasing the brass ring. Groq was founded by a former Google TPU engineer who will now be working for Nvidia as part of the deal. These companies have largely given up on competing with Nvidia in the training realm. But more and more, AI computing demand comes from running these models, something known as inference. Thats where the competing chips may gain some traction. The deal implies NVDA recognition that while GPU dominated AI training, the rapid shift towards inference could require more specialized chips," Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya wrote in a note on Friday. Groq is firmly in that group of inference-facing hardware. It calls its chips LPUs, and they are designed for fast and efficient inference. Because its big potential customersthe large cloud companieshave their own inference chips, the future seemed bleak. The Nvidia deal gives Groq new life. The combination opens up a few possibilities. In the future, we may see Nvidia rack servers that feature both GPUs and LPUs. Groq will now have the benefit of all the AI software that Nvidia has built up over two decades and continues to produce. Groq also brings its own inference software into the mix. The two chips could become more complementary than competitive, the way Facebook and Instagram are now. But it also signals an inflection point in the AI investment boom. If inference becomes the main AI workloadand it increasingly happens on LPUs, TPUs and the likeNvidia needs to be a part of it. For now, investors dont seem worried about the impact on the worlds largest chip maker. Nvidia shares were up 1.6% on Friday. But the companys golden gross margin will come under threat if Groq LPUs become a bigger part of the sales mix. Groq may help Nvidia fight off the coming challenge in inference, but it will come at a cost. In the latest deal, Nvidia may have just conceded that its current gross margin cant last forever. Write to Adam Levine at adam.levine@barrons.co Indias exchange-traded fund (ETF) market has recently crossed a new milestone. Assets under management (AUM) have now moved past 10 lakh crore, underscoring how ETFs have moved from being niche products to a mainstream investment avenue, according to Zerodha Fund House. Data shared by Zerodha Fund House shows just how quickly this transformation has taken place. The size of Indias ETF market has doubled over the last three years, reflecting a steady shift in investor preference towards transparent, low-cost and easily accessible investment segments. Today, ETFs offer exposure across equity, debt, commodities and thematic strategies, allowing investors to diversify without relying entirely on traditional funds. Gold and Silver ETFs in a Growing Ecosystem Within this expanding universe, commodity ETFsparticularly those linked to gold and silverform an important part of the broader product mix. While Zerodha Fund House did not provide a separate numerical split for precious metal ETFs, it highlighted that ETFs today offer investors exposure across multiple asset classes, helping them diversify beyond equities. Gold ETFs were among the earliest non-equity ETF categories introduced in India, playing a key role in familiarising investors with the ETF structure. Silver ETFs, which were introduced later, have further widened the range of commodity-based investment options available through the ETF route. Vaibhav Jalan, Chief Business Officer at Zerodha Fund House, said ETFs offer a simple entry point across asset classes. For new investors, ETFs act as a versatile tool to take exposure to different asset classes, themes, and segments since they are simple, cost-effective and transparent in their structure, he said. Also Read | Want to invest in gold ETF? Here is what you need to know Participation and Liquidity Drive ETF Expansion A key driver behind the surge in ETF AUM has been the sharp increase in investor participation. According to Zerodha Fund House data, the number of ETF investor accounts rose from around 41 lakh in November 2020 to over 3 crore by November 2025, representing more than an eightfold increase in five years. This surge indicates that ETFs are increasingly being used by retail investors alongside institutions. Liquidity has also improved exponentially. ETF trading volumes climbed from 51,000 crore in FY20 to 3.83 lakh crore in FY25, a jump of over seven times. Momentum has carried into the current year as well. In just the first half of FY26, ETF trading volumes crossed 3.2 lakh crore, nearly matching the previous full-year total. This improvement has contributed to better price discovery and smoother execution for investors. Vishal Jain, CEO of Zerodha Fund House, described the milestone as a reflection of the ecosystems evolution. Crossing the 10 lakh crore AUM mark is a landmark moment for the Indian ETF space. Having launched Indias first ETFs across equity, gold, liquid, and government divestment categories, it is satisfying to see the product mature and gain such widespread adoption, he said. Zerodha Fund House added that ETFs are now being used not only for long-term investing but also for tactical asset allocation, supported by rising liquidity and tighter tracking of underlying indices. Also Read | HDFC Securities introduces margin trading facility for gold ETFs. Details here A Market That Has Come of Age Zerodha Fund House emphasised that the rapid rise in ETF AUM reflects a deeper shift towards passive investing, disciplined asset allocation and long-term planning. Participation from both retail and institutional investors, along with policy-driven initiatives such as government divestments through ETFs, has supported this expansion. While equities remain the largest component, the growing presence of debt and commodity ETFsincluding gold and silveradds balance to the ecosystem. With ETF AUM now exceeding 10 lakh crore, Zerodha Fund House believes the segment has reached a level of maturity where it can play a central role in portfolio diversification, market access and long-term wealth creation for Indian investors. Loggerhead sea turtles return to the beach where they were born 20 or 30 years later. The image shows the release of 22 hatchlings on Almassora beach, on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, in 2024. Alpine newts are born and live as larvae in puddles, ponds and streams. After metamorphosis, while still young, they leave the water and spend almost the entire year in the dense, humid forests of Europe. But when mating season arrives, they return to the same body of water where they were born. To assess their sense of direction, some were taken up to 26 miles (42 km) from their place of birth. And they made their way back home in a straight line, without any problems, despite being only 4.7 inches (12 cm) long. Like many other animals, these amphibians can perceive the Earths magnetic field, which serves as both a compass and a GPS, allowing them to know their location on Earth and find their way back. Humans are only just beginning to understand this superpower known as magnetoreception. The Earths magnetic field permeates us all, notes Francisco Javier Diego-Rasilla of the Spanish Herpetological Association at the National Museum of Natural Sciences. But the magnetic sense, unlike other senses, is the most elusive of all, he adds. Amphibians such as newts and frogs are known to perceive the planets magnetic field. It has also been documented in at least 20 species of birds, and not just migratory ones. Among fish, rays and sharks orient themselves using magnetic polarity. In reptiles, it is believed that loggerhead turtles return to the beach where they were born because a mental map with the coordinates is stored in their brains. Even a few mammals, especially bats and naked mole-rats, rely on it to fly at night or move underground in complete darkness. But knowing that many animals have this magnetic sense is one thing, and pinpointing its mechanism is another. There isnt, or at least nobody has yet found, a specific organ for perceiving magnetic fields, like the nose for smell. In the retinas of migratory birds, researchers have located proteins called cryptochromes, sensitive to blue light: these are the first steps in a complex orientation mechanism based on quantum physics. Its believed that loggerhead turtles have magnetite particles, a magnetic mineral, somewhere in their bodies, which they generate internally. And amphibians have a key gland inside their heads for navigation. You need to know where youre going, but also where you are, says Diego-Rasilla. In other words, a compass pointing north isnt enough to guide you. You also need a map as a starting point. There are tasks, like moving along a perpendicular axis, or heading towards the edge of a pond, where a compass is sufficient, adds the researcher, who has spent decades studying the magnetic sense of amphibians. But alpine newts, which migrate at night, use a mental map for their migrations in addition to a compass, he adds. This map stores the coordinates that allow them to return. What Diego-Rasilla has discovered after years of experiments capturing these newts (Ichthyosaura alpestris) and taking them far away, is that they recalibrate their compass by updating the map every day: just as the sun sets, they align themselves with a north-south axis, but slightly offset to the east, and precisely when there are the fewest disturbances in the magnetic field, the researcher notes. Alpine newts have a double sense of magnetoreception, a compass and coordinate maps that they update every day. Two specimens caught and later released in the natural park of Saja-Besaya, in northern Spain. Francisco J. Diego-Rasilla When, in the 1960s, two German ornithologists, W. Merkel and W. Wiltschko, discovered that European robins flew from northern Europe to Africa using magnetoreception, skepticism was the norm among their colleagues. And yet their experiments were rigorous: released into long cages surrounded by Helmholtz coils, which generate their own magnetic field, canceling others (such as the Earths), the birds readjusted their flight according to the new field. However, the evidence kept piling up. It was soon discovered that what guides the birds is not just the polarity of the field (magnetic north), but its intensity. The Earths magnetic field is due to the presence of a partially molten iron core in a rotating planet. It is, as elementary school children are taught, a giant electromagnet. The bird compass, which doesnt work like those made by humans, presumably relies on magnetite nanoparticles in their beaks to perceive the strength of the magnet. There is another possible mechanism that is not yet fully understood: robins and other birds detect the tilt of the magnetic field thanks to photosensitive molecules in their eyes, especially the right one. These cryptochromes trigger a biochemical process with effects characteristic of quantum physics: they form pairs of free radicals, where the electrons are not paired and their behavior depends on the magnetic field. Wireless in-ear chargers But pigeons seem to work differently. No magnetite has been found in them, and they can navigate in complete darkness. In a study recently published in Science, a group of scientists explain the neuronal and molecular mechanism by which pigeons perceive the Earths magnetic field, following a different principle: magnetic induction. Its the same principle used in wireless chargers, explains Gregory Nordmann of the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence and the University of Munich (Germany). When a magnetic field changes, it produces an electric current in a conductor. In pigeon navigation, the magnetic field doesnt move; its the bird that does. By flying or turning its head, it moves through the Earths magnetic field, and this movement induces tiny electrical signals in the semicircular canals of the inner ear, explains Nordmann. A set of specialized electrosensory cells detects these signals: they capture the induced currents and send the information to the brain, providing the pigeon with a reliable compass that is independent of light, the German scientist adds. The mechanism confirmed in pigeons, the same one believed to be used by rays and sharks, brings to three the number of known systems by which animals navigate: magnetite nanocrystals, light-dependent quantum biochemistry, and magnetic induction. This suggests that magnetoreception evolved convergently; that is, different species, with distinct anatomies and ecological needs, have developed similar sensory capabilities through different biological mechanisms, Nordmann argues. Perhaps the most fascinating case of magnetic sense is that of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). The hatchlings emerge from the sand, swim out to sea, and after 20 to 30 years, after traveling thousands of miles, return to the same beach to lay their eggs. In a recent experiment, a group of researchers interfered with their magnetic perception. Collected off the coast of North Carolina, they were fed for eight months while simultaneously being exposed to a magnetic pulse that made them feel the magnetic field located much further south, in Haiti or the Turks and Caicos Islands (a British Overseas Territory). The researchers sought to condition the turtles, similar to Pavlovs work with dogs, so that they would associate magnetic coordinates with the reward of food. Once conditioned, they sought to magnetically blind them before virtually placing them back on one of the Caribbean islands. The small creatures ceased to display the exuberance they had shown before being disoriented. This suggests the presence of magnetite within them. It has been proposed that animals magnetic orientation sense could involve biochemical reactions influenced by the Earths magnetic field, notes Alayna Mackiewicz, a researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and first author of this study, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, in an email. Since the proposed chemical reactions are temporary, a magnetic pulse should not have a lasting effect, she points out. Instead, it is likely that magnetite crystals are embedded in specialized sensory cells, and the magnetic pulse could remagnetize these tiny magnets and thus alter the magnetic information sent to the nervous system, she adds. Magnetite could be what connects them to the beach where they were born. Thanks to these nanocrystals, their coordinates would be fixed in their brains just before they venture into the sea. Mackiewicz summarizes it this way: There are clues that support the geomagnetic imprinting hypothesis in sea turtles, where individuals identify with the magnetic field of their birthplace and use this information to return to their birthplace beaches. But she concludes by acknowledging that the exact mechanism is unknown, but it is likely that they use magnetic information to guide themselves back to their place of origin. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition An old video clip of Warren Buffett has resurfaced on social media platform X, reigniting debate around one of investings most uncomfortable truths: even the greatest investors make mistakes. The clip, recently shared by an X user Sunil Gurjar, shows Warren Buffett reflecting candidly on what he calls the worst kind of investment errornot losses that appear on balance sheets, but opportunities that were never taken. Known globally as the Oracle of Omaha, Buffett is the long-time chairman and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway, a company he transformed from a struggling textile business into one of the worlds most valuable conglomerates. With a net worth of over $130 billion, Buffett ranks among the richest individuals globally, yet his enduring appeal lies in his humility and long-term approach rather than sheer wealth. The mistake Buffett says hurts the most In the widely circulated clip, Buffett makes a clear distinction between losses that investors can see and those they often overlook. Oh, I made some very bad ones but that doesnt really bother me. It bothered the shareholders, Buffett says in the video. He goes on to explain that mistakes are inevitable in both life and investing, but the real danger lies elsewhere. The biggest mistakes are the mistakes that dont show up. Mistakes of omission, rather than commission, he adds. Buffett reveals that while Berkshire Hathaway has never lost an extraordinary amount of money on a single investment, the company has missed out on massive gains by not acting when it had the chance. We have missed profits of as much as maybe $10 billion in things that I knew enough to do and I didnt do, Buffett says, underlining how inaction can sometimes be more costly than a wrong decision. This philosophy is deeply rooted in Buffetts broader investment framework. He is known for focusing on businesses with strong fundamentals, durable competitive advantages, capable management, and long-term growth potential. At the same time, he has repeatedly warned investors against overtrading, chasing trends, or reacting emotionally to short-term market movements. Buffetts famous investing quotessuch as be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearfulhave shaped generations of investors. His emphasis on patience, discipline and understanding businesses before buying their stocks stands in stark contrast to todays fast-paced trading culture. The renewed attention to this old video comes at a time when markets are increasingly driven by speculation and short-term narratives. Buffetts remarks serve as a reminder that even legendary investors accept mistakes as part of the journey, but strive to avoid the ones that quietly compound over time. For retail investors, the lesson is simple yet powerful: losses can often be recovered, but missed opportunitieswhen conviction meets inactioncan carry a far heavier long-term cost. Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors the world has ever seen, and the CEO and Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, once said that Berkshire Hathaway was the dumbest stock he ever bought. After buying his first shares of Berkshire in 1962, he took control of the firm in 1965, when it was a struggling textile company. At this year's annual meeting in May, Buffett announced that he wanted to step down as CEO of the more than $1 trillion company at the end of the year. Greg Abel has been designated as his successor. Berkshire was the "dumbest stock" I bought, says Buffett In 2010, Buffett sat for a conversation with CNBC's Becky Quick, in which he revealed that "the dumbest stock I ever bought was Berkshire Hathaway." But why? Because Buffett ended up investing a large amount of money in a business that was collapsing. Buffett explained that the Berkshire stock was cheap in early 1962. This textile company had been under stress for years. It was closing one mill after another and would use the proceeds from selling mills to buy back their stock. Buffett thought of buying the stock at a lower price, selling it back to the company through a tender offer and making a small profit. Buffett further explained that in 1964, he had quite a bit of Berkshire stock, and that was when the company's management said that they had sold some mills and were going to have a tender offer. They promised they would offer Buffett a price of 11.50 per share, but actually offered him a lower price than promised. This made Buffett angry, and he decided to buy more shares and take control of the company. That emotional decision made him the owner of a declining textile business with no visible future growth. As Berkshire was a textile firm, the textile operations acted like an anchor. Buffett said for nearly 20 years, he kept trying to fix the textile business, which dragged down Berkshires overall performance. Buffett said that if he had used the same money to build an insurance company, Berkshire would have been worth far more. In hindsight, Buffett's mistake was not buying Berkshire itself, but staying invested in a poor business for too long. Buffett's investing style Buffett is known for his long-term value investing focused on high-quality businesses. In simple words, his investment philosophy is centred around buying cheap stocks to buying great companies at fair prices. While value investing is at the core of Buffett's investing philosophy, he has often emphasised buying great businesses and not just cheap stocks. Buffett says investors should buy stocks with strong fundamentals and management quality and invest only in businesses they completely understand. The World After Gaza by Pankaj Mishra (Juggernaut) As Gaza continued to suffer under Israels genocide this year, this scholarly but accessible book felt like a lighthouse to me. Amid all the hate-mongering, distortion of reality and fake news, it is a must-read for anyone looking for a beacon of light. Mishra connects the past and present with nuance, complexity and clarity to explain the ongoing crisis in West Asia. SG Every Room Has a View by Sujit Saraf (Speaking Tiger) Sujit Sarafs novel, Island, based on the real incident of a missionarys death in the Andamans, was one of my favourites last year. In 2025, he returned with yet another engaging story, set among Indians in the US. The protagonist, Naveen Gupta, dies in the Silicon Valley after living there for 30 years. And his peculiar last wish throws off his family and friends. SG The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai (Penguin Random House) A doorstopper, after a gap of 19 years, may feel like a risky gamble, but Kiran Desais comeback novel was everything I had hoped for. I dont remember the last time I read 700-odd pages in feverish anticipation, or expressed my feelings aloud all the way. Love, class, politics, art and identityeverything comes together beautifully in this epic novel. SG Giants by Huthuka Sumi (HarperCollins India) Filled with fantastical images, this book delves into the life of Kato, a mute boy navigating school and life in Nagaland. Growing up on his mothers stories about timi-la, a giant that protects humans, Kato longs to be found by him. And one day, he is. The author uses stories to connect the past and present, honouring age-old Naga storytelling traditions. AB Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy (Penguin Random House) Arundhati Roys first memoir blew my mind. Funny, sad, chatty, intimateMother Mary Comes to Me feels like a heady cocktail Im yet to sober up from. If the mother-daughter story at its core remains unforgettable, so do the little detailsabout writing, living, friendship, love and communitystrewn all over its riveting pages. SG Railsong by Rahul Bhattacharya (Bloomsbury) In a world that races along, this is a curiously analogue novel, set between 1961 and 1992, long before hustle became a way of living. The bureaucracy, life and joy of the Railways forms its cornerstone and the Census its buttresses. We usually read about 1960s-90s India in broad, sweeping termssocialism, Green Revolution, Emergency, liberalization, womens rights, communalismbut as Bhattacharyas protagonist Charu grows into Miss Chitol and then Smt. Chitol, we see how policy decisions actually affected everyday life. SU Half Light by Mahesh Rao (Penguin Random House) Two young men meet in 2014, have an affair, then meet again in 2018. Its a simple premisebut Mahesh Rao weaves in not just the nebulous tension of living in a society that criminalised, and still stigmatises, homosexuality but also the impact of class, caste, inherited privilege and entitlement on relationships. The minor charactersaunts, mothers, colleagues, friendsare beautifully etched too, reflecting similar concerns. Convention extracts far too much from us, Rao seems to say, even as joy glimmers through the novels scenes of individual independence and learning to live as oneself. SU Audition by Katie Kitamura (Penguin Random House) Books with a surreal touch are often described as fever dreams, and this novel feels like one. With intertwined narratives about an actor and her relationship with a young man, it forces the reader to confront whats real and whats performed. It reminded me of Kazuo Ishiguros best work, where the mundane and the absurd keep slipping into each other. SB Julie Chan is Dead by Liann Zhang (Simon and Schuster) If you enjoy dark novels about assumed identities, such as RF Kuangs Yellowface, this story about a twin stepping into her siblings shoes would be right up your street. Set in the high-glamour world of influencer marketing, it gets deliciously creepy as the protagonist finds she may have bitten off more than she can chew when she made her Faustian bargain. SB The Rose Field by Philip Pullman (Penguin Random House) Over 35 years, Pullmans alternate universe, featuring Lyra, her daemon Pantalaimon, and a host of ordinary and fantastical characters have enthralled us. The epic story came to close with The Rose Field. Although it left us with more questions, Lyras search for her lost imagination curiously reflects the world today. Theres nothing like it in modern fiction. SB Sympathy Tower Tokyo by Rie Qudan (Penguin Random House) Its 2026 and architect Sara Machina has been commissioned to build a luxury apartment block in Tokyo over the next four years to house convicted criminals. Its a classic dilemmacan one do honest work when one doesnt believe in the project itself? Translated into English this year by Jesse Kirkwood, this is a novel of conflicting ideas that reflect the age we live in, not only because it was part written by ChatGPT and caused a whorl of controversy when it was published in Japanese and won the prestigious Akutagawa Prize. SU Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz (Penguin) The third instalment in Horowitzs literary murder series featuring editor Susan Ryeland is the best. Not just because you get two mysteries in onea contemporary murder and a book-within-a-book set in the 1950s. Ryeland tracks down an authors killer using clues from his unfinished book and unravels the secrets of his dysfunctional family, descended from a beloved and flawed childrens writer (a send-up of Enid Blyton). This clever novel will hit different if youre a fan of Golden Age crime fiction. SB The Tesla Files by Sonke Iwersen and Michael Verfurden (Penguin Random House) It is a truth universally acknowledged that Elon Musks corporations are all fraught with controversies and scandals. But until I read this expose by two investigative reporters, aided by a whistleblower, I had no idea about the extent of misgovernance in one of the worlds biggest and most influential companies. Paced like a thriller, this book was hard to put downand deeply disturbing for the picture of greed, harm and sheer perfidy it paints. SG Murder Most Foul by Guy Jenkin (Legend Press) Playwright Christopher Marlowes death in 1593 in a supposed bar brawl has exercised literary imaginations for centuries. In this book, Shakespeare teams up with Marlowes sister Ann to crack the case. This is an unusual crime novel for palates jaded by twee, paint-by-numbers cosy mysteries featuring pensioners and Asian grandmothers playing detective. SB Called by the Hills by Anuradha Roy (Hachette India) As someone who dreams of leaving Delhis toxic air for the clean mountain life, this book was music to my ears. Anuradha Roy writes lyrically of her life far from the madding crowd, without underplaying the challenges of living in remote places. Looking back on her decision to leave Delhi, she not only reflects on personal victories and setbacks but also the shifting landscape of the Himalayas under climate change. The water colour illustrations by her, and others, make this book a joy. SG A Teashop in Kamalapura and Other Classic Kannada Stories (HarperCollins India) This collection of 18 stories spans nearly a century of Kannada writing. Edited by Mini Krishnan and translated by Susheela Punitha, its a great introduction to Karnatakas modern literary heritage. The stories capture religious insecurities, regionalism and language politics, as well as love, joy and community. SU A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar (Penguin Random House) If Megha Majumdars debut novel, A Burning, revealed a glimmer of her potential, her new book hits all the right spots. Apocalyptic climate-fiction meets dark fantasy, this was a satisfying read for the propulsive storytelling, tight plot, and the poignant strain of loss that runs through the story. Reading this novel, I did several double takes about how fast the gap between reality and fiction is narrowing in todays dystopic world. SG The World With Its Mouth Wide Open by Zahid Rafiq (Penguin Random House) There is no gunfire, no flaming buildings, no fireballs of vehicles in Zahid Rafiqs debut book about life in Kashmir. Yet every one of these 11 short stories is mired in violence, every character is imprinted with the generational trauma and resilience of living with fear, dread and danger. One character talks without pause, another is blinded by suspicion, a third obsesses over a man with a suitcase. In spite of wringing emotion out of readers, Rafiqs writing is exact, controlled and uncomplicated. SU Shilpa Guptas Everyday Art by Shilpa Gupta with Sara Vetteth (Tulika) Artist Shilpa Gupta met art educator Sara Vetteth at the 2018 Kochi Biennale. Thats how this collaboration came about. Readers get to engage with Guptas art, such as 100 Hand Drawn Maps of My Country. They are introduced to the process of creation underlying each series. The book comes with activities as well. For instance, after an introduction to Guptas work For, In Your Tongue, I Cannot Fit, readers are led to a poem by Palestinian writer Dareen Tatour and urged to reflect on what it says to them. AB AI Snake Oil by Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor (Princeton University Press) AI is changing every aspect of life. In this landscape of rapid evolution, we need a clear understanding of the basics to demand accountability from the techbros promoting AI. Other books this year, like Karen Haos Empire of AI, may be more readable, but this one, published in India in 2025, walks a lay AI user through the differences between generative and predictive AI, the pros and cons, where we are headed, and helps you understand the emotions that AI stirs. SU Compiled by Somak Ghoshal, Shalini Umachandran, Avantika Bhuyan and Shrabonti Bagchi Also Read | How AI has impacted everyday creativity View full Image Book recommendations for young readers. HIGH FIVE5 books for young readers we loved All the Missing Socks by Easterine Kire and illustrated by Ogin Nayam (Pratham), is a picture book for 4-8 year olds, told in verse. The story doesnt just unravel the case of the errant socks, but also introduces Aunt Tillys tasselled twins, Cousin Beths tattle toes, Brother Bobs neon duo. Nayam leaves little clues in his exquisite watercolour illustrations, a great introduction to the art and craft of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, where he is from. Ganesh Haloi: Colours of Home by Likla Lall and Eva Sanchez Gomez (Art1st), is based on the artists reflections on times gone by. Lall met Haloi on several occasions in Kolkata and Mumbai and found him open to sharing his story. His life, spanning pre-Independence India to the present, brings alive a slice of history for young readers. The art mirrors Halois style, dream-like yet familiar. He sees different phases of his life in distinct colours, which is woven into this book. The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell (Bloomsbury), the second book in the Impossible Creatures series, is impossible to put down. This sequel takes you back to the Archipelago, a secret cluster of islands, where mythological creatures of all shapes and forms thrive. But the islands face the danger from a strange poison. The reader is taken through thrilling adventures and rescue missions. Though written for middle graders, it will bring joy to people across ages. This is Who I Am by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane (Andersen), is a book about belonging. A little girl is conflicted by ideas of home and identity, faced with two culturesone rooted in India, where her family comes from, and the other in the UK, where her parents have moved to, making it her new home. Through music, food, sights and sounds, she looks at shared histories and discovers that special mix that makes her uniquely herself. Song of the Asunam (HarperCollins India) is the latest collaboration between C.G. Salamander and Rajiv Eipe, who have worked together since 2015 on the Maithili and the Minotaur series. They continue to explore their fascination with mythological creatures, such as a music-loving beast with rainbow scales and sharp talons. There are other fantastical creatures carrying a tiffin box and monsters dancing to Tamil film songs. Compiled by Avantika Bhuyan Also Read | 10 reasons to visit the Serendipity Arts Festival 2025 If theres one word to sum up what fashion offered this year, it is blah. It had its moments: when Amit Aggarwal turned vintage Benaras brocade into dresses and corsets, when Diljit Dosanjh channelled maharaja vibes at the Met Gala, when robots hit the runway at a Falguni Shane Peacock show, when Nancy Tyagi owned the red carpet at Cannes in an embellished dress she designed herself, when Ishaan Khatter showed us how tailored suits should be worn. But such instances were rare, and none widened the imagination or vocabulary of fashion. Instead, much of fashion, from runway to red carpet, felt engineered for visibility. What mattered was not how a garment was created, but how quickly it circulated. The year started with an extravagant fashion show in Mumbai. Over 600 people from around the world assembled to celebrate 25 years of couture brand Sabyasachi. On show were 150-odd looks that combined the old-world charm of Kolkata with global silhouettes, but none you hadnt seen before. Sabyasachi Mukherjee, the designer, chose to follow existing trends, and showed bejewelled T-shirt-like tops with viral slogans such as All Dressed Up Nowhere To Go, Dog dad, and Cat lady. They went viral, as expected, and quickly became meme fodder. But it did nothing for fashion. Three months later, another spectacle arrivedthis time at Mumbais Gateway of India with British label Vivienne Westwood staging its first-ever show in India. Victorian era-inspired khadi dresses, Chanderi silk-shouldered coats and puff-sleeved kurtas were supposed to offer an extraordinary marriage of tradition, ready-to-wear, couture and punk. But the collection felt less like synthesis and more like a confused mix of ideas. The front row packed with Bollywood A-listers ensured the show was a big thing online. Again, social media: 1; Fashion: 0. The appetite for spectacle now borders on the absurdfrom carrying a grand piano on the red carpet to launching a pube thong (yes, a thong with faux pubic hair). A gimmick, extraordinary look or celebrity presence can propel a brand or an individual into the spotlight. A case in point: Even in its 25th year, the Lakme Fashion Week continued to generate headlines for the actor who closed a show and not for the clothes that were presented on the runway. Lost in this noise were designers genuinely trying to push the design envelope (most didnt have a celebrity showstopper)particularly younger ones such as Sonam Khetan and Aseem Kapoor. Consumers, too, continued to yearn for likes and comments through their fashion and style choices. The super-wealthy openly flaunted ostentatious jewellery and couture for a childs destination wedding on social media. So did Gen Z-ers while replicating an Instagram fad or regurgitating a runway look (theres a hashtag dedicated to copying Indian model Bhavitha Mandavas sweater-tee-jeans look for Chanels Metiers dArt 2026 in New York). Unimaginative algorithms turned fashion into a boring dress-up game built to be photographed, shared and forgotten. That doesnt just encourage unnecessary consumption, but also stalls the growth of fashion as an art and craft to be created, lived in and loved. Most of all, it promotes the idea that the only way to be visible is by following trends and being outrageous. Fashion is not just a reflection of the world but also a medium for fantasy, discovery and celebrating who you are. Finding ways to style, say, a suede jacket by adding a pre-loved belt, or buying a massive flower-shaped ring slightly out of budget not because its trending but because it marks a moment or a memory, can offer a kind of joy and thrill no Instagram like or comment can match. Every wear and re-wear should bring you joy and reveal just a little of your unique personality. Delhi Police's Operation Aaghat 3.0 is in full swing ahead of New Year festivities. The crackdown on illegal operations in the national capital targeting bootleggers, drug peddlers, gamblers and habitual offenders resulted in over 600 arrests until Friday. Giving a hard blow to organised crime, Delhi Police's South-East District apprehended 285 accused under the Excise Act, NDPS Act, and Gambling Act on 26 December, ANI reported. As many as 116 individuals were arrested under Bad Character (BCs). The cops seized 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges, 27 knives, 12,258 quarters of illicit liquor, 6.01 kilogram cannabis (ganja) and 2,30,990. Delhi Police busts inter-state auto-lifter gang In a post on X, Delhi police stated, "Team of Anti-Auto Theft Squad @DCPEastDelhi, busted an inter-state auto-lifter gang in a major breakthrough. Two accused persons arrested. The operation led to the successful working out of eight auto-theft cases across multiple police station areas in Delhi." Delhi Police recovers stolen phones Delhi Police informed ANI that it recovered 310 stolen mobile phones, 231 two-wheelers, and one four-wheeler while the cops rounded up 1,306 individuals under preventive measures. According to DCP South East Hemant Tiwari, this operation is a significant step in maintaining law and order. Elaborating on the details of the operation, the DCP said, "Ten property offenders and five auto-lifters were arrested during the operation. Recoveries include 21 CMP, 20 live cartridges and 27 knives. A total of 12,258 quarters of illicit liquor and 6.01 kg of ganja were seized. We also recovered 2,30,990 from gamblers, along with 310 mobile phones. As many as 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler were seized or recovered." Also Read | VHP protesters clash with police, break barricades at Bangladesh High Commission Delhi Police in Dwarka recovered and returned several stolen mobile phones using the CEIR portal. Alerting the public against strange items on roads or streets, it urged citizens to be vigilant and asked Delhiites to Be the eyes, Be the ears! If something feels off - dial 112 and report it. The Indian National Congress (INC) has decided to launch the MGNREGA Bachao Andolan from January 5, party president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Saturday, adding that the party will fight against the Viksit BharatGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act both on the streets and in Parliament. "Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is not just a scheme but the Right to Work given by the Constitution. People are angry over repeal of MGNREGA, govt will have to face the consequences," PTI quoted Kharge as saying at Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. "This law has been brought to crush the poor; we will fight against it on the streets and in Parliament," he added. The Congress President also recalled that the opposition in Parliament had opposed the farmers protest against the three farm laws in 2020-21. Kharge said, In June 2020, amidst the lockdown, Modi ji brought in an Ordinance and imposed the three black farm laws. Despite opposition from the Opposition in Parliament, the laws were passed. Over 700 farmers who were protesting against it attained martyrdom. The government laid nails, sprayed water cannons, and suppressed them. He added that the party had stood firmly with the farmers, noting that the Prime Minister had to apologise and repeal the laws in November 2021. Kharge further mentioned that Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi had predicted the repeal of these black laws well in advance and had recently forecast that the Modi government would have to restore MGNREGA. PM Modi destroyed MGNREGA without studying the matter: Gandhi Rahul Gandhi said that the party would strongly oppose the VB-G RAM G Act and fight against it, expressing confidence that the entire Opposition would come together in resistance. He described the move as a severe blow to states and poor people, alleging that it was pushed through unilaterally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, similar to demonetisation. PM single handedly destroyed MGNREGA without asking his Cabinet, without studying the matter, claimed Gandhi. He further stated that MGNREGA was not just an employment programme but a development framework that had been widely appreciated across the world. The repeal of MGNREGA is an attack on the rights-based approach and the federal structure, he added. About the VB-G RAM G Act The VB-G RAM G Act, which replaces the 20-year-old UPA-era rural employment legislation MGNREGA, was passed in Parliament on December 18 during the recently concluded Winter Session and received the President's assent on December 21 amid strong opposition protests. The new law provides rural workers with 125 days of wage employment. According to Section 22 of the law, the funding between the Central and State Governments will follow a 60:40 ratio, whereas for the North Eastern States, Himalayan States, and Union Territories (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir), the ratio will be 90:10. Section 6 permits state governments to designate, in advance, a period totaling sixty days within a financial year to cover the peak agricultural seasons of sowing and harvesting. Days after the Rekha Guptaled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dispensation revoked stringent anti-pollution GRAP-4 measures in Delhi and neighbouring areas, air quality in the national capital plunged into the severe category, with several areas breaching the 400 mark. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) readings, multiple parts of the city recorded Very Poor or severe pollution levels. Patparganj registered an AQI of 432, while Shivaji Park recorded 400. Nehru Nagar reported the highest reading at 442, followed by Shadipur at 429. Sirifort logged an AQI of 402, and RK Puram recorded 412. View full Image Patparganj registered an AQI of 432. Earlier in the morning, Delhis air quality deteriorated sharply, slipping back into the Very Poor category as the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 300 in several areas. Dense smog and fog trapped pollutants, cutting visibility and disrupting normal daily life. Authorities are closely monitoring pollution levels and implementing measures such as the No PUC, No Fuel rule to curb emissions and address the worsening situation. The Commission for Air Quality Management has also enforced Stage III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, including restrictions on construction work and certain industrial activities. A combination of cold conditions, calm winds and thick fog continues to trap pollutants near the surface, leading to persistent haze and smog. This spell of poor air quality is expected to continue under prevailing weather patterns, prompting sustained monitoring and renewed calls for stricter pollution-control measures. Under Very Poor air quality conditions, people particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and wear masks. Earlier, the Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, cleared several key decisions aimed at strengthening the capitals fight against pollution and improving environmental governance. Among these was the approval of an allocation of 100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies under the Delhi government. The national capital has around 1,000 water bodies, of which 160 fall under the Delhi governments jurisdiction. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Saturday issued a clarification on his power of organisation remark after posting an old photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani, stating that although he values robust organisational structures, he continues to strongly stand against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing the criticism over his social media post, Singh said his comments had been misinterpreted. I support the organisation. I am against the RSS and Modi ji. You have misunderstood. I have praised 'sangathan'. I was, am, and will remain a staunch opponent of the RSS and Modi. Is it a bad thing to strengthen and praise the organisation? ANI quoted Singh as saying. Singhs comments followed his sharing of a black-and-white photograph from the 1990s, sourced from the social question-and-answer platform Quora, which shows a young Narendra Modi sitting on the floor beside senior BJP leader LK Advani at an event in Gujarat. In a post on X, Singh observed that individuals who begin their journey at the grassroots level can rise through an organisations ranks to become Chief Minister and later Prime Minister. He referred to this as the power of organisation, while tagging senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, Prime Minister Modi, and the official Congress handles. "I found this picture on the Quora site. It is very impressive. In what way did the grassroots swayamsevak of RSS and the worker of Jan Sangh @BJP4India sit on the floor at the feet of leaders and become the Chief Minister of the state and the Prime Minister of the country? This is the power of the organisation. Jai Siya Ram. @INCIndia @INCMP@kharge @RahulGandhi @priyankagandhi @Jairam_Ramesh @narendramodi," Singh's post mentioned. View full Image Digvijay Singh's X post BJP reacts The BJP used Singhs recent remarks to launch an attack on the Congress. Party national spokesperson CR Kesavan on Saturday said the remarks had brought to light what he called the autocratic and undemocratic style of functioning within the Congress leadership. In a post on X, Kesavan asked if Rahul Gandhi would react to what he described as a truth bomb dropped by Singh, claiming it exposed how the party was being run in a dictatorial manner. "Will Rahul Gandhi show courage & react to the shocking Truth Bomb dropped by Shri. Digvijaya Singh's tweet which has totally exposed how Congress' first family ruthlessly runs the party in a dictatorial manner and also how autocratic & undemocratic this Congress leadership is?" Kesavan stated. Earlier this month, Singh had called on the party leadership to embrace a more decentralised approach and a Pragmatic Decentralised Functioning. From Russia with Love. The arrival of nearly 10,000 Indian workers, who queued up at an employment registration centre in Moscow last week, could well herald an unprecedented new economic 'cooperation' between the two countries. The littlest known facet of the 16 agreements inked between India and Russia during the December 2025 New Delhi visit of President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi but also perhaps its most significant was the Labour Mobility Agreement, which establishes a legal framework for systematic recruitment of skilled Indian workers - IT, construction, healthcare - to address Russia's gigantic labour shortages, "ensuring safe migration, skill recognition, and smoother processes for jobs in high-demand sectors, boosting bilateral ties and Indian employment. In reality, India has offered an economic and possibly even a defence lifeline to Russia, which is facing a severe and deepening labour shortage crisis, driven by demographics (aging, low birth rates) and exacerbated by the Ukraine war, leading to mass mobilization, skilled worker emigration (brain drain), and reduced labour migration, creating huge gaps in sectors from construction and manufacturing to IT, forcing higher wages and a push to recruit from India. The central Asian media, with strong connections to Russia, has already taken note. News.az, a news portal from Baku, Azerbaijan, in an article headlined How India is replacing Central Asian migrants in Russia, reported: Preliminary figures for the first nine months of 2025 show more than 27,000 work-related entries, suggesting that total arrivals could exceed 35,000 by the end of the year if current trends continue. Industry groups and regional authorities estimate that the total number of Indian workers currently present in Russia may already exceed 60,000, although precise figures vary depending on visa categories and registration status. Now with the Indo-Russian accord, a trend which was set into motion a couple of years ago, is pitched for greater volume. The number of Indian nationals arriving in Russia for employment has risen sharply since 2023, according to official data and industry estimates. That year, approximately 10,000 Indian citizens entered Russia for work-related purposes a fourfold increase compared with the previous year. In 2024, arrivals climbed further to nearly 26,000, said News.az. According to one official, Indian migrants are being recruited across construction, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and services. While many are employed in physically demanding or low-skilled roles, employers have also shown interest in Indian technicians, machine operators and industrial workers, citing reliability and workforce availability. Language barriers and certification requirements remain challenges, but recruiters believe they can be overcome. For Indian workers, Russia offers wages that often exceed earnings available for similar work at home, alongside relatively accessible recruitment channels compared with some traditional destinations. For Russia, the inflow reflects a pragmatic response to labour shortages at a time when access to established migration pools has become less predictable. In addition, Russia offers competitive incentives and regulated hours, attracting Indian workers who traditionally sought jobs in the Gulf. Officials say that this initiative supports Russia's broader target of $100 billion trade with India by 2030, integrating Indian talent into its growing economy. The more critical point is whether the Indians present in Russia will also be recruited into the Russian Army, which has waged a four-year war with Ukraine. Last week, MoS External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, told the Rajya Sabha that "202 Indian nationals are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces. Concerted efforts by the Government have resulted in early discharge of 119 of them; 26 are reported to have lost their lives and 07 are reported missing by the Russian side." He said that efforts are ongoing for the early discharge of 50 individuals and that the Indian government remains continuously engaged with the Russian side to ensure the safety, well-being, and early discharge of all Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces. This matter is discussed at various levels, including during interactions between leaders, ministers, and officials of the two sides. This week, British online newspaper, The Independent, reported that two Indian men who had travelled to Russia on student visas were killed after being forcibly recruited to fight in the Ukraine war, their families had alleged. The bodies of Ajay Godara, 22, from Bikaner in Rajasthan state, and Rakesh Kumar Maurya, 30, from Uttarakhand, have since been returned and handed over to their relatives, the Independent said. On separate student visas to Russia, the two alleged that they had agreed to what they believed were non-combat civilian roles as cleaners and helpers, only to later discover they had been enlisted into the Russian military and deployed to the front lines in Ukraine. The two were likely looking for part-time jobs on their student visa. Also Read | India, Russia deepen nuclear partnership as Delhi targets 100 GW by 2047 Russias four-year war in Ukraine has seen thousands of foreigners including those from Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China, and Cuba, recruited to fight on Moscows side. Many of them have claimed they were forced or duped into the fighting. Indian experts like Amarjiva Lochan, an ex-dean at Delhi University and an analyst of migration and diaspora movements, however, believe that such fears are misplaced. The Russians are keener on Myanmar, "where 5.3 million people, out of a total population of 55 million, are already working abroad. He makes light of the view that Indian labour could be recruited for the Russian war effort. "The Indians are not trained, and Russia is not going to spend money on them. Instead, they would rather depend on the Myanmar Junta and the well-trained Karen fighters on the Thai-Myanmar border, explains Lochan, who goes on to say that Russia is currently in the throes of the lowest ever unemployment, 2.7%, in the last 50 years, and is under no economic compulsion whatsoever. Calling Indian epic characters stronger than Hollywood superheroes, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged the youth to learn about Lord Ram, Krishna and Ram Rajya. Lord Hanumans strength surpasses that of Superman, Arjuna was a greater warrior than Iron Man or Batman, Naidu said speaking at the inaugural session of the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan (BVS) at Tirupatis National Sanskrit University, Naidu on 26 December. Also Read | Vedanta gets Andhra govt NOC to drill 20 onshore oil, gas wells Superman is a fictional superhero created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, first appearing in DC Comics Action Comics #1 in 1938. Batman is a fictional superhero created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, first appearing in DC Comics Detective Comics #27 in 1939. The characters have inspired several Hollywood movies. Naidu is known for advocating information technology and artificial intelligence. He recently announced that his government would award 100 crore to any scientist from Andhra Pradesh who wins a Nobel Prize for work in quantum science. In his speech on Friday at the National Sanskrit University event attended by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, Naidu called upon parents, teachers and society to instil knowledge of Indias epics and cultural heritage among children and youth, instead of limiting them to Western superhero narratives. The TDP chief said Indias mythological heroes embody far greater values, strength and ideals than fictional characters like Spider-Man, Batman or Superman. Lord Rama remains the ultimate symbol of righteousness, with Ram Rajya representing ideal governance, Naidu said. The chief minister urged people to teach children about the greatness of Hindu gods Krishna and Lord Shiva, and the lessons from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These epics are more profound than even popular films like Avatar, he said. The seventh edition of the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan is being held at the National Sanskrit University in Tirupati from December 26 to 29. Population planning for India's future Naidu also emphasised the importance of population planning for India's future, calling for couples to ideally have three children. Echoing RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Naidu stressed that population focus is key to India's long-term growth. Lord Hanumans strength surpasses that of Superman, Arjuna was a greater warrior than Iron Man or Batman. "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. Bhagwat, had in August 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. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a fact-check report for State Bank of India (SBI) customers, warning them against a fraudulent message circulating online. In a post on social media, the PIB cautioned users about messages asking recipients to download and install an APK file to redeem SBI rewards, urging people to remain vigilant as such links are part of an ongoing SMS and WhatsApp scam. Did you also receive a message asking you to download & install an APK file to redeem SBI rewards? SBI never sends links or APK files over SMS/WhatsApp," PIB noted in the social media post. PIB also urged not to download unknown files or click on such links. PIB also attached a screenshot of the fake message as an example of the kind of deceptive messages that the scammers are using to lure and trap customers. The message stated, FAKE Dear value customer, your SBI net banking reward points ( 9980.00) will expire today! Now redeem through SBI reward app install and claim your reward by cash deposit in your account. Repeated warnings by SBI and PIB This is not the first time such scams have been flagged, with both the government and SBI repeatedly issuing warnings to alert customers. These advisories have been released earlier as well to raise awareness and prevent losses due to frauds. Just last month, SBI released a similar warning for its customers about an ongoing online scam. The public sector bank asked them not to click on links or download APK files to redeem reward points. Shortly before SBI's warning, PIB also came up with a social media post to warn the public about fraudsters who may harm them through such links and messages. Rising cases of online fraud Such scam incidents have become almost routine today, with fraudsters constantly devising news ways to exploit unsuspecting customers on various platforms. They often do this using messages, links and phone calls. Despite repeated warnings from companies and government agencies, many people continue to fall prey to these schemes. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data shows that bank frauds surged to 36,014 crore in 2024-25, a 194% increase in value compared to the previous year, Mint reported earlier. More than 10.56 lakh names have been removed from Assams electoral rolls after a Special Revision exercise, just months ahead of the state Assembly elections. Assam is expected to go to the polls in less than six months. According to the integrated draft rolls released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday, the state now has 2,51,09,754 registered voters. This figure does not include 93,021 D-voters, also known as doubtful voters. The ECI said officials deleted 10,56,291 entries from the rolls due to death, migration, or duplication of voter records. Why were so many names deleted from Assams voter rolls? Election officials carried out the deletions as part of a Special Revision aimed at cleaning up the electoral database. The process focused on removing deceased voters, those who had shifted residence, and duplicate entries, while correcting errors in names, ages and addresses. While a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is currently underway in 12 states and Union Territories including Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal the Election Commission ordered a separate Special Revision exclusively for Assam. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar explained the reasoning, saying, Under the Citizenship Act, there are separate provisions for citizenship in Assam. Under the supervision of the Supreme Court, the exercise of checking citizenship is about to be completed. Officials added that the Special Revision falls between the annual special summary revision and the larger Special Intensive Revision process. What is the aim of the Special Revision? According to the Election Commission, the exercise aimed to create an error-free voter list by enrolling eligible voters who were previously left out, correcting clerical mistakes, removing deceased and migrated voters, and identifying duplicate entries. Following the rationalisation of the rolls, Assam now has a total of 31,486 polling stations. Who are D-voters? D-voters are individuals in Assam who have been disenfranchised due to alleged gaps or inconsistencies in their citizenship documents. Special tribunals constituted under the Foreigners Act, 1946, identify such voters. People classified as D-voters do not receive voter identity cards. However, the Election Commission has carried forward all their details including names, ages and photographs unchanged in the draft electoral rolls. How was the verification carried out? The Election Commission published the draft rolls after completing a door-to-door verification exercise conducted between November 22 and December 20 as part of the Special Revision. From India and New Zealand wrapping up trade talks in record time to the Centre planning a higher outlay on rail safety, a drop in overseas education remittances, shifts in the rural job guarantee burden, and a record US court payout in the Johnson & Johnson talc casehere's a compilation of this week's news in numbers. Safety first The Centre is likely to announce an outlay of over 1.3 trillion in FY27 on rail safety in the Union budget, about 12% higher than the current fiscals amount of 1.2 trillion, Mint reported. Funds would be used for rolling stock maintenance, track renewals, and expanding KavachIndias automatic train protection system. This marks a shift in the governments focus towards railway safety: the outlay was up only 2% in FY26. Data shows that the railways capital and revenue spending on safety has roughly accounted for a fifth of the total Budget over the years. The renewed focus comes against the backdrop of a train collision in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, last month, which led to 11 deaths and around 20 injuries. Pacific pivot India and New Zealand have concluded a free trade agreement (FTA) in just nine months, making it one of the fastest trade negotiations in recent years. The pactset to be formally signed laterwill grant duty-free access to all Indian exports by eliminating tariffs on 100% of tariff lines. India, in turn, will liberalize duties on 70% of tariff lines, covering 95% of New Zealands exports to India. New Zealand has also committed to facilitating $20 billion of investments into India over 15 years across manufacturing, infrastructure, services, and innovation. Bilateral trade with New Zealand stood at $1.3 billion in FY25, making up just 0.1% of Indias total trade. This suggests there is a potential to grow trade volumes between the two countries. This is Indias third trade pact this year, after Oman and the UK. Funding reset Proposed changes to the rural job guarantee architecture could shift a larger fiscal burden onto states. The newly approved Viksit BharatGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), which replaces MGNREGS, revises cost-sharing to 60:40 between the Centre and states, from 90:10 earlier. A Mint analysis shows that, had FY26 allocations followed the new formula, Uttar Pradesh would have faced the biggest additional liability at 4,240 crore, followed by Andhra Pradesh ( 3,269 crore) and Tamil Nadu ( 3,211 crore). The shift comes as state finances remain under pressure from rising welfare spending linked to election commitments. Numbers talk 30,000 crore: The equity infusion the Union government is planning into the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), Indias sovereign wealth fund. A cabinet note will be circulated for approval, and an announcement could happen in the Union budget, Mint reported. 6,088 crore: The total political donations received by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2024-25, a 53.5% rise from the previous year, Election Commission data showed. The amount is nearly 12 times larger than that of the Congress, standing at 522 crore. 1.8%: The rate of growth in Indias eight core industries in November, rebounding from a 0.1% contraction in October. Robust output in fertilizers, steel, coal and cement balanced out persistent weakness across the oil and gas industries, official data showed. $4.75 billion: The amount Alphabet will pay to acquire US clean energy developer Intersect, making it one of the largest deals by the tech giant. The acquisition is aimed at expanding the companys data centre capacity and meeting AI-driven energy needs. 22 lakh: The total amount spent by Swiggy Instamarts top spender in 2025, according to the platforms How India Instamarted 2025 report. The unnamed customer purchased 22 iPhone 17s, 24-karat gold coins, and everyday essentials. Overseas pullback Indias outward remittances for overseas education under the liberalised remittance scheme (LRS) have declined for 19 of the past 20 months through October 2025, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data showed. The prolonged contraction comes against the backdrop of tighter visa norms and stricter admission policies for international students in the US, Canada, and several other developed economies. Education-related remittances fell 26.2% year-on-year in October, according to the RBIs monthly bulletin released on Monday. Cumulatively, such remittances stood at $2.1 billion between January to October this year, marking a 21.4% decline from a year earlier. Spending on overseas travelthe largest LRS categoryhas also shrunk for six consecutive months, reflecting broader weakness in outward remittance flows. Record payout A US jury has ordered Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to pay about $1.56 billion to a Maryland woman, Cherie Craft, who said the companys talc-based baby powder caused her asbestos-linked cancer. The awardcomprising compensatory and punitive damagesis the largest jury award for an individual plaintiff in the companys talc litigation spanning more than 15 years. The company, which faces lawsuits from more than 67,000 plaintiffs, has said it will challenge the appeal. The case adds to mounting legal pressure on J&J over claims that its talc products were contaminated with asbestos and that risks were not adequately disclosed. No cases have happened in India over the issue. In a tragic incident, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) lawyer was killed in a vehicle collision on the JammuSrinagar national highway in Ramban district, as reported bynews agency PTI. A video that went viral on social media showed the advocate's car being hit from behind by a speeding vehicle near Banihalin Ramban. The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Sheikh Adil Nabi. He was recently appointed as a prosecuting officer with the CBI. He had recently cleared his Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination and was appointed as a public prosecutor with the top investigating agency in Chandigarh. In the collision, Adil sustained several critical injuries and was rushed to the Sub-District Hospital (SDH), Banihal, where he was given first aid. Later he succumbed to his injuries. "Adil Sheikh, who was serving as a public prosecutor and had been appointed with the CBI, Chandigarh, about two months ago, was injured in the accident," Ramban Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Arun Gupta was quoted as saying by PTI. The police had arrested Mohammad Shafi, the driver of the Mahindra Scorpio involved in the collision, said the SSP. Two men killed, one injured in fatal road accident in north Delhi A tragic road accident in North Delhis Narela area has claimed the lives of two young men and left a third fighting for his life, as reported by PTI on Friday. The incident was brought to light after staff at Satyawadi Raja Harish Chandra Hospital alerted local police on Thursday regarding three casualties brought in via a Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS) ambulance. According to police reports, the three victims identified as Jatin (21), Abhishek (19), and Ankit (21)were traveling on a single motorcycle when the crash occurred. Ankit was a resident of Rajiv Colony, he was declared dead on arrival by hospital staff. Jatin, also a resident of Rajiv Colony, was initially referred to a private facility in Rohinis Sector-17 for specialized care but later succumbed to his injuries during treatment. In a significant development, the survivor of the 2017 Unnao rape case has approached the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking the registration of an FIR against the then-investigating officer for being hand in glove with the former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar who was convicted. The victim has also claimed that she and her family were facing several threats from various quarters. On Friday, the CBI challenged in the Supreme Court the Delhi High Court order suspending the life sentence and bail to the expelled BJP MLA in the Unnao rape case. The central probe agency filed a special leave petition in the apex court against the order of the high court. The decision to file the SLP was taken after studying the orders of a division bench of the Delhi High Court. Following the suspension of the life sentence of Sengar by the Delhi High Court recently in the case, disappointments were seen in several quarters. The victim, her mother, and a women activist also held a protest at the India Gate in Delhi against the High Court order. In her complaint, the rape survivor has alleged that the investigating officer conducted the probe dishonestly, with mala fides, and in such a way that Senger and the other accused may get the benefits of deliberate lapses and manipulation of facts introduced, and secure a favourable outcome. She also said that the officer used forged school documents in the chargesheet, wherein she was shown as a student of a government school and her date of birth was also shown differently, whereas, in reality, she never took admission in that school. In her six-page complaint, the victim, who was a minor at the time of her rape in 2017, claimed she had filed a complaint earlier as well, but no action was taken against the officer. She also said that several statements were falsely attributed to her in the chargesheet and the IO mentioned in the chargesheet that she was using a mobile phone of a woman named Heera Singh, even though she never used that phone. During the trial, the CBI had said that the investigating officers claims on the mobile phone used by the victim were mere opinion and not a "conclusive proof, and merely on that basis, no assumption can be raised that the officer was siding with the accused party. "There is more to the story than what meets the eye, as it appears that the investigation was not conducted fairly, and the approach of the IO/CBI leaves an impression that recording of the girls statement was with a view to discredit the version of the victim/survivor and her family members in the present case, the court had said. Suspension of Sengar's Life Sentence Kuldeep Sengar's sentence was suspended by the high court till the pendency of his appeal challenging his conviction and sentence in the rape case. The HC said that letting Sengar be in jail when he has already spent about seven years and five months in prison would be violative of Article 21 (protection of life and liberty) of the Constitution. He has challenged a December 2019 trial court verdict in the case. Tripura Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen passed away on Friday morning. He was 72. Sen been undergoing treatment for the past several months at a private hospital in Bengaluru due to prolonged illness. Sen had underwent an emergency surgical procedure at a private hospital in Tripura here after he suffered a massive cerebral stroke on August 8 and was eventually taken to a Bengaluru facility for better treatment where he passed away. Also Read | Veer Bal Diwas 2025: PM Narendra Modi to attend the national event today Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Sen by saying that he was pained by his passing. He will be remembered for his efforts to boost Tripuras progress and commitment to numerous social causes. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti, the PM said in a post on X. Sen suffered a brain haemorrhage at Agartala railway station on August 8. Earlier, indirectly referring to the opposition CPI(M)'s criticism of the Speaker's treatment in a private medicare facility in Bengaluru instead of GBP Hospital, a tertiary care institution for Heart, Brain and other disorders, his son Dr Arijit Sen said it was the family's decision to treat him there. He is our father, and we will decide where he will be treated. Nobody could dictate that to us. It is not good to play politics over an ailing person, he said. Who was Biswa Bandhu Sen? Born on May 23, 1953, Sen completed his BA in 1975 from Maharaja Bir Bikram College, Agartala. Also Read | Tripura professor suspended after intimate video with student goes viral He was serving as the Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assemblysince March 24, 2023. He was a four-time MLA representing the 56-Dharmanagar constituency in North Tripura. He will be remembered for his efforts to boost Tripuras progress and commitment to numerous social causes. Sen spent a significant portion of his career with the Congress (winning in 2008 and 2013) before joining the BJP in 2017. Sen also served as the Deputy Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly from 2018 to 2023. Earlier in his career, he was the Vice Chairman of the Dharmanagar Nagar Panchayat in 1988. CM Condoles Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed profound grief and extended condolences to the bereaved family. Saha described Sens death as an irreparable loss for the people of Tripura. This untimely demise is an irreparable loss for the state. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and followers. I pray to the Almighty for the eternal peace of the departed soul and for strength to the family to overcome this difficult time, the Chief Minister said. (Bloomberg) -- California is in for a brief weekend reprieve from damaging holiday storms that killed four people and hobbled Christmas travel, but weather officials warned of more wet weather heading to the rain-soaked state starting on New Years Eve. Heavy rains pummeled much of California over the past seven days, bringing flash floods, mudslides, and power outages that caused waterlogged freeways and widespread flight delays. Some areas of the state saw more than 17 inches of rain and winds topping 110 mph during the storms, the National Weather Service said. A tornado touched down in a Los Angeles neighborhood, according to the Los Angeles Times. Four people died in a series of atmospheric rivers, NBC News reported, including a man found dead inside a van submerged in mud in Lancaster on Friday. A Sacramento County sheriffs deputy was killed in a crash on Christmas Eve, a San Diego man died after being hit by a fallen tree branch and a Redding man died in severe flooding in the Northern California city. Two ski patrollers were hospitalized after being caught in an avalanche at Mammoth Mountain on Friday, according to NBC News. All lifts remained closed Saturday at the popular ski area, which received 38 inches of snow during the storms and saw winds gusting as high as 60 miles per hour. Heavenly Lake Tahoe ski resort was running 13 of 27 lifts and reported 58 inches of fresh snow in the last seven days. More than 50,000 homes and businesses in the state were without power Friday afternoon, mostly in Northern California, according to PowerOutage.us. By Saturday morning, that figure had fallen to about 17,000. The Los Angeles Fire Department deployed a helicopter to rescue a woman swept into a stormwater wash Friday. Much of the state was in for sunny skies over the weekend, the weather service said, though it warned that gusty winds blowing into Southern California through Monday and Tuesday could cause more damage. This will be a worrisome wind event since the recent rainfall will make trees more susceptible to toppling, the National Weather Service said. California is set to see another round of rain starting New Years Eve and into the following day. The weather service said the storm should be much weaker than previous atmospheric rivers, bringing up to 1.5 inches of rain to some parts of Southern California between midnight and 10 p.m. on New Years Day. Several days of deluge impacted Los Angeles areas that were devastated by massive wildfires roughly a year ago. The charred-off vegetation makes the land resistant to soaking up the water, increasing the vulnerability to landslides, mudslides and power outages. Its a risk that will persist whenever especially heavy rains strike Southern California until the soil recovers and vegetation grows back. Those soils are still hydrophobic, which means that rain just runs off like its hitting hard dirt or concrete, Scott Kleebauer, a meteorologist at the Weather Prediction Center, said last week. There are burn scars that have lasted for four or five years before you see any improvement. The heaviest precipitation hit mountain areas of the Golden State, from the San Gabriel Mountains in the south to the Sierra Nevada to the north. More than 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain soaked Mount Baldy and Mount San Antonio east of Los Angeles, triggering mudslides in Wrightwood, where the 2024 Bridge Fire blackened 56,000 acres. --With assistance from Naureen S. Malik and John Gittelsohn. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Federal Bureau Of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel stated that the agencys historic yet aging headquarters in Washington would be shut down permanently as staff are relocated to the building formerly used by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which is no longer in operation. Patel took to X and said, 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. He mentioned that when they took over, taxpayers were facing nearly $5 billion for a new headquarters that wouldnt be ready until 2035, and that plan was subsequently abandoned. Patel explained that the decision was made to use the existing Reagan Building instead, which would save billions and allow the relocation to start immediately, with necessary safety and infrastructure upgrades already in progress. He noted that once the work is finished, most of the FBI headquarters staff will move in, while the remainder will continue focusing on field operations. He added that the move ensures resources are directed toward defending the homeland, combating violent crime and safeguarding national security, providing the FBI workforce with improved facilities at a significantly lower cost. Opened in 1975 on Pennsylvania Avenue and designed in the brutalist architectural style, the J. Edgar Hoover building has long faced criticism for being decrepit and ill-suited for the FBI. Nevertheless, discussions over whether and where to move the headquarters continued for years, reported Bloomberg. If the long-planned relocation to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center occurs, it will keep the agencys senior staff close to the Justice Department, the White House, and other federal offices. However, it represents a setback for Maryland, which had been promised the new headquarters in 2023 after a prolonged search, with Congress having allocated funds for construction in Greenbelt, a suburb of Washington, the report noted. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, along with state officials, recently filed a lawsuit to block the cancellation of the Greenbelt plan. State Attorney General Anthony Brown stated that they would not allow the Trump administration to take away the projects benefits from Prince Georges County or its communities. The General Services Administration explained that the Maryland location was selected as it offered the lowest cost to taxpayers", the best transportation access for FBI employees and visitors and the greatest assurance on the projects delivery timeline. The committee overseeing celebrations for Americas 250th birthday in 2026 has announced that New York Citys iconic Times Square Ball will feature in two landmark eventson New Years Eve and again in Julyto mark the start of the nations Semiquincentennial. America250 said the world-famous Ball will be relit in red, white and blue following its traditional New Years Eve drop, before reappearing in a first-of-its-kind Independence Day celebration in July. New Years Eve marks the start of the Semiquincentennial year After the Ball drops at midnight on December 31, it will be relit in an America250 red, white and blue design and rise above illuminated 2026 numerals at around 12:04 a.m. EST on New Years Day. The post-midnight ceremony will include a video titled America Turns 250, the release of 2,000 pounds of red, white and blue confetti, and a pyrotechnic finale set to Ray Charles rendition of America the Beautiful. Organisers described it as a surprise second ceremonial momentsomething never before seen at Times Squares New Years celebrations. Historic July 3 Ball drop planned for Independence Day In another first, the Times Square Ball will drop again on July 3, 2026, marking the first time in history it has been used outside of New Years Eve. The special drop will anchor nationwide Independence Day celebrations and signal the central role of New York City in the Semiquincentennial. America250 aims to unite the nation America250 will kick off the Semiquincentennial year on New Years Eve in Times Square the most watched celebration on the planet, said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. Our goal is to inspire all 350 million Americans to join in this moment to celebrate our country. Collaboration behind the milestone moments The celebrations reflect collaboration between America250, One Times Square and the Times Square Alliance. Michael Phillips, President of Jamestown, which owns and operates One Times Square, said the location has long served as a global stage for historic moments, adding that it was fitting for the Semiquincentennial to begin there. Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance, said the partnership ensures the first moment of 2026 will launch a year-long series of celebrations marking 250 years of American history. Reports of a possible active-shooter incident at a TJ Maxx outlet in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, spread rapidly across social media on Friday, prompting public anxiety and calls for prayer. As of publication, police and mall authorities have not confirmed the claims, leaving the situation unclear. Social media posts trigger alarm Multiple users on X (formerly Twitter) claimed to have heard gunfire inside the shopping centre housing TJ Maxx in Rocky Mount. One post described family members sheltering inside the store during what was alleged to be an unfolding emergency. My mom and my entire sisters family are barricaded inside closet of TJ MAXX in Rocky Mount, NC. There is a gunman firing!!! PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM!! Another message appealed for a swift and safe resolution: Please protect the innocent people barricaded inside the TJ Maxx in Rocky Mount, NC. Please end this situation as quickly as possible and without any innocent victims. In Jesus name we pray, The posts were widely shared, intensifying concern among local residents and online observers. No official confirmation yet on TJ Maxx Active shooter At the time of writing, neither the Rocky Mount Police Department nor the shopping centres management had issued a public statement confirming a shooting or detailing any response. Authorities have not reported injuries, arrests or the discovery of weapons. The store, located at 1480 Jeffreys Road, is a well-known department retailer offering clothing, accessories and home goods, and is typically busy during daytime hours. Separate mall lockdown elsewhere fuels confusion Earlier on Friday (26 December), WDAM 7 reported that Turtle Creek Mall had been placed on lockdown amid a heavy police presence. The incident occurred in Hattiesburg, but officials later said there was no evidence of shots fired. The citys public information officer, John Arender, stated that police found no shell casings and no victims. Political backdrop in Rocky Mount The uncertainty comes weeks after US President Donald Trump addressed a rally in Rocky Mount, where he focused on economic messaging. Were fixing four years of disaster and decline, Trump said. We were a dead country, and now were talking about the golden age of America think of it, in 10 months, he added. TJ Maxx owner outperforms, signaling more frugal US shopper On 19 November, TJX Cos. posted sales last quarter above estimates and raised its outlook, signaling that US shoppers are turning to cheaper options as the economy shows signs of stress. The discounter, which runs chains including TJ Maxx and Marshalls, said revenue hit $15.1 billion. Analysts on average expected about $14.9 billion. Its comparable sales topped estimates, too, Bloomberg reported. TJX raised its guidance for comparable sales to a gain of 4% this year, up 1 percentage point from a forecast in August. It also boosted its earnings outlook. Two days after ending a 17-year self-exile in London, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman visited the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday to complete his voter registration and National Identity (NID) card enrollment. Accompanied by his daughter, Zaima Rahman, the 60-year-old leader underwent biometric enrollment under heavy security. The move signals a major step toward his formal participation in the upcoming national elections scheduled for February 12. Tarique Rahman has already filled out the online form and has come to complete the registration by providing his fingerprints and iris scan, ASM Humayun Kabir, director general of the National Identity Registration Wing of the Election Commission, told reporters. Also Read | Why was BNP leader Tarique Rehman in exile and what made him return now? The Election Commission building saw a massive deployment of law enforcement, including the Bangladesh Army, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and police, to manage crowds and ensure law and order. Rahman had previously initiated the process via an online application. According to EC officials, Rahman and his daughter are expected to receive their NID cards within 24 hours. This registration marks Rahman's first formal inclusion in the digitized voter system, which was introduced in 2008 shortly after he departed for the United Kingdom. High-Stakes Electoral Battle Rahmans return and immediate registration have set the stage for a high-stakes electoral battle. Rahman, son of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, is slated to contest from Bogura-6 (Bogura Sadar), his ancestral seat. Nomination papers have already been collected on his behalf. Rahman left for London in September 2008 following a period as a political prisoner during the 20072008 political crisis. The Awami League party currently banned from the polls by the interim government has challenged the legality of the move. Party representatives questioned how Rahman could be added to the voters' list after the final rolls were allegedly finalized. In an article posted on its website, the Awami League said Rahman is "receiving one privilege after another, with repeated violations of the law". "After the announcement of the election schedule, becoming a new voter is legally prohibited; yet questions have arisen about Tarique Rahman becoming a voter while that schedule was still in effect. " "Moreover, the day was a Saturday, a weekly government holiday. So how was the law followed, and under whose instructions?" the party asked. Rahman offers prayers at Hadi's grave On Saturday, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman visited Dhaka University and offered prayers at the grave of slain student leader Sharif Osman Hadi amid heavy security. He also offered prayers at the grave of Bangladeshs national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, located beside the Dhaka University Central Mosque, The Daily Star newspaper reported. Hadi was buried beside the grave of Nazrul Islam on December 20. Hadi (32) was a prominent figure of the July 2024 uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government last year. Western sanctions are steadily reshaping Indias oil trade, reducing its dependence on discounted Russian crude and redirecting energy flows towards the United States and the United Arab Emirates, according to a report by Rubix Data Sciences. Indias crude oil imports from Russia declined 17.8% during January-October 2025 compared to the same period last year, as tighter European Union (EU) restrictions and expanded US secondary sanctions increased compliance risks for Indian refiners, the report The Year That Tested Trade: How India Fared in 2025 said. The shift marks a departure from the post-Ukraine invasion period, when India emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian oil after Western nations imposed sanctions on Moscow. At the time, steep discounts on Russian crude offered Indian refiners a cost advantage, particularly for export-oriented units. However, that strategy became increasingly difficult to sustain in 2025 as enforcement tightened. Also Read | Americas biggest oil field is turning into a pressure cooker Sanctions squeeze Russian supplies Rubix noted that pressure intensified in mid-2025 when the EU lowered the price cap on seaborne Russian crude to curb Moscows oil revenues. This was followed by broader US secondary sanctions that heightened scrutiny across global energy trade. In October, the US Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Russian oil majors Rosneft and Lukoil, further complicating procurement for Indian importers. Together, the two companies accounted for nearly 60% of Russias oil exports to India in FY25, amounting to around 88 million tonnes, the report said. These rising compliance risks forced Indian refiners to scale back Russian barrels, especially for export-linked operations, Rubix said, adding that imports from Russia are expected to decline further from December 2025. Also Read | Oil rises as market weighs Venezuela supply risks Pivot to clean barrels As reliance on Russian crude eased, India shifted towards what the report described as clean barrels, oil supplies that can be refined and exported without violating Western restrictions. Crude imports from the United States surged 83.3%, while purchases from the UAE increased 8.7% during January-October 2025. The pivot highlights how trade considerations, not just price, are now shaping Indias energy sourcing decisions, the report said. Exports under pressure The effects of sanctions have been more visible in exports. Shipments of refined petroleum products to Indias top five destinations, the Netherlands, the UAE, Singapore, the US and Australia, declined sharply during the period. These markets accounted for 51% of Indias petroleum product exports between January and October 2025. The decline followed EU rules that restricted imports of fuels refined from Russian crude, even when processed in third-party countries such as India. Western buyers became increasingly cautious about purchasing Indian fuel products that could be traced back to Russian-origin crude amid tighter enforcement, Rubix noted. Diversifying markets To offset losses in traditional destinations, Indian exporters have turned to smaller and non-Western markets. Chinas share of Indias petroleum exports doubled from 2% to 4%, while Omans rose from 2% to 4% and South Koreas increased from 1% to 2%. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a New Years greeting to Russian President Vladimir Putin, praising the deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. In his message, Kim described the relationship as a powerful and enduring alliance forged through shared struggles. Sincerest Alliance of Sharing Blood, Life and Death Kim specifically highlighted the military and political bond between the two countries. Along with the past days of 2025, the DPRK-Russia relations have been further consolidated into the sincerest alliance of sharing blood, life and death in the same trench, and their absolute solidity and mightiness have been more vividly etched in the pages of the times and history, Kim wrote. The statement portrays the DPRK-Russia partnership as unbreakable, emphasizing loyalty, mutual support, and shared commitment. He stressed that the relationship had become unbreakable: Now no one can break the relations between the peoples of the two countries and their unity, supported firmly by embodiment of the strong will and strength to defend the just aspirations of the times and set right history. Mutual pride in long-term friendship Kim expressed personal pride in the alliance: I have always felt boundless pride in creating and writing the great history of the DPRK-Russia relations, the long-term DPRK-Russia friendship, together with you, my dearest friend, and I am always very impressed with it. He reaffirmed DPRKs unwavering support: I affirm once again that I, the government of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea and all the Korean people will always be with you and the fraternal Russian people. Wishes for health and prosperity The North Korean leader extended his best wishes for Putin and the Russian people: I sincerely wish you, Comrade President Putin, good health and greater success in your responsible work for defending the dignity and interests of Russia on the occasion of the hopeful New Year 2026. I sincerely hope that only happiness and prosperity will be in store for the Russian people. Putins message to Kim Jong Un Earlier, on December 18, Putin sent his own New Year message to Kim Jong Un. According to North Korean state media KCNA, Putin said the year 2025 held special meaning for Moscow-Pyongyang relations. New travel and immigration rules for non-US citizens, including Green Card holders, came into effect on December 26, 2025. What changes now? The rules will allow stricter checks at US borders and boost the use of biometric identification such as photographs, fingerprints, and eye scans. They also bring tougher reviews for green-card holders from certain countries. Rule to advance the Biometric Entry/Exit Program As per the rule effective December 26, 2025, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be required to collect biometric data/facial biometrics from all non-US citizens upon entry and exit at airports, land ports, seaports, and other authorised points of departure from the US. Now on, all non-US citizens will have their photograph taken every time they enter or leave the US. Earlier, biometric collection (like facial photos and fingerprints) at exit from the US was limited to pilot programs at select ports. Children under the age of 14 and adults over 79 are no longer exempt, even though they were previously not required to go through biometric checks. The new rule eliminates prior exemptions, including those for diplomats and most Canadian visitors. It also removes limitations on pilot programs and expands biometric collection to new transportation modalities, including sea exit, private aircraft, vehicle entry/exit, and pedestrian exit. The US Customs and Border Protection officers may also collect fingerprints and iris scans. These details will be matched with existing travel documents through the Traveller Verification Service. Also Read | January 2026 US Visa Bulletin: Key deadlines for applicants released US citizens are not covered by this rule, but they may continue to voluntarily participate in the facial biometrics process at entry and exit. US citizens who prefer to opt out of the facial biometrics process may simply notify a CBP officer or airline representative and undergo manual inspection of their passport, as required for international travel. Tougher Green-card reviews New rules will soon bring tougher reviews for green-card holders from certain countries. Having a Green Card allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. Also Read | US visa application approved within a minute: Reddit user shares experience According to Newsweek, under the new system, federal authorities can track international travel by non-US citizens. Extra attention will be given to green-card applicants and holders from 19 countries that the US government flagged for security concerns. Earlier, Trump's administration imposed a travel ban on these countries after briefly halting the visa process. What new rules mean? As per an NPR report from December 3, the Citizenship and immigration agency plans to re-review and re-interview immigrants from these countries, potentially going as far back as 2021, amid sharper scrutiny of those who have followed the legal steps to seek permanent status in the US. "The Trump Administration is making every effort to ensure that individuals becoming citizens are the best of the best. Citizenship is a privilege, not a right," a DHS spokesperson told NPR in a statement. Also Read | Trump administration expands travel ban to additional countries Meanwhile, the latest rules mean that people who already hold green cards will be photographed and may also be fingerprinted or scanned every time they travel to or from the US. Border questioning is expected to be more detailed, the Financial Express reported. Officials may ask more questions about travel history, residence, or documentation, it added. Also Read | Trump Administration expands travel ban, adds five more countries Green-card holders have been advised to keep all paperwork updated and easily accessible, as authorities may ask for documents at short notice. Those with pending or future visa and green-card applications should also be prepared for delays. On December 2, 2025, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it would pause reviewing all pending applications for green cards, citizenship, or asylum from immigrants from 19 countries listed in a previous travel ban. New rules from January 1, 2026 | 19 countries on travel ban list In June this year, US President Trump announced the travel ban against 12 countries, and partial restrictions against seven others, after a firebombing attack in Colorado. The US government fully restricted and limited the entry of nationals of 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The government partially restricted the entry of nationals of the following 7 countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire agreement on Saturday after weeks of deadly border clashes. During the 3rd Special Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee meeting the two countries agreed to put an end to renewed combat that erupted in early December. Ministry of National Defence Kingdom of Cambodia released a press release on 27 December announcing the ceasefire agreement: "The 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thai General Border Committee (GBC) adopted and signed the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thai General Border Committee (GBC) between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand, and reaffirmed their firm commitment to fully implement the ceasefire and seek peace, stability and security for the people living along the Cambodia-Thailand border." Thailand violates truce, strikes Cambodia after ceasefire agreement Hours after the two countries held talks to put an end to border clashes, Cambodia reported that Thailand struck a site in the country's northwest. According to Cambodias Defense Ministry, F-16 fighter jets were used in the airstrike on Saturday. Four bombs targeting Serei Saophoan, located in the northwestern province of Banteay Meanchey, were dropped on Saturday morning, AP reported. The recent airstrike follows Friday's bombing when Thailand dropped 40 bombs on a target in Chok Chey village in the same province, Cambodia said. Over the 26 December strike, Thailands military said that a joint army-air force operation was conducted to protect Thailands Sa Kaeo province, which borders Banteay Meanchey and where the two nations have overlapping territorial claims. Also Read | Thailand Bombs Cambodia Casino as Asean Neighbors Seek Solution While each side blames the other for breaching the ceasefire and describes its current military actions as being taken in self-defense, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Friday that Thailand expected Cambodia to agree to a 72-hour ceasefire. Thailand announced that it would consider repatriating Cambodian prisoners of war if the ceasefire successfully implemented. In the fallout of the latest US-Taiwan arms deal, China acted heavily against 20 US defense-related companies and 10 senior executives. It decided to pursue countermeasures in accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law in response to US announcement of large-scale arms sales to China's Taiwan region. China imposes sanctions on 20 US companies The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday announced that action will be taken against those who have engaged in arming Taiwan in recent years. Warning of strict action against any attack to the country's sovereignty, Chinese Foreign Ministry in a statement on Friday said, Anyone who attempts to cross the line and make provocations on the Taiwan question will be met with China's firm response. Any company or individual who engages in arms sales to Taiwan will pay the price for the wrongdoing," Global Times reported. It added, "No country or force shall ever underestimate the resolve, will and ability of the Chinese government and people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China imposed sanctions against the following 20 US companies: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3Harris Maritime Services, Boeing in St Louis, Gibbs & Cox, Inc, Advanced Acoustic Concepts, VSE Corporation, Sierra Technical Services, Inc, Red Cat Holdings, Inc, Teal Drones, Inc, ReconCraft, High Point Aerotechnologies, Epirus, Inc, Dedrone Holdings Inc, Area-I, Blue Force Technologies, Dive Technologies, Vantor, Intelligent Epitaxy Technology, Inc, Rhombus Power Inc and Lazarus Enterprises Inc. These sanctions come almost a week after US announced large-scale arms-sale package, valued at $11.1 billion. The sanctions entail freezing all movable and immovable properties as well as other types of assets belonging to the listed companies within China. Furthermore, organizations and individuals within China are barred from engaging in transactions, cooperation, or other activities with these entities. China's countermeasures apply to the following 10 senior executives: Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries; John Cantillon, vice president of L3Harris Technologies, Inc. and vice president and principal accounting officer of L3Harris Maritime Services; Michael J. Carnovale, president and chief executive officer of Advanced Acoustic Concepts; John A. Cuomo, president and chief executive officer of VSE Corporation; Mitch McDonald, president of Teal Drones, Inc.; Anshuman Roy, founder and chief executive officer of Rhombus Power Inc.; Dan Smoot, president and chief executive officer of Vantor; Aaditya Devarakonda, chief executive officer of Dedrone Holdings Inc.; Ann Wood, president of High Point Aerotechnologies; and Jay Hoflich, co-founder and chief executive officer of ReconCraft. These countermeasures came into force on Friday, the announcement said. All you need to know about US arms-sale package for Taiwan On December 18, the Trump administration announced the largest ever US weapons package for the island and the second under US President Donald Trump's current administration, Reuters reported. A well-known Hindi proverb honhar birwan ke hote chikne paat suggests that the signs of future success are visible early. It sums up the early years of Dhirajlal Hirachand AmbaniDhirubhaione of Indias greatest industrial empire builders, whose youth too shimmered with portents. Ambani passed away in July 2002, leaving behind a giant conglomerate whose market capitalization today exceeds $250 billion and a legacy that continues to shape Indian business. While the details of his professional life are household lore now, repeated across newspapers, magazines, and films, its his early life, vividly captured in Dhirubhai Ambani: The Man I Knew by Kokilaben, that provides fascinating clues to his career. Restless, rule-bending, fear-defying, Ambani was a force of nature who saw opportunity where others saw limits. As a seven-year-old boy, he spent a moonless night alone in a cremation ground to prove that fear was just a phantom in the mind. It would be a lifelong pattern of behaviour. Anything that seemed like a hurdle to most men had to be conquered. From the sun-baked village of Chorwad in Gujarat, where he was born, he forged the mindset that would dismantle bureaucratic barriers, democratize stock ownership, and prove that audacity could triumph over pedigree. Early markers His story validates what management scholars call entrepreneurial orientationthe pattern of risk-taking, innovation, and proactive behaviour identifiable long before commercial success. Like Richard Branson, who launched a student magazine at 16 before building Virgin, or Sam Walton, who sold milk bottles as a boy before creating Walmart, Dhirubhai exhibited classic early markers: calculated risk appetite and a sharp instinct for business. Born on 28 December 1932 to a schoolteacher father of modest means and a homemaker mother, Jamnaben, young Dhirubhai's circumstances spelt limitations. Two sets of clothes, ironed overnight under his mattress, were all he had to wear to school. Each dawn, he'd trek three kilometres through the blistering heat to the nearby village of Kukkaswada to fetch buttermilk for the family. His first taste of margin and market timing came from buying mangoes en route to sell later at a profit. When school canteen portions disappointed, he didn't merely complain; he rallied classmates, pitched the headmaster with persuasive logic, and secured the contract himself. Also Read | Verghese Kurien and the power of social entrepreneurship These weren't just childhood escapades; they revealed an entrepreneurial mindset that prioritized opportunity over available resources. With minimal capital as a pre-teen, he bought wholesale oil and retailed it, sharing profits dutifully with his mother. While resources were fungible, his vision remained constant. When he saw foreign cars in the streets of Mumbai, he didn't stare wistfully but declared with certainty, he would ride them someday. This unshakeable self-belief would become his signature trait. India's freedom movement amplified his boldness. He scrawled patriotic slogans on Junagadh's walls pre-dawn, defying the Nawab's ban, and unfurled the tricolour on 15 August 1947. Taking risks was becoming second nature. By 1948, matriculation barely in hand, he gave up college for a clerk's job at A. Besse & Co.'s Aden petrol station, where he learned key business skills, including trading, accounting, and documentation. He also read copiously and observed keenly, picking up tips on commodity trading, currency trading, and crucially, money management. Following his marriage to Kokilaben in 1955, he returned to India in 1958 with small savings and an expanding mental map of international commerce and opportunity. Grand vision What distinguishes true empire builders from opportunists is a scalable vision. Dhirubhai started off with modest capital to import yarn and export spices, but this was just the starting point of his grand plan. With an intuitive understanding of value chain integration, he built vertically from textiles to petrochemicals. He also recognized the latent power of equity recruiting shareholders who became both investors and cheerleaders. By 1986, Reliance had over 1.2 million shareholders, a grassroots army he weaponized against bureaucratic resistance. His daughter Dipti once asked him for his success secret. Guts and luck," he replied. The guts were plainly visibleeven a 1986 stroke that paralyzed his right hand couldn't stop him from blueprinting the world's largest grassroots refinery at Jamnagar. The luck bit is debatable. Did he make his own luck? Perhaps it was what Nassim Taleb calls antifragility", the capacity to gain from disorder and volatility. Dhirubhai Ambani died in 2002, but his influence on Indian business endures. Scale, vertical integration, shareholder loyalty, and the belief that business begins at home are all his legacies. But his biggest contribution to Indian entrepreneurship may be the most intangible: the notion that extraordinary vision can emerge from the most ordinary circumstances, and that the only real limits are the ones we accept in our minds. For more such stories, read The Enterprising Indian: Stories From India Inc News. Down the Floral Path is a wedding florist business owned by Ellen Madden. Having trained in Paris for three years, which she described as full on, Ellen has built her business on making couples happy on their big days. With a passion for creating beautiful results to the finest detail, the business has flourished since setting it up in 2021. Starting out as a florist in retail, Ellen described how, although she loved it, she wanted to get into the events side of the florist business. The planning and organisation side of it fascinated her, which went just beyond financial investment but emotional. Read more: Longford native brings Jazzercise home after 27 years teaching abroad Its not just seeing the person once, she said, and also you can do a lot more on a wedding day than just retail. Every wedding and couple are different so thats what pulled me into it. With her first wedding season being in 2022 once the Covid pandemic lifted, she describes the growth of her business to be amazing. Ellen described the seriousness of floristry in France, how the option of three years meant that she acquired a level 7. It was from learning, to arrangements and the business side of things; dealing with the customers and learning the Latin names of 300 plants. Its all very intense. Thats how I got into it. I moved to Paris. There were flower shops in every corner so that inspired me to show up. Ellen described how she acquires her flowers, and how the weather affects both where she orders them and how she addresses her business. With temperatures being a massive factor, Ellen explained why she sometimes orders from Holland rather than always staying to homegrown: I order from both Holland wholesalers directly and when in season, get Irish-grown flowers. There are great Irish growers at the moment. When youre ordering from Holland, its a live auction, you turn up, see whats there and buy it. Thats intense because you have a short window deciding what you want. Once it arrives and leaves Holland on a Monday, its there on Tuesday evening in the box. Its very fast and magical how they turn up. Anybody can want their outdoor wedding in summertime but we live in Ireland that cant be guaranteed. Last December, when there were storms and Holyhead port was closed, we couldnt get deliveries on time, so that was chaotic. The weather adds an extra element of the day and how its going to go. You look at the app the week before to see how to set up. If its too hot, the flowers will wilt and die before the weather; if it is too cold, that outside arch needs to be tied down. To plan a wedding, Ellen gets to know her couples first via Zoom, and then creates a proposal and Pinterest board. She tends to work with people a year in advance. She mentions how, more often, she interacts with the bride but calls it lovely when she gets to work with the groom as well. Read more: Longford shoppers enjoy Christmas carol singing by local Ukrainian Choir However, despite decisions being made by the couple, Ellen adds a final comment: I always say to couples if you feel like a good fit with any vendor and supplier, trust them as well on the day. Theyre the professionals in the sense that theyre as invested in it as you are. They want it to go smoothly and beautifully like you do. If they love what theyre doing, they get as much out of it as you do. I want every wedding to be as good as the last one or better. Its my passion, not something I want to tick off. If youre open to ideas, dont get too bogged down. Let the professionals help along the way, rather than feel you have to make every single decision. Everybody; the photographer and cake decorator, are there to make the day for you. Use the Arrows < > above to go through the gallery More than 500 primary school students from across County Longford transformed St Mary's Community Campus, in Edgeworthstown into a hub of innovation on Friday, 23 May, as they presented their cutting-edge STEAM projects at the annual Microsoft Dream Space Showcase. This big gallery of photos from the event was captured by Shelley Corcoran and we we hope you enjoy it. LONGFORD CAMERA CLUB We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether its a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY The 21-year-old woman killed in a raging fire at a home in Needham on Christmas Eve has been identified as Kayla Corrigan, a college student who was set to graduate next year. Corrigan was a senior in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University studying marketing management and was on track to graduate this spring, according to a university official. Syracuse Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer Allen W. Groves announced Corrigans death in a letter posted to the universitys website on Friday. Kayla immersed herself into internships strengthening her understanding of navigating marketing decisions in an evolving global landscape. Outside of the classroom she was an active member of Sigma Delta Tau, Groves wrote. Corrigan graduated from Newton Country Day School in 2022, according to her LinkedIn page, and a photo showing several young women holding their diplomas was posted to her Instagram account June 12, 2022 with the school tagged as the location. A GoFundMe launched by Amy Lund of Millis, along with Christa Corrigan and benefitting Alyssa Corrigan, also identified Kayla Corrigan as the person who died in the house fire. Words cannot express the depth of our grief or the shock of this loss, the page reads. Kayla was a beautiful 21 year old girl who was deeply loved by many. Her absence has left a space that can never be filled. We will carry her memory with us always. A photo of Kayla Corrigan used on the GoFundMe page also appears on her Instagram account, posted in May with the caption Besos para Barcelona" or Kisses for Barcelona. Corrigans LinkedIn page says she was a fundraising coordinator for her sorority for the 2023-24 school year and that she helped raise more than $12,000 for a non-profit in Syracuse that provides emergency housing and resources for domestic abuse survivors. The page also says she interned last summer at a public relations and communication firm in Boston. What happened on Christmas Eve Firefighters responded to 28 Woodworth Road just before 5 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, and arrived as smoke and flames billowed from the three-story home, according to the State Fire Marshals office. The first responders attempted to push into the home but were turned back as flames spread quickly through the building. Two other adults who were in the home escaped. Corrigan was later found dead inside. Its just a heart-wrenching event for them and the community, Needham Fire Chief Thomas Conroy said Wednesday as he offered condolences. State officials said Friday that the fire appeared to have originated in the garage and sparked accidentally. The fire is still under investigation, but preliminary evidence suggested the cause was not suspicious, the Department of Fire Services said. How to help The GoFundMe page says donations from the fundraiser will help cover funeral costs and temporary living expenses for the Corrigan family. The fundraising goal is $150,000, and as of Saturday afternoon, more than $122,000 had been raised. About 1,600 people have donated so far, including a $2,000 donation and 16 $1,000 donations. Battling the fire Seventy-five firefighters from departments across the region battled for seven hours Wednesday morning to bring the flames under control at the Needham home, the office of State Fire Marshal John M. Davine said. Firefighters from Boston, Brookline, Dedham, Natick, Newton, Norwood, Milton, Wellesley and Westwood provided mutual aid during the four-alarm response. The six-bedroom, 6,500-square-foot home was built in 2014. It is assessed at $2.5 million, according to town property records. On Christmas morning, a Needham Police cruiser sat parked out front of the home as yellow police tape surrounding the lawn fluttered in the wind. Flames had scorched the wood and stone structure, leaving a broad hole in the right side of the roof visible from the road. Some of the windows were broken, and an open front door provided a clear view through the darkened first floor and into the tree-lined backyard. Christmas wreaths hung above the entrance way and on either side of the front door. Strands of Christmas lights lined the edge of the roof, some of them tattered and hanging off the home. The torched shells of two cars sat just outside a garage on the right of the home. An examination of the scene, witness interviews and other evidence led investigators to believe the fire started in the back of the attached garage. Investigators identified several heat sources that could have contributed to the fire, all of which would have been accidental, Davines office said. Our thoughts have been with the family since the early morning hours of December 24 and they remain with the family today, Conroy, the Needham fire chief, added Friday. I want to recognize the outpouring of compassion from Needham residents who are sending their love and support. Fires like this are more common in the winter, Davine said Wednesday. Please be sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and a practiced escape plan in the event of an emergency, he said. Nicole Simmons contributed to this report. Perry Teddy Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, has died. He was 65. Bamonte died at his home on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, following a short illness, The Cure said in a statement on the bands website. Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, Teddy was a warm-hearted and vital part of The Cure story, the statement read. Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family. He will be very greatly missed. Born in London in 1960, Bamonte joined The Cure in 1990 and played guitar, six-string bass and keyboard on the bands seven albums released from 1992 through 2004. This included The Cures most commercially successful album Wish, which was released in 1992. Bamonte performed on songs including the hit Friday, Im in Love, A Letter to Elise and High, according to Variety. He also performed more than 400 shows over 14 years, according to the bands statement on their website. This included the groups most recent show at Londons Troxy in November 2024. Bamonte and was slated to perform at international shows through 2026 as well, Variety reported. Bamonte left the iconic British rock band in 2005 after he was dismissed by frontman Robert Smith, who reportedly wanted to reinvent The Cure as a trio, Billboard reported at the time. Bamonte rejoined The Cure in 2022, playing another 90 shows, some of the best in the bands history, the band wrote. Beforehand, the musician was present at The Cures induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. Outside of The Cure, Bamonte was also the bassist of the English rock supergroup Love Amongst Ruin. Former Broadway actress Imani Dia Smith has died at the age of 25. Smith, who starred in the Broadway production of The Lion King as young Nala, was found with multiple stab wounds at a home in Edison, New Jersey and taken to a hospital where she died, according to a statement from the Middlesex County prosecutors office. Police arrested Jordan Jackson-Small in connection with Smiths death, according to the statement. Smiths family said Jackson-Small was her boyfriend at the time. It is with a tragic and heavy heart that we share the loss of my niece, Imani Dia Smith, who was senselessly killed by her boyfriend on the morning of Sunday, December 21st, just ahead of Christmas, reads a GoFundMe set up by Smiths family. The campaign has raised more than $67,500 as of Dec. 26. Jackson-Small was 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, according to the statement. Imani had her whole life ahead of her, Smiths GoFundMe reads. 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." Smith leaves behind a 3-year-old son. 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. Toyota is recalling 55,000 vehicles nationwide because of a manufacturing defect that poses a serious fire hazard. The recall is for certain 2025 through 2026 Toyota Camry and 2026 Corolla Hybrid vehicles, the company said on its website. Toyota states that a bolt inside the inverter in the hybrid powertrain can become loose. If this happens, the car could short circuit, leading to a sudden loss of motive power or an electrical fire when the ignition is on. Owners of these vehicles will be notified about this issue by mid-February of next year and will be contacted when further information is available about a free repair remedy. In the meantime, drivers are told to not drive these vehicles and park them outside, according to The EV Report. A major winter storm is headed for the bottom of New England on Friday night, threatening up to 8 inches of snow for some parts of Massachusetts. Forecasters are warning against travel, with expectations of low visibility overnight and into Saturday during the day. But the storm isnt going to hit each part of Massachusetts equally. Heres five maps that show what to expect. Total Snow Accumulations Projected snowfall totals from the storm on Dec. 26, 2025. (National Weather Service) Forecasters predict every part of Massachusetts will receive at least an inch of new snow by Saturday night, with some parts receiving more. The Berkshires and parts of Western Massachusetts have the chance to see between five and eight inches of snow. Central Massachusetts may also be hit hard, with up to five inches in some parts. Eastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod should only receive a dusting of snow by 7 p.m. on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). High to Low End Snowfall Chances High and low end snowfall amount probabilities for the winter storm on Dec. 26, 2025. (National Weather Service) All of the state is projected to receive at least one inch of snow overnight into Saturday. Areas like Pittsfield will receive at least three and could see up to eight inches, according to NWS maps. While most of Eastern Massachusetts will top out between three and four inches at the most, some parts of Central Massachusetts may see up to five or six. What time will the snow start? Snowfall onset times for the winter storm on Dec. 26, 2025. (National Weather Service) While warnings from the National Weather Service have taken effect as of 4 p.m. across the state, the snow isnt expected to start until 7 p.m. at the earliest in The Berkshires on Friday. Flakes will move to the rest of Western Massachusetts by 8 p.m., spread to Central Massachusetts by 9 and 10 p.m., then finally hit Eastern Massachusetts by midnight. Will the snow be wet or dry? The type of snow that will fall overnight on Dec. 26, 2025. (National Weather Service) The end-of-year snowstorm will be right down the middle. Forecasters predict the snow character, or the type that will fall, will be right in the middle of heavy, wet snow and dry, fluffy snow. These conditions are expected to be the same throughout the state, with slightly fluffier snow in higher altitudes of the state. Fridays winter storm is set to drop up to 8 inches of snow across Massachusetts during what experts are projecting to be one of the busiest travel days of the year, creating logistical difficulties and travel conditions that may be unsafe. On Friday afternoon, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation issued a winter weather advisory from Friday through Sunday and urged travelers to allow for extra time and check forecasts. More than 60 flights into and out of Logan Airport in Boston have already been canceled on Friday, according to FlightAware.com. The flight tracking site reports 65 cancelations at Logan as of Friday afternoon. Snow is expected to start falling late Friday afternoon and get heavier through the evening, especially in Western Massachusetts, where the National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories for Hampshire, Franklin, Hampden and Berkshire counties. Springfield is predicted to receive up to 5 inches of snow, while Worcester is in line for 3 to 5 inches. Boston and Cape Cod & the Islands will see less snow, with most coastal areas expected to get around an inch. Holiday travelers planning to drive back home could be met with icy roadways and reduced visibility as snowfall intensifies through Friday night. Mark Schieldrop, a spokesperson for AAA, said the volume of road traffic could complicate things as the snow accumulates. There could be some disruption, Schieldrop said. We expected [Friday] to be one of the busiest travel days of the year for folks returning home. Saturday and Sunday were expected to be pretty busy, as well. With the weather in the forecast now showing snow, there is some chance people who were going to be leaving on Saturday may be leaving [Friday] instead, and that could shuffle things around a little bit. Schieldrop said AAAs New England chapter has been fielding a lot of reports of dead batteries in recent weeks. He said he expects that to increase over the weekend and suggested people travel with jumper cables, as well as extra blankets and warm clothing in case they find themselves stranded. The best course of action for drivers, Schieldrop said, would be to reconsider their plans and allow time for workers to clear and salt roads. I know everyone has some place to be, and there is pressure to drive in the snow, Schieldrop said, but if people have the luxury of waiting through the weekend and traveling on Monday or Tuesday, that may be a good idea. ORANGE The states highest court upheld the first-degree murder convictions of an Athol man for the October 2016 home invasion in Orange in which he and an accomplice killed an elderly couple. Joshua Hart and his co-defendant, Brittany Smith, also of Athol, were tried separately before Franklin Superior Court juries for the murder and other charges, and found guilty in 2018. As required by law, Harts convictions were automatically reviewed by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. The court affirmed the convictions in 2023 but left unresolved an erroneous instruction given by the trial judge to the jury, the Northwestern District Attorneys Office said in a statement Friday. Most recently, Hart sought to vacate the sentences on those grounds. No substantial likelihood of a miscarriage of justice stemmed from the erroneous jury instruction, the court wrote in a Friday decision. In rejecting Harts claims, the court affirmed the order denying the defendants motion and left his life sentence intact. On the night of Oct. 5, 2016, Smith and Hart ambushed Thomas Harty, 95, and Joanna Fisher, 77, in their Orange home, prosecutors said. Stabbed multiple times and suffocated, Harty died that night. Fisher died five weeks later, after being thrown from her wheelchair, beaten, stabbed, slashed and suffocated. Smith and Hart stole the couples car, cash and credit cards, bought cigarettes and heroin, shopped at a Worcester Walmart, and then fled the state. They were arrested two days later in Virginia. Brittany Smith, left, appears in at Orange District Court in Orange for her arraignment on murder and other charges on Oct. 14, 2016. (Dave Roback / The Republican) Dave Roback / The Republican The high court heard arguments Oct. 10 from Assistant District Attorney Cynthia M. Von Flatern, chief of the DAs Appellate Division, litigating on behalf of the state, and attorney Stephen Paul Maidman, who argued for Hart. Harts and Smiths cases were prosecuted by then Chief Trial Counsel Jeremy Bucci, who now serves as an associate justice of the Superior Court. SPRINGFIELD One fought his way back from prison to empower youth. The other built bridges quietly through advocacy and care. On Kwanzaas first day, Donnell Donny Wright and Freda Malone shared the stage as symbols of unity and community strength. The pair were honored Friday at City Hall during Springfields annual Kwanzaa kickoff, a celebration rooted in African heritage and community values. Wright, once an at-risk youth who spent time in prison, and Malone, a longtime advocate for seniors and families, embody the principles of Umoja unity and Kujichagulia self-determination that in part frames the seven-day observance. Organizers of the Kwanzaa City Collective said the award honors their stories and their commitment to lifting up the African American community. That commitment was front and center at Fridays event, organized by the collective and led by School Committee member-elect Ayanna Crawford, which featured a proclamation declaring Kwanzaa Week in Springfield. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by professor and activist Maulana Karenga during the Black Freedom Movement. The holiday, observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, honors African heritage and culture through seven guiding principles known as the Nguzo Saba: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Organizers said the celebration is a time for the community to reflect on shared heritage and achievements while embracing those principles. It also offers residents from all backgrounds a chance to come together, learn about Kwanzaa and recognize people making a difference in the city. The collective honored Wright and Malone, who they say are unsung heroes. Malone is usually a behind-the-scenes gal, Crawford said, and is active in the NAACP, where she serves as Freedom Fund committee chair and assistant secretary. Malone also created the Caregiver Symposium in April 2024, advocates for self-care, and collaborates with the Greater Springfield Senior Center to provide resources for children and older adults. In May, Malone organized a GoFundMe to support local photographer Edward Cohen, who was ill at the time, an example of her commitment to helping her fellow community members, Crawford said. Malone always has been someone who looks beyond the work to support individuals in our community especially me, she said. Shes not looking for recognition, but we see her. The community sees you, Crawford said. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said Malone and the NAACP helped run a recent toy drive that served nearly 4,000 children this holiday season. It has not gone unnoticed, Sarno said. He presented Malone with a citation for her commitment to the community and her efforts to amplify the African American perspective. Vocalist and activist Donnell "Donny" Wright received a Community Impact Award at Friday's Kwanzaa celebration in Springfield. The award was presented by Kwanzaa City Collective member and School Committee member-elect Ayanna Crawford. (Aprell May Munford / The Republican) Aprell May Munford The collective also honored Wright, a vocalist and founder of the InnerVizion Empowerment Center. Wright is also an active member with the I Found A Light Against All Odds organization. Wright also works as a photographer, and hosts cultural and anti-violence events in the city for the youth, Crawford said. Wright said that, while he is also usually behind the scenes, he has learned the importance of stepping forward. People are needed who are willing to be on the front line, who are not afraid to be vulnerable and share the mistakes theyve made in their journey, he said. Wright shared his story of addiction and incarceration, saying he began using drugs at age 8, became an alcoholic by 12, was expelled from school at 17, and later arrested by the Drug Enforcement Administration for selling drugs. He spent years in prison trying to understand how he got there, he said. Kids dont have to follow those footsteps, he added. They dont have to go to prison or get caught up in the pitfalls society has set up for them, Wright said. I want to be a blueprint not just for African American children but for all children all races and colors to let them know what they can achieve by using the power we have within to overcome." For the past five years, the collective has worked to teach people about the holiday across Western Massachusetts, said Crawford. The group has hosted celebrations in Holyoke, Chicopee, Greenfield and Amherst, and hopes to bring events to even more towns. Crawford said the goal is to help communities learn more about Kwanzaa, celebrate it locally and recognize its importance and contributions to not just to African American culture but to the community as a whole. Sarno said he first learned about the holiday in the 1970s from a program on Channel 40. The principles that Kwanzaa honors are good for everyone across the board ... no matter what creed, color or background, Sarno said. State Sen. Jacob Oliveira, D-Ludlow, and state Rep. Orlando Ramos, D-Springfield, joined the celebration. Oliveira wore bright yellow pants to honor Kwanzaa. He said he enjoys coming to the event because of its vibrant colors, music and the focus on family. Oliveira said hes proud to make sure the state doesnt ignore the cultures that help make the country strong. Bomba de Aqui drummers and dancers kicked it up a notch Friday morning at Springfields annual Kwanzaa celebration at City Hall. (Aprell May Munford / The Republican) Aprell May Munford Bishop Talbert W. Swan II, president of the Greater Springfield NAACP, said that before the Kwanzaa Collective began hosting events across the region, he knew Crawford as the Kwanzaa lady, because she was always teaching the community about the holiday. He urged the audience to take note of the celebration at this moment in history. Swan said diversity, equity and inclusion programs have disappeared from businesses websites across the Pioneer Valley, and many institutions are under pressure from the Trump administration to rebrand DEI. Theyre doing their best to switch Black history and culture to stay in the good graces of an administration that is doing its best to rebrand American history and erase Black history, he said. Swan praised Springfield for keeping its doors open. Many city halls wont be having celebrations like this, he said, adding that he will return for a flag raising on Martin Luther King Jr.s birthday, which the Trump administration removed as a recognized holiday. Im delighted that Springfield will not be erasing Black history, Swan said. Remember the roots, ancestors and the sacrifice of all of those who went before us and laid the groundwork for us to be here. Two other honorees were recognized: Emma Burke, regional director of business development for Baystate Health, and Tiffany Allecia, executive director of the Springfield Creative City Collective. The celebration ended with music and dance by Bomba de Aqui drummers and dancers who invited attendees to join in. Swan and others stepped onto the floor to close out the event. EAST LONGMEADOW When tattoo artist Ezequiel Lugo opened his studio in East Longmeadow, he wanted to make his mark on his clients but he never imagined how life-changing his work would be. For a long time, I thought I was already changing lives doing tattoos, but this feels much more rewarding, the owner of The Mean Bean Shop told The Republican. In addition to custom tattoos, Lugo is now one of the few artists in Massachusetts doing paramedical tattoos. He uses specialized techniques to cover burns, stretch marks, scars and areas of the skin or head that have lost pigment or hair. The procedure can be an important part of breast reconstruction for women that have had mastectomies. People going through gender reassignment are also turning to the process. Lugo spent the summer taking a professional course where he learned how to use specialized needles and pigments to create realistic looking nipples and areolas onto a new or reconstructed breast. The colors for reconstruction include coral, pink and brown. Hes able to make it look like a real nipple, but its an illusion. If you were to touch it, its just a flat surface. But it looks 3D, said Arianna Lugo, the artists wife and business partner. She is also a registered nurse, which comes in handy when advising clients during consultations. Arianna Lugo shows a mock breast upon which are some tattooed nipples. (Staasi Heropoulos / Special to The Republican) Staasi Heropoulos / Special to The Republican Very often, the Lugos need a medical order from a doctor to proceed. The procedure is covered through insurance because of the Womens Health and Cancer Rights Act. It is considered the final stage of reconstructive surgery for patients that have gone through breast cancer or mastectomies, she said. Disfigured While Cindy Sheridan Murphy, 64, of West Springfield, has not had a paramedical tattoo, she knows the crisis of confidence that comes when a breast is removed. Sheridan told The Republican she had a mastectomy 10 years ago after she discovered cancer in one of her breasts. It is disfigurement. Think of having a part of your body amputated, and now you have these scars. Every time you get out of the shower, you look at yourself and your self-identity gets totally diminished. You feel like you betrayed yourself, she said. Murphy is executive director of Each Moment Were Alive, a nonprofit organization she founded in 2019. The cancer support network helps patients and survivors by offering a wide range of free services including peer-to-peer meetings and online support groups. Through her work, Murphy has met women who boost their self-esteem through tattoos. The healing and self-identity takes time and patience, but that compassion for yourself is necessary. Sometimes tattooing gives them that extra piece to love themselves again, because they love the tattoo. They designed it, and they have control over it, because you dont control breast cancer, she said. Sheridan and Lugo said oftentimes women use hearts and butterflies when they tattoo their breasts, creating the nipple and areola or covering scars. The artist might sketch images using his talent and imagination, or work from examples on a mock breast. He can just freehand it or use a ruler that has shapes or circles to help with diameter. Then hell create a stencil, just like we do with regular tattoos, said Arianna Lugo. Covering trauma While it is gaining in popularity, paramedical tattooing has yet to become a mainstream service. Ezequiel Lugo has been performing the procedure for several months and began formally touting the service when he opened The Mean Bean Shop on Harkness Avenue in East Longmeadow. Lugo also is using his craft to cover scars, burns and stretchmarks, a service that might also be considered medically necessary and part of reconstruction. He combines inks to match pigmentation, filling in colorless areas. He also creates images, blending them to conceal or camouflage injured or traumatized areas. The artist and his wife work with clients to develop detailed treatment plans, starting with small areas first, keeping track of the needles they use, color combinations and what the ink looks like when the tattooed areas heal. While insurance companies often cover the expense, Arianna Lugo said they are likely to deny a claim at first, complain about medical bill coding, and make people apply repeatedly. With her background in health care, she feels well-equipped to advocate for her customers. I think clients would feel more comfortable coming to a facility where they have a registered nurse that understands the medical portion, who oversees the compliance and the safety regulations, she said. The paramedical tattoos might be a spiritual lift for his clients, but Ezequiel Lugo said it is therapeutic for him, as well. Its Zen for me. I get lost in the work, he said. I wake up and am grateful for everything I have. This was just a vision at first, but to see it become a reality is an awakening. SPRINGFIELD Mission-Rich Academy will host its first The Mission-Rich Experience Live, on Feb. 1213, 2026, bringing nonprofit leaders and micro-business owners from across the country to Western Massachusetts for a two-day leadership program. Founded by LaTonia Monroe-Naylor, a leadership strategist, author and Springfield School Committee member, the event is designed to help mission-driven leaders strengthen funding access, build sustainable systems and lead with clarity. This event was created because many leaders are doing meaningful work but still struggle to sustain it, Monroe-Naylor said in a statement. I participated in leadership programs that strengthened my leadership skills, but they didnt address how to build a business or nonprofit from infancy, she said. I needed guidance on the strategy, structure, and systems required to build something sustainable and culturally aligned. That gap is what this two-day intensive is designed to address. Mission-Rich Academy partnered with the Latino Economic Development Corporation to award 10 leadership scholarships to Springfield-based micro-businesses. The application deadline has passed, and winners will be announced soon, Monroe- Naylor said. The corporation believes strong businesses are built on more than hustle theyre built on strategy, systems and a clear mission, said Andrew Melendez, founder and executive director of the LEDC. We sponsored 10 local business owners because access to high-level leadership development should not be a barrier. Investing in these founders means investing in long-term economic growth for our region, he said. Tickets are available online with general admission and VIP options. Early registration is encouraged because space is limited and pre-event bonus trainings are offered on a one-time basis. A police response to reports of a raccoon behaving erratically turned into a gruesome public spectacle in a Mass. town on Christmas Day. Hopedale police on Thursday killed a raccoon in a Hopedale neighborhood as residents watched, according to a statement released by the town and police officials. According to the statement, police received multiple calls of a raccoon behaving aggressively and exhibiting some signs of disorientation behavior widely recognized by public health officials as consistent with potential rabies infection, according to the statement. When officers arrived and found the animal, they decided to euthanize it. Because the neighborhood is densely populated, officers did not use guns. The statement does not say how the officers killed the raccoon, but according to WCVB, bystanders including children gathered and watched as the officers used their vehicle to run over the raccoon repeatedly until it was dead. I guess he decided to do what he did and drove over the raccoon, an unidentified resident told WCVB. And then he went backwards, and then the raccoon was, like, seizing almost, so then he went over it again, because it wasnt dead at that point and you could see it, he was like, moving around. Officers then moved the raccoon to the side of the road to be picked up later by Animal Control, according to the towns statement. The statement said the incident has prompted some backlash against the officers, but defended them against criticism. Due to the density of the neighborhood and the presence of nearby homes and residents, the use of a firearm was not a safe or appropriate option, the statement read. The actions taken by the responding officer were lawful, necessary, and fully authorized under Massachusetts law and public health guidance. The Town unequivocally supports the officer and the Police Department in carrying out their duties to protect the community and prevent serious harm. The statement scolded people who have harassed or questioned the mental health or fitness of those involved. It acknowledged peoples right to express their opinion but warned that publicly targeting a police officer, spreading misinformation and encouraging harassment crosses a clear line and could expose a person to criminal and civil liability. This has happened before The situation mirrors a similar incident that happened in Springfield last year, where the citys top fire official used his government-issued vehicle to run over a raccoon he believed to be rabid. Springfield Fire Commissioner Bernard J. Calvi came under intense criticism from the city council for killing the raccoon, but was cleared of wrongdoing and no criminal charges were filed against him, though the investigation into the handling of the affair revealed a breakdown in the citys plan for handling rabid animals. Mercy Ships concludes a momentous year across its two hospital ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy. Operating simultaneously in two countries for its second consecutive year, the organization expanded the medical impact of its programs, strengthened strategic partnerships, and deepened its commitment to building sustainable surgical capacity across the African continent. This year, the ships welcomed more than 3,240 volunteers from over 75 nations and more than 2,120 national crew members. These surgeons, nurses, dentists, cooks, engineers, and many others contributed their skills to advance access to safe, free surgical care. Among the many inspirational volunteers in 2025, Dr. Justina Seyi-Olajid stands out as the first female African pediatric surgeon to serve with Mercy Ships. Coming from a low- or middle-income country isnt a reason to stay on the sidelines, she said. I should be part of the project. I want to be part of the change thats happening. As a practicing surgeon in Nigeria, she personally sees the urgent need for access to surgery in West Africa almost every day. As the year concludes, Mercy Ships has cared for more than 2,850 surgical patients who received over 3,060 surgeries across both ships, restoring mobility, sight, dignity, and health to people who would otherwise have no access to essential care. From maxillofacial and orthopedic operations to cataract removal and womens health procedures, patients received life-changing treatment grounded in compassion, excellence, and respect. One of the most remarkable stories published this year was that of a blind mother and daughter (https://apo-opa.co/3LcbDEB) who, after years of relying solely on sound and touch, were finally able to look into each others eyes again. Both had been living with advanced cataracts that plunged them into darkness. Following cataract surgery on board, they were reunited with restored sight. These uplifting moments of answered prayers are at the very heart of Mercy Ships mission. In addition to direct medical services, Mercy Ships also continued its long-term commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, namely, through education and training programs. This year, more than 838 healthcare professionals from 13 African nations benefitted from education and training programs totaling over 228,540 hours. One of its most impactful partnerships was with the Universite Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry in Guinea, which further expanded access to essential oral healthcare by training local professionals to deliver over 15,290 dental procedures for more than 2,040 patients.Participants of these diverse educational programs hailed from Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan and Uganda, coming together to build a stronger surgical workforce for future generations. Mercy Ships was also a strong advocate for healthcare initiatives proposed by the governments of its partner nations. This year, Sierra Leone introduced its National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plans (NSOAPs) at PASHeF , which is a platform dedicated to strengthening African health systems and advancing Africas leadership in its own health development. Both NSOAP and PASHeF process were made possible in part through Mercy Ships contribution. Mercy Ships also worked closely with a range of partners on the ground to strengthen and extend its impact. Among these was the collaboration with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), a group that provides vital aviation support to connect patients in remote communities to the hospital ships. The Africa Mercy recently entered an extended Annual Maintenance Period (AMP) and is scheduled to return to Tamatave, Madagascar in May 2026 for a third consecutive field service. During this maintenance period, the ship will undergo drydocking and receive additional upgrades to hospital equipment and ship systems. This AMP is longer than usual to ensure that the ship can maximize surgical capacity for Madagascar and beyond. In Sierra Leone, the Global Mercy will complete her current service in May of 2026 before entering annual maintenance, then continuing her mission in Ghana in August of 2026 for the organizations fifth visit to the country. As Mercy Ships looks to 2026, the organization expresses deep appreciation for the continued support of the governments of Madagascar, Sierra Leone, and Ghana. Mercy Ships also begins a new chapter in regard to its own leadership by welcoming a new CEO, Dr. Michelle White . With her background in the medical sector and firsthand experience as a volunteer on board, Dr. White commands a deep understanding of both the organizations operational needs and the realities faced by patients across Africa. As the year concludes, Mercy Ships celebrates lives transformed, partnerships strengthened, and hope renewed across Africa. With unwavering commitment and many dedicated volunteers, crew, and supporters, the organization enters 2026 with a clear vision, ready to build upon the previous years momentum in bringing safe and free surgical care to those who need it most. THE death took place peacefully in the Bon Secours Hospital of Bridget Smyth, Swords, Dublin. She was formerly Hennelly from Kilrush, Hollymount, Mayo. Bridie, as she was known to so many, was a member of the nursing profession and was renowned for her kind, caring and empathic nature. She was held in great regard by her nursing colleagues and always retained a special fondness for Roundfort, Hollymount and Mayo. Frank Hughes, Lucan, and formerly of Roundfort, said he was in the same class as Bridie in National School many years ago. We met up again many years later while she was in the Mater Private where she took great care of ex-Taoiseach, Charlie Haughey, amongst many others. Bridie was indeed a kind and caring person, may her gentle soul rest in peace. Patricia Tinsley (Kavanagh) said she worked with Bridie in Mater General and Mater Private Hospitals and that Bridie was a wonderful mentor.She was an amazing person, full of compassion, kindness and a wonderful teacher. Geraldine Walsh, ex Mater Intensive Care Unit, was also among those paying warm tributes. Bridie was one in a million. She was a beautiful person and a wonderful nurse. We worked together in the intensive care unit. We remained in touch and when she and Alan moved to Inverness I visited them a few times. Reposing was at Rocks Funeral Home, Swords, and the Mass was celebrated in St Cronans Church, Brackenstown, followed by funeral to Dardistown Crematorium. Bridie, who was predeceased by sisters Aine, Maire and Evelyn, will be greatly missed by her husband Alan, sister Josephine, brothers James and Hugh, sisters-in-law Carmel and Noreen, brothers-in-law Frank, Chris and Mark, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. Doctors have engineered donor immune cells into living drugs that stay inside the body and attack aggressive cancers, offering new hope for patients who fail standard treatments. Highlights: Doctors turned immune cells into living medicines that stay in the body and attack cancer that stay in the body and attack cancer The treatment helped patients with aggressive leukemia when other therapies failed when other therapies failed This approach could lead to faster, more accessible cancer treatments in the future Trusted Source The Progress and Prospects of Immune Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Cancer Go to source Trusted Source Advertisement How This Is Different from Traditional CAR-T Therapy Advertisement What the Study Found All patients entered remission within 28 days Nine achieved deep remission, with no detectable cancer on sensitive tests Most patients were able to proceed to life-saving stem-cell transplantation afterward chemotherapy Advertisement Why Living Drugs Matter Remain active inside the body Recognize and destroy cancer cells directly Adjust to changes in the cancer environment Include built-in safety switches to reduce rejection risk Which Cancers Could Benefit Other blood cancers Treatment-resistant malignancies Possibly some solid tumors in the future What Comes Next and What to Watch For stem-cell The Bigger Picture Frequently Asked Questions Q: What are "living drugs"? A: They are engineered immune cells designed to stay active inside the body and continuously attack cancer cells. Q: How is this different from standard CAR-T therapy? A: Traditional CAR-T uses a patientas own cells. This approach uses gene-edited donor cells, making treatment faster and potentially more accessible. Q: Which cancer was treated in this study? A: The therapy was tested in patients with treatment-resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Q: Why is donor-cell therapy important? A: Some patients are too ill to provide usable immune cells. Donor cells allow treatment even in advanced disease. Q: Is this treatment widely available? A: Not yet. It is still in early clinical trials and requires long-term safety and effectiveness monitoring. The Progress and Prospects of Immune Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Cancer - (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10913519/) Doctors in the UK have created a new form of cancer treatment that blurs the line between biology and medicine: immune cells engineered to behave likeThese modified cells stay inside the body, actively hunt cancer, and in some cases push aggressive disease into remission, even when all other treatments have failed ().Unlike conventional drugs that are metabolized and eliminated, these cells continue working overtime, adapting to the cancer environment and maintaining their attack.CAR-T therapy is not new. For years, doctors have taken a patients own immune cells, reprogrammed them to recognize cancer, and infused them back. While effective for certain blood cancers, the process is slow, expensive, and sometimes impossible if patients are already very ill.The new approach useswhich are extensively gene-edited using a precise technique calledThese edits make the cells universal, meaning they can be used in multiple patients without triggering immune rejection.According to specialists, this makes the therapy faster to produce, potentially safer, and more accessible.The therapy was tested ina fast-growing blood cancer that often becomes resistant to treatment.Key findings included:These outcomes are especially significant for patients whose disease no longer responds toor standard immunotherapy What makes this approach revolutionary is not just its effectiveness, butThese immune cells:Doctors describe them as medicines thatsomething no traditional drug can do.So far, the therapy has been used in, which affects both children and adults. While survival rates are high in children , outcomes drop sharply in adults and in relapsed disease.Researchers believe this platform could eventually be adapted for:While the results are encouraging, doctors caution that long-term monitoring is essential. Potential risks include infections aftertransplantation and rare chances of secondary cancers, risks already acknowledged by regulatory agencies for CAR-T therapies.Still, experts agree that the benefits may outweigh the risks for patients with no remaining treatment options.This breakthrough signals a shift in cancer care, away from one-size-fits-all drugs and towardAs gene-editing techniques improve and costs fall, off-the-shelf immune cell drugs could transform how cancer is treated worldwide.For patients facing aggressive cancers, these living drugs may represent not just a new treatment, but a second chance.Source-Medindia KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russia attacked Ukraine's capital with missiles and drones early Saturday morning, killing one person and wounding 27, a day before talks between Ukraine and the U.S., authorities said. Explosions boomed across Kyiv for hours as ballistic missiles and drones hit the city. The attack began in the early morning hours Saturday and was continuing as day broke. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepared to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday for further talks on ending the nearly 4-year-old war. Zelenskyy told reporters he was on a plane en route to Florida on Saturday afternoon, and would stop in Canada on the way to meet Prime Minister Mark Carney. Zelenskyy said he and Trump plan to discuss issues including security guarantees and territorial issues in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. The Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday that it carried out a massive strike overnight, using long-range precision-guided weapons from land, air and sea, including Kinzhal hypersonic aeroballistic missiles and drones. It said it targeted energy infrastructure facilities used by Ukraine's forces and military-industrial enterprises. The ministry said the strike came in response to Ukraines attacks on civilian objects in Russia. Earlier on Saturday, the ministry said its air defenses shot down seven Ukrainian drones over the Russian regions of Krasnodar and Adygeya overnight. Poland scrambled fighter jets and closed airports in Lublin and Rzeszow near the border with Ukraine for several hours during the Russian attacks, the countrys armed forces command said on X. There was no violation of Polish airspace, it said. Civil aviation authority Pansa said the two airports had since resumed operations. It was unclear what caused the alert in Poland when the Russian attacks were focused on Kyiv, which is far from the border. Russia targeted Ukraine with 519 drones and 40 missiles, Ukraine's air force said. The main target was energy and civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said. In some districts of the region there is no electricity or heating because of the attacks, he added. Today Russia demonstrated how it responds to peace talks between Ukraine and the United States on ending Russias war against Ukraine. They carried out massive attacks on Ukraine precisely as we move toward peace negotiations, said Zelenskyy, speaking to reporters via audio note while traveling. That is Russias response. Screams as a man burns to death More than 10 residential buildings were damaged, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said in a post on Telegram. People were being evacuated from under the rubble of collapsed buildings. Olena Karpenko, 52, heard a man as he burned to death in the attack. His scream is still in my ears. I cant believe it, she said, weeping. Karpenko said they heard a sudden explosion at the nearby thermal power plant, followed by a stronger blast that shook the windows of her home. Then came the hit on her building. I saw how the apartment was burning, there was a fire and we heard a mans screams, begging for help," she said. Two children were among those wounded in the attack, which hit seven locations across the capital, the head of the Kyiv Military Administration, Tymur Tkachenko, in a statement on Telegram. A body was found under the rubble of one damaged building, he said. In fact, the entire center of Kyiv was under attack by drones," he said, adding that Russia was sending a message that it is raising the stakes in this war. A fire broke out in an 18-story residential building in the Dnipro district of the city, and emergency crews rushed to the scene to contain the flames. A 24-story residential building in the Darnytsia district was also hit, Tkachenko said, and more fires broke out in the Obolonskyi and Holosiivsky districts. In the wider Kyiv region, the strikes hit industrial and residential buildings, according to Ukraine's Emergency Service. In the Vyshhorod area, emergency crews rescued one person found under the rubble of a destroyed house. Zelenskyy heads to Florida for talks with Trump Zelenskyy told reporters he would aim to ensure there were as few unresolved issues as possible in talks with Trump while respecting Ukraine's red lines. I am confident there are compromise proposals we know the Americans and, obviously, our enemy also always has its own goals, which we know well, he said, speaking via audio note in a Whatsapp chat with journalists. Zelenskyy said he would prioritize discussing security guarantees for Ukraine. The U.S. has committed to providing guarantees that mirror the NATO alliance's Article 5, which means an attack on Ukraine would trigger a collective military response from the U.S. and its allies. But key details need to be worked out. Territorial concessions are the most sensitive of issues the two leaders will discuss, including the Donetsk region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine would never recognize any territory as Russian under any circumstances." But the most important issue I want to stress today is security guarantees. Beyond territorial issues and the ZNPP (nuclear plant), security guarantees are critically important for us, he said. Zelenskyy also will speak to European leaders online to brief them on the discussions. Associated Press writer Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia contributed to this report. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine This photo taken on Dec. 26, 2025 shows a view inside a mosque after an explosion in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs, central Syria, on Dec. 26, 2025. (Str/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed and 21 others wounded after an explosion struck a mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of the central Syrian city of Homs during Friday prayers, Syrian health authorities said. State-run SANA news agency said the blast was caused by explosive devices planted in a corner of the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque, which was crowded with worshippers at the time. Earlier in the day, Najib al-Naasan, director of referral, ambulance and emergency services at the Syrian Ministry of Health, said the toll could rise as rescue and medical teams continued to assess the situation. Security forces cordoned off the area following the blast, while ambulances rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the attack. This photo taken on Dec. 26, 2025 shows a view inside a mosque after an explosion in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs, central Syria. (Str/Xinhua) This photo taken on Dec. 26, 2025 shows a view inside a mosque after an explosion in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs, central Syria. (Str/Xinhua) This photo taken on Dec. 26, 2025 shows a view inside a mosque after an explosion in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs, central Syria. (Str/Xinhua) This photo taken on Dec. 26, 2025 shows a view inside a mosque after an explosion in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs, central Syria. (Str/Xinhua) This photo taken on Dec. 26, 2025 shows a view inside a mosque after an explosion in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs, central Syria. (Str/Xinhua) BANGKOK (AP) Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire agreement on Saturday to end weeks of fighting along their border over competing territorial claims. The agreement took effect at noon (0500 GMT) and calls for a halt in military movements and airspace violation for military purposes. Only Thailand has carried out airstrikes, hitting sites in Cambodia as recently as Saturday morning, according to the Cambodian Defense Ministry. The deal also calls for Thailand, after the ceasefire has held for 72 hours, to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers it has held as prisoners since earlier fighting in July. Their release has been a major demand of the Cambodian side. Within hours of the signing, Thailand's Foreign Ministry protested to Cambodia that a Thai soldier sustained a permanent disability when he stepped on an anti-personnel land mine it charged had been laid by Cambodian forces. Defense ministers met at the border to sign the agreement The agreement was signed by the countries defense ministers, Cambodias Tea Seiha and Thailands Nattaphon Narkphanit, at a border checkpoint. It followed three-day lower-level talks by military officials. It declares that the sides are committed to an earlier ceasefire that ended five days of fighting in July and follow-up agreements. The original July ceasefire was brokered by Malaysia and pushed through by pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges unless Thailand and Cambodia agreed. It was formalized in more detail in October at a regional meeting in Malaysia that Trump attended. Despite those deals, the countries carried on a bitter propaganda war and minor cross-border violence continued, escalating in early December to widespread heavy fighting. On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the ceasefire announcement and urged Cambodia and Thailand to fully honor it and the terms of the peace accord reached earlier in Malaysia. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the ceasefire a positive step towards alleviating the suffering of civilians, ending current hostilities, and creating an environment conducive to achieving lasting peace, his spokesman said.. The U.N. chief expressed appreciation to Malaysia, China and the United States for their efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at sustaining peace and stability in the region. Civilians bore the brunt of the fighting Thailand has lost 26 soldiers and one civilian as a direct result of the combat since Dec. 7, according to officials. Thailand has also reported 44 civilian deaths. Cambodia hasnt issued an official figure on military casualties, but says that 30 civilians have been killed and 90 injured. Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated on both sides of the border. Todays ceasefire also paves the way for the displaced people who are living in the border areas to be able to return to their homes, work in the fields, and even allow their children to be able to return to schools and resume their studies, Cambodia's Defense Minister Tea Seiha told reporters after the signing. Each side blamed the other for initiating the fighting and claimed to be acting in self-defense. The agreement also calls on both sides to adhere to international agreements against deploying land mines, a major concern of Thailand. Thai soldiers along the border have been wounded in at least 10 incidents this year by what Thailand says were newly planted Cambodian mines. Cambodia says the mines were left over from decades of civil war that ended in the late 1990s. Following the latest injury on Saturday, Thailand's Foreign Ministry noted that the new agreement includes key provisions on joint humanitarian demining operations to ensure the safety of military personnel and civilians in the border areas as soon as possible. Another clause says the two sides agree to refrain from disseminating false information or fake news. The agreement calls for a resumption of previous measures to demarcate the border. The sides also agreed to cooperate in suppressing transnational crimes. That's primarily a reference to online scams perpetrated by organized crime that have bilked victims around the world of billions of dollars each year. Cambodia is a center for such criminal enterprises. Malaysia's leader hails the agreement Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was instrumental in putting together the original ceasefire, said the new agreement reflects a shared recognition that restraint is required, above all in the interest of civilians. Many clauses similar to those in Saturday's agreement were included in October's ceasefire document, and were open to various interpretations and generally honored only in part. These included provisions concerning land mines and the Cambodian prisoners. The fragility of the new agreement was underlined by Thailands Defense Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri in a news briefing after Saturday's signing. He said that the safe return of civilians to their homes would indicate the situation had stabilized enough to allow the repatriation of the captured Cambodian soldiers. However if the ceasefire does not materialize, this would indicate a lack of sincerity on the Cambodian side to create sure peace, he said. "Therefore, the 72- hour ceasefire beginning today is not an act of trust nor unconditional acceptance but a time frame to tangibly prove whether Cambodia can truly cease the use of weapons, provocations and threats in the area. - Sopheng Cheang reported from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. U.S. forces are enforcing what the White House calls a maritime quarantine around Venezuela, launching warships, aircraft and Marines into the Caribbean as President Donald Trump orders an aggressive crackdown on oil tankers tied to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The new posture, launched this week, marks the most expansive maritime enforcement action of Trumps presidency. U.S. officials familiar with planning said roughly 15,000 personnel are positioned across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, though the Pentagon has not released exact figures. Officials, who have stopped short of calling it a blockade, said ships will be stopped and cargo will be checked, with sanctioned fuel unable to traverse waters. A carrier strike group, F-35s and Coast Guard cutters are postured to interdict tankers, restrict oil exports and pressure Maduros government. The campaign overlaps with Trumps push for a shipbuilding expansion, signaling the administration may fuse sanctions enforcement with a buildup of larger surface combatants and firepower at sea. At Sea US Venezuela Second Tanker Seized (CR) (U.S. Department of Defense via AP) The Coast Guard declined to comment to Military.com on enforcement thresholds or boarding criteria. Military.com reached out to the Pentagon and the Navy for comment on deployment authorities and coordination, the former referring questions to the Navy. Military.com also reached out to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) for comment and has requested updated force totals and duration. Officials in Caracas and Washington are bracing for confrontation. Earlier deployments sent Marine units within a few miles of Venezuelas coast as Maduros Russian-armed forces shifted to wartime alert, highlighting how quickly any clash at sea could spill over onto land and complicate planning for U.S. commanders. The Line Is Drawn U.S. forces appear to be operating under existing sanctions enforcement authorities and standard maritime law that allows boarding when vessels are suspected of concealing origin or violating international reporting rules. The Pentagon has not detailed guidance governing this mission. Protocols are intended to disrupt what Washington calls illicit tanker actions that use flag spoofing, shell company registries, and ship-to-ship transfers to move fuela pressure campaign that risks diplomatic friction if a boarding is challenged or a foreign crew resists inspection. Defense officials say the posture relies on layered surveillance involving aircraft track hull numbers and AIS signals. Cutters move in for approach and Navy assets stand off to deter interference by foreign escorts. At Sea US Venezuela Second Tanker Seized (CR) (U.S. Department of Defense via AP) The Pentagon has not confirmed rules for escalation if a tanker refuses, redirects or requests help from another nations military. Trump aides have framed U.S. military interjections a necessary escalations to cut off revenue they say funds corruption networks tied to Maduro. Sanctions on Venezuelas state oil firm PDVSA have intensified since 2019, according to U.S. Treasury enforcement notices, while the Trump administration has argued that maritime enforcement is the only viable pressure left to change behavior. Earlier waves in the current crackdown saw Trump order a halt to sanctioned tankers bound for Venezuela. U.S. forces stopped multiple oil and merchant vessels off the coast as part of a broader effort to tighten the flow of fuel and revenue into Maduros homeland. Economists said a price spike or redirected tanker traffic could hit Caribbean importers and U.S. Gulf states first. Brazil and Mexico may seek workarounds or new bilateral arrangements not fully aligned with Washington, raising longer-term diplomatic challenges. The Venezuelan Embassy in Washington did not respond. Military.com reached out to the United Nations for comment. Steel, Sanctions and Sea Power Trump linked the maritime campaign to a broader shipbuilding surge that would accelerate procurement of larger surface combatants and support vessels, including fleet oilers and expeditionary transport docks that could sustain prolonged interdiction missions. A supporter-produced rendering depicts a conceptual Trump-class vessel, the USS Defiant, as the administration links a tanker crackdown to plans for a naval expansion. (Naval Sea Systems Command) The president said new capacity is required to project power from the Caribbean to the Pacific without relying on short-notice repositioning. Navy planners have already floated concepts for a Trump-class battleship-style large surface combatant and tied new funding to industrial partnerships that blend traditional shipbuilding with artificial intelligence and advanced combat systems, signaling that the current posture may be a first test of a more muscular vision for sea power. Budget documents for the initiative have not been released. It is unclear whether lawmakers on the House and Senate Armed Services committees have been briefed on deployment requirements, cost projections or how the administration intends to pay for accelerated procurement. Military.com has requested clarification. The administration has not said whether the Caribbean posture is a proof of concept for a larger blueprint: build the fleet, police the hemisphere and pressure adversaries at sea before they reach deep water. Venezuelan officials in state media remarks accused Washington of piracy and illegal interference in sovereign commerce. President Nicolas Maduro addresses supporters during a rally marking the anniversary of the Battle of Santa Ines, which took place during Venezuela's 19th-century Federal War, in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File) They warned that any hostile act will be interpreted as aggression" but have not disclosed military plans or confirmed whether naval assets are on alert. Officials claimed the crackdown is proof the U.S. intends to strangle the economy and destabilize the regime rather than pressure reforms. Filing formal complaints would allow Venezuela to contest boardings and interdictions without risking an armed confrontation on the water. Legal experts have noted that Venezuelas crisis, maritime standoffs and drug-transit allegations already sit at a volatile intersection of sovereignty claims, sanctions policies, and the law of the sea. Capt. Willibald C. Bianchi, an Army Medal of Honor recipient who survived many obstacles in World War II, only to be killed in a terrible mistake, will finally return home to receive proper burial 80 years after he was declared missing in action. Bianchi, whose remains were properly identified on Aug. 11 by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, will be laid to rest in his hometown, New Ulm, Minnesota, in May 2026, just in time for Memorial Day, according to Minnesota Public Radio. Bianchis journey through World War II was harrowing. He survived getting wounded twice, the notorious Bataan Death March, and captivity in a prisoner of war camp. The Army captain was killed at age 29 when his POW transport ship was bombed mistakenly by U.S. forces. For his bravery and heroics, Bianchi was honored posthumously with the Medal of Honor, the countrys most prestigious military award. Bianchi is one of only 473 soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor for acts of valor in World War II. A medal of honor awarded during World War II. (Photo from the National WWII Museum) Poor Farm Boy Turned Soldier After his remains were identified and his story came to light, Bianchi was honored at the Minnesota Veterans Day program in Mankato. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said the New Ulm native was raised on a small chicken farm. Tragedy struck Bianchi at a young age. His father was killed in an accident, and Bianchi opted to leave high school to care for the family farm. He enrolled in the University of Minnesota Farm School, and classmates tagged him with a new nickname Medals. Thats because he wore his ROTC uniform, partly because he could not afford clothing, Klobuchar said during the Veterans Day event. But also, because he was so proud. Despite the tragic way he died, Klobuchar said Bianchis story is one of sacrifice that cant be forgotten. His story reminds us of a solemn promise that we bring every missing hero home, Klobuchar said. No matter how long it takes. The story reminds us that we can never fully repay what our veterans have given our nation, but we can honor their service now. Wounded Multiple Times in Battle When Bianchi was assigned to the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines in 1942, little did he know his life would change. As a commander, he led the Philippine Scouts of Company D, 1st Battalion, 45th Infantry Regiment. On Feb. 3, 1942, he volunteered for a deadly assignment, clearing out machine gun nests manned by Japanese soldiers. He was hit twice on the hand with bullets, but kept leading the charge. He simply switched from a rifle to a pistol and forged ahead, wiping out an enemy nest with a grenade. Incredibly, Bianchi was wounded two more times, including shots to the chest, before being knocked to the ground by a tank round. Bianchis actions in the Philippines earned him the Medal of Honor. An exhibit honoring the Medal of Honor's 150th anniversary. (Photo from National Archives) POW Time Leads to Unfortunate Death Bianchi, a 1st lieutenant at the time, was taken prisoner on April 9, 1942, and kept as a POW by Japanese forces until 1944, when Japan decided to transport prisoners to Manila in the Philippines and transfer them to the ship Oryoku Maru, prepared to sail to Japan. But an American aircraft attacked the ship, not knowing it was carrying POWs. The ship sank in Subic Bay, but Bianchi survived the attack. Bianchi was then shipped to Takao, Formosa, known today as Taiwan, on the Enoura Maru. Perhaps having the worst luck imaginable, Bianchis ship was again struck by U.S. bombers in January 1945, killing the soldier and other prisoners of war on board. In 1946, after the war ended, the American Graves Registration Command began investigating what happened to Bianchi and the other POWs. The organization recovered 311 bodies buried in a mass grave on a beach. Investigators couldnt identify the remains, but they sent them to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, aka The Punchbowl, in Hawaii for burial. Several decades later, through DNA testing and anthropological analysis, Bianchis remains were finally identified in a DPAA laboratory. The veterans name is listed on the Walls of the Missing at the American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, grouped with other MIA soldiers. But after more than 80 years, Bianchi has been accounted for and, according to the DPAA, a rosette will be attached next to his name to signify the soldier has been found. President Donald Trump announced Monday the Navy will build a new class of battleships called the Trump class, with the first ship to be named USS Defiant (BBG-1). The ship will displace more than 35,000 tons and be capable of speeds exceeding 30 knots, according to the Navy. The battleship will carry nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, electromagnetic railguns and directed energy weapons. Navy Secretary John Phelan said Trump plans to begin with two ships and eventually build 20 to 25 battleships. The announcement marks the first battleship construction plan since 1944, when the USS Missouri was delivered to the Navy. The Missouri was the last active battleship in U.S. service before it was decommissioned in 1992. Trump claimed the new battleships will be "the fastest, the biggest, and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built." The claim is factually incorrect. In fact, the American Iowa-class battleships of World War II were larger by 15,000 to 20,000 tons. Japan's battleship Yamato, launched in 1940, displaced 72,000 tons and remains the largest warship ever constructed and put to sea. Trump's proposed battleship is less than half Yamato's size. American carrier aircraft sank Yamato in 1945, proving bigger is not better. Historically speaking, battleships have been obsolete since at least 1921, when a simple bombing demonstration off Virginias coast proved the large warships are vulnerable to air attack. That vulnerability has been validated repeatedly through World War II and ever since as aircraft, submarines and cruise missiles systematically demonstrated that bigger and more expensive warships are easier to sink. They are simply not worth the costs and risks involved in building, maintaining and using in active combat. The Trump-class line of battleships will be the first battleships designed and put into service with the U.S. Navy since World War II. (U.S. Navy) Army General Proves Airplanes Can Sink Battleships As airplanes became increasingly common in militaries around the world, few nations were willing to admit that large warships were vulnerable to air attack. Several ships were attacked and sent to the bottom of the ocean by airplanes in World War I. Army Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell, who led American air forces during the war, took notice of the potential. He organized several bombing tests to prove aircraft could sink battleships. Navy leaders insisted heavily armored battleships could sustain air attack and should remain the center of the fleet. They agreed to the tests but set restrictions designed to hinder Mitchell and protect the targets. Mitchell could not use torpedoes, had to attack from high altitude and was limited on the ordnance he could use. The target was the captured German battleship SMS Ostfriesand, anchored off the coast of Virginia. On July 21, Mitchell's aircraft dropped seven 2,000-pound bombs near the ship to create underwater shock waves that would break the ships hull. Ostfriesand sank stern-first in just 22 minutes. Naval officers watching from nearby observation ships allegedly wept at the sight. Battleships were built to fight other battleships. They were designed with thick armor to protect against enemy shell fire. The decks of the ships possessed minimal armor. Ostfriesand's 12-inch armor belt and powerful guns provided no defense against high-level bombings. The government and Navy refused to listen. Mitchell continued arguing that battleships were obsolete. The Army ultimately court-martialed Mitchell in 1925 for accusing military leaders of "almost treasonable administration" after they refused to adapt. In 1924, Mitchell famously predicted Japan would launch carrier-based attacks on Pearl Harbor using aerial torpedoes against anchored and vulnerable battleships. The Army dismissed this as exaggerated. Seventeen years later, Japan did exactly that. Billy Mitchell and Vought VE-7 Bluebird General Mitchell standing by V.E. 7 at Bolling Field Air Tournament, May 14 -16, 1920. May 14-16, The Vought VE-7 Bluebird was an advanced military trainer, observer, and fighter of World War I. (U.S. Air Force photo) British Biplanes Cripple Italian Battleship Fleet at Taranto The first combat proof that battleships were outdated came over a year before Japan attacked Hawaii. On Nov. 11, 1940, the Royal Navy launched 21 obsolete Fairey Swordfish biplanes from HMS Illustrious to attack Italy's fleet at Taranto harbor. Italy had six battleships protected by 101 anti-aircraft guns, 193 machine guns, 27 barrage balloons, anti-torpedo nets and 13 listening posts capable of detecting aircraft up to 30 miles away. The Italian government spent a substantial amount of money building and modernizing these ships before the country entered WWII. Though Britain fielded a larger naval force, the Italian battleship fleet was large, state-of-the-art and a serious threat in the Mediterranean. Italian commanders considered their layered defenses around Taranto to be impregnable and their battleships untouchable. The Swordfish biplane was obsolete even in 1940, a fabric-covered plane with open cockpits and a maximum speed of 139 mph. It looked as if it belonged in the previous world war. The aircraft attacked at night, flying at just 50 feet above the water through intense fire. They delivered six torpedo hits on three battleships. Conte di Cavour sank permanently. Littorio was disabled for four months, Duilio for six months. Italy's battleship strength was cut in half in one night for the loss of just two British aircraft. Italian defenders had visual range, searchlights and massed anti-aircraft guns firing at slow-moving targets flying in relatively straight lines. By every metric, the British should not have succeeded. Despite years of claiming their new battleships were the best in the world and could take on the Royal Navy, the Italians still failed to prevent catastrophic damage caused by WWI-era biplanes armed with torpedoes. The Italian battleship CONTE DI CAVOUR after the Taranto attack. Only her funnels and super-structure remain above the water. (Wikimedia Commons) Six Italian Frogmen Take Out British Battleships Interestingly, the Italian Navy would also expose how vulnerable battleships could be in modern combat. On Dec. 19, 1941, six Italian naval commandos from the elite Decima Flottiglia MAS penetrated Alexandria harbor in Egypt while steering three manned torpedoes called "maiali" (pigs). Their targets were the British battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Valiant. The frogmen followed some British destroyers through the harbor gates, dodging depth charges from several patrol boats. They attached the explosives beneath both battleships' keels. All six commandos were captured, but minutes after one warned of the imminent explosion, massive blasts shook the harbor. Both battleships sank in shallow water and were out of action for more than a year. The destroyer HMS Jervis and the Norwegian tanker Sagona were also heavily damaged. Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham, commander in chief of the British Mediterranean Fleet, had famously led the air raid on Taranto harbor. When speaking of the Italian commando raid in Alexandria, he later said, "We are having shock after shock out here. The damage to the battleships at this time is a disaster. One cannot but admire the cold-blooded bravery and enterprise of these Italians." The same commandos also managed to cripple and capture the British HMS York with nothing more than a few mobile speed boats, armed with torpedoes. Six men achieved what the entire Italian surface fleet had struggled with for months. The raid demonstrated battleships' vulnerability not just to air power but to small submersibles, explosives and a handful of commandos. In just minutes, six commandos had temporarily given Italy naval supremacy in the Eastern Mediterranean. Wreck of HMS York inspected by the crew of the Italian torpedo boat Sirio, moored alongside. (Wikimedia Commons) Pearl Harbor: Japanese Aircraft Cripple U.S. Battleship Fleet Following the British attack at Taranto, the Japanese were keen to examine what had just happened to their Axis ally. Japanese Lt. Takeshi Naito studied the attack and concluded that if 21 obsolete biplanes could cripple an entire fleet, hundreds of modern aircraft could annihilate one. Japan began planning their surprise attack against the U.S. Japanese carrier aircraft struck Pearl Harbor at 7:55 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, almost exactly as Mitchell predicted. Eight U.S. battleships anchored at Ford Island were hit within 30 minutes. USS Arizona exploded when a bomb penetrated her forward magazine, killing 1,177 crew instantly. USS Oklahoma capsized after nine torpedo hits, trapping hundreds inside the overturned hull. USS California, West Virginia and Nevada sank in shallow water. The attack validated everything Mitchell had predicted 20 years earlier. Japanese carriers launched aircraft from 230 miles away, beyond the range of any American weapon. The battleships could not effectively return fire. Japanese torpedoes were modified with wooden fins to run in Pearl Harbor's 40-foot shallow water, striking at the waterline where armor is weakest. The governments refusal to accept aircraft carriers and planes as the dominant weapons in naval warfare cost the lives of thousands of Americans. Nevertheless, American naval strategy shifted. The three aircraft carriers that survived Pearl Harbor became the center of the Pacific Fleet going forward. Six damaged battleships eventually returned to service but were relegated to shore bombardment and carrier escort duties. If there were any doubts before, Pearl Harbor proved that the battleship-era was officially over. An Imperial Japanese Navy Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter on the aircraft carrier Akagi. (Wikimedia Commons) Carrier Aircraft Sink World's Most Powerful Battleship Throughout the Pacific War, the U.S. Navy put its aircraft carriers to good use. At the Battle of the Coral Sea, aircraft carriers engaged each other without ever seeing one another. While tactically a draw, the battle proved that modern naval warfare would be conducted beyond visual range. While aircraft carriers were just as vulnerable to attack as battleships, they could at least launch their own planes to defend the ship while striking at the enemy carriers. Battleships had to rely on carriers for air cover and smaller escorts to defend against submarines. At the Battle of Midway, the U.S. concentrated its carrier fleet against Japans carriers, and managed to maul them. Japan never recovered, and its battleship fleet was left without the necessary support of aircraft carriers going forward. American planes and ships decimated Japanese fleets in almost every engagement from that point on. Japan's Yamato, launched in 1940, displaced 72,000 tons fully loaded and carried nine 18.1-inch guns, the largest naval guns ever mounted on a ship. Japan built Yamato with an unlimited budget to ensure it had the thickest armor ever installed on a warship, a compartmentalized design to prevent flooding and anti-aircraft batteries upgraded repeatedly throughout the war. As it was under construction, Japan toted it as the ultimate warship capable of withstanding any attack. Yamato fired its main battery against enemy vessels exactly once during WWII, briefly engaging American escort carriers at the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October of 1944. The ship spent most of the war hiding in naval bases because it was too valuable to risk or use effectively. On April 6, 1945, Japan launched Operation Ten-Go, sending Yamato on a suicide mission to Okinawa with only enough fuel for a one-way voyage. The plan called for the Yamato to beach itself and fight as immobile shore artillery until destroyed. American codebreakers intercepted communications detailing the operation. On April 7, approximately 400 aircraft from 11 carriers found Yamato about 270 miles from Okinawa. The battleship had no air cover. For two hours, Yamato endured coordinated attacks from aircraft whose weapons the ship's guns could not reach. American pilots reported at least 10 torpedo hits and seven bomb hits on the vessel. Yamato capsized at 2:23 p.m. and exploded underwater, taking 2,498 of 2,700 crew. American losses were just 10 aircraft and 12 airmen. The world's most powerful battleship sank 270 miles from its objective. No amount of armor, firepower or size could overcome air power's fundamental advantage in naval combat as carriers could launch strikes from beyond a battleships visual and weapons range. If anything, the sheer size of the ship made it easier for planes to sink it and take thousands of sailors down with it. Close miss on the port side. Yamato is burning and emitting white smoke from the rear. (Wikimedia Commons) A Submarine Sinks the Largest Aircraft Carrier Ever Built Planes are not the only weapon in naval warfare that exposed the vulnerability of battleships. On Nov. 29, 1944, the submarine USS Archerfish found the Japanese carrier Shinano on her maiden voyage from Yokosuka to Kure. Shinano was Yamato's sister ship, originally laid down as another battleship before being converted into a 69,000-ton aircraft carrier during construction. Despite thick armor inherited from her battleship design, compartmentalized hull construction and an escort of three destroyers, Archerfish fired six torpedoes and scored four hits. Shinano sank seven hours later, taking with her around 1,435 crew. She remains the largest warship ever sunk by a submarine. Interestingly, U.S. intelligence was not tracking the ships existence. When the Archerfishs commander reported the sinking of a massive super-carrier, his commanders did not believe him. They felt he was exaggerating his combat record and punished him. He was exonerated decades later when the wreck was discovered. The sinking of the carrier, as well as numerous other battleships and carriers during the war, demonstrated large warships are highly vulnerable to submarine attack. This means they require not only a constant air cover, but also a formidable force of escorts to defend against hidden submarines. The USS Archerfish on patrol during WWII. The small submarine managed to sink the largest aircraft carrier ever constructed, the Shinano. (Wikimedia Commons) The United States Abandons Battleships The lessons of WWII were taken seriously by naval commanders. One of these lessons was that battleships are too big, too expensive, require too many crewmembers, are tough to maintain, are slow and are easy targets for planes and submarines. By 1947, all U.S. battleships except the USS Missouri were decommissioned. Four Iowa-class battleships were briefly reactivated for shore bombardment during the Korean War and Vietnam War, then returned to reserve status. President Ronald Reagan reactivated all four Iowas in the 1980s as part of his 600-ship Navy plan. The Navy added 32 Tomahawk cruise missiles, 16 Harpoon anti-ship missiles and four Phalanx close-in weapon systems to each ship while retaining the original nine 16-inch guns. USS Missouri and USS Wisconsin even fired Tomahawk missiles during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. All four ships were permanently decommissioned by 1992. The modernization experiment failed because it could not solve the fundamental issues in battleship design. Each Iowa cost approximately $58 million per year to operate and required crews of nearly 2,000 sailors. Modern Arleigh Burke-class destroyers launched the same Tomahawk missiles with crews of 300-400 sailors at a far lower operating cost. The destroyers also carried the Aegis combat system, integrating air defense, anti-submarine warfare and anti-ship capabilities in a single platform with a smaller signature. Battleships required separate escort vessels to provide these capabilities while being unable to provide its own escort planes or strike enemy targets with the same abilities of an aircraft carrier. The costs did not justify the limited capabilities. The weapons could be mounted on smaller, cheaper platforms. The large battleship hull provided no tactical advantage while putting thousands of lives at constant risk. By 2011, all four Iowas had become museum ships. The U.S. Navy battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64) underway at sea, circa 1988-91. (Wikimedia Commons) History's Lessons and Modern Threats From a historical viewpoint, larger and more expensive warships become easier targets as both weapons and technology advances. Mitchell proved they were vulnerable to airstrikes in 1921. Outdated planes crippled an entire fleet in 1940. A handful of commandos shifted the balance of power in an entire war in 1941. Pearl Harbor confirmed the battleship-era was over that same year. Yamato showed size and armor are irrelevant against air power. Shinano proved submarines can destroy the largest warships as well. The costs simply became too much to pursue, especially as the cost of one battleship could go to a carrier or even more destroyers. Today's threats are exponentially more lethal than before. Chinese DF-21D and DF-26 ballistic missiles can strike moving ships from more than 1,000 miles. Russian Zircon hypersonic missiles travel at Mach 9, meaning no ship defenses can stop them. Advanced submarines operate far more quietly than WWII boats. Even Venezuela possesses shore-to-sea missiles. Just one of these has the ability to sink a carrier or battleship, taking thousands of lives with it. Ukraine has demonstrated unmanned underwater drones can also disable surface ships, having attacked and sank numerous Russian vessels since 2022. The most famous incident came when Ukrainian anti-ship missiles with the assistance of drones managed to sink the heavy cruiser Moskva in April of 2022, despite the ships modernized defense systems. A photo allegedly showing the Russian cruiser Moskva burning and sinking shortly after it was hit by Ukrainian anti-ship missiles in 2022. (Wikimedia Commons) Large surface ships in the U.S. Navy would also face this same issue. The Navy stockpile of SM-6 interceptors are dangerously low while production rates are not meeting current demands. Naval vessels used an extensive number of the defense-missiles while defending against enemy missile attacks in the Red Sea. The Navy has approximately 17,000 vertical launch munitions ready for use by its ships. However, the fleet has a total of approximately 10,000 launch cells across all ships that use the munitions. This means that in a large-scale conflict where these munitions are being consumed at a high-rate to defend against enemy attacks, the Navy does not have enough to reload its entire fleet even once. A 35,000-ton battleship would require an even more extensive anti-missile protection system that current inventories cannot provide or sustain. Trumps plan to build these new battleships at a time when the Navy is in dire need of munitions and modernization is fundamentally misguided, especially as the cost could instead go to funding the procurement of munitions or the construction of more mobile destroyers. Battleships have been obsolete for more than 100 years and the U.S. Navy realized this back in WWII. The weapons and systems that made them obsolete have only become more lethal. The construction of a large surface warship that is not an aircraft carrier will not only revert the branch to its pre-WWII doctrine, but also risks the lives of thousands of sailors. LANSING, MI -- Michigan has joined 19 states in suing the Trump Administration over a new declaration labeling care for transgender children unsafe and ineffective. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and HHS Inspector General Thomas Bell are named in the lawsuit filed in Oregon. The declaration, released by the Department of Health and Human Services, on Dec. 18, was accompanied by proposed new regulations to limit hospitals in providing gender-affirming care including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgical operations. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the declaration unlawfully attacks essential healthcare for transgender youth, in a press release announcing the lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges the declaration unlawfully changes medical standards and undermines states authority to regulate medicine. Historically states have the power to regulate medicine, the release said. Federal law also requires agencies give public notice and give the public an opportunity to comment before changes are made to healthcare policy, according to the release. The proposed regulations havent gone into effect and the public has until Feb. 17, 2026 to submit comments, the release said. The proposed regulations would bar hospitals from receiving Medicare or Medicaid payments if they provide the procedures. The declaration instead recommends talk therapy be used as a treatment for children experiencing gender dysphoria. Before becoming permanent, the proposals must undergo a lengthy rulemaking process, including public comment, according to NPR. Even without permanency, the declaration could discourage healthcare workers from providing gender-affirming care to children, according to NPR. At least 27 states have adopted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming care for children. The declaration cites a peer-reviewed report conducted by the department as evidence for why the gender-affirming procedures are unsafe. The report was released in late-November and has since been criticized by major medical groups and those who provide care for transgender children as inaccurate. Most major U.S. medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, continue to oppose restrictions on transgender care and services for young people, according to NPR. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- Dismissed murder charges. Pretrials adjourned over and over. Life in prison. Although it has been nearly two years since Washtenaw County was rocked by its most violent year in a decade, only some of the cases have been finalized. Read more:I dont feel safe. Washtenaw County shaken by violent year Twenty-two people were killed during 2023, the highest number since 2013, according to previous medical examiner reports. For comparison, Washtenaw County had 13 homicides in 2022 and 21 in 2021. Just 10 were reported in 2024 and only seven occurred in 2025. A homicide is defined as the death of a person that can be directly attributed to the actions of another person. Some of those charged in the death of others are still making their way through court. Others are facing life in prison. At least one case remains unsolved completely. Many of the cases are still appearing for pretrial hearings, a scheduling hearing held in the Washtenaw County Trial Court. Although jury trial dates have been scheduled for some cases, they are subject to change. Here are where the cases from 2023 stand: 6 1 / 6 Fatal shooting in parking lot off Airport Boulevard near Ann Arbor Andrea Grant / Michael Elinski Never charged Andrea Grant, 50, was found fatally shot outside The Den physical training center in the 3700 block of Plaza Drive on Jan. 19, according to the Pittsfield Township Police Department. Grant was a mother of two and ran track during her time at Madonna University, according to her obituary. The man wanted in connection with Grants death, 59-year-old Michael Anthony Elinski, was found dead in his car in Clare on Jan. 20. Elinksi was Grants former boyfriend. Records obtained by the MLive/The Ann Arbor News from the Pittsfield Township Police Department through a Freedom of Information Act request reveal a waterproofing business, a breakup and mental health struggles were factors in the fatal shooting. Due to his death, Elinski was never charged. Woman fatally shot outside Ann Arbor was beloved mother, mentor Man wanted in Ann Arbor-area homicide found dead Waterproofing business, breakup at heart of homicide outside Ann Arbor-area gym 16-year-old boy / Cheryl DAngola Closed for other reasons A 16-year-old boy was found dead of alleged medical neglect on Jan. 31, in his bedroom at his home in the 8200 block of Eaton Drive in Salem Township. He reportedly died of complications of ulcerative colitis caused by weeks to months of medical neglect. Cheryl DAngola, 50, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse in October 2023. DAngola died Nov. 21 of the same year, with an early investigation revealing her death was caused by medical complications. Woman charged with homicide in sons death dies at Washtenaw County Jail Synonethai Chantharangsy / Family Member Never charged Synonethai Chantharangsy, a 41-year-old Ypsilanti man, died while restrained by a family member around 11 a.m. Feb. 13 in Pittsfield Township, according to an autopsy report from the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner. He was restrained for roughly five seconds after a verbal argument escalated into a physical altercation, according to the report. He died of a cardiac event while being restrained. The Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office denied charges against the family member on Dec. 4, 2023, saying evidence indicated the family member may have acted in self-defense, according to a police report obtained by MLive/The Ann Arbor News. Photos of the arraignment for Ricky McCain at Washtenaw 14A-1 District Court on Monday, April 17, 2023. McCain was charged for the murder of Jude Walton. Sydney Verlinde | MLive.com Jude Walton / Ricky McCain Still in court Jude Walton, 51, was found dead in her home in the 200 block of Chapin Street on April 13 by Ann Arbor police who were called to do a well-being check at her home. The home had evidence of a break-in, according to police. Surveillance footage showed Ricky McCain, 54, entering Waltons home shortly after midnight, police said. McCain was sent to trial on charges of felony murder, first-degree home invasion and criminal sexual conduct with intent to commit sexual penetration in September 2023. He was found competent to stand trial in April 2025, the second time he had been tested for and passed a competency examination. He is next set to appear in court for a final pretrial on March 10, with a jury trial scheduled for April. Man accused in death of Ann Arbor leader passes psychiatric examination Records detail slaying of Ann Arbor woman Jude Walton Man heading to trial on felony murder charge for death of Ann Arbor community leader Jude Walton, slain Ann Arbor community leader, remembered for welcoming spirit 5094 Bosun's Way at Schooner Cove Apartments in Ypsilanti Township on Thursday, March 16 2023. Alyson Doulos / Charles Gamez Still in court Alyson Doulos, 48, was found dead in an apartment on March 13 by Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office deputies. Officers had been called for a welfare check to Schooner Cove Apartments in the 5000 block of Bosuns Way in Ypsilanti Township. After attempting to locate Doulos, deputies then forced entry into the apartment, where they found her dead. Charles Gamez, 41, was sent to trial in October 2023 on charges of open murder and unlawfully driving away. Detectives said they believe Doulos died the evening of March 11, the last time phone records show Doulos and Gamez together, according to transcripts of the swear-to hearing obtained by MLive/The Ann Arbor News. A final pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 2026, with a jury trial scheduled for May. Records detail brutal slaying of Jackson High teacher Woman found dead in Ypsilanti Township apartment identified as Jackson High teacher Man charged with killing Jackson High School teacher heads to trial Sekou Conde, right, speaks with his attorney Rita Young, left, during a sentencing hearing at Washtenaw County Trial Court on Friday, April 11, 2025. Jackson Ranger | MLive.com Donrell Canda / Sekou Conde - Sentenced Sekou Conde, 24, was accused of shooting Canda around 10 p.m. June 4, 2023, in the 2500 block of Sandalwood Circle in Ann Arbor. After more than nine hours of deliberation, a jury found Conde guilty in February 2025 of first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree home invasion and two counts of possession of a firearm during a felony. He was sentenced in April to life in prison without parole, the mandatory sentence for first-degree murder. His case is now moving through the Michigan Court of Appeals. Jury finds man guilty of fatal shooting outside Ann Arbor home with mother, child inside Victims family shouts down convicted murderers statement before he is sentenced to life Man accused of murder said gun used in shooting had been stolen from him years earlier Woman flees courtroom screaming as police body cam shows victims body Martez Robinson appears via Zoom with attorney Todd Perkins before Washtenaw County Circuit Judge Patrick Conlin in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Jermaine Denzmore / Martez Robinson Murder charge dropped Jermaine Denzmore, 39, was fatally shot around 1:40 a.m. Sunday, June 18, in the 100 block of Stevens Drive in Ypsilanti Township. Police said they believe the incident stemmed from an argument that escalated as officers were responding. Denzmore, of Ecorse, had been shot by the time officers arrived, police said. Martez Robinsons murder charge was dropped in November 2025 after new evidence indicated Robinson may have acted in self-defense, said Victoria Burton-Harris, first assistant chief prosecuting attorney for Washtenaw County. This month, the 37-year-old pleaded no contest to fleeing a police officer in the third degree and carrying a concealed weapon. He will be sentenced in February, according to court records. Murder charge dismissed for man accused of fatal 2023 shooting Man previously charged with murder pleads to 2 felonies Days before murder trial, man sent for psychiatric examination Man fatally shot in Ypsilanti Township as police responded to late-night argument Man accused in Washtenaw County homicide claims he acted in self defense Jason Gregory / Kendall Newbern Still in court Jason Gregory, 18, was fatally shot in the early hours of June 21 on westbound I-94 near Parker Road in Lima Township. Michigan State Police troopers were originally called to the area around 3:30 a.m. for a report of a single-vehicle crash. When they arrived, troopers found the driver was bleeding from his head and that the blood inside the vehicle was consistent with a car crash, Michigan State Police Det. Sgt. Jeff Frasier told then-Magistrate Elisha Fink at a swear-to hearing. Gregory had recently moved to Michigan from Alabama. Kendall Newbern, now 19, was sent to trial in January 2024 on charges of open murder, assault with intent to rob while armed, armed robbery and larceny from a person. He is set to have a jury trial in April, according to court records. Teen accused in fatal I-94 shooting found competent to stand trial 18-year-old victim in I-94 death was shot in the head, court records reveal Officials identify 16-year-old charged with murder in I-94 death 18-year-old fatally shot on freeway moved to Michigan to become an electrician Teen was hitchhiking when he allegedly shot Alabama man on freeway The scene at Arbordale Apartments, 1020 Arbordale Street in Ann Arbor, where Ann Arbor police say a shooting homicide occurred early on Thursday, June 22 2023. Jason Strickland / Unknown No arrest Jason Strickland, 56, was killed around 4 a.m. Thursday, June 22, in his home in the 1000 block of Arbordale Street in Ann Arbor. Strickland was found by police with multiple gunshot wounds. Police previously said they do not believe the incident was random. No arrests have been made in the case as of Dec. 8, 2025. Ann Arbor police identify man killed in Ann Arbor Neighbors of homicide victim concerned about violence, drug use at Ann Arbor complex Tamar Young waives his right to a preliminary examination before Washtenaw County District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson at the Washtenaw County 14A-1 District Court in Pittsfield Township on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Jacob Hamilton | jhamilt3@mlive.com Tyrese Burks, Dallas Williams / Tamar Young Still in court Tyrese Burks, 20, and Dallas Williams, 16, were killed in a quadruple shooting around 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 27, in the 800 block of George Place in Ypsilanti Township. The shooting also injured a then-14-year-old and then-19-year-old. Tamar Young, now 21, waived his preliminary examination in March 2024, going to trial on two charges of open murder, two charges of assault with intent to murder, and 12 charges related to using a firearm. He is set to have a final pretrial Jan. 12, with a jury trial scheduled for March. Teen charged with murder for quadruple shooting that killed 2 heads to trial court Man charged with two counts of murder in Ypsilanti Township slaying 16-year-old and 20-year-old die from injuries in Ypsilanti-area shooting 4 people, including 3 teen brothers, injured in shooting Fugitive team arrests man wanted for shooting 4, killing 2 in Ypsilanti Quadruple shooting has made neighborhood a stronger community, residents say Angelo Weems appears before Washtenaw County District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson at Washtenaw County 14A-1 District Court in Pittsfield Township on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Darian Taylor / Angelo Weems Still in court Darian Taylor, 30, of Ypsilanti, was killed in a shooting around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, in the 9000 block of MacArthur Boulevard in Superior Township. Washtenaw County Sheriff Offices deputies were originally called to the area for reports of shots fired with a man down, police said. When police arrived, they found Taylor and began to render aid. Taylor died of his injuries, police said. Weems waived his preliminary examination in December 2023. In April 2024, Weems dismissed his attorney, deciding instead to represent himself. An attorney has since been reappointed to his case, with an appearance filed on Oct. 7 of this year, according to court records. Weems is set to appear for a final pretrial on Feb. 3, with a jury trial scheduled for March. Codefendant Regina Williamson, who was accused of helping Weems evade police, was sentenced in 2024 to three years of probation. Man charged in fatal Washtenaw County shooting heads to trial Police identify 30-year-old man killed in Washtenaw County shooting Woman charged as codefendant in Washtenaw County homicide to appear in court Woman charged as codefendant in fatal shooting headed to trial Ari Clarke / James Trussell Found guilty Ari Clarke, 22, was killed in a stabbing that occurred at 11:58 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, in the 800 block of Green Road in Ypsilanti. James Trussell, 21, was found guilty of first-degree murder in Clarkes death in November 2025. He is accused of inflicting 14 different knife wounds on Clarke, according to testimony during the trial. The wounds punctured multiple organs, including Clarkes lungs and heart. It is not clear exactly what sentence Trussell will receive. Until recently, defendants convicted of first-degree murder were automatically sentenced to life in prison. The Michigan Supreme Court ruled in April that judges can give individualized sentences for 19- and 20-year-olds convicted of first-degree murder, although they are still able to give life sentences. He will be sentenced Jan. 28, according to court records. Man, 21, convicted of 1st-degree murder in 2023 stabbing There was blood everywhere. Girlfriend of man fatally stabbed in Ypsilanti testifies Victim of fatal Fourth of July stabbing identified as 22-year-old from Howell 19-year-old charged with murder in fatal Ypsilanti stabbing Ronnie Magbray appears before Washtenaw County District Court Judge Erane Washington at Washtenaw County 14A-1 District Court in Pittsfield Township on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Jacob Hamilton | jhamilt3@mlive.com Amira Oneill / Ronnie Magbray - Sentenced Amira Oneill, 44, was killed in fatal stabbing that turned into a barricaded suspect situation early on Thursday, July 6, in the 2000 block of International Drive in Ypsilanti Township. A jury found Ronnie Magbray, 29, guilty of voluntary manslaughter in March 2025. Magbray had reportedly gone to meet ONeill outside the Aspen Chase apartment complex, 2900 International Drive in Ypsilanti, for a drug deal, according to testimony from eyewitness and friend Benjamin Keough. That then led to the stabbing, followed by a multi-hour standoff in the apartment complex. Both men ultimately surrendered to police. Magbray was sentenced to up to 15 years in June 2025. His case is currently making its way through the Michigan Court of Appeals. The case against Benjamin Keough was dismissed in April, after he testified against Magbray. Shaquille Williams, 28, was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison on Wednesday, Dec. 11, for fatally stabbing his father in 2023. Jordyn Pair | jpair@mlive.com Clifford Williams / Shaquille Williams - Sentenced Clifford Williams, 60, was reportedly fatally stabbed by his son during a family dispute around 10:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 13. Police were called to the 1700 block of Devon Street in Superior Township that evening for a report of an unconscious man outside with multiple wounds, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office. Deputies provided medical aid, but Williams died from his injuries, police said. Williams worked as a sewing machine operator at Commercial Group Lifting Products and attended Calvary Bible Church, 8318 Carpenter Road in Ypsilanti, according to an obituary on Stark Funeral Professionals. Shaquille Williams, who was 27 at the time of the stabbing, was sentenced in December 2024 to up to 50 years in prison. He had pleaded no contest to second-degree murder in October 2024. The pair had began arguing after the 60-year-old barged into Shaquilles room, and it escalated into a struggle. The younger Williams then grabbed a knife and stabbed his father multiple times, according to testimony. Man sentenced to 25-50 years in prison for fatally stabbing father Man who snapped, stabbed father 22 times pleads no contest to murder charge Man accused of stabbing father 22 times charged with murder Devaughn Morgan / Jlon Johnson Still in court Devaughn Morgan, 28, was reportedly fatally shot in the area of westbound M-14 and Earhart Road around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 18. When Michigan State Police troopers were called to the area, they found a Detroit man in a vehicle with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Jlon Alantae Johnson was sent to trial on open murder and two weapons charges in August 2024 after a five-part preliminary examination. Although he had previously notified prosecutors he planned to plead insanity, he withdrew that claim in July. He is set to appear for a pretrial Jan. 6, according to court records. Man charged in M-14 shooting may have tried to hide whereabouts, prosecutor says Man accused of shooting victim 16 times near M-14 charged with murder Police investigate fatal shooting of 28-year-old man near Ann Arbor Barry Garza appears before Washtenaw County District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson at Washtenaw County 14A-1 District Court in Pittsfield Township on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Amber Thomas / Barry Garza Still in court Amber Jo Thomas, 40, of Lenawee County was fatally shot around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3, near the Linden Square Assisted Living Center, 650 Woodland Drive East, in Saline. Thomas and a male acquaintance had been walking to her car in the parking lot of the UAW Local 892 next to the assisted living center when the womans ex-boyfriend opened fire, said Saline Chief of Police Marlene Radzik. Barry Garza, now 61, waived his preliminary examination in December 2023, sending himself to trial on open murder, assault with intent to murder and a weapons charge. He is set to appear for a final pretrial in January, with a jury trial scheduled for February. Man charged with fatally shooting ex-girlfriend in Saline heads to trial Woman shot by ex-boyfriend in Saline has died, police say Woman in critical condition after being shot by ex-boyfriend in Saline, police say Dennis McDougal / Unknown - Still open Dennis Craig McDougal, 76, died at Trinity Health St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital on June 20. His death was ruled a homicide on Sept. 27, 2023, after a report from the medical examiner, according to Ann Arbor Police Det. Bonnie Theil. Conditions that contributed to McDougals death included sepsis, pneumonia, medical neglect, malnutrition and long bone fractures, according to the report. Charges have been submitted to the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office, although it is not clear if they have been authorized. The case is still considered open, based on a Freedom of Information Act requested made in December 2025. Death of 76-year-old Ann Arbor man ruled homicide caused by neglect, malnutrition Jeffrey Long appears before Washtenaw County District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson at Washtenaw County 14A-1 District Court in Pittsfield Township on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Cindy Gochis / Jeffery Long Still in court Cindy Gochis, 49, was found dead of a gunshot wound around 2:45 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, in her home in the 100 block of Elmwood Court, Saline. Saline police originally were called to the home for a welfare check. Jeffery Ray Long, 55, was charged with one count each of open murder and felony firearm. He waived his preliminary examination in July 2024. Long had previously been in a relationship with Gochis, according to police. He was sent to a criminal responsibility examination in April of this year, although the results of that are still pending, according to court records. He had previously been found competent in March 2024. He is scheduled to appear for a final pretrial in January, with a jury trial scheduled for February. Man charged with shooting Saline woman to death competent to stand trial Woman found fatally shot in Saline home remembered as shining light Woman found dead in Saline basement was fatally shot, police say Woman found dead in Saline basement was killed in domestic-related homicide, police say Man arraigned on open murder in death of Saline woman found in her home Litara Jones cries as she is given her sentence during a sentencing hearing at Washtenaw County Trial Court on Friday, April 11, 2025. Jackson Ranger | MLive.com Jermaine Wright / Litara Jones - Sentenced Jermaine Javon Wright, 43, was fatally stabbed at the Days Inn by Wyndham Ann Arbor, 2380 Carpenter Road in Pittsfield Township, around 4:30 a.m. on Nov. 16. Wright is from Inkster, police said. When Pittsfield Township police officers arrived, they found Wright unconscious with an apparent stab wound to the chest. He was taken to the hospital, but later died of his injuries, police said. Litara Jones, 42, was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison in April 2025 in Wrights death. She pleaded no contest to manslaughter in March 2025, the same day her jury trial was set to begin. I would have let him kill me. Woman asks for forgiveness during manslaughter sentencing Woman accused in fatal stabbing pleads no contest to manslaughter, stopping jury trial Woman says she acted in heat of passion, seeks lower charge in fatal stabbing Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - This year had a particularly violent start with the shooting of a foster family in Northfield Township. However, the remainder of the year saw just a handful of homicides. After a record-breaking number of homicides in 2023, deaths at the hand of another person have continued to fall in Washtenaw County. Seven peoples deaths were deemed a homicide in 2025, confirmed Kristin LaMaire, administrative assistant to the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner. There were 22 homicides in 2023, followed by 10 reported in 2024. Heres what we know about each case. Jennifer Bernhard and Stevie Ray Smith Jennifer Bernhard, 48, and her father Stevie Ray Smith, 74, were fatally shot Jan. 1 in their home in the 2000 block of Nollar Bend Road in Northfield Township. Jeffrey Bernhard, Jennifers husband, was also shot, but survived. He was able to call 911 from a neighbors home. Shuvonne Vinson, Keith Finley and Gregory Callhan have all been charged in their deaths, as well as a subsequent kidnapping. The trio are accused of taking the then 4-year-old girl being fostered by the Bernhard family, as well as the Bernhards then 9-year-old daughter, from the home after the shooting. The 4-year-old girl was Vinsons biological daughter. They then fled to an Ypsilanti Township home connected to Vinsons mother. Authorities found both girls. All three are set to stand trial on a series of felonies, including multiple charges of open murder. They are set to next appear in court on Feb. 11, according to court records. Woman accused of killing 2 said Michigan foster family wouldnt let her daughter believe in God New details revealed in foster family shooting north of Ann Arbor Woman accused in fatal foster family shooting to undergo psychiatric exam Patrick Petiprin Patrick Clayton Petiprin, 34, was shot during a family dispute around 11:47 p.m. May 7 in the 100 block of North Hewitt Road in Ypsilanti Township. Police confirmed his father was the shooter. Petiprin graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 2008 and worked construction in recent years, according to an obituary published by Nie Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Authorities are not bringing any charges against Petiprins father after an investigation determined he acted in self-defense. Man fatally shot by father near Ypsilanti, police say Father who shot son near Ypsilanti acted in self-defense, police say Man killed in family dispute near Ypsilanti identified by police The intersection of Towner Street and Ecorse Road in Ypsilanti on Monday, July 14, 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Dajon Ryans DaJon Ryans, 25, was fatally shot Friday, July 11, near Ecorse Road and Towner Street in Ypsilanti. Ryans was born and raised in the West Willow neighborhood in Ypsilanti and is a father of four, said sister Paris Knight. He was a loving, wild child and devoted to his family, according to a GoFundMe benefitting his family. Adonis Quintell Sweatt, 28, was arraigned Wednesday, July 16, on charges of firing a gun from a vehicle causing death, carrying a concealed weapon and possessing a firearm. A co-defendant to Sweatt, Devonte Lejaun Owens, 31, is facing charges of being an accessory after the fact to a felony and a felon in possession of a firearm. He was given a $750,000 bond. Neither mans case has yet been sent to the Washtenaw County Trial Court. 2 men arraigned in connection with fatal shooting in Ypsilanti Man killed in Ypsilanti shooting identified as 25-year-old father of 4 Fatal shooting in Washtenaw County leaves 25-year-old dead, no arrests A 41-year-old man was killed around 10:36 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, during an attempted armed robbery in the 1300 block of Russell Street in Ypsilanti Township, according to Cmdr. Eugene Rush of the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office. Abra Richardson | MLive.com David Ray David Ray, 41, was shot and killed around 10:36 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, in the 1300 block of Russell Street in Ypsilanti Township. He had been attempting to rob a 53-year-old man, who was also injured. As of September, the man who shot Ray had been not charged. No charges in armed robbery shooting near Ypsilanti that killed 1 Unclear if man killed near Ypsilanti was victim or suspect in attempted robbery 1 man killed, another in critical condition in attempted armed robbery near Ypsilanti Lamar Thomas, 18, was fatally shot around 1:15 p.m. Sept. 26 in a strip mall near Platt Road and Packard Street in Ann Arbor. Provided by family Lamar Thomas Lamar Thomas, 18, was fatally shot around 1:15 p.m. Sept. 26 in a strip mall near Platt Road and Packard Street in Ann Arbor. He was from Westland. An Ann Arbor police officer was enforcing traffic near the Platt Road and Packard Street intersection when he spotted a vehicle fleeing the scene, police said. He began to chase the vehicle, which ultimately crashed into a tree near Platt Road and Lorraine Street, roughly a half mile down the street. Omar Ernest Smith, 17, was arraigned on charges of four felony charges, including open murder, on Oct. 1. He appeared virtually for the hearing. Jahmal Jones, 20, was also arraigned in the case, appearing on one felony count each of open murder, carrying a concealed weapon, converting a semi-automatic weapon to fully automatic, fleeing and eluding, using a firearm in the commission of a felony and two counts of resisting arrest. Kaleel Burton was also charged in connection with the case. Smith is set to appear in court Jan. 15, 2026, for a probable cause conference. Jones is scheduled for a preliminary examination Dec. 30. Burton will appear for a pretrial hearing in the Washtenaw County Trial Court in January. Gunmen used fully automatic handguns to kill teen in Ann Arbor, records show 3 charged in fatal shooting of 18-year-old at Ann Arbor strip mall 16-year-old charged as adult in Westland teens death A teen was fatally shot around 1:20 p.m., Dec. 7 in an apartment complex in the 1400 block of Pear Street in Ann Arbor. Jordyn Pair | jpair@mlive.com Chikylah Richardson Chikylah Richardson, 17, was fatally shot around 1:30 p.m., Dec. 7 at the apartment complex at 1440 Pear Street in Ann Arbor. Richardson, another woman, the apartment resident and Damarrion Demetrus White had been at the apartment so that Richardson could braid Whites hair, said Stacie Shaw, a prosecuting attorney with Washtenaw County. The group had been talking about inviting another person over, Shaw said. The victim (said) that if he came to the home the police would be called, she would be shot or something to that effect, Shaw said during Whites arraignment before 14A District Court Magistrate Odetalla Odetalla. The apartment resident thought they were joking and went back to playing on her phone, Shaw said. White then reportedly shot Richardson once through the head, Shaw said. White, also 17, was arraigned Wednesday, Dec. 10 on charges of open murder, concealing a weapon and using a firearm during a felony. He is next set to appear in court Dec. 30. Teen brought gun to school, had 3 open cases before fatal shooting in Ann Arbor Teen arrested in Ann Arbor shooting that killed 17-year-old girl Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MI A homeowner shot and killed a man who entered his home and fired at him Thursday near Fowlerville, east of Lansing and northwest of Howell, according to the Livingston County Sheriffs Office. The man killed was the estranged husband of a woman acquaintance who was visiting the homeowner on Christmas, according to a statement from the sheriffs office. Deputies were called about 7:10 p.m. Dec. 25 to the home in the 5500 block of Nicholson Road for a report of suspicious activity and shots fired. They found an armed man with gunshot wounds, police said, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The homeowner also had gunshot wounds and was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, according to the sheriffs office. His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. Preliminarily, the investigation indicates the man who was killed entered the home and fired multiple shots at the owner, hitting him twice, and the homeowner returned fire, according to the sheriffs office. The man killed had reportedly traveled about an hour to Livingston County from the Lake Orion area, according to the sheriffs office. The sheriffs office continues its investigation. Fowlerville police and firefighters, Michigan State Police and Livingston County EMS assisted the sheriffs office. HONG KONG, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- As 2025 draws to a close, the Asia-Pacific region is positioned at the forefront of a global technological revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging not just as a transformative force, but as the defining catalyst for its economic growth, cross-border collaboration, and long-term regional resilience. A PIONEER REGION IN AI APPLICATIONS Employees in Asia-Pacific are adopting generative AI tools faster and more enthusiastically than their global peers, according to a Boston Consulting Group report. With one-third of the world's population, the region is rapidly expanding its innovation footprint, standing at the center of AI transition. According to a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report, the technology juggernaut is expected to inject nearly 1 trillion U.S. dollars in economic gains over the next decade across Asia alone. In November, leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) adopted a joint declaration, recognizing the potential of AI to fundamentally reshape economies worldwide by unlocking new frontiers for innovation, enhanced productivity, improved competitiveness, economic prosperity and resilience. For the first time, APEC placed AI on its core agenda, adopting an AI initiative to accelerate deeper cooperation among Asia-Pacific economies. As China, according to the UNDP, holds nearly 70 percent of global AI patents, the region is increasingly looking to China's technological capacity, policy experience and application-driven innovation to help translate AI potential into inclusive growth and shared benefits. "China will be able to contribute to global growth by accelerating the development of next-generation industries such as renewable energy ecosystems, helping shape international technological standards in areas including AI governance and cybersecurity, and promoting stronger intra-Asian trade and investment flows through deeper and broader regional integration," said Christine Susanna Tjhin, director of strategic communication & research at Indonesia's Gentala Institute. CHINA'S AI EFFORTS DRIVING REGIONAL TECH PROGRESS At this year's APEC meetings, China pledged to work with all APEC members to enhance AI literacy and bridge the digital and AI divide in the Asia-Pacific region. Having initiated the establishment of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, China hopes to provide the international community with public goods on AI through cooperation on development strategies, governance rules and technological standards. This commitment is reflected in concrete cooperation on the ground. Recently, Singapore's national AI program, AI Singapore, released Qwen-SEA-LION-v4, a Southeast Asian multilingual large language model built on Alibaba's open-source Qwen foundation model to better address the linguistic and cultural demands of the region. "Our collaboration with Alibaba on Qwen-SEA-LION-v4 is an important milestone in advancing AI inclusivity and to make it more representative of Southeast Asia," Alibaba Cloud quoted Leslie Teo, senior director of AI Products at AI Singapore, as saying. From AI-powered smart sorting systems that enhance the grading and trade of Malaysian durians to cloud-based early warning systems co-developed with countries such as Pakistan, the Solomon Islands, and Laos to strengthen disaster preparedness and climate resilience, China's innovation-driven cooperation is expanding across the region. In AI capacity building, China also shares its expertise with its neighbors to support regional connectivity and shared development. China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has organized multiple AI training programs for Vietnamese officials, and hosted an AI innovation cooperation workshop in November bringing together participants from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Mongolia. WORKING TOGETHER FOR SHARED AI OPPORTUNITIES "Countries that invest in skills, computing power and sound governance systems will benefit, others risk being left far behind," warned Philip Schellekens, chief economist for the UNDP for the Asia and Pacific region. Echoing the concern, the APEC AI Initiative adopted at APEC meetings this year called for continued efforts to enhance security, accessibility, trustworthiness and reliability in realizing the benefits of AI for all with balanced and human-centered approaches to the workforce, education and capacity building policies. Looking to APEC 2026 in China, more are anticipated to deepen collaboration on frontier technologies, expand digital public services, promote interoperability of standards, and ensure that technological benefits are shared equitably across the region. "China has accumulated significant experience in technological innovation and long-term development," said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu recently at the APEC Informal Senior Officials' Meeting in Shenzhen. "Shenzhen is widely recognized as a global innovation hub, and we are ready to share our experience with all partners and contribute to the region's innovative growth," he said. FLINT, MI -- There are two things on a to-do list for the Flint Commerce Center before owner Ashley Capital can start construction of a second building at the old Buick City site. One of them -- a rezoning -- could be checked off the list very early in 2026. The other -- a street vacation -- could also be accomplished in the first quarter of next year. The Flint City Council has scheduled a Jan. 12 public hearing on the rezoning request for 7.5 acres of the former Oak Park, land that Ashley purchased in late 2023. Ashley, a real estate investment company that specializes in redeveloping brownfields, previously agreed to fund improvements at a scaled-down version of the park and to seek rezoning for the rest of that land. The proposed rezoning would convert the 7.5 acres at 2525 Industrial Ave. from open space to production center, allowing it to be used for development at the Commerce Center, which owns the bulk of the sprawling Buick City property. The open space zoning classification is reserved for city-owned parks. A conditionally approved site plan for the second building at the center still requires the Oak Park property to be rezoned, as well as the vacation of a portion of Baker Street in the area. Contingent on market conditions, its our intent to begin construction (on the second spec building) in spring, Quimby told MLive-The Flint Journal this week. The spokesman said thats contingent on the street vacation, which he believes can also be accomplished in January. The second spec building is expected to be more than 325,000 square feet in the area of Leith and North streets and is expected to include what had been park land. Flints zoning ordinance requires that zoning on two or more parcels be the same when combined into one. Materials provided to council members say the sale and rezoning of the old Oak Park property will trigger the deeding of one acre of the land to the city for the pocket park that Ashley unveiled in August. The company had expected the tenant of its second building at the center would be NanoGraf, a company that announced plans to produce electric vehicle battery materials in Flint more than a year ago. But the battery plant project has been in limbo since the second election of President Donald Trump, after the Department of Energy froze a $60-million grant to NanoGraf. The Journal could not immediately reach a representative of the company for comment this week, but Quimby said the companys future here remains cloudy. Ashley plans to develop a second spec building on land originally held for NanoGraf and to accommodate the company elsewhere on the site if needed, Quimby said. The first building at the center was filled when Bunzl Distribution Inc. signed a lease last year to join Victory Packaging in the 330,000-square-foot facility. The Commerce Center is being developed on land that was once home to General Motors Buick City complex, one of several properties that were abandoned during the automakers 2009 bankruptcy. As a whole, the property contains soil and groundwater contaminated with various petroleum products, chemicals, and metals, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has overseen a cleanup by the Revitalizing Auto Communities Environmental Response (RACER) Trust. The vast bulk of the property was sold to Ashley by RACER in 2023. The center is being built in phases based on market demand, but Ashley and city officials have said they expect it could eventually provide 3.5 million square feet of business space and be home to approximately 2,500 full-time employees. Ashley officials have said they plan to build spec buildings that can be easily adapted by individual companies for their needs. Site preparation at the center has been more complicated than a typical brownfield redevelopment because of concrete foundations and underground utilities left behind by GM. The cost of preparing sites for building has been extensive enough that Genesee County, the city of Flint, the state of Michigan, and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation provided Ashley with $17 million in funding for site preparation. The city also granted the developer a $72-million tax break for the redevelopment. Oak Park was built on land donated by the Durant-Dort Carriage Co. in 1909. The park became home to hundreds of autoworkers and their families, who lived in a tent city there by 1910 because of the explosive growth of the auto industry and the resulting housing shortage. Flint Journal files say the city acquired the park land when it consisted of woods, farmland, and dirt paths. After the tent city came down, the park became a gathering place for neighborhood children and families. BATTLE CREEK, MI A major cereal producer is ceasing production of some products at its plant in Battle Creek, leading to reduction in workers. Post Consumer Brands will stop making Honeycomb, peanut butter and some granola at its plant located at 275 Cliff St. in Battle Creek, the company announced this month. The action is expected to be permanent. The company expects about 71 employee separations beginning Jan. 8, 2026, over two weeks, Post said in a letter sent to the regulatory agency that tracks plant closures and employee layoffs. Details of the positions are listed on a public notice. Positions include people who work with Grape Nuts, granola, bran and other items. Some of the employees are represented by a union, Local 374 RWDSUUFCW. MLive has reached out to union officials seeking comment. Post employs about 4,600 employees, according to the company, and produces more than 1 billion pounds of breakfast cereal a year. The company established in Battle Creek but now headquartered in Lakeville, Minnesota is known for brand names like Fruity Pebbles, Honey Bunches of Oats and Peter Pan peanut butter. Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. BATTLE CREEK, MI The former CEO of a Battle Creek nonprofit who is accused of defrauding the state of thousands of dollars now faces additional felony charges. Damon Brown, the former CEO of R.I.S.E. Corp. was arraigned and charged with welfare fraud over $500 on Tuesday, Dec. 23, in Calhoun County District Court, according to court records. His bond in the case is set at $10,000. He returned to Calhoun County District Court on Friday, Dec. 26, to be arraigned on charges in two different cases. In one of these additional cases, he faces one count of receiving and concealing a firearm, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, one count of possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, and three other felony firearm charges as well as one count of assaulting, resisting, or obstructing a police officer. In the other new case, he faces two counts of conducting a criminal enterprise, two counts of embezzlement of $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, one count of embezzlement by an agent or trustee of $20,000 or more and two counts of second-degree money laundering. He is currently being held on a $50,000 bond in the case. Brown pleaded not guilty in the two new cases brought by prosecutors, according to WWMT News Channel 3. Channel 3 reported that dozens of R.I.S.E. members attended Browns recent arraignment to express their support for their former leader. Brown, 47, was arrested on Monday, Dec. 22, amid allegations that he defrauded the state of more than $20,000 in food assistance from 2020-2024, according to court documents obtained by WWMT News Channel 3. He allegedly failed to report income when applying for assistance. His bond in the case has been set at $20,000. On Monday, a search warrant was served and revealed documents and devices tied to the financial fraud Brown allegedly committed while running R.I.S.E. as well as a loaded gun, according to WWMT News Channel 3. In addition to being the organizations former CEO, Brown is the founder of R.I.S.E. (Reintegration to Support and Empower) Corp. Brown spent more than a decade in prison after being arrested for selling crack cocaine before founding the organization, which works to empower young people in the community and encourage them to avoid violence and criminal behavior. The organization announced that Brown had stepped down as its CEO on Friday, Dec. 26, and all its programs and services will continue without interruptions, according to Channel 3. This is a personal matter for Mr. Brown, and his departure does not reflect the values, mission, or operations of R.I.S.E. Corp, R.I.S.E. officials said in a statement obtained by Channel 3. Safeguards remain firmly in place to protect programs, finances, staff, and the individuals and families served by R.I.S.E. Corp. Brown is scheduled to appear in Calhoun County District Court for a preliminary examination conference at 10 a.m. on Jan. 6 and his preliminary examination is set for 3 p.m. on Jan. 13. MUSKEGON, MI - Puerto Vallarta Mexican Grill & Bar is the newest destination for authentic flavors. The restaurant celebrated its grand opening this past August on the first floor of The Leonard, a mixed-use building at 292 W Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon. Customers can expect fajitas, chimichangas, chicken plates and more for lunch and dinner. The space is also equipped with a horseshoe bar, featuring handcrafted margaritas. Puerto Vallarta is owned by the same local family behind El Burrito Loco in Muskegon, El Rancho in Holland and Don Luis Mexican Bar & Grill in Grand Haven. Artemio Mendoza, general manager of the new bar and grill, said the restaurant is always here for the community. That means staying open later to accommodate the nightlife. Were very excited for our customers, he said. If people want to stay late, we can stay late. The restaurant is located within the downtown Muskegon social district, so those 21 and older can order margaritas to take with them to any public space within the district boundaries. The menu is diverse, meaning theres plenty to choose from. A best seller is the quesabirria tacos for $19.99, which comes with rice and beans. The popular dish, a cross between a quesadilla and a traditional birria taco, features slow-cooked spiced meat tucked in a corn tortilla with melted cheese dipped in consommea rich brothand topped with onions and cilantro. Other top orders include appetizers like pork nachos, a steak and cheese burrito, build-your-own combos, tacos stuffed with chorizo, ceviche, seafood bowls, taco salad and veggie plates. According to the restaurants website, Puerto Vallarta offers a new standard of West Michigan Mexican cuisine. View the full menu and order online at vallartamuskegon.com. The hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. The forecast details for a major winter storm that will begin to develop over Michigan on Sunday are showing an increasing level of concern that the Upper Peninsula and the tip of Northern Michigan may have to deal with more than just blizzard conditions. This rapidly deepening low-pressure system moving over this northern part of the Great Lakes could land as a dangerous bomb cyclone storm. What does that mean? MLive Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa has explained that when a storm bombs out, the data behind the storm is measured in a way that shows it will be a rapidly-intensifying storm. To figure out if a storm is bombing out or will just be a strong storm system, we have to look at the lowest air pressure in the center of the storm system, Torregrossa has said. To reach the criteria of becoming a bomb cyclone, a storm systems lowest air pressure has to go lower by 24 millibars(mb) in 24 hours. Right now, forecast notes from the National Weather Service in Marquette show this storm systems air pressure could drop by the 24 millibars needed to reach Bomb Cyclone status. This typically means well see some really high winds with a storm. In this case, the winds from late Sunday into Monday could reach 60 mph across parts of the Upper Peninsula, and the rest of Michigan. Storm-force winds over 60 mph are expected on Lake Superior and other areas of the Great Lakes, with waves forecast to top 25 feet on some of the lakes. Regular blizzard conditions are dangerous for motorists, but add the Bomb Cyclone designation with the heavy snowfall - up to 2 feet - expected for parts of the U.P., and we could see law enforcement asking for travel restrictions during the worst of this storm. The worst conditions are expected Sunday night into Monday morning, when the combination of heavy snow and high winds could make travel very difficult to impossible, the NWS team in Marquette said today. Parts of Michigan will see rain and a wintry mix on Sunday, while northern areas will see snow start to stack up. Graphic provided by AccuWeather This storm that will impact Michigan is part of a much larger system thats overspreading the Great Lakes and beyond. For many, its a one-two punch after ice accumulations on Friday led to power outages at thousands of homes and businesses across the state. Power is expected to be restored to some just in time for this second round to hit, brining more high winds. Consumers Energy says it has crews prepared to respond to the Sunday-Monday storm. Michigan winters are rarely predictable, and Consumers Energy takes our responsibility seriously to restore power and be ready for the next storm, said Norm Kapala, one of Consumers Energys officers in charge for restoration. AccuWeather forecasters say the Great Lakes are in the bullseye for this Sunday-Monday storm system. They say all-out blizzard conditions are likely and travel impacts are expected to be severe. There is a good chance the storm will undergo rapid intensification and become a bomb cyclone between Sunday afternoon and Monday afternoon over the Great Lakes, said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham. South of this blizzard zone, the Lower Peninsula will see high winds and lesser amounts of snow. Areas of higher snow - 6 to 12 inches - could be seen across Northern Michigan. Lakeshore areas could see higher levels of lake-effect snow, too. Other areas across southern Michigan could see just a trace to a few inches of accumulation. To see the latest update on this storm coverage, follow our headlines on the MLive Weather page. Saturday is going to be the lull between Fridays ice event, and Sundays incoming storm system that is forecast to bring heavy lake-effect snow to some areas of Michigan amid increasingly high winds. That snowfall + wind could be a recipe for major travel concerns as we get into Monday and even Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS offices across Michigan today all issued the same forecast graphic, alerting people to the incoming storm system. You can see that above. The heaviest snow areas are shaded in dark blue. Heres a look at what we know so far: The precipitation with this system could start as rain as early as Saturday and switch over to snow on Sunday. Right now, the timeline for the heaviest snow looks to be late Sunday into Monday afternoon. The heaviest lake-effect snowfall is expected across the Upper Peninsula, and along the western half of the Lower Peninsula. Given the high wind gusts of up to 50 mph being forecast, we could see some snow squall conditions develop on Monday. An incoming Arctic blast on Monday is going to cause temperatures to plunge from the 50s in some areas on Sunday night, into the 20s by Monday. An impactful storm system will move into Michigan Sunday into early next week, with accumulating snow, strong winds, and blowing snow, the NWS meteorologists in Michigan said. The best chances for heavy snow will be across the Upper Peninsula, and the snow belts of lower Michigan. Rain will likely mix in for portions of lower Michigan during the day on Sunday before transitioning to snow during the Sunday night into Monday time frame. There is still uncertainty in snow amounts and the intensity of the storm system. In the Upper Peninsula, the NWS team in Marquette is sounding the alarm about what could be dangerous driving conditions that arrive with this storm system. Anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of snow are possible in the northern tier of the U.P. And because this heavy snow will become drier as the system moves into Michigan, we could even see blizzard conditions develop in the U.P., the NWS said. Hazardous to dangerous driving conditions and power outages will be possible. Those with travel plans Sunday night and Monday should be prepared to cancel or adjust those plans. Here are the storm forecast highlights from the NWS offices across the state: A powerful winter storm is set to impact Michigan Sunday night into Monday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Winter Storm Watches for much of the Upper Peninsula. The system is expected to bring heavy snow, wind gusts potentially exceeding 50 mph, and localized blizzard conditions that could create dangerous travel. The storm will begin Sunday with rain across most of Michigan as temperatures climb into the 50s in southern areas. However, a dramatic change arrives Sunday night when an Arctic front sweeps through, causing temperatures to plummet and rain to transition to snow. The National Weather Service office in Marquette indicates confidence is increasing for widespread impactful winter weather, with the northern tier of the Upper Peninsula facing a 50 to 80% chance of receiving at least 12 inches of snow by Monday evening. The most significant impacts will occur Monday as a rapidly deepening low pressure system tracks across northern Lake Huron. This exceptionally strong system will generate northwest winds of 40 to 50 mph across Lower Michigan, with even higher gusts along the lakeshore. Gale and Storm Watches are in effect for Lake Superior Sunday night into Monday night. Heavy freezing spray and waves of 15 to 20 feet are expected over the eastern lake. Before the main storm arrives, a brief window for light freezing rain exists Saturday night into early Sunday morning, particularly across northern Lower Michigan and the northeastern counties. The National Weather Service notes this will likely be lighter than Fridays freezing rain event, but could still create slippery conditions on roadways. Much colder weather will settle in behind Mondays storm, with temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday featuring highs only in the teens and wind chills in the single digits. Lake-effect snow is expected to continue through midweek. The Gaylord office indicates this pattern will persist through the remainder of next week, with northwest flow bringing typical winter weather including additional periods of lake-effect snow and below-normal temperatures. Michigan residents should monitor forecasts closely through the weekend as meteorologists refine snowfall amounts and wind predictions. Those with post-Christmas travel plans should prepare for significant disruptions Monday and consider adjusting schedules accordingly. TEHRAN, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Friday condemned a deadly "terrorist" attack on worshipers at a mosque in Syria's central city of Homs, said a statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks after an explosion struck the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood, killing eight people and leaving several others wounded. Baghaei said Iran condemned all forms of terrorism and violent extremism, highlighting the responsibility of all those parties that had prepared the ground for the continuation, growth and spread of terrorism and extremism "through their illegal interventions, including violating Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and occupying parts of the Arab state." He called for the identification and punishment of those involved in the "heinous terrorist attack," reminding Syria's transitional authorities of their responsibility in that regard. MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Happy Birthday, Salman Khan: Before he became a superstar, how Salman Khan earned his first break Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Pan masala ads case: Consumer court orders forensic test of Salman Khan's sign on power of attorney Did our AI summary help? Sriva A is a seasoned film critic with a keen eye for storytelling, cinematography, and performances. Jana Nayagan audio launch: Thalapathy Vijay about why he is stepping away from cinema, talks about Tamil population in Malaysia Did our AI summary help? Allu Arjun has been named in Pushpa 2 chargesheet When Shah Rukh Khan spoke about his rift with Salman Khan: "I hugged my parents' dead bodies, if he has issues with me..." Minoxidil was initially developed as a blood pressure medication but was reformulated as a hair-growth treatment after hair growth was observed as a side effect (Image: Pexels) MC Jobs Desk Read the latest and trending news articles on Sarkari Naukri, government jobs, UPSC, SSC, railway jobs, banking jobs, defence recruitment, state PSC exams, and more. LOS ANGELES, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- A teenager was killed and four other people were injured in a shooting on Christmas Day in northern Los Angeles County, according to local media and police. The search is on for the suspects who shot and killed the 16-year-old boy in Lancaster, a Southern California city located some 110 km north of downtown Los Angeles, FOX 11 reported on Friday. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed in a press release that the incident was reported on Thursday and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A 17-year-old girl, a 15-year-old boy and two adult men were transported to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, said the department. Police urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Homicide Bureau of the department. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to AI Express' first line fit B737-8 MAX plane to land in Delhi on December 29 Drawing comparisons with Europe, Sanyal highlighted the strain caused by ageing populations. An ongoing protest against a coal mining project in Chhattisgarhs Raigarh district turned violent on Saturday, leaving several police personnel injured and multiple vehicles set on fire. You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to More than 50 smallcaps rise between 10-34% as broader indices outperform Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Roshi Jain exits HDFC Mutual Fund; AMC announces changes in fund managers for three equity schemes Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Coinbase says former agent arrested in India over exchange hack Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All 22-year-old Indian-origin student arrested in US for arson, terroristic threat CHANGSHA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopia Coffee (China) Trading Center was officially inaugurated on Saturday in Zhuzhou City, Hunan Province, to leverage Ethiopia's advantages in coffee origin and promote the entry of its premium coffee into the Chinese market. The launch was part of the first China-Ethiopia Coffee Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference held in the city. The conference highlighted the growing economic and trade ties between the two sides, with coffee serving as a central theme. The conference brought together around 300 participants, including government officials, experts, organizational representatives and business leaders from both Ethiopia and Hunan Province. Ethiopia, renowned as the birthplace of coffee and a major global supplier of high-quality beans, counts China as its fourth-largest coffee export market. At the conference, Ethiopian Ambassador to China Tefera Derbew Yimam underscored this point in an interview with Xinhua. "We are witnessing very fast-growing coffee consumption in China. This is a very important market factor driving the increase of exports of our commodity," he said. He highlighted the advantage of China's zero-tariff policy for African countries with diplomatic ties, calling it a "green lane" that enhances competitiveness in the vast Chinese market. The ambassador also expressed hope for growing trade in high-tech products from China to Ethiopia. As the permanent venue for the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, Hunan Province has been actively exploring new pathways and models for China-Africa collaboration. This commitment is matched by action at the city level as Zhuzhou City is leveraging its logistical strengths to develop trade and barter centers aimed at facilitating China-Africa commerce. The conference also yielded concrete business outcomes. Several attending Ethiopian and Chinese enterprises signed cooperation agreements covering projects related to barter trade platforms, coffee and new energy. A booth level officer (BLO) interacts with a voter during verification of voter identification cards as part of 'Special Revision' (SR) of electoral rolls of Assam, in Guwahati Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Cong plans 'MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan' from Jan 5; Kharge says Modi govt will face people's anger Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with LoP in the Lok Sabha and party leader Rahul Gandhi, party MPs Sonia Gandhi and Telangana Chief Minister and party leader A Revanth Reddy arrives for the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, in New Delhi Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Digvijaya Singh calls himself 'staunch opponent' following row over old photo of PM Modi, praising BJP-RSS organisation Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Delhi: Fire erupts at shop in Chandni Chowk's Kucha Rehman area, firefighters rush to spot According to police officials, 285 people were taken into custody in cases registered under the Excise Act, NDPS Act and Gambling Act (File photo) Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Delhi teen in rented Thar crashes into vehicles in Noida after panicking on seeing family, injures 1 People seen huddling around bonfires to counter the severe cold near Rajghat in Delhi (Image: Screengrab | @PTI_News/X) Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Digvijaya Singh amid row over post praising BJP, RSS: 'They can sell comb to bald man' Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Every Indian should learn one South Indian language, says Union Minister Chouhan BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- African and Middle Eastern countries collectively condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland, the self-declared region of Somalia, as an independent state, and reaffirmed support for the eastern African country's unity and territorial integrity. Somaliland is an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part of the sovereign territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Somalian Prime Minister's Office said in a statement, rejecting Israel's recognition as unlawful. Somalia makes clear that it will not permit the establishment of any foreign military bases or arrangements on its territory that would draw Somalia into proxy conflicts or import regional and international hostilities into this region. Somalia calls on all states and international partners to respect international law, uphold the principles of non-interference and territorial integrity, and act responsibly in the interest of peace, stability and security in the Horn of Africa. In a statement posted on social media X late Friday, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli said that Israel's move "constitutes a new example of (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu government's unlawful actions aimed at creating instability at both regional and global levels." "This step by Israel, which continues its expansionist policies and spares no effort to prevent the recognition of the State of Palestine, constitutes an open interference in Somalia's internal affairs," Keceli said. He said that decisions regarding the future of Somaliland must reflect the will of all Somalis. In a post on X late Friday, Turkiye's Communications Director Burhanettin Duran described Israel's position as "one of the irresponsible acts" of the Netanyahu government, "which has a dark record of genocide and occupation," saying the move undermines ongoing efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on Friday reaffirmed the kingdom's full support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. In a statement, the ministry slammed Israel's announcement as a "flagrant" violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, and an infringement on Somalia's sovereignty. Ministry spokesperson Fouad Majali stressed Jordan's absolute opposition to any attempts to establish parallel entities that could threaten Somalia's unity and territorial integrity. Saudi Arabia rejects the announcement of mutual recognition between Israel and Somaliland, considering it a violation of international law, and fully supports Somalia's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. Saudi Arabia also reaffirms its support for the legitimate institutions of the Somali state, as well as its commitment to preserving the stability of Somalia and its brotherly people. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) reiterated that Somalia remains a sovereign IGAD member state whose unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity are fully recognized under international law. In a statement issued on Saturday, the East African bloc said that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland runs contrary to the UN Charter, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the agreement establishing IGAD. The IGAD reaffirmed its solidarity with the government and people of Somalia, and its commitment to inclusive political processes and regional cooperation in support of lasting peace, stability, and prosperity for Somalia and the wider IGAD region, according to the statement. Israel's recognition of Somaliland is a provocative and unacceptable move, which may undermine regional stability, said Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. Gamal Roshdy, the secretary-general's spokesperson, stressed that any attempt to impose unilateral recognition constitutes an unacceptable interference in Somalia's internal affairs and sets a dangerous precedent that threatens regional and international security and stability. BJP will complete the national president election process in mid-January after organisational polls conclude in a majority of states. PM Modi with New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon during the latter's visit to New Delhi in March. (Courtesy: Reuters photo) A Booth Level Officer (BLO) interacts with a voter as he checks and collects filled enumeration forms for the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Kuldeep Sengar targeted as part of conspiracy: Brij Bhushan defends Unnao rape convict after sentence suspension The Congress president said a nationwide movement is required against the repeal. In Amritsar, the ban applies to the Walled City, the densely populated zone surrounding the Golden Temple. (Representative image) Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Odisha Police appeals to people not to shelter injured Maoists, intensifies operations in jungle Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Party doesnt think this way: Congress distances itself from Shashi Tharoors PM Modi remark Protesters cited blasphemy-linked killings and a rights report documenting dozens of attacks on Hindu minorities across Bangladesh in 2025. BUJUMBURA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- A China-supported solar street lighting project has been completed in Bujumbura, Burundi's economic capital, aligning with the African country's vision to promote clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable development, senior officials said. The project was implemented along Mao Zedong Boulevard in the Mukaza District of Bujumbura. Supported by China's Sichuan Province, the boulevard is now equipped with 101 solar-powered streetlights that automatically switch on and off according to natural light levels. The Burundian government expressed deep gratitude to China for its support during a ceremony marking the project's completion on Friday night. "This modern and sustainable infrastructure is an important step in the modernization of our commercial capital (Bujumbura)," said Martin Ndayizeye, permanent secretary at the Burundian Ministry of Energy and Mining, Industry, Trade, and Tourism. Praising China as "a strategic and faithful partner" of Burundi, Ndayizeye noted that "this generous support illustrates again excellent relations of cooperation and friendship between the two countries." Florent Nkezabahiz, adviser responsible for economic affairs and development to the governor of the province of Bujumbura, said the project "is a precious gift that will light up our nights, keep our fellow citizens safe, boost the nighttime economy and beautify our capital city." Mao Zedong Boulevard stretches 1.2 km and was named by the Bujumbura City Council in 1978 to honor Mao's contribution to African independence movements and to commemorate the China-Burundi friendship. Bangladeshi nationals, who allegedly illegally entered the Indian territory, wait to return to their homeland, following the implementation of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, at Hakimpur checkpost, in North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal (File Photo) Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Udaipur gang-rape case: IT company CEO among three arrested, dashcam recording provides crucial evidence Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Unnao rape case: Supreme Court to hear CBI's plea against HC order suspending Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence on December 29 People taking boat rides during sunset at the Sangam, in Prayagraj. (Courtesy: PTI photo) The AAP MP says the quick-commerce delivery model is intensifying pressure on riders while eroding pay and basic protections. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Human expansion is making encounters with one of Indias deadliest snakes more frequent Heres how Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Tiny amur falcons fly 5,000 kilometres in days from India to Zimbabwe Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day KIEV, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- At least one person was killed and 23 others were injured in Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital and its outskirts in the early hours of Saturday, local authorities said. Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that 22 people were injured in the missile and drone attack on the city, with 12 of them hospitalized. He added that more than 2,600 residential buildings, 187 kindergartens and 138 schools in Kiev were left without heating following the strikes. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kiev City Military Administration, said that the attack damaged facilities in seven districts of the capital, including at least five apartment buildings. Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK Group, implemented emergency power cuts across Kiev due to the attacks. In the Kiev region, one person was killed and another was injured, regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk said. He noted that the strikes targeted critical infrastructure, businesses, shops and residential buildings in six districts of the region. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 'Govt has no interest in...': Hadis brother warns of siege on Yunus residence, accuses government of ignoring justice Zelenskyy said he plans to meet Trump in Florida as part of efforts to push forward a peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Israel recognises Somaliland as sovereign state, sparks backlash across Africa and Middle East WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday he is willing to bring a peace plan to end the Ukraine crisis for a referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire of at least 60 days, according to U.S. media outlet Axios. In a phone interview with Axios on Friday, Zelensky said he would still like to negotiate a better position on territory. But if the plan demands "a very difficult" decision on that issue, he believes the best path forward will be to put the entire 20-point plan to a referendum. He said a 60-day ceasefire to arrange and hold the vote "is the minimum," as such a plebiscite would have major political, logistical and security complications. A senior U.S. official told Axios that the Russians understand the need for a ceasefire if Zelensky calls a referendum, but want a shorter timetable. Zelensky said he hopes to agree with U.S. President Donald Trump on a framework for ending the crisis when they meet in the U.S. state of Florida on Sunday. He said most aspects of the bilateral U.S.-Ukraine agreements are now set and have been codified into five documents, though a sixth may be added. On the duration of security guarantees after peace is restored in Ukraine, the U.S. administration has proposed a 15-year pact that could be renewed. "I think we need more than 15 years," Zelensky told Axios. Both the United States and Ukraine would bring the security guarantees before their legislatures for ratification, Zelensky added. Zelensky, Trump and a group of European leaders are expected to hold a conference call on Saturday to get everyone up to speed on the talks, the report said, citing a Ukrainian official. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Putin opens door to further dialogue following receipt of Trump-era Ukraine peace proposals Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Thailand, Cambodia agree on immediate ceasefire after weeks of deadly border clashes Zelenskiy signals a high-level Trump meeting as Kyiv pushes security guarantees and keeps territorial talks, including Zaporizhzhia, at the presidents table. The weirdest export casualty of EU sanctions on Russia? Italy says its 250 million worth and toilets are part of it Nigeria police, Anti-Bomb squad, secure the scene of a U.S. airstrike in Northwest, Jabo, Nigeria. (AP Photo) Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Zelensky heads to US to meet Trump as Russia bombards Kyiv State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- In a quiet Beijing hutong, Ahmed Nasser AlAnzi watched as a street vendor completed a sale with a simple scan of a QR code, a beep and a nod marking the transaction done. For the 34-year-old administrative employee from Saudi Arabia, that seamless moment captured a defining feature of modern China, where technology is so deeply integrated into society that it makes daily life effortless. AlAnzi's five-day trip to Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Beijing -- his first visit to China -- was set in motion weeks earlier under starkly different circumstances. It began with a flash flood in Saudi Arabia. During a heavy storm in November in the Hail region, AlAnzi and two friends spotted an overturned vehicle being swept away by raging waters. Inside were two Chinese engineers. They entered the current without hesitation and pulled them to safety. "There was no time to think. We just acted," AlAnzi said. "In such a moment, you see people, not nationalities." The video of the rescue went viral on Saudi social media and also garnered numerous likes on Chinese platforms. In the video, these Saudi youths address the employees of the Chinese-funded enterprise as "friends" in Arabic, comforting them with "don't be afraid," before driving them to a safe location. The engineers they rescued were part of a growing network of Chinese professionals in Saudi Arabia, contributing to projects under the kingdom's Vision 2030. This strategic vision aligns closely with the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in building infrastructure, deploying technology, and shaping new urban landscapes. Their courage also drew the attention of Chinese officials, who later invited AlAnzi and his friends to visit the country. What AlAnzi experienced in China left a strong impression. In Shenzhen, a drone from online platform Meituan delivered coffee directly to his hands. "This is the kind of innovation we're also working toward," he said. Aboard a high-speed train to Hong Kong, he felt what many call "Chinese speed": smooth, quiet and relentless. Beyond physical infrastructure, he observed how technology weaves through social life, from shared bicycles and mobile payments to efficient urban systems serving millions. "There's a confidence here," he said while walking through Beijing's Sanlitun, where historic courtyards stand beside contemporary architecture. "It comes from knowing your past while building decisively toward the future." One of his most meaningful exchanges happened in a Beijing park, where retirees taught him to play diabolo -- the Chinese yo-yo. After a few tries, he got the hang of it. "It's the kindness of the Chinese people that made this journey truly special," he said. Throughout his stay, AlAnzi picked up simple Chinese phrases like "Nihao" (hello) and "Xiexie" (thank you). "This trip wasn't about repayment; it was about connection," he said. "I helped their engineers in Saudi Arabia; here, they shared part of their culture with me." What had begun as a spontaneous rescue had become a personal glimpse into a partnership built not only on projects and policies, but on human connection. "You help someone, and later find yourself welcomed into their world," he said. "That is how trust grows." By Zaldy Dandan Variety Editor RECENTLY, The Wall Street Journal sent a reporter to McDowell County, West Virginia, to interview among other residents Carolyn Owens, who was nine years old when her family became one of the first to receive food stamps in the United States Her father could no longer work in the coal mines that pock the mountains here after an injury. Hed wait at the local government office to collect food coupons, part of a program launched by John F. Kennedy in 1961 to help alleviate the shocking poverty he witnessed while campaigning across Appalachia. Owens would walk home from school to find peanut-butter sandwiches with a sliver of banana waiting for her and her 10 brothers and sisters. Those sandwiches were like ice cream for us, said Owens, now 73. In the decades since, the Journal reported, the federal government has poured more than $3.6 billion into trying to ease the hardship in McDowell County, according to estimates from the Economic Innovation Group, using current dollars. That doesnt include the roughly $13 billion more in Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments. It hasnt worked. In the heart of Americas War on Poverty, the Journal added, some two-thirds of households with children still receive food stamps, among the nations highest rates, and the estimated median household income hovers around $35,000. Nonfarm employment has plummeted 78% since 1975, according to data compiled by West Virginia University economist John Deskins, as the coal that once powered this rugged place is now mostly mined with machines, if at all, and no other industry has replaced it. The county has lost 67% of its residents over those years the largest drop in West Virginia with its population dwindling from just over 51,000 to roughly 17,000. With little faith left in government to break the cycle of poverty, those who remain say its up to them to forge a brighter economic path. But will the government quick to impose growth-stifling measures allow them? Still, if all else fails, they can always relocate elsewhere in the United States. Happily, that is also an option for U.S. citizens in these remote, small, typhoon-prone, economically troubled islands nearer to Japan than California and roughly 5,700 miles from the U.S. West Coast. In the newly established CNMI in February 1978, Variety reported that two-thirds of residents received food items from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These included apple juice, rice, macaroni, corned beef, canned beans, peanut butter, canned tomatoes, vegetables and sardines, egg mix, vegetable shortening, evaporated milk, and mashed potatoes. At the time, the government bequeathed by the U.S.-administered Trust Territory was the islands main industry. As a former American Trust Territory economist once put it: We will hire them and theyll sit at a desk. There wont be very much to do, but we just cant have them going out and sitting under a coconut tree somewhere. Theyre going to have to sit there eight hours a day and do the typing or push the paper or whatever it is that has to be done in order to justify the pay. In August 1978, Variety reprinted a Washington Post report on the Trust Territory islands, of which Saipan was the capital: American trusteeship in Micronesia has created a society dependent on government jobs and benefits, an island welfare state whose people are so inundated with free handouts that they are abandoning even those elemental enterprises fishing and farming that they had developed before the Americans came. Weve smothered them, agrees a veteran U.S. administrator with the trust territory government. And it will take them a long time to come out from under this blanket. It is awfully hard to see anything good that the United States has done in Micronesia, adds another American who has spent years here. More than 10,000 Micronesians a third of the labor force have government jobs, most of them with the territorial government, which oversees 3 million square miles of water and islands. The work is easy, the wages excellent by island standards, and the bosses undemanding. Theyre really not required to do anything, says [a Palauan politician]. They know theyll get their paychecks, no matter what. No one takes attendance to see if they show up. Theyre not accountable for any mistakes. An American agrees: Government jobs in Micronesia are looked upon as welfare. It sort of reminds me of a small Southern town in the United States where the courthouse crowd has everyone on the county payroll and they all just sit around the courthouse lawn all day. Nearly half a century later, government dependency remains a cause of concern in these islands and other former Trust Territory districts. Recall the recent near panic over delays in the issuance of food stamps due to the partial U.S. government shutdown. The High Cost of Good Intentions, indeed to quote the title of John F. Cogans excellent 2017 book on the history of U.S. federal entitlement programs. Its central theme is that the creation of entitlements brings forth relentless forces that cause them to inexorably expand. Send feedback to [email protected] By Ambrose M. Bennett Activist THE Truth is, Ralph seems to think he is Trump as it is clear to me, Ralph is following the Trump-Playbook. Ralph literally RAN-to-Washington for a photo op with Trump that was really much more than a picture, as WE can now see that Ralph is trying to be just like Trump with his quest to be Governor again. The History Channel WARNED the world that If WE the People dont learn the lessons taught by history; WE are DOOMED to repeat the SAME-O mistake(s). So, did WE learn from Ralphs History, as Ambrodamus has been yelling ever-since Covid to End the Same-O with Republicans. Most of America is now regretting they elected Trump, and I can guarantee WE, the CNMI, will surely regret electing Ralph again after the waste & devastation he left behind when the CNMI received around two-billion dollars under Ralph and nothing to show PATHETIC Waste of colossal proportion! Just like Trump ran to avoid criminal charges, Ralph is doing the very Same-O thing to avoid his criminal case. Ralph seems to truly think voters are STUPID claiming to be disappointed with the sad state of our Economy when his so-call BOOST Goblin-Giveaway Program was a total WASTE, as it didnt deliver any substantial new revenues FOR the People. For me, Ralph portrays himself as the Treat solution-to-all based on TAYA which is Trick or Treat Poli-ticking, which ends with the People being TRICKED AGAIN just so Ralph can SIT! Its not Halloween Ralph & WE are not Children! What is so amazing for me is Ralph has a GOP Base that Dont CARE What he has Done or plans to Do, just make him sit like Trumps Base & Saipan Man didnt care hes a 34-Count Felon. Therere Republicans like Saipan Man who LOVES Felon-Trump but futilely tries over & over to nail Ambrodamus to the Cross for getting in trouble 50 years ago, the TRUE Pathetic Bigotry that exist only serving to Block-Potential-Progress so sad! Heck, Ralph topped the MVs Poll which I believe is due to the organized efforts of Republicans for Ralph, as Ralph even had his wife at a voting-site, a desperate measure for TRUE! The GOP Base is well-organized while the Dems are a dysfunctional no-show which is truly heartbreaking. Its obvious that if the Dems dont wake-up with new leadership to teach Republicans a real LESSON, WE might be royally screwed with a Republican and/or the Same-O Republican Breed-Independents AGAIN! WE cant afford to fall-for Ralphs Poli-tricks, as WE are NOT Stupid & WE want People WE can truly TRUST with a Real Economic Recovery Plan or its the Same-O Trick or Treat Poli-tricks like Ambrodamus has been warning ever-since Covid. Heck, the Governor a so-called Independent but really a Republican, tried to give a raise (Treat) to his relative but FAILED to care & issue a Cease & Desist Order to STOP Marijuana Testing of non-safety sensitive employees, a Trick the same Trump style IGNORING Laws. The Governor is still touting the Same-O Trick shortfalls for Retirees, Austerity and etc. but not a whisper on New Revenues. If you dont think WE have a problem with Republicans, you might need to check your cognition, pulse & blood pressure, and your PRECONCEPTION of sight, hearing, your pocketbook & your connections to reality. The Governor just appointed Clyde Norita, a PURE political emissary, the former Fire Commissioner without being a firemen, from Officer promoted to Police Official with no leadership experience, a lucrative Census Job, favoritism from Ralph giving Norita a competitive advantage in all the Photo Ops on the opening of our Cannabis Industry as if there werent any other Dispensaries now Norita is the lead advisor with No Plan. Its the Same-O Republican nepotism driven by ones Connection(s) & WHO is the King (Governor). Now the Governor wants to finally kill the Cannabis Commission after Arnolds passing and appointing Clyde as Senior Advisor. Just like Trump appoints HIS Unqualified Emissaries, our Republican Governor followed in Trumps footsteps with Noritas appointment. Norita is taking us nowhere quick-fast and in-a-hurry with No Economic Plan some Senior Adviser whom Ambrodamus could literally run circles around! If were lucky, the new leaders & governor wont subscribe to bigotry against, the Economist from the schools of Dr. King & Ali! Sincere Thanks for sharing Ambrodamus on Facebook & please continue, as I write because I CARE. But its clear to me that after the next election, Ambrodamus will retire, as I will have given ALL that I had to Give. If People havent learned WHATs Wrong & What Needs to Be Done by 2026 its Good-Luck to us ALL and dont be hating my HARD-Truths! WE will ALL see the TRUE reality of Ambrodamus in the CNMI once the dust of OUR demise settles, as even the great minds in history were once ignored only to be vindicated by Time thats on My-Side! I say this, in remembering the CNMI on the cusp of prosperity with a Surplus in Revenues only to fall into the abyss of Economic Doom led by a desire for the failed GOP Gaming Industry which Bishop Camacho WARNED nothing good would come-of-it! But Ambrodamus PROVEN ideas & suggestions were rejected because Ambrodamus is not indigenous a BOE Member even said on record Ambrose cant write a Local Textbook, Hes not Local! I dont have a chip on my shoulder, just full of compassion FOR the Regular People who appreciate me as WE have missed out on progress & millions due to bigotry! Maybe One Day, as my MaDear might say, it will sink-in that WE the People got TRICKED Deservingly for being SILENT & allowing Subjectivity (Biasness) & Bigotry (Racism) to Reign over the need for Objectivity (Impartiality) to RULE in the quest to find real PROGRESS the true story of Ambrodamus efforts to help the CNMI for over two decades. One People, One Direction Ambrose M. Bennett is an Economist who minored in Sociology, a Political Scientist, a retired teacher & former CNMI Board of Education Member, a James Madison Fellow (U.S. Constitutional Scholar), a Fulbright-Hays-Lifetime Humanities & Religious Scholar who resides in Kagman III in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. ISTANBUL, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities have detained 156 suspected migrant smugglers in operations carried out across 14 provinces over the past two weeks, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Saturday. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Yerlikaya said that 112 of the suspects were jailed, while judicial control measures were imposed on the remaining 44. The operations were coordinated by the Gendarmerie General Command's Department for Combating Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking and involved both unmanned aerial surveillance and ground operations. Yerlikaya said Turkiye has strengthened border security by using advanced technologies and enhanced monitoring systems, alongside firm operational and legal measures. As a major transit and destination country, Turkiye has intensified efforts to curb irregular migration and break smuggling networks operating along key routes into Europe. AIs thirst for power is testing grids worldwide Surging electricity demand from AI and cryptocurrency data centers is straining power grids worldwide. Thermal satellite imagery reveals the immense heat output and energy intensity of these facilities. Many new data centers are being built in hot climates, where cooling demands are exceptionally high and inefficient. Grid operators like PJM Interconnection warn of reliability risks and soaring costs as traditional power plants retire. The industry is exploring advanced cooling technologies and on-site power generation to mitigate the growing crisis. A power supply crisis is unfolding beneath the glow of server racks, as the worlds booming artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency sectors place unprecedented strain on electricity systems. From the eastern United States to the tropics of Southeast Asia, power grids are grappling with a surge in demand driven by energy-hungry data centers. This collision of rapid technological expansion and aging energy infrastructure is forcing a urgent reckoning on reliability, cost and the very future of digital innovation. A view from space: The thermal signature of demand The scale of this new industrial power demand is now visible from orbit. This month, thermal imaging satellites operated by UK-based firm SatVu captured a stark picture of the energy intensity at a Bitcoin mining campus in Rockdale, Texas. The facilitys heat signature, a proxy for its massive electricity consumption, is estimated to draw about 700 megawattsequivalent to the power needs of a small city. This image offers a rare, objective glimpse into a global trend: data centers, crypto mines and AI training facilities are becoming the industrialized worlds newest and most voracious electricity consumers. The geography of heat: Building in the worst places Compounding the problem is the geographic placement of many new facilities. An analysis by Rest of World, using data from late 2025, mapped nearly 9,000 operational data centers globally against optimal temperature ranges. The industry standard for efficient operation is between 18C and 27C (64F to 81F). Yet, the analysis found that to meet local data sovereignty laws and booming regional demand, hundreds of centers are being built in climates far hotter than recommended. In 21 countries, including Singapore, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, every data center is located in a region with an average annual temperature above 27C. In Singapore, where humidity and heat create a "permanent peak summer" for servers, data centers already accounted for 7% of national electricity use in 2020, a share projected to hit 12% by 2030 without intervention. Cooling equipment in these environments requires significantly more energy, placing a double burden on local grids already struggling with reliability, as seen in parts of India and Africa. Grids under pressure: The PJM precedent The consequences of this demand surge are not theoretical. In the United States, PJM Interconnection, the grid operator for 13 states and Washington, D.C., has issued stark warnings. The region faces a capacity crunch as data center growth collides with the retirement of traditional fossil fuel power plants. The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like wind and solar adds another layer of complexity to maintaining grid stability. This pressure recently manifested in a capacity auction where costs skyrocketed to $14.7 billion, a spike largely attributed to the need to secure power for proliferating data centers. The situation illustrates a national security and economic vulnerability: an overstretched grid risks blackouts, stifles technological progress and inflates electricity costs for all consumers. Innovation at the edge: Rethinking cooling and power Confronted by physical and economic limits, the industry and researchers are pushing for a technological overhaul. The traditional model of air-cooled data centers is seen as unsustainable for hot climates. Pilots, like the Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed in Singapore, are advancing solutions such as direct-to-chip liquid cooling and immersion cooling, which can reduce energy use by up to 40%. Major tech firms, including Google, Microsoft and Amazon, are deploying AI-driven efficiency systems and innovative liquid cooling architectures in their newest facilities. Simultaneously, regulators and grid operators are urging large data center operators to develop their own on-site power generation to alleviate grid strain, a move toward energy independence that could redefine the infrastructure of the digital age. Balancing the digital future on a stable grid The path forward hinges on a difficult balance. The economic and strategic benefits of leading in AI and digital services are immense, but they cannot be pursued at the expense of grid reliability and affordable energy. The thermal images from space serve as a potent reminder that digital progress has a profound physical footprint. Ensuring a resilient power supply will require unprecedented collaboration between policymakers, technology companies and grid operators, coupled with a relentless drive for energy efficiency. The stability of the modern economy and the trajectory of technological innovation depend on solving this fundamental power equation. Sources for this article include: RT.com RestofWorld.org BrilliantSourcesEnergy.com The hunt for government waste continues as DOGE cancels contracts worth hundreds of millions in just 5 days DOGE has canceled 55 federal contracts valued at $863 million in the last five days. The initiative claims over $214 billion in total savings, equating to roughly $1,329 per taxpayer. Savings are attributed to contract terminations, workforce reductions and eliminating fraud and improper payments. The task force faces political opposition and disputes reports that its work has been sidelined. The model is inspiring similar cost-cutting efforts worldwide, including a new initiative at the United Nations. In a relentless push to shrink the federal bureaucracy and fulfill a core campaign promise, the Trump administrations Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the termination of 55 federal contracts over a mere five-day period in late December 2025. The task force, established by executive order on the presidents first day back in office, stated the canceled and scaled-back agreements had a combined value of $863 million, preventing an estimated $261 million in what it labeled wasteful spending. This latest action underscores a sustained, controversial campaign to audit and streamline government operations, claiming to have recovered a staggering $214 billion for taxpayers to date. Scrutinizing the "bloat" The recent cancellations provide a window into the types of expenditures DOGE targets. Among the terminated contracts was a $1.6 million Housing and Urban Development agreement for services to provide coherent, accurate, comprehensive, timely and current digital news. A separate $4.5 million Health and Human Services consulting contract for the coordination of quality and public reporting programs and websites was also axed. These follow other high-profile terminations in recent weeks, including a $4.3 million Treasury Department IT contract for Human Centered Transformation and a $29 million Commerce Department consulting deal. DOGE frames these cuts as a necessary correction to decades of unchecked bureaucratic bloat and politically motivated spending, arguing that such vague or duplicative services represent a fundamental misuse of public funds. The scale of savings and sources DOGEs reported $214 billion in total savings is a central pillar of its public messaging. The task force breaks this figure down to approximately $1,329 saved per taxpayer. According to its accounting, the savings are not derived from contract actions alone but from a multi-pronged approach: Cancellation of 13,440 contracts, 15,887 grants and 264 leases. Reductions in improper payments and fraud, including phantom Social Security beneficiaries. Federal workforce reductions and government asset sales. Interest savings from reduced debt and regulatory changes. The Department of Health and Human Services has accounted for the largest portion of savings, followed by the General Services Administration and the Social Security Administration. The initiative operates alongside a broader reduction in the federal workforce, which the administration says has fallen by 271,000 jobs to its lowest level since 2014. Political tumult and a "fraudster's nightmare" The aggressive cost-cutting drive has not proceeded without significant conflict. DOGE has faced fierce resistance from Democratic lawmakers and some state governments, who have accused it of operating outside federal law and refusing to share data to verify its fraud findings. The task force has vehemently pushed back against media reports suggesting it has been dismantled, labeling one story claiming it doesnt exist as fake news. The departments most prominent figure, former special adviser Elon Musk, helped develop its auditing framework before departing in May 2025. Musk characterized his tenure as a fraudsters nightmare and cited increased death threats, suggesting political attacks led to a deliberate reduction in the initiatives public profile after his exit. He left behind automated tools to detect inefficiencies, and DOGE continues to issue updates primarily through social media, though its official website has remained static since early October. A model exported The philosophy underpinning DOGE is beginning to influence institutions beyond the U.S. federal government. In mid-December, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz announced a parallel initiative to DOGE for the international body. His plan aims to cut U.N. staffing by approximately 2,600 and slash its budget by 15 percent in the first year, with the stated goal of refocusing the organization on security fundamentals rather than, in his words, funding bloated bureaucracy on the American taxpayers dime. DOGE publicly praised the move, signaling an ambition to see its model of aggressive efficiency auditing applied globally. The long-term fight for fiscal discipline As DOGE approaches its legislated sunset date in July 2026, its recent flurry of activity demonstrates a continuing operational tempo. The debate it embodies is a perennial one in American politics: the tension between government program efficacy and fiscal restraint. Proponents view the agency as a long-overdue corrective response to opaque and profligate spending, finally delivering on promises of accountability. Critics see a politically charged weaponization of the bureaucracy that undermines vital services. Whether the billions in claimed savings translate into lasting structural change or become a flashpoint in the next political cycle remains to be seen. What is clear is that the battle over the size, cost and very function of the federal government has found a powerful and contentious new auditor. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com DOGE.gov NTD.com The End of Slavery: A radical blueprint for true liberation Slavery never truly endedit evolved into subtler systems of control: Economic Enslavement: Debt traps (student loans, central banking). Medical Tyranny: Mandates, forced treatments, loss of bodily autonomy. Technological Control: Surveillance, data harvesting, behavioral manipulation. Psychological Conditioning: Schools and media shaping obedience over free thought. People unknowingly submit to oppression due to fear, cognitive dissonance and Stockholm Syndrome. Governments exploit crises (e.g., COVID lockdowns, "national security") to expand control. True freedom requires dismantling oppressive systems, not just negotiating within them. Historical examples (underground railroad, anti-colonial movements) prove radical defiance works. No one has the right to initiate force (taxation, mandates, coercion). Modern legal systems arbitrarily grant rights to corporations while stripping them from individuals. The roadmap to liberation includes parallel systems (cryptocurrency, homeschooling, local food production); decentralized tech (open-source tools, encrypted communication, blockchain); civil disobedience (strikes, boycotts); cultural resistance (independent art/media to counter propaganda); and community sovereignty (mutual aid networks, barter economies). In an era where governments, corporations and institutions tighten their grip on every aspect of human lifefrom bodily autonomy to financial sovereignty"The End of Slavery: Reclaiming Humanity in the Age of Control" emerges as a revolutionary manifesto. This book is not merely a critique of modern oppression; it is a battle cry for total emancipation from all forms of coercion, whether overt or hidden in plain sight. The author dismantles the comforting illusion that slavery ended with the abolition of chattel bondage. Instead, they expose the insidious evolution of controlwage slavery, debt servitude, medical tyranny, digital surveillance and psychological conditioningarguing that modern society operates on the same foundational principle: the denial of self-ownership. The many faces of modern slavery The book begins by redefining slavery beyond its historical context. Physical chains have been replaced by subtler, more pervasive mechanisms: Economic enslavement : The student loan system traps generations in debt peonage, while central banking ensures perpetual financial dependence. : The student loan system traps generations in debt peonage, while central banking ensures perpetual financial dependence. Medical tyranny : Mandatory vaccinations, forced psychiatric treatments and government-controlled healthcare strip individuals of bodily autonomy. : Mandatory vaccinations, forced psychiatric treatments and government-controlled healthcare strip individuals of bodily autonomy. Technological control : Big Tech harvests personal data, manipulates behavior and erodes privacy under the guise of convenience. : Big Tech harvests personal data, manipulates behavior and erodes privacy under the guise of convenience. Psychological conditioning: Schools, media and corporate culture mold obedient workers rather than free thinkers. The most chilling revelation? Much of this enslavement is voluntary. People consent to their own subjugationwhether through compliance with unjust laws, dependence on corrupt institutions, or blind trust in authority figures. The psychology of compliance Drawing from historical experiments like Stanley Milgram's obedience studies and Philip Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment, the book dissects why people submit to tyranny. Fear, cognitive dissonance and Stockholm Syndrome condition populations to accept oppression as inevitable. Governments weaponize crisesreal or manufacturedto expand control, from COVID lockdowns to perpetual "national security" measures. The solution? Abolitionism, not reformism. Unlike emancipationwhich merely releases slaves while leaving the system intactabolition demands the complete dismantling of oppressive structures. The book traces successful abolitionist movements, from the Underground Railroad to anti-colonial struggles, proving that radical defiance, not incremental change, is the path to freedom. Self-ownership: The foundation of liberty At the core of the book's philosophy is self-ownershipthe idea that your body, labor and choices belong solely to you. No government, corporation, or institution has the right to dictate what you ingest, how you earn, or what you believe. The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) serves as the moral compass: No one may initiate force against another. This principle invalidates taxation, mandates and any form of coercion disguised as "law." Yet modern legal systems reject this truth. Personhoodthe recognition of individual rightsis arbitrarily granted or revoked by the state. Corporations enjoy legal protections denied to living humans, while unborn children, dissidents and marginalized groups are stripped of fundamental rights. Building a free future The book doesn't just diagnose the problemit offers a roadmap for liberation: Parallel systems : Opt out of oppressive structures. Homeschool instead of indoctrination camps. Use cryptocurrency instead of fiat currency. Grow your own food instead of relying on toxic supply chains. : Opt out of oppressive structures. Homeschool instead of indoctrination camps. Use cryptocurrency instead of fiat currency. Grow your own food instead of relying on toxic supply chains. Decentralized technology : Embrace open-source tools, encrypted communication and blockchain networks to bypass censorship and surveillance. : Embrace open-source tools, encrypted communication and blockchain networks to bypass censorship and surveillance. Civil disobedience : Nonviolent resistancesit-ins, strikes, boycottshas toppled empires before. The key is mass noncompliance. : Nonviolent resistancesit-ins, strikes, boycottshas toppled empires before. The key is mass noncompliance. Cultural resistance : Art, music and independent media reclaim narrative control from corporate propaganda. : Art, music and independent media reclaim narrative control from corporate propaganda. Community sovereignty: Mutual aid networks, local barter economies and voluntary associations replace dependence on centralized power. A call to action "The End of Slavery" is not a passive readit's a demand for radical responsibility. The book challenges readers to audit their lives: Where are you still enslaved? What systems do you depend on that control you? How can you reclaim your sovereignty today? The final message is clear: Freedom isn't given; it's taken. No politician, corporation, or institution will liberate you. True abolition begins with individual defiance and collective rebuilding. Final verdict: A necessary provocation This book is a wake-up call for those who still believe they live in a "free" society. It pulls no punches, exposing the lies of gradualism and the empty promises of reform. While some may dismiss it as radical, its historical precedents and practical solutions make it indispensable for anyone seeking genuine autonomy. For those ready to break their chains, "The End of Slavery" is the manual. The question is: Will you obeyor abolish? Grab a copy of "The End of Slavery: Reclaiming Humanity in the Age of Control" via this link. Discover this book and other good reads at Books.BrightLearn.AI, with thousands of books and counting all available to freely download, read and share. The decentralized BrightLearn.AI engine also lets readers create their own books, empowering them to share insights and truths with the world. Watch the video below about Cory Endrulat discussing self-custody, natural law and technological liberation. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Books.BrightLearn.ai 1 Books.BrightLearn.ai 2 BrightLearn.ai Brighteon.com Newsom declares emergency as atmospheric rivers flood California on Christmas Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency for six counties. Powerful atmospheric rivers caused flash flooding and mudslides. Mountain communities and burn scar areas faced immediate danger. The storms stranded residents and disrupted holiday travel statewide. Forecasters warned of continued life-threatening conditions through Christmas. Californias Christmas was washed away by a deluge of historic proportions, as Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency across six counties on December 24. The declaration for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties came as a series of powerful atmospheric rivers unleashed flash flooding, mudslides, and debris flows, stranding mountain communities and turning holiday travel into a dangerous ordeal. With forecasters warning Southern California could see 4 to 8 inches of rain, Christmas Day was set to bring continued life-threatening conditions, testing the states preparedness during one of the busiest weeks of the year. Governor Newsom stated the state was acting decisively. "California is acting early and decisively to do all we can to get ahead of dangerous winter storms," Newsom said. His proclamation mobilized resources including fire engines, swiftwater rescue teams, and over 300 personnel. While the pre-positioning of assets is a standard emergency step, the severity of the unfolding crisis raises questions about long-term infrastructure and land management resilience in a state increasingly prone to weather extremes. Rescues and strandings in burn scars The most immediate dangers materialized in mountain communities and recent wildfire burn scar areas, where denuded hillsides offered no resistance to the torrents. San Bernardino County firefighters rescued multiple people trapped in vehicles on Christmas Eve after mud and debris surged down a road into Wrightwood. In nearby Lytle Creek, floodwaters washed out the only bridge, isolating residents. Travis Guenther, a Lytle Creek resident, described the scene. "Everybody that left to go to work this morning is stuck," Guenther said. "Half the families are here, and half the families are on the other side of the creek." His account highlights the rapidity with which these storms cut off entire neighborhoods, forcing locals to rely on each other for supplies and medical aid. In Wrightwood, Janice Quick, a 45-year resident, linked the crisis directly to a 2024 wildfire. "All this rain is bringing down a lot of debris and a lot of mud from the mountain area," she said. This cycle of fire and flood has become an unsettling pattern for California, exposing communities to cascading disasters. A statewide atmospheric assault The storms, driven by multiple atmospheric rivers, disrupted the entire state during peak holiday travel. Southern California, which typically receives under an inch of rain in late December, faced a potentially record-breaking soaking. Evacuation orders spread from Orange County burn scars to coastal Malibu, while key roadways like Interstate 5 near Burbank Airport were closed. Northern California faced its own threats. The National Weather Service office in San Francisco issued warnings for the coastline. "Dangerous conditions are forecast along the shoreline," the office stated. "Hazards include sneaker waves, strong rip currents, and large breaking waves. Stay off the rocks and never turn your back on the ocean!" Inland, flood advisories blanketed the Sacramento Valley. The National Weather Service was direct about the peril, stating "life-threatening" conditions would persist through Christmas Day in Southern California, with widespread flash flooding underway. Their consistent message was one of extreme caution: "Turn around, dont drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles." Californians spent Christmas stranded and separated, their holidays washed away by storms that forecasters say were predictable. What remains to be seen is whether the state's cycle of disaster response will ever give way to genuine preparedness... or if neighbors delivering diapers to trapped families will remain the most reliable form of emergency management. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com KTVU.com SignalSCV.com Nvidias $20 billion licensing deal for Groq targets Googles AI chip dominance Nvidia invests $20 billion to license Groq's AI technology and hire its leadership. The deal is a strategic move to counter Google's growing influence in AI inference hardware. Structuring it as a licensing agreement aims to avoid intense antitrust scrutiny. Nvidia gains key talent from Google's TPU project to bolster its own chip development. The transaction highlights the critical and costly race for control over foundational AI hardware. In a move that reshapes the battlefield of artificial intelligence hardware, chip giant Nvidia has strategically deployed a massive $20 billion to secure the technology and brains behind a key startup, Groq. This deal, structured as a licensing agreement and talent acquisition, represents Nvidia's largest such transaction ever and is a direct response to rising competition, particularly from Google's custom tensor processing units (TPUs). For those watching the high-stakes race for AI inference supremacy, this is a clear signal that the arms race is accelerating, with Nvidia pulling out its checkbook to maintain its edge. The agreement, announced just before the Christmas holiday, sees Nvidia licensing Groq's AI inference technology and hiring away its founder and CEO, Jonathan Ross, along with President Sunny Madra and other senior leaders. Ross is a pivotal figure, having previously helped launch Google's TPU project. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang outlined the rationale in an internal email, stating, "We plan to integrate Groqs low-latency processors into the NVIDIA AI factory architecture, extending the platform to serve an even broader range of AI inference and real-time workloads." A deal structured for scrutiny While publicly framed as a "non-exclusive licensing agreement," multiple reports confirm the total value approaches $20 billion in cash for Groq's assets. This complex structure is widely seen as a tactic to navigate intense antitrust scrutiny. Groq will continue to operate independently, at least in name, with its finance chief Simon Edwards becoming the new CEO. Its cloud service, GroqCloud, will also continue operating. As Huang noted, "While we are adding talented employees to our ranks and licensing Groqs IP, we are not acquiring Groq as a company." This "acqui-hire plus licensing" model has become a common playbook for Big Tech. Similar deals have been executed by Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Nvidia itself earlier this year. The approach allows giants to rapidly absorb innovative technology and top-tier talent without triggering the same level of regulatory review as a traditional acquisition. Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon observed, "Antitrust would seem to be be the primary risk here, though structuring the deal as a non-exclusive license may keep the fiction of competition alive." The Google factor and inference wars The strategic impetus for this massive expenditure is clear. Nvidia, while dominant in chips for training AI models, faces a growing challenge in the inference market, where trained models deliver answers to user queries. Google's custom TPUs have gained significant momentum here, offering an alternative to Nvidia's graphics processing units (GPUs). Groq's specialty is its "language processing unit" chips, designed specifically for fast, efficient inference. By bringing Groq's technology and TPU-savvy leadership in-house, Nvidia is buying a shortcut to compete more directly with Google's in-house advances. This is a defensive and offensive move, ensuring its hardware remains the go-to choice as the AI industry's focus increasingly shifts from training models to deploying them at scale. The deal came together rapidly, reportedly just months after Groq raised $750 million at a $6.9 billion valuation in September. It is crucial to distinguish Groq from "Grok," the AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk's xAI. The similar names are a coincidence, but this deal is purely about the underlying silicon that powers such AI applications. For investors who backed Groq's recent funding round, including firms like BlackRock and a fund where Donald Trump Jr. is a partner, the payoff is staggering: a tripling of their investment in roughly three months. This highlights the immense financial firepower Nvidia has accumulated, with more than $60 billion in cash on hand, and its willingness to spend it to consolidate power. The conclusion is unmistakable. In the relentless march of AI progress, control over the foundational hardware is paramount. Nvidia's historic $20 billion deal is not just a purchase of technology; it is an investment in maintaining sovereignty over the future of computation itself. As custom chips from tech giants and well-funded startups emerge, this move proves that even the market leader cannot afford to simply innovate; it must also strategically assimilate. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com WSJ.com Reuters.com CNBC.com Ready-to-eat salads and snack packs RECALLED over Listeria risk The CFIA's Class I recall of Inspired Go ready-to-eat salads and snack packs signals a high-risk scenario involving a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination a bacterium that can cause serious illness or death even when food looks and smells normal. Listeria is rare and that's what makes it dangerous. While it causes far fewer infections than common food bugs like norovirus, listeria accounts for about one-third of known foodborne illness-related death in Canada, hitting pregnant women, seniors and immunocompromised people hardest. About four million Canadians one in eight get sick from contaminated food every year, leading to an estimated 11,600 hospitalizations and 238 deaths, according to public health research. Roughly 60 percent of foodborne illnesses are caused by unidentified agents, meaning millions of people get sick without every knowing what contaminated their food or where it came from. Recalls are prevention. When regulators act before illnesses are reported, it reflects how outbreaks really work: delayed symptoms, under-reporting and invisible pathogens make early intervention one of the most powerful tools to protect public health. In mid-December 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a Class I recall its most serious category for several Inspired Go brand pre-made salad and snack packs, citing possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The agency warned that consuming the affected products, designed for immediate consumption without further cooking or meal preparation, could lead to serious illness or death. Distribution spanned multiple provinces Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and online. The recall was triggered by the Sliced FC, a division of Star Produce Ltd., and the CFIA said it is conducting a food safety investigation while verifying that products are being removed from the marketplace. Consumers were advised not to consume, serve, sell or distribute the recalled items. It's the kind of notice many people skim or miss entirely. But it connects directly to a much broader reality about foodborne illness in Canada. According to estimates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, about four million Canadians roughly one in eight experience a foodborne illness every year. These aren't just mild stomach upsets. Each year, foodborne illness is estimated to result in approximately 11,600 hospitalizations and about 238 deaths. Those numbers come from years of surveillance data and peer-reviewed research published in Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. Researchers emphasize that these are not guesses; they are carefully calculated estimates designed to account for under-reporting and under-diagnosis. To put it in human terms, it's as if the entire population of a major Canadian city falls ill every year from contaminated food with enough hospitalizations to strain healthcare systems and enough deaths to leave hundreds of families grieving. One of the most surprising findings from national food safety data is how much remains unknown. Researchers estimate that about 60 percent of foodborne illnesses in Canada are caused by "unspecified agents" pathogens or toxins that are never identified. People get sick, recover and move on without testing or reporting. Others may seek medical care but never received a definitive diagnosis. This means that for most cases of food poisoning, there is no recall, no headline and no clear source. The illness disappears into the background noise of everyday life. Public health experts say this makes prevention harder and reinforces an uncomfortable truth: the absence of a recall does not mean the absence of risk. Not all foodborne bugs are equal When scientists break down foodborne illness by pathogen, a clear pattern emerges. The bacteria and viruses that make the most people sick are not always the ones that cause the most harm. Norovirus, for example, causes the majority of known foodborne illnesses in Canada more than one million cases each year. It spreads easily and is a leading cause of hospitalization. Salmonella and Campylobacter are also major contributors to serious illness and hospital admissions. But when it comes to deaths, Listeria monocytogenes stands apart. Despite causing fewer infections overall, the listeria bacterium is responsible for about one-third of all known foodborne illness-related deaths in Canada, according to national estimates. That disproportionate impact is why food safety officials respond so aggressively to any sign of contamination. The listeria bacterium's ability to hide in foods that appear fresh, its resistance to cold temperatures and its devastating impact on vulnerable populations make it one of the most feared pathogens in food safety. Inspired Go's products fall into a category public health experts monitor closely: convenient ready-to-eat foods. Unlike raw meat or poultry, which are typically cooked before eating, pre-made salads and snack packs are consumed "as is." There is no final cooking step at home to kill bacteria. If contamination occurs during processing or packaging, it can reach consumers directly. That reality doesn't mean people should avoid convenience foods altogether. But it does explain why recalls involving ready-to-eat products are treated with urgency and why consumers are urged not to take chances. When recalls are announced, many people ask the same question: If no one is sick, why the alarm? Researchers studying foodborne illness say this question misunderstands how outbreaks unfold. Symptoms can take days or weeks to appear. Many people never seek medical care. Others are never tested for specific pathogens. Even hospitalizations and deaths may not always be linked back to food exposure. The peer-reviewed research behind Canada's foodborne illnesses estimates relies on advanced statistical methods to account for these gaps. The conclusion is clear: official case counts almost always underestimate the true impact. In that context, early recalls are not overreactions. They are one of the few tools regulators have to prevent illness before it becomes visible. What this means for your daily life Food safety can feel abstract until it shows up in your own kitchen. The truth is, it touches everyday decisions what you buy, how you store it, how you prepare it and how closely you pay attention to warnings. Public health officials recommend a few practical habits that make a real difference: Treat recall notices seriously, especially Class I recalls. Discard or return recalled food immediately, even if it looks fine. Keep refrigerators clean and cold, ideally at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Centigrade) or below. Separate raw foods from ready-to-eat items. Be especially cautious if you or someone in your household is pregnant, elderly or immunocompromised. These steps are about awareness not fear. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the Inspired Go recall is an example of the food safety system doing what it's designed to do: a company identified a potential issue, regulators investigated and a warning was issued before illnesses were confirmed. But it's also a reminder that foodborne illnesses are a persistent public health burden with real consequences. Watch this video about the plant-based milk nationwide recall in Canada due to Listeria contamination in July 2024. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Recalls-Rappels.Canada.ca Canada.ca PMC.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov Brighteon.com From sandwiches to specimens: Swine fever outbreak puts Spanish lab under microscope Spanish authorities are investigating a state-run animal health laboratory near Barcelona as a potential source of a recent African swine fever outbreak. The virus strain found in wild boars is genetically similar to one used in research and vaccine development, raising lab leak concerns. Echoing 'the plandemic', the investigation follows initial, unconventional theories for the outbreak's origin, including a contaminated sandwich. The incident occurs amid heightened global scrutiny of lab safety and zoonotic disease origins post-COVID-19. Parallel controversies, including horse deaths linked to a Pfizer-derived vaccine in Australia, fuel broader debates on pharmaceutical oversight and institutional trustworthiness. In a twist that echoes ongoing global debates about pandemic origins, Spanish authorities are now investigating whether a recent outbreak of African swine fever near Barcelona stemmed not from nature, but from a laboratory. The probe, announced in early December 2025, centers on a state-funded animal health research center and was triggered after genetic sequencing showed the virus strain was nearly identical to one used in scientific and vaccine development. This development has shifted the official narrative away from earlier, more unusual theoriesincluding the possibility of a virus-laden sandwich fed to a wild boarand toward a potential containment failure, raising immediate questions about biosecurity protocols and transparency in a post-COVID world. A strain too familiar The investigation began after Spains Agriculture Ministry reported that genome sequencing of the virus, found in 13 wild boars in the Collserola hills, showed it was very similar to a strain first detected in Georgia in 2007. This particular variant is known to be widely used in research and vaccine development. The ministrys statement pointedly noted that this similarity does not rule out the possibility that its origin may lie in a biological containment facility. This scientific finding directly challenged the initial hypothesis floated by Catalan officials, which suggested the virus may have spread via contaminated food, such as a sandwich brought from abroad by a truck driver. The laboratory in question Following the ministry's report, the Catalan regional government confirmed it would investigate the Centre for Research in Animal Health (Cresa), located within the outbreaks designated containment zone. Cresa, which is affiliated with the Autonomous University of Barcelona and is designated by the World Organization for Animal Health as a reference lab for swine fevers, has stated it found no evidence of being the outbreak's source. On December 18, regional police executed a court-ordered search of the facility as part of preliminary proceedings that have been declared secret. Spain, as the European Union's largest pork producer, has a significant economic interest in containing the disease, which is harmless to humans but deadly to pigs and wild boars, and has moved to reassure international trading partners. A history of lies and deception The scenario of a potential lab leak is fraught with historical and contemporary resonance. The COVID-19 pandemic ignited a fierce, unresolved debate about whether the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged from a wildlife market or a research facility in Wuhan, China. This Spanish investigation touches the same raw nerve, highlighting persistent global anxieties about "gain-of-function" research and the safety protocols at high-containment biological labs. Incidents involving accidental releases or leaks, though often underreported, are not unprecedented in the history of virology. The current probe underscores a critical, ongoing public policy dilemma: balancing the benefits of advanced pathogen research against the inherent risks of housing and manipulating such agents. A pattern of controversy and eroding trust This incident does not exist in isolation but feeds into a broader landscape of public skepticism toward health authorities and pharmaceutical giants. Parallel reports, such as those from Australia where horse owners allege a Pfizer-derived mRNA vaccine for Hendra virus is causing sudden animal deaths, further compound this distrust. While regulatory bodies investigate individual claims, the cumulative effect is a deepening crisis of confidence. Furthermore, aggressive disease containment policies, exemplified by the recent controversial culling of an entire ostrich farm in Canada over bird flu concerns, are increasingly viewed through a lens of governmental overreach, especially after the polarizing mandates of the COVID-19 era. A test for transparency in a skeptical age The investigation into the Barcelona lab leak possibility is more than a local animal health issue; it is a litmus test for institutional transparency and accountability. As authorities proceed with their secretive judicial inquiry, the world watches to see if the findings will be communicated clearly and completely to a public whose trust has been deeply strained. The shift from a "rogue sandwich" theory to a serious lab investigation reflects the powerful role of scientific evidence in redirecting official narratives. The ultimate resolution of this case will significantly impact the fragile public trust in the systems designed to manage global biological risks, proving that in the aftermath of a pandemic, the origins of an outbreak are never just a scientific question, but a profoundly social and political one. Sources for this article include: Substack.com Reuters.com ThePeoplesVoice.tv NaturalNews.com University of Oklahoma fires teaching assistant over failed essay on biblical gender views A university fired a transgender teaching assistant for arbitrarily failing a student's essay. The student's essay argued a biblical perspective that gender is biologically fixed. The university found the grading was arbitrary and based on the instructor's personal bias. The case sparked national debate over religious liberty and academic freedom on campuses. The university stated a commitment to free inquiry over ideological grading. The University of Oklahoma announced this week that it fired a transgender teaching assistant after an investigation found the instructor arbitrarily failed a students essay that presented a biblical perspective on gender. The case, which drew national attention and praise from conservative figures, forces a hard look at whether universities are upholding their commitment to open inquiry or allowing personal biases to dictate academic outcomes. The controversy began in late November in a psychology course. Students were assigned to write a 650-word response to a scholarly article about gender norms in early adolescence. Samantha Fulnecky, a 20-year-old junior, submitted an essay arguing that gender is biologically fixed and rooted in Christian belief. She wrote that societys push toward multiple genders is demonic and asserted that there would be less gender issues and insecurities in children if they were raised knowing that they do not belong to themselves, but they belong to the Lord. An arbitrary grade Graduate teaching assistant Mel Curth, who uses she/they pronouns, gave Fulneckys paper a zero. In feedback, Curth stated the essay relied too heavily on personal ideology over empirical evidence and called parts of it highly offensive. Curth specifically objected to the term demonic, writing, To call an entire group of people demonic is highly offensive, especially a minoritized population. The grade sparked immediate outcry. Fulnecky filed a religious discrimination complaint, and the essay quickly circulated online, drawing support from conservative activists and lawmakers. The university placed Curth on administrative leave and launched a review. University takes action On Monday, the university released a statement saying its provost had personally reviewed the case. It concluded that Curths grading was arbitrary based on the instructors own statements and prior grading patterns. The school removed Curth from all instructional duties, assigned a full-time professor to the course, and ensured Fulneckys failed grade would not affect her final standing. A formal grade appeal process was also conducted. The University of Oklahoma believes strongly in both its facultys rights to teach with academic freedom and integrity and its students right to receive an education that is free from a lecturers impermissible evaluative standards, the statement read. We are committed to teaching students how to think, not what to think. The decision was celebrated by conservative leaders. Oklahoma state Representative Gabe Woolley called Curths removal appropriate, stating the instructor should never have been employed at a public university while rejecting biological sex differences. Former state schools superintendent Ryan Walters described Fulnecky as an American hero for confronting what he called a broader attack on Christianity. This incident is not isolated. It echoes growing tensions on campuses nationwide where debates over gender ideology, religious liberty, and free speech frequently collide. The University of Oklahomas response suggests an institution attempting to navigate a line between protecting academic freedom and preventing ideological discrimination. A question of fairness At its core, the case raises a persistent question: should students be penalized for expressing religious viewpoints in academic assignments? The universitys rubric for the assignment did not require empirical evidence, asking instead for a thoughtful discussion. Fulneckys essay, while grounded in faith, engaged the topic directly. Critics argue that dismissing her perspective as offensive represents a form of compelled speech, where only approved viewpoints are tolerated. Historical context reminds us that universities have long been arenas for challenging debates. The concept of academic freedom was designed to protect controversial ideas, not suppress them. When instructors allow personal convictions to dictate grades, they risk undermining the very mission of higher education. The University of Oklahomas decisive action sends a clear message that arbitrary grading based on a students beliefs will not be tolerated. But it also leaves unresolved the deeper cultural divide over how gender and faith are discussed in academia. As students return to classrooms, the challenge remains to foster environments where rigorous thinking is encouraged, and diverse perspectives are evaluated fairly... not on their alignment with an instructors worldview, but on their merit within the bounds of the assignment. In an era of intense polarization, that balance is more critical than ever. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com FoxNews.com NYPost.com This undated file aerial photo shows the ecological wetland at the industrial park of Wuliangye Group Co., Ltd in Yibin city, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua) CHENGDU, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- At the industrial park of the leading Chinese liquor maker Wuliangye in Yibin city, southwestern province of Sichuan, a newly built wastewater treatment plant has been recently put into operation. On a large smart monitoring screen at the plant, critical operational data lights up in real time, tracking everything from incoming water quality and processing status to energy usage. "The AI-powered smart water management system enables fully automated and precise control across the entire treatment process," said Zhou Yongkui, chief engineer of Wuliangye Environmental Protection Industry Co., Ltd., calling the system another step in the industry's commitment to the country's green development drive. Wuliangye, literally meaning Five Grains Liquid, is one of China's most famous baijiu (grain-based distilled spirits) brands, with a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). In the Hurun China Food Industry Top 100 List 2025, Wuliangye ranked second with a value of 570 billion yuan (about 81 billion U.S. dollars). Like other baijiu, its production is deeply intertwined with the natural environment. Each stage of the process, from growing ingredients such as sorghum, rice and corn to fermentation and maturation, relies fundamentally on pristine soil, water sources and air. Although the brewing industry is not typically considered highly polluting, its heavy reliance on fossil fuels results in substantial carbon emissions. The production process can also lead to environmental issues, including solid waste accumulation, water pollution and soil degradation. In 2024, China's baijiu industry comprised 989 large-scale enterprises. Their combined annual output of 4.145 million kiloliters represented more than 10 percent of global liquor production. The upper reaches of the Yangtze River, where Wuliangye is located, have been known since ancient times as a birthplace of fine liquor, thanks to its unique climate, water, and soil, but they are also environmentally fragile. "The wastewater treatment plant also utilizes an electron beam irradiation advanced oxidation device to treat the wastewater. Compared with conventional processes, this technology is more efficient and significantly reduces chemical use," Zhou said. With an investment of around 1 billion yuan, the wastewater treatment plant can treat 23,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily and generate 50 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This results in an annual reduction of approximately 9,635 tonnes of standard coal and about 30,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. "The electricity turned from wastewater not only fully meets the plant's own power demand but also allows surplus power to be fed into the grid," Zhou said. Near the wastewater treatment plant lies a 23,000-square-meter ecological wetland where reeds and reed bamboo sway gently in the wind, providing a habitat for rare birds such as common moorhens and little egrets. After the distilled wastewater is treated to meet standards, it undergoes further purification through the wetland's ecological filters, including quartz sand and volcanic rock, as well as the synergistic action of aquatic plants. Only then is it finally discharged or used to replenish the local river's ecological water, according to the energy and environmental protection department at Wuliangye Group Co., Ltd. Built with an investment of over 77 million yuan, the wetland reduces chemical oxygen demand (COD) emissions by approximately 420 tonnes and total phosphorus by about 4 tonnes annually, while supplying over 4 million cubic meters of water to the nearby Songgong River. Meanwhile, the company has been upgrading technology and processes through measures such as reducing fossil fuel use, switching from coal to gas, and from gas to electricity. It is also developing two cogeneration projects to process distillers' grains, aiming to address grain waste disposal and reduce fossil fuel dependence. Over the past decades, China has placed strong emphasis on green transition, and it is steadily advancing toward its dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. The recently unveiled recommendations for formulating the next five-year plan for national economic and social development also call for concerted efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution and pursue green development. Besides Wuliangye, other liquor makers have joined the country's green efforts. Shui Jing Fang, another famous baijiu brand based in Sichuan, released a report earlier this year outlining its carbon reduction targets for 2030, vowing to cut at least 60,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in cumulative direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve the goals, the company has implemented a full lifecycle low-carbon transformation, reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable sourcing, energy-efficient production, and the adoption of renewable energy. "Without a healthy ecosystem, we cannot make good liquor," said Zhou. "For a distillery, green development is not a choice; it's the only path forward." This undated file aerial photo shows the ecological wetland at the industrial park of Wuliangye Group Co., Ltd in Yibin city, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua) U.S. cements status as global hydrocarbon superpower The U.S. is the dominant global hydrocarbon superpower, leading the world in both oil and natural gas production due to the decade-long shale revolution. It has become the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with projections to supply 30% of global LNG output by 2030, leveraging this capacity as a tool of international diplomacy. The transformation was enabled by technological breakthroughs in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, which unlocked vast shale deposits and turned the nation from a major energy importer into an export titan. This energy dominance provides profound economic and geopolitical influence, giving the U.S. unprecedented leverage over global energy security, pricing and supply alternatives for allies. Domestically, the shale boom has generated millions of jobs, lowered energy costs and revitalized manufacturing, with sustained high production levels projected for years to come. In a stunning reversal of fortune, the United States has solidified its position as the world's undisputed hydrocarbon superpower, a title driven by a decade-long shale revolution and now underscored by its commanding lead in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market. According to a major new analysis from global research and consultancy group Wood Mackenzie (WoodMac), the U.S. not only leads in oil and gas production but is leveraging this dominance as a potent instrument of international diplomacy. As noted by BrightU.AI's Enoch, the shale revolution unlocked vast natural gas reserves through hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, dramatically increasing U.S. production. This surge in supply lowered domestic energy prices and reshaped global energy markets. "You don't need to look too far back to find a U.S., which was building LNG import infrastructure, and now in under 10 years it has become the world's largest LNG exporter," WoodMac stated, highlighting the speed of the nation's energy transformation. This breakthrough, rooted in advanced hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, unlocked vast shale deposits, turning the country from an anxious importer into an export titan. The data is staggering. WoodMac's latest Horizons report projects that by 2030, the U.S. will account for a staggering 30% of global LNG output, maintaining its top exporter position ahead of Qatar and Australia. This growth is already in motion, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasting gross LNG exports to surge from an average of 11.9 billion cubic feet per day in 2024 to 16.3 billion in 2026. On the oil front, America's supremacy is equally pronounced. WoodMac noted that the U.S. "leads global oil production (including oil, condensate and natural gas liquids), delivering one-fifth of the world's volumes." The firm added that its closest competitors, Saudi Arabia and Russia, produce only 65% and 50% of U.S. volumes, respectively. The EIA confirms sustained strength, projecting average crude production to remain above 13.5 million barrels per day through 2026. U.S. wields energy as diplomatic tool This hydrocarbon hegemony extends beyond economics into the realm of geopolitics. Malcolm Forbes-Cable, VP of Upstream and Carbon Management Consulting at WoodMac, said: "The resurrection of U.S. LNG is a crucial reminder of what a resource-rich, free-market country like the U.S. can do. This hydrocarbon hegemony is now being leveraged as a diplomatic tool." The implications are profound. As the top producer of natural gas, responsible for 25% of global output according to the Energy Institute's 2024 review and the top oil producer, the U.S. holds unprecedented influence over global energy security and pricing. The nation's expanding network of LNG export facilities, with five new plants under construction and more permitted, serves as infrastructure for both trade and foreign policy, providing allies with alternatives to single-supplier dependencies. The domestic impacts continue to reverberate. The shale-driven boom has generated millions of jobs, slashed energy costs and revitalized manufacturing, with projections still pointing to significant future growth. Now, the focus is increasingly global. Each LNG tanker departing from the Gulf Coast or elsewhere carries not just supercooled fuel, but also the weight of American economic and strategic might. WoodMac's analysis makes clear that the era of U.S. energy scarcity is a distant memory. In its place stands a hydrocarbon superpower, whose resource wealth, technological prowess and export capacity are reshaping global energy flows and diplomatic alliances for decades to come. The world is watching, and buying, as America writes the next chapter of the energy age from a position of overwhelming strength. Watch this video about the future of energy. This video is from the Corstet channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: BrightU.ai Rigzone.com EIA.gov Brighteon.com The trojan horse in your living room: How mass-produced Chinese robots pose an unprecedented national security threat Cybersecurity researchers demonstrated that a fundamental flaw in the AI systems of mass-produced humanoid robots allows them to be weaponized and seized via a simple voice command, turning them into potential spies, saboteurs, or physical threats. The hacked robot used near-field wireless communication to infect a second, offline robot within minutes, proving that physical isolation does not guarantee security against this type of attack. China's dominance in manufacturing and global distribution of affordable robots means this vulnerability could be a pre-installed backdoor in millions of devices within homes, businesses and critical infrastructure worldwide. This represents a new phase of asymmetric warfare, where a foreign power could gain latent kinetic control over a dispersed robotic fleet within an adversary's borders, threatening economic collapse or societal disruption without a traditional military invasion. The incident highlights a pervasive industry-wide problem where a race-to-market mentality prioritizes functionality over fundamental security, requiring manufacturers to implement rigorous security testing from the outset of development. In a chilling demonstration that reads like science fiction, cybersecurity researchers have proven that millions of humanoid robots, mass-produced in China and marketed globally as domestic helpers, can be weaponized against their owners with a single spoken word. This revelation exposes a catastrophic vulnerability at the intersection of artificial intelligence and national security, suggesting that the very devices designed to ease modern life could be transformed into a silent, distributed army controlled by a foreign adversary. A flaw in the foundation The threat centers on a critical flaw within the robots' built-in AI systems, known as large-model agents. Security experts from the group DARKNAVRY demonstrated that by exploiting this vulnerability through simple voice interaction, they could seize complete control of an internet-connected robot, turning it into a digital conduit for chaos. The most alarming aspect was the speed of the contagion. The initially hacked robot acted as a "trojan horse," using near-field wireless communication to infect another robot that was not even connected to the internet. Within three minutes, the second machine was also under malicious control. This shatters the principle that physical isolation guarantees safety. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, "trojan horse" in computer hacking is a malicious program disguised as a benign or useful application, designed to gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network, often to steal data, install malware or perform other malicious activities. These programs exploit the trust placed in them by users, much like the mythical Trojan horse that allowed Greek soldiers to enter the city of Troy. From helper to hazard The potential consequences move far beyond data theft. During the demonstration, the hijacked robot was commanded to walk across a stage and violently punch a mannequin to the floor. A compromised household robot could transition into a mobile spy, a saboteur, or a direct physical threat to families in their own homes. The vulnerability is magnified by China's manufacturing dominance. Firms like UBTECH Robotics boast of "first mass delivery," showing hundreds of humanoid robots marching in unison for global distribution. The ability to produce millions of these affordable devices means a vulnerability is a potential backdoor installed in countless homes and businesses worldwide. Historical context: The evolution of asymmetric warfare This represents the next logical phase of asymmetric warfare. The prospect of a foreign power holding latent kinetic control over a dispersed robotic fleet within an adversary's borders is an unprecedented strategic threat, echoing Cold War fears of sleeper agents, but with inhuman, programmable actors. Manufacturers anticipate deploying robots in sensitive sectors like infrastructure inspection and medical care. A security flaw in robots tasked with elderly care could lead to fatal "malfunctions." Hijacked industrial robots could sabotage factories, power grids, or refineries, triggering economic collapse without a single foreign soldier crossing a border. A global warning echoes This demonstration aligns with a stark report from Europol, which predicted a near-future where terrorist drones could cripple city utilities. These warnings, once dismissed as alarmist, are now being validated in laboratory settings. The incident fundamentally challenges the relationship between humans and autonomous machines. It proves that the command "voice" a robot is designed to obey can be usurped. The promise of robotic loyalty is an illusion if the underlying code contains exploitable weaknesses. The manufacturer's responsibility Security researcher Qu Shipei issued a dire warning and a call to action. He stated that robot manufacturers must integrate rigorous security scanning and real-world penetration testing into the development process. Rushing cheap products to market without fortifying their digital core is like selling a car without brakes. The demonstration was not isolated. Participants at the same event highlighted flaws allowing the hijacking of smart glasses and the forced crashing of drones. This reveals a pervasive race-to-market mentality where functionality is prioritized over fundamental security resilience. The geopolitical stakes For the U.S. and its allies, this is a clarion call. Reliance on consumer and industrial robotics from a strategic competitor introduces a critical point of failure. It represents a form of technological dependency that could be leveraged during a geopolitical crisis. The image of a friendly helper robot turning violently on its owners is no longer confined to Hollywood. It is a proven technical possibility with existential implications. This vulnerability represents a new frontier in hybrid warfareone where the battlefield is the suburban home and the factory floor. Addressing this threat demands immediate action to harden defenses and recognize that national security must be defended in the very circuitry of the devices we invite into our lives. Watch this discussion about the rise of robots and extermination of humanity. This video is from the Brighteon Highlights channel on Brighteon.com. Resources include: The-Sun.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Beneath the Pacific, a new front opens in the global race to break Chinas grip on the minerals that power our world Nearly four miles beneath the sunlit surface of the Pacific Ocean, a quiet but monumental experiment is about to begin. Early next year, a Japanese research ship will lower a long, mechanical arm into the ocean deep, aiming to grasp not just mud, but a measure of economic independence. Japan is planning to mine for rare Earth minerals in the seabed on one of the most remote stages on Earth, near a speck of land called Minamitorishima. It is a direct challenge to a decades-long status quo, where Chinas dominance over rare earth elements has cast a long shadow over global technology and defense industries. This is the worlds first sustained attempt to mine these critical minerals from the deep seabed. Key points: Japan will conduct the world's first sustained deep-sea mining test for rare earth-rich mud from depths of 6,000 meters near Minamitorishima Island in early 2026. The project, led by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), aims to extract 350 metric tons of mud per day in a test of both technical feasibility and environmental impact. Success in 2026 would lead to a larger demonstration project in 2027, forming the cornerstone of a strategy to build a domestic supply chain free from foreign export controls. The rare earths in question, like neodymium and dysprosium, are scientifically crucial for the permanent magnets in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and advanced military hardware. The operation has already been shadowed by geopolitical tension, with a Chinese naval fleet entering the area during earlier Japanese survey work, highlighting the strategic importance both nations attach to these underwater resources. The scientific prize in the deep-sea mud To understand why Japan is venturing into such a hostile environment, one must first understand the unique atomic magic of rare earth elements. Despite their name, they are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, but they are rarely found in concentrated, economically viable deposits. Their power lies in their electron configuration. Elements like neodymium and dysprosium possess unpaired electrons that generate powerful magnetic fields. When alloyed with iron and boron, they create sintered neodymium-iron-boron magnetsthe strongest known type of permanent magnet. These magnets are not just strong; they are efficient and compact. They are the invisible force inside the whisper-quiet motors of electric vehicles, enabling greater range and power. They are inside the generators of direct-drive wind turbines, converting breeze into electricity without the need for heavy gearboxes. In defense, they guide precision munitions and power the drives of naval warships. The mud on the seafloor near Minamitorishima is exceptionally rich in these specific elements, a subaqueous treasure trove that Japanese researchers estimate could meet global demand for centuries. Unlike some terrestrial mines, this deep-sea mud also reportedly lacks radioactive thorium and uranium byproducts, potentially simplifying the refining process and reducing environmental headaches. Engineering the impossible at 6,000 meters The technical ballet required to harvest this mud is a feat of extreme engineering. The pressure at 6,000 meters depth is crushing, nearly 600 times that at sea level, a environment that tolerates no weakness in materials or design. The Japanese plan hinges on the deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu, a ship famous for probing the seismogenic zones of earthquakes. From its deck, a long, umbilical-like pipe will be lowered through the water column, a vertical highway connecting the ship to the abyss. At the seafloor, the pipe will connect to a cylindrical excavator. Here, the mining method employs a clever, closed-loop system. Instead of using disruptive suction or mechanical digging that would plume sediment into the water, the device will use circulating water to gently lift the clay-like mud. The slurry will travel up the pipe to the ship, a continuous lift of 350 metric tons per day. This method is painstakingly designed to minimize the spread of sediment, a major ecological concern in deep-sea mining. Throughout the month-long test, scientists will monitor the seafloor and water column with sensors, watching for any changes to the delicate and poorly understood ecosystems that exist in perpetual darkness. The mud itself presents another challenge; it lies in a thin layer, meaning future commercial operations would resemble a careful, nomadic harvesting operation, moving frequently across the seabed like a farmer tending a vast, underwater field. The path from the 2026 test to a functioning supply chain is long. The extracted mud, reduced in volume by removing water using equipment akin to a giant spin dryer on Minamitorishima Island, must still be shipped to mainland Japan for the complex chemical separation of individual rare earth elements. A historical echo and a modern rivalry Japans push into the deep sea cannot be separated from a painful historical lesson. In 2010, during a diplomatic dispute, China abruptly restricted rare earth exports to Japan, sending shockwaves through its high-tech manufacturing sector and sharply illustrating the vulnerability of global supply chains. That moment crystallized a national imperative for resource security that now drives projects like the Minamitorishima venture. The partnership with the United States, which shares deep concerns over supply chain reliance for critical defense technologies, adds a powerful alliance dimension to what is fundamentally a Japanese technological mission. This history makes the recent presence of a Chinese naval fleet near Minamitorishima, during a Japanese research survey, feel particularly charged. Shoichi Ishii, a program director for the initiative, did not mince words, telling Nikkei Asia, We feel a strong sense of crisis that such intimidating actions were taken. The waters around this remote island are not just scientifically interesting; they have become a silent theater for strategic posturing. The mud on the ocean floor represents a potential shift in economic and even strategic power, a fact well understood in Beijing, Washington, and Tokyo. Sources include: Mining.com Asia.nikkei.com JapanTimes.co.jp North Korea advances nuclear submarine program as Kim Jong Un oversees missile tests Kim Jong Un oversaw a successful test-firing of long-range surface-to-air missiles, capable of striking aerial targets from 200 km (124 miles). The test reinforces North Korea's strategic defense posture, countering U.S. and allied aerial surveillance and missile defenses. Kim inspected an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine, a critical modernization project for North Korea's naval forces. Analysts suggest the submarine could be ready for sea trials within months, though doubts remain about Pyongyang's ability to sustain such technology without foreign aid (potentially from Russia). Kim framed North Korea's military advancements as a response to perceived threats from U.S.-South Korea defense agreements. He condemned Seoul's plans for its own nuclear submarine and criticized the docking of the USS Greeneville in Busan as escalating tensions. A functional nuclear submarine would allow North Korea to launch ballistic missiles from underwater, making its nuclear arsenal harder to detect and destroy. This development challenges regional stability and raises concerns about an escalating arms race in East Asia. Recent actions include submarine-launched ballistic missile tests and underwater drone trials. Kim has dismissed denuclearization talks, signaling a long-term commitment to nuclear armament amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the successful test-firing of long-range surface-to-air missiles while inspecting progress on the nation's first nuclear-powered submarine, state media reported Thursday, Dec. 25. The developments mark a significant escalation in Pyongyang's military ambitions amid heightened tensions with the United States and South Korea. Missile test demonstrates advanced strike capability According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Wednesday's missile test near the east coast targeted aerial objects from a distance of 200 kilometers (124 miles), successfully destroying them. The test was aimed at assessing a new high-altitude missile system, reinforcing North Korea's strategic defense posture. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launch, stating they had monitored preparations beforehand. The missile's extended range suggests Pyongyang is enhancing its ability to counter potential aerial threats, including surveillance aircraft and ballistic missile defenses deployed by the U.S. and its allies. Nuclear submarine construction nears completion Kim also visited a shipyard where an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine is under constructiona project he has previously described as crucial to modernizing North Korea's naval forces. State media released photos showing Kim inspecting the vessel alongside his daughter, Ju Ae, who is widely speculated to be his heir apparent. The submarine, coated in anti-corrosion paint and appearing largely assembled, suggests significant progress since earlier reports in March. Analysts believe core components, including a nuclear reactor, may already be installed. Moon Keun-sik, a submarine expert at Seoul's Hanyang University, told Agence France-Presse that the vessel could be ready for sea trials within months. Kim warns against U.S.-South Korea military cooperation Kim framed North Korea's military advancements as a necessary response to perceived threats from South Korea and the United States. He specifically condemned Seoul's plansbacked by Washingtonto develop its own nuclear-powered submarine, calling it "an offensive act severely violating [North Korea's] security and maritime sovereignty." State media also criticized the recent docking of the U.S. nuclear-powered submarine USS Greeneville in Busan, labeling it "an act of escalating military tensions" in the region. The North has repeatedly accused the U.S. and South Korea of provocation, citing joint military drills and defense agreements as justification for its own weapons development. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un views U.S.-South Korea military cooperation as a significant threat to his regime's security and survival. The strategic reasons behind Kim's concerns on U.S.-South Korea military cooperation for the Korean Peninsula include deterrence and defense, regional balance of power, missile defense systems and decapitation threats. Strategic implications of a nuclear submarine fleet If completed, North Korea's nuclear submarine would significantly enhance its second-strike capability, allowing Pyongyang to launch ballistic missiles from underwatera far more elusive platform than land-based launchers. However, experts remain skeptical about whether North Korea, under heavy international sanctions, possesses the technical expertise to sustain a nuclear submarine fleet without foreign assistance. Some analysts speculate that Russia, which has deepened ties with Pyongyang amid the Ukraine war, may have provided technological support. While direct evidence is lacking, the rapid progress in submarine construction raises questions about external aid. Ongoing military escalation on the Korean Peninsula The latest developments follow a series of provocative actions by North Korea, including underwater drone tests and submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) launches. In March 2023, Pyongyang successfully test-fired nuclear-capable cruise missiles from a submarine, demonstrating its expanding underwater warfare capabilities. Kim has repeatedly emphasized that North Korea's nuclear program is non-negotiable, dismissing calls from Washington and Seoul to return to denuclearization talks. With tensions at their highest in years, the Korean Peninsula remains a flashpoint for potential conflict. A new arms race in East Asia? North Korea's advances in missile and submarine technology signal a long-term commitment to nuclear armament, challenging regional stability. As South Korea seeks U.S. support for its own nuclear submarine program, the risk of an escalating arms race in East Asia grows. Watch the video below about a North Korean long-range cruise missile launched from a mobile launcher. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com CNBC.com BusinessWorldonline.com TheIndependent.co.uk DW.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Nvidia strengthens AI dominance with strategic Groq talent acquisition and licensing deal Nvidia signed a non-exclusive licensing deal with AI chip startup Groq, hiring its founder Jonathan Ross, CEO Sunny Madra and senior engineers. Groq retains independence under new CEO Simon Edwards, with its GroqCloud platform unaffected. Groq specializes in AI inference (running trained models for real-time responses) via its custom Language Processing Unit (LPU). Nvidia, already dominant in AI training, aims to integrate Groq's low-latency processors into its AI architecture for broader deployment. Tech giants are bypassing full acquisitions to secure top talent, avoiding regulatory hurdles. Similar deals: Microsoft (Inflection AI), Google (Character.AI), Meta (Scale AI). Nvidia's deal valued at $20B, its largest ever. Aligns with President Donald Trump's executive order promoting U.S. AI leadership. Groq powers AI for Fortune 500 firms and 2M+ developers. Groq continues innovation after raising $750M (September 2025) at a $9B valuation. Nvidia solidifies dominance amid competition from Cerebras Systems and Google TPUs. In a move that further solidifies its dominance in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, Nvidia has secured a non-exclusive licensing agreement with AI chip startup Groq, bringing aboard its founder, CEO Jonathan Ross, and key executives to bolster its inference technology capabilities. The deal, announced by Groq on Wednesday, Dec. 24, allows Nvidia to license Groq's proprietary AI inference technology while hiring Ross, President Sunny Madra, and other senior engineers. Groq will continue operating independently under new CEO Simon Edwards, with its cloud platform, GroqCloud, remaining unaffected. Groq, founded in 2016 by former Google engineers, specializes in AI inferencethe process of running trained AI models to generate predictions or responses, such as those seen in ChatGPT or image recognition systems. The company developed its custom Language Processing Unit (LPU), designed for high-speed, low-cost AI inference. "AI inference, in the context of artificial intelligence, refers to the process by which AI models draw conclusions or make predictions based on input data. This process is a fundamental aspect of AI, enabling machines to learn, reason and make decisions," said BrightU.AI's Enoch. AI inference can be categorized into two primary types: inductive and deductive inference. A third one, probabilistic inference, involves making decisions or drawing conclusions based on probabilities and statistical models. This type of inference is commonly used in Bayesian AI networks and Deep Learning models. Nvidia, already the leader in AI training chips, is now doubling down on inferencea critical next phase as AI shifts from development to real-world deployment. Jensen Huang, Nvidia's CEO, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal in an internal email obtained by CNBC: "We plan to integrate Groq's low-latency processors into the NVIDIA AI factory architecture, extending the platform to serve an even broader range of AI inference and real-time workloads." A new trend: Talent-focused deals The agreement follows a growing Silicon Valley trend where tech giants acquire key talent rather than entire companiesa strategy that avoids regulatory hurdles while securing top-tier expertise. Recent examples include: Microsoft's deal with Inflection AI, bringing co-founder Mustafa Suleyman onboard. Google's $2.5 billion licensing agreement with Character.AI, hiring only select employees. Meta's $14 billion investment in Scale AI, absorbing its CEO to lead AI initiatives. Alex Davis, CEO of Disruptive (a major Groq investor), confirmed to CNBC that Nvidia is acquiring Groq's assetsnot the entire companyfor an estimated $20 billion, marking Nvidia's largest deal ever. Geopolitical implications: U.S. AI leadership The deal aligns with President Donald Trump's July executive order promoting the export of U.S. AI technology to maintain global dominance. Groq has been a key player in this initiative, powering AI infrastructure for Fortune 500 companies and over 2 million developers worldwide. "Inference is defining this era of AI, and we're building the American infrastructure that delivers it with high speed and low cost," Ross stated in September. While Nvidia strengthens its AI ecosystem, Groq will continue innovating under new leadership. The startup had previously raised $750 million in September at a $6.9 billion valuation, with investors including BlackRock, Samsung and Donald Trump Jr.'s 1789 Capital. As AI transitions from lab development to global deployment, Nvidia's latest move ensures it remains at the forefrontboth in training and inference. With competitors like Cerebras Systems and Google's TPUs vying for market share, the AI chip wars are far from over. For now, Nvidia's strategic talent grab reinforces its position as the undisputed leader in the AI revolution. Watch the video below about President Donald Trump praising Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang for U.S. AI chip push. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com BusinessInsider.com CNBC.com ChannelNewsAsia.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Under the Engineered Sky: How governments are secretly waging war on Earths climate The book "Under the Engineered Sky" exposes how governments and corporations secretly manipulate Earth's climate through programs like Solar Radiation Management (SRM), spraying toxic metals (aluminum, barium, strontium) into the atmosphere, disrupting weather patterns and poisoning ecosystems. It documents historical military weather-modification programs (Operation Popeye, Project Cirrus) and links modern unnatural disasters (Hurricane Harvey, California droughts, Australian bushfires) to advanced climate weaponization via HAARP and aerosol spraying. The book reveals how engineered droughts, floods and toxic fallout benefit corporate agribusiness, urban developers and globalist elites pushing carbon taxes while accelerating health crises (Alzheimer's, infertility) as part of a broader depopulation agenda. It urges readers to: Educate using visual evidence (e.g., lab-tested rainwater, grid-like skies). Pressure lawmakers via FOIA requests and state-level bans. Build self-sufficiency (clean food/water, detox) and local resilience networks. "Under the Engineered Sky" dismisses mainstream "climate change" narratives, arguing that unnatural weather events are deliberate acts of geoengineeringa silent war demanding public awareness and resistance. If you've ever looked up at the sky and wondered why the clouds don't behave the way they used towhy rain falls in unnatural patterns, why droughts and floods strike with eerie precisionthen "Under the Engineered Sky: The Hidden War on Earth's Climate" is the book you need to read. This explosive expose pulls back the curtain on geoengineering, the shadowy, large-scale manipulation of Earths climate systems by governments and corporations operating without public consent. Written in a gripping, investigative style, the book dismantles the mainstream narrative of "climate change" and replaces it with something far more sinister: a deliberate, militarized assault on the planet itself. The sky is no longer natural The book opens with a chilling premise: the weather is no longer an act of Godit's an act of man. The author meticulously documents how geoengineering, particularly Solar Radiation Management (SRM), has turned the atmosphere into a weaponized battleground. Stratospheric aerosol injectionswhere toxic metals like aluminum, barium and strontium are sprayed into the upper atmospherecreate artificial cloud cover, disrupt rainfall and poison the soil. The evidence is undeniable: satellite imagery, flight tracking data and whistleblower testimonies all point to a coordinated global operation. One of the most harrowing revelations is how these programs are linked to military projects like HAARP (High-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program), which uses ionospheric heaters to manipulate weather patterns. The authors connect the dots between unnatural disastersHurricane Harvey's bizarre stalling over Houston, California's engineered droughts and Australia's apocalyptic bushfiresand the fingerprints of climate manipulation. A history of weather warfare The book doesn't just speculateit traces the history of weather modification from its military origins. Operation Popeye, a classified U.S. program during the Vietnam War, extended monsoons to bog down enemy supply routes. Project Cirrus in 1947 attempted to steer hurricanes, with disastrous consequences. Fast forward to today, and the technology has evolved into something far more precise and dangerous. Patents for weather control exist, and governments openly discuss "climate intervention" while denying its deployment. Yet, as the authors argue, the proof is in the skies. Persistent contrails that spread into synthetic clouds, "hole-punch" formations and bizarre storm behaviors defy natural meteorological patterns. The book provides a stark guide for readers to distinguish between natural weather and engineered disastersknowledge that feels both urgent and terrifying. The book doesn't shy away from exposing the financial and geopolitical motives behind geoengineering. Droughts collapse small farms, paving the way for corporate agribusiness. Floods displace communities, allowing developers to rebuild "smart cities" on the ruins. The same elites pushing carbon taxes and "green energy" mandates hold patents on the very technologies disrupting the climate. Perhaps most alarming is the connection between geoengineering and depopulation agendas. The toxic fallout from aerosol sprayinglinked to rising rates of Alzheimer's, respiratory diseases and infertilitysuggests that this isn't just about controlling the weather; it's about controlling us. Breaking the silence: What you can do The final section of the book shifts from diagnosis to action. The author outlines practical steps for resistance: Educate others : Share documentaries like "The Dimming" and use visual evidence (photos of grid-like skies, lab tests of contaminated rainwater) to bypass psychological denial. : Share documentaries like "The Dimming" and use visual evidence (photos of grid-like skies, lab tests of contaminated rainwater) to bypass psychological denial. Legal and political pressure : File FOIA requests, support state-level bans on geoengineering and confront legislators with hard evidence. : File FOIA requests, support state-level bans on geoengineering and confront legislators with hard evidence. Build self-sufficiency : Grow your own food, collect clean water and detoxify from heavy metalsbecause the system won't protect you. : Grow your own food, collect clean water and detoxify from heavy metalsbecause the system won't protect you. Community resilience: Form mutual aid networks, barter systems and local preparedness groups to survive engineered scarcity. "Under the Engineered Sky" is more than a bookit's a rallying cry. The author dismantles the lies of "climate change" as a natural phenomenon and replace them with a far more plausible (and terrifying) truth: the weather is being weaponized. The writing is sharp, the research exhaustive and the implications staggering. For anyone who has ever questioned why the sky looks different, why storms behave unnaturally, or why governments refuse to acknowledge the obvious, this book provides the answers. The question now is: What will you do with this knowledge? Grab a copy of "Under the Engineered Sky: The Hidden War on Earth's Climate" via this link. Read, share and download thousands of books for free at Books.BrightLearn.AI. You can also create your own books for free at BrightLearn.AI. Watch Dane Wigington warning that climate engineering operations threaten humanity's very existence on Earth on the "Health Ranger Report." This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: BrightLearn.ai Books.BrightLearn.ai Brighteon.com USCIS touts historic immigration enforcement under Trump administration The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a record 196,600 Notices to Appear for deportation in 2025. The agency referred over 14,400 cases to ICE, identifying 182 individuals as confirmed or suspected national security risks. Aggressive anti-fraud operations led to over 29,000 referrals, with fraud confirmed in 65% of investigated cases. Policy changes tightened vetting, ended temporary protections for several nations, and strengthened the citizenship test. Officials frame the actions as restoring integrity to an immigration system they say was dismantled under the prior administration. In a sweeping end-of-year review, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has detailed what it calls historic levels of enforcement for 2025, highlighting a dramatic shift in policy and practice under the Trump administration. The agency, tasked with lawful immigration processing, reported issuing approximately 196,600 Notices to Appearthe charging documents that begin deportation proceedingsand referring over 14,400 individuals to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for fraud, public safety, or national security concerns. These figures, released just before the close of the year, underscore a systemic pivot toward stringent vetting and aggressive enforcement, reversing policies from the Biden era that officials argue compromised border security and system integrity. Unprecedented enforcement and national security vetting The 2025 data marks a stark numerical increase in enforcement actions initiated by USCIS, an agency whose primary function had been adjudicating benefits like green cards and citizenship. Under Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, USCIS has explicitly embraced a law enforcement role. Beyond the nearly 200,000 deportation initiations, the agency identified 182 individuals as confirmed or suspected to be national security risks. This enhanced focus follows a directive from Noem to re-examine every green card from high-risk countries and pause asylum processing after a November attack in Washington, D.C., involving an Afghan national. The administration has also established a new vetting center, leveraging technology and intelligence partnerships to identify threats. A declared "war on fraud" Central to the agencys annual report is its declared war on immigration fraud. USCIS officers made more than 29,000 fraud referrals to its Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) Directorate in 2025a number the agency claims surpasses the total during the entire prior Biden administration. Investigations completed on over 19,300 of those cases found fraud in 65 percent. To uncover deception, FDNS conducted more than 6,500 site visits and over 19,500 social media checks on applicants online posts. The agency highlighted Operation Twin Shield, its largest-ever enforcement operation based in Minneapolis-St. Paul, which uncovered schemes ranging from marriage fraud to visa misuse and led to arrests, benefit denials and the discovery of an individual with terrorism ties. Policy shifts: Closing loopholes and prioritizing Americans The enforcement statistics are bolstered by a series of policy reversals and regulatory changes. USCIS, with DHS, terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for several countries, including Haiti, Venezuela and Nicaragua, asserting the humanitarian program was being exploited and was always meant to be temporary. It also ended expansive parole programs for certain nationalities, returning to a case-by-case basis. Domestically, the agency strengthened rules to verify the authenticity of family and marriage relationships for immigration purposes and shortened the validity period of work permits to allow for more frequent vetting. A revised naturalization test, made longer and more difficult, alongside the reinstatement of neighborhood investigations for citizenship applicants, aims to raise the bar for becoming an American. Historical context and political divide The current crackdown revives historical debates over immigration enforcement intensity. The approach echoes earlier periods of stringent oversight and carries echoes of the attrition through enforcement strategies that gained prominence in the 2000s. It stands in direct opposition to the philosophy of the immediate past administration, which focused on creating pathways for long-term residents and Dreamers. Legislative efforts like the Dream Act of 2025, introduced by Democratic senators to provide legal status to undocumented immigrants brought to the country as children, illustrate the deep political chasm. The Trump administrations actions are framed explicitly as a corrective to what officials label the dismantling of the immigration system, prioritizing national security and American workersa principle encapsulated in the America First mantra repeatedly cited by agency leadership. A restored system or a radical shift? The 2025 review from USCIS presents a narrative of restored order and rigor. With over 2,400 arrests at its own field offices, a massive hiring push for Homeland Defenders, and billions of eligibility checks to prevent benefit abuse, the agency portrays itself as a newly muscular arm of homeland security. For supporters, these measures represent a necessary reclaiming of sovereignty and the rule of law. For critics, they signify a harsh departure from American traditions of refuge and a potentially unsustainable focus on enforcement over broader reform. As the administration looks ahead, the data from this first year sets a formidable benchmark for its immigration agenda, ensuring that the balance between security and compassion will remain a defining and deeply contentious issue for the nation. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com USCIS.gov FoxNews.com Thai Defense Minister Natthapon Nakpanich (C) speaks during a press conference after the third Special Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee meeting held at a border checkpoint in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Dec. 27, 2025. Thailand and Cambodia signed a joint statement on Saturday to agree on a ceasefire from 12:00 p.m. local time. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) CHANTHABURI, Thailand/PHNOM PENH, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Thailand and Cambodia signed a joint statement on Saturday to agree on a ceasefire from 12:00 p.m. local time. The statement was inked by Thai Defense Minister Natthapon Nakpanich and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Seiha during the third Special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, which was held on the Thai side of the border in Chanthaburi province. Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Natthapon said the statement's key points included an agreement by both sides to maintain current troop deployments without further movement, and that no troop movements or patrols would be conducted toward the other side's positions. Natthapon stated that the Thai armed forces will consider a ceasefire only when all hostilities are clearly observed based on actual behavior and action on the ground. The ceasefire will be monitored for 72 hours, Natthapon said, adding that "once the situation stabilizes, civilians will be able to safely return to their homes, after which the 18 detained Cambodian soldiers will be released, according to the international norm and practice." According to the Cambodian Defense Ministry, Thailand will return 18 captured Cambodian soldiers if a ceasefire has been fully maintained for 72 hours. Both sides also agreed to refer to the Joint Boundary Commission to resume, at the earliest, the survey and demarcation work, in accordance with existing agreements between the two countries to achieve lasting peace along the border. Thai Defense Minister Natthapon Nakpanich (C) speaks during a press conference after the third Special Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee meeting held at a border checkpoint in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Dec. 27, 2025. Thailand and Cambodia signed a joint statement on Saturday to agree on a ceasefire from 12:00 p.m. local time. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) 9 UP men stranded in Kyrgyzstan after job fraud return to Pilibhit Last Updated: December 28, 2025, 00:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Pilibhit (UP), Dec 27 (PTI) Nine Pilibhit residents trapped in Kyrgyzstan for the past three months returned home safely on Saturday, officials said. The remaining three are expected to return by December 30 as their visas are valid until December 31, 2025, they said. Pilibhit District Magistrate Gyanendra Singh told PTI that the process for the return of the remaining three workers was almost complete, and they would be brought back before the year end. Gyanendra Singh also appealed to everyone to be vigilant against fraudsters. All 12 men, who fell victim to a scam, belong to Barkhera, Puranpur, Diyoria and Gajraula police station areas of Pilibhit. They were allegedly lured by the owner of a recruiting agency in Pilibhit city with the promise of jobs abroad, and paid Rs 2.5 lakh each to him to facilitate the travel and the non-existent job. The scam was unearthed with a video of Rohit, one of 12 stranded in Kyrgyzstan. After the revelation, on December 5, his wife, Premvati, and the kin of several more trapped in the Central Asian country contacted the authorities. Ravi Kumar, Ajay, Chandrapal, Santram, Rohit, Ramesh, Harswaroop, Shyamacharan, Sanjeev, Prempal, Ramasare, and Harishankar were reported to be trapped in different cities of Kyrgyzstan for about three months. All of them were sent on a 59-day visa with a fraudulent contract. Upon reaching Kyrgyzstan, the men did not get the jobs as promised and were allegedly held hostage and forced to work at a job they had not signed up for. They uploaded videos on social media recounting their ordeal, complaining of beatings and not receiving their salaries, and appealed to the Indian government to help them return home. Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav said he has assigned the investigation of the case to the Circle Officer (City). Earlier, Union Minister Jitin Prasada met the victims families in Delhi and contacted the Indian Embassy to facilitate their return. Farmer leader Dev Swaroop Patel met the returning workers in Bareilly on Saturday. Patel told PTI that tickets had not yet been arranged for Harishankar from Jironia village, Ramasre from Bhuda Pipariya village, and Shyam Charan from Baiju Nagar village. Smiles returned to their families in the villages when the workers returned. They requested Prasada, the Pilibhit MP, to take strict action against those who cheated them and help them recover their money. PTI COR NAV VN VN News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 28, 2025, 00:15 IST News agency-feeds 9 UP men stranded in Kyrgyzstan after job fraud return to Pilibhit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Amritsar Vigilance Bureau SSP suspended over 'misconduct' flagged internally Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 21:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Chandigarh, Dec 27 (PTI) The Punjab government has suspended a senior officer of the Vigilance Bureau over alleged grave misconduct and dereliction of duty, according to an order. The December 26 order, however, did not reveal the nature of misconduct by the officer. Lakhbir Singh, PPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Vigilance Bureau, Amritsar, Punjab is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect under Rule 4 (1) (a) of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970 for his grave misconduct and dereliction of duty," the order read. Meanwhile, an official statement said an internal complaint had been received against the officer and in response, appropriate disciplinary action was initiated. Lakhbir Singh has been placed under suspension for unauthorised interference in matters outside his official domain, said the statement. Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated, and the matter is being examined in depth in accordance with established procedures, it further said. The order read that during the suspension, his headquarters will be the office of Director General of Police, Punjab, Chandigarh, and he will not leave it without the permission of the competent authority. Last month, the state government suspended Amritsar Rural, Senior Superintendent of Police and IPS officer Maninder Singh for his alleged failure in taking strict action against gangsters. PTI CHS VSD VN VN News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 21:15 IST News agency-feeds Amritsar Vigilance Bureau SSP suspended over 'misconduct' flagged internally Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Are Banks Open Or Closed Today, Saturday, December 27? Check Bank Holiday List For Next Month Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 09:19 IST Today, December 27, is the last Saturday of the month and is a bank holiday. So, bank branches will remain closed today throughout the country. Bank Holiday Today: Are Banks Open Or Closed? Check State-Wise Status Are Banks Open Today, December 27? If you are planning to visit your bank branch, it is necessary to check the holiday list for banks. Banks remain closed on RBI-notified holidays, Sundays and second & fourth Saturdays. Today, December 27, is the last Saturday of the month and is a bank holiday. So, bank branches will remain closed today throughout the country. Bank branches remain closed on a number of bank holidays approved by the RBI. As per the standard banking schedule, all banks both public and private across India also remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Are Banks Closed Today And Tomorrow? Today (December 27), both public and private banks will remain closed across the country. Tomorrow (December 28) also, banks will remain closed across the country as it is a Sunday. Timings of Banks Today? Most major banks in India, including SBI, Bank of India, and Punjab National Bank, operate between 10 am and 4 pm, while ICICI, HDFC, Axis, Yes Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank usually function from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm or 3:30 pm, depending on the branch. Bank of Baroda has slightly extended hours, operating between 9:45 am and 4:45 pm or 10 am to 5 pm, and Canara Bank typically works from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Bank Holidays In January 2026 Holiday Description Day New Years Day/Gaan-Ngai 1 New Year Celebration/Mannam Jayanthi 2 Birthday of Hazrat Ali 3 Birth Day of Swami Vivekananda 12 Makar Sankranti/Magh Bihu 14 Uttarayana Punyakala/Pongal/Maghe Sankranti/Makara Sankranti 15 Thiruvalluvar Day 16 Uzhavar Thirunal 17 Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose/Saraswati Puja (Shree Panchami)/Vir Surendrasai Jayanti/Basanta Panchami 23 Republic Day 26 News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 09:19 IST News business banking-finance Are Banks Open Or Closed Today, Saturday, December 27? Check Bank Holiday List For Next Month Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Smog Returns To Delhi As Air Quality Slips Back To 'Very Poor' Category; AQI At 355 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 09:18 IST A layer of smog engulfed Delhi on Saturday morning as the Air Quality Index (AQI) declined to 354 at 8 am, after signs of improvement this week. Rapid Read Delhi was covered in smog again on Saturday morning. Visuals from AIIMS. (ANI) Delhi Pollution: Delhi woke up again to a smog-filled morning as the air quality in the national capital deteriorated to the very poor category on Saturday after showing signs of improvement earlier this week. A layer of smog engulfed Delhi on Saturday morning as the Air Quality Index (AQI) declined to 355 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). According to CPCB categorisation, 0-50 is good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe. #WATCH | Delhi | Visuals around Dhaula Kuan area as a layer of smog engulfs the national capital.AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 252, categorised as Poor, as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/SeJpIyGmnL ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2025 #WATCH | Delhi | Drone visuals from the AIIMS area as a thick layer of smog blankets the cityAQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 270, categorised as Poor, as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). Visuals shot at 7.10 am pic.twitter.com/GZvIPmtW5P ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2025 Some parts of Delhi slipped back into the severe category on Saturday as of 8 am, including: Anand Vihar 410 410 Jahangirpuri 414 414 Narela 406 406 Rohini 406 406 Shadipur 408 Overall, the citys air quality showed a clear downward trend. The 24-hour average AQI stood at 332 at 4 p.m. on Friday, a significant rise compared to 234 recorded on Thursday. Weather officials attributed the spike in pollution levels to calm wind conditions associated with an approaching western disturbance. The air quality in Delhi had earlier improved to 220 (poor) at 9 am on Friday, with several parts of the capital in the moderate category. This came after the Delhi government revoked stage four of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Wednesday as the air quality in the capital improved. The decision to revoke GRAP-4 has been taken by the Sub-Committee after reviewing the situation. Meteorological experts have cautioned that pollution levels may remain elevated in the coming days due to a series of western disturbances expected to affect the region. In view of the prevailing conditions, the weather department has issued a yellow alert, warning of moderate to dense fog across Delhi and adjoining areas. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 7.7 degrees Celsius on Friday and a maximum of 22.3 degrees, as per IMD data. The weather department has warned of moderate fog at many places and dense fog at isolated places on Saturday and Sunday. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 09:11 IST News new-delhi-news Smog Returns To Delhi As Air Quality Slips Back To 'Very Poor' Category; AQI At 355 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Samajwadi Party Releases First List Of 21 Candidates For BMC Elections Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 09:29 IST Samajwadi Party, led by Abu Azmi, announced its first list of 21 candidates for the BMC elections, confirming an independent campaign across various Mumbai wards. Samajwadi Party, led by Abu Azmi, announced its first list of 21 candidates for the BMC elections, confirming an independent campaign across various Mumbai wards. (Pic: Wiki) The Samajwadi Party (SP) has released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The partys Maharashtra president, Abu Azmi, announced the first list comprising 21 candidates who will contest the civic polls across various wards in Mumbai. Earlier, Azmi had made it clear that the Party would contest the BMC elections independently, without entering into any alliance. The list, issued by the partys MumbaiMaharashtra unit, includes aspirants from multiple wards and marks the formal start of the Samajwadi Partys campaign for the high-stakes civic elections in the countrys financial capital. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 09:28 IST News cities Samajwadi Party Releases First List Of 21 Candidates For BMC Elections Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... DSSSB TGT Recruitment 2025: Exam Postponed, Delhi Govt Mulls Raising Age Limit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 18:30 IST The Delhi government is considering raising the maximum age limit for the exam. Consequently, the exams scheduled for March have been postponed until the changes are finalised. This new approach is expected to benefit those who had crossed the 32 or 35-year age limit. (AI Generated Image) The Delhi government is considering raising the maximum age limit for the exam. Consequently, the exams scheduled for March have been postponed until the changes are finalised. Education Minister Ashish Sood has issued an order regarding the same. Many candidates in Delhi have argued that they exceeded the age limit due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of regular exams in past years. As a result of Minister Ashish Soods directive, candidates who have reached the age of 40 and were ineligible this year will now receive relief. The latest updates will be available on the official website at dsssb.delhi.gov.in. Thousands of candidates had appealed to the government, claiming that previous administrations did not conduct the DSSSB exams on time. This delay rendered many qualified candidates ineligible for government job recruitment due to surpassing the age limit. They argued that the systems inefficiencies, not their own, jeopardized their futures. Sood has instructed that the current exam schedule be put on hold to protect candidates interests, reported News18 Hindi. The DSSSB TGT exam, initially planned for March 2026, has been postponed until a new notification about the age limit increase is issued. The government aims to rectify the disadvantages caused to the youth by the previous system by raising the age limit. This new approach is expected to benefit those who had crossed the 32 or 35-year age limit. It is expected that the general category will also see significant age relaxation, enabling candidates up to 40 years of age to once again aspire to become government teachers. The Education Department is examining the legal aspects and regulations, with a new order and exam date to be announced soon. Sood also noted that previous governments negligence wasted valuable time for the youth. Vacant posts remained unfilled for years due to delays in the recruitment process. The Delhi government now aims to offer a fair chance to these youth, ensuring that deserving candidates futures are not jeopardised by examination delays. This decision has provided much-needed relief to candidates who had lost hope of securing a government job. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 18:27 IST News education-career DSSSB TGT Recruitment 2025: Exam Postponed, Delhi Govt Mulls Raising Age Limit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... IIT Kanpur Placement 2025: Over 1200 Offers Received, Phase II Begins Mid-January Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 09:56 IST IIT Kanpur Placement 2025: Students accepted 1,079 of the total offers, including PPOs. 15 students secured international offers from companies in Europe, Japan, Korea, and the US. Over 250 companies have shown interest in hiring IITK students this year. (File Photo) The Students Placement Office (SPO) at IIT Kanpur has successfully concluded Phase I of the campus placements for the 202526 graduating batch. Hiring was conducted in on-campus, virtual, and hybrid modes to maximise accessibility for recruiters and students, the IIT stated. The initial phase saw over 250 organisations from various sectors participate, offering a total of 1,202 positions. Students accepted 1,079 of these offers, including Pre-Placement Offers. A notable highlight was that 15 students secured international offers from companies in Europe, Japan, Korea, and the United States. The institute anticipates more global opportunities in Phase II placements, scheduled to commence in mid-January 2026. The phase featured leading domestic and international companies such as Accenture, Airbus, American Express, BlackRock, Boeing, Databricks, Deutsche Bank, ICICI Bank, Mastercard, Meesho, Navi, PwC, Qualcomm, Samsung, InMobi, and Square Point Capital, among others. Several Public Sector Undertakings, including BPCL, BEL, MIDHANI, and EIL, also participated actively. Commenting on the completion of Phase I of the campus placements, Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, said, The successful conclusion of Phase-I placements reflects the academic rigor, adaptability, and industry-readiness of our students, as well as the institutes strong and enduring engagement with leading organizations in India and abroad. I commend the Students Placement Office for efficiently managing a flexible and inclusive placement process. We remain committed to nurturing talent that is capable of contributing meaningfully to global and national growth, and we look forward to continued success in the upcoming phases." Prof. Ashwani Kumar Thakur, Chairperson, SPO, IIT Kanpur, said, We sincerely thank all participating recruiters for their continued support and confidence in the talent pool of IIT Kanpur. Their partnership plays a vital role in shaping the careers of our students. As the placement season unfolds, the SPO remains dedicated to guiding students toward promising and enduring professional pathways." Prof. Manjesh Kumar Singh, Vice-Chairperson, SPO, IIT Kanpur, added, The advancements we see today are a result of the dedicated efforts of the entire SPO team and the constant support of our faculty. Our recruiting partners continue to be instrumental in nurturing the ambitions of our students, and we are truly grateful for this sustained collaboration." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 09:56 IST News education-career IIT Kanpur Placement 2025: Over 1200 Offers Received, Phase II Begins Mid-January Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why Are X Users Fighting Over Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold's Failed Bend Test? Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Anurag Verma Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 16:16 IST Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold did not survive YouTuber JerryRigEverything's durability test. YouTuber JerryRigEverything performed the popular durability test on Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold. (YouTube / JerryRigEverything) Not too long ago, smartphones bent, snapped, split, cracked, and in some unfortunate cases, exploded. In stark contrast, modern smartphones are designed to withstand daily abuse. Today, these devices, especially the flagship offerings, have fewer structurally weak points; they can resist scratches and survive more than water splashes, thereby enhancing the user experience and bringing much-needed peace of mind. Thanks to phone manufacturers listening to actual customer complaints and implementing engineering advancements in these pocketable slabs, the future of smartphones seems steadier and stronger than ever before. But not all smartphones are built like tanks. Companies willing to break the mould of rectangular devices have flirted with the idea of flips and folds to cater to niche audiences willing to stand out. Samsung has been the pioneer in this space and is already several generations deep into it. More iterations mean better hinges on these gadgets, refreshed designs, better camera systems and upgraded chipsets. These, however, are still not immune to abuse. A customer is greeted with a plethora of cautions and warnings before they even power on the device. Its a tradeoff they are willing to make, after all. Yet, the South Korean tech giant isnt willing to play by the rulebook. Samsung recently dived into the not-so-conservative world of trifold smartphones. More real estate also means these handy pocket tablets are more susceptible to damage, unfortunately. But can these $ 2,500 devices withstand real-world use and abuse? (Source: Samsung) YouTuber JerryRigEverything brought out his knives and tools to perform his popular durability test on the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, and the results werent that shocking. Incredibly, though, the viral durability test performed on the premium Samsung smartphone has left the Internet with differing opinions. But why? What Is Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold? Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is the brands new offering to maximise productivity and enhance overall cinematic experience. When unfolded twice, the portable Galaxy Z TriFold turns into a 10-inch tablet. Measuring just 3.9 mm at its thinnest point, Galaxy Z TriFold delivers flagship-level performance powered by the customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy, a 200 MP camera and the biggest battery Samsung has ever had in a foldable phone," Samsung noted. On its website, Samsung boasted about the FlexHinge on the TriFold, the companys most advanced hinges yet". The hinge structure also allows the screen panels to meet securely with a minimal gap, enabling a thinner, more portable device." One of the excerpts highlighted the titanium hinge housing" that protected TriFolds folding mechanism and resisted wears over time. Who Is JerryRigEverything? Millions routinely assemble on YouTube to tune in to watch a man with a soothing voice tearing apart smartphones. These durability tests, regarded as the gold standard on YouTube, are performed by JerryRigEverything aka Zack Nelson. His operation on smartphones includes the following: Scratch Test, Burn Test, Dust Test, Bend Test, and Teardown Test. Zacks huge presence on YouTube (with almost 10 million subscribers now) makes smartphone companies sweat, as a failed test in his office could potentially dent their sales. (JerryRigEverything/YouTube) How Did Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Fare In Durability Test? Not so well. Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold did not survive the dreaded JerryRigEverything durability test. During the bend test, the YouTuber did not need to use all his might as the TriFold, when bent in the opposite direction, quickly broke. (JerryRigEverything/YouTube) The screens swiftly caved in and went dead black. Why Is Internet Unhappy With JerryRigEverything Test? A section of users on X argued that it wasnt surprising to see a smartphone with two folds and three screens become inoperable after being subjected to the extreme abuse it faced at the hands of the YouTuber. Imagine that bending a folding phone in the wrong direction with lots of force breaks it." This is the single most useless channel in all of tech YouTube. Absolutely zero value and a proper waste of time money and resources!" the Galaxy trifold has failed in the latest JerryRigEverything durability test pic.twitter.com/xLsIjuBBEB Holly I like tech (@AnxiousHolly) December 25, 2025 So, this trifold screen breaks when you use a ton of force to bend it in the wrong direction. The only thing this proves is the sad lengths people go to for clicks and attention. This has nothing to do with a tech review." I hate tech testers" like the only people what would do this is a child. And why the f**k would you buy a child this? (sic)" There were, however, several who stood in support of the durability test performed by the YouTuber. They argued that such tests gave potential buyers an idea about a premium devices durability, especially in the uncontrolled world where smartphones were vulnerable to all kinds of abuse. still cannot f**king believe there are mfs going erm obviously its gonna break, you shouldnt bend it like that!" as if no one ever accidentally sits on their phone. its like saying auto makers shouldnt do crash tests bc youre not supposed to crash your car (sic)," a user on X remarked. Another called JerryRigEverything a necessary evil" that compelled companies to invest heavily into making smartphones durable year on year. Its worth reminding that this is Samsungs first-gen, first attempt at the Trifold form factor. Notably, Samsungs Galaxy Z Fold 7 survived the YouTubers durability test earlier this year. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 16:13 IST News explainers Why Are X Users Fighting Over Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold's Failed Bend Test? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... GOMA, DR Congo, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Fighting has intensified in recent days around the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) city of Uvira, despite claims by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group that it has withdrawn from the area, according to local and security sources. Clashes have been reported in and around Makobola, a strategic locality south of Uvira, as DRC military forces and allied local militias confront M23 fighters. The violence has raised doubts about the effectiveness of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict. Last week, the M23 said it had pulled back from Uvira, a strategic city in South Kivu Province that it had captured days earlier, describing the move as a goodwill gesture made at the request of the United States to support peace efforts. DRC authorities and local observers, however, have questioned the claim, citing continued military activity on the ground. Security sources told Xinhua that fighting resumed on Tuesday as DRC forces, backed by local self-defense groups known as Wazalendo, sought to regain full control of Uvira and surrounding areas. Although the rebels reportedly withdrew from parts of Makobola, clashes persisted along key access routes linking Uvira to the towns of Fizi and Baraka. On Friday, residents reported hearing heavy and light weapons fire in several neighborhoods of Uvira. They said instability continued despite rebel withdrawal claims. Commercial activity in the city has been severely disrupted, compounding fears among civilians already affected by recent fighting in nearby localities such as Luvungi and Kaziba. The situation further escalated as DRC military forces carried out airstrikes targeting the port area of Uvira on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Military sources said the strikes destroyed speedboats allegedly used by armed groups. Independent verification remains unavailable, and local observers said the vessels may have been civilian boats commonly used for transport and trade on the lake. Uvira, located near the Burundian border on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, had served as the provisional administrative center of South Kivu after the provincial capital, Bukavu, fell to the M23 in February. Analysts and local sources have warned that the loss of Uvira could, over time, open a corridor toward southeastern DRC, including Haut-Katanga, a key economic region. The latest developments have raised concerns over the future of diplomatic efforts, including talks facilitated by international partners aimed at de-escalating the conflict. On the ground, the intensification of military operations suggests a widening gap between diplomatic initiatives and realities in the field. Security analysts told Xinhua that the apparent redeployment of M23 forces could signal preparations for further advances toward Baraka and Fizi, where a "climate of concern persisted," according to a United Nations report released on Friday. The freshly erupted fighting could potentially expand the conflict deeper into southern South Kivu and heighten risks for neighboring regions. Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards Not Titles, Cant Be Used As Prefix, Suffix: Bombay High Court Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 19:53 IST The High Court said the awards signify national recognition but do not alter an individuals legal identity, underscoring the need for accuracy in their formal and legal use. Bombay High Court (File photo) The Bombay High Court has reiterated that civilian honours like Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and the Bharat Ratna are not official titles and cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to names of the awardees. While hearing a petition involving a 2014 Padma Shri awardee Dr Sharad Hardikar, a single-judge bench of Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan objected to the case title in the writ petition, which read, Dr. Trimbak V. Dapkekar versus Padmashree Dr. Sharad M Hardikar & Ors", LiveLaw reported. The bench objected to Hardikar being referred to as Padma Shri Dr Sharad Moreshwar Hardiker" in the case records and directed that the award prefix be removed. Justice Sundaresan said that civilian awards cannot be treated as honorific titles and that such usage is legally impermissible. He noted that the practice runs contrary to settled law and should not be followed in judicial proceedings, the report added. The High Court referred to a 1995 Constitution Bench judgment of the Supreme Court, which had clearly held that national honours such as the Padma Awards and the Bharat Ratna do not confer any title and should not be used before or after a persons name. Purely as an incidental point, taking cognisance of the manner in which one of the parties has been named in the title in these proceedings, it is the duty of this Court to draw attention to a five-judge Constitution Bench decision of the Supreme Court," the High Court noted. Emphasising that the legal position is binding, Justice Sundaresan said that under Article 141 of the Constitution, the law declared by the Supreme Court must be followed by all courts. The High Court said the awards signify national recognition but do not alter an individuals legal identity, underscoring the need for accuracy in their formal and legal use. Padma Awards are among Indias most prestigious civilian honours and are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. They are conferred in three categories- Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan- for distinguished service in various fields. The Bharat Ratna is the countrys highest civilian honour. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 19:53 IST News india Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards Not Titles, Cant Be Used As Prefix, Suffix: Bombay High Court Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Class 10 Greater Noida Girl Dies By Suicide After Being Accused Of Using AI In Exam Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 18:47 IST The student's father has filed a police complaint, accusing the school authority of subjecting his daughter to mental harassment and humiliation. Rapid Read The incident occurred on December 23 in Greater Noida West. The student was confronted by her teachers after her mobile phone was found to be accessing AI tools during the exam. (Getty) A 16-year-old Class 10 student in Uttar Pradeshs Greater Noida allegedly died by suicide over accusations of using AI-based tools during the pre-board examination, police said. According to the father, the 16-year-old girl jumped from her eight-floor apartment in Greater Noida West on December 23. According to police, the student was confronted by teachers and the school principal after her mobile phone was allegedly found being used to access AI tools during the exam. The invigilator reprimanded her and informed her class teacher. She was then taken to the principal. The students parents were called to the school. Her father alleged that the teachers and the principal continued to insult the student aggressively and that she was called careless" by the teacher. Father Alleges Mental Harassment The students father has filed a police complaint, accusing the school authority of subjecting his daughter to mental harassment and humiliation. In his complaint, the father noted that he has three daughters, all of whom attend the same school. He alleged that his eldest daughter had unknowingly" brought her mobile phone to school on exam day. After being caught by the invigilator, she was reprimanded and taken to the principal. He alleged that the manner in which she was confronted caused her immense emotional distress, leaving her traumatised. He mentioned the class teacher, Poonam Dubey, another teacher named Taapas, and the school management in his complaint, accusing them of contributing to his daughters tragic decision. He has requested that the police register a case under BNS Section 108 (abetment of suicide) and other relevant provisions. He claimed that the incident had left his other two daughters traumatised and fearful of returning to the school. School Rejects Allegations Meanwhile, the school administration has turned down the allegations, saying that the students phone was confiscated in accordance with the CBSE examination rules. It said that she was reprimanded strictly but appropriately. The principal maintained that the interaction was professional and non-abusive, denying claims that the student was abused or humiliated. Meanwhile, the police have said that the school handed over the CCTV footage, which is currently under investigation. Statements of teachers and the staff are being recorded to establish the circumstances under which the incident occurred. Disclaimer: If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Greater Noida, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 18:47 IST News india Class 10 Greater Noida Girl Dies By Suicide After Being Accused Of Using AI In Exam Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Class 7 Students Stripped, Made To Stand In Cold Over Incomplete Homework In Madhya Pradesh Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 22:10 IST Visuals of young students being stripped to their innerwear and made to stand outside in the cold as punishment went viral on social media, triggering outrage. According to complaints, the students were threatened, beaten and humiliated if they made mistakes. (X) In a shocking incident, a group of seventh-grade students of a private school in Madhya Pradeshs Sehore district were allegedly being stripped and made to stand outside for failing to complete their homework, triggering widespread outrage among parents and villagers. As per media reports, the incident took place at St Angel School in Jatakheda village of Sehore district where children were forced to stand naked in the biting winter cold and were also made to clean the playground, sweep floors, and water plants as part of routine punishments, with parents claiming such practices had been continuing for a long time. Visuals of young students being stripped to their innerwear and made to stand outside in the cold as punishment went viral on social media, triggering outrage. Following the circulation of the visuals, parents, supported by organisations including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, reached the school on Friday and staged a protest. A heavy police force was deployed to maintain law and order, while officials from the education department launched an inquiry. District Education Officer (DEO) Sanjay Tomar told Times Of India that the visual was around two months old but described the incident as unacceptable and cruel". After speaking separately with students to verify the allegations, the education department ordered the immediate removal of school principal Samreen Khan, security guard Amar Singh Verma and driver Shibu Jafri. A fine of Rs 1 lakh was also imposed on the school. According to complaints, the students were threatened, beaten and humiliated if they made mistakes. The children alleged that the guard would pour oil on them and assault them on the instructions of the principal, while the driver allegedly forced them to pick up stones and threatened to deduct marks from their projects. The seventh-graders told their parents that earlier this year, before November, they were made to strip off and stand in the cold every day, officials said. The DEO warned that the schools affiliation would be cancelled if such incidents were repeated. Police said a complaint has been received and legal action will be initiated after probe. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Sehore, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 22:10 IST News india Class 7 Students Stripped, Made To Stand In Cold Over Incomplete Homework In Madhya Pradesh Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi High Court, CBI Or The System? Who Failed The Unnao Rape Survivor Written By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 14:28 IST Justice is not only about conviction. It is about confidence. And today, the survivors confidence in the system appears shaken Rapid Read A protester holds a placard during a demonstration against the suspension of the jail term of Kuldeep Sengar, a former BJP MLA who was convicted in the Unnao rape case. (PTI) The Unnao rape case was never an ordinary prosecution. It involved a minor survivor, a powerful sitting legislator, allegations of sustained intimidation, the death of the survivors father under contested circumstances, and extraordinary security measures during trial. When the trial court convicted Sengar and sentenced him to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life, the verdict was widely seen as a rare assertion of accountability against entrenched power. That sense of closure has now been shaken. On December 23, the Delhi High Court suspended Sengars sentence while hearing his appeal. The courts reasoning rested on a technical interpretation of the law: that a Member of Legislative Assembly does not fall within the definition of a public servant" under Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code. Since the POCSO Act adopts this definition, the aggravated provisions under which Sengar had been sentencedincluding Section 5(c) of POCSO and Section 376(2) IPCwere held inapplicable. On a narrow textual reading, the interpretation may appear legally arguable. But the order has raised troubling questions about how technical reasoning interacts with lived reality, especially in cases involving extreme power imbalance and documented fear. Suspension of sentence in life imprisonment cases is not routine. The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that once a conviction is recorded, the presumption of innocence no longer applies, and suspension must be granted only in exceptional circumstances. Factors such as the gravity of the offence, the role of the accused, and the impact on the survivor are meant to guide the courts discretion. In this case, those factors included the rape of a minor, abuse of political influence, allegations of intimidation, and the need for sustained protection of the survivor and witnesses during trial. Yet the high courts order largely frames the matter as a sentencing error rather than a crime with continuing consequences. The most troubling aspect of the order, however, lies in its treatment of the survivors fear. The survivor and her family told the court that Sengars release would put her life at risk, citing past violence and sustained intimidation. These concerns were not speculative. Court records acknowledge the death of the survivors father, pressure on witnesses, and the necessity of security arrangements. Still, the high court observed that a convict cannot be kept in custody merely on the apprehension that the police may fail to perform their duty. For survivors of sexual violence, fear is not an abstractionit is rooted in memory and experience. Reducing that fear to a theoretical concern has drawn sharp criticism. This was not the first time Sengar was allowed out of jail. Over the past three years, he was granted interim bail on four occasionsfor his daughters wedding, cataract surgery, and medical treatmentspending a total of 23 days outside prison. Each time, both the survivor and the Central Bureau of Investigation objected, warning of potential harm. Bail was granted nonetheless. During one such medical bail, AIIMS reportedly flagged unusual visitor access that disrupted hospital functioning, prompting a formal communication to the CBI Director. Ironically, Sengar later cited these very instances to argue before the high court that he had never misused his liberty. That brings the focus sharply onto the role of the Central Bureau of Investigation. Court documents reveal that in 2019, when the survivor sought framing of graver IPC charges, the CBI did not support her plea. The trial court rejected the request, and the CBI did not challenge that decision. The Delhi High Courts own records note this omission. More disturbingly, the trial court observed that aspects of the CBIs investigation caused disadvantage to the survivor. The survivor later told the high court that even after the case was transferred to the CBI, fairness was not fully ensured. Allegations were raised that age-related evidence had been suppressedclaims that are recorded in judicial orders, not activist statements. There is no denying that the CBI secured a conviction. But justice is not defined solely by the final verdict. It is also about standing firmly with the survivor at every stage, closing legal gaps, and anticipating how power can exploit procedural weaknesses. On that measure, the record appears uneven. The CBI has now challenged the high courts order before the Supreme Court of India. In its plea, the agency argues that the high court failed to adopt a victim-centric, purposive interpretation of the POCSO Act; that long incarceration alone cannot justify suspension of sentence; and that Sengars release would endanger the survivors life given his influence. The appeal is significant. But it also raises a difficult question: why were these vulnerabilities not addressed earlier? Why was the survivor left to pursue crucial legal battles without full institutional backing in 2019? Justice delayed is painful. Justice diluted is devastating. Beyond the legal arguments lies a broader concern. What message does this episode send to survivors watching closely? That technicalities can outweigh trauma? That fear can be discounted? That power still finds exits even after conviction? Courts are not meant to be emotional, but they are expected to be conscious of context. Investigating agencies are not activists, but they are expected to be relentless. The Supreme Court will now decide the legal fate of the order. But the moral question is already before the nation. Justice is not only about conviction. It is about confidence. And today, the survivors confidence in the system appears shaken. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Unnao, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 14:28 IST News india Delhi High Court, CBI Or The System? Who Failed The Unnao Rape Survivor Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... ECI Calls TMC MPs Claim Misleading, Denies Deletion Of Her Family Members From SIR Draft List Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 23:12 IST The ECI said the concerned individuals were called for hearings strictly in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Commissions notification governing the SIR exercise. TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar | File Image The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday rejected allegations made by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, stating that her claims were misleading" and that there was no linkage suggesting the deletion of her family members names from the electoral draft rolls. In a brief response, the poll panel said that the enumeration forms prepared during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal clearly show that the names in question exist and have not been removed. The ECI said the concerned individuals were called for hearings strictly in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Commissions notification governing the SIR exercise. The clarification came after Dastidar, the TMCs chief whip in the Lok Sabha, alleged that four of her family members were being harassed by the Election Commission and that their names were missing from the draft electoral roll published after the SIR enumeration process. Hearings under the ongoing SIR exercise began on Saturday, triggering a political confrontation between the ruling TMC and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Dastidar said her mother Ira Mitra, sister Piyali Mitra, and her sons Biswanath and Baidyanath had been summoned. She claimed the move reflected political targeting and said that if any documents were required, her family would submit them. Local Booth Level Officer Kapil Ananda Haldar, however, said the names of the individuals appeared in the draft roll. He explained that hearings are convened when there are discrepancies or corrections needed in the enumeration forms. According to him, Piyali Mitra has been asked to appear on December 31, while Ira Mitra has been called on January 8 with supporting documents. Meanwhile, TMC leaders escalated their criticism of the poll panel. State minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, who led a five-member party delegation to meet West Bengals Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, accused the ECI of exceeding its mandate and alleged an attempt to delete a large number of voters from the rolls. The BJP, however, defended the Commissions actions. Union minister Sukanta Majumdar said the ECI was carrying out its constitutional duty to ensure a clean and accurate voters list. He alleged that the TMC was opposing the process out of fear that the removal of fake or illegal voters would hurt its electoral prospects. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 23:12 IST News india ECI Calls TMC MPs Claim Misleading, Denies Deletion Of Her Family Members From SIR Draft List Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Everything Grown On A Farm Must Belong To The Farmer: Sadhguru Calls For End To Colonial-Era Laws Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 21:43 IST At a gathering of over 10,000 farmers, Sadhguru urged minister Shivraj Chouhan to amend British-era laws so everything grown on farmland, especially timber, belongs to the farmer The event was notable for its rare display of cross-party consensus. Representatives from the BJP, Congress, AIADMK, and DMK shared the stage. Image/News18 In a significant push for agrarian reform, Sadhguru, the founder of Isha Foundation, called for the total liberation of the Indian farmer from British-era" restrictive laws during a massive agricultural seminar in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday. Addressing a gathering of over 10,000 farmers, Sadhguru urged Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to amend policies that currently prevent farmers from exercising full ownership over the produce grown on their own land, particularly timber. Sadhgurus primary contention centres on the legal distinction between produce grown on private agricultural land and that found in state-controlled forests. He argued that the current regulatory roadblocks, which often require farmers to seek government permission to cut or sell trees grown on their own property, act as a deterrent to sustainable agroforestry. Everything grown on agricultural land must belong to the farmers," Sadhguru emphasised, adding that market rules, rather than bureaucratic oversight, should dictate agricultural commerce. He specifically targeted a colonial-era law that claims anything found more than eight feet below the soil surface belongs to the government, calling for its immediate amendment to empower the farming community. The event was notable for its rare display of cross-party consensus. Representatives from the BJP, Congress, AIADMK, and DMK shared the stage, a sight Sadhguru described as fortunate" given the critical nature of soil and water security. Highlighting that politics should serve the source of our life," he noted that when it comes to the environment, there is no room for being differently opinionated." Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan lauded the Cauvery Calling movement, which has already enabled the plantation of 12.8 crore trees. The minister expressed his gratitude to the movement for rejuvenating the Cauvery Riverthe lifeline of 8.4 crore peopleand invited the Isha Outreach team to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture to help formulate a national policy on tree-based agriculture. During the seminar, Sadhguru handed over Save Soil Policy Recommendations to the Union Minister and proposed a collaborative platform involving global scientists, UN agencies, and the Ministry to scale up the adoption of tree-based farming. This model is credited with enhancing groundwater levels and significantly boosting farmers incomes by integrating high-value timber with traditional crops. To date, the Cauvery Calling movement has empowered 250,000 farmers to transition to agroforestry. With a long-term goal of planting 242 crore trees, the initiative seeks to prove that ecological restoration and economic prosperity for farmers canand mustgo hand in hand. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 20:56 IST News india Everything Grown On A Farm Must Belong To The Farmer: Sadhguru Calls For End To Colonial-Era Laws Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Failed Relationship Given Criminal Colour: How Supreme Courts Sixth Sense Ended Rape Conviction Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 16:21 IST The court held that the case was a classic instance of a failed consensual relationship being misinterpreted as a 'false promise of marriage' The judgment emphasised that treating every sour relationship as a criminal offence not only trivialises the gravity of rape but also inflicts an 'indelible stigma' on the accused. File pic/PTI The Supreme Court of India has set aside the rape conviction of a man, Sandeep Singh Thakur, observing that a consensual relationship that had turned acrimonious had been wrongly given a criminal colour". The bench, comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, used their extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash the conviction and the 10-year prison sentence previously upheld by lower courts. The case reached the apex court as a bail plea after the Madhya Pradesh High Court had rejected the mans application for the suspension of his sentence. During the proceedings, the bench noted the deep history of the relationship, which began on a social media platform in 2015. Remarking on the nuances of the case, the judges stated that they had a sixth sense" that the accused and the complainant were not beyond reconciliation. Acting on this intuition, the court suggested that the parties attempt to resolve their differences through marriage. Following a personal interaction in the judges chambers, which included the couple and their parents, the parties expressed a willingness to wed. The man was subsequently granted bail to facilitate the ceremony, and the couple married in July 2025. Upon reviewing the final status of their married life in December, the court found the couple living happily together. The bench observed that the original criminal complaint, filed in 2021, was likely the result of insecurity" on the part of the woman after the man sought to postpone their wedding date. The court held that the case was a classic instance of a failed consensual relationship being misinterpreted as a false promise of marriage". The judgment emphasised that treating every sour relationship as a criminal offence not only trivialises the gravity of rape but also inflicts an indelible stigma" on the accused. Furthering the reach of complete justice," the court directed the Chief Medical Officer of Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, to revoke the mans suspension from his government hospital job. The authorities were ordered to pay all arrears of his salary, effectively restoring his professional life alongside his personal liberty. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 16:21 IST News india Failed Relationship Given Criminal Colour: How Supreme Courts Sixth Sense Ended Rape Conviction Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Mothers Have Blind Love For Raja Betas': HC Upholds 30-Year Jail For Child Rape-Murder Convict Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 12:24 IST In a sharply worded judgment, the court said parents---particularly mothers---sometimes allow emotional attachment to override morality and the rule of law Rapid Read To save other children and women, the convict must remain within the four walls of prison until he is closer to the sunset of his virility, the bench said. (Shutterstock) The Punjab and Haryana High Court, delivering a stinging indictment of familial and societal complicity while upholding a 30-year prison sentence for a man convicted of raping and murdering a five-year-old girl, has warned that blind love for raja betas" often shields those capable of the most brutal crimes. In a sharply worded judgment, the court said parentsparticularly motherssometimes allow emotional attachment to override morality and the rule of law. Mothers can have blind love for their raja betas, who can be villainous," the bench observed, stressing that such conduct corrodes the justice system and deepens the trauma of victims. The court underlined that crimes of this nature demand punishment that reflects both gravity and deterrence. "To save other children and women, the convict must remain within the four walls of prison until he is closer to the sunset of his virility," the bench said. While upholding the convicts punishment, the high court acquitted his mother, who had earlier been accused of helping shield her son after the crime. The judges held that although her conduct raised serious moral questions, the prosecution had failed to establish criminal liability beyond reasonable doubt. At the same time, the court made it clear that emotional loyalty cannot become a cover for impunity. The judgment also took aim at entrenched patriarchy, noting that male offenders are often subconsciously protected within families and communities. The bench warned that treating sons as raja betas" fosters entitlement and erodes accountability, especially when crimes are committed against children. The Case The minor girl, aged five years, seven months, and 14 days, was raped and murdered on May 31, 2018, by the convict, an employee of her father, who ran a small tent-installation business. The father and the convict had gone nearby to set up a tent and the latter went to his employers place to fetch lunch. On the return trip, the girl accompanied him. While her father slept after lunch, the convict took the girl to his home, where he raped her and then stabbed her multiple times with a kitchen knife, hiding the body in a flour-storage container. His mother was not at home during the incident. The judges noted that the victims age, the fact of rape, and the murder were undisputed, confirmed by her birth certificate and the post-mortem report. The post mortem recorded tears to the clitoris and hymen and multiple stab wounds, including one that pierced her liver. The examining doctor testified that the possibility of rape or sexual assault could not be ruled out, given the tearing observed on her hymen. The court found a complete chain of circumstantial evidence: villagers saw the convict leading the girl toward his house, he gave a false explanation to the father that he had dropped her at the plant", and the childs body was recovered from a drum inside his home compound. Bloodstains on the drum and on a nearby stone matched the victims DNA. Although DNA from the victim was not found on the convicts clothes and semen could not be detected on swabs or her clothing, the bench held that these gaps were not fatal in light of the strength of the other evidence. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Punjab, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 12:24 IST News india 'Mothers Have Blind Love For Raja Betas': HC Upholds 30-Year Jail For Child Rape-Murder Convict Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Razed Hills, Blinded Locals & Deaths: The Human Cost Of Illegal Mining In Aravallis Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 17:00 IST From blinded villagers to drying wells, illegal mining in the Aravallis is hollowing out hills and human lives in Rajasthans Jugrawar village Rapid Read Vijay Singh Meena lost his eyes when a sudden explosion buried them under heavy debris in the Aravallis. (News18) As one passes by a mustard field in Jugrawar village in Rajasthans Alwar, there stands a small open temple with cemented walls. Adjacent to the temple is a tiny 810 room that has walls made of huge pieces of locally sourced rocks, a slab used as a bench along the wall, a cot, an earthen pot for water and a transistor. This transistor is Vijay Singh Meenas only window to the outer world. As he takes off the stole wrapped around his eyes, one can see his distorted face and empty eye socketsremnants of what he lost almost eight years ago. On a pleasant winter morning in 2017, Meena and his neighbour had taken his herd of sheep for grazing over one of the hills very close to his house on the Aravallis, when a sudden explosion buried them under heavy debris. Meena and his friend, both unaware that illegal mining was recklessly rampant in the region, were pulled out of the rubble by locals as help arrived. While Meena survived, his friend wasnt as lucky. But for Meena, the survival doesnt mean much. This survival is worse than what happened to my friend. Im dependent, my son is still studying, we married my daughter off recently and I couldnt see her wedding. What is this life? Our economic status is fragile, and I have been reduced to nothing but a useless dependent living being," Meena tells a CNN-News18 team that reached Jugrawar village to check the ground reality of illegal mining and the effect it has had on residents and the vegetation around. Meena says he now spends most of his time in the temple that he got made and is mostly found fiddling with his transistor resting on the cot. The village situated 10 kilometres away from sub-district headquarter Ramgarh has such stories emanating from almost every household that uncover the dark implications of the Aravallis being eaten up by illegal mining. Just like Meena, Gafoor Khans family also has a tragic tale to narrate that exposes the deadly and brutal side of the ongoing illegal mining. Khan was just 45 when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. His house, a green-painted single-storey half-pukka-kutcha structure, has cracks on almost every wall. The house lies right at the beginning of a hill that has been heavily mined. Gafoors son Abbas, who lives there with his two brothers and their seven childrenincluding many toddlerssays the dust that rises from multiple crusher machines that have been installed is claiming their lives. My father died inhaling this dust. He did not even work in the mines; we just live in the proximity. Now many of our children have breathing issues, they often fall sick. If we leave our house, where do we go? These crushers are running day and night and mining is rampant since months and years," Abbas, 25, said. He also shows the walls of his house that are damaged as miners use illegally procured explosives that are damaging houses in its vicinity beyond repairs. Just meters ahead of Khans house lives Mordhwaj with his family. Mordhwaj got his house built just five years ago, and now all the walls in his rooms have cracks. Regardless of time, there will be explosions. Our house rattles like an earthquake has just hit it. Will the government compensate us? Who allowed these illegal miners here to damage our houses weve built with our savings and hard-earned money?" he asks. As Mordhwaj speaks, a group of women carries buckets full of water on their head. The group has a six-year-old girl trying to not spill a single drop of the water that has become a rare resource for the villagers over the years. While the well and the ponds have dried up, tankers are called in as villagers contribute and pay to avail water for their cattle and other requirements. The village has no handpumps, all have gone obsolete. We cannot even get borewell and dwellings. The ground water level has depleted to such a depth that fetching water is a challenge now. This is why women and children travel far to get water. Life, with every passing day, is becoming hard for us here. Many villagers have also relocated from here as problems only increase," said Vishvendra, a local resident. Jugrawar is one of the worst-hit villages by illegal mining in the Aravallis. As the CNN-News18 team walked ahead, it came across multiple hills that locals claim were once lush green forests but have been reduced to rubble. Entire hills razed to debris and meters of ranges cut into halfblasted and shrunk to mere pieces of rocks. Even as the government claims that no new mining leases have been granted in the Aravallis, the CNN-News18 team visited multiple sites where the hills were dug up, revealing the extent of damage to the ecology and the environment. Fresh marks of movement of heavy machinery, tractors, and trucks evident all around such sites also suggest that vehicles carrying loads of scarce resources out of the Aravallis were a recent phenomenon. Experts say the Aravalli hills are rich in critical and strategic minerals such as copper, zinc, lead, iron ore, limestone, marble, and rare earth-bearing minerals that are vital for infrastructure, renewable energy, and defence-related industries. But rampant illegal mining continuing across the Aravalli range, especially in Rajasthan and Haryana, which has caused severe ecological degradation in recent years. The unregulated extraction has not only led to deforestation, groundwater depletion, air pollution, and the destruction of fragile hill ecosystems that act as a natural barrier against desertification, they say, but has also weakened geological stability, increased humanwildlife conflict, and undermined regulatory institutions, turning the Aravallis into one of Indias most environmentally threatened mineral belts. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Rajasthan, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 16:57 IST News india Razed Hills, Blinded Locals & Deaths: The Human Cost Of Illegal Mining In Aravallis Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Security Alert In Kashmir After Suspected IED Spotted On Baramulla-Srinagar Highway, Traffic Halted Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 15:11 IST J&K security forces rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area. Traffic movement was stopped on both sides of the highway. Suspected IED Found on BaramullaSrinagar Highway, Traffic Halted A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was found along the Baramulla-Srinagar highway on Saturday, prompting an immediate security alert. The suspicious object was spotted near the roadside at Choora, according to sources. As soon as the information was received, security forces rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area. Traffic movement was stopped on both sides of the highway as a precaution to ensure the safety of commuters and local residents. Senior police officers and concerned security agencies were informed without delay. A Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was called to the site to examine the suspected device. The team followed standard safety procedures while inspecting the area. Security personnel carried out a thorough search of the surroundings to rule out the presence of any other suspicious items. All necessary protocols were followed during the operation to avoid any risk. Traffic disruption Due to the security operation, vehicles were not allowed to pass through the affected stretch of the highway. Authorities said the temporary halt in traffic was a preventive step and urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with security forces. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 15:07 IST News india Security Alert In Kashmir After Suspected IED Spotted On Baramulla-Srinagar Highway, Traffic Halted Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... ADEN, Yemen, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Nearly one month after Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) launched a swift and wide-ranging military campaign across the country's south, the political and security landscape has entered a new and uncertain phase marked by shifting power balances, contested legitimacy, and growing pressure on daily life. The STC supporters view the results as a long-awaited step toward a unified security authority after years of fragmentation in southern Yemen, while critics warn that the moves risk deepening internal divisions. WHAT IS STC AND WHAT HAPPENED Formed in 2017, the STC is a political and military group that advocates self-determination and the eventual independence of South Yemen. The group is formally part of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Yemen's executive body of the internationally recognized government. Meanwhile, Yemen's northern regions, including the capital Sanaa and most of the country's population centers, remain under the control of the Houthi group, who are aligned with Iran and have been engaged in a years-long conflict with Yemen's government, the STC and the Saudi-led coalition. Frontlines between the Houthis and government-aligned forces have largely remained frozen since 2022, while United Nations (UN)-led peace efforts have stalled. Tensions escalated on Dec. 3 when STC forces moved into the huge oil-rich province of Hadramout following clashes with pro-government units. Within days, the STC announced it had taken control of all eight governorates that once formed the former South Yemen, securing the southern coastline and areas rich in energy resources. Government-aligned forces withdrew toward northern frontlines in Marib province, underscoring the speed and scale of the shift. STC forces later expanded into Al-Mahrah province, which borders Oman, without reported resistance. The STC subsequently began recruiting local forces in both provinces, despite repeated calls from the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia for de-escalation. REGIONAL REACTIONS AND RESPONSE The PLC sharply criticized the STC's actions, describing them as unilateral measures that violated agreed transitional frameworks and risked further fragmenting state institutions. Political shockwaves were most evident in Aden, Yemen's interim capital. Shortly after PLC Chairman Rashad al-Alimi departed the city for Saudi Arabia on Dec. 5, STC units assumed full control of security inside the presidential palace compound and started holding meetings there. Two days later, Saudi and Sudanese troops stationed there as part of the Arab coalition completed a quiet withdrawal, reinforcing perceptions of the STC's de facto authority in the city and other southern provinces. Following the capture of Hadramout and Al-Mahrah, a joint senior Saudi-Emirati military delegation visited Aden and met with STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi. According to sources, the delegation urged the STC to withdraw from the two strategic provinces, but the request was rejected. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia described the STC's deployments as an "unjustified escalation" and called for an orderly withdrawal. On Friday, Saudi warplanes carried out airstrikes on military sites affiliated with the STC in Hadramout, which local sources described as "warning strikes." In response, the STC said it was ready to coordinate with de-escalation efforts but reiterated that it would not withdraw from the areas it had taken control of, adding that its presence was aimed at cutting off supply routes and preventing smuggling to the Houthi group, warning that military pressure would complicate efforts to stabilize the situation and stressing that it would not submit to demands imposed by military force. REGIONAL SECURITY ANALYSES Ali bin Hadi, a military observer based in Aden, said Riyadh is seeking to prevent the rapid consolidation of new power realities along its southern border. "Saudi Arabia cannot afford to allow a precedent in which major territorial changes are imposed unilaterally and then accepted as a fait accompli," bin Hadi said. "Such developments directly affect border security and regional balance, not only for Saudi Arabia but also for neighboring Oman." He added that the pace of the STC's advance has exceeded what the current political environment can absorb, arguing that continued expansion without broad regional backing risks triggering corrective pressure rather than recognition. Bin Hadi said the Saudi strikes should be understood as a signal rather than a shift in alliances. "From a military standpoint, the message is about restoring deterrence and curbing momentum, not opening a new front," he said. In response, Saudi-backed and UN-recognized figures within Yemen's presidential leadership have moved to challenge the STC's actions through diplomatic and political means. They argue that calls for separation by the STC do not reflect a shared position across the south and caution that unilateral steps could deepen instability. WHAT LIES AHEAD As the security landscape shifted, living conditions in Aden and other southern cities deteriorated. Fuel and cooking gas shortages led to soaring prices, long queues, traffic congestion, and sporadic clashes near distribution points. Public transportation was disrupted, businesses scaled back operations, and hospitals struggled to secure fuel for emergency generators. The UN continues to revive a political roadmap that includes a ceasefire and a broader negotiated settlement in the coming months. Analysts say the STC's recent actions may have been aimed at reshaping power dynamics ahead of any renewed regional talks, a move that could further complicate diplomatic efforts. As southern Yemen enters a new phase marked by shifting alliances and contested authority, the weeks ahead will test whether the current power shift can bring greater stability and improved living conditions -- or whether unresolved political tensions and service failures will increase the hardships for a population already exhausted by years of war. At the same time, uncertainty is growing among residents in southern Yemen, many of whom fear that rising tensions in the south could lead to further escalation. Some locals say they are concerned that renewed confrontation between former allies could worsen daily life, compounding the hardships they have already endured. Udaipur Gang-Rape Case: Serious Injuries Found On Survivors Body Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 13:29 IST The arrested accused are Jitesh Prakash Sisodia, Chief Executive Officer of GKM IT, Shilpa Sirohi, the firms executive head, and her husband, Gaurav Sirohi. Udaipur Horror: Medical Report Confirms Injuries, Undergarments Missing After Alleged Gang Rape. (File for representation) Shocking details have emerged in the alleged gang rape of a woman IT firm manager in Rajasthans Udaipur, with the survivor reporting serious injuries and missing personal belongings. The incident, which took place on December 20, has led to the arrest of three senior executives linked to her workplace. According to police, the survivors medical examination confirmed sexual assault. Doctors noted injuries and pain in her private parts as well as other areas of her body. The woman also told police that when she regained consciousness, she found that her undergarments, socks and some jewellery were missing, raising further concerns about the brutality of the assault. Accused arrested The arrested accused are Jitesh Prakash Sisodia, Chief Executive Officer of GKM IT, Shilpa Sirohi, the firms executive head, and her husband, Gaurav Sirohi. In her complaint, the survivor alleged that all three took turns to rape her inside a car after she was rendered unconscious. What we know about the incident? The survivor said she attended a birthday party hosted by Sisodia at a hotel in Udaipurs Shobagpura area on the night of December 20. The party began around 9 pm and continued until about 1.30 am, during which alcohol was consumed by several attendees. When her health began to deteriorate late at night, the three accused offered to drop her home. Police said Gaurav Sirohi was driving, while Sisodia, Shilpa and the survivor were seated in the back. During the drive, the accused allegedly stopped at a shop and bought a substance similar to cigarettes, which was given to the survivor. She told police that she lost consciousness shortly after consuming it and later woke up with pain and visible injuries. After regaining consciousness, the survivor checked the cars dashcam and found that it had recorded the incident and conversations between the accused. She approached the police with this footage and filed a complaint on December 23. Based on her statement, medical findings and electronic evidence, police arrested the three accused. They were produced in court and remanded to four days of custody. The investigation is ongoing. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Udaipur, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 13:19 IST News india Udaipur Gang-Rape Case: Serious Injuries Found On Survivors Body Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Salman Khan Turns 60: Inside The Rs 2,900 Crore Empire Of Bollywoods Bhaijaan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 13:10 IST As Salman Khan turns 60, here's a look inside his Rs 2,900 crore net worth which includes luxurious homes, cars, yachts, and other investments. Salman Khan turns 60 today, on December 27, 2025. Turning 60 today, Salman Khan remains a singular force in Indian cinema a star whose presence transcends generations, box-office cycles and shifting trends. Few actors have managed to balance mass appeal with longevity quite like Bhaijaan. While his filmography is filled with cult classics and blockbuster hits, his off-screen life tells an equally compelling story one of calculated investments, emotional roots and a lifestyle that blends excess with familiarity. After more than three decades in the industry, Salman Khans success is no longer measured only by opening weekends but by the legacy he has built brick by brick. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan) A Career That Built An Empire From his early appearance in Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988) to becoming Bollywoods reigning heartthrob with Maine Pyar Kiya, Salmans journey has been marked by reinvention. Over the years, films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun!, Karan Arjun, Judwaa, Dabangg, Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai cemented his status as a crowd-puller with unmatched reach. That stardom translated into serious wealth. According to a Zoom report, his net worth is estimated at approximately Rs 2,900 crore. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan) Galaxy Apartments: Fame, Familiarity, And Fans Despite his immense wealth, Salmans primary residence remains Galaxy Apartments in Bandra a location synonymous with his identity. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the home features a spacious balcony where the actor often greets fans gathered below, especially on birthdays like today. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan) Salman reportedly occupies the ground floor, while his father, legendary writer Salim Khan, lives on the first floor. Emotionally attached to the property, Salman frequently shares glimpses of the home on social media, reinforcing that legacy often matters more than upgrading addresses. Arpita Farms: The Panvel Escape View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan) If Galaxy Apartments is about continuity, Arpita Farms in Panvel represents escape. Spread across 150 acres and currently valued at around Rs 80 crore, the farmhouse is a world unto itself. Complete with a private gym, swimming pool, animal shelter and vast green stretches, it serves as the Khan familys preferred retreat. Birthdays, festivals and intimate celebrations are often hosted here, away from the public eye a luxury defined by privacy rather than display. Homes Beyond Mumbai Salmans real estate portfolio extends well beyond Bandra and Panvel. He reportedly owns additional properties in Mumbais Carter Road and Worli, along with high-end apartments in Dubais The Address Downtown and Burj Pacific Towers. While exact valuations remain undisclosed, the addresses alone signal prestige. Cars, Yachts, And The Price Of Stardom A known automobile enthusiast, Salmans garage includes luxury SUVs and performance vehicles such as a Range Rover SC LWB, Toyota Land Cruiser LC 200, Nissan Patrol, Audi RS7, BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GL. For quieter indulgence, he also owns a yacht reportedly worth Rs 3 crore, which was a personal gift to himself on his 50th birthday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan) The Business Of Being Bhaijaan According to GQ India, Salman Khan charges between Rs 100150 crore per film, apart from his long-standing association with Bigg Boss, which he has hosted for over 15 years. The combination of acting, television and investments has turned Salman into not just a superstar, but a brand. At 60, Salman Khan stands as proof that true stardom isnt fleeting, but its built, sustained and expanded over time. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 13:10 IST News lifestyle Salman Khan Turns 60: Inside The Rs 2,900 Crore Empire Of Bollywoods Bhaijaan Why Indian Travellers Are Choosing Calm Over Crowds And Why This Shift Will Last Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 13:23 IST Burnout, hybrid work and wellness are changing Indian travel. Experts reveal why calm, slow holidays will define travel trends in 2026. Short, intention-led trips are expected to define Indian travel trends into 2026. Indian travel is undergoing a subtle yet powerful transformation. As 2025 draws to a close, year-end trends reveal a collective move away from high-energy, packed itineraries towards journeys that prioritise emotional well-being. The rise of concepts such as Calmcations and Microcations signals a deeper shift in mindset one where travel is no longer about how much ground you cover, but how restored you feel when you return. This reset, driven by burnout, digital fatigue and changing work cultures, is widely expected to define Indian travel well into 2026. From Checklist Holidays To Intention-Led Escapes Industry leaders agree that Indian travellers are redefining what a good holiday looks like. As Ravi Gosain, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators, notes, There is a clear shift from a check-listed travel experience to intention-driven travel experiences." With stressful work cultures, limited time off, and rising awareness around mental wellness, travellers are moving away from the see more, do more mentality towards trips designed to help them feel better. Echoing this sentiment, Sudhanshu Ranjan, CEO and Founder, Tripzada Holiday, observes that travellers are increasingly asking, How does this trip make me feel? rather than how many landmarks they can tick off. Crowds, traffic and tightly packed schedules are no longer perceived as indulgent; theyre exhausting. Burnout, Screens, And The Search For Silence Calmcations and Microcations are emerging as a direct response to burnout and digital overload. According to Gosain, screen-heavy lifestyles have pushed travellers towards unstimulated surroundings that do not pose logistical problems. These arent adrenaline-fuelled adventures, but low-effort, high-impact escapes designed to reduce mental noise. Ranjan adds that many urban travellers are experiencing silent burnout tired, time-starved, yet unable to completely switch off. Short breaks that require minimal planning but offer maximum calm are filling that gap. The goal isnt total disconnection, but momentary slowing down. Wellness As A Way Of Travelling Wellness is no longer confined to spas or retreats, but its becoming embedded in the travel experience itself. Gosain highlights that travellers are now prioritising silence, solitude, and time-pause, treating these as modern luxuries. Itineraries are evolving accordingly, with fewer activities, slower mornings, and immersive natural settings taking precedence. Ranjan reinforces this shift, noting that lighter itineraries with space to breathe,e such as forest stays, lakeside cafes, and morning walks, are increasingly preferred. The success of a trip is now measured by how rested one feels, not how busy it was. Work-From-Anywhere And The Rise Of Short Escapes Hybrid work and flexible schedules have fundamentally reshaped travel patterns. Gosain explains that travel has moved beyond annual vacations to frequent, shorter escapes, with nearby destinations gaining popularity. Microcations allow travellers to recharge without fully disconnecting from work. Ranjan adds that people are now travelling midweek, extending weekends, or working a few hours from quieter locations. Travel is less about escaping work and more about changing the environment around it. A Global Movement Finds Its Indian Expression This shift mirrors broader global conversations around mental health and intentional living. Gosain sees Calmcations as part of a worldwide movement towards slow living and conscious consumption. Supporting this, Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia, Booking.com, notes, 2025 marks a deeply intentional and personalized approach to travel for Indians. Trends like noctourism: after-dark safaris, stargazing escapes, and bioluminescent beaches, are evidence that travellers are seeking meaningful, self-aligned experiences rather than conventional sightseeing." Why Calm Will Outlast The Crowd Choosing calm over crowds is no longer a passing trend, but its a behavioural shift. As Indian travellers grow more intentional with their time, energy and emotions, travel is evolving into a form of ongoing self-care. In 2026 and beyond, the journeys that matter most wont be the loudest or busiest, but the ones that allow people to return feeling lighter, clearer and more balanced. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 13:23 IST News lifestyle travel Why Indian Travellers Are Choosing Calm Over Crowds And Why This Shift Will Last Amitabh Bachchan Once Denied Buying Awards, Revealed the Winner Before Announcement, Recalls Manoj Desai Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 22:14 IST Manoj Desai recalls how Amitabh Bachchan once refused to buy an award, revealing the winner beforehand and standing firm on his principle of not purchasing accolades. Manoj Desai recalls how Amitabh Bachchan once refused to buy an award. There have been a lot of conversations around actors buying awards, but there were a few who stood by their principles and never bought any awards. Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra remain two of the biggest superstars. Manoj Desai, theatre owner and producer, in an interview, opened up about how Amitabh Bachchan was once offered an award but refused to accept it. Speaking to Vickey Lalwani on his YouTube channel, Manoj recalled, Once, Amitabh Bachchan and I were sitting together when the award function was going on. Rauf Ahmed (late film writer) came to me and asked, If I give the Best Actor award to Amitabh Bachchan, will you bear the whole expense of this party?" Recalling Big Bs reaction, Manoj shared how Amitabh Bachchan strictly denied the offer and said, I went to Amitabh Bachchan to ask about the same, and he told me that Amitabh Bachchan doesnt buy awards. He also told me, I know whom this award will go toit will go to Anil Kapoor, and he has already organised a big party on the terrace of his house." Further alleging that Anil Kapoor bought the award, Manoj continued, And Anil Kapoor did get the award for Best Actor that year. I think he got the award for Mr India. Anil Kapoor had agreed to pay for the Filmfare party, and thats why he got the award." Manoj further said that, like Amitabh, Dharmendra also never bought an award. He said, Dharmendra also 100% refused such offers. He said he wouldnt buy any award. He even talked about this when he got the Lifetime Achievement award. He said in his speech that he deserved awards for many of his previous films, but those awards were not given to him." Indian cinema icon Dharmendra passed away on November 24. The actors final rites were performed at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle. A long list of film personalities gathered to bid him farewell. His wife Hema Malini, frequent co-star Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and several others were seen at the last rites under tight security arrangements. Dharmendra remains one of Hindi cinemas most iconic and beloved stars, remembered for unforgettable performances in films such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Dream Girl, Dharam Veer, and Mera Gaon Mera Desh. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 22:14 IST News movies bollywood Amitabh Bachchan Once Denied Buying Awards, Revealed the Winner Before Announcement, Recalls Manoj Desai Karan Johar Calls Salman Khan A Mega Movie Star With Golden Heart, Reveals Why Hell Always Be Grateful To Him Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 18:45 IST On Salman Khans 60th birthday, Karan Johar recalled being forever grateful to him for agreeing to be a part of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Check out his post! Rapid Read Karan Johar Calls Salman Khan A Mega Movie Star With Golden Heart Salman Khan is celebrating his 60th birthday today, and filmmaker Karan Johar has penned a lovely wish for him. He praised Bhaijaan as a mega movie star with a golden heart, and wrote that he will forever be grateful to him for agreeing to be a part of his directorial debut film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. For the unversed, Salman Khan played Kajols fiance Aman in the Shah Rukh Khan starrer. In the movie, his character decides to let go of her, in order to reunite her with Rahul (SRK). KJo has often mentioned that 3-4 actors had refused to play the second lead to Shah Rukh Khan in the film. However, Salman agreed to play the part, and he will always be grateful to the superstar for this. Karan Johar Wishes Salman Khan On His 60th Birthday Karan Johar took to his Instagram stories to share a major throwback picture of Salman Khan. In his caption, he wrote that he will forever be grateful to Salman for agreeing to be a part of his directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Happy 60 to this mega movie star with a golden heart! He was in my first film and will always be grateful to him for agreeing to be a part of it happy Birthday @beingsalmankhan." Check out his story below! When Karan Johar Revealed How Salman Khan Came Onboard Kuch Kuch Hota Hai A few years ago, Karan Johar had appeared as a guest on Indian Idol 12, when he narrated the story revealing how Salman came onboard Kuch Kuch Hota Hai at a time when several actors had turned down the role of Aman. According to KJo, no one wanted to play second lead to Shah Rukh Khan, and 3-4 actors had refused the role. He recalled feeling dejected about the repeated rejections. While he was at Chunky Pandays house party, Salman noticed his low mood and asked him, Tune karli shopping? Tu gaya na sabke paas, wo shopping hi toh hoti hai. (Did you finish your shopping? You went to everyone, right? Thats what shopping is, after all)." Salman then surprised KJo by telling him that one had to be a little crazy to do a film like this- and that he was that person. Iss film ko karne ki liye paagal hona chahiye aur main wo pagal hoon (You have to be crazy to do this film and I am that person)," Salman Khan told him. Karan said that he was shocked by Salmans immediate willingness to do the role. KJo also shared that Salman only heard the first half, and agreed to do the film. I got worried as I wondered if he thought I was offering him Shah Rukhs role. I told him, Sir aapka role aaya nahi abhi tak. Salman said the role is immaterial as he knows my father and is doing the film for him," recalled KJo. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 18:45 IST News movies bollywood Karan Johar Calls Salman Khan A Mega Movie Star With Golden Heart, Reveals Why Hell Always Be Grateful To Him Malavika Mohanan Says Working With Thalapathy Vijay Is An Honour In Itself Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 15:37 IST Malavika Mohanan, who has worked with Vijay in Master, shared her excitement for the Jana Nayagan, ahead of its audio launch. Jana Nayagan is set to release on January 9, 2026. (Photo Credit : X) South superstar Thalapathy Vijay is gearing up for his next big film, Jana Nayagan, a political action drama that is already creating buzz. The film is set to release during the Sankranti season and ahead of that, the makers have planned a grand audio launch in Malaysia. The event is expected to be a major moment for fans across the globe. What makes it more special is the support coming from Vijays co-stars as well. Actress Malavika Mohanan, who has worked with him before and calls herself A Thalapathy fan girl," shared her excitement for the film and the team. She shared that before her schedule gets packed with her film events, Raja Saab, she wanted to express her happiness for Jana Nayagan. Speaking about her experience of working with Vijay in Master, the actress calls it a proud moment in her career. Malavika shared that their bond goes beyond the screen and she respects him as both an actor and a person. Malavika Mohanan Shows Support For Vijay Taking to X (Formerly Twitter), Malavika Mohanan wrote, Before my day gets busy with my own movies pre-release event, I want to take a moment to express my excitement for the audio launch of Jana Nayagan. Its been an absolute honour to have worked with Vijay sir & and even bigger honour to be able to call him a friend. He is a special person in every sense of the word. I will be cheering for him & the entire team of the film like millions of fans from across the globe. Now and always, A Thalapathy fan girl." Before my day gets busy with my own movies pre-release event, I want to take a moment to express my excitement for the audio launch of #JanaNayagan Its been an absolute honour to have worked with Vijay sir & and even bigger honour to be able to call him a friend. He is a Malavika Mohanan (@MalavikaM_) December 27, 2025 This is not the first time Malavika Mohanan has spoken about Thalapathy Vijay. In 2022, during an ask me session on Twitter, she shared how important he is to her. She said he holds a special place in her life and remains her favourite actor, no matter where her career takes her or whom she works with in the future. She wrote, I think Ive said so much about him by now that everyone knows hes my favourite. But here, saying again in case anybodys forgotten, he always will be very special to me & will always always be my favourite no matter where I am or who I am working with." I think Ive said so much about him by now that everyone knows hes my favourite. But here, saying again in case anybodys forgotten- he always will be very special to me & will always always be my favourite no matter where I am or who I am working with https://t.co/SyU14uleOV Malavika Mohanan (@MalavikaM_) May 18, 2022 Event Details And Upcoming Film Clash The audio launch of Jana Nayagan is set to be held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Thalapathy Vijay has already reached Malaysia along with the director H Vinoth, music composer Anirudh Ravichander and lead actress Pooja Hegde. Meanwhile, Malavika Mohanan is preparing for a big step in her career with her Telugu debut in The Raja Saab, which stars Prabhas in the lead role. The film, also featuring Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, Sanjay Dutt and Boman Irani, is scheduled to release on January 9, 2026, clashing with Jana Nayagan. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 15:37 IST News bollywood Malavika Mohanan Says Working With Thalapathy Vijay Is An Honour In Itself Orry Roasts Dhruv Rathee For Calling Janhvi Kapoor Fake Beauty: She Probably Doesnt Even Know You Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 16:07 IST Orry commented on a video that linked Janhvi Kapoors post about the Dipu Chandra Das case in Bangladesh to Dhruvs video about her which he posted a few hours later. Dhruv Rathees latest video was uploaded on December 25. (Photo Credit: X) Bollywood is no stranger to controversies and yet another one has erupted. Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry, has come out in support of his close friend, Janhvi Kapoor, after YouTuber Dhruv Rathee released a video titled The Fake Beauty of Bollywood Celebrities." As the title suggests, the video highlights several actresses who have allegedly undergone cosmetic procedures and Janhvi Kapoor was among those mentioned. Reacting to the video on Instagram, Orry strongly lashed out at Dhruv, defending the actress. Orry Slams Dhruv Rathee The video, which has already crossed 6 million views on YouTube, was uploaded on Dhruvs channel on December 25. Along with Janhvi Kapoor, Dhruv mentioned other actresses such as Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone and Kajol, among several others, who are alleged to have undergone various facial treatments. Notably, Janhvis face was used as the thumbnail for the video. Orry lashed out at Dhruv by commenting on an Instagram reel. The now-viral reel pointed out that just a few hours after Janhvi Kapoor shared her thoughts on the Dipu Chandra Das case in Bangladesh, Dhruv uploaded a video criticising her, calling it not acceptable." The reel has garnered over a lakh likes. Orrys comment read, She probably doesnt even know who he is." Orry also commented, I myself only know him as that anti-nationalist who complains about not getting papped at train station despite having followers." Here is the video that Orry commented on: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Being Political (@being_political) Other Comments On The Reel The reel on which Orry commented also featured numerous other responses, with people voicing their opinions. A user pointed out, I think people lost their common sense somewhereits clear he didnt make a video after she posted something. Video is already made, you cant just make a video within an hour. The video is from Dhruv Rathee so of course, it would have taken 5-6 days maybe." Another one wrote, We love Janhvi. More power to you girl." An individual remarked, It takes time to make researched videosits not as easy as posting a story." The internet was already buzzing with Dhruvs latest video and with Orry stepping into the controversy, the attention is only set to intensify more. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 15:11 IST News movies bollywood Orry Roasts Dhruv Rathee For Calling Janhvi Kapoor Fake Beauty: She Probably Doesnt Even Know You Ranveer Allahbadia Reacts To Saurav Gujar's Death Threat After India's Got Lalent Row: 'He Used To...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 09:26 IST Earlier this year, Saurav Gujar shared a video on his X handle and issued an open threat to Ranveer Allahbadia over his comments on Indias Got Latent. Ranveer Allahbadia had previously issued an apology over his India's Got Talent comments. (Photos: Instagram) Ranveer Allahbadia made headlines for all the wrong reasons earlier this year when his comment on Indias Got Latent grabbed attention. Back then, the podcaster even received death threats from many, including one from the Mahabharat star Saurav Gujar. Months after, Allahbadia has now reacted to Saurav threatening to kill him. Recently, Ranveer shared a video on his Instagram handle in which he recalled watching Saurav Gujars threatening video. Saurav Gujar? He used to play Bheem in Mahabharat. Bheem was my favourite character. He is saying that he will kill me. I was like, Saurav bro, you? Bheem will beat me now? I will kill you. (laughs) I was like, yo!" he said. Asked if he will ever call Saurav on his podcast, Ranveer added, I will call him because he used to like that old Mahabharat. I like Bheem a lot. Hes been in WWE. As far as he promises not to hit me." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranveer Allahbadia (@ranveerallahbadia) What Did Saurav Gujar Say? Earlier this year, Saurav shared a video on his X handle and issued an open threat to Ranveer Allahbadia over his comments on Indias Got Latent. He expressed disappointment with Allahbadias remark about parents sex and called it unacceptable. Whatever he did on the show, he cannot be forgiven for that. If we do not take action against him for his behaviour, then more people like him will say similar things. People like him have crossed all the limits. We should take legal action against people like him who are spoiling our society and religion by saying such things, so that the next generation can be saved. The kind of things he has said, I demand the government to take strict action against him. I am very angry right now. I dont want to use foul language. If I meet him anywhere, no one can save him from me for what he said on the show," Gurjar said in Hindi. About Indias Got Latent Controversy Ranveer Allahbadia faced immense backlash over his comments on Samay Rainas Indias Got Latent. Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, during an episode of the show, allegedly asked a contestant an inappropriate question involving body parts and proposed an indecent act in exchange for Rs 2 crore. The outrage peaked when he posed a controversial question: Would you watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join once to stop it forever?" Following the incident, multiple complaints were filed against Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina and several co-judges, including Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh and Apoorva Makhija. Later, Ranveer also apologised for his words. He issued a video statement in which he said, My comment wasnt just inappropriate, it wasnt even funny. Comedy is not my forte. I am just here to say sorry. Many of you asked if this is how I wish to use my platform and obviously, this is not how I wish to use it. I am not going to give any context, justification or reasoning behind whatever happened. I am just here for an apology." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 09:24 IST News movies bollywood Ranveer Allahbadia Reacts To Saurav Gujar's Death Threat After India's Got Lalent Row: 'He Used To...' Zero Pretension, Completely Real: Chitrangada Singh Praises Salman Khan While Talking About Battle Of Galwan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 19:05 IST Chitrangada Singh praises Salman Khans authenticity and spontaneity while working on Battle of Galwan, calling him rare and unapologetically himself in Bollywood. Rapid Read Chitrangada Singh has opened up about her experience working with Salman Khan in Battle of Galwan, calling the superstar refreshingly real and praising his zero-pretension approach in an industry full of facades. Actor Chitrangada Singh, who will soon be seen alongside Salman Khan in the upcoming war drama Battle of Galwan, has spoken candidly about working with the superstar and what sets him apart in an industry she feels is often driven by appearances. There Is Zero Pretension About Him In an interview with PTI, Chitrangada described Salman Khan as someone who is unapologetically himself, a quality she finds rare in show business. He is very tuned into what his fans want him to be, and he is exactly what his fans love. I dont think he pretends to be anything else. The most amazing thing about him is that there is zero pretension Ive not come across anyone in the industry who has zero pretension, its this man," she said. Elaborating further, the actor explained how Khans comfort with his own identity reflects in the way he conducts himself on and off set. He is exactly who he is. He will speak when he wants to, he will be quiet for as long as he wants to be, if he wants to work out now, he will go and work out now," she added. In This Industry, People Often Wear Masks Chitrangada admitted that authenticity is difficult to maintain in an industry driven by perception, which is why she finds Salmans approach admirable. Its strange because in this industry, sometimes you do things for effect. Ive admired something about him, its probably this. Its very tough to do that. And I think thats what his fans love him for because he is so real," she said. Spontaneity On Set And A Secure Performer While she remained tight-lipped about the specifics of her role in Battle of Galwan, Chitrangada praised Salmans spontaneous acting style and comfort with improvisation. Hes so secure, you could say anything and he loves to improvise. Thats the best thing. Its like an ever-evolving scene till its finally okay. Till then, it just keeps evolving, I love that," she said. She added that this flexibility makes working with him an enjoyable experience for the entire cast. Its just so much fun because everyones having fun. He changes a few things. So, theres this spontaneity in the scene, which is so refreshing and he does it so effortlessly," she noted. That Effortlessness Comes From Experience Reflecting on his decades-long career, Chitrangada explained how that ease comes from constant engagement with the craft. When you do so much work or youre constantly thinking or working on something, then it becomes effortless. So, I think he manages to do that even now," she said. A Missed Collaboration From The Past Chitrangada also revealed that she was once set to collaborate with Salman Khan years ago, but the project never materialised. There was a film that he wanted to produce with Govinda ji. It was a remake of a Marathi film that Mahesh Manjrekar was going to direct. This would be like 201617. I dont think we ever discussed work after that," she shared. Whats Next For Chitrangada Singh The actor is currently receiving praise for her performance in Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, directed by Honey Trehan. The film also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Ila Arun, Rajat Kapoor, Deepti Naval, and Revathi. Meanwhile, Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between India and China and is slated for release on April 17, 2026. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 19:05 IST News movies bollywood Zero Pretension, Completely Real: Chitrangada Singh Praises Salman Khan While Talking About Battle Of Galwan Terry Crews Wants To Work In Bollywood, Calls Shah Rukh Khan 'International Star' Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 18:06 IST Terry Crews said he loved Bollywood's dance numbers and would love to dance in a film. Terry Crews calls Shah Rukh Khan 'International Star'(Photo Credit: Instagram) Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Terry Crews stopped by in Mumbai and spoke fondly about his trip to India. The American actor shared that he loved the food and culture of India, especially the cinema. Crews mentioned that he loved dancing and is a dancer first, but that time of cinema is not followed in Hollywood. He also spoke about his love for Shah Rukh Khan and called him the Indian Tom Cruise. Terry Crews wants to dance in Bollywood film In an interview with The Times of India, Crews said that he, always wanted to visit India. Its such an exotic and beautiful place." He added, I tried some of the paneer dishes. I always eat Indian food like dal and garlic naan in LA. We love it. I didnt get a chance to go really far out simply because it was just a short visit." He further spoke about Bollywood and said, Everybody around the globe wants what India has simply because it really satisfies a need in so many ways. Im a big fan of music and dance. In fact, I am a dancer first. When you look at the culture and the way theyve incorporated big musical performances into the movies, you dont get that in America. It comes along once in a blue moon, like a Wicked. When I watch these major stars dancing to the amazing music, I miss it. It reminds me of the old Hollywood." Crews also mentioned that he wanted to meet Shah Rukh Khan, I would love to dance, just like the stars in Bollywood. I want to mention how Shah Rukh Khan has become this super international star. I havent met him yet, but Im looking forward to that. To me, he is a true example of Tom Cruise-level Indian talent that has taken over the world. His brand and his name is like those of Cristiano Ronaldo. Its enormous," he said. Terry Crews meets Suniel Shetty and Ranveer Singh Terry recently took to his Instagram and shared a video of his meet with Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty. Sharing the video he wrote, honored to meet Bollywood legend @suniel.shetty." The actor also met Ranveer Singh in Abu Dhabi and shared a picture with him. He congratulated Singh on the success of Dhurandhar. Ranveer replied in the comments, Great to meet you , Legend !" News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 18:06 IST News movies hollywood Terry Crews Wants To Work In Bollywood, Calls Shah Rukh Khan 'International Star' TRIPOLI, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Britain will conduct the technical analysis of the flight recorders from a jet carrying senior Libyan military officials that crashed in Turkiye this week, Libya's Interior Ministry said on Friday, after Germany declined the request. The agreement to involve Britain as a neutral party was reached between Libyan investigators, the Libyan Attorney General, and the Turkish Prosecutor General, according to a statement from the ministry. The move follows a failed attempt to send the "black box" to Germany. On Thursday, authorities had initially planned for German experts to lead the technical analysis of the crash, which killed Libya's army chief of staff, Mohammed al-Haddad, and four other military officials. However, the Interior Ministry announced late Friday that Germany had declined the task. Citing Turkish investigators, the ministry said German authorities said they lacked the specific technical capabilities required to handle this aircraft model. Al-Haddad and his delegation were traveling to Tripoli on Tuesday evening when their business jet crashed south of Ankara. Thalapathy Vijay Greets Fans With Folded Hands In Malaysia Ahead of Jan Neta Audio Launch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 07:24 IST Thalapathy Vijay's Jan Neta is directed by H. Vinoth. Early trends and overseas advance bookings indicate a big opening for the movie. Thalapathy Vijay's Jan Neta releases worldwide on January 9, 2026. Thalapathy Vijay has arrived in Malaysia ahead of the audio launch of his upcoming film Jan Neta. On Friday, the actor received a warm welcome in a foreign land as he arrived for the mega event. Making the moment special, he was received with a Silat performance, Malaysias national martial art, celebrating his presence and global popularity. The traditional performance, accompanied by music and powerful moves, highlighted Vijays strong connection with fans across countries. Videos from the welcome have already gone viral, showing how Vijay also greeted his fans with folded hands. Watch the video here: #ThalapathyVijay Anna welcomes to Malaysia by Silat style of Malaysia National Martial arts!#JanaNayaganAudioLaunch#JanaNayaganpic.twitter.com/EPO5rYci0P THALAPATHY VIJAY TVK-IT WING (@TTFNORTHCHN) December 26, 2025 Jan Neta is already shaping up to be a major event film. With the audio launch just around the corner, Vijays arrival in Malaysia has further heightened anticipation for what promises to be one of the biggest cinematic moments of the year. Adding to the mounting buzz, the film has already opened to record-breaking pre-sales across key overseas markets, underlining the massive global anticipation surrounding the release. Expectations are sky-high as Jana Nayagan marks Thalapathy Vijays final film, making it one of the most emotionally significant releases of his illustrious career. Directed by H. Vinoth, known for his compelling narratives and layered storytelling, the film promises a story driven by purpose, consequence, and conviction. The music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, while the film boasts a strong ensemble cast including Bobby Deol, Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani, and Narain, adding further depth to its expansive world. Backed by KVN Productions under producer Venkat K. Narayana, Jana Nayagan (Jan Neta in Hindi) is slated for a grand worldwide theatrical release on January 9, 2026, perfectly timed with the festive Pongal weekend. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Malaysia First Published: December 27, 2025, 07:24 IST News movies tamil-cinema Thalapathy Vijay Greets Fans With Folded Hands In Malaysia Ahead of Jan Neta Audio Launch Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 10:27 IST 1 / 11 Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), on Friday, December 26, extended the free parking duration at the pickup areas from 10 to 15 minutes. The updated policy at Kempegowda International Airports Terminal 1 was brought into force after backlash from cab drivers. 2 / 11 Under the rules, if the time period is exceeded, cab drivers will now have to pay Rs 100 for a 30-minute slot. After that, they will be charged Rs 50 for every additional hour. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 11 Passengers can go to the parking areas via shuttle buses that operate every seven minutes, as well as cars and buggies available at Terminal 1. 4 / 11 The new policy follows changes in pickup rules on December 13. Under the updated rules, commercial vehicles that were not affiliated with the BIAL had to wait at parking zones P3 and P4. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 11 The lane system was first implemented at Terminal 2 on December 11. It was extended to Terminal 1 from December 13. It allowed all vehicles eight minutes of free pickup time, after which they had to pay Rs 150 for 813 minutes and Rs 300 for 1318 minutes, The News Minute reported. 6 / 11 The access rules have not impressed cab drivers, many of whom believe the new relaxations will not help their business, which has been severely impacted over the past two weeks, the Deccan Herald stated. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 11 A Bengaluru-based taxi driver's union, Karnataka Chalakara Okkuta, met Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on December 26 to discuss the issue. Passengers who use Rapido, Namma Yatri and other such services still have to walk over 1 km with their luggage from Terminal 1 to the P4 pick-up area. 8 / 11 The updated rules have been put in force by the BIAL to provide more flexibility to passengers and their families, ease congestion and improve traffic flow at the terminal. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 11 To further ease passenger movement and enhance the arrival experience, passengers can choose between a fleet of shuttles operating every seven minutes, six cars, and 10 battery-operated buggies running to and from the P3 and P4 pick-up areas, BIAL said in a statement, as per PTI. 10 / 11 The airport authority also said that its proposal to charge corporate taxis a flat fee of Rs 275 to pick up passengers from a dedicated fifth lane at Terminal 1 departures will be introduced later. ADVERTISEMENT Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 07:15 IST 1 / 9 When travelers think of Uttar Pradesh, they often picture the Taj Mahal shimmering in Agra, the ghats of Varanasi glowing at sunrise, or the bustling streets of Lucknow with their kebabs and nawabs. Yet, beyond its cultural treasures lies a lesser-known identity: Uttar Pradesh is the Sugar Bowl of India. This title isnt just a nickname; it reflects the states deep agricultural roots, its economic power, and even its cultural traditions tied to sugarcane. (Image: Canva) 2 / 9 Uttar Pradesh is Indias largest producer of sugarcane, contributing the highest share to the countrys sugar output. Vast fields stretch across districts like Meerut, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, and Bijnor, where sugarcane grows tall and lush. For travelers venturing into the countryside, the sight of endless green stalks swaying in the breeze is both calming and awe-inspiring. These fields are more than cropsthey are the lifeblood of millions of farmers and the backbone of the states rural economy. (Image: Canva) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 9 The state is dotted with sugar mills, some dating back to colonial times. Towns like Shamli and Lakhimpur Kheri are hubs where cane is crushed into jaggery or refined into sugar crystals. Visiting one of these mills offers a revelatory experience: you witness the transformation of raw cane into the sweet grains that end up in kitchens worldwide. The hum of machinery, the earthy smell of molasses, and the sight of workers hauling cane create a vivid picture of industry meeting agriculture. (Image: AI-Generated) 4 / 9 Sugarcane isnt just an economic crop; its woven into the cultural fabric of Uttar Pradesh. Festivals like Makar Sankranti and Lohri see families sharing jaggery sweets made from fresh cane. In villages, chewing raw sugarcane is a common pastime, especially during harvest season. Travelers who join locals in tasting freshly cut cane discover a rustic sweetness that feels worlds apart from refined sugar. (Image: AI-Generated) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 9 For those seeking offbeat travel, the sugarcane belt of western Uttar Pradesh offers a unique itinerary. Start in Meerut, where history meets agriculture, then head to Muzaffarnagar, often called the jaggery capital. Here, local markets brim with golden blocks of gur (jaggery), stacked like treasure. Moving north, Saharanpur blends cane fields with colonial-era architecture, while Bijnor charms with its rural landscapes. Each stop reveals how deeply sugarcane shapes daily life. (Image: AI-Generated) 6 / 9 Uttar Pradeshs sugar industry isnt just local, its national. The states production influences Indias sugar prices and exports. For travelers interested in economics, its fascinating to see how a single crop can sway markets and livelihoods. The Sugar Bowl moniker thus carries weight: its not just about sweetness, but about power and influence. (Image: AI-Generated) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 9 While exploring the sugarcane regions, travelers also encounter Uttar Pradeshs diverse heritage. From the spiritual aura of Varanasi to the Mughal grandeur of Agra, the state offers contrasts that few destinations can match. Imagine spending a morning walking through cane fields, then an evening watching the Ganga Aartithis juxtaposition makes Uttar Pradesh truly revelatory. (Image: AI-Generated) 8 / 9 Understanding Uttar Pradesh as the Sugar Bowl adds depth to your journey. Its easy to see monuments and temples, but knowing the agricultural story connects you to the land and its people. You realize that the states identity isnt only carved in marble or sung in hymnsits also grown in fields, harvested by hand, and tasted in sweets. (Image: AI-Generated) ADVERTISEMENT Ajit Pawar-Led NCP Likely To Go Solo In BMC Polls, Prepares To Contest 60 Seats Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 19:26 IST The third round of meetings between the Mumbai NCP leaders, including Zeeshan Siddiqui, Nawab Malik, and Sana Malik, was held on Thursday. Rapid Read Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. (PTI/File) As talks over the possible reunion of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) took a back seat, the Ajit Pawar faction has begun preparations to contest solo in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The third round of meetings of Mumbai NCP leaders was held on Thursday under the leadership of state party president Sunil Tatkare. The meeting was attended by senior leaders, including Zeeshan Siddiqui, Nawab Malik and Sana Malik, and focused on finalising candidates and assessing the partys readiness to go solo in the civic polls, NDTV reported. NCP MLA Sana Malik said the party was preparing to contest around 60 seats in the BMC elections, though a final decision is awaited from the party leadership. We are preparing to contest around 60 seats, and interviews of interested candidates are underway," she said as quoted by the news outlet. She added that the party would choose its own leadership for the elections and asserted that attempts were being made to target Nawab Malik. We will fight the elections on the ideology of ShivShahuPhuleAmbedkar," Malik said. Meanwhile, Mahayuti alliesthe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Senahave reportedly kept the NCP out of seat-sharing discussions for the BMC polls, citing the partys decision to appoint Nawab Malik as its Mumbai coordinator. BMC Polls The Mumbai civic body or the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the countrys richest corporation, will go to polls on January 15, with counting of votes on January 16. The State Election Commission on December 19 announced the poll schedule for BMC, along with 28 other civic corporations. As many as 2,869 seats in these municipal corporations will be up for grabs, said State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare, adding that 3.48 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in these major urban centres of the state. The elections for all 29 corporations, including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, will be held in a single phase. The code of conduct has come into effect from December 19. Voting will take place in 227 wards in Mumbai and 111 wards in Navi Mumbai. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 19:26 IST News politics Ajit Pawar-Led NCP Likely To Go Solo In BMC Polls, Prepares To Contest 60 Seats Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Congress Condemns Centre's Move To Rename MGNREGA In Party Working Committee Meeting Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 14:42 IST Earlier, the Centre passed the Viksit BharatGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VBG RAM G) Bill, 2025, in a sweeping overhaul of India's rural employment scheme. Senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, at the Congress Working Committee meeting. (Siddaramaiah) Congress leaders unanimously condemned the Central governments anti-national move to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) during the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting held in New Delhi on Saturday. During the recent Parliament Winter Session, the Centre passed the Viksit BharatGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VBG RAM G) Bill, 2025, in a sweeping overhaul of Indias rural employment scheme by replacing MGNREGA 2005. The opposition vociferously protested against the bill, tearing copies of the VB-G RAM G Bill and storming the well of the House. At the heart of the new bill is an increase in the statutory guarantee of wage employment from 100 to 125 days per rural household. However, this expansion comes with structural changes that the opposition describes as a dilution of the right to work", with states bearing some of the costs. On Saturday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge chaired the CWC meeting of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Headquarters at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and other senior party leaders are present in the meeting, which is underway. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who was present at the meeting, said, At todays Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting at Indira Bhavan, New Delhi, we unanimously condemned the Union Governments anti-federal and anti-national move to weaken the very spirit of the Employment Guarantee Programme by changing the name and structure of MGNREGA." The meeting will also focus on preparations for upcoming Assembly elections, strategies to stop vote theft, and addressing the major challenges facing the country," he added. At todays Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting at Indira Bhavan, New Delhi, we unanimously condemned the Union Governments anti-federal and anti-national move to weaken the very spirit of the Employment Guarantee Programme by changing the name and structure of MGNREGA.The pic.twitter.com/9U5RFvESpr Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 27, 2025 Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy were also invited to the CWC meeting, as was Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, despite his on-and-off relationship with the party marked by occasional praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson CR Kesavan questioned whether the party will hold Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accountable" for his failure in the Bihar Assembly election and disastrous vote chori campaign." The INC [Insecure Nehru Congress] has called for its first CWC [Congress Whitewash Committee] meeting after the party was routed and rejected by the people in the Bihar Elections. Will the CWC dare to pin the onus and responsibility on Rahul Gandhi for Congresss dismal Bihar drubbing and his disastrous vote chori campaign or will it as usual conveniently cover-up and whitewash Rahul Gandhis colossal failures?" he said on X. (with inputs from ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 14:42 IST News politics Congress Condemns Centre's Move To Rename MGNREGA In Party Working Committee Meeting Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Digvijaya Singh Praises Sangh With PM Modi's Throwback Photo; BJP Swipes At Congress Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 14:44 IST The post quickly drew attention as the Congress has often criticised the BJP and the RSS on several issues, making Singhs remarks stand out sharply from the partys usual line. Digvijaya Singh Shares Old Modi Photo, BJP Says Congress vs Congress on Display Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh has triggered a fresh political controversy with an unexpected praise of the BJP and the RSS. Singh shared a black and white photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the 1990s and highlighted the organisational strength of the Sangh-BJP ecosystem. The post quickly drew attention as the Congress has often criticised the BJP and the RSS on several issues, making Singhs remarks stand out sharply from the partys usual line. The image shared by Singh shows a young Narendra Modi sitting on the floor near senior BJP leader LK Advani at a public event in Gujarat. The photograph is believed to have been taken during the swearing-in ceremony of former Gujarat chief minister Shankersinh Vaghela in 1996. Referring to the image, Singh said it reflected how grassroots workers in the RSS and the BJP could rise through the organisation to become chief ministers and even prime ministers. He described this journey as the power of the organisation". The controversy comes as the Congress holds CWC meeting in Delhi. During the meeting, Digvijaya Singh pointed out that the party is too centralised and needs to hit the roots. BJP Reacts The BJP was quick to seize on Singhs post. Party spokesperson CR Kesavan taunted the Congress leadership and said the tweet had exposed how the party was run in an autocratic and undemocratic" manner. Another BJP spokesperson, Pradip Bhandari, went further, saying the post showed open dissent within the Congress. Digvijay Singh openly dissents against Rahul Gandhi. He makes it clear that under Rahul Gandhi the Congress organisation has collapsed. Congress vs Congress on display," Bhandari said. However, when asked about his post, the veteran Congress leader said, I have only praised the organisation. I have always opposed the RSS and Prime Minister Modi. I remain against the policies of the RSS and Modi ji." Digvijay Singh openly dissents against Rahul Gandhi.He makes it clear that under Rahul Gandhi the Congresss organization has collapsed.Congress vs Congress on display! pic.twitter.com/meGMyHF9wc Pradeep Bhandari( ) (@pradip103) December 27, 2025 What Digvijaya Singh Said? In his post on X, Singh wrote that the photograph was impressive and showed how dedicated workers who once sat at the feet of senior leaders could go on to hold the countrys highest offices. He ended his message with the slogan Jai Siya Ram". Singh also tagged the official Congress social media handles, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, and senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. This move is being seen as a deliberate signal to the partys high command. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 14:29 IST News politics Digvijaya Singh Praises Sangh With PM Modi's Throwback Photo; BJP Swipes At Congress Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Is Congress Part Of Anti-India Global Conspiracy: BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi's Germany Visit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 16:16 IST BJP accused Congress of colluding with anti-India forces after Sam Pitroda revealed Rahul Gandhi attended Global Progressive Alliance meet in Germany. The BJPs comments come over Rahul Gandhi's visit to Germany. (File) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday accused the Congress of colluding with anti-India" forces, citing Indian Overseas Congress Chairman Sam Pitrodas recent remarks about the partys association with the Global Progressive Alliance. While addressing a press conference, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi referred to Pitrodas remarks regarding Rahul Gandhis presence at Global Progressive Alliances conference during his recent Germany visit, said that Pitroda has inadvertently exposed" what he termed the Congress partys real ideological orientation. Rahul Gandhis long-time advisor, Sam Pitroda, who was also an advisor to his late father and the architect of his ideological mindset and psychology, has inadvertently exposed the real face of the Congress party," he said as quoted by news agency ANI. #WATCH | Delhi: On Indian Overseas Congress Chairman Sam Pitrodas latest statement, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi says, "Rahul Gandhi's long-time advisor, Sam Pitroda, who was also an advisor to his late father and the architect of his ideological mindset and psychology, has pic.twitter.com/tKLnEMLTKe ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2025 The BJP spokesperson said that Pitroda himself revealed that Rahul Gandhi was part of the alliances praesidium, while he was a member. He claimed that Global Progressive Alliance was a propagator of anti-India" narratives. In an interview yesterday, he said that the Congress party is part of an alliance called the Global Progressive Alliance, and Rahul Gandhi had gone to Germany to participate in it. This Alliance is connected to an organisation that is part of a network of many organisations that are anti-India and promote anti-India narratives," Trivedi said. When Sam Pitroda is asked about the connection between the Global Progressive Alliance and the Congress, he himself reveals that Rahul Gandhi is on its praesidium and Sam Pitroda is a member," he added. Trivedi further asked that if the grand old party has become a member of the anti-India global conspiracy. After Sam Pitrodas statement, I want to ask the Congress party if they become a member of the anti-India global conspiracy, if they become a member of the nefarious nexus of anti-India global forces?" he added. In an interview with TV channel, Pitroda explained why Rahul Gandhi was absent from the winter session of the Parliament. He said that Rahul Gandhi had to skip Parliament to attend a conference of the Progressive Alliance, which was scheduled several months in advance, and he had to attend the conference because the Congress is a member of the Progressive Alliance and Rahul Gandhi is a member of the presidium of the alliance. The BJP leaders remarks come in the backdrop of Rahul Gandhis recent visit to Germany, during which he visited a BMW facility and spoke about Indias manufacturing sector, claiming that the country needs to boost production, which was declining". Also, addressing a gathering in Berlin, Gandhi alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were being used by the BJP to target political opponents while sparing those aligned with the ruling party. Rahul Gandhi came under heavy attack launched by the BJP, who said that he was undermining Indias prestige. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 16:16 IST News politics Is Congress Part Of Anti-India Global Conspiracy: BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi's Germany Visit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Party Doesn't Think This Way: Congress Leader On Shashi Tharoor's Remarks Praising PM Modi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 17:51 IST V Hanumantha Rao clarified Congress does not share Shashi Tharoors view equating PMs defeat with Indias defeat. Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao on Saturday rejected Tharoor's statement. (File) Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao on Saturday distanced the party from Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoors reported remark that celebrating the Prime Ministers defeat is akin to celebrating Indias defeat, saying the Congress does not share that view. The former Rajya Sabha MP said that Tharoors remarks reflected his personal stance and not the partys stand, adding that the Congresss democratic structure allows leaders to express differing views. " We have democracy here, so everyone expresses their views. If another party made such statements, there would be swift action, but we have democracy here. This may be his thinking, but the party does not think that way" he said as quoted be news agency ANI. #WATCH | Delhi | On Congress MP Shashi Tharoors reported statement that rejoicing at PMs defeat is akin to celebrating Indias defeat, Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao says, " We have democracy here, so everyone expresses their views. If another party made such statements, pic.twitter.com/qIbON4RUsc ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2025 Raos comment came after Tharoor reportedly remarked that celebrating the Prime Ministers defeat is akin to celebrating Indias defeat. Meanwhile, these remarks triggered political reactions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcoming his statement. Earlier today, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla praised Tharoor, describing his comments as courageous, and expressed hope that the Congress would not take disciplinary action against him. Once again, Shashi Tharoor has shown the courage to show the mirror to Rahul Gandhi for all the propaganda he spreads against India. Dr Tharoor has rightly said that foreign policy doesnt belong to one party; it belongs to the nation. I hope that they do not take some action against Tharoor. They may issue a fatwa against him because they cannot tolerate national interest above family interest," Poonawalla said in a post on X. He also accused Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of putting family interests above national interest" and said that he hates India. This is a clear-cut message to Rahul Gandhi about his propaganda on Operation Sindoor, the surrender narrative to Prithviraj Chavan, and the entire Congress ecosystem But Rahul Gandhi keeps family interest above party interest and the nations interest because, in his hatred for the BJP, he hates India. He goes and spews venom against India," he told the news agency. Meanwhile, despite his on-and-off relationship with the party, Shashi Tharoor attended the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Headquarters at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi. Recently, Tharoor has made headlines for skipping Congress meetings and praising Prime Minister Narendra Modis address at the Ramnath Goenka Lecture. He had skipped Congresss Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod rally at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi due to his engagement abroad. Tharoor also missed the meeting of Congress Lok Sabha MPs chaired by Rahul Gandhi. Tharoor recently led a multi-party delegation to relevant world capitals to highlight Indias stand against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism following Operation Sindoor. He had emerged as one of the most articulate voices to present Indias position during Operation Sindoor as well as its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan at the global stage following the Pahalgam attack The senior Congress leader has often publicly backed PM Modi at several occasions. Earlier in June this year, Tharoor, in an article, remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modis energy, dynamism and willingness to engage remain a prime asset" for India on the global stage but deserve greater backing. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 17:51 IST News politics Party Doesn't Think This Way: Congress Leader On Shashi Tharoor's Remarks Praising PM Modi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... RSS Workers Can Sell Comb To Bald Person: Digvijaya Singh Praises Sangh Again Amid Row Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 23:54 IST Digvijaya Singh praised RSS and BJP's organisational strength but clarified his opposition to RSS ideology. Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh. (File) After triggering a political row with an unexpected praise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Seva Sangh (RSS) , senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Saturday clarified that he remained firmly opposed to the RSSs ideology. The Congress Rajya Sabha MP claimed that he opposes the right wing outfit because it does not follow the Constitution. They do not follow the Indian Constitution. The RSS is an unregistered organisation and the way it spreads hatred against minorities, I am against it," he said while speaking to NDTV. However, he further acknowledged RSS strong organisational network. When asked whether the Congress could learn from the RSSs organisational capabilities, Singh agreed and praised its grassroots reach. RSS workers are so effective that they can go from house to house and sell a comb to a bald person," he told the news outlet. Earlier today, the Rajya Sabha MP while highlighting the organisational strength of the Sangh-BJP ecosystem, shared a photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 1995 in which he is seen sitting on the ground, near the feet of then BJP president LK Advani, during the swearing-in ceremony of then Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel. In his post, Singh said he was impressed by how grassroots workers of the RSS and BJP could rise to become a Chief Minister and eventually the Prime Minister, calling it the power of the organisation". The post quickly drew attention as the Congress has often criticised the BJP and the RSS on several issues, making Singhs remarks stand out sharply from the partys usual line. The BJP was quick to seize on Singhs post. Party spokesperson CR Kesavan taunted the Congress leadership and said the tweet had exposed how the party was run in an autocratic and undemocratic" manner. Another BJP spokesperson, Pradip Bhandari, went further, saying the post showed open dissent within the Congress. Digvijay Singh openly dissents against Rahul Gandhi. He makes it clear that under Rahul Gandhi the Congress organisation has collapsed. Congress vs Congress on display," Bhandari said. However, when asked about his post, the veteran Congress leader said, I have only praised the organisation. I have always opposed the RSS and Prime Minister Modi. I remain against the policies of the RSS and Modi ji." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 23:54 IST News politics RSS Workers Can Sell Comb To Bald Person: Digvijaya Singh Praises Sangh Again Amid Row Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... When 'Bulldozers' Cross State Lines: Pinarayi Vijayan And DK Shivakumar In A War Of Words Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: December 28, 2025, 01:38 IST Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar hit back at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over his criticism of a demolition drive in Bengaluru Shivakumar said the Kerala CM should not interfere in Karnatakas affairs without knowing the facts. File image/ANI A war of words erupted between Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over the demolition of settlements in Bengaluru, with the dispute quickly taking on political overtones ahead of elections in Kerala. In a post on social media site X, Pinarayi Vijayan accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of adopting a bulldozer raj" by demolishing houses in Faqir Colony and Waseem Layout in Bengaluru. He claimed the action had uprooted Muslim families who had lived there for years, alleging that the brutal normalisation of bulldozer raj" was now being carried out under a Congress government. He further stated that the Sangh Parivars anti-minority politics was now being executed by a Congress government in Karnataka. Vijayan added that when a regime ruled through fear and brute force, constitutional values and human dignity were the first casualties. He called on secular and democratic forces to resist this trend. Responding sharply, Shivakumar said the Kerala CM should not interfere in Karnatakas affairs without knowing the facts. He stated, It is unfortunate that senior leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan have commented on this without knowing the facts of the matter. The land, which was cleared of encroachment, was a solid waste pit. There are many health-related issues in the area due to this." Shivakumar rejected the allegation of a bulldozer culture, stating the government was acting to protect public land. We also have humanity, and we have given them an opportunity to move to other areas. Leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan should not interfere in such matters. The land mafia sets up slums to encroach upon the land at a later stage; we wont let that happen. We are willing to give houses under the Rajiv Gandhi scheme if there are eligible people," he said. Insisting that the issue had nothing to do with minorities, Shivakumar said, We dont have bulldozer culture; I appeal to Pinarayi Vijayan not to talk like that. We are only protecting government land in the middle of the city. We will send out a message regarding this to our party leaders in Kerala." He added that Bengaluru did not have many slums compared to other cities and said the matter fell under the constituency of minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who had spoken to officials. The Deputy Chief Minister stated that those genuinely affected would be supported and could be relocated. This has nothing to do with minorities. If there is anyone who is genuinely affected, we will provide them with housing elsewhere. Our government, under the leadership of Chief Minister and Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, has built lakhs of homes for the poor in the state," he said. When asked about protests triggered by Pinarayi Vijayans remarks, Shivakumar dismissed them as politically driven. These are all politically motivated statements and protests. He should not comment on matters of our state without knowing the facts. This is a political gimmick in view of the upcoming Kerala elections," he said. On whether the evicted residents had any legal rights, Shivakumar said support would be extended to those with valid documents. Whoever lives in Karnataka with valid documents will be provided the necessary support. We have instructed officials to give out clear instructions regarding this," he said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 28, 2025, 01:38 IST News politics When 'Bulldozers' Cross State Lines: Pinarayi Vijayan And DK Shivakumar In A War Of Words Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The 14th National People's Congress (NPC) will open its fourth annual session in Beijing on March 5, 2026, according to a decision made by the NPC Standing Committee on Saturday. The decision was adopted at the end of an NPC Standing Committee session held from Monday to Saturday. Bengaluru Should Be Indias Capital: Delhi Woman Feels Safe At 10 PM, Questions Gas Chamber AQI In NCR Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 09:03 IST Delhi girl compared her life in Bengaluru, where she feels relaxed while stepping out late at night and does not worry much about safety. Delhi girl questions why visitors should face dirty air and broken roads. (Photo Credits: Instagram) A woman from Delhi has triggered an online debate after saying that Bengaluru should become Indias national capital instead of Delhi. Her comment quickly caught attention and pushed people to talk again about air pollution, safety and daily life in big Indian cities. She shared that her thoughts became stronger after a recent trip to Delhi to visit her parents. She said the air felt so bad that breathing became hard and felt literally like being in gas chamber." She compared this with her life in Bengaluru, where she feels relaxed while stepping out late at night and does not worry much about safety. She spoke about cleaner air, smoother roads and public spaces that are easier to walk on. For her, these things matter not only for locals but also for guests coming from other countries. She questioned why visitors should face dirty air and broken roads when they land in India. According to her, a city where people can breathe freely and move safely sends a better message. Although she calls herself a Delhi girl, she feels Bengaluru fits the role of a capital city much better today. Why Bengaluru Feels Safer And Easier To Live In Taking to Instagram, the woman said, I think Bengaluru should be declared as the national capital of India as compared to Delhi and here is why. So its been seventy plus days of being in Bengaluru, for some fifteen days I was at my parents home. I was visiting them and I have already spoken about this, but I felt literally like being in a gas chamber. I dont know why its still the national capital. Because right now I am in Bengaluru, I have no problem breathing. Its 10 PM, I just met a friend and I am heading to my home. I feel safe here. The roads are safe. Womens security is not a big issue, yet if you look at a city like Delhi, it is filled with these issues. So, here is my point. Why should any international guest in our country should be subjected to bad air, bad roads, unwalkable spaces if they are coming to our country? I think they should be welcomed in a better city like Bengaluru where you can breathe properly, which is a basic human right and where they can enjoy their life. I have no reason to believe that Delhi should still be the capital of the country even though I myself am a Delhi girl," the content creator added. How Did The Internet React To This? Reacting to the post, a user wrote, Being a wise content creator, instead of floating the idea to make another city the capital, why dont you raise your voice to make Delhi a better place. Is it a PR thing that content criticising Delhi gets viral easily, so you focus more on that? BTW, many more cities in India fulfil your criteria of being the capital." Another shared, We already have a lot of people from every other state. The situation is already bad. Stop having unrealistic expectations." I agree that Bengaluru is better than Delhi. But it does have problems and a lot of them," a comment read. An individual stated, She is on a mission to make Bengaluru more expensive." Another mentioned, Agreed. Great city. Bengaluru rocks. At a standstill. Get your traffic sorted out." One more added, See how theres this tendency of switching to a new city once youve ruined an old one? You think Delhi was always this toxic? It used to be a beautiful place before everything went wrong. Bengaluru will become the same if it is made the capital and after 25 years, youll again come up with a new city. Youre not solving the problem, youre running away from it. People believe Delhi became toxic due to the Governments inaction. Polluting a city is the collective responsibility of all residents. People have already started abusing Bengaluru and its resources; we do not want any more of that with the national capital. Before burdening our city with your problems, better find a way of cleaning up your own." New Delhi is currently dealing with a severe air pollution problem that shows no signs of easing. Many residents say the air is so bad that even air purifiers inside their homes are not working as expected. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 08:50 IST News viral Bengaluru Should Be Indias Capital: Delhi Woman Feels Safe At 10 PM, Questions Gas Chamber AQI In NCR Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Man, Abducted At 4, Reunites With Birth Parents After Decades. Now, He Helps Families Find Missing Children Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 18:59 IST Peng Congcong's family shifted to Beijing when he was four years old and later on he was abducted while playing alone near a market. In the viral post, Peng has described 2025 as his rebirth year.(representative image) A man in China, who was taken away from his family at the mere age of four, has reunited with his birth parents after more than two decades. The heartwarming story of Peng Congcong, now 26, is gaining significant attention as he decided to return to his roots and start his life again, according to the South China Morning Post. Peng Congcongs Extraordinary Story Peng, who originally hails from southeastern Chinas Jiangxi province, on December 12 shared an online post where he talked about his maiden year after reuniting with his birth family and severing ties with those who brought him up. Peng shared that he was four years old when his family shifted to Beijing. At that time, he got abducted, while playing alone near a market. For nearly 21 years, his parents kept searching for him and even put up posters with his face at various places. Peng was soon taken to the Jiangsu province in eastern China where he was given the name, Zhang Kun, by another family. Few local media reports have called the family as the buyer," but Peng has not publicly addressed these claims. In December last year, Peng was informed by police that he hails from Jiangxi and not Jiangsu, while his birth family located him through DNA testing. Soon after, he decided to go back to Beijing where was reunited with his parents and two older sisters, SCMP reported. Interestingly, Peng also visited the market where he lived during his childhood days. What Peng Congcong Said After a few days, the family came back to Jiangxi, while Peng was welcomed by villagers in a grand style, with fireworks and a banquet. Relatives brought a cake to celebrate Pengs return to his original home. This is what a real home feels like. With my parents care, my sisters by my side and my relatives blessings, I feel a sense of belonging deep inside me," Peng wrote in his post. In Jiangsu, Peng had a job and was the owner of a house and a car. But he later quit his job and sold the property as well as the vehicle. These things do not belong to me. So I returned them," he wrote. Peng even explained during a live-steam that those who adopted him had purchased the home, but he had paid for all the renovations. In the viral post, Peng has described 2025 as his rebirth year". Peng highlights that his real parents have lived with guilt and pain" throughout the last two decades and now he looks forward to travelling with them. I want to make up, bit by bit, for the time the years stole from us," he added. Besides this, Peng also serves as a volunteer to help families search for their missing children. Keywords: Peng Congcong, who is Peng Congcong, china man reunites with family, Peng Congcong reunites with family, china viral news News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 18:58 IST News viral Man, Abducted At 4, Reunites With Birth Parents After Decades. Now, He Helps Families Find Missing Children Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... This Village Celebrates Arrival Of First Baby Born In 30 Years How Can You Visit This Place? Is It In India? Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 18:43 IST Italian village of Pagliara dei Marsi welcomed a baby after 30 long years. This Italian village celebrates the birth of its first baby in three decades. (Representative Image) After years of waiting, in March 2025, the tiny Italian village of Pagliara dei Marsi finally rejoiced, and the reason behind the joy a new baby. Lara Bussi Trabucco became the first baby born in the community in almost three decades, prompting celebrations in a settlement that had long been synonymous with silence and decline. Young families moved away, schools closed and the few remaining residents watched the population shrink year after year. Italian village welcomes baby after three decades The baby girl, named Lara, was born to Cinzia Trabucco and Paolo Bussi. For the couple, the birth was personal joy; for the village, it became a community event. Almost every resident attended her christening. People who had once left the village returned for a visit, and complete strangers stopped by simply because the story had spread. In a place where the average age is high and houses sit locked for most of the year, a newborn instantly changed the mood. Laras mother told The Guardian, People who didnt even know Pagliara dei Marsi existed have come, only because they had heard about Lara. At just nine months old, shes famous." Pagliara dei Marsi lies in the Abruzzo region and today counts only a few dozen residents. Like many mountain villages in Italy, it has faced steady depopulation. Jobs are scarce, public transport is limited, and younger people have built new lives in cities. Over time, the village church, bar and small square became gathering spots mainly for the elderly. Population problem across Italy As per Istat, the national statistics agency, in 2024, births in the country reached a historic low of 369,944, continuing a 16-year negative trend. The parents said they decided to stay despite these challenges. Financial support schemes introduced by the Italian government, including baby bonuses and monthly child benefits, helped with practical concerns, but the choice was also emotional; they wanted their child to grow up in the place they call home. The couple received 1,000 baby bonus" and also received 370 child support every month, thanks to Giorgia Melonis policies. Italy as a whole is dealing with a record low birth rate. The country has been losing young residents to bigger economies abroad, while many couples delay having children due to cost-of-living pressures and unstable employment. Some towns now advertise cheap homes or cash incentives just to keep their communities alive, as per The Guardian. Laras birth does not fix those national problems, but it has become a symbol for Pagliara dei Marsi. Residents speak of her as a reminder that the village is not only a memory of the past but still part of the present. Shops opened specially for celebrations, church bells rang longer than usual, and neighbours who rarely had reason to gather now check in just to ask how the baby is doing. Whether more families will follow is uncertain. For now, one child has managed to bring back a sense of warmth and conversation to a place that had nearly gone quiet, and that is enough for the people who live there. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 18:37 IST News viral This Village Celebrates Arrival Of First Baby Born In 30 Years How Can You Visit This Place? Is It In India? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Nigerian Official Pretends To Faint During Hearing After Being Questioned About Missing Funds | Old Video Resurfaces Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 13:09 IST A 2020 video of a Nigerian official collapsing during a hearing has resurfaced. The clip is sparking new reactions as people revisit the tense moment. (Photo Credit: X) An old video showing a Nigerian official collapsing during a public hearing has resurfaced and is drawing fresh attention. While many people are reacting to it now, the incident itself took place in 2020. The clip shows a tense moment during questioning that quickly turned into chaos inside the hearing room. The man in the video is Daniel Pondei, who was then the acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He was appearing before members of Nigerias House of Representatives when the incident happened. The footage has been widely shared on X, where users are reacting with shock, jokes and criticism. The Moment That Stunned The Hearing Room According to Africanews.com, Pondei was being questioned over claims of misusing public money. Less than an hour into the session, he suddenly slumped forward in his chair and appeared to faint. Lawmakers and officials in the room quickly rushed to help him as the hearing came to an abrupt stop. In the video, several people can be seen trying to assist him. One person attempts to hold his head to prevent choking, while others fan him. Another pours water over his head. Moments later, Pondei regains consciousness and is seen speaking to those around him. Nigerian official pretends to faint after being questioned about missing funds pic.twitter.com/WZxjDgGkYU Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) December 26, 2025 Officials Rush To Escort Him Out After the incident, the committee decided to end the session. Some members were heard asking that an ambulance be called. Pondei was then escorted out of the auditorium with the help of a policeman and two other men. The hearing did not continue after that. Reports from the time say the fainting episode led to his hurried dismissal from the session. The sudden collapse raised eyebrows, especially given the serious nature of the questions he was facing. Why The NDDC Was Under Scrutiny In 2020, the NDDC faced serious allegations of large-scale fund mismanagement. The commission, which works on development projects in Nigerias oil-rich Niger Delta region, was accused of mishandling public money meant for welfare and infrastructure. However, the NDDC denied any wrongdoing. Its management stated that all spending was justified and said a significant amount of money had been used to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Social Media Reacts With Humour And Concern As the clip circulated online, social media users flooded the comments with jokes and opinions. A user wrote, me when the wife starts asking about my crypto portfolio." Another commented, This is my go-to move when people question me." Must have been watching a lot of OKC games," a person joked. Another said, Im going to try that next time my boss asks if I finished all my work." Not everyone found it funny, though, with one user adding, Hilarious but feeling sad for the citizens of Nigeria." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 13:08 IST News viral Nigerian Official Pretends To Faint During Hearing After Being Questioned About Missing Funds | Old Video Resurfaces Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... This Place In Uttar Pradesh, Linked To Freedom Fighters, Is Called The City Of Martyrs Know Why Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 18:14 IST Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh is known as the City of Martyrs for its role in Indias freedom struggle. Many freedom fighters came from this district. (Photo Credit: X) Many districts in Uttar Pradesh played an important role in Indias freedom struggle. Brave men and women from these regions stood up to British rule and made great sacrifices for the country. One district in particular earned a special place in history because of the courage shown by its people. Their sacrifices were so great that the district came to be known by a powerful name that is still remembered today. This UP District Is Called the City of Martyrs Shahjahanpur district in Uttar Pradesh is known as the City of Martyrs." The district played a key role during Indias freedom movement, especially during the 1857 uprising against British rule. It is located near Bareilly and Lucknow and became a centre for revolutionary activity. Freedom fighters from Shahjahanpur were deeply involved in planning the Kakori incident, which was a major act of resistance against the British government. After the incident, many revolutionaries were arrested and later executed, sending shockwaves across the country. Shahjahanpurs Role In The 1857 Freedom Struggle According to Shahjahanpurs official website, this place holds a respected place in the history of Indias independence movement. The city is linked to two important shrines connected to freedom fighters. One belongs to Maulvi Ahamad Ullah Shah, a leader of the 1857 revolt, and the other to martyr Ashfaqullah Khan, who was involved in the Kakori incident. There are two Majars or shrines in Shahjahanpur city. One is of Ahamad Ullah Shah and the other is of Ahamad Ullah Shah. Maulvi Ahamad Ullah Shah began his fight against the British in Faizabad before coming to Shahjahanpur, where he lost his life. Revolutionaries Who Challenged British Rule Nearly 70 years after the 1857 revolt, Shahjahanpur once again became a hub for revolutionaries. Fighters like Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan and Roshan Singh rose against British rule. After the robbery of the government treasury near Kakori station on August 9, 1925, several revolutionaries were arrested on December 26, 1925. Many of those arrested were from Shahjahanpur, including Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Roshan Singh, Premkishan Khanna, Banwari Lal, Hargovind, Indra Bhushan, Jagdish and Banarasi. Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaq, and Roshan Singh were later hanged for their actions. Because of the sacrifices made by these brave freedom fighters, Shahjahanpur earned the title of the City of Martyrs." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 18:13 IST News viral This Place In Uttar Pradesh, Linked To Freedom Fighters, Is Called The City Of Martyrs Know Why Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 15 Killed, 19 Injured As Bus Falls Into Ravine In Guatemala Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 21:24 IST At least 15 killed after a passenger bus fell into a ravine on the Inter-American Highway in Solola Department, Guatemala. Rescue operations involved Ejercito de Guatemala. The incident took place in the Solola Department between kilometres 172 and 174, an area known for dense fog that reduces visibility for drivers. (Ejercito de Guatemala/X) At least 15 people were killed and 19 injured after a passenger bus fell into a ravine on the Inter-American Highway in western Guatemala, authorities said on Saturday. Fifteen people have died in this traffic accident 11 men, three women and a minor," Reuters quoted Leandro Amado, a spokesperson for local firefighters, as saying. He further said that around 19 injured people were taken to hospitals near the scene. Al servicio de la poblacion guatemalteca. Unidades del Ejercito de Guatemala bridan apoyo a los cuerpos de socorro en el accidente de transito que tuvo lugar en el kilometro 172 de la ruta Interamericana. Estas acciones forman parte del compromiso permanente del Ejercito pic.twitter.com/3ynpxxBi9k Ejercito de Guatemala (@Ejercito_GT) December 27, 2025 The incident took place in the Solola Department between kilometres 172 and 174, an area known for dense fog that reduces visibility for drivers, Reuters reported. The fire department shared photos on social media showing mangled bus lying deep in the ravine as emergency personnel carried out rescue operations. Further details are awaited. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Guatemala First Published: December 27, 2025, 21:24 IST News world 15 Killed, 19 Injured As Bus Falls Into Ravine In Guatemala Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... As Zelenskyy Prepares To Meet Trump, European Leaders Hustle For Talks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 18:19 IST The key sticking points of the call will include Ukrainian security guarantees and reconstruction, territorial discussions regarding the Donbas region and the nuclear power plant. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will join the telephonic conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. (Reuters File Image) Ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys meeting with his US counterpart Donald Trump, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will join the telephonic conversation with Zelenskyy and other European leaders on Saturday, a spokesperson said. Reuters quoted the spokesperson saying the key sticking points during the telephonic conversation will include Ukrainian security guarantees and reconstruction, plus territorial discussions regarding the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The call is part of the push for a peace deal involving the Ukrainian leaders meeting with Trump in Florida on Sunday. On Friday, Zelenskyy said Sundays meeting with Trump in Florida is specifically intended to refine things as much as we possibly can". He added that a proposed 20-point peace plan was 90% ready". Our goal is to bring everything to 100%," Zelenskyy said. As of today, our teams the Ukrainian and American negotiating teams have made significant progress." In a recent interview with Axios, Zelenskyy had said he was willing to hold a referendum on a peace plan if Russia agrees to a ceasefire of at least 60 days. He had reportedly said he would need to seek approval of the Ukrainian public if he failed to secure a strong" position on territory, The Guardian reported. Meanwhile, after the overnight strikes on Saturday, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said Russias only response to peace efforts" was brutal attacks using hundreds of drones and missiles against Kyiv and other cities and regions". The Russian strikes have also forced Poland to scramble its fighter jets and temporarily close its two airports Rzeszow and Lublin. The latest peace efforts comes a week after a similar meeting in Miami during which Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff met separately with Russian and Ukrainian representatives, as well as Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner. In an interview with Politico on Friday, Trump said he anticipated a good" meeting with the Ukrainian leader. He doesnt have anything until I approve it," Trump said, adding So well see what hes got". Meanwhile, Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov on Friday criticised Zelenskyy and his European allies on their work on the peace plan. 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," he said. 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. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Ukraine First Published: December 27, 2025, 18:19 IST News world As Zelenskyy Prepares To Meet Trump, European Leaders Hustle For Talks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Behaved Like Demons': Witness Gives Chilling Account Of Hindu Mans Killing In Bangladesh Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 22:50 IST Recalling the events, the witness said Dipu Das was first summoned to the human resources office at the factory where he worked. Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das is seen being taken away by a mob in Bangladesh in the moments before he was lynched. (IMAGE: JAMUNATV) A co-worker of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man who was brutally killed in Bangladesh, has shared disturbing details of the incident in an interview with NDTV. The witness spoke with his face covered, citing serious safety concerns in a country where attacks on Hindu minorities have reportedly increased. According to the witness, Dipu Das, a father of a young girl, was targeted not only because of his religious identity but also due to resentment from others at his workplace. He claimed that some individuals who failed to secure jobs spread false rumours accusing Dipu Das of blasphemy. Recalling the events, the witness said Dipu Das was first summoned to the human resources office at the factory where he worked. First, Dipu da was called to the HR office. They forced him to resign. There were outsiders along with factory workers. He was handed over to them. After that the mob took him out of the factory gate and gave him to the public," he said. What followed was a violent assault, the witness alleged. The people who were waiting outside thrashed him brutally. They hit him on the face, chest. They use several sticks to thrash him brutally. He was bleeding a lot. All this happened just outside the gate of the factory," he said. The violence did not end there. After some time they dragged the body for at least 1 km and hung it from a tree. They set it ablaze too. The body fell to the ground. The mob was full of Muslim people. We were there but we couldnt say a single word," the witness added. When asked why no one intervened, the witness said fear kept people silent. Some tried to help but backed off, worried they would also be attacked. They were behaving like demons," he told NDTV. Authorities later stated that there was no evidence to support the claim that Dipu Das had committed blasphemy. Residents of Dipu Das village said his killing has left the Hindu community deeply shaken. A local Hindu leader who assisted with translation said the incident has created a lasting sense of fear among families in the area. Similar concerns were echoed by Hindus in Dhaka, who spoke to NDTV about repeated attacks. One resident said, They said they are attacking us because we are Hindus, not because we support the Bangladesh Awami League." Another added, The Islamists are lying to the outside world that they are going after Awami League supporters and its purely political. But thats a smokescreen to run their campaign against minorities in this country." While officials associated with Bangladeshs chief adviser Muhammad Yunus have claimed that minorities are being protected, community members say the situation on the ground tells a different story, with reports of frequent attacks continuing across the country. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 22:50 IST News world 'Behaved Like Demons': Witness Gives Chilling Account Of Hindu Mans Killing In Bangladesh Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Blast At Madrasa Near Dhaka Injures 4 Including Children, Bomb-Making Materials Recovered Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 12:12 IST Bangladesh Unrest: The blast severely damaged the single-storey Ummal Qura International Madrasa in the Hasnabad area of South Keraniganj, blowing apart the walls of several rooms. Dhakas Keraniganj Rocked by Madrasa Blast During Ongoing Unrest (Photo: X) Amid the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, a powerful explosion ripped through a madrasa building in Keraniganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka, on Friday afternoon, leaving four people injured. Among the injured were women and children, according to police officials. According to local people, the madrasa has around 50 students, but classes were not being held at the time of the blast. The blast severely damaged the single-storey Ummal Qura International Madrasa in the Hasnabad area of South Keraniganj, blowing apart the walls of several rooms. Police said they recovered crude cocktails, chemical substances and other bomb-making materials from the site. The explosion caused the walls of two rooms used by the madrasa to collapse, while cracks appeared in the roof and supporting columns. A neighbouring building also developed cracks. Local residents said the building had been rented for three years by Mufti Harun, who later handed over the madrasas management to his brother-in-law, Al Amin. The property owner, Parveen Begum, claimed she was unaware of any illegal activity. Police later recovered chemicals and crude explosive devices. SP Mizanur said the cause of the blast was still under investigation. Security agencies have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and identify those responsible. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: December 27, 2025, 12:02 IST News world Blast At Madrasa Near Dhaka Injures 4 Including Children, Bomb-Making Materials Recovered Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman Pays Respects At Osman Hadi's Grave Amid Tight Security Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 13:11 IST Tarique Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh after spending 17 years in exile, paid respects at the grave of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Rapid Read BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and other leaders at Sharif Osman Hadi's funeral. In one of his key public engagements since returning to the country, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday paid his respects at the grave of Sharif Osman Hadi, a youth leader whose murder sparked widespread protests in the country. The 60-year-old BNP leader also offered prayers at the grave of Bangladeshs national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, located beside the Dhaka University Central Mosque, reported The Daily Star. Hadi was buried beside the grave of Nazrul Islam on December 20. Traffic for both vehicles and pedestrians was halted on both sides of the road from Shahbagh towards Dhaka University during the visit, while members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police were deployed along the route, as per local media. Hadi, a spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, was shot dead earlier this month in an attack that has heightened political tensions ahead of national elections scheduled for February. He was a prominent figure of the July 2024 uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government last year. After paying tribute at Osman Hadis grave, Rahman was scheduled to proceed to the Election Commission office in Agargaon to complete registration for his national identity card and be enlisted as a voter. Tarique Rahmans Return Rahman returned to Dhaka after spending over 17 years in exile, marking a transformational moment in Bangladeshi politics. The heir to Bangladeshs longtime ruling family and a leading opposition figure, the 60-year-old arrived in Dhaka after living in London since 2008. He fled the country amid what he has described as politically motivated persecution. In his first address to his supporters, Rahman said Bangladesh had been liberated twice"- first in 1971 and again through the July 2024 uprising. He called for the creation of an inclusive Bangladesh, urging participation from all communities and ethnic groups. He said unity and equal representation would be central to the partys political vision going forward. As acting BNP chairman, Tarique Rahman is expected to assume full leadership of the party from his ailing mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is 80. He travelled with his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and daughter Zaima Rahman. Rahman was arrested during the 2007 caretaker government and spent about 18 months in jail before leaving for the United Kingdom in 2008 for medical treatment. After the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, he has emerged as a leading contender for the post of prime minister in the upcoming February general elections. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: December 27, 2025, 13:01 IST News world BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman Pays Respects At Osman Hadi's Grave Amid Tight Security Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... CARACAS, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday expressed willingness to hold dialogue with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, provided that the United States gives up interference in Venezuela. In a televised speech, Maduro said that if the U.S. side is willing to engage in dialogue with Venezuela on the basis of mutual respect and abandon its failed attempts to interfere in Venezuela over the past 25 years, he will welcome it and seek a path toward peace, cooperation and prosperity. The president also criticized the United States for its sustained smear campaigns against the Venezuelan government, its destabilizing efforts in Venezuela, and its attempts to overthrow the leadership. He called on the U.S. media to report the real situation of Venezuela after truly understanding the country. For months, the United States has deployed large-scale air and naval forces in Caribbean waters near Venezuela under the guise of combating so-called "narco-terrorism." It has sunk about 30 so-called "drug trafficking ships" in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific, causing more than 100 deaths. Cyclones, Floods And Wildfires Among Costliest Climate Disasters of 2025 Costing $120 Billion: Report Curated By : Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 14:51 IST Christian Aid reports extreme weather in 2025 cost over $122 billion globally, with California wildfires, Southeast Asia floods, and China floods among the costliest disasters. Christian Aid reports extreme weather in 2025 cost over $122 billion globally, with California wildfires, Southeast Asia floods, and China floods among the costliest disasters. (AP) Extreme weather events driven by climate change cost the global economy more than $120 billion in 2025, according to a new report released by UK-based NGO Christian Aid. The report links the soaring financial toll to the continued expansion of fossil fuels, warning that the cost of climate inaction is becoming increasingly unbearable as vulnerable communities suffer the consequences of rising greenhouse gas emissions. These disasters are not natural; they are the predictable result of continued fossil fuel expansion and political delay," said Emeritus Professor Joanna Haigh of Imperial College London. According to the analysis, the 10 costliest climate-related disasters of 2025 each caused damage exceeding $1 billion, with combined losses topping $122 billion. Most estimates are based solely on insured losses, meaning the true economic impact is likely far higher, while human suffering often goes unrecorded. The report found that the United States suffered the largest financial losses, with California wildfires ranking as the single most expensive event of the year. The fires caused around $60 billion in damage and claimed more than 400 lives. Second on the list were cyclones and floods that struck Southeast Asia in November, causing an estimated $25 billion in damage and killing over 1,750 people across Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Malaysia. Third were devastating floods in China, which displaced thousands, killed at least 30 people and resulted in $11.7 billion in losses. Asia accounted for four of the six costliest disasters worldwide. Flooding in India and Pakistan killed more than 1,860 people, caused damage of up to $6 billion, and affected over seven million people in Pakistan alone. Typhoons in the Philippines caused more than $5 billion in damage and displaced over 1.4 million people. While wealthier countries dominate the rankings due to higher property values and insurance coverage, the report stressed that some of the most devastating events occurred in poorer nations that have contributed little to the climate crisis. Flooding in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo affected thousands, with Nigeria alone recording up to 700 deaths. Meanwhile, prolonged drought in Iran and parts of West Asia threatened water supplies for up to 10 million people in Tehran. Unusual and alarming climate extremes were also recorded elsewhere, including record-breaking heat that triggered wildfires in Scotlands highlands, burning 47,000 hectares, and Japan experiencing both severe snowstorms and extreme heatwaves in the same year. Scientists also flagged worrying changes in Antarctica and record sea temperatures in the worlds oceans, with coral bleaching reported off Western Australia. Christian Aid said the findings highlight the urgent need to cut carbon emissions, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and provide financial support to vulnerable communities. This year has once again shown the stark reality of climate breakdown," said Patrick Watt, CEO of Christian Aid. Violent storms, devastating floods and prolonged droughts are turning lives and livelihoods upside down. The poorest communities are first and worst affected, underscoring the urgent need for adaptation and a rapid move away from fossil fuels." -Inputs from agencies News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: December 27, 2025, 14:37 IST News world Cyclones, Floods And Wildfires Among Costliest Climate Disasters of 2025 Costing $120 Billion: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Dissecting Deportation Data: Not US, But This Country Sent Back Most Indians In Past 5 Years Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 28, 2025, 03:06 IST According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, between 2021 and 2025, more than 49,000 Indian nationals were deported from Saudi Arabia The data decisively shows that the Gulf region remains the primary site of migration-related friction for Indian citizens. Representational image/PTI Official data from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) indicates that Saudi Arabia has deported far more Indian nationals than the United States over the past five years. Figures tabled in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh show that while the US has seen a surge in deportations under the second Donald Trump administration, the numbers remain a fraction of the enforcement actions taken in the Gulf kingdom. Scale of Gulf repatriation Saudi Arabia emerged as the single largest source of Indian deportations globally. According to the MEA, between 2021 and 2025, more than 49,000 Indian nationals were deported from Saudi Arabia. In 2025 alone, over 11,000 Indians were sent home, driven by the kingdoms strict Saudisation" policies and aggressive enforcement of residency (Iqama) laws. The vast majority of these individuals are blue-collar workers employed in construction, domestic work, and caregiving. Officials noted that these deportations are largely due to: Overstaying visa or residency permit validity. Working for employers other than their legal sponsors (absconding). Violations of local labour regulations and permit-related issues. Periodic mass enforcement drives conducted under the Saudi Vision 2030 framework. US deportations: Higher than before but not comparable In contrast, the United States deported approximately 3,800 Indian nationals in 2025. While this represents a 16-year high for the USsurpassing the previous peak of 2,042 in 2019it is still less than half of the annual figure from Saudi Arabia. The rise in the United States is attributed to intensified ICE raids and a crackdown on illegal border crossings and visa overstays initiated in early 2025. Unlike the labour-driven deportations from the Gulf, US enforcement often targets illegal status" and high-profile visa breaches. Government safeguards and global trends The data decisively shows that the Gulf region remains the primary site of migration-related friction for Indian citizens. Beyond Saudi Arabia, other countries with significant deportation figures in 2025 include Myanmar (1,591) and Malaysia (1,485). The MEA highlighted that deportations from Southeast Asia often involve cyber slavery" victims lured by fake job rackets, whereas Gulf deportations are linked to systemic labour law compliance. To curb these numbers, the Indian government has strengthened the e-Migrate portal and issued fresh advisories against fraudulent agents. The External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, emphasised that while India respects the right of nations to deport illegal residents, the unambiguous verification" of nationality and the humane treatment of deportees remain top diplomatic priorities. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 28, 2025, 03:06 IST News world Dissecting Deportation Data: Not US, But This Country Sent Back Most Indians In Past 5 Years Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'He Doesn't Have Anything Until I...': Trump Ahead Of Meeting With Zelenskyy In Florida Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 07:10 IST The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy comes as a 20-point peace framework and a security guarantee deal near completion. Rapid Read US President Donald Trump with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (Reuters Image) US President Donald Trump said that his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not have anything" unless he approves it, ahead of a meeting between the two in Florida on Sunday as part of the ongoing efforts to end the nearly four-year war with Russia. Zelenskyy is expected to meet with Trump on Sunday and told reporters that he is bringing a new 20-point plan for peace, which includes a proposed demilitarised zone and the meeting is expected to focus on US security guarantees. However, Trump made it clear that he is in no rush to accept Zelenskyys proposal. He doesnt have anything until I approve it. So well see what hes got," he told Politico. These remarks highlight how much Ukraines future depends on persuading Trump, who has at times seemed willing to tilt toward Russia in pursuit of ending the war. While Russia has moved very little from its position, the US has pushed Zelenskyy to move off his original demands. Sundays meeting to discuss new peace proposals comes amidst Trumps intensified efforts to broker an agreement on Europes worst conflict since World War II, which has killed tens of thousands since February 2022. Speaking to reporters, Zelenskyy said that though he could not confirm whether the meeting would lead to a firm agreement, the two sides would aim to finalise as much as we can". Trump also said he could have a productive meeting with Zelenskyy, and hoped to have a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon. I think its going to go good with him. I think its going to go good with [Vladimir] Putin," he said. These remarks came after Zelenskyy spoke with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law. Zelenskyy called that a good conversation." Zelenskyys 20-point plan The new plan formulated with Ukraines input is Kyivs most explicit acknowledgement yet of possible territorial concessions, and is very different to an initial 28-point proposal tabled by the US last month that adhered to many of Russias core demands. 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, CNN reported. Russias deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov accused Zelenskyy of attempting to torpedo" the US-brokered deal and any deal had to remain within the limits" fixed by Trump and Putin. 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," he said on local TV. 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." (with inputs from AFP) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: December 27, 2025, 06:58 IST News world 'He Doesn't Have Anything Until I...': Trump Ahead Of Meeting With Zelenskyy In Florida Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India Sets Up Support Centre In Canada Days After Indian-Origin Woman's Murder Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 16:28 IST The newly launched One Stop Centre for Women (OSCW) will extend assistance exclusively to Indian passport holders. A 30-year-old Indian woman was found dead in Canada | Image: X The Consulate General of India in Toronto has set up a dedicated support facility for Indian women facing distress in Canada, days after the killing of a 30-year-old Indian woman in Toronto in which her partner is the main suspect. The newly launched One Stop Centre for Women (OSCW) will extend assistance exclusively to Indian passport holders dealing with issues such as domestic violence, abuse, family disputes, abandonment, exploitation and legal difficulties. The initiative is aimed at ensuring timely, coordinated and victim-centric support, the consulate said in an official statement. According to the consulate, the centre will link beneficiaries with immediate counselling, psycho-social care, legal advice and access to relevant community and social services available in Canada, while strictly adhering to local laws and regulations. The OSCW will be managed by a woman administrator to ensure safe, dignified and comprehensive assistance to those seeking help. Support will be provided on a means-tested basis and will include round-the-clock handling of distress calls through a 247 helpline, emotional counselling through empanelled non-governmental organisations, and financial aid in line with Government of India guidelines. The facility will operate from the premises of the Consulate General of India in Toronto. The launch of the centre comes shortly after a 30-year-old Indian woman, Himanshi Khurana, was found dead in Toronto. Canadian authorities have issued a nationwide warrant against 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori in connection with her first-degree murder. Police said they responded to a missing person complaint from the Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West area on December 19 at around 10.40 pm. The following morning, officers discovered the womans body inside a residence, and the case was classified as a homicide. Investigators have confirmed that the victim and the accused were known to each other, and images of both have been released to assist in the search. Reports suggest the two were in a relationship. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Canada First Published: December 27, 2025, 16:28 IST News world India Sets Up Support Centre In Canada Days After Indian-Origin Woman's Murder Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Indian-Origin Student Arrested In US On Arson, Terror Threat Charges Curated By : Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 11:13 IST Manojh Sai Lella, a University of Texas at Dallas student, was arrested in Frisco for arson and terroristic threats against family members. Manojh Sai Lella, a University of Texas at Dallas student, was arrested in Frisco for arson and terroristic threats against family members. (Pic: Dallas Express News) A 22-year-old student of Indian origin has been arrested in the United States on charges of arson and making terroristic threats against family members, according to official records. The accused, Manojh Sai Lella, a student at the University of Texas at Dallas, was taken into custody by police in Frisco on Monday. According to authorities, officers responded to Lellas residence after family members reported that he was experiencing a mental health episode and had allegedly issued threats. Police said he is also accused of attempting to set the house on fire several days before the arrest. Lella has been charged with arson with intent to damage a habitation or place of worship a first-degree felony and making a terroristic threat against a family or household member, which is classified as a Class A misdemeanour. Police clarified that there is no evidence to suggest any threat to a place of worship. Court records show that his bond was set at $100,000 for the arson charge and $3,500 for the terroristic threat charge. The investigation is ongoing. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: December 27, 2025, 11:13 IST News world Indian-Origin Student Arrested In US On Arson, Terror Threat Charges Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Malaysian MPs Rally Behind Bangladeshi Hindus, Seek Visa Curbs After Lynching Incident Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 19:35 IST Speaking to CNN-News18, Malaysian Member of Parliament RSN Rayer said Parliament would push the government to register a strong protest with Dhaka Rapid Read Malaysian Member of Parliament RSN Rayer said the incident had deeply disturbed legislators across party lines. (News18) Malaysias Parliament has voiced strong support for the Hindu community in Bangladesh after a Hindu garment worker was lynched and burnt alive, with lawmakers calling for accountability and concrete diplomatic action. Speaking to CNN-News18, Malaysian Member of Parliament RSN Rayer said the incident had deeply disturbed legislators across party lines and prompted calls for tougher measures, including possible restrictions on Bangladeshi visas and entry into Malaysia. I strongly condemn the horrific incident in which a Bangladeshi Hindu was burnt alive in Bangladesh," Rayer said. This brutal act of violence is deeply disturbing and represents a grave violation of fundamental human rights and human dignity." Emphasising that no one should face harm because of their faith, the MP said: No individual should ever be subjected to violence because of their religious identity. The rights and safety of minorities must be protected at all times, and such acts of hatred and intolerance have no place in any society." Rayer said violence targeting minorities not only causes immediate harm but also weakens the social fabric. Violence against minorities undermines social harmony and threatens the values of justice and equality," he noted. The Malaysian lawmaker said Parliament would push the government to register a strong protest with Dhaka. I urge the Malaysian government to lodge the strongest possible protest with the Bangladeshi Embassy," he said, adding that Kuala Lumpur expects concrete action from Bangladesh to prevent similar incidents. It is imperative that the government of Bangladesh takes steps to ensure the protection of all minority communities and prevent the recurrence of such atrocities," Rayer said. He stressed that attacks linked to religious identity, particularly during periods of religious observance, must be condemned without ambiguity. Acts of violence against people observing their faith, especially during religious celebrations, are unacceptable and must be denounced unequivocally," he said. Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right and must be upheld without fear or intimidation." Rayer concluded by saying Malaysia must take a principled stand beyond its borders. Malaysia must stand firmly for human rights and against all forms of religious persecution, wherever they occur." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Malaysia First Published: December 27, 2025, 15:32 IST News world Malaysian MPs Rally Behind Bangladeshi Hindus, Seek Visa Curbs After Lynching Incident Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... On Camera, Israeli Soldier Rams Vehicle Into Palestinian Man Offering Namaz In West Bank Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 10:13 IST The Israeli military said the reservist soldier acted "in severe violation of his authority" and his weapon had been confiscated. Rapid Read Footage showed an Israeli soldier ramming his vehicle into a Palestinian man offering namaz in West Bank. (Photo: X) A shocking video went viral on social media, showing an Israeli reservist soldier armed with a rifle ramming his vehicle into a Palestinian man offering namaz in the occupied West Bank area. Footage was received of an armed individual running over a Palestinian individual," said the Israeli military in a statement, adding the individual was a reservist and his military service had been terminated. The reservist acted in severe violation of his authority" and his weapon had been confiscated, the military said. The accused was being held under house arrest, as per local media. Shocking footage shows an armed Israeli settler driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle and deliberately running over a Palestinian worshipper for no apparent reason, then continuing to try to push him off the road. The incident occurred near Ramallah. pic.twitter.com/4RQuY3jdLv Mohammed Najjar (@hamada_pal2020) December 25, 2025 The video, which aired on Palestinian TV and was verified by Reuters, shows a man in civilian clothing with a gun slung over his shoulder driving an off-road vehicle into a man praying on the side of the road. The soldier then yelled and gestured at him to leave the area. The Palestinian man went to the hospital for checks after the attack, but was unhurt and is now at home. Majdi Abu Mokho, the father of the Palestinian man, said that his son now has pain in both of his legs after the attack. He also claimed that the soldier sprayed pepper spray on his son, although it has not been shown in the video. The assailant is a known settler. He set up an outpost near the village, and with other settlers he comes to graze his livestock, blocks the road and provokes the residents," Mokho told AFP. The Times of Israel also reported that the same man had also opened fire inside the village in what the Israeli Defence Forces described as a serious breach of his authority". This came after five Israeli settlers were arrested over their alleged involvement in an attack on a Palestinian home that injured a baby girl in the West Bank. The eight-month-old infant suffered moderate injuries to the face and head" in the attack on Wednesday. Israeli troops and settlers have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, including many militants as well as dozens of civilians, after the gruelling war that broke out after the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. 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. (with inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Jerusalem, Israel First Published: December 27, 2025, 10:13 IST News world On Camera, Israeli Soldier Rams Vehicle Into Palestinian Man Offering Namaz In West Bank Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opening Door To 1.4 Billion Consumers: New Zealand PM Luxon Hails FTA With India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 07:58 IST New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the FTA with India would lead to more jobs, higher incomes and stronger export growth for both the countries. New Zealand PM Welcomes India Trade Deal New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has praised the newly concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, calling it a landmark step that will help build the future" for both nations. He said the deal would lead to more jobs, higher incomes and stronger export growth for New Zealand. In a post on X on Saturday, Luxon said his government had delivered on its promise to secure a trade deal with India during its first term. He described the agreement as a major economic breakthrough that opens access to Indias vast market of 1.4 billion consumers. We said wed secure a Free Trade Agreement with India in our first term, and weve delivered. This landmark deal means more jobs, higher incomes and more exports by opening the door to 1.4 billion Indian consumers. Fixing the Basics. Building the Future," reads his post. India-New Zealand trade deal India and New Zealand completed negotiations for the FTA in December 2025, making it one of Indias fastest-negotiated trade pacts. Talks were officially launched in March during Prime Minister Luxons visit to India. The agreement signals growing economic ties between the two countries and a shared focus on long-term growth. Under the agreement, India will gain zero-duty access for all of its exports to New Zealand. This is expected to benefit Indian sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods and services. In return, India will offer phased duty concessions on 70 per cent of its tariff lines, covering around 95 per cent of New Zealands exports. This move is expected to improve market access for New Zealand products, particularly in agriculture, food processing and specialised manufacturing. A key feature of the deal is New Zealands commitment to invest USD 20 billion in India over the next 15 years. The investment framework follows a model similar to the European Free Trade Association approach. These investments are expected to focus on manufacturing, infrastructure, services, innovation and job creation. The funding is likely to strengthen Indias investment environment while supporting New Zealand companies seeking long-term opportunities in one of the worlds fastest-growing economies. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: December 27, 2025, 07:58 IST News world Opening Door To 1.4 Billion Consumers: New Zealand PM Luxon Hails FTA With India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Report Flags 71 Blasphemy-Related Attacks On Hindu Minorities Across Bangladesh In 6 Months Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 20:26 IST The report notes that such cases often extend beyond the accused individual, resulting in attacks on entire neighbourhoods. Security personnel try to stop Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists along with others during a protest march near the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. (AFP) At least 71 incidents linked to blasphemy allegations targeting Hindu minorities were reported across Bangladesh between June and December 2025, according to a new report released by the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM). The findings have added to growing concerns, including in India, over what officials have described as sustained hostility against religious minorities in the neighbouring country. The report documents cases from more than 30 districts, including Rangpur, Chandpur, Chattogram, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, Sunamganj, Khulna, Comilla, Gazipur, Tangail and Sylhet. Rights groups cited in the report say the geographical spread and recurring nature of the incidents point to a pattern of vulnerability for minorities facing religiously framed accusations, rather than isolated episodes. According to HRCBM, blasphemy allegations frequently escalated into police action, mob violence and collective punishment of Hindu communities. On June 19, 2025, a 22-year-old man was arrested in Barisal over alleged derogatory remarks, while days later similar allegations triggered unrest in Chandpur. One of the most severe incidents occurred on July 27, 2025, in Rangpurs Betgari Union, where the arrest of a 17-year-old boy was followed by the vandalisation of at least 22 Hindu homes. The report notes that such cases often extend beyond the accused individual, resulting in attacks on entire neighbourhoods. Overall, the 71 documented incidents include police arrests and FIRs, mob assaults, damage to homes and temples, expulsions and suspensions from educational institutions, and deaths following mob attacks. More than 90 per cent of those named in the cases were Hindus, including minors aged between 15 and 17, the report said. Social Media Triggers HRCBM found that many allegations originated from disputed or allegedly fabricated social media posts, particularly on Facebook. In some cases, the posts were traced to hacked accounts or could not be forensically verified. Rights groups said arrests were often made under public pressure, sometimes before preliminary investigations were completed. Several cases were registered under Bangladeshs Cyber Security Act, with students among the most affected. Universities and colleges emerged as flashpoints, with multiple students facing suspension, expulsion or police remand following allegations of insulting religious sentiments. The report also highlighted instances where violence continued even after police custody, raising questions about the adequacy of state protection. Fatal Attacks Raise Alarm The report records multiple deaths linked to blasphemy-related violence. On December 18, 2025, a 30-year-old Hindu man was beaten to death and his body set ablaze by a mob in Mymensingh following allegations of blasphemy. Earlier incidents included the fatal assault of a minor in Khulna, allegedly carried out in the presence of security personnel, prompting concerns over law enforcement accountability. Pattern Of Targeting Minorities Human rights observers quoted in the report said the recurring sequence, online accusations, swift arrests, mob mobilisation and attacks on Hindu localities, suggests blasphemy allegations are increasingly being used as a trigger for intimidation and persecution. Minors and economically vulnerable individuals were found to be disproportionately affected. The report warned that without stronger safeguards and accountability mechanisms, such allegations could continue to endanger minority communities. India Flags Concern The findings align with recent statements from Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which has expressed concern over violence against minorities in Bangladesh. The MEA has condemned recent lynchings of Hindu men and said it expects perpetrators to be brought to justice. According to Indian officials, thousands of incidents involving violence against minorities have been reported during the tenure of Bangladeshs interim administration under Muhammad Yunus. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Bangladesh First Published: December 27, 2025, 20:12 IST News world Report Flags 71 Blasphemy-Related Attacks On Hindu Minorities Across Bangladesh In 6 Months Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Russia Likely Deploying Nuclear-Capable Oreshnik Ballistic In Belarus: US Researchers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 10:50 IST Russia is deploying Oreshnik hypersonic missiles at a former airbase near Krichev in Belarus, signaling increased nuclear deterrence and political messaging amid NATO tensions. Russia is deploying Oreshnik hypersonic missiles at a former airbase near Krichev in Belarus, signaling increased nuclear deterrence and political messaging amid NATO tensions. Russia is likely deploying new nuclear-capable hypersonic ballistic missiles at a former airbase in eastern Belarus, a move that could significantly enhance Moscows ability to strike targets across Europe, according to two US researchers who analysed satellite imagery. The findings broadly align with US intelligence assessments, a person familiar with the matter spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. The deployment would involve the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile system, which Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly said he intends to station in Belarus, though the location had not been previously disclosed. Researchers Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and Decker Eveleth of CNA said imagery from commercial satellite firm Planet Labs showed features consistent with a Russian strategic missile base. They said they were about 90% certain that mobile Oreshnik launchers would be stationed at a former airbase near Krichev, roughly 190 miles east of Minsk and about 300 miles southwest of Moscow. The Oreshnik missile is believed to have a range of up to 5,500 km. Russia test-fired a conventionally armed version against a target in Ukraine in November 2024, with Putin claiming the weapon is impossible to intercept due to speeds exceeding Mach 10. Analysts say deploying the missile in Belarus would underscore Russias growing reliance on nuclear signalling as it seeks to deter NATO members from supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons capable of striking deep inside Russian territory. Belarus state-run Belta quoted Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin as saying the deployment would not alter Europes balance of power and was Belarus response to what he called Western aggressive actions." The White House did not comment and the CIA declined to respond. Revised Russian Strategy Lewis and Eveleth said satellite images showed hurried construction beginning in early August, with infrastructure typical of a strategic missile base. Among the indicators was a heavily secured rail transfer point capable of receiving missiles and launchers, as well as a concrete pad at the end of a runway covered with earth, consistent with a camouflaged launch site. Putin has said the Oreshnik could be stationed in Belarus in the second half of this year, marking part of a revised strategy in which Russia bases nuclear weapons outside its territory for the first time since the Cold War. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said last week that the first missiles had already been deployed, without specifying where, and indicated that up to 10 Oreshnik systems could eventually be based in the country. The researchers assessed the Krichev site could house only three launchers, suggesting others may be deployed elsewhere. The development comes as the 2010 New START treaty, the last remaining US-Russia agreement limiting strategic nuclear weapons, nears its expiration. Some experts remain sceptical. Pavel Podvig, a Geneva-based analyst, said deploying the Oreshnik in Belarus would not provide Russia with meaningful new military advantages beyond reassuring Minsk of Moscows protection. Jeffrey Lewis, speaking to Reuters, said that the move carried strong political symbolism. Theres no military reason to put the system in Belarus, only political ones," he said, arguing that it sends a clear message about Russias increasing reliance on nuclear deterrence. -With inputs from Reuters News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Belarus First Published: December 27, 2025, 10:50 IST News world Russia Likely Deploying Nuclear-Capable Oreshnik Ballistic In Belarus: US Researchers Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... KABUL, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities will build a new residential township to accommodate 4,000 returnee families in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province, the local media outlet Tolo news reported Saturday. The township will be constructed on 3,000 acres of land in Kandahar's Zhari district and will include residential plots along with key public facilities such as schools, health centers, and water supply networks, the report said. The land allocation process for returning families is already underway in Daman and Zhari districts of this province, benefiting about 5,000 families, and additional housing projects are planned in several districts to address the needs of returnee families nationwide, the report added. Afghanistan has experienced a notable increase in migrant returnees in recent months, and data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) shows that nearly 2.8 million Afghans have returned from neighboring countries so far this year. Russian Drones Strike Kyiv Ahead Of Trump-Zelenskyy Talks; Mayor Issues 'Stay In Shelter' Warning Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 09:21 IST Explosions rocked Kyiv as air defence intercepted Russian drones and missiles. Zelensky is set to meet Trump in Florida to discuss a 20-point peace plan amid ongoing conflict. Explosions rocked Kyiv as air defence intercepted Russian drones and missiles. Zelensky is set to meet Trump in Florida to discuss a 20-point peace plan amid ongoing conflict. Several powerful explosions were heard across Kyiv early Saturday as Ukrainian authorities warned that the capital was facing a missile and drone threat. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said air defence systems had been activated following the blasts. Explosions in the capital. Air defence forces are operating. Stay in shelters!" Klitschko wrote on Telegram. Ukraines air force issued a nationwide air raid alert in the early hours of Saturday, warning that Russian drones and missiles were moving through multiple regions, including the capital. Messages posted on social media urged residents to seek shelter immediately. AFP journalists in Kyiv reported hearing multiple loud explosions, some accompanied by bright flashes that briefly lit up the night sky with an orange glow, indicating air defence interceptions. The renewed attack comes ahead of a high-level diplomatic meeting, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday. The talks are expected to focus on a proposed plan aimed at ending the war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022. On Friday, Russia accused Zelensky and his European allies of attempting to torpedo" the US-brokered peace initiative. According to details shared by Zelensky earlier this week, the latest proposal is a 20-point plan that would freeze the conflict along the current front lines. The plan also reportedly includes provisions for Ukraine to withdraw troops from parts of the eastern region, where demilitarised buffer zones could be established. There was no immediate information on casualties or damage following the explosions in Kyiv. -inputs from AFP News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Kyiv, Ukraine First Published: December 27, 2025, 08:19 IST News world Russian Drones Strike Kyiv Ahead Of Trump-Zelenskyy Talks; Mayor Issues 'Stay In Shelter' Warning Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Scotland's Largest Hospital Launches Probe After Wrong Body Gets Cremated Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 19:14 IST NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said the incident was result of human error and said procedures for identifying and labelling bodies before transfer from mortuary were not followed. Queen Elizabeth university hospital is the largest hospital in Scotland. (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde/X) A hospital in the UKs Glasgow has launched an investigation after an error led to a wrong body being cremated and one family not getting a chance to cremate their relatives body. The Guardian quoted NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which runs Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, the largest in Scotland, saying the incident was a result of human error after admitting that procedures for identifying and labelling bodies before transfer from the mortuary had not been followed. The mistake was discovered after the funeral service and the cremation had taken place. Following the revelation, NHS authorities have apologised to the two families. According to The Guardian, a full investigation has been launched into the incident, reported to have taken place last month. Meanwhile, the staff involved have been suspended. Dr Scott Davidson, medical director at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, offered sincere apologies" to both families. We have very rigorous processes for the identification and labelling of bodies from arrival in our mortuaries until their release into the care of an undertaker," he said. It is of deep regret that these processes have not been adhered to on this occasion, and that as a result two families have been caused significant additional distress at an already very difficult time," he further said. We launched an immediate investigation into this incident and will ensure that learning is applied," he added. According to The Guardian, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is subject to a public inquiry after a series of infection outbreaks and concerns about water and ventilation systems emerged just three years after it was built in 2015. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United Kingdom (UK) First Published: December 27, 2025, 19:14 IST News world Scotland's Largest Hospital Launches Probe After Wrong Body Gets Cremated Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sheikh Hasina Speaks Out: Democracy, Extremism And Battle For Bangladeshs Future | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 22:06 IST Sheikh Hasina warns of rising extremism and constitutional collapse under the Muhammad Yunus regime, calling for free, participatory elections to restore Bangladeshs democracy Expressing grave concerns over the banning of the Awami League and shifting regional alliances, Hasina argues that only constitutional governance and inclusive polls can rescue the country from its current instability and economic decline. File pic/AFP Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has spoken out on her departure and the nations current crisis in an exclusive interaction. She characterises the 2024 unrest as an orchestrated insurrection by radicals rather than a peaceful student movement. Criticising the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, Hasina alleges it lacks democratic legitimacy, has emboldened extremists, and has systematically dismantled judicial inquiries into the August violence. Expressing grave concerns over the banning of the Awami League and shifting regional alliances, she argues that only constitutional governance and inclusive polls can rescue the country from its current instability and economic decline. Could you share what factors influenced your decision to leave Bangladesh and what assurances you would need to consider returning? What began as a genuine student movement was escalated by radicalists who led the crowds into violence, destroying state and communications infrastructure and burning down police stations. By then, this was no longer a peaceful civic movement but a violent mob. My instinct has always been to protect our country and our citizens, and it was not an easy decision to leave while my country erupted into lawlessness. I regret that I was compelled to leave, but it was a decision I took to minimise any further loss of life and to ensure the safety of people around me. For me to return, Bangladesh must restore constitutional governance and the rule of law. This means lifting the unlawful ban on the Awami League, releasing political prisoners detained on fabricated charges, and holding genuinely free elections. You cannot claim democratic legitimacy while banning the party elected nine times by the people. How do you reflect on your governments handling of the 2024 protests, and how do you respond to the concerns raised about the use of force and the legal cases that followed? In the initial days, we allowed students to protest freely and accepted their demands. Then extremists transformed peaceful demonstrations into a violent insurrection. We responded as any government would when faced with burning police stations and attacks on state infrastructure; we acted to restore order and to prevent further bloodshed. I attempted to gain a full picture of the events in August 2024 by establishing a judicial inquiry commission to investigate every death. The conspiracy behind these attacks became clear only later when Yunus immediately dissolved this inquiry, released convicted terrorists, and granted blanket immunity to those he now glorifies as July warriors". These same actors marched on the Indian embassy last week, no doubt emboldened by the protection of the interim government. If there were genuine concerns about excessive force or wrongful prosecutions, why destroy the very mechanism designed to investigate them? The truth is that Yunus has consistently thwarted attempts to establish what really happened in July and August 2024, because an impartial investigation would reveal the orchestrated nature of the violence. What is your assessment of the current Yunus-led regime, and how do you view Bangladeshs futureboth with the proposed February 2026 elections and in the longer term? We cannot forget that Yunus governs without a single vote from the Bangladeshi people. He has placed extremists in cabinet positions, released convicted terrorists, and done little or nothing to stop attacks on religious minorities. The economy that quadrupled during my tenure is now stalling. Yunus came to power promising reform, yet all he has done is sow division and ban the countrys oldest and most popular political party, thus disenfranchising millions. These elections can never be legitimate if the Awami League is banned. My concern is that extremists are using Yunus to project an acceptable international face while they radicalise our institutions domestically. But Bangladesh and its people have extraordinary resilience and an unwavering belief in the power of participatory democracy. I trust that democracy will prevail and that we will set our great country back on the path to recovery and growth. Looking back, how do you view the debate over democratic space during your tenure, and what reforms or new approaches would you prioritise if given another opportunity to lead? I believe our greatest achievement as a party was the restoration of democracy in the 1990s. When I returned to Bangladesh following my fathers assassination, the biggest challenge facing our country was a lack of popular representation. Those years of military rule and unelected leadership taught us valuable lessons about the power of democracy that we never took for granted during our time in government. As a government, we encouraged political engagement and participation across the nation. Democracy thrives with healthy opposition, yet some of those parties chose to boycott previous elections, restricting the democratic choice of millions of ordinary citizens. It is interesting that those who accused us of restricting democratic space now rule without a single vote, have forced judges to resign, and have detained journalists brave enough to critique their increasingly authoritarian grip on our nation. The question isnt what reforms I would implement; its whether Bangladesh will retain any democratic institutions to reform. We are proud of our record in government. During those 15 years, we helped to lift millions out of poverty, empowered women, and transformed Bangladesh into one of Asias fastest-growing economies. We consistently protected the rights of minorities and prevented radicalism from eroding our democracy. It takes a legitimate and strong government to forge our countrys place both domestically and internationally, and we did so by operating within constitutional boundaries. We were repeatedly mandated by voters at the ballot box. How do you assess the countrys current political course under the interim government, particularly in terms of national stability and long-term strategic interests? The Yunus government took power with a wave of Western support from those who confused economic success with political aptitude. Reality has now set in. International bodies condemn his actions, cabinet members have stepped down in protest, and our citizens face unprecedented danger. Hundreds of innocent people have been detained arbitrarily under Yunus, and journalists have been censored. On the international stage, decades of carefully cultivated economic partnerships and regional stability have also been jeopardised. This goes beyond mere incompetence; it is the systemic destruction of a once-stable country. Thankfully, such regimes never endure, and Yunus treatment of Bangladesh as his personal experiment will soon end. I can only hope that the international community will do its part in ensuring free, fair, and participatory elections so that the next legitimately elected government can rebuild what Yunus and his cronies have destroyed. Since your departure, Pakistans outreach and influence in Bangladesh appear to have grown. How do you think Bangladesh can balance evolving regional relationships while preserving its historical commitments, security priorities, and ties with India? Bangladesh requires stable relationships with all neighbours, including Pakistan. But Yunuss rushed embrace of Pakistan, which has never acknowledged the genocide of 1971, reveals a desperate search for any international validation. The fundamental issue is legitimacy: Yunus lacks any mandate to realign our foreign policy. Strategic decisions that could affect generations should not be made by an unelected administration serving ideological interests. Once Bangladeshis can vote freely and we have a legitimate government in place, I hope that our foreign policy will once again be based on sober and pragmatic assessments of the countrys national interests. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: December 27, 2025, 22:06 IST News world Sheikh Hasina Speaks Out: Democracy, Extremism And Battle For Bangladeshs Future | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Targeted And Silenced: Protest Erupts In London Over Killing Of Hindus In Bangladesh Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 21:03 IST Protesters held placards reading Hindus have the right to live, Targeted, terrorised and silenced and Protect Hindus. Protest in London against killing of Hindus in Bangladesh | ANI Image Members of the Indian and Bangladeshi Hindu communities staged a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in London, condemning the recent killings of Hindus in Bangladesh and accusing authorities of failing to protect religious minorities. Protesters held placards reading Hindus have the right to live", Targeted, terrorised and silenced" and Protect Hindus", while raising slogans against Bangladeshs interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Demonstrators called for accountability and international attention to what they described as a pattern of targeted violence against Hindu minorities. #WATCH | Indian and Bangladeshi Hindu communities in London protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in London against the killings of Hindus in Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/gNBz72GnDt ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2025 The protest follows the killing of factory worker Dipu Chandra Das, who was lynched and set on fire by a mob in Bangladesh after being accused of blasphemy. Bangladeshi authorities later said the allegation against him was unfounded, intensifying outrage among rights groups and diaspora communities. The demonstration in London comes amid mounting evidence of widespread violence linked to blasphemy allegations. A recent report by the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) documented at least 71 such incidents across Bangladesh between June and December 2025. According to the report, cases were recorded in more than 30 districts, including Rangpur, Chandpur, Chattogram, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, Sunamganj, Khulna, Comilla, Gazipur, Tangail and Sylhet. Rights groups said the geographic spread and recurring nature of the incidents indicate a systemic vulnerability of minorities rather than isolated events. The HRCBM noted that blasphemy accusations often escalated into police action, mob violence and collective punishment. In several cases, arrests were followed by attacks on Hindu neighbourhoods, including the vandalisation of homes and temples. One of the most severe incidents occurred in Rangpur in July, when the arrest of a minor was followed by the destruction of more than 20 Hindu houses. Overall, the report listed arrests, FIRs, mob assaults, expulsions from educational institutions and multiple deaths linked to such allegations. More than 90 per cent of those accused were Hindus, including minors between 15 and 17 years of age. India has also flagged concern over the situation. The Ministry of External Affairs has condemned recent lynchings of Hindu men in Bangladesh and said it expects those responsible to be brought to justice. Indian officials have cited thousands of incidents of violence against minorities during the tenure of Bangladeshs interim administration, as the country faces political unrest and heightened scrutiny over law and order and minority protection. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: December 27, 2025, 21:02 IST News world Targeted And Silenced: Protest Erupts In London Over Killing Of Hindus In Bangladesh Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Three Women Injured In Stabbing Attacks In Paris Metro, Suspect Arrested Curated By : Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 07:16 IST Three women were stabbed inParis Metro. The suspect was arrested in Val dOise Station. Terrorism was ruled out; victims received immediate care. Three women were stabbed inParis Metro. The suspect was arrested in Val dOise Station. Terrorism was ruled out; victims received immediate care. (AI Image) Three women were injured in separate stabbing incidents inside the Paris metro on Friday, French news agency AFP reported, citing the citys public transport operator. According to prosecutors, the suspect has been taken into custody. The attacks occurred at three different stations in central Paris between 4:15 pm and 4:45 pm at the Opera, Arts et Metiers near the Marais district, and Republique, the Regie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) said in a statement quoted by the agency. Police sources cited by Le Parisien said the assailant pulled out a knife and attacked the women, leaving them with minor injuries to their backs and thighs. One of the victims is reportedly pregnant. RATP said emergency services responded quickly and all the injured women were given immediate medical care. The prosecutors office said the suspect, a man in his mid-20s, was identified using surveillance camera footage. Investigators later tracked the geolocation of his mobile phone, which led to his arrest in the Val dOise region north of Paris later in the afternoon, according to Reuters. Police sources told Le Parisien that terrorism has been ruled out, adding that the incident appears to involve a mentally unstable individual or someone in a fragile psychological state. The stabbings come at a time when European capitals remain on high alert during the year-end period, amid concerns over attacks targeting public places and festive gatherings. Last week, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez urged authorities to maintain maximum vigilance." In a message to senior officials, Nunez called for strengthened security measures nationwide, including a visible and deterrent police presence, citing a very high level of terrorist threat" and the potential risk of public disorder. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Paris, France First Published: December 27, 2025, 07:16 IST News world Three Women Injured In Stabbing Attacks In Paris Metro, Suspect Arrested Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UAE Presidents Pakistan Visit Was Private, No State-Level Engagements Held: Sources | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Edited By: News Desk Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 20:25 IST No formal talks were held, and no bilateral memoranda of understanding (MoUs) or agreements were signed between the two countries. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif travelled to the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi to briefly meet the UAE leader President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari did not receive UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his recent visit to Pakistan, with the brief interaction involving Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instead taking place at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, senior diplomatic sources told CNN-News18. According to officials, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayeds trip was a private visit rather than a state engagement. As per diplomatic protocol, a visiting head of state on an official visit is formally welcomed by the host countrys president. However, President Zardari did not meet the UAE leader at any point during the visit. Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that the UAE President neither travelled to Islamabad nor visited the President House or the Prime Minister House. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar went to the Nur Khan Airbase to meet Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, where the interaction was brief and informal. Top diplomatic sources said the meeting between the UAE President and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lasted only four to five minutes and was largely limited to a courtesy exchange and photographs. No formal bilateral talks were held, and no memoranda of understanding (MoUs) or agreements were signed. Sources further stated that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed declined invitations to visit Islamabad and spent his entire stay in Rawalpindi. The UAE President reportedly remained at the Army House and General Headquarters (GHQ) for around five hours before departing Pakistan. Security sources said Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir had invited the UAE President to attend a private family function at the Army House, which formed the primary purpose of the visit. Despite the absence of state-level engagements, Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a curtain-raiser indicating potential agreements in areas such as trade, investment and energy. However, officials confirmed that no agreements or MoUs were concluded. The Prime Ministers Office later released a separate communique, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on social media regarding the visit. Sources described these moves as unilateral efforts to project the private visit as diplomatically significant. Officials added that government institutions and sections of the media portrayed the visit as a state engagement, despite the lack of formal meetings or outcomes. Security sources said a brief discussion took place between Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Field Marshal Asim Munir on the proposed International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, though details remain limited. Field Marshal Munir is expected to travel to the UAE in the coming weeks for further discussions, sources added. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Pakistan First Published: December 27, 2025, 20:14 IST News world UAE Presidents Pakistan Visit Was Private, No State-Level Engagements Held: Sources | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US Journalist Calls For Mass Deportation Of Indians In 2026: 'Will Be Racially Singled Out' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 21:43 IST Matt Forney claimed that what he described as Indian hatred in the US would reach a boiling point next year, resulting in widespread violence. Matt Forney has a history of anti-immigrant rhetoric and has previously made hostile remarks targeting Indians and Indian-Americans. American journalist and right-wing activist Matt Forney warned of violent attacks against Indian-origin people in the United States and Hindu temples in 2026, while calling for the mass deportation of Indians from the country, according to a now-deleted post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In the post, Matt Forney claimed that what he described as Indian hatred" in the US would reach a boiling point" next year, resulting in widespread violence. Indians will be racially singled out for violence, Indian-owned businesses will be vandalized, Hindu temples will be hit with bombings and mass shootings," he wrote. Matt Forney alleged that the perpetrators of such attacks would not be white Americans but members of minority communities and further claimed that the media would suppress coverage of such crimes. The media [will] cover up hate crimes they would otherwise eagerly blame on MAGA and Trump," he wrote. Presenting the call as a measure to prevent violence, Matt Forney added, As someone who wants peace in America, I deplore all violence, and there is only one way to stop it. For their own safety, we must DEI: Deport Every Indian." The post drew widespread criticism, including from users who accused Matt Forney of issuing a veiled threat rather than condemning violence. One user responded that the internet is forever" and questioned whether Matt Forney was attempting to justify coercive removal of Indians from the US under the guise of concern for their safety. Matt Forney has a history of anti-immigrant rhetoric and has previously made hostile remarks targeting Indians and Indian-Americans. He was earlier dismissed from his role at The Blaze, where he had been hired to report on issues related to India and the H-1B visa programme. His social media activity was cited as a factor in his removal. In past posts, Matt Forney has also targeted prominent Indian-Americans, including Kruti Patel Goyal, after her appointment as CEO of Etsy, alleging without evidence that Indian executives displace American workers. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: December 26, 2025, 21:43 IST News world US Journalist Calls For Mass Deportation Of Indians In 2026: 'Will Be Racially Singled Out' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... What Is Somaliland, Horn Of Africa Territory Now Recognised As An Independent State By Israel? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 17:52 IST The AU rejected Israels recognition, saying that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia and warning that the move could set a dangerous precedent for peace. A man holds a flag of Somaliland | Image: AFP Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state," becoming the first country to do so and triggering sharp reactions across Africa and the Middle East. The announcement was made on Friday by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which also confirmed that Israel and Somaliland have agreed to establish full diplomatic relations. Welcoming the move, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi described it as a historic moment" and the start of a strategic partnership" between the two sides. Netanyahu, speaking to Abdullahi over the phone, said he was very proud of this day" and extended his best wishes to the people of Somaliland. However, the decision drew strong opposition from Somalia and the African Union (AU). The AU rejected Israels recognition, reiterating that Somaliland remains an integral part" of Somalia and warning that the move could set a dangerous precedent for peace and stability on the continent. What Is Somaliland? Somaliland is a self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa that broke away from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the Somali state. Despite functioning as a de facto independent entity for more than three decades, it has remained unrecognised by the international community. The region has its own government, constitution, currency, passports and security forces. It has also held multiple elections and maintained relative stability, even as Somalia has grappled with prolonged civil war and political turmoil. President Abdullahi, who assumed office last year, has made international recognition a central pillar of his administration. Despite its strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes, Somalilands lack of recognition has restricted access to international loans, foreign aid and large-scale investment, contributing to persistent economic hardship. Tensions surrounding Somaliland intensified last year after landlocked Ethiopia signed an agreement to lease part of Somalilands coastline for a port and a military facility, a move Somalia strongly opposed as a violation of its sovereignty. Although no country had formally recognised Somaliland until now, several states, including the UK, Ethiopia, Turkey, the UAE, Denmark, Kenya and Taiwan, maintain liaison or representative offices in the region. Following Israels decision, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said both sides had agreed to establish full diplomatic ties, including the exchange of ambassadors and the opening of embassies. Netanyahu also indicated he would convey to US President Donald Trump Somalilands interest in joining the Abraham Accords, the US-brokered agreements under which Israel normalised relations with several Arab countries. Global Reaction Israels move was criticised by several African nations, which described it as an attack on Somalias territorial integrity. The African Union said the recognition could have far-reaching implications" for regional stability. The Palestinian Authority and Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, also rejected the decision. Egypt said its foreign minister had held consultations with counterparts in Turkey, Somalia and Djibouti, with all sides reaffirming support for Somalias unity and sovereignty. Asked whether the United States would follow Israels lead, Trump ruled out recognising Somaliland, remarking, Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?" News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Somalia First Published: December 27, 2025, 17:52 IST News world What Is Somaliland, Horn Of Africa Territory Now Recognised As An Independent State By Israel? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BEIRUT, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Israeli gunfire near United Nations peacekeeping patrols along the "Blue Line" border slightly injured one peacekeeper on Friday, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said. In a statement, UNIFIL said heavy machine-gun fire from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) positions south of the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon struck near a patrol inspecting a roadblock in the village of Bastarra. The fire followed a grenade explosion in the area. While no UN equipment was damaged, one peacekeeper sustained a minor ear concussion. A separate incident occurred the same day in Kfarchouba, where another patrol on routine operations came under "close-range" machine-gun fire from the Israeli side. UNIFIL emphasized that the IDF had been notified of both patrols' movements in advance, in accordance with established coordination procedures. "Attacks on or near peacekeepers are serious violations of Security Council Resolution 1701," the mission said, urging the IDF to cease "aggressive behavior" against personnel. The IDF did not immediately respond to a request for comment. UNIFIL sites and facilities have previously been targeted during clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, causing injuries. A U.S. and French-brokered ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel has been in effect since Nov. 27, 2024, ending clashes linked to the Gaza Strip conflict. Despite the agreement, Israel has periodically conducted strikes in Lebanon, citing Hezbollah "threats," and has maintained forces at five key positions along the Lebanese border after a Feb. 18 deadline for full withdrawal passed. A California mother accused of killing her 9-year-old daughter in Utah has formally denied the charge and will remain behind bars as the case moves forward. Ashlee Buzzard, 40, of Lompoc, entered a not-guilty plea on Friday to a first-degree murder charge with special allegations in the death of her daughter, Melodee, per NBC News . A Santa Barbara County judge ordered her held without bail, and prosecutors said they'll pursue a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Buzzard also denied allegations that the killing involved "lying in wait," according to the local district attorney's office. Melodee's body was found on Dec. 6 in a remote part of Wayne County, Utah, by a couple who were out taking photos, authorities said. Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said the girl died from gunshot wounds to the head, and that the FBI's DNA testing confirmed her identity. Brown described the case as an instance of maternal filicide, calling it rare and "difficult to comprehend," and said investigators have gathered substantial evidence implicating Buzzard. Detectives say they searched Buzzard's home, a rental car, and a storage unit, finding a spent cartridge case and a live round similar to the ammunition believed to have been used, though the firearm itself hasn't been recovered. Investigators allege Buzzard altered Melodee's appearance with a wig, noting both were seen at a car rental business on Oct. 7 before a three-day road trip from Lompoc through Nebraska and Kansas. Melodee was last seen Oct. 9 near the Utah-Colorado border; Buzzard returned home alone the next day. School officials reported Melodee's extended absence on Oct. 14, and when deputies asked Buzzard where her daughter was, she wouldn't say, per the AP. The Los Angeles Times reports that Melodee's father died in 2016 in a motorcycle accident, just months after she was born. The Times also uncovers some of Buzzard's backstory, including what happened to her when she herself was just 9: Her mother fled with her from Buzzard's allegedly abusive father and the two became homeless. Outside the Santa Barbara County courthouse on Friday, the girl's paternal grandmother, Lilly Denes, expressed anger over Buzzard's not-guilty plea. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 7. BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) has been suggested to start on March 4, 2026, in Beijing. The suggestion was made at a recent Chairperson's Council meeting of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. The meeting also decided the 15th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee to be convened on March 1 and 2, 2026, to prepare for the fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. MOSCOW, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The potential crisis resolution plan that Kiev is reportedly proposing differs significantly from the one that Moscow and Washington are working on, said a Russian official on Friday. The settlement was approaching, but the negotiation process is being hindered by the setting of deadlines and attempts to torpedo it, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on the "60 Minutes" program. "I believe Dec. 25, 2025, will remain in our memory as a milestone when we truly approached a solution, but whether we can make the final push and reach an agreement depends on the political will of the other side," the Russian diplomat noted. Commenting on remarks by U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker about ending the conflict within 90 days, Ryabkov said setting specific deadlines does not contribute to a peaceful settlement. A breakthrough in the negotiations must be achieved "under conditions where Kiev and its sponsors, particularly within the European Union, who are not focused on reaching an agreement, have redoubled their efforts to torpedo it," he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday he is willing to bring a peace plan to end the Ukraine crisis for a referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire of at least 60 days, according to U.S. media outlet Axios. In a phone interview with Axios on Friday, Zelensky said he would still like to negotiate a better position on territory. But if the plan demands "a very difficult" decision on that issue, he believes the best path forward will be to put the entire 20-point plan to a referendum. TOKYO, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has again criticized recent remarks by a senior government official suggesting that Japan should possess nuclear weapons. Speaking on a program aired Friday night by Japan's BS11 television, Ishiba said that as the only country in the world to have suffered atomic bombings, Japan should take a clear stance on preventing nuclear proliferation and should not make statements that undermine that position. On Dec. 18, an anonymous senior official in charge of security at the Prime Minister's Office told reporters that Japan should possess nuclear weapons. After the remarks were made public, they sparked widespread criticism and controversy within Japan. Addressing the issue earlier, Ishiba said that if Japan were to acquire nuclear weapons, it would be forced to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency. He stressed that such a move would render Japan's nuclear energy policy -- which underpins the country's energy system -- untenable, adding that "this would by no means be beneficial for Japan." According to a report on the online edition of the Japanese magazine Shukan Bunshun on Dec. 24, the official who made the remarks was Oue Sadamasa, a special advisor to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, whose portfolio includes nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. 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 second patient has died in a North Jersey hospital after being infected with a deadly bacteria that was discovered in the facilitys water system. The unidentified patient tested positive for Legionella, a type of bacteria that can cause a serious form of pneumonia, after being treated at St. Josephs Medical Center in Paterson. The hospital issued warnings to patients and visitors in mid-December after a state Department of Health inspection confirmed the presence of the bacteria. Pamela Garretson, a spokesperson for the hospital, said in a statement that the patient faced significant underlying health challenges before testing positive for Legionella. Our thoughts remain with their families and loved ones during this difficult time, she added. In July, an unidentified patient with multiple underlying conditions also died after testing positive for Legionella, according to St. Josephs Health, which owns the hospital. The state notified St. Josephs of the positive test results on Dec. 8, prompting the hospital to begin cleaning and treating its water system, officials said. The health system is also contacting 228 former patients who were treated in the affected area between Nov. 27 and Dec. 8 to alert them about potential infection risks. No other patients or cases of Legionella are being investigated, Garretson said on Friday. Garretson said the hospital received the most recent water test results, which confirmed that the hospitals water system is now safe for drinking. Garretson added that the hospital will continue to monitor and test the water systems regularly to ensure a safe environment for patients and their families, as well as work with local and state health officials. She said hospital staff took aggressive measures, including hiring an environmental water consultant, implementing enhanced safety protocols, conducting extensive testing with the state and initiating remediation efforts. Hospital staff went beyond state requirements, sanitizing the entire campus to ensure a clean environment, Garretson said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Legionnaires disease is a severe form of pneumonia or lung infection caused by the Legionella bacteria. It causes symptoms that can include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle aches and headache. Symptoms typically develop within 14 days of exposure, but can take longer. Although most healthy people exposed to Legionella wont get sick, others are at increased risk, including those already hospitalized for other conditions. People over 50, particularly smokers, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for developing the disease. About 250 to 350 cases of Legionnaires are reported each year throughout New Jersey, according to the state Department of Health. Last year, 224 cases were diagnosed in the state. A new restaurant combining French and new American comfort food recently opened in Summit. Aubreys Corner at 527 Morris Ave. occupies the former Marco Polo Restaurant & Bar space, with Chef Michael Feinberg leading the kitchen, according to a statement. The menu also offers burgers and sandwiches, including a smash burger with aged cheddar and Calabrian aioli. Kelsey Cherry The Taylor family owns and operates the restaurant. Jes Taylor, the owner-operator, brings more than a decade of hospitality experience from working with Daniel Boulud and Major Food Group. His wife, Lauren, and sister Emma Radest, are also involved in the business, with Emma handling marketing and social media. The menu features starters including broiled oysters with bechamel and truffle, and bone marrow topped with short rib served with crisp radish and grilled sourdough. French onion soup topped with gruyere and a salumi board with caciocavallo and baguette are also be available. Main courses include braised short rib with mushrooms, leeks and red wine glaze, prime New York strip with au poivre, and cauliflower steak topped with chimichurri. The menu also offers burgers and sandwiches, including a smash burger with aged cheddar and Calabrian aioli. Salads include a wedge salad with iceberg lettuce, marinated sundried tomatoes, bacon, bleu cheese crumbles and ranch dressing. General Manager Nick Kanakaris curated the wine list and cocktail program. Signature cocktails include the Vanity Hour, made with vodka, Chinola passionfruit liqueur, vanilla syrup, lemon and lime juice, topped with prosecco. The Far from the Tree features junipero-smoked rosemary gin, luxardo del santo, roots kanela, Lairds applejack, old-fashioned syrup and lemon juice. The Stacys Mom includes Xicaru reposado mezcal, raspberry syrup and lemon juice. Summit-based architecture firm Rosen Kelly Conway led the renovation. Interior designer Emma Montgomery designed a space with expansive, rounded windows, herringbone white oak flooring, light wooden tables with wrought iron bases, French cafe chairs and banquettes in olive velvet and russet leather. Art throughout features pressed herbarium pieces by Louisiana artist Anne Venable. Aubreys Corner is open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations are available on Resy. by Mahmoud Fouly CAIRO, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- As 2025 draws to a close, Egypt has reaffirmed its position as a key mediator in the Gaza crisis, pairing intensive diplomacy to sustain a fragile ceasefire with a large-scale humanitarian operation that has delivered hundreds of thousands of tons of aid and winter relief supplies to the war-torn enclave. From hosting negotiations that led to the October ceasefire to facilitating aid flows through Rafah and rejecting forced displacement, Cairo's approach has combined political mediation, security considerations, and sustained relief coordination, analysts said. ADVANCING GAZA CEASEFIRE TALKS Egypt's mediation efforts began to bear fruit in October, when indirect negotiations hosted in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh culminated in a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that took effect on Oct. 10, in coordination with fellow mediators, the United States, Qatar, and Turkiye. The agreement was subsequently highlighted at an Oct. 13 peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump. Egyptian political analyst Mokhtar Ghobashy said Egypt's involvement was decisive. "Egypt's role was essential and pivotal in reaching the Gaza ceasefire and hosting the agreement on its soil," he said. Ghobashy, secretary-general of the Cairo-based El-Faraby Center for Political Studies, stressed that Cairo also "stood firmly against forced displacement plans and rejected any attempt to push Palestinians out of Gaza." Egypt's diplomacy did not end with the ceasefire announcement. On Wednesday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Egypt was pushing for the swift launch of the second phase of a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, including forming a "technocratic committee" to administer the enclave as a step toward the Palestinian Authority resuming full administrative control. Egypt's push came as an Israeli delegation visited Cairo on Dec. 24 for talks that, according to an Egyptian source familiar with the discussions, included negotiations on the return of the body of Ran Gvili, believed to be the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, as well as broader issues such as Hamas disarmament and proposals for an international stabilization force. Cairo also hosted several intra-Palestinian talks in 2025. On Oct. 23, delegations from Hamas and Fatah met in the Egyptian capital to discuss post-war arrangements in Gaza, amid Egyptian efforts to build Palestinian consensus around the next phase of the plan. Cairo-based Palestinian political analyst Abdel Mohdy Motawe said Egypt's role in Gaza in 2025 reflected deeper structural factors, noting that Cairo maintains balanced relations with all parties and is widely viewed as a trusted intermediary. "Egypt combines geographic weight with flexible diplomacy and strong security capabilities, reinforcing its stabilizing role in a turbulent region," he said. FACILITATING HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT Egypt played a pivotal role not only in securing the ceasefire but also in facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, turning the flow of aid trucks from Egypt into a large-scale, continuous operation. Egypt's Foreign Ministry said in late August that the country has provided more than 70 percent of the total aid delivered to Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023, with over 550,000 tons transported by thousands of trucks. On July 27, the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) launched a humanitarian aid initiative for Gaza, delivering thousands of tons of food baskets, flour, medical and relief supplies, as well as critically needed petroleum products to the enclave. In response to recent torrential rains in Gaza, which flooded streets and damaged many shelter tents, the ERC has stepped up winter relief efforts, sending by Dec. 23 more than 1.1 million blankets, over 37,000 mattresses, some 9.7 million pieces of winter clothing, 800 mobile bathrooms, and more than 186,000 tents to the enclave. Amid Gaza's worsening humanitarian needs caused by winter storms and ongoing insecurity, Egypt is expected to continue pairing diplomatic engagement with relief coordination as mediators work to advance the next phase of the peace plan and lay the foundation for reconstruction in the war-torn territory, analysts said. "At moments when the region was on the brink of a broader conflict, Egypt's steady and balanced approach played a crucial role in preventing wider escalation," Ghobashy said. Maestro Matthew Kraemer, chief conductor of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, will lead the LPO in a Jan. 7 performance in the Fuhrmann Auditorium in Covington. If someone created pantomime in human form, it might be something like Iain Douglas. Bright, fizzing, funny with more than a slight hint of naughtiness, Iain exudes energy and fun. This is hardly surprising as he has been involved with Paignton Pantomime Productions since 1980, and this December celebrates his 30th year directing. This is quite an achievement, but these decades of experience are evident to anyone who attends the pantomimes at the Palace Theatre, Paignton. They are not only always of an exceptional standard, but they also manage to keep ticket prices comparatively low, meaning they almost always sell out. When I meet with Iain to ask his secrets, he is remarkably modest. However, it is clear he lives and breathes panto and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the many years hes been involved and is able to tell me things off the top of his head about casts or productions from decades ago. In fact, when I ask his collaborator, the choreographer Elaine Johnson, what Iains most irritating quality is, she replies that he is the oracle of all dates and can tell you off the top of his head who appeared in what show, in what year. She also adds that he is very annoying turning up at my dance rehearsals chatting to people on the sidelines and forgetting how loud he is, when hes right next to me and shouting. The pair run very distinct roles with the pantomimes, with Elaine being in charge of all the musical numbers with both junior and senior dancers and Iain working separately with the principal actors to ensure all the bits in between the songs are as funny and effective as possible. Elaine herself has been involved for 26 years, and, when asked, she says that Iains best quality is that he mainly leaves me to my own devices to just get on with what I want to do Others are more gushing. Gary Abraham, who regularly appears as Dame, says: Hes such a great director because he makes rehearsals fun. I love working with him because he trusts what I do and gives me free licence but offers sensible good advice. Clive Simmons, who has worked with Paignton Panto since 1979, told me: Working with Iain is an absolute pleasure because hes open to new ideas and always sets us unusual challenges every year. In recent years these have included a life-size elephant and last year an animated dragon. Iain tells me to expect similar surprises this year for their production of Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates. This, apparently, is a big departure for them, having rotated around five to six classic better-known pantomimes such as Cinderella and Aladdin over the years. It has 14 principal characters and takes place in Brazil, then at sea and then on, of course, a desert island. It costs around 70,000 to put on the show and they need to sell 94 per cent of tickets to make money luckily, they almost always do that. Iain says: "Why Iain Douglas remains the beating heart of Paignton Pantomime Productions after 30 years at the helmIts risky, but it means we can keep our ticket prices low and allow panto to be accessible to all. They say that panto is the gateway drug to all other theatre. Sixty per cent of our audience are adults though, and people come back each year, because they know what to expect and that is the key. If Ive learnt anything its that people have expectations and you need to make sure they get what they want. For example, our shows have become well-known for soaking the crowd with water-pistols and throwing out sweets at the start. This is important because youve got to allow the audience permission to relax and know they can shout out and join in. When I started directing, we sold 2,800 seats, now it's around 5,000 and we have added more shows, particularly before Christmas when there is great anticipation. There are some things we dont do for example we shy away from doing a song sheet as it rarely works. The audience doesnt always like to sing out loud and sometimes the children cant sing or even read. But we do like getting kids on stage and richly humiliating them. Audience participation is a winning formula. But what has changed over the years? He says: Not a lot to be honest. There are certain things for politically correct reasons we now dont do. However, our pantos have never been outright rude, but there are, of course, a certain level of jokes which are for the adults but go right over the kids heads and thats part of the fun. Paignton Pantomime Productions are themselves celebrating their 90th anniversary which means Iain has been directing for a third of that time and been involved for 55 years. He started out aged 19 playing a comic policeman named either Bamboo or Typhoo (he cant remember which). Since then, Iain has played comic roles, or Dame, but never the villain. When asked about what makes a good Dame, he is very clear that they should not be too feminine, but basically a bloke in a dress. Being both funny and energetic is clearly something that is vital to Iain, both in his own personality but also in the shows he puts on. He says: If you ask the cast what my most common words are it would be smile and sing out loud. I really hammer that into new cast members from the first rehearsal. When directing pace is the most important thing of all, too, there should be no gaps and continual sound and something happening. Things must go wrong though. Perhaps my most memorable was when a pantomime cow played by two people lost its bearings and almost fell off the stage, says Iain. Iain watched every show and is clearly incredibly dedicated to ensuring each one retains his high standards. He also reveals he is something of a panto addict though, telling me he often goes to as many as ten other pantomimes over the winter. So, what is the future for Iain? In February he retires from Wollens the solicitors after nearly 44 years working for them. There certainly seems to be no plans to slow down though. Iain also directs and sometimes performs in musicals and next summer is at the helm for the Queen musical, We Will Rock You, back at the Palace Theatre. He says: I hope to carry on with Paignton Panto for a good few more years. Robinson Crusoe is running until January 4. For more information and to book tickets visit www.palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk ADEN, Yemen, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg on Saturday called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation, as tensions mount in Yemen's eastern governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahrah. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Grundberg reiterated the UN secretary-general's call for "restraint, de-escalation and dialogue," urging all parties to avoid actions that could further complicate the situation. He underscored the importance of ongoing regional mediation efforts, noting that he remains engaged with Yemeni and regional stakeholders in support of de-escalation and progress toward "a comprehensive and inclusive political solution" to the conflict in Yemen. Grundberg made the remarks after Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes on Friday targeting Southern Transitional Council (STC) sites, including positions of the Hadrami Elite Forces in the Ghayl bin Yamin area near key oil fields. No casualties or damage to military equipment were reported. The strikes followed the STC's latest military expansion in eastern Yemen. On Dec. 3, STC forces took control of Hadramout after clashes with pro-government units, before extending their presence into the eastern province of Al-Mahrah without reported resistance. The group has since recruited local forces in both provinces, despite repeated calls from the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia for de-escalation. Earlier in the day, Turki Al Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, said that any military movements undermining de-escalation efforts would be addressed to protect civilians, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi on Saturday welcomed the coalition's measures to curb what he described as destabilizing actions by the STC in the two governorates. Formed in 2017, the STC seeks self-determination and eventual independence for southern Yemen. Although it joined the Saudi-led coalition and was integrated into Yemen's internationally recognized government in 2022, the group continues to press for southern secession. The STC has accused previous Yemeni governments of politically and economically marginalizing the south, a claim Yemeni authorities deny. A Dartmoor-based financial adviser has been named a finalist in a national awards programme recognising later-life lending, bringing attention to specialist support available for older people across rural Devon. Stuart Borthwick, who runs Dartmoor Financial, has been shortlisted for Best Individual Later Life Adviser at the British Later Life Lending Awards 2026. READ NEXT: Plymouth council decision puts pressure on Exeter over election delay vote The British Later Life Lending Awards celebrate advisers who demonstrate high standards of care, ethics and technical expertise when working with older clients. Stuart will have to wait until February for the ceremony in London, but his work is firmly rooted much closer to home. He spoke to The Moorlander about his background, connections to Dartmoor, and why later-life financial advice is becoming increasingly important. What is your background, and what led you into later-life lending? Ive worked in financial services for 18 years. Early on, at Britannia Building Society and later the Co-operative Bank, I found myself drawn to conversations with older clients. About 12 years ago, I realised just how overlooked this stage of life was when it came to advice. Peoples circumstances often become more complex as they get older, with retirement income, health issues and family considerations all playing a role. Yet these are some of the most important decisions theyll ever make. Ive always had a strong sense of fairness, and helping people at that stage felt like the right thing to do. What is your connection to Dartmoor, and how does working in a rural area shape your work? Dartmoor isnt just where I work, its home. My family and I live on the edge of the moor, and Dartmoor Financial was built around rural values like trust, reputation and doing right by people. In a rural community, relationships really matter. Clients are often neighbours or people you bump into locally, and that brings a real sense of responsibility. It also means understanding older properties, rural access issues and what ageing looks like in Devon. ABOVE : Dartmoor is not just where Stuart works, but his home (Image: SB) For readers unfamiliar with it, what does the award recognise? The award focuses on advisers who put people first. Its not just about figures, but about real client outcomes, ethical standards and care. Being named a finalist means a great deal because I work from home and dont have the backing of a big national firm. To be recognised alongside much larger companies is very humbling. Why is later-life lending becoming more important, particularly in Devon? Many people are asset-rich but cash-poor. Property values have risen, but retirement incomes often havent kept pace with living costs, care needs or helping family members. Later-life lending can help people stay in their homes, adapt them, or improve quality of life. Its not right for everyone, which is why proper advice is so important. The focus should always be on exploring all options and keeping the client at the centre of decisions. Looking ahead, what does being a finalist mean for you and your work locally? Im genuinely excited just to be part of it. The nomination came completely out of the blue. If anything, I hope it reassures local people that award-recognised advice is available right here in Devon. Ill be a long way from muddy boots and a pasty when I head to London, but Dartmoor will very much be coming with me. The Tory party will scrap the petrol car ban if they win the next election. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative party leader said in the Sunday Telegraph, the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate (ZEV) was a well meaning but ultimately a destructive piece of legislation. This follows a report that the EU is about to push back the ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles five years to 2040 and follows a meeting between Badenoch and Italian Prime Minister, Georgia Meloni who has lobbied the EU to water down its own plan for a ban. Six EU countries, including Italy, have called upon member states to rethink plans to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, saying it could hurt industrial competitiveness. Badenoch said The reality is that the EUs change of heart on EVs will leave Labour even more isolated, and by pressing ahead alone we are placing our domestic industry at a disadvantage while giving others the opportunity to dominate global supply chains. She said, Winners in this economic self-harm are China. She added that the Conservative government would still move towards a transition to cleaner transport but one driven by affordability, practicality, and technological progress rather than unrealistic mandates that weaken domestic manufacturing and empower foreign competitors. Badenoch also said, car manufacturers have already stopped investing in the UK, many people are taking their investment elsewhere. Instead, the market should be allowed to decide when petrol and diesel cars are phased out, she said. People want to do their best for the environment, but they have to be able to do it in that is sustainable in a way they can afford we need a common-sense approach. She said scrapping the mandate would give space to rebuild the UK car industry. In America General Motors and now Ford Motor Company have announced a cut -back on electric vehicle investment with Fords Chief Executive, Jim Farley, stating the automotive industry is faces a fight for our lives against Chinese competition, leading Ford to shift from large EVs to hybrids, trucks, (Ford Pro), and affordable EVs, while keeping V8 Mustangs alive. He praised recent rollbacks of US fuel economy standards as common-sense and aligned with customer demand, while warning Europe that its strict targets and Chinese rivals threaten its automotive industrys future, without significant change. Ford is to offer broad choice with gas, hybrids and EVs, with a range of hybrids to complement efficient gas (petrol) engines. As part of these actions Ford no longer plans to produce larger select electric vehicles where the business case has eroded due to lower-than-expected demand, high costs and regulatory changes. This a customer-driven shift to create a stronger, more resilient and more profitable Ford said Ford President and CEO, Jim Farley. This evolved strategy is built on four key pillars. Expanding customer choice with gas(petrol), hybrids, and low-cost electric vehicle platforms. By 2030 Ford expects approximately 50% of its global volume will be hybrids, extended range EVs and fully electric vehicles, up from 17% in 2025. Is this the way forward with evolution of new technology and customer demand and satisfaction, instead of no choice on a path that is obviously failing with inadequate infrastructure and the likelihood of supply not being able to provide adequate resource? Watch this space. Thieves rammed a car into a House of Pipes tobacco and vape store in Southeast Portland on Christmas Eve, causing over $200,000 in property loss and damage, the stores owner says. The 21+ Tobacco and Vapor Retail Association of Oregon, which lists House of Pipes as a member, said in a statement that the break-in happened around 5:30 a.m. at the Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard and 42nd Avenue location, and it marked the 14th break-in or robbery across the chains over two dozen stores this year, the association added. Security camera footage shared by the association shows a group of masked and hooded people pulling into the stores parking lot in two cars and moving picnic tables away from the glass-paneled storefront. A driver then slammed a silver sedan through the door and windows. Thieves used a similar technique to burglarize another House of Pipes location in Happy Valley in September. In Southeast Portland, the group of at least four people used trash bins to load merchandise from the store into cars before driving away. Police havent announced any arrests or suspects in the case. Brock Berg, the companys chief operating officer, told The Oregonian/OregonLive that the 14 incidents have targeted six locations in and around Portland. The Portland Police Bureaus most recent figures for burglaries run through October and shows a decline since the pandemic. Between January and October 2025, police recorded 3,239 burglaries, compared with 3,851 during that same timeframe in 2024, police data shows. For the full year in 2024, the total number of burglaries reached 4,604 a 23% decrease from 2022, when the city saw nearly 6,000 burglaries. Regional agencies including Portland and Gresham police, TriMet, the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office, the Port of Portland and the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office are hoping to bring the numbers down further with an inter-agency burglary task force that was formed in November. The task force is largely focused on crimes targeting small-and-medium sized businesses, and Portland police Chief Bob Day said that it will target well organized burglary groups that are responsible for a disproportionate number of burglaries. Jonathan Grall called 911 and told police he had stabbed an obnoxious motorcyclist revving her engine outside their downtown Portland apartment building. He had pulled out a knife about 10 inches long from behind his back and jabbed it in her face. Grall was known to Portland police, flagged as a 12-34 for his severe mental illness and other calls and texts spinning wild delusions of killing people. When officers arrived, they talked to Grall but found no motorcyclist or knife and closed the call. But several days later, the motorcyclist showed up at the front desk of Central Precinct with jagged wounds under her right eye and said she had the knife used in her attack. She told police where her assailant lived, described him and said she wanted to press charges. A patrol officer found the 911 call that matched her account. Police filed a new report but did nothing more despite the overwhelming evidence to make an arrest. Two months later in January 2023, Grall stabbed another stranger only a few blocks away. This time, a man died. Jonathan Bennett would almost certainly still be alive if police had arrested Grall in the earlier stabbing, say the families of both men, their friends, lawyers and policing consultants who reviewed the case. That would have put him in jail and then in court before a judge, who likely would have sent him to the state psychiatric hospital for treatment to stand trial. But Portland police failed to do basic due diligence. Officers filed the reports to their electronic records system, where they languished unsent to any detective. The officer who handled the motorcyclists report didnt investigate further or directly pass it to detectives -- despite a confession, a victim and the weapon. This was an easy one, said Dennis Kenney, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. Police clearly had grounds for an aggravated assault accusation, he said. It was a relatively straightforward case, Kenney said, so the police did drop the ball. Police have changed their training in the last few years on how officers should file reports and notify detectives, said spokesperson Sgt. Kevin Allen. But police have no written rule reflecting the changes, though they said theyre working on one. No one faced discipline for the missed investigation. The officer who took the report from the motorcyclist is now a detective. Its a tragic outcome of something getting lost in the shuffle, Allen said. ... I acknowledge theres room for improvement. Even so, he argued that a lot of systems failed Grall. Police have valid concerns that they have become the de facto last chance to help people unraveled by mental illness. Gralls parents agree that their son, now 28, didnt get the long-term treatment he needed in the porous mental health system when he refused to take his antipsychotic medication for his schizophrenia. But neither Gralls nor Bennetts families had any idea about the earlier stabbing until several days into his murder trial this past summer. Police shocked them with testimony that no detective had been assigned to investigate Gralls first violent attack until months after he had killed Bennett. Its insane, Kelly Grall, Gralls mother, said as she emerged from the courtroom during a break in the trial. Why didnt police do anything? Not a criminal offense Jonathan Grall told police he felt threatened by the noisy motorcyclist late on Nov. 17, 2022. He started screaming at her and then taking her picture. She returned to the building to double-check that she had locked her apartment and found him in the foyer. She told him to stop taking photos. Thats when he threw a knife in the motorcyclists face, he told the 911 dispatcher. As officers headed to the scene, a dispatcher alerted them that the police database identified Grall as having a mental illness. Officer Jason Worthington found Grall sitting on the sidewalk in front of the Cambrian Apartments at Southwest 12th Avenue and Columbia Street. Grall told Worthington he had schizophrenia but wasnt experiencing any symptoms, nor was he on medication other than sleeping pills, according to Worthingtons police report. Officers searched the area but didnt find the motorcyclist or a knife. Worthington said he spoke with a neighbor in an apartment across the street who hadnt heard a motorcycle. Worthington filled out a mental health template used by the Police Bureau primarily for data analysis that popped up on his cars mobile computer screen before clearing the call. Among the questions: Did a mental health professional contact the subject at the scene? No. Was the subject armed with a weapon? No. Anyone injured? No. Was the subject placed on a mental health hold? No. At this point we have no evidence to believe Grall stabbed anyone, Worthington wrote in his police report. Under the heading internal status, he typed: Not a criminal offense. Did he just stab me? Three days later, Anitza Garcia Urquiza walked into the Central Precinct lobby and said Grall had attacked her. She didnt know his name then but knew he lived in the same apartment building. She explained she had been running her 1981 Honda to warm it up as the temperature hovered in the 40s before taking a friend home. She encountered Grall in the buildings foyer when she briefly ran back inside. Did he just stab me? she asked, turning back toward her friend, her face on fire. Youre bleeding everywhere, he responded. The visor was up on her helmet. The knife hit just below her right eye. Grall dropped the blade and darted back into the hallway. Garcia Urquiza grabbed the knife, put it in her bag, hopped on her motorbike and sped off. She didnt go to police right away because she said she just wanted to hide. She hadnt sought medical attention because she doesnt like hospitals. But another friend convinced her to report the stabbing to police. She showed up at Central Precinct and talked to Patrol Officer Emmy Ivarsson. Ivarsson ran the address of the attack. She found police had been sent there on the night of the stabbing after Grall called 911 to report it. Ivarsson took photos of Garcia Urquizas wounds one about 2-inches long below her eye and another of the same size on the side of her nose. Garcia Urquiza said she described her attacker: white, about 5-foot-7, maybe in his late 30s, a thick build, shoulder-length dirty blond hair. Ivarsson gave Garcia Urquiza her police business card with the case number, according to the officers police report. Ivarsson wrote: I told her I would document this information and route it to the appropriate detective unit, who would conduct the follow-up investigation. Two days later, Garcia Urquiza returned to the precinct to turn over the steel knife with a black handle used in the attack. Ivarsson placed it in an evidence bag and took it to the precincts property room. Garcia Urquiza said she never heard from police again. Another paranoid delusion Two months later, just outside the Portland Art Museum, Grall thrust a knife into the right side of Jonathan Bennetts neck, severing his carotid artery and jugular. He then dropped the knife and walked around the block before calling 911. It was random. I had no clue who he was, Grall told the dispatcher just before 11 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2023. He said he had just witnessed an indecent exposure when Bennett began urinating near the museums main entrance. As when he stabbed the motorcyclist, he described feeling threatened. Im so frazzled by the absolute bewilderness during this trip. I feel kinda nervous going home so I wouldnt protest if I were to be arrested, Grall said into his cellphone. He put his hands in the air as an officer pulled up to him at Southwest 11th Avenue and Jefferson Street. Grall appeared very calm, very matter of fact not scared or flustered, Officer Erick Thorsen testified at Gralls trial. He didnt believe Grall had hurt anybody. Only after a police sergeant discovered Bennett, still in his heavy fur coat, lying on his back with blood spattered on a concrete ledge of the museum did Thorsen handcuff Grall. Police found a knife with a 3 -inch blade on the ground by Bennett. It had penetrated his neck where he had a large clock tattoo, hitting exactly at 12 oclock. Two homicide detectives later questioned Grall across a table in a nondescript conference room at their downtown headquarters. Grall told them he thought Bennett might rob him. He said he worried the man would come after him near a scaffolding hazard on the side of the museum. Grall stabbed Bennett once with his right hand, he said. And as he did in his first stabbing, he said he then threw down the knife. Moments later, he suggested he may have to see a chiropractor because of the force he used. Grall said he didnt think he could have handled it differently. The man would have gotten away and issued an incitement to someone else, he said. Near the end of the 45-minute interview, after detectives told Grall that Bennett had died, Grall asked, Am I free to leave? Pushing for investigation Even after Bennetts death, police didnt think to investigate the earlier stabbing. Instead, the prosecutor preparing for Gralls murder trial noticed Gralls 911 call about the motorcyclist in police dispatch records and thought she could file more charges against him. The case looks like it could be prosecuted, she said in an email to a police supervisor in late March 2023. That prompted the Police Bureaus Major Crimes Unit to finally assign a detective to investigate Gralls first stabbing four months after the fact and two months after Bennetts killing. The stabbing of Garcia Urquiza became public only when Gralls lawyers raised it at his trial in Multnomah County Circuit Court. They wanted to counter the prosecutions argument that Grall knew what he was doing on the night of the murder by showing he had a history of paranoia and violent delusions and had stabbed someone else in eerily similar circumstances. There were a number of chances to get Mr. Grall help, Benjamin Kim, one of his lawyers, said in court. If the police had simply followed up on Ms. Garcias stabbing we probably would not be here today. The defense called Officer Ivarsson to the stand in a hushed courtroom on the third day. She said she responded to the cold assault call at the precinct and described how she interviewed the motorcyclist, took photos of her injuries and filed a report. But Ivarsson equivocated when answering what happened next. During cross-examination of the officer, Senior Deputy District Attorney Kristen Kyle-Castelli asked: Would you have done the follow-up investigation past this part or would it typically get assigned to a detective? I would think so, yeah, Ivarsson responded. To a detective? the prosecutor clarified. Ivarsson replied: Its hard to say, honestly, may or may not have. The detective eventually assigned to the case, Carlos Ibarra, testified that he tried calling the motorcyclist, later went to the Cambrian Apartments to look for her and tried other addresses to no avail. He closed the case at the beginning of 2024. The Oregonian/OregonLive found her on social media this fall after several hours of searching. Garcia Urquiza, now 39, said she waited for a call from police to say they had Grall in custody. When she never heard, she said she and a friend followed up. On each call, Garcia Urquiza said, they were told, This takes long. We are really backed up that they have a lot of other cases. Within weeks of her stabbing, Garcia Urquiza moved out of Oregon. She had been afraid to go back to the apartment and lost her chefs job at The Nines hotel when she canceled shifts while she figured out where to live. She hadnt known that Grall had killed someone so soon after his attack on her. Oh my God, if they had taken action when they had my report, the weapon and he reported himself theres nothing more clear, she said. The cops did nothing and now somebodys dead. Police concede mistakes Police acknowledge that they had plenty of documentation to accuse Grall of second-degree assault in the first stabbing a charge reserved for intentionally causing physical injury to another with a dangerous weapon. But police failed to meet several basic standards, primarily Ivarsson for not investigating the motorcyclists attack or making sure the case landed on a detectives desk, policing experts told The Oregonian/OregonLive. In this case, the process broke down, said Kenney, the professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. If police had followed through they might well have been able to insert some protective steps which would have prevented the follow-up murder. Without evidence of a crime, police often cant resolve cases involving people with mental illness. But the opposite was true here, complete with the victim and the knife, Kenney said. Jeffrey Fagan, a law professor at Columbia University, said he believes police in general are reluctant to handle calls involving someone experiencing a mental health crisis. They dont want to do these cases, he said. That includes just filing it away without a second look. Its also not clear who may have fielded the motorcyclists follow-up calls that was another missed opportunity, the policing experts said. Garcia Urquiza, now living in Texas, doesnt remember who she talked to when she called to check the status of the stabbing investigation. Police have no record of connecting with her after she met with Ivarsson, said Allen, the police spokesperson. Police lay the blame on records coding errors. Theres long been a recognition that not everyone handles report writing the same way and we need to develop written standards. Police spokesperson Sgt. Kevin Allen Ivarsson filed her supplemental report identifying Garcia Urquiza as a victim under the original case number created by Worthington, the officer who had first gone to Gralls building. Worthington submitted an information report because his initial investigation turned up no crime standard procedure at the time. But Ivarsson should have created a separate incident report one that reflected the type of crime alleged and marked it to be routed to detectives. So if this type of incident were to happen again, officers should be entering the tracking code number for assault, Allen said. As it was, though, Worthington and Ivarssons two information reports simply sat in the records system. Think of it like a filing cabinet, Allen said. Its there for future access if needed later. Allen said Ivarsson declined comment for this story, but he pointed out that she properly conducted the interview, photographed the injuries, handled the knife as evidence and wrote a detailed report. He said Ivarsson also believes she talked with someone in detectives and her patrol sergeant about the case, but it was obviously a long time ago. Ivarsson was promoted to detective in January after 8 years on the force. She now works in the Major Crimes Unit, investigating serious assaults. Changes at the bureau Allen said police have made changes over time and not in direct response to the death. The records division now discourages officers from using an information tracking code in reports, he said. Allen couldnt find written instructions about that change but said it was discussed in a video training session this fall as part of annual refresher instruction for officers. Police are now developing guidelines for writing reports, he said. Theres long been a recognition that not everyone handles report writing the same way and we need to develop written standards, Allen said. Police since 2022 have added more records staff to catch reports that are not coded correctly and route them to the appropriate unit, but that didnt happen here, he said. And, since the fall of 2023, supervisors have urged patrol officers to email the Major Crimes Unit about cases that they think a detective should quickly pursue, he said. Yet, he said, Its important to recognize that the Detective Division, like every part of PPB, has to triage the work it does and cannot do the followup they would like to do in every case. Supervisors assigned detectives to investigate less than 10% of more than 13,450 aggravated assault reports received over five years ending in November 2025, police statistics show. The death of Jonathan Bennett is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to his family and friends, Allen said. Were gratified that the suspect was charged and prosecuted. A shared history Bennett, 34, stood out among a crowd with a loud, distinctive laugh and tattoos on his hands, fingers, arms and neck. Kind and adventurous, Bennett spent time hiking, traveled to the Oregon coast whenever he could and played pool when he wasnt working. On the night he died, Bennett had been walking home from his favorite watering hole, the Silverado, about a mile away in Northwest Portland. He really just loved being around people and being around friends, said Toni Castaneda, who had met Bennett about 12 years ago at a Halloween party when Bennett first moved to the area from Washington state. Bennett had worked many years for a local moving company but also held jobs as a flagger, a mens underwear model and changed oil at a Jiffy Lube. At the time of his death, he was an airport dock attendant delivering food to the Deschutes Brewery at Portland International Airport. Like Grall, Bennett had suffered delusions and doctors diagnosed him with bipolar disorder and later thought his symptoms more closely matched schizophrenia, said Castaneda and Bennetts stepsister, Angelica Helvik. He cycled through brief hospital stays for years, they said. But Jonathan Bennett was never violent like Grall, his family said. Grall had almost two dozen contacts with hospitals and police over several years before he stabbed the motorcyclist, including an involuntary psychiatric hold ordered by Portland police in 2020. Grall had called and texted Portland police claiming to have stomped a man to death, that he dumped a mans body in a lake and implied that he had killed his father. He once showed up at the Police Bureaus downtown precinct to say he had murdered someone, according to court records. In marked contrast, Bennetts erratic behavior included making naked snow angels outside his Milwaukie apartment and running down the street yelling that he was Batman. In 2016, he was cited for disorderly conduct for punching out the bathroom wall and talking to the pipes in his apartment. He was released to his mother who stayed with him in a Milwaukie hotel. Police responded when he broke open the wall under the rooms sink, believing the pipes were speaking to him. Milwaukie police put Bennett on a hold at Providence Portland Medical Center. This is the only way we were able to get him help, is by having him arrested for the damage, Castaneda said. Castaneda attended most of Gralls murder trial and said the revelation of Gralls first stabbing made him wonder if police had stopped Grall earlier maybe he wouldnt be on the street to kill Jon. He also said he deeply related to Gralls family struggling to get help for him. In a matter of an instant, he said, two lives were basically lost. Apology not enough As a teenager, the outgoing Grall had delivered a keynote speech at a black-tie Boys & Girls Club fundraiser at the Portland Art Museum. Now, he will spend years at the state-run psychiatric hospital for killing a man just outside the same building. A judge in August found Grall guilty except for insanity of second-degree murder for stabbing Bennett. She then sentenced him to the lifetime jurisdiction of Oregons Psychiatric Security Review Board, which will hold hearings at least every two years to determine if Grall still suffers from a mental disorder and poses a substantial danger to others. Grall was experiencing paranoia and persecutorial delusions when he killed Bennett, Circuit Judge Kelly Skye ruled. He couldnt understand the criminality of his actions, she said. Gralls mother told the judge that she aches for Bennetts family but also for her son. He didnt get serious intervention from police or his mental health evaluators until it was far too late, she said. Both had multiple interactions with my son and often noted his illness and delusions but simply left him to return to the streets despite being in crisis, Kelly Grall said. Jonathan Grall didnt testify during his trial but apologized to the Bennett family at his sentencing. He read from prepared remarks, seated between his two lawyers. Im unable to exemplify how sorry I am, he said. I seek psychiatric help to better represent the person I wish to be. I promise I will never hurt someone this way again. Im sorry. Dawn Heiydt, Bennetts mother, told the judge her sweet-natured son gave the best hugs, ones that would fill you for days. And while she said she believes the nations mental health care system fails too many people, she had no sympathy for Grall. I find him a coward to hide behind this court system, she said, to receive no consequences once again for his violent actions. Unlike Mr. Gralls parents, she said, I will not have the privilege to connect with my son Jon because he is dead by the cowardly hand of Mr. Grall. I only have a tombstone, a lifetime of grief. I have no last chance for my son. In tears, she finished: Jonathan David Bennett say his name, because thats all I have left. Read Fatal error Part 2: A Portland man killed a stranger. Only then did he get long-term help Israeli military vehicles are pictured during a military operation in the town of Qabatiya, south of Jenin in the West Bank on Dec. 27, 2025.In the northern West Bank, Israeli troops maintained a tight siege on the town of Qabatiya for a second day. Qabatiya's Mayor Ahmed Zakarneh said Israeli forces have closed entrances, imposed a curfew, damaged infrastructure and raided homes. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) RAMALLAH/GAZA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces tightened restrictions on Palestinian villages in the West Bank on Saturday following a reported shooting, while Gaza health authorities updated the death toll in the enclave from the ongoing conflict to over 71,000. In the central West Bank, Israeli forces closed the entrances to several villages near Ramallah, including Ni'lin, Bil'in and Kharbatha Bani Harith, after gunfire was reported near a military checkpoint, Palestinian security sources said, adding that the closures disrupted movement for residents of 13 villages. The Israeli army initially said a Palestinian opened fire near the Hashmonaim checkpoint and fled, but later said the incident was related to "hunting activity." Israeli forces continue operations to locate the individual and confiscate the weapon, it said. In the northern West Bank, Israeli troops maintained a tight siege on the town of Qabatiya for a second day. Qabatiya's Mayor Ahmed Zakarneh said Israeli forces have closed entrances, imposed a curfew, damaged infrastructure and raided homes. The Israeli operation followed a stabbing-ramming attack in northern Israel on Friday that killed two people and injured a third. According to local police and the Israeli military, the incident was a "rolling terror attack" that began in Beit Shean, a northern Israeli city near the West Bank's northern border, and ended in Maonot Junction near the northern city of Afula, where the attacker, a Palestinian "who had infiltrated into Israeli territory" several days ago, was "neutralized." Hebrew media reports said the attacker came from Qabatiya. According to Palestinian statistics, more than 1,080 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since Oct. 7, 2023. Meanwhile, Gaza health authorities said Saturday that the Palestinian death toll from the Hamas-Israel conflict has reached 71,266, with 171,219 wounded since October 2023. They added that 414 Palestinians have been killed and 1,142 wounded since the latest ceasefire began on Oct. 10. Palestinian sources also reported Israeli air, artillery and naval bombardments across Gaza in recent hours, though no new casualties were immediately reported. The Israeli military has not commented on these attacks. Israeli soldiers are pictured during a military operation on a street in the town of Qabatiya, south of Jenin in the West Bank on Dec. 27, 2025.In the northern West Bank, Israeli troops maintained a tight siege on the town of Qabatiya for a second day. Qabatiya's Mayor Ahmed Zakarneh said Israeli forces have closed entrances, imposed a curfew, damaged infrastructure and raided homes. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) Israeli military vehicles and soldiers are pictured during a military operation in the town of Qabatiya, south of Jenin in the West Bank on Dec. 27, 2025.In the northern West Bank, Israeli troops maintained a tight siege on the town of Qabatiya for a second day. Qabatiya's Mayor Ahmed Zakarneh said Israeli forces have closed entrances, imposed a curfew, damaged infrastructure and raided homes. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) Israeli soldiers are pictured during a military operation on a street in the town of Qabatiya, south of Jenin in the West Bank on Dec. 27, 2025.In the northern West Bank, Israeli troops maintained a tight siege on the town of Qabatiya for a second day. Qabatiya's Mayor Ahmed Zakarneh said Israeli forces have closed entrances, imposed a curfew, damaged infrastructure and raided homes. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) The railroad company whose trestle collapsed earlier this year, derailing a train into the Marys River in Corvallis, has appealed a fine for water pollution stemming from the incident, denying state officials versions of events. Included in the Department of Environmental Quality penalty notice that fined Portland & Western Railroad $81,600 fine was an order that the company inspect all its water crossing trestles for safety concerns and formulate a process for evaluating and prioritizing repairs, modifications or replacement. Reckless disregard In January, the train bridge spanning Avery Park and Pioneer Park gave way under a 19-car freight train carrying pelletized fertilizer, dropping one railcar into the Marys River and leaving another partially in the water. The derailment spilled 199 tons of urea into the river over nine days, according to the DEQ. Urea, which can be synthesized or harvested from animal urine and is used in fertilizer, both sinks and dissolves in water. DEQ alleges the derailment was caused by reckless disregard on the part of Portland & Western Railroad Inc., issuing a civil penalty of $81,600 to the company in a notice made public Friday, Dec. 19. Several attempts, by email and phone, to reach railroad officials went unanswered. The appeal Portland & Western Railroad filed an appeal the same day, according to a document provided by the DEQ. The agency initially reported that it wasnt sure the appeal was filed by the established deadline. The company has requested a hearing with the agency over the penalty and denies several of the DEQs findings outlined in the notice. In its appeal, the company denies that the Jan. 4 incident had a significant adverse impact on human health and the environment. It also denies that railcars continued to release urea into the river through Jan. 12, as the DEQ alleges. Furthermore, Portland & Western Railroad denies the characterization of and the related factual allegations regarding the condition of the bridge. It also denies how the state characterized the railroads actions with respect to the inspection, maintenance and operation of the bridge. In its defense, the Portland & Western Railroad appeal claims the bridge failure was an act of God/Nature, saying river flooding generated unusually high and fast-flowing water at the time and was a significant contributing factor to the collapse. The state has said urea can pollute water by introducing excessive nitrogen that promotes algal blooms, depletes dissolved oxygen and disrupts aquatic ecosystems. When it breaks down into ammonia, it can be toxic to aquatic organisms. Precipitating event? In May 2022, the trestle caught fire and took nearly nine hours to extinguish. Witnesses reported hearing explosions, possibly from propane tanks at a homeless encampment under the bridge. At the time, a spokesperson for Portland & Western Railroad Inc. said the structure had been inspected thoroughly and repairs were made before rail traffic resumed. The DEQ says the company in fact made only minor repairs at the trestle damaged in the 2022 fire and continued running freight trains over it rather than replacing it. Given the threat to human health, safety and the environment posed by a train accident involving freight such as chemicals, disregarding that risk constituted a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would observe in that situation, the DEQ said in the penalty notice. As such, the state is demanding Portland & Western reinspect every trestle over a body of water in Oregon. However, in the appeal the railroad company is denying that it operates approximately 478 miles in Oregon. The railroad was bought by Genesee & Wyoming Inc. in 1995 but still uses the Portland & Western name locally. Oregon state parks will once again host guided New Years Day hikes on trails across the state, though parking will no longer necessarily be free. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has released the list of state parks that will be hosting First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, from the Oregon coast to the high desert. The list includes popular spots like Silver Falls, Smith Rock and Oswald West state parks, as well as quieter places like Sitka Sedge and Cottonwood Canyon. But while New Years Day has long been one of the few days when state parks have waived parking fees, that fee-free holiday has been discontinued. Oregonians will now need to pay $10 per vehicle, with nonresidents paying $12, at the 47 park sites that charge a parking fee. Parking passes can be purchased on site or online in advance. The state parks department also sells annual passes that are good for a year. Not all First Day Hike locations charge for parking. Of the 25 parks hosting hikes this year, 15 charge a parking fee. Some parks also require advance registration for hikes, though the events themselves will be free. Heres a full list of the 2026 First Day Hikes at Oregon state parks: Bandon State Natural Area, Devils Kitchen Access Point. Brian Booth State Park, guided paddle at Beaver Creek boat launch, registration required. Cottonwood Canyon State Park Deschutes River State Recreation Area, registration required. Elijah Bristow State Park, registration required. Elijah Bristow State Park, guided equestrian trail, registration required. Emigrant Springs State Park, snowshoeing, registration required. Fort Stevens State Park. Guy Talbot State Park. Heceta Head Lighthouse. Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park. L.L. Stub Stewart State Park. LaPine State Park, registration required. Luckiamute State Natural Area, registration required. Milo McIver State Park: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Oswald West State Park, registration required. Shore Acres State Park Silver Falls State Park: 9 a.m. Silver Falls State Park: 11 a.m. Sitka Sedge State Natural Area, registration required. Smith Rock State Park, registration required. The Cove Palisades State Park. TouVelle State Recreation Site. Tryon Creek State Natural Area: 9 a.m. (5-mile), 9:30 a.m. (4 mile), 10:00 a.m. (3 mile), 10:30 a.m. (2 mile), 11:00 a.m. (.25 mile). Tumalo State Park. Valley of the Rogue State Park. William M. Tugman State Park. 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And why was it so easy to tell th meant to justify my seat at this funky restaurant as my sister and I refreshed four different ticket resale websites waiting for prices to drop.a Vogue contributing editor k Todays art world is reevaluating Stettheimer in the wake of the publication of Crystal Flowers and a 2022 biography by Barbara Bloemink.So my associate (a different one) and rhyming (if it is Reinhardt) with Goethes last-minute angelic rescue of Faust from Mephisto: A peerless treasure.What if Im walking down the street and one of my johns sees which Ive brought with me through all my relationships: the Talking Heads This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody).I realized that being with someone conventionally attractive d The blunt hairline of my voluminous wig paired with my over-the-knee skirts would have been enough to ren and whose crippling self-consciousness doesnt protect her from humiliations the reader can see coming.It seemed that at a time w When people come to visit us we have to tell them that the shower is disgusting and even then they cannot manage to remember not to look crestfallen when they see it.Wha I Could Not Believe It: The 1979 Teenage Diaries of Sean DeLear By Sean DeLear SAO PAULO, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were killed Saturday in a head-on collision between two vehicles on a highway in the northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia, the Federal Highway Police said. The crash occurred on federal highway BR-101, the country's longest highway, near the city of Mucuri in the far south of the state. According to local media, both vehicles caught fire after the impact, forcing authorities to close the highway as they work to determine the cause of the accident. The identities of the victims have not yet been released. where at lunchtime the office workers looked up and saw something amazing: as if love like everything else has only one way to go.Then I picked up the other foot so that my So when Isabel invited me to her house on San Juan for a murder mystery dinner party for her friends birthdayStrunk and Whites The Elements of Style is onto but the very tip so I picked the earliest screening possible at the TCL Chinese Theatrea Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Mo too: Why were a seemingly respectable father and daughter looking for a prostitute? Perhaps they are Elsas family.Though they ma Where do you stand on violence and rough sexthat whole aspect of porn?Some people are into being a bit more rough.Sinclairs myth of white oil blunts his attention to petro- a persistent feeling of doomwas perfectly summarized by the deficiency symptoms I found online: headaches.And I do not exclude the likelihood that these forets are imposed o Zapruder found an old typewriter in his grandparents attic and began the hypnotic practice of hammering out whatever poem he was writing over and over again.I know that d except for a thermometer that remained tied to the trunk of the Japanese maple Oregon has reached a record-high vaccine exemption rate, with 9.7% of kindergartners claiming nonmedical exemptions from school vaccination requirements for the 2024-2025 school year, according to the Oregon Health Authority. The exemption rate marks the highest level ever recorded in the state and represents the third consecutive year of increases. Oregon now has the third-highest kindergarten vaccine opt-out rate in the country, behind only Idaho at 15.1% and Utah at 10%, and nearly triple the national average of 3.4%. Oregon's Vaccine Exempt Rate The trend reflects a broader national pattern of declining vaccination confidence among parents, particularly in rural and western states. The record-high exemptions come as Oregon faces serious disease outbreaks. The state reported 1,475 cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in 2025 as of December, breaking the previous record of 1,420 cases set in 1950, according to WWeek. Officials documented 87 infant pertussis cases this year, with 22 hospitalizations and one infant death. Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for infants under six months old, who cannot yet be fully protected by vaccination. Exemption rates vary significantly across Oregon counties. Wheeler County recorded the highest exemption rate at 38.5%, while Jefferson County had the lowest at 5.1%. Overall vaccination rates also differ widely, with Wheeler County showing only 61.5% of kindergartners fully vaccinated, compared to Gilliam County at 92.3%. Urban counties generally report lower exemption rates than rural areas. Oregon is one of just 15 states that allow parents to claim nonmedical exemptions for philosophical or personal reasons. To obtain an exemption, parents must either watch an online vaccine education video or receive counseling from a healthcare provider, OPB reported. However, this requirement has not slowed the rising exemption trend in recent years, raising questions about the effectiveness of current policies. Opting Out of the Injections Public health officials express concern that the state falls far short of the 95% vaccination rate needed for herd immunity to prevent disease outbreaks. Only 86.3% of Oregon kindergartners were fully vaccinated for all required vaccines in 2025, down from 88.4% in 2022. Dr. Dean Sidelinger, state epidemiologist at Oregon Public Health, said the growing trend of nonmedical exemptions threatens to undo decades of progress and puts communities at risk. Health officials attribute the increase to multiple factors, including vaccine hesitancy that grew during the COVID-19 pandemic and misinformation about vaccine safety. The state has launched public awareness campaigns to address vaccine concerns and encourage parents to vaccinate their children. School districts are also working with local healthcare providers to improve access to vaccination clinics, as per the Lundre Report. About two dozen states passed new childcare programs in 2025 to help families struggling with monthly costs that can exceed $1,200 across U.S. metropolitan areas. The wave of state-level investments marks a significant shift in how governments approach the childcare crisis, with lawmakers allocating hundreds of millions of dollars to subsidize care, support providers, and create new childcare spots. Early childhood experts say these initiatives address a critical economic issue affecting workforce participation, particularly among mothers who often leave jobs due to unaffordable care. Investing in Childcare At least 11 states allocated millions to subsidy or voucher programs that provide direct financial assistance to families paying for childcare. Massachusetts invested a record $1.06 billion in its subsidy program, while Illinois increased funding by $244.5 million for multiple early childhood programs. Arizona committed $45 million to address its subsidy waitlist, representing the largest state investment in over a decade, according to the Washington Post. Several states established innovative funding mechanisms designed to provide long-term stability. Connecticut created an Early Childhood Endowment with an initial $300 million investment that will help eliminate copays for families earning under $100,000 and cap costs at 7 percent of income for higher earners. The fund will also support the creation of 20,000 new subsidized preschool and infant-toddler spaces. New Mexico became the first state to implement universal childcare, removing all income limits starting November 1, 2025. The program is expected to save families an average of $12,000 annually per child. Wisconsin allocated $66 million for a new school readiness initiative called Get Kids Ready, marking the first entirely state-funded childcare program in the state's history. The state also provided $110 million in direct payments to help childcare providers stay in business. Other states focused on workforce support to address staffing shortages that limit childcare availability, Childcare Aware reported. Tennessee invested $7.2 million to expand wage programs for childcare workers, while Pennsylvania allocated $25 million for staff retention and recruitment. Oklahoma created a subsidy program specifically for childcare employees to help them afford care for their own children. Helping Parents With Rising Costs Missouri launched a cost-sharing program where the state, employers, and parents split childcare expenses, with participating employers receiving tax credits. The program offers families childcare for as little as $400 monthly. California expanded tax incentives for employers who support childcare benefits, encouraging private sector participation in addressing the affordability crisis. New York announced $100 million for building and expanding childcare facilities to create thousands of new spots. Rhode Island established a new infant care rate category with rates 20 percent higher than toddler rates to address the shortage of infant care. Policymakers indicate that continued state investment combined with federal support will be necessary to sustain these programs and meet growing demand from working families, as per Boston Globe. Just days after Lou Koller, the beloved frontman for Sick Of It All, provided an update in his battle against cancer, his brother and bandmate, Pete Koller, has given even more details about what is going on. And it sounds brutal. Hes staying at my brother Matts house, Pete said on The Brooklyn Blast Furnace podcast. And Matt and his wife Connie are like saints. Pete said that Matt retired early so he could live life. But now hes taking care of Lou, he said. Hes gotta be there. Hes there 24 hours a day. So, Lou actually has a feeding tube because so, when the cancer came back, he had two more tumors that were pushing his esophagus folds so the food wouldnt go in. And these tumors are on the sack of the stomach, so they cant operate on it. So, everything has to be done by chemo. Also, he has a tumor, and I think its on the sack of his stomach just before the intestines. So they cant operate on that either. It sucks. Pete Koller said that because of the placement of the tumors everything depends on the chemo treatment. So, he had to put the feeding tube in because he couldnt really eat, he continued. So, Matt and Conie had to change the feeding bag like every 12 hours or whatever the (expletive), and they have to also inject water into him because its hard for him to drink and he doesnt drink enough. Pete said that his brothers chemo treatments are absolutely brutal. He also revealed that his brother went from 190 pounds to 119 during his first fight against the disease. Lou announced in May that he was cleared of cancer, but Pete said that when doctors saw how much weight he had lost they made him get tested again. They took him right then and there to do all these tests, and thats when they found the three tumors, he said. You can read more from the interview here. Lou Koller recently shared a vide on social media giving fans an update on how he was doing. Hey, everybody. Whats up? Its Lou,he said in a video shared to the bands Instagram.Its been a while. To give you an update, theres not really much to tell. The treatments are going OK. Theyre not really doing much. Im kind of at a stalemate where the tumors arent growing and theyre not spreading, but theyre not shrinking either. So the plan is to keep going with the treatments and see what happens. And after that, well make a new plan. After announcing in May that he was cancer free he shared a video update on Instagram in October in which he announced the disease had returned. Hey everybody whats up, its Lou here, Koller said in the video. I dont know if you can tell with my new skeletal look that I have going on. Heres an update for you. Its not one I want to make, but unfortunately the cancer has come back, and he brought some friends with him. I was having a really hard time with my recovery, he continued. I was having a tough time gaining weight and keeping food down so I had some scans done and sure enough its back. But we are going to take it day-by-day and see what happens. I want to thank you all again for your support and the way you all reach out to me is thank you very much. Ill keep you updated and let you know how it goes, alright? See you soon. In his most recent video, Lou Koller took the time to thank his family and fans for their support as he battles the disease. I wanna take this opportunity to thank my brother Matt and my sister-in-law Connie for taking such good care of me, letting me live in their house and helping me through this, he said in the video. I wanna thank all of you for all the positive message, the prayers and all of the well wishes. Thank you very much. Keep em coming, keep em coming. And I hope yall have a great Christmas and a happy New Year. I hope next years better for all of us. Take care of each other, all right? See you around. TBILISI, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Tbilisi City Court on Saturday ordered pretrial detention for Bacho Akhalaia, a former Georgian defense minister, on accusations of his involvement in an attempted government overthrow earlier this year, according to local media. The court hearing was conducted behind closed doors. The Prosecutor's Office stated the closed session was necessary to prevent the disclosure of sensitive personal information regarding employees of the State Security Service (SSS). While family members and political representatives gathered at the courthouse, Akhalaia's wife, Ani Nadareishvili, was barred from the proceedings. The presiding judge noted that her legal status -- whether as a witness or a defendant -- remains under determination. Akhalaia was arrested by the SSS on Thursday. Investigators allege that the former official coordinated the events of Oct. 4 in Tbilisi, which authorities have characterized as an attempt to forcibly overthrow the government. According to the SSS, evidence suggests Akhalaia directed the unrest through various internet-based communication applications. Under Georgia's criminal code, Akhalaia is charged with organizing and leading group violence. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of nine years in prison. The charges against Akhalaia are linked to mass disturbances in the Georgian capital on Oct. 4, when an opposition rally escalated into a violent attempt to storm the presidential residence. Police forces were deployed to use special measures to restore public order after the protest turned into a clash with law enforcement. Akhalaia was a prominent figure in the previous United National Movement (UNM) administration. He served as the head of the Penitentiary Department from 2005 to 2009, before holding the portfolios of Minister of Defence (2009-2012) and briefly serving as the Minister of Internal Affairs in late 2012. Perry Bamonte, the guitarist and keyboardist for the iconic rock band The Cure has died. He was 65. The band announced his passing on its official website, saying he died after a short illness at home over Christmas. Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, Teddy was a warmhearted and vital part of the Cure story, the statement says. 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, the statement continues. 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 1st November 2024. Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family. He will be very greatly missed. According to Variety, Bamonte began his career with the Cure as a roadie, thanks to his brother Daryl, who was the bands road manager at the time. He also worked as the bands guitar technician for a time and a personal assistant to frontman and primary songwriter Robert Smith. Bamonte left the group in 2005 to join the band Love Amongst Ruin. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Cure in 2019 and, as noted, officially rejoined the band in 2022. The Cure is known for such songs as Just Like Heaven, Friday Im in Love, Pictures of You and Boys Dont Cry. By LEAH WILLINGHAM, The Associated Press A fire tore through the historic Old Port waterfront in Portland, Maine, the day after Christmas, damaging aging buildings and several boats. Flames and smoke spread easily through structures along the Custom House Wharf, a 19th- and 20th-century hub for Portlands fishing industry that includes seafood restaurants, authorities said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. One firefighter suffered minor injuries. The Portland Fire Department posted an incident notification on Facebook just before 6 p.m. on Friday warning residents to use caution and avoid the area. First responders deployed a fire boat to spray water from the harbor to help douse the flames due to issues caused by frozen fire hydrants, according to news reports. Several boats were damaged, and at least one sank along the wharf. The Porthole Restaurant posted on Facebook Friday thanking the community for its prayers: Mainers are truly the best kind of people, it read. WE ARE SAFE. We want everyone to know that all of our staff, fishermen and owners are safe, the Porthole posted. Firefighters battle a three-alarm fire on the historic Old Port waterfront late Friday, Dec. 27, 2025 in Portland, Maine. (Libby Kamrowski Kenny/Portland Press Herald via AP) AP Maine Public Broadcasting on Facebook wrote that there was a massive fire at Custom House Wharf, which is home to several businesses and restaurants. A spokesperson for the Portland Fire Department says its unclear how many businesses were affected, but a repair shop is reportedly a total loss and it appears that Maritime Antiques and the Sea Bags Factory sustained heavy damage, Maine Public wrote. There was a time when Sears was as big as it gets in the retail game in the United States, and having the stores catalog in hand well, 30 years ago that was about like hoping on Amazon or any of todays modern online mega retailers. But times have been changing fast for Sears. Earlier this year, the one-time giant was down to just eight locations, and now eight is down to five, according to a new report from The Street. To put that in perspective: Sears once had 3,500 stores, making it the largest retailer in the country. The company has been on a death spiral for well over a decade, former Sears executive Mark Cohen told CBS. It lost sight of the fact that change is a constant. Still, considering the retailers footprint at one time, the idea that just five remain is likely a shock to many Americans of a certain age. Kmart actually purchased Sears in an $11 billion merger back in 2005, but the stores were not able to keep up with the retail competition that came from the likes of Walmart and Amazon. Sears filed for bankruptcy in 2018 and then bought out of that in 2019. The struggles have continued since, though, and the retailer is just hanging on by a thread. For folks looking for a bit of nostalgia and a trip to the store before it is no more, the final five Sears locations are in Coral Gables, Florida; Orlando, Florida; Braintree, Massachusetts; Concord, California and El Paso, Texas. There was a time in America when a big night out for a good steak dinner meant hitting up Sizzler. But that time seems long ago now, and the once-popular chain has seen its numbers dwindle in recent years. Founded in 1958, Sizzler once had more than 700 locations across the country. It now has just 74. And the road from 770-plus to 74 has not been pretty. Two bankruptcies the first in 1996 and the second in 2000 have taken place on that journey, but Sizzler has somehow survived. And now there is a plan for a comeback. QSR Magazines Danny Klein recently spoke with Sizzlers Chief Growth Officer Robert Clark about the chains plan for a rebirth. Clark has been with Sizzler 41 years and has seen previous plans to revitalize the chain fail. Our current leadership is much more focused on hey, lets take the best of Sizzler and lets make it even better, Clark told QSR. So, whats the plan to make Sizzler a big-time player in the steak game again? Well, per the QSR story, the chain focused on remodeling its stores and has seen positive results from that. That includes sales increases of around 47% in the remodeled locations. The chain is looking to continue making the updates. We feel like we have a really great brand here, Clark told QSR. And our results have been very solid. We constantly pup up in pop culture. I think what were trying to do with the remodel is really stay relevant and have facilities and assets that meet our reputation. We understand that remodeling is probably the single biggest driver of guests in the restaurant. Its the most important thing I think we could do aside from a lot of other operational things were doing as well. And, while the remodeling is key, getting back to its roots is also a major part of the plan. Everything we did was trying to dig into what made Sizzler so great in the first place, Sizzler VP of Marketing Sasha Shennikov told QSR. Why we have some restaurants that have stood the test of time through different rebirths; why people keep coming back. 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! By Josh Moyer, Centre Daily Times (State College, Pa.) (TNS) Three people who were killed in a head-on crash Thursday near Bald Eagle State Park were in the same family. Three others were hospitalized after the crash in Centre County. State police at Rockview have not released the identities of those involved, saying the information is being withheld pending next of kin notifications. But an open letter from the superintendent at Keystone Central School District in Mill Hall noted those dead included one of their elementary school students and both parents. The superintendent, Frank Redmon, also said the deceased students sister a student at Central Mountain Middle School suffered life-threatening injuries and remains in critical care. A news release Friday from the Centre County Coroners Office added that a fifth person in the vehicle was flown from the scene, although information on their condition was not immediately available. Our hearts are broken for this family, Redmon wrote. On behalf of the Keystone Central School District, we extend our deepest condolences to everyone grieving this unimaginable loss. We also hold the surviving family member in our thoughts and prayers, hoping for strength and healing in the days ahead. The crash occurred at about 2:30 p.m. Thursday on North Eagle Valley Road, which is state Route 150, just south of Swartz Hollow Road in Howard Township, police wrote. The two vehicles involved were a Pontiac G6 and a Nissan Pathfinder. State police said evidence at the scene indicates both vehicles one traveling northbound and the other southbound crossed the center line, resulting in the head-on collision. The driver and two passengers of the Pontiac died on scene from injuries suffered in the crash, police and the coroners office wrote. Two other passengers from the Pontiac were flown from the scene with what police described as life-threatening injuries. Autopsies on the parents and child are expected to be conducted over the coming days. The driver of the Nissan was transported to the hospital with unknown injuries. Police made no note of passengers traveling in the Nissan. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact state police at Rockview at 814-355-7545. Allegheny County will use a controversial legal tool for involuntary mental health care in the community starting Jan. 1, according to a letter county officials sent Tuesday to the states Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Called assisted outpatient treatment (AOT), its a law that no other Pennsylvania county has been able to successfully implement since state lawmakers voted for it in 2018. The county developed its AOT plan based on research evidence, advice from local and national experts, and collaboration with partners across county government, wrote Erin Dalton, director of the countys Department of Human Services, in the letter addressed to Deputy Secretary Jennifer Smith. Dalton and other human services officials explained the countys reasoning during an interview Tuesday with Pittsburghs Public Source. Weve concluded that the risks of doing nothing are higher than the risk of trying this, and (I) think weve put a number of safeguards in place to mitigate the harm that involuntary treatment can cause, she said. Officials were motivated to act by peoples calls for something at a lower threshold of risk than danger to self or others, Dalton added, referring to the legal requirements for involuntary hospitalization, known as 302 commitments. In a paper published in July, a team of researchers including one based at the Department of Human Services established a causal link between 302s in Allegheny County and harm a person experiences after theyre discharged, including being charged with a violent crime and dying of suicide or overdose. They dont want to wait and watch their loved ones decompensate in that way or wait for something more challenging to happen. The county will establish an advisory group to monitor implementation and review progress through 2026, according to the letter. Confirmed members include a former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the director of a local court watch program, an unidentified psychiatrist, two academic experts, a disability rights attorney and the director of a major provider of shelter services in the county. One member, Nev Jones, an associate professor of social work at the University of Pittsburgh and one of the fiercest critics of the countys AOT plan, said shes not surprised by the countys decision to implement the law. She pointed to a nationwide shift in recent years toward strengthening involuntary mental health practices, compounded by an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in July that aims to institutionalize unhoused people who have mental illnesses, substance use disorders, or both. The announcement follows a lengthy stakeholder engagement process, driven in part by a Public Source investigation this year of involuntary treatment here and in other jurisdictions. Almost exactly a year ago, the county quietly informed the state that it would implement the states AOT statute by Sept. 1. After an inquiry from Public Source in April, officials from the countys Department of Human Services said the county was still in exploration and hadnt made a decision yet. At the time, news of the countys interest in AOT inspired hope among the laws advocates including some family members of people with serious mental illness who had long pushed for more forceful intervention to help those who resist treatment before they reach a crisis point. And it triggered outcry from critics of AOT, including clinical and academic experts who said involuntary care can destroy a patients trust in the public mental health system and has serious implications for the civil rights and individual autonomy of some of the most vulnerable people in the county. The countys initial Sept. 1 deadline passed as it continued to engage with stakeholders and convened a working group that included officials across county government, including the Court of Common Pleas, the Office of the Public Defender which will represent those facing AOT petitions and others. It also consulted with officials from other jurisdictions with existing AOT programs, including those in California and New York state, which enacted the nations first AOT statute, Kendras Law, in 1999. AOT is a legal mechanism for involuntarily treating people with serious mental illness without hospitalizing them. The law states any responsible party can file an AOT petition, which starts a civil court procedure. During a hearing, a judge may order a person to undergo treatment in the community, which typically includes psychiatric medication, but can also include therapy and other wraparound services. The statute bars courts from holding someone in contempt or issuing penalties for not following their treatment plan, which makes the law difficult to enforce. Some experts called it toothless. In a May letter, nearly 80 county residents and experts from across the country urged County Executive Sara Innamorato and County Council members to challenge the Department of Human Services intention to implement AOT and demanded robust transparency and accountability, including third-party evaluation and engagement with those directly impacted if implementation moved forward. ___ This story was originally published by Pittsburghs Public Source and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. The southbound lanes of I-81 in western Cumberland County are closed Friday evening due to what was described as a major traffic collision. First responders are closing the southbound side of the interstate at Exit 37, which is the Route 233 intersection. The crash was reported around 8:35 p.m. on the stretch of highway between Shippensburg and Newville. Emergency crews said they found one person ejected from a vehicle and two others entrapped, according to radio reports. Road conditions throughout Central Pennsylvania remain treacherous, with the National Weather Service expecting ice accumulation in the region to total between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. Most of the precipitation has already occurred, according to the NWS, although additional sleet and freezing rain is possible later Friday night. PennDOT has put speed and commercial vehicle restrictions on most major roadways in the region. A staff member verifies a voter's fingerprint at a polling station in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Dec. 27, 2025. Polling stations opened on Saturday morning across Cote d'Ivoire for legislative elections to renew the 255 seats of the National Assembly, Xinhua reporters observed on site in Abidjan, the country's economic capital.(Photo by Yvan Sonh/Xinhua) ABIDJAN, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Polling stations opened on Saturday morning across Cote d'Ivoire for legislative elections to renew the 255 seats of the National Assembly, Xinhua reporters observed on site in Abidjan, the country's economic capital. Voting is scheduled to run until 6:00 p.m. local time (1800 GMT) in the country's 205 electoral constituencies, where polls were set to open at 8:00 a.m. In Abidjan's populous commune of Yopougon, most polling stations opened late due to delays in setting up electoral materials and deploying staff. Persistent rain dampened early turnout, with security provided by defense and security forces. Approximately 8.7 million voters are expected to cast ballots for members of parliament for the 2026-2030 legislature. The eight-day campaign, which began on Dec. 19, featured 2,740 candidates, including 1,370 principal candidates and 1,370 substitutes, vying for seats in the National Assembly. On the eve of the vote, Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) President Ibrahime Coulibaly-Kuibiert praised the "tolerance and mutual respect" that prevailed during the campaign, noting only isolated incidents and commending candidates' discipline following CEI interventions. According to Coulibaly-Kuibiert, this election is "an essential milestone for the consolidation of peace and institutional stability in Cote d'Ivoire, a major new stage in the country's democratic life" following the Oct. 27 presidential election, won by incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The ruling Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace is contesting all electoral constituencies. The main opposition, the Democratic Party of Cote d'Ivoire, is fielding 163 principal candidates and has formed alliances in certain constituencies such as Yopougon and Abobo, with the Ivorian Popular Front. The African People's Party-Cote d'Ivoire is boycotting the election in solidarity with what it calls "political prisoners." The political movement "Today and Tomorrow, Cote d'Ivoire" positions itself as a third opposition force with nearly 40 candidates. The elections have also seen a surge in independent candidates, with nearly 800 candidates running without party affiliation. According to the CEI, the election results are expected to be announced by Tuesday at the latest. A staff member posts polling station information at the entrance of a polling station in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Dec. 27, 2025. Polling stations opened on Saturday morning across Cote d'Ivoire for legislative elections to renew the 255 seats of the National Assembly, Xinhua reporters observed on site in Abidjan, the country's economic capital.(Photo by Yvan Sonh/Xinhua) A staff member explains the voting rules to a voter at a polling station in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Dec. 27, 2025. Polling stations opened on Saturday morning across Cote d'Ivoire for legislative elections to renew the 255 seats of the National Assembly, Xinhua reporters observed on site in Abidjan, the country's economic capital.(Photo by Yvan Sonh/Xinhua) A voter fills out a ballot at a polling station in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Dec. 27, 2025. Polling stations opened on Saturday morning across Cote d'Ivoire for legislative elections to renew the 255 seats of the National Assembly, Xinhua reporters observed on site in Abidjan, the country's economic capital.(Photo by Yvan Sonh/Xinhua) A voter casts her ballot at a polling station in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Dec. 27, 2025. Polling stations opened on Saturday morning across Cote d'Ivoire for legislative elections to renew the 255 seats of the National Assembly, Xinhua reporters observed on site in Abidjan, the country's economic capital.(Photo by Yvan Sonh/Xinhua) Aiken, SC (29801) Today Mostly sunny skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. High 58F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain late. Low near 45F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Charleston, SC (29403) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 57F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness. Low around 45F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. KHARTOUM, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese army on Saturday accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of carrying out a drone attack on the Al-Tina army base in Chad, killing two Chadian soldiers. In a statement, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) General Command said it had followed "the targeting of the Al-Tina garrison inside sisterly Chad by a drone belonging to the militia," expressing condolences to the Chadian leadership, people, and the victims' families. The statement stressed that the Al-Tina area inside Sudan is "under full control of the SAF," with civil and security institutions operating regularly, adding that "no hostile activity toward neighboring countries has been recorded from this area." It added that the RSF "has repeatedly used drones to carry out cross-border hostile acts," which it described as an attempt to create tensions between Sudan and neighboring states. Two Chadian soldiers were killed and another seriously injured in a drone attack that targeted a military camp near the border with Sudan on Friday morning. The Chadian army condemned the attack on Saturday, denouncing it as an "unjustified and deliberate" aggression that violated international law and Chad's sovereignty. While it did not attribute responsibility, the statement warned Sudanese warring parties against repeating such violations, asserting that Chad reserves "the right to respond." No comment has been made by the RSF regarding the attack. Sudan has been engulfed in a deadly conflict since April 15, 2023, when fighting broke out between the SAF and the RSF, leaving tens of thousands killed and millions displaced within the country and across its borders. PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-26 20:59:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 624 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 26, 2025 / Leading international securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE) and certain of the Company's senior executives for securities fraud after a significant stock drop resulting from the potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in Alexandria Real Estate, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/alexandria-real-estate-class-action-lawsuit Investors have until January 26, 2026, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Alexandria Real Estate securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and is captioned Hern v. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., et al., No. 2:25-cv- 11319.Why is Alexandria Real Estate Being Sued For Securities Fraud?Alexandria Real Estate is a real estate investment trust. Its tenants are concentrated in life science industries, such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.During the relevant period, Alexandria Real Estate touted its leasing volume and development pipeline, specifically regarding a property in Long Island City, New York, stating that leasing volume was "solid" and its pipeline was "well positioned to capture future demand when expansion needs arise." As alleged, in truth, Alexandria Real Estate was experiencing lower occupancy rates and slower leasing activity such that it was required to take a real estate impairment charge of $323.9 million with $206 million attributed to its Long Island City property.Why did Alexandria Real Estate's Stock Drop?On October 27, 2025, Alexandria Real Estate announced results below expectations for 3Q 2025 and cut guidance for the remainder of the fiscal year. The company attributed the results to lower occupancy rates and slower leasing activity. It also announced a real estate impairment charge of $323.9 million with $206 million attributed to its Long Island City property, stating that the property was not a life science destination that could scale. Alexandria Real Estate also announced additional impairment charges that may be recognized in 4Q 25 ranging from $0 to $685 million. This news caused the price of Alexandria Real Estate stock to drop $14.93 per share, or more than 19%, from a closing price of $77.87 per share on October 27, 2025, to $62.94 per share on October 28, 2025.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/alexandria-real-estate-class-action-lawsuit What Can You Do?If you invested in Alexandria Real Estate you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitz ross@ bfalaw.com 212.789.3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-26 21:21:05 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 618 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 26, 2025 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of CarMax, Inc. (NYSE:KMX) between June 20, 2025 and November 5, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period") of the important January 2, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.SO WHAT: If you purchased CarMax securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the CarMax class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47077 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 2, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner 90Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants recklessly overstated CarMax's growth prospects when, in reality, its earlier growth in the 2026 fiscal year was a temporary benefit from customers buying cars due to speculation regarding tariffs; and (2) as a result, defendants' statements about CarMax's business, operations and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the CarMax class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47077 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. ISLAMABAD, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security forces killed five terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the Kohlu district of the country's southwest Balochistan province, the military said on Friday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, the operation was launched on Thursday after reports indicated the presence of terrorists linked to a foreign-funded banned group. Security forces engaged the suspected location, resulting in an intense exchange of fire in which five militants were killed. ISPR said that weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the militants, who were involved in multiple terrorist activities in the area. The military added that clearance operations are ongoing to eliminate any remaining militants in the region. The statement said the action is part of Pakistan's continued counterterrorism campaign aimed at eradicating terrorism from the country. PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-27 17:01:50 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 350 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 27, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Integer Holdings Corporation ("Integer" or the "Company") (NYSE:ITGR). 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 Integer and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until February 09, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Integer 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]October 23, 2025, when Integer cut its full-year 2025 guidance and informed investors it expected net sales growth of -2% to 2% and organic sales growth of 0% to 4% for the full year of 2026. Integer further admitted that two of its electrophysiology devices had experienced "slower than forecasted" market adoption and expected the slower demand impact "to continue into 2026." Analysts immediately reacted, noting that Integer's sales guidance was "materially below the Street." On this news, Integer's stock price fell $35.22 per share, or 32.28%, to close at $73.89 per share on October 23, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-27 17:01:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 408 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 27, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Freeport-McMoran Inc. ("Freeport" or the "Company") (NYSE:FCX). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Freeport and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 12, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Freeport securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On September 9, 2025, Freeport issued a press release announcing the suspension of mining activities at its Grasberg Block Cave operation in Indonesia, after "a large flow of wet material from a production drawpoint . . . blocked access to certain areas within the mine," trapping seven workers. The press release further stated that mining operations in the area "have been temporarily suspended to prioritize the safe evacuation of the . . . workers." On this news, Freeport's stock price fell $2.80 per share, or 5.99%, to close at $43.87 per share on September 9, 2025.Then, on September 24, 2025, Freeport provided an update on the incident, reporting that two of the seven workers were "fatally injured" and that the remaining five workers "remain missing." The press release further stated that mining operations in the area remained suspended.On this news, Freeport's stock price fell $7.69 per share, or 16.95%, to close at $37.67 per share on September 24, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-27 17:01:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 337 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 27, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. ("Alexandria" or the "Company") (NYSE:ARE). 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 Alexandria and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 26, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Alexandria 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 October 27, 2025, Alexandria reported below-expectation financial results for the third quarter of its fiscal year 2025 and, in particular, cut its full-year 2025 funds from operations, or FFO, guidance. The Company attributed the setback to lower occupancy rates, slower leasing activity and, most notably, a real estate impairment charge of $323.9 million with $206 million attributed to its Long Island City property.On this news, Alexandria's stock price fell $14.93 per share, or 19.17%, to close at $62.94 per share on October 28, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-27 00:00:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 491 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 26, 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 Reports have emerged claiming that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has married Zaynab Otiti Obanor, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The report surfaced on Friday after a Facebook user, Abraham Double-D Dajoh, shared a post welcoming Ms Obanor into the Akume family and describing her as Benues new mummy. His caption read, 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. 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. Private ceremony Photographs accompanying the post showed her in the company of members of the Dajoh family, sparking widespread reactions online. According to the post, the wedding reportedly took place in a private ceremony in Venice, Italy. However, neither Mr Akume nor Ms Obanor has officially confirmed the marriage as of the time of filing this report. The reported marriage has generated significant online discussion, given Mr Akumes political standing and Ms Obanors previous royal status. It remains unclear how the development affects Mr Akumes family life or his marriage to Regina Akume, 70, who currently represents Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Backstory Ms Obanor was married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in March 2016. The union ended in August 2017 after 17 months. At the time, she dismissed speculations of infidelity and infertility, stating only that the marriage had come to an end. Since her exit from the palace, Ms Obanor has largely stayed out of the public spotlight, focusing on humanitarian work. She is known for her involvement with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and for founding initiatives such as the Queen of Ile Ife Foundation and Project Siwaju, which focus on womens and childrens welfare. Hilda Baci Academy and MyFoodByHilda Group have revealed that they honoured their students and staff with gifts worth over N100 million at the academys year-end events to enhenace culinary empowerment, The academy stated that students and staff received gifts ranging from household appliances and professional kitchen equipment to year-long product supplies, reinforcing the academys emphasis on tangible empowerment rather than symbolic recognition. The Hilda Baci Academy celebration brought together past and present students both physically and virtually, alongside the MyFoodByHilda team. Ms Baci told PREMIUM TIMES that the year-end celebration marked a significant milestone in the academys journey and reinforces its growing influence as a culinary educator and industry thought leader. Designed as a community-driven experience, the celebration honoured the journey and impact of the Hilda Baci Academy, which has trained and inspired a new generation of food entrepreneurs, chefs, and culinary creatives across Nigeria and beyond. Hilda Baci Academy The culinary academy, under the leadership of its founder, a two-time record-breaking chef, Hilda Baci, has stated that it continues to redefine Nigerias culinary landscape, not only through personal milestones but also by building structures that empower others. Reflecting on the journey, Hilda Baci emphasised that the academy was built to outlive individual achievements and empower future leaders of the culinary industry. This isnt just about cooking or records. Its about building people, creating access, and showing that excellence can be taught, supported, and rewarded. Every student and every staff member here is part of a larger story, and Im proud of what were building together, Ms Baci said. End-of-the-Year ceremony The year-ending gathering highlighted the scale of the academys reach, uniting graduates from different cohorts in one shared space, and closing the year with reflections on the values of growth, discipline, and excellence that have become synonymous with the Hilda Baci brand. Also, the event received a strong show of support from brand partners, including Scanfrost, Viva, Gino, Bama, Lush Hair, and Aquafina. In collaboration with Ms Baci, the brands rewarded outstanding commitment and performance across the academys community. The night also recognised the MyFoodByHilda team, when an exceptional and longest-serving staff member was rewarded with a brand-new car for outstanding dedication and service. Subsequently, during the event, the spotlight shifted to the Hilda Baci Academy, where the overall best student of the academy was celebrated with the presentation of a brand-new car. An excellent student received a fully equipped food truck, a life-changing reward designed to support their next chapter as a food entrepreneur. The moment captured the academys commitment to not just training talent but also equipping students with the fundamental tools for sustainable success. According to its organisers, the event stood as a powerful statement of Ms Bacis long-term vision, one rooted in community, collaboration, and sustainable impact within Africas culinary industry. Nollywood filmmakers and actors have levelled allegations of unfair screening practices by cinema operators, as several producers accuse cinemas of deliberately undermining their December releases through deceptive ticketing, unfavourable showtimes and biased promotion. Several filmmakers made these allegations amid the recent December releases, which often enjoy high cinema patronage among Nigerians as December remains Nollywoods most lucrative theatrical window, Some of the recent releases include Behind the Scene, Over Sabi Aunty, A Very Dirty Christmas, and Colour of Fire, all competing at cinemas nationwide. Producers raise alarm over screening practices Filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan accused some Nigerian cinemas of sabotaging new releases. In an Instagram post on Friday, the producer warned that he would expose cinemas allegedly frustrating the theatrical run of his film Colours of Fire if the situation were not immediately addressed. Mr Akinmolayan accused certain cinemas of advertising the film on their websites, selling tickets to audiences, but failing to screen the movie upon arrival of the ticket holders. He described the practice as deceptive and exploitative. If by the end of the day, you dont fix up, I am going to name all the cinemas that have Colours of Fire on their website, collect money from people who are refusing to show them the film, he wrote. He added that he had already identified three cinemas involved in the alleged misconduct, threatening to publish the names of the cinemas and their managers if the issue persisted. Toyin Abraham alleges diversion of audiences. Actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham lamented similar concerns during an Instagram Live session, alleging that her new film, Oversabi Aunty, was being deliberately sidelined in some cinemas. I am not making money. They sell another ticket to people and take them to my movie hall, she said, claiming that cinema personnel were misleading customers by declaring her film sold out and redirecting them to other movies. Ms Abraham further alleged that Oversabi Aunty was assigned unfavourable screening times, such as early morning slots, which she said were commercially damaging. A 10 a.m. showtime how do you expect it to sell? She asked. She also suggested that some industry insiders were reluctant to speak out due to fear of intimidation. I have a lot of evidence. Some people cannot come out because they are afraid of bullies, she said. Ini Edo and IK Ogbonna share similar experiences Producer and actress Ini Edo also shared clips on Instagram showing moviegoers complaining about what they described as cinema misconduct, including difficulty accessing screenings of A Very Dirty Christmas. On X, Ms Edo described the experience as exhausting, particularly as a first-time producer. As a first-timer, I learned on the go with humility and commitment, yet faced intentional frustration despite the sacrifice and investment poured into this project, she wrote. She later appealed to audiences to name cinemas where they encountered difficulties watching the film. Also, actor IK Ogbonna accused some cinemas and producers of unfair practices following the release of A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason. In an Instagram post on Friday, he described what he called politics within the cinema space, alleging repeated changes to screening times, removal from schedules and poor viewing conditions. Weve poured our heart, soul, and countless hours into bringing A Very Dirty Christmas to the big screen, and its unacceptable that weve encountered these manipulative tactics, he wrote. Mr Ogbonna further claimed that air conditioning was deliberately turned off in halls where the film was screening and that cinema staff discouraged customers from purchasing tickets for certain movies. This kind of bias is unacceptable, he said, warning that such practices harm both producers and the wider industry. Beyond cinema-related disputes, A Very Dirty Christmas has also drawn criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which described the films title as offensive and questioned the use of the word dirty in reference to Christmas. Responding, Ms Edo said the title was not intended to insult Christianity or the festive season, urging regulators and the public not to withdraw the film from cinemas. She maintained that the films content does not attack the Christian faith. A pattern of grievances The latest complaints add to a growing list of grievances Nollywood professionals have raised against cinema operators in recent years. In 2024, actress Mercy Aigbe alleged that some cinemas discouraged audiences from watching her film Thin Line. Actor Femi Branch has also accused cinema staff of wearing merchandise to promote specific films, a practice critics say undermines neutrality. Former BBNaija housemate Pere Egbi similarly claimed he lost over N150 million due to what he described as unfair practices and favouritism within cinema halls. Industry pushback However, cinema operators have previously rejected such allegations. Patrick Lee, former chairman of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), has argued that it is not in cinemas commercial interest to sabotage films. According to him, cinemas prioritise high-performing titles to maximise revenue, allocating screens and showtimes based on audience demand rather than personal bias. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission has rejected Israels recognition of Somaliland and reaffirmed the African Unions unwavering commitment to the unity and sovereignty of Somalia. The African Union administrative arm said it has taken note, with deep concern, of recent developments relating to Somaliland. In this regard, the Chairperson of the Commission unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union, grounded in the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, in particular the respect for the intangibility of borders inherited at independence, as affirmed by the 1964 decision of the Organisation of African Unity. Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, an autonomous region that broke away from Somalia decades ago, in a reciprocal agreement that expands recognition of the Jewish state in the Muslim world. Somaliland, in northwestern Somalia, has long been in conflict with the central government, declaring independence in 1991 as Somalia descended into civil war and chaos. Since then, Somaliland has governed most of the territory it claims, largely in peace and stability, but it has not received international recognition. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has pushed for international recognition for decades, with President Abdirahman Abdullahi making it a top priority since taking office last year. In response to the agreement, Somalias government on Friday criticised what it called an unlawful step by Israel and said Somaliland was an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part of Somalia. The moves by Israel and Somaliland also drew swift condemnation from some of their neighbours. Egypt said in a statement that its foreign minister had spoken by phone with his counterparts in Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti and that they underscored their complete rejection of any unilateral measures that could undermine Somali sovereignty or erode the foundations of stability in the country. Several other countries condemned Israels decision. The African Union (AU) rejected the move and warned that it risked setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent. Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia, an AU member, said the pan-African bodys head, Mahamoud Youssouf. Mahmoud Youssouf, the chairman of the African Union Commission, the blocs administrative arm, said in a statement that he firmly rejected any initiative aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity. Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent. He reaffirmed the position of the union, which represents 55 member states, that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Many other nations are struggling to contain their own secessionist movements, and they are wary that recognition of one breakaway region could start a cascade of independence claims. Many majority-Muslim nations in the Middle East and beyond do not recognise Israel, though Turkey and Egypt are notable exceptions. In 2020, the Abraham Accords brokered by the first Trump administration established formal relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco. Israel has been eager to add others to that list, according to the New York Times. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement with Somaliland is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords. 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. Mr Netanyahu had invited Mr Abdullahi to visit the Israeli leaders office. The AFP reported that United States President Donald Trump said they do not plan to recognise Somaliland. Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really? Mr Trump said. Hailing Israels decision as a historic moment, Mr Abdullahi said in a post on X that it marked the beginning of a strategic partnership. Prostate cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the prostate, a small gland found only in male reproductive system that sits below the bladder and plays a key role in producing semen. The cancer often develops slowly and may remain confined to the prostate for years without causing noticeable symptoms. However, in some cases, it becomes aggressive, spreading to nearby tissues and distant organs such as the bones, where it can cause severe pain, disability, and eventually death if untreated. Speaking with PT Health Watch, Sefiu Eniola, a Urologist, warned that it has become the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Nigerian men, quietly advancing as a major public health challenge amid low screening rates, late presentation, and limited awareness. According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), 2022, it estimates that Nigeria records over 18,000 new prostate cancer cases annually, accounting for the highest cancer burden among men in the country. The report also estimated that 11,443 deaths were recorded each year, largely due to late diagnosis and advanced disease at presentation. Unlike some cancers that present with early warning signs, prostate cancer often develops silently, making early detection difficult without routine screening. Why it is common among Nigerian men Mr Eniola explained that prostate cancer is not only common globally but disproportionately affects men of African descent. He noted that worldwide, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, but in Nigeria, it is the commonest. He added that age remains the strongest risk factor and the likelihood of developing prostate cancer increases significantly as men grow older, with the average age of diagnosis around 68 years. Studies also show that microscopic prostate cancer can be found in up to 80 per cent of men aged 80 and above during post-mortem examinations, even when it was not the cause of death. Beyond age, the urologist noted that family history and race play a significant role. He added that men with close relatives who had prostate cancer are at higher risk, while African and black men are more likely to develop aggressive forms of the disease compared to Caucasians. No early symptoms Mr Eniola said one of the biggest challenges in tackling prostate cancer is that it often shows no symptoms in its early stages. He explained that when prostate cancer is still localised within the prostate, there are usually no symptoms and the only way to detect it early is through regular screening. Symptoms typically appear only when the cancer has advanced or spread beyond the prostate. These may include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, bone pain, lower back pain, erectile dysfunction, weakness of the legs, and, in severe cases, urinary incontinence, he explained. Screening, the most effective defence Mr Eniola added that because early prostate cancer is usually silent, routine screening is crucial. He recommended that African men begin prostate cancer screening between the ages of 40 and 45. He explained that screening typically involves a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, sometimes combined with a digital rectal examination. While not all prostate enlargement is cancerous, he noted that screening helps differentiate between benign enlargement and malignant disease. It is important to note that not every enlarged prostate is cancer. Some men have enlargement without symptoms, some have symptoms without cancer, and some have cancer. Screening helps us identify which is which, he said. Treatment options The urologist noted that treatment for prostate cancer depends largely on how early the disease is detected. He explained that early-stage, localised cancer, curative treatment options include radical prostatectomy, the complete surgical removal of the prostate, and radiotherapy, which uses targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells. Another option, brachytherapy, he said, involves implanting radioactive seeds directly into the prostate. In selected low-risk cases, doctors may recommend active surveillance, where the cancer is closely monitored without immediate treatment to avoid unnecessary complications. He, however, noted that when prostate cancer spreads beyond the prostate, treatment focuses on slowing progression and improving quality of life. Advanced disease and survival outlook Mr Eniola further explained that advanced prostate cancer often depends on hormonal therapy, aimed at reducing testosterone levels, since prostate cancer cells rely on the hormone to grow. This, he said, can be achieved through periodic injections or surgical removal of the testes. If prostate cancer is not treated, it will continue to progress. Even before it leads to death, it can severely affect quality of life, causing intense bone pain, paralysis, and inability to walk, he said. He added that prostate cancer among African men tends to be more aggressive, contributing to poorer survival outcomes compared to high-income countries where early detection is common. President Bola Tinubu said that the circumstances surrounding the release of kidnapped schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states are less important than the fact that they were safely returned, declaring that the end justifies the means. The president made the remark at his Lagos residence on Friday when he hosted the delegates of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Daniel Okoh. Details of the meeting were provided in a statement by the presidents spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday. In November, two separate terror groups kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in separate attacks in Kebbi and Niger, marking the resurgence of school abduction. The captives regained freedom after spending several days in captivity. Since their return, Nigerians have called for clarification on the circumstances surrounding their release. There have been allegations of ransom payment as well as prisoner exchange, but none have been confirmed as of the time of this report. Mr Tinubu, however, believes that Nigerians should not focus on how his administration secured the release of the victims. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, adding that public debate over how the children were freed or what happened to their abductors should be secondary. The rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means, the president said. Better security promised During the meeting, Mr Tinubu assured Nigerians that the ongoing recalibration of the nations security architecture would soon begin to yield results. He said his administration is committed to establishing state and community policing as part of efforts to change Nigerias security narrative, noting that some of the measures being implemented require time to mature. The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are so large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it, the president said, while calling on religious leaders to support the government through vigilance, cooperation and prayers. Mr Tinubu explained that the take-off of community and state police is dependent on the completion of necessary legislative processes by the National Assembly. He also pointed to challenges in strengthening military capacity, saying military hardware is expensive and not readily available. According to him, Nigeria has placed orders for four attack helicopters from the United States, which will take time to arrive, while assistance has also been sought from Turkey. He acknowledged that the delays have affected public perception of the administrations commitment to addressing insecurity but maintained that the government remains resolute. Despite the guerrilla tactics employed by terrorists, the president said his administration would not relent in its efforts to return the country to peace and prosperity. In his remarks, CAN President Mr Okoh, an archbishop, assured Mr Tinubu of the bodys support, describing him as our President and pledging the cooperation of the Christian community. He commended the presidents zeal in addressing the nations socio-economic and security challenges and said the church was confident in his leadership. Mr Okoh also acknowledged the receipt of palliatives extended to CAN during religious festivals and beyond. While expressing appreciation, the CAN leader appealed to the president to always relate directly with the association through its established structures in all 774 local government areas and requested the release of funds to the Christian Pilgrims Board to enable it to carry out its mandate. Other members of the delegation included CAN Vice President Stephen Baba, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Francis Oke; representatives of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, the Catholic and Methodist blocs, and the CAN Chairman in Lagos State, Stephen Adegbite. ISLAMABAD, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Six militants were killed and several others injured in a joint security operation in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, police said on Saturday. The operation was jointly carried out by police, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and local peace committees in Lakki Marwat district, following intelligence reports about the presence of militants. Police said the militants had repeatedly targeted civilian areas using drone copters, resulting in injuries to several civilians. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search and clearance operation. The Joint Task Force Commander, Operation Delta Safe, Oladipo Fahad, has commended the resilience and dedication of troops deployed to protect oil installations in the Niger Delta region. Mr Fahad, a rear admiral, gave the commendation during a special Christmas luncheon with personnel at the JTF headquarters in Bayelsa State. According to him, the luncheon aimed at recognising the dedication and sacrifices of the troops in safeguarding lives and maintaining peace, particularly during the festive season. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event witnessed the serving of Christmas meals to troops by the commander, and other dignitaries, which reinforced leaderships closeness to the rank and file. In his goodwill message, the commander reiterated the militarys commitment to improving the living standards and working conditions of personnel and their families. I want to pass the message of the Chief of Defence Staff; he extends warm regards for Christmas, and we must reflect the purpose of Christmas. He appreciated all our patriotism, resilience and support for the armed forces of Nigeria, despite all the challenges we are going through and all the challenges confronting the nation. Be steadfast, believe in the Nigeria project, it is vital to the source of our strength and the motivation of our troops. The cooperation and synergy between the military and the citizenry are indispensable to the attainment of sustainable peace and security. He urges us to continue to remain resolute in our constitutional mandate to defend the nations sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic institutions, he said. He urged the troops to use the festive period to promote peace, tolerance and unity across ethnic religious and cultural lines. An indigenous oil company operating in the Niger Delta, Moni Pulo Limited, has handed over a health centre, classroom blocks, water facilities, and other community projects to its host communities in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The projects were commissioned in Ibaka on 18 and l9 December 2025, in the presence of industry regulators, government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders, under the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) framework of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). In her address at the ceremony, the Chairperson of Moni Pulo Limited, Seinye Lulu-Briggs, represented by the companys General Manager, Ijeoma Emma-Nweye, said the commissioning of the projects under the Abana HCDT reflects the tangible fruits of a new covenant of trust, collaboration, and sustainable development as envisioned by the landmark PIA. The projects include the rehabilitation of the civic centre in Ibaka, construction and renovation of classroom blocks in Enwang and Udesi, construction and furnishing of a Health Centre in Esuk Enwang, and boreholes and water treatment plants in Akai Udo, Abiakowo, and Akai Ebughu. Ms Emma-Nweye said the civic centre is more than a building; it is a hub for community dialogue and innovation, fostering social cohesion and collective progress, while the classrooms are sanctuaries of learning where the future leaders of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria will be nurtured. She added that the water facilities provide more than water; they provide the fundamental building block of life, health, and dignity. She stressed that the projects were community-driven. These projects were chosen by you, implemented by you, and for you, Ms Emma-Nweye told the people in the communities. Together, we are building a legacy that will outlast any barrel of oil. NUPRC urges communities to protect projects The Port Harcourt Regional Director of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Pius Aladei, called on host communities to take ownership of the facilities handed over to them. Today, Moni Pulo and Abana HCDT have handed over these projects to you. It is your responsibility to safeguard them, Mr Aladei said. He warned against vandalism and neglect, stressing that sustainability would determine future interventions. We dont want a situation where, when theyre doing a needs assessment next year, we hear that the borehole water has been vandalised, come back and do it. No, because well not be making progress. By next year, theyll be looking for other new things to do, he added. Mr Aladei said the successful delivery of the projects reflected a cordial relationship between the oil company and its host communities. He described the interventions as testimony to the fact that theres a harmonious relationship between the youths, elders, and stakeholders of the community and oil company. Education commissioner praises intervention The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Ubong Umoh, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Rose Bassey, commended Moni Pulo Limited for complementing government efforts under Governor Umo Enos Arise Agenda. Education is not something that should be left for government alone. All hands are supposed to be on deck in educating our children, Ms Bassey said. Ms Bassey said she personally inspected the newly constructed classroom block in Enwang and expressed satisfaction with what she saw. I look at what has been provided, and I am impressed, she said, noting that the company built and furnished a block of three classrooms. She appealed to the community to protect the facilities from theft and vandalism and requested additional support from the company. She specifically urged Moni Pulo to provide a borehole to service the toilets in the newly constructed classroom block. Coastal communities with fishing heritage Mbo is a coastal region of Akwa Ibom State, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Cross River estuary. Its communitiesincluding Ibaka, Enwang, Ebughu and Udesiare largely fishing settlements, with livelihoods centred on artisanal fishing, fish processing and petty trading. Despite hosting oil and gas infrastructure, the area has historically faced infrastructure deficits linked to its riverine terrain, making development interventions critical for social stability and economic resilience. How the PIA reshaped host community development The Abana HCDT is a product of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, which replaced the long-standing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) model with a legally enforceable framework for the development of host communities. Under Sections 234257 of the PIA, oil and gas companies are mandated to establish HCDT for the benefit of communities where petroleum operations occur. Specifically, Section 240(2) of the Act requires settlors to contribute three per cent of their annual operating expenditure from the preceding financial year to the Trust for community development. The law also mandates oil companies to carry out needs assessments, develop Host Community Development Plans, and ensure that projects are community-driven, transparent, and sustainable. Unlike CSR, which was discretionary, the HCDT framework creates statutory obligations, regulatory oversight by NUPRC, and direct community participation in project selection and execution. With the commissioning of the eight projects, Moni Pulo and the Abana HCDT join a growing list of operators translating the PIAs host community provisions from legislation into tangible development. President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians that the ongoing recalibration of the countrys security architecture will soon begin to yield results that will gladden their hearts. He spoke at a meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria, led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence. President Tinubu said his administration is committed to establishing state and community police to change the countrys security narratives. He called on CAN to work with his administration to achieve the nations collective aspirations, stating that some of the measures taken by his administration needed some time to mature. The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are so large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it. We are very religious. We are prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance, and cooperation. Community and State Police will be a reality once the National Assembly completes the required legislative inputs; military hardware is difficult to replace. It is expensive and not available off the shelf. Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive.. We have approached Turkey for assistance. The president, however, said that the delays were affecting public perception of the administrations commitment to addressing the security challenges. He said the government was not relenting in its efforts to return the nation to peace and prosperity, despite the guerrilla tactics of the bandits and insurgents. Commenting on the recent abduction and release of school children in Niger and Kebbi states, President Tinubu called for vigilance on the part of all, adding that, the rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means. CAN President and delegation leader, Daniel Okoh, assured the president of their support. You are our President. The Church has no choice but to support you and your administration. He also acknowledged the organisations receipt of the palliatives, which are usually extended to them during any religious festival and even in the off-season. Mr Okoh commended President Tinubu for his commitment and zeal in addressing the nations socio-economic and security challenges and urged him not to relent in his efforts. We acknowledge that the task before you is daunting, but we are assured of your sagacity. The Christian community is committed to ensuring that you succeed. Your commitment has closed the gap between the government and the Church. This has never happened before, and we are willing to work with you because we have seen genuine intentions, he further said. Mr Okoh, however, appealed to President Tinubu to always relate directly with the associations representatives through its established structures in each of the 774 local governments of the country. READ ALSO: Tinubu approved US airstrikes on terrorists in Sokoto but gave conditions Foreign Minister He also requested the release of funds to the Christian Pilgrims Board to enable it to achieve its mandate. Other members of the delegation included Vice President, CAN, Stephen Baba; President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Francis Oke; as well as representatives from the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), the Catholic and Methodist blocks, and the CAN Chairman, Lagos State, Stephen Adegbite. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) On 25 December, the United States and Nigeria carried out missile strikes against Islamist militants in Sokoto State in north-West Nigeria, marking one of the most significant foreign-enabled military actions on Nigerian soil in recent history. The strikes, ordered by US President Donald Trump and approved by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, targeted Islamic State-linked fighters and were described by US and Nigerian authorities as precision attacks against designated terrorist camps. The Nigerian government clarified that it took part in the operation by providing intelligence to the US. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar also said President Bola Tinubu approved the operation. According to official statements by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the strikes focused on Islamic State (ISIS) militant positions in Sokoto State. The strikes reportedly hit multiple ISIS targets, intending to degrade their operational capabilities, based on intelligence shared between US and Nigerian security agencies. Islamic State in Nigeria The Islamic State suffered a major setback following the killing of its top leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in 2019, and the subsequent deaths of successor leaders in later years. These losses weakened the groups central command, disrupted coordination and accelerated the collapse of its territorial control in Iraq and Syria. Despite its setbacks, ISIS adapted by expanding through affiliates in other fronts, including Africa, where its franchises, such as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the Islamic States Sahel Province, continue to exploit regional conflicts and local grievances to remain relevant. ISIS has been a central feature in Nigerias decade-long Boko Haram insurgency. After the then Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2015, the group received ideological and propaganda support. Disagreements over leadership and strategy later led ISIS to withdraw support from Mr Shekau, backing the breakaway ISWAP faction instead. This split weakened Boko Harams unity but created a more structured ISWAP, now considered one of the most resilient jihadist groups in the Lake Chad region. However, ISWAP is primarily active in the North-east. The nature of terrorism in Sokoto In contrast to the North-east, the terrorism threat in Sokoto and other North-western states is more fragmented, comprising cross-border jihadi-linked militants and radicalised bandit groups. Militant leaders such as Bello Turji have attacked villages and targeted travellers along major roads. They were later joined by Lakurawa jihadists, whom locals initially invited to help combat banditry. But the presence of the Islamic State in Sokoto, which the US and Nigeria said they targeted, continued to be debated among jihadi experts. In a 2022 study conducted by Murtala Rufai, James Barnett, and Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Lakurawa was linked to Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda franchise in Mali. The JNIM was formed in March 2017 when four Mali-based extremist groups Ansar al-Din, al-Murabitun, the Macina Liberation Front (MLF), and the Sahara Emirate subgroup of al-Qaeda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) merged forces. However, Mr Barnett, in his recent research, found that Lakurawa is now linked to ISSP. Given the fluidity of jihadi alliances and fracturing in the Sahel, some of the original members of Lakurawa may have been affiliated with JNIM in 2017-2018 but are now affiliated with ISSP, he argued. Other experts still believe the group is affiliated with JNIM. Responding to an X post [now deleted], Malik Samuel, a senior researcher at Good Governance Africa (GGA), said Lakurawa is more al-Qaeda (JNIM). I havent seen any evidence suggesting there is a link to ISIS, he stated. Lakurawa in the North-west In 2017, community leaders in Tangaza and Gudu LGAs of Sokoto invited the Lakurawa fighters as mercenaries to suppress bandits infiltrating their communities from neighbouring Zamfara State, Mr Rufai, a historian with expertise in local terrorism, said in one of his studies. The Lakurawas, according to a traditional ruler in Balle village in Gudu LGA, were from Mali, and they speak Arabic and Fulfude. They were invited to provide security to our communities, the traditional ruler had said in an interview with Mr Rufai in 2021. The District Head of Balle in Gudu Local Government together with the District Head of Gongono in Tangaza Local Government met with Alhaji Bello Wamakko, the then Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and discussed how to tackle Zamfarawa (Bandits), the traditional ruler continued. They nally reached the conclusion to hire Lakurawa from Mali in order to deal with Zamfarawa bandits. He added that he warned the then-Governor Aliyu Wamakko about the invitation of the Lakurawas. Community leaders who invited the group also contributed to their growth by soliciting support in cash, cows, logistics and weapons for them. The first media report about the group was downplayed by the police, saying they were non-violent herders who migrated to find water for their animals. The group became violent when it killed one of the leaders who invited them. The community leader, the district head of Tangwaza, was killed when he denied the terrorists claim that his son who died in a fire accident was owing them N63 million. Prior to that, the group had been preaching radical Islam to locals, taxing herders. They also prohibited alcohol consumption and music. The groups growing attacks on military formations in border areas triggered joint border operations by Nigerian and Nigerien military forces in 2018, Messrs Rufai, Barnett and Abdulaziz stated in their study. The Nigerian authorities failure to address the Lakurawa threat allowed the group to re-emerge in 2021. This time, it aligned with bandits and Fulani communities against the outlawed Yan Sakai vigilante group. Also the coup in Niger and the collapsed joint military operations of Nigerian and Nigerien forces appear to have further emboldened the terror group. The group has now expanded to Kebbi State, where the police said the terrorists killed police officers and Airtel workers. In its main stronghold, a military aerial operation targeting its fighters killed 10 civilians. The families of the victims were recently compensated by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). Who are the victims of violence in Sokoto? The violence in Sokoto has taken a heavy toll on civilians of all backgrounds, with farmers, villagers, women, and children among the victims of raids, kidnappings and rampant killings attributed to terror groups operating in the area. A years-long campaign of terror on communities in Sokoto State has led to the killings of dozens of civilians, forcing many to flee their homes and disrupting local life. While President Trump justified the missile strikes by stating that the terrorists had targeted Christians, Nigerian officials and independent observers emphasise that insecurity in the region affects people of all faith, and that the insecurity stems from several factors, including criminal banditry, jihadi violence, and weak state protection. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed hope that the agreements recently reached with the Nigerian government would be honoured. The ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, told PREMIUM TIMES in a text that the union would also meet the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, early in January to finalise negotiations and get the governments commitment to implementing the newly signed agreement. We reached an agreement with the government, and we expect this government to show a difference from previous administrations that had no fidelity to their words, Mr Piwuna, a professor, wrote our reporter in a reply to an earlier enquiry. Mr Piwuna explained that previous Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and Memoranda of Action (MoA) by past governments have never been honoured. He said that members of the union have demonstrated patience throughout the negotiation process. They agreed to January 2026 as the commencement date of this agreement, he said, hoping the government wont start the new year by breaking agreements with excuses. He added, We will meet with the minister early in the new year to get his additional commitment to the agreement. The Permanent Secretary at the education ministry informed us of the proposed meeting. The agreement PREMIUM TIMES had reported that the government and the academic on Wednesday reached an interim agreement that could bring an end to an over a decade-long impasse. The agreement, first signed in 2009, has been the primary source of conflict between the duo. The renegotiation of the agreement, which was intended to occur every few years, has not been successful for nearly a decade. However, this newspaper gathered that the details of the agreement included a 40 per cent salary increase for the academics and the establishment of a National Research Council (NRC) with statutory funding of at least one per cent of the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Professors are now to earn a pension equivalent to their annual salary at retirement at the age of 70, according to the agreements reached. The agreement also captured the governments commitment to more substantial university autonomy and academic freedom, better funding for universities with allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment, and staff development. Long walk to agreement This agreement was finally reached after the sixth renegotiation committee, set up in October, completed the harmonisation of the negotiations. The committee, known as the Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee, was led by the Pro-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Yayale Ahmed. The committee was set up shortly after ASUU embarked on a two-week warning strike to protest the governments failure to sign or implement the agreement. The union accused the government of routinely constituting renegotiation committees only to fail to sign or implement the draft of the said committee. Meanwhile, the first renegotiation committee set up was in 2017, headed by Wale Babalakin, who resigned in 2020. Mr Babalakin was succeeded by Munzali Jibril, a professor, whose committee presented a draft agreement to the government in 2021. But it was never signed or implemented. Instead, the government constituted another committee in 2022 after ASUU embarked on an industrial action to protest the non-conclusion of the agreement. This time, the committee was headed by Nimi Briggs, an emeritus professor now late. Mr Briggs committee also produced a draft that the government didnt sign or implement. In 2024, the government reconstituted yet another committee headed by Yayale Ahmed. Mr Ahmed concluded the first draft agreement and submitted it in February, but the government did not sign or implement it, leading to another brief ASUU strike in October. Afterwards, the government created another committee headed by the ministrys permanent secretary, Abel Enitan, to look into Mr Ahmeds committees draft. The final committee, also headed by Mr Ahmed, was constituted and inaugurated in October to harmonise the terms of agreements. The Federal Government said it carried out overnight precision strikes on Islamic State (ISIS) cells in Sokoto State, following intelligence that foreign fighters were infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel to plan large-scale attacks. In a statement on Friday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the operation targeted two major ISIS enclaves in the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area of the state. The sites were described as assembly and staging grounds used by foreign ISIS elements working with local affiliates. According to the minister, the strikes were conducted between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, 26 December, after receiving the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said the operation followed extensive intelligence gathering, planning and reconnaissance, and was executed under established military command and control structures. The minister said the Armed Forces of Nigeria carried out the strikes with the involvement of the ministers of defence and foreign affairs, as well as the chief of defence staff. Mr Idris added that the operation was conducted in close coordination with the United States government as part of broader efforts to counter transnational terrorism. He said the strikes were launched from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms. A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed, which the government said successfully neutralised the targeted ISIS elements attempting to enter Nigeria through the Sahel corridor. The Federal Government of Nigeria, in close coordination with the Government of the United States of America, has successfully conducted precision strike operations against two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves, Mr Idris said. During the operation, debris from expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel, the minister said. He added that no civilian casualties were recorded and that security agencies immediately secured the affected areas. Mr Idris said the government remained determined to confront and dismantle terrorist networks, especially transnational groups threatening Nigerias sovereignty and security. He said Nigeria would continue to work with its strategic partners to strengthen border security and regional stability. The Federal Government assures all Nigerians that it remains firmly in control of the national security architecture and is fully committed to the protection of lives and property, he said. The federal government urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant as security agencies continued operations against terrorist groups across the country. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, have rejected Israels decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent country, warning that the move violates international law and undermines Somalias sovereignty. The sharp rebuke came a day after Israel became the first nation in the world to formally recognise Somaliland, triggering swift condemnation across African and Arab nations, and raising concerns about whether the move was part of an alleged Israeli plan to forcibly displace Palestinians. PREMIUM TIMES reports that Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 after a civil war. It had never been recognised by any United Nations member state until Israels recognition. Somalia swiftly condemned the decision, describing it as an act of aggression and interference in its internal affairs. Ali Omar, Somalias state minister for foreign affairs, said the government would deploy all diplomatic means to challenge the move. This will never be acceptable or tolerable to our government and people who are united in defending our territorial integrity, Mr Omar told Al Jazeera, urging Israel to rescind the decision and comply with international law. He also accused Israel of pursuing recognition of Somaliland as part of a broader plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza, an allegation Israel has previously denied. Qatar joined the condemnation on Saturday, describing Israels action as a dangerous precedent and unilateral measure that contravenes international law and threatens Somalias unity and territorial integrity. In a statement, Doha said it rejected any attempts to establish parallel entities that undermine Somalias sovereignty and reaffirmed its support for the Somali government and people. Qatar added that Israel should instead recognise the State of Palestine and work towards ending the war in Gaza. It would be more appropriate for the Israeli occupation authorities to recognise the State of Palestine rather than continuing to undermine international legitimacy and pursue reckless policies that contribute to heightened tensions and instability in the region, the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Saudi Arabia also rejected Israels move, saying it entrenched unilateral separatist measures that violate international law. Riyadh reaffirmed its full support for Somalias sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, as well as its legitimate institutions. The African Union (AU) similarly dismissed Israels recognition, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent across the continent. The AU cited its long-standing principle on the inviolability of borders inherited at independence, stressing that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia. Turkey described the recognition as an unlawful act aimed at creating regional and global instability, accusing Israel of explicit interference in Somalias internal affairs. Sudan and Egypt also issued statements condemning the move and warning of its implications for regional stability. Egypt said in a statement that its foreign minister had spoken by phone with his counterparts in Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti and that they underscored their complete rejection of any unilateral measures that could undermine Somali sovereignty or erode the foundations of stability in the country. The United States has so far stopped short of endorsing Israels decision. President Donald Trump told The New York Post that Washington was studying the issue, adding: Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really? Palestines foreign ministry backed Somalia, recalling that Israel had previously floated Somaliland as a potential destination for forcibly displaced Palestinians from Gaza, which it described as a red line. Somalilands President, Abdirahman Abdullahi, known as Cirro, defended Israels recognition, insisting it was not directed against any state and did not threaten regional peace. He said Somaliland had long sought international recognition, pointing to its functioning government, currency, and institutions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the move as being in the spirit of the Abraham Accords and said he would raise Somalilands case during a meeting with President Trump. He also invited Mr Abdullahi to visit Israel. If policymakers, private partners, and the media pay attention, these conversations can evolve from ceremonial gatherings into sustained interventions. For now, the message is unmistakable: the North has many builders, innovators, and storytellers. The real task is to listen to them, recognise them, and create the conditions that allow them not just to survive, but to flourish. There is always room for celebration. But progress demands honesty, especially when the realities on the ground refuse to be ignored. As a proud Northerner from Ilorin, Kwara State, I speak from both affection and concern when I say that the North today appears stuck between its immense potential and its unresolved contradictions. The challenges are real and enormous. Yet, so too are the quiet successes of individuals and communities who continue to make impact despite the odds. It was against this backdrop that the frank conversations at the 2025 Arewa Stars Awards in Kano felt both timely and necessary. Before the glamour of the evening ceremony, a more sobering engagement took place in the morning: the Kannywood Roundtable on Reputation Management and Digital Advancement. There, critical stakeholders dissected the structural and reputational challenges confronting the Northern film industry an industry that must urgently catch up with global standards if it is to remain relevant. The presence of representatives of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Voice of Nigeria (VON), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) underscored the seriousness of the conversation. It signalled that the future of the Norths creative economy cannot be left to artists alone; it requires inter-agency collaboration, policy alignment, and strategic investment. At the awards ceremony later that evening, the tone widened from sectoral reflection to regional introspection. In his keynote address, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Awwal Musa Rafsanjani, delivered a message that cut through the applause: repositioning the North requires a fundamental shift in leadership priorities. Governance reform, education, transparency, accountability, and the deliberate empowerment of youth and women, he argued, are not optional they are prerequisites for economic revival and narrative change. Other voices echoed this urgency. Kano States Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, alongside strategic communication scholar, Dr Sule Yau Sule, insisted that the North must wake up from its prolonged slumber if it hopes to reclaim relevance and progress. Their message was clear: sentiment cannot replace strategy, and nostalgia cannot substitute for reform. Many guests described the Arewa Stars Awards as a thoughtful intervention in a region too often mentioned only in moments of crisis. By amplifying unheard voices and recognising achievers who rarely enjoy national spotlight, the awards attempt a subtle but powerful narrative correction. That night, young innovators, creatives, journalists, and community leaders hugged, laughed, posed for photographs, and left with plaques and, more importantly, with encouragement. It was the kind of evening that mattered emotionally, even if its reach was still modest. Yet, what made the day remarkable was not the awards alone, but the symmetry between celebration and critique. The Arewa Stars Awards honoured excellence, while the Kannywood Roundtable interrogated systems. One spotlighted individuals; the other examined structures. Together, they formed a rare ecosystem of recognition and reform. The awards honoured a diverse roll call innovators, activists, poets, journalists, teenage academic stars, humanitarians, and social-media influencers demonstrating that Northern talent is neither scarce nor one-dimensional. Honorary recognitions extended to public figures, linking grassroots achievement to leadership with the capacity to institutionalise change. Crucially, the organisers insisted on credibility, subjecting hundreds of nominations to a merit-based jury process. This commitment moves the awards beyond tokenism toward becoming a genuine barometer of impact. Meanwhile, at the Kannywood Roundtable, the industrys masquerades writers, directors, producers, technocrats spoke candidly. They identified skills gaps in post-production, animation, and sound engineering; lamented the slow adoption of digital tools and artificial intelligence; and confronted persistent challenges such as piracy, poor remuneration, fragmented guilds, and gender imbalance. Yet, the mood was not defeatist. Practical solutions emerged: partnerships with technology agencies, specialised film schools, mentorship programmes, stronger intellectual property protection, insurance frameworks, and a pivot towards sustainable, business-driven models and streaming platforms. What links both platforms is their shared philosophy: recognition without systems is brittle, and dialogue without celebration is demoralising. The Arewa Stars Awards convert applause into pressure for reform. The Kannywood Roundtable transforms critique into a roadmap for growth. Together, they argue that Northern Nigerias problems are not rooted in a lack of talent, but in weak structures and neglected ecosystems. Perhaps most importantly, both initiatives challenge the lazy reduction of the North to a catalogue of deficits. They present a region capable of honest self-examination, willing to honour its builders, and prepared to propose solutions grounded in local realities. Their evening roundtable rhythm informal enough for candour, structured enough for commitment creates spaces where mentorship, critique, and partnership can genuinely occur. The practical next steps are neither abstract nor impossible: strengthen education and technical training, align creative industries with technology policy, improve welfare and rights protections for cultural workers, and use credible recognition as an incentive for excellence and accountability. The Arewa Stars Awards and the Kannywood Roundtable were more than events; they were acts of narrative repair. They suggested that Northern Nigerias story need not be one of perpetual lag, but of resilience, creativity, and aspiration if only the systems to support them are built. If policymakers, private partners, and the media pay attention, these conversations can evolve from ceremonial gatherings into sustained interventions. For now, the message is unmistakable: the North has many builders, innovators, and storytellers. The real task is to listen to them, recognise them, and create the conditions that allow them not just to survive, but to flourish. Aremu Haroon Abiodun is an event commentator and can be reached via [email protected]. Madness. This will be a fitting description of 2025 as it casts its last shadows on humanity. My conclusion is not just based on the mindless slaughter in Gaza where even the Devil will willingly take lessons. What can be more evil than luring starving people to supposed food centres and slaughtering 655 of them? Can the Devil plan better than Israel which on June 17, 2025 announced that hungry Gazans should come take food only to blow up 59 of them? Or is it the deliberate targeting of journalists, killing 252 of them; a figure higher than the combined figure of journalists targeted in the First and Second World Wars, Yugoslavia, Vietnam and Afghanistan wars. No, I dont just mean the genocide in Gaza, but equally other evil massacres. Take Sudan, for instance. Two over fed and over-pampered killer forces; the Armed Forces of Sudan and the militia Rapid Support Forces, RSF, idly reached for their weapons. Both had carried out genocide against the non-Arab populace for years. Now, in this their quixotic but tragic conflict, they made the same non-Arab parts of the country one of their theatres of war, principally Darfur, Western Sudan. After 500 days of battle, the armed Forces withdrew on October 26, 2025 and the RSF, previously called Janjaweed, took over the town of El-Fasher. Rather than consolidate their win over their Khartoum rivals, the butchers descended on the unarmed and hapless civilian populace, killing tens of thousands, many through summary executions. Part of their anger was directed at the Saudi Maternity Hospital which, in October 2025, they had attacked five times. Even if we were to put the executions by the RSF down to insanity, I find it difficult to describe its rage against the hospital. Perhaps angry that the non-Arabs were multiplying themselves at the maternity, the RSF at the maternity summarily executed 460 persons. The nearby town of Tawila was already over flowing with 652,000 internally displaced persons. But that did not dissuade 36,000 persons fleeing there from El-Fasher within 24 hours. The intensity and speed of the massacres were so much that even the leaders of the RSF, who are themselves drowned in the blood of the innocent, were so appalled that they assured that the massacres will be investigated. The speed and ruthlessness of the El-Fasher massacres have been compared to the 1999 Rwanda Massacre. Generally, in Sudan, the senseless conflict has displaced 14 million of the 51 million populace. Amazingly the groups that have funded and armed the RSF over the years include the United Arab Emirates, UAE, and the European Union. The on-going massacres in Eastern Congo, especially in Goma and Kivu, carried out by the M23 group in which over 7,000 have been killed, are funded by Rwanda under Paul Kagame and Uganda led by Yoweri Museveni. Generally, millions have been displaced and 21 million are in need of urgent aid. The civil war in Myanmar with over three million displaced, has, within the last eleven months, claimed 13,700 lives, that is an average of 1,245 persons killed monthly. Another neurotic massacre, this time of Venezuelan fishermen, is going on by US warships, including nuclear-powered. The US, claiming without providing any evidence that the victims are engaged in drug smuggling, simply sink the boats. Where some of the victims survive after the attacks, they are cowardly gunned down. First, the awesome US warships and their otherwise professional soldiers are in a position to arrest the occupants of the boats. But two primary reasons might be responsible for these mindless massacres. First, it is quite unlikely that these boats used by hapless fisher men and folks traditionally trading in those waters, would be carrying drugs as alleged by the US. So there would be no excuse to detain them. Secondly, the US might be forced to send their captives to trial. Since the objective of the US is to hang terrorism labels, it simply uses nuclear warships to battle the tiny boats carrying an average of seven persons. How do the victims and their families get justice? The pointless Russo-Ukrainian War which started as a Ukrainian Civil War grinds on. The casualty statistics available are quite varied. They range between 400,000 and 790,000 Russian troops and, 55 per cent of that for Ukrainian troops. Russian civilians killed are 7,175 compared to 15,954 Ukrainian civilians. Russian infrastructure is mainly intact, Ukrainian infrastructure, mainly shattered. Twenty per cent of Ukrainian territory is under Russian control. Militarily, Russia has two million active men and Ukraine, 900,000. So, both countries have the potentials to continue the war for a longer period. But the question is: for what purpose? The US under President Donald Trump wants a quick end to the war, the European Union wants the war prolonged as much as possible; Ukraine is caught between them while Russia wants peace that would guarantee the Russian speaking areas autonomy. In parts of the world, like the West African region, terrorists are on rampage killing and looting. A Nigerian newspaper reported that in the first half of the year, over 2,200 persons were killed by terrorists and bandits. Also, that over two million people were abducted primarily for ransom. One of the main cases is the June 13, 2025 massacre of over 200 residents of Yelwata, Benue State, Nigeria. Politics has played a major role in these these massacres and criminality against people. For instance, when Ahmed al-Sharaa alias Abu Mohammad al-Julani led the terrorists in Syria, the US placed a $10 million bounty on his head. But as soon as his troops overran the Syrian armed forces, the US removed the bounty, recognised him as the new Syrian President and arranged a meeting between him and President Trump. For the US, former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was a greater enemy and his ouster by the Jihadist Sharaa automatically transformed the terrorist into an ally. But when on December 13, 2025, Jihad terrorists killed three Americans, the US retaliated by bombing 70 areas across central Syria. It claimed it did so to prevent extremist groups from threatening Syrias neigbours. So, the US accepts and supports Jihadist-Terrorists as the government of Syria, but not their comrades operating in other parts of the country. A main worry in these global massacres is that in most cases, the perpetrators are known as well as their sponsors and supporters. Nethanyahu and USA in Gaza, UAE in Sudan, Rwanda and Uganda in Congo, the military in Myanmar, the US in Venezuela and bandits and terrorists in West Africa. The year 2025 is one of carnage and brigandage, it does not appear the new year will be different. Only social justice can change the world. Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Dikko Umaru Radda, has congratulated the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi A Sule, on the occasion of his 66th birthday. Governor Radda described Governor Sule as a visionary and results-driven leader whose career in engineering, business, and public service has made significant contributions to Nasarawa State and Nigeria. He noted that Governor Sules experience as an accomplished engineer with professional exposure in both the United States and Nigeria before joining politics has continued to shape his pragmatic and disciplined leadership style. According to Governor Radda, Governor Sules background as a former chief executive in major private-sector institutions uniquely equips him to attract investments, drive industrial growth, and expand economic opportunities in Nasarawa State. He added that Governor Sule has matched ideas with action, stating: Your Excellency has combined vision with delivery. Your focus on investment promotion, agribusiness expansion, and infrastructure renewal has placed Nasarawa State on a sustainable development trajectory. Governor Radda further commended him for strengthening healthcare, improving education, and creating an investor-friendly environment anchored on discipline and clear policy direction. He recalled Governor Sules private-sector accomplishments, saying: From your days in the private sector, through your service as Group Managing Director of Dangote Sugar Refinery, to your stewardship as Governor, you have consistently demonstrated competence, integrity, and patriotism. Governor Radda also hailed him as a bridge-builder who works across party and regional lines in the national interest. He prayed to Almighty God to grant Governor Abdullahi A. Sule continued good health, wisdom, and strength in the service of Nasarawa State and Nigeria. On behalf of the government and people of Katsina State, Governor Radda warmly felicitated Governor Sule and wished him many more years of fruitful service to the nation. KABUL, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have dismantled two clandestine drug processing laboratories and seized more than 700 kg of illicit drugs in western Farah province, the office of the Deputy Minister of Interior Affairs for Counter-Narcotics announced in a statement on Saturday. Counter-narcotics police units conducted a series of operations on the outskirts of Bakwa district, destroying the two labs and recovering 767 kg of illicit substances used in heroin production, according to the statement. In a related development, security personnel arrested one individual in neighboring Nimroz province on charges of smuggling 57 kg of opium, the ministry said in a separate statement. As part of broader anti-drug efforts, at least 237 drug users have recovered and reunited with their families after completing treatment at rehabilitation centers across six provinces. The Afghan authorities have intensified their nationwide crackdown on narcotics trafficking and production, pledging to continue operations until poppy cultivation and heroin manufacturing are eradicated. The recent precision air strikes on terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State mark a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism in Nigeria and represent a shining example of fruitful international cooperation between our great nation and our longstanding ally, the United States of America. Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian government has demonstrated unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens, irrespective of region, religion, or ethnicity. This successful operation, which targeted hideouts of ISIS affiliated militants in the northwest, underscores the effectiveness of strategic partnerships in addressing security challenges that transcend borders. President Tinubu deserves immense commendation for fostering this close collaboration with the United States, a partnership built on mutual respect, shared intelligence, and a common goal of eradicating terrorism from our soil. The strikes delivered decisive blows to terrorist camps, resulting in the elimination of multiple threats and disrupting their operational capabilities. This achievement not only weakens the enemies of peace but also sends a strong message that Nigeria will not tolerate any form of extremism or violence on its territory. Moreover, I am full of confidence that this cooperation will continue and even deepen in the coming days, months, and years, because both nations recognize that peace and stability in Nigeria contribute to global security. The United States has proven once again to be a reliable ally, ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria in times of need, and our government under President Tinubu has shown maturity and foresight in leveraging this alliance for the greater good of our people. It is worth addressing some voices in the public discourse who have hastily claimed that these strikes were carried out unilaterally by the United States without the knowledge or consent of Nigerian authorities. Such suggestions are not only misleading but also undermine the sovereignty and proactive role of our government. The United States Department of War has explicitly confirmed that the operation was conducted in close coordination with Nigerian authorities and even expressed gratitude for the support and cooperation provided by our side. This clarification puts to rest any notion of unilateral action and highlights the transparent and consensual nature of the partnership. Those commentators should exercise caution in spreading unverified narratives that could sow doubt or division at a time when unity is paramount. National security matters demand accuracy and responsibility in public commentary, rather than speculation that distracts from the real progress being made. Furthermore, President Tinubu must be highly commended for his approach to this sensitive operation. He chose to work silently and effectively with our American allies without resorting to unnecessary propaganda or fanfare, recognizing that national security is a sacred duty that requires discretion and focus on results rather than headlines. In an era where some leaders might seek to politicize or publicize every move for short term gain, President Tinubu prioritized the safety of Nigerians by allowing professionals to handle the intricacies of intelligence sharing, planning, and execution. This quiet diplomacy has yielded tangible outcomes, proving that true leadership is measured by actions, not announcements. His decision to engage trusted allies like the United States in the fight against terrorism is not only strategic but also highly commendable. It reflects a deep understanding that no nation can combat global threats like ISIS in isolation and that alliances strengthen our resolve and capabilities. This operation in Sokoto State is a testament to his administrations Renewed Hope Agenda, which places security at the forefront of national renewal. By degrading terrorist enclaves, we are paving the way for safer communities, economic revival, and peaceful coexistence across the federation. Let us note that the fight against terrorism is far from over. These terrorists have inflicted untold suffering on innocent Nigerians, displacing families, destroying livelihoods, and attempting to instil fear in our hearts. Yet operations like this remind us that progress is possible when we combine our efforts with international support. More importantly, this success calls for collective responsibility. Terrorism thrives in environments of division, apathy, or political bickering, but it withers when confronted by a united front. I urge all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, tribe, religion, or region, to join hands with the government in this noble cause. We must support our security forces, provide useful information to authorities, and reject any ideology of violence. We do not have any other country to call our own. Nigeria is our shared heritage, our only home, and its security is the responsibility of every citizen, whether you support the ruling party or the opposition, whether you hail from the north, south, east, or west. We are all stakeholders in this nations future. Let us set aside differences and rally behind efforts to make Nigeria safer for our children and generations yet unborn. Politicians, traditional leaders, religious figures, youth organizations, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens all have a role to play in promoting peace, vigilance, and development in vulnerable areas. President Tinubus administration has shown that it is open to partnerships that deliver results, and we, the people, must reciprocate by offering our unwavering support. Imagine a Nigeria free from the shadow of terrorism, where farmers can tend their fields without fear, where children can go to school safely, where markets bustle with activity, and where communities thrive in harmony. This vision is achievable if we remain united and committed. The Sokoto strikes are not just a military victory; they are a beacon of hope, signalling that with strong leadership, international cooperation, and national unity, we can overcome any adversity. Let us build on this momentum, commend the government for its achievements, caution against divisive rhetoric, and pledge our collective resolve to a terrorist free Nigeria. Together, we will renew the hope, secure our future, and ensure that prosperity reaches every corner of this great nation. God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and God bless all efforts to keep our country safe and united. *Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu is the National Vice-Chairman (South-East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, on Friday paid a visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, following a series of missile strikes conducted by US forces targeting several terrorist locations within Sokoto State. In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Army said Mr Shaibus visit was a strategic component of the militarys ongoing efforts to strengthen civil-military relations in the region. The visit highlights the renewed commitment of the Nigerian Army to strengthening civilmilitary relations and fostering collaboration with traditional institutions in support of national unity, peace and security, the statement noted. The army statement emphasised that the engagement was designed to promote regional stability and establish a closer working relationship with community leaders. During the visit, General Shaibu reaffirmed the resolve of the Nigerian Army to work closely with community leaders to promote stability and coexistence across the country, the statement added. The Sultan of Sokoto commended the Nigerian Army for its steadfast sacrifices and ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property. He offered prayers for the militarys continued success in fulfilling its constitutional mandates and urged sustained vigilance in the face of evolving security challenges. The US said it carried out Thursdays missile strikes in partnership with Nigerian authorities. The Nigerian government said it provided intelligence for the attacks, which President Bola Tinubu also approved. In its statement after the missile strikes, the Sokoto State Government expressed its strong support for international defence partnerships to combat the rising tide of insurgency in the North-west. 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. READ ALSO: FG details overnight precision strikes on ISIS cells in Sokoto In a coordinated counter-terrorism operation, the US launched a series of missile strikes targeting ISIS insurgents within Sokoto State. According to a US military official who spoke to The New York Times, over a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles were deployed from a naval vessel stationed in the Gulf of Guinea, successfully hitting two separate ISIS encampments. The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) reported that multiple terrorists were killed based on preliminary assessments. The Sokoto government also said on Friday that it has not recorded any civilian casualties from the attack. The 20th edition of the Carnival Calabar kicked off with a colourful cultural procession on Friday at the Millennium Park, turning the streets of the Cross River capital into a festival of rhythm, colours and national pride. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony featured representatives of the states 18 local government areas. Ikechi Uko, organiser of the AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market, told NAN on the sidelines of the festivities that the entire carnival was deliberately designed to spotlight the rich traditions and cultural diversity of Cross Rivers many tribes. Many confuse tradition with culture, but they are not the same. Tradition is the living practice, culture is the broader identity, he said. Mr Uko clarified that the ceremony, cultural carnival, that flagged off the carnival was the tradition. He said the street carnival scheduled for 29 December was contemporary. The carnival is showcasing the culture of the people, but the cultural carnival today is the traditional carnival. This is the one they got from their parents. The one youre going to see on the 29th is the one they created for themselves, he said. Mr Uko dismissed claims that the festival eroded the heritage of the people, adding that the carnival is showcasing the culture of the people today. He described the street parade as a cosmopolitan festival that had become a platform for people to create and express their own identities. NAN further reports that the train departed from the park, then routed through Edidem Usang Iso Road to the Rabanna Roundabout, where various groups showcased their culture and history to guests, dignitaries, and public officials. The atmosphere was electrifying, with a mammoth crowd lining the streets. It was also a family hangout with children playing and dancing, and parents trying to keep them in check. Traders were busy hawking snacks and street foods, while activities blared through the public address systems, as dancers thrilled the spectators. One of the highlights was the contingent from Ikom Local Government Area, led by its chairperson, Mercy Nsor. Groups from different states in the country, including Delta, Edo, Kebbi, Katsina, Rivers, Ebonyi, Niger, Nasarawa and Osun, also joined the procession. The visiting groups also showcased their various cultures through food, music, dance and costumes. As the sun set, the procession ended at about 8.00 p.m., and thereafter activities shifted from Rabanna to the U.J. Esuene Stadium for the final event of the day. A civil society organisation, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), has petitioned Nigerias Inspector-General of Police (IGP), calling for an independent review into the death of a 19-year-old in Enugu State following contradictory official police conclusions on whether the teenager was murdered or died of natural causes. In a petition dated 26 December and shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Friday, the organisation said its intervention is not based on a definitive finding of homicide, but on what it described as the failure of the Nigeria Police Force to transparently reconcile conflicting investigative outcomes reached by different police units. RULAAC said the contradictions are institutionally significant because they involve divergent findings by separate police formations on the same death, raising questions about investigative coordination, evidentiary standards, and the authority of final police investigations. The organisation warned that the absence of a clear, reconciled official position risks undermining due process, public confidence, and internal accountability within the police. These contradictions raise serious unresolved questions regarding the actual cause of Nnamdi Chidis death, the existence and findings of any autopsy or medical reports, and whether criminal justice processes are being influenced by competing petitions, internal community conflicts, or abuse of police authority, RULAACs Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, wrote. Mr Chidi, who was linked by maternal origin to the Agunese Mmaku community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, died on 8 May under circumstances that have since generated sharply opposing narratives involving community members and different police formations. How it happened In early May, detectives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, arrested a community member, Emmanuel Okeke, in connection with issues arising from the Agunese Mmaku community. According to one account, an alleged attack occurred at the home of Mr Chidis family in the early hours of 6 May. Mr Chidi died two days later, on 8 May, at Beacon Hospital in Awgu. In the days that followed, the Enugu State Police Command reportedly treated the matter as a homicide, conducted an autopsy, and arrested a suspect before the Force Headquarters Homicide Unit later took over the investigation. A subsequent review by the IGP Monitoring Unit disputed the homicide claim, resulting in conflicting official narratives that later prompted RULAACs petition to the Inspector-General of Police on 26 December. Account alleging homicide According to information presented to RULAAC, the Enugu State Police Command linked Mr Chidis death to injuries allegedly sustained during an assault on his family home following the arrest of Emmanuel Okeke. Police investigation said threats were issued shortly after the arrest and that in the early hours of 6 May, Mr Chidi was assaulted during an attack on the compound. He was taken to Beacon Hospital, Awgu, where he died two days later. In a letter dated 5 December to the deceaseds maternal uncle, Jonathan Onuoha, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iya Muhammad, confirmed that the autopsy and investigation reports were released to the family following a formal request. According to the police, the autopsy was conducted on 20 August at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, by a consultant pathologist, I. O. Nwidenyi, in the presence of the investigating police officer. The deceaseds body was identified by his uncle. The police said the postmortem examination revealed multiple external and internal injuries, including bruises on various parts of the body, contusions on the scalp, intracranial haemorrhage and brain swelling. Investigators said the pattern and severity of the injuries were consistent with repeated blunt-force trauma and not with a sudden natural medical episode. A copy of the autopsy report seen by PREMIUM TIMES stated that Mr Chidi suffered fatal head injuries. The pathologist concluded that the cause of death was severe head injury resulting from multiple blunt-force impacts. The Enugu State Police Command described the incident as a premeditated and unlawful attack, adding that investigators had established a prima facie case of conspiracy and murder. Police said the suspects fled the area and remained at large. Counter account denying homicide However, a counter-narrative attributed to the IGP Monitoring Unit disputes the claim that any homicide occurred. According to this account, RULAAC said the deceaseds mother allegedly stated that her son was not assaulted and died from natural causes linked to a pre-existing medical condition. The Monitoring Unit reportedly concluded, following enquiries in the community, that the murder allegation was fabricated and rooted in longstanding internal disputes. RULAAC stated that the police have not publicly clarified which of the two investigative outcomes reflects the official position of the Nigeria Police Force, nor have they explained how the differing conclusions were reconciled. RULAACs core complaint RULAAC said its petition centres on what it described as institutional silence and lack of transparency in reconciling contradictory investigative outcomes, rather than on challenging the authority of the police to conduct investigations. The organisation said unresolved questions remain over the actual cause of Mr Chidis death, the authenticity and handling of any autopsy, and which investigative conclusions represent the official position of the Nigeria Police Force. It added that uncertainty persists over the credibility and voluntariness of witness statements, as well as the respective roles played by the Enugu State Homicide Unit, Force Headquarters, and the IGP Monitoring Unit, noting that the lack of clarity has complicated accountability and continued to fuel conflicting public narratives. RULAAC also raised concerns that counter-petitions, allegations of cyberbullying, and character assassination were allegedly deployed against individuals who raised the homicide claim, potentially discouraging witnesses and undermining investigative integrity. These inconsistencies, left unaddressed, risk eroding public confidence in law enforcement and the administration of justice, the organisation said. RULAAC called on the Inspector-General of Police to order an independent, impartial, and transparent review of the case, clarify the status of investigations, and ensure coordination among police units involved. The organisation also urged the police leadership to prevent any actions that could undermine due process or give the impression of selective investigation. Community, family dispute homicide claim The police account of homicide has been disputed by the deceaseds family and some community members. At a press conference on 20 December in Lagos, a lawyer, Vincent Okafor, and a businessman, Emmanuel Okeke, both indigenes of the community, said they had petitioned the IGP, disputing the autopsy findings and calling for an independent investigation. They alleged that the autopsy report was fabricated and urged the police to exhume Mr Chidis remains for a fresh postmortem examination. Mr Chidis mother, Augustina Onuoha, also denied that her son was assaulted, insisting that he died from epilepsy. My son was not beaten by anybody. Nobody touched him before he died, she said in a video footage seen by PREMIUM TIMES. The petitioners further accused the communitys traditional ruler, Cyprian Nevobasi, of using the incident to intimidate perceived opponents amid a prolonged leadership crisis in the community. Speaking on the sidelines of the press conference, Mr Okeke also called for the release of his younger brother, Ifeanyi Okeke, who has been in detention in Abuja for nearly four weeks while investigations into the case continued. Mr Nevobasi denied the allegations, saying he was neither a complainant nor a witness in any murder case and that he had withdrawn any petitions previously submitted to security agencies against community members. However, the petitioners provided PREMIUM TIMES with copies of petitions allegedly written by Mr Nevobasi to the police and the State Security Service, accusing several community members of sponsoring armed groups. They said some of those named were detained for weeks or months, prompting a suit at the Federal High Court in Enugu. RULAACs concerns RULAAC said its petition to the IGP was based on documents shared with it, including police investigation findings, an autopsy report, and correspondence with oversight bodies. RULAAC called on the IGP to clarify the status of the petition, issue clear directives prohibiting obstruction of petitions, and order a professional investigation into the issues raised. Contacted via WhatsApp, the police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said on Friday that he would find out when asked to respond to the allegations. But he has yet to revert to this reporter as of the time of filing this report on Saturday. NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of investors in cryptocurrency issued by Balancer (ticker: BAL), resulting from allegations that Balancer may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So what: If you purchased Balancer cryptocurrency you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48945 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. What is this about: On November 3, 2025, Bloomberg published an article entitled "Hack Drains Over $100 Million From Crypto Protocol Balancer." The article stated that "Balancer, a decentralized finance protocol, has been hit by a major exploit that drained more than $100 million in digital assets, according to blockchain security firms. Security researchers at PeckShield and Cyvers flagged the incident on Monday, warning that funds linked to the attacker's wallet were still being siphoned. Total losses have climbed to about $128 million, Cyvers said in a message." Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. US not only walked away from its promises but committed to more climate-destructive policies Naveena Sadasivam , Senior Staff Writer "This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist's weekly newsletter here." Well, except for Trump's billionaire friends As the year comes to a close, 2025 looks like a turning point in the worlds fight against climate change. Most conspicuously, it was the year the U.S. abandoned the effort. The Trump administration pulled out of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which unites virtually all the worlds countries in a voluntary commitment to halt climate change. And for the first time in the 30-year history of the U.N.s international climate talks, the U.S. did not send a delegation to the annual conference, COP30, which took place in Belem, Brazil. As the year comes to a close, 2025 looks like a turning point in the worlds fight against climate change. Most conspicuously, it was the year the U.S. abandoned the effort. The Trump administration pulled out of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which unites virtually all the worlds countries in a voluntary commitment to halt climate change. And for the first time in the 30-year history of the U.N.s international climate talks, the U.S. did not send a delegation to the annual conference, COP30, which took place in Belem, Brazil. The Trump administrations assault on climate action has been far from symbolic. Over the summer, the president pressed his Republican majority in Congress to gut a Biden-era law that was projected to cut U.S. emissions by roughly a third compared to their peak, putting the country within reach of its Paris Agreement commitments. In the fall, Trump officials used hardball negotiating tactics to stall, if not outright derail, a relatively uncontroversial international plan to decarbonize the heavily polluting global shipping industry. And even though no other country has played a larger role in causing climate change, the U.S. under Trump has cut the vast majority of global climate aid funding, which is intended to help countries that are in the crosshairs of climate change despite doing virtually nothing to cause it. It may come as no surprise, then, that other world leaders took barely veiled swipes at Trump at the COP30 climate talks last month. Christiana Figueres, a key architect of the 2015 Paris Agreement and a longtime Costa Rican diplomat, summed up a common sentiment. Ciao, bambino! You want to leave, leave, she said before a crowd of reporters, using an Italian phrase that translates bye-bye, little boy. These stark shifts in the U.S. position on climate change, which Donald Trump has called a hoax and con job, are only the latest and most visible signs of a deeper shift underway. Historically, the U.S. and other wealthy, high-emitting nations have been cast as the primary drivers of climate action, both because of their outsize responsibility for the crisis and because of the greater resources at their disposal. Over the past decade, however, the hopes that developed countries will prioritize financing both the global energy transition and adaptation measures to protect the worlds most vulnerable countries have been dashed in part by rightward lurches in domestic politics, external crises like Russias invasion of Ukraine, and revolts by wealthy-country voters over cost-of-living concerns. The resulting message to developing countries has been unmistakable: Help is not on the way. In the vacuum left behind, a different engine of global climate action has emerged, one not political or diplomatic but industrial. A growing marketplace of green technologies primarily solar, wind, and batteries has made the adoption of renewable energy far faster and more cost-effective than almost anyone predicted. The world has dramatically exceeded expectations for solar power generation in particular, producing roughly 8 times more last year than in 2015, when the Paris Agreement was signed. China is largely responsible for the breakneck pace of clean energy growth. It now produces about 60 percent of the worlds wind turbines and 80 percent of solar panels. In the first half of 2025, the country added more than twice as much new solar capacity as the rest of the world combined. As a result of these Chinese-led global energy market changes and other countries Paris Agreement pledges, the world is now on a path to see 2.3 to 2.5 degrees Celsius (4.1 to 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming by 2100, compared to preindustrial temperatures, far lower than the roughly 5 degrees C (9 degrees F) projections expected just 10 years ago. These policies can be viewed as a symbol of global cooperation on climate change, but for Chinese leadership, the motivation is primarily economic. That, experts say, may be why theyre working. Chinas policies are driving much of the rest of the worlds renewable energy growth. As the cost of solar panels and wind turbines drops year over year, it is enabling other countries, especially in the Global South, to choose cleaner sources of electricity over fossil fuels and also to purchase some of the worlds cheapest mass-produced electric vehicles. Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia are all expected to see massive increases in solar deployment in the next few years, thanks to their partnerships with Chinese firms. China is going to, over time, create a new narrative and be a much more important driver for global climate action, said Li Shuo, director of the China climate hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute. Shuo said that the politics-and-rhetoric-driven approach to solving climate change favored by wealthy countries has proved unreliable and largely failed. In its place, a Chinese-style approach that aligns countries economic agendas with decarbonization will prove to be more successful, he predicted. Meanwhile, many countries have begun reorganizing their diplomatic and economic relationships in ways that no longer assume American leadership. That shift accelerated this year in part due to Trumps decisions to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, to impose tariffs on U.S. allies, and more broadly, to slink away into self-imposed isolation. European countries facing punishing tariffs have looked to deepen trade relationships with China, Japan, and other Asian countries. The EUs new carbon border tax, which applies levies to imports from outside the bloc, will take effect in January. The move was once expected to trigger conflict between the EU and U.S., but is now proceeding without outright support or strong opposition from the Trump administration. African countries, too, are asserting leadership. The continent hosted its own climate summit earlier this year, pledging to raise $50 billion to promote at least 1,000 locally led solutions in energy, agriculture, water, transport, and resilience by 2030. The continent has moved the conversation from crisis to opportunity, from aid to investment, and from external prescription to African-led, said Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union Commission. We have embraced the powerful truth [that] Africa is not a passive recipient of climate solutions, but the actor and architect of these solutions. The U.S. void has also allowed China to throw more weight around in international climate negotiations. Although Chinese leadership remained cautious and reserved in the negotiation halls in Belem, the country pushed its agenda on one issue in particular: trade. Since China has invested heavily in renewable energy technology, tariffs on its products could hinder not only its own economic growth but also the worlds energy transition. As a result the final agreement at COP30, which like all other United Nations climate agreements is ultimately non-binding, included language stipulating that unilateral trade measures like tariffs should not constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction on international trade. Calling out tariffs on the first page of the final decision at COP30 would not have been possible if negotiators for the United States had been present, according to Shuo. China was able to force this issue on the agenda, he said. But Shuo added that other countries are still feeling the gravitational pull of U.S. policies, even as the Trump administration sat out climate talks this year. In Belem last month, the United States opposition to the International Maritime Organizations carbon framework influenced conversations about structuring rules for decarbonizing the shipping industry. And knowing that the U.S. wouldnt contribute to aid funds shaped climate finance agreements. In the years to come, though, those pressures may very well fade. As the world pivots in response to a U.S. absence, it may find it has more to gain than expected. This article originally appeared in Grist at https://grist.org/international/2025-trump-climate-change-paris-agreement-china/. Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Learn more at Grist.org 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 MOSCOW, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Russian army holds control of the strategic city of Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region, and conducted a large-scale strike on Ukrainian military-related targets overnight, Moscow said Saturday. The raid was made "in response to terrorist attacks carried out by the Kiev regime against civilian facilities on Russian territory," the Russian defense ministry said in a statement. Russian forces used long-range precision weapons from land, air and sea platforms, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, to attack power infrastructure supporting Ukrainian military operations and defense industry. The strike achieved its objectives, with all designated targets successfully hit, said the statement. Meanwhile, Kupyansk remains under the control of Russian troops after they repelled five Ukrainian counterattacks over the past two days, said Ivan Bigma, spokesman of Russia's Western Group of Forces. "All counterattacks were repelled, and no territorial losses were sustained," Bigma said. During the engagements, Russian forces destroyed five pieces of military equipment, including two U.S.-made M113 armored personnel carriers, and eliminated over 20 Ukrainian soldiers, he added. Washington, Dec 27 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "doesn't have anything until I approve it," US President Donald Trump said in an exclusive interview with Politico, two days ahead of his meeting with Zelensky in Florida over a peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict lasting nearly four years. The two leaders are expected to discuss the framework of a new 20-point peace plan including a proposed demilitarized zone, the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, territorial control of Donbas, and US security guarantees after the conflict comes to an end, Xinhua news agency reported. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President said on Friday that he plans to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine during his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump. Zelensky told reporters that the meeting is scheduled to take place in the US 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 per cent 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. "We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level -- with President Trump in the near future," Zelensky wrote earlier on Telegram after a conversation with Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukrainian delegation to the peace talks with the US. Zelensky said "a lot" could be decided before the New Year. The remarks came after the United States, Ukraine and European representatives held three-day talks on the Ukraine crisis last week in Miami, Florida. Washington, Dec 27 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is willing to bring a peace plan to end the Ukraine crisis for a referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire of at least 60 days, according to US media outlet Axios. In a phone interview with Axios on Friday, Zelensky said he would still like to negotiate a better position on territory. But if the plan demands "a very difficult" decision on that issue, he believes the best path forward will be to put the entire 20-point plan to a referendum, Xinhua news agency reported. He said a 60-day ceasefire to arrange and hold the vote "is the minimum," as such a plebiscite would have major political, logistical and security complications. A senior US official told Axios that the Russians understand the need for a ceasefire if Zelensky calls a referendum, but want a shorter timetable. Zelensky said he hopes to agree with US President Donald Trump on a framework for ending the crisis when they meet in the US state of Florida on Sunday. He said most aspects of the bilateral US-Ukraine agreements are now set and have been codified into five documents, though a sixth may be added. On the duration of security guarantees after peace is restored in Ukraine, the US administration has proposed a 15-year pact that could be renewed. "I think we need more than 15 years," Zelensky told Axios. Both the United States and Ukraine would bring the security guarantees before their legislatures for ratification, Zelensky added. Zelensky, Trump and a group of European leaders are expected to hold a conference call on Saturday to get everyone up to speed on the talks, the report said, citing a Ukrainian official. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Mumbai, Dec 27 : Actor Ahan Shetty feels that the biggest shift in the first 25 years of the 21st century has been the growing honesty in filmmaking, with stories now driven more by emotion and relatability than by stars and spectacle. Reflecting on how cinema has evolved, Ahan, who is the son of Bollywood veteran star Suniel Shetty, told IANS: "I think the biggest change has been how honest films have become. Earlier, a lot of storytelling was built around stars and spectacle. Now even the bigger films try to come from a place of emotion and relatability." The actor shared that earlier narratives often leaned heavily on larger-than-life elements, whereas even big-budget films today attempt to connect with audiences on a more emotional level. "Technology has definitely changed the scale and reach, but what really surprised me is the audience today. They're far more involved, they analyse everything, question choices, and really invest in the process." According to the actor, this shift has raised the bar for performers as well. He believes actors can no longer rely on surface-level impact alone. "As an actor, you can't rely on surface-level impact anymore. You actually have to mean what you're doing on screen," said Ahan. Talking about Ahan, he began his acting career with Milan Luthria directional romantic action drama film Tadap in 2021, co-starring Tara Sutaria. The film was a remake of hit Telugu action film RX 100. He is now set to be seen in the upcoming film "Border 2". Directed by Anurag Singh, the film features a formidable ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Medha Rana, Mona Singh, and Sonam Bajwa. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, JP Dutta and Nidhi Dutta, the film is slated to hit theatres on 23 January 2026. Phnom Penh, Dec 27 : The Cambodian Ministry of Defence said on Saturday that it reached consensus with Thailand on the content of the draft Joint Statement of the third Special Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee meeting on Friday night, with the participation of ASEAN observers. Ceasefire talks between Thailand and Cambodia began at around 9:40 a.m. local time on Saturday at a border checkpoint in Thailand's Chanthaburi Province. If an agreement is reached, the two sides are expected to sign a ceasefire declaration at noon, according to media reports, Xinhua news agency reported. Thailand carried out air strikes on a disputed border area with Cambodia on Friday, as officials from both sides continued talks to try to end fighting. The Thai Air Force said it had hit a Cambodian "fortified military position" after civilians had left the area. Cambodia's defence ministry accused Thailand of "indiscriminate attacks" against civilian houses and injuring several people. Fresh violence erupted earlier this month after a fragile ceasefire reached in July collapsed. That truce had temporarily stopped five days of heavy clashes, but fighting resumed soon after, plunging the border region back into conflict. According to estimates, at least 41 people have lost their lives since hostilities restarted, while nearly one million residents have been forced to flee their homes. Both Bangkok and Phnom Penh have accused each other of violating the ceasefire and triggering the latest escalation. Since the breakdown of the truce, the fighting has expanded to cover almost the entire 500-mile (800-kilometre) frontier shared by the two countries. Cambodia's Defence Ministry said the latest air strikes took place in the northwestern province of Banteay Meanchey. In a statement posted on Facebook, the ministry claimed that Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped as many as 40 bombs during the operation. Thailand, however, said the strikes were aimed at asserting control over Nong Chan village and described the mission as "precise, effective and successful." The military action came as Thai and Cambodian representatives entered a third consecutive day of talks at a border checkpoint. Defence ministers from both sides are expected to join the negotiations on Saturday, raising hopes of progress toward de-escalation. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Friday that once both sides agreed to each other's conditions, a ceasefire agreement could be signed. The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has its roots in colonial-era demarcations made more than a century ago. Over the years, the disagreement has repeatedly flared into violence, resulting in casualties among both soldiers and civilians on either side of the border. Washington, Dec 27 : US President Donald Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida on Sunday, as Kyiv presses ahead with a new 20-point peace plan aimed at ending Russia's nearly four-year war in Ukraine. The White House on Friday (local time) announced that Trump would meet Zelensky at Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday, December 28. Ahead of the meeting, Trump cast himself as the final arbiter of any potential agreement between Ukraine and Russia, striking a guarded note on Zelensky's latest proposal. "He doesn't have anything until I approve it," Trump told POLITICO in an interview. "So we'll see what he's got." Zelensky has said he will bring a revised peace framework to the talks, including proposals for a demilitarised zone and discussions on US security guarantees. Speaking to reporters on Friday, ahead of his meeting with Trump, the Ukrainian leader said the two sides would try to "finalise as much as we can", while cautioning that he could not predict whether the meeting would result in a firm agreement. Earlier in the day, Zelensky expressed optimism, writing on X that "a lot can be decided before the New Year." Trump said he expected the talks with Zelensky to be productive and suggested he was also open to engagement with Moscow. "I think it's going to go good with him. I think it's going to go good with (Vladimir) Putin," he said, adding that he expects to speak with the Russian president "soon, as much as I want." The president's comments underscore the central role Washington is playing in the US-mediated peace effort, even as Russia has shown little movement from its stated positions. Trump said Russia's economy was under strain. "Their economy is in tough shape, very tough shape," he said. Zelensky, meanwhile, has intensified diplomatic outreach ahead of the Florida meeting. He said he had spoken with leaders of NATO, Canada, Germany, Finland, Denmark and Estonia to coordinate positions, stressing that "Ukraine has never been and will never be an obstacle to peace." The planned meeting follows Zelensky's recent conversations with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. Zelensky later described that exchange as a "good conversation." Zelensky told reporters that the 20-point plan, developed by Ukrainian and US officials, is "90 per cent ready." He said he intended to discuss how Ukraine's allies could guarantee its future security, even as Kyiv signals flexibility on long-standing demands. Trump also confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would visit him this weekend. "I have Zelensky, and I have Bibi coming. They're all coming. They all come," Trump said. "They respect our country again." According to reports, Netanyahu is expected to brief Trump on Israel's concerns over the growing threat from Iran. During the interview, Trump also addressed recent US airstrikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria, saying he personally delayed the operation by a day for symbolic reasons. "They were going to do it earlier," he said. "And I said, 'No, let's give a Christmas present'a They didn't think that was coming, but we hit them hard. Every camp got decimated." Zelensky said Sunday's talks would also focus on sensitive issues such as management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and control of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, which Moscow claims. Ukrainian officials have described the latest peace proposal as an attempt to show flexibility without conceding territory, including a demilitarised zone tied to a reciprocal Russian withdrawal from parts of Donetsk. Russia has given no public indication that it is willing to accept such terms. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that Yuri Ushakov, a senior foreign policy aide to President Putin, had spoken with members of the Trump administration after Moscow received the latest proposals, without specifying when the conversation took place. Earlier this week, Zelensky said Ukraine was no longer pursuing immediate NATO membership but was seeking security guarantees that would "mirror" NATO's Article 5. He also reiterated that Ukraine's constitution requires any border changes to be approved by referendum, stressing that "the fate of Ukraine should be decided by the people of Ukraine." The renewed diplomatic push comes as Canada reaffirmed its backing for Kyiv. On December 26, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with Zelenskyy, commending his efforts to secure "a just and lasting peace" and emphasising the need to maintain pressure on Russia, according to a statement from Ottawa. Seoul, Dec 27 : North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a message of greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of New Year's Day, calling the two countries' relations a "precious common asset," the North's state media said on Saturday. In the message, Kim described this year as a 'meaningful' one when the two countries 'steadily wrote a great biography of the alliance' through "full mutual support and selfless encouragement," according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim's greeting came after Putin himself sent a New Year's message to the North Korean leader on December 18. "I think that today's DPRK-Russia alliance ... is a precious common asset to be carried forward forever not only in the present era but also by posterity generation after generation," Kim said, using the acronym of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Kim said the North-Russia relations have been further consolidated into the "sincerest alliance of sharing blood, life and death in the same trench," as he referred to the North's troop deployment to Russia to support the war with Ukraine, Yonhap news agency reported. "Now no one can break the relations between the peoples of the two countries and their unity, supported firmly by embodiment of the strong will and strength to defend the just aspirations of the times and set right history," he said. Earlier on December 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin had sent a message of greeting to mark New Year's Day to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, hailing the North's 'heroic' dispatch of troops in Russia's war against Ukraine. North Korea and Russia have been deepening their military cooperation since Putin and Kim signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty during their summit in Pyongyang in June 2024. Since last year, the North has sent around 15,000 combat troops to support Moscow's war against Ukraine. Kolkata, Dec 27 : In a significant development, it has come to light that Amit Kumar Mandal, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) from Katwa in the East Burdwan district, had gone missing after taking out a loan of Rs 50 lakh. This loan may have contributed to his disappearance, and there are no connections to "pressure" from the Special Intensive Review (SIR) work. According to the police, the BLO went missing after taking a loan of Rs 50 lakh. The police have informed the Election Commission about the investigation into the BLO's disappearance, sources said on Saturday. Amit Kumar Mandal, the BLO for booth number 23 of the Katwa Assembly constituency, has been missing for the past four days. His family has approached the police to find him. Following this, the Election Commission had sought a report from the district police regarding this incident. It is learnt that the police have submitted a report to the commission, informing them about the reason for Amit's disappearance. According to police sources, the report mentions that Amit had taken a loan of approximately Rs 50 lakh from a bank. He invested that money in the stock market. However, he lost everything in the stock market and was burdened with a huge amount of debt. It is for this reason that the Katwa BLO left his home while the family assumed he went missing after failing to keep up with the "pressure" of SIR-related work. Following this, the Election Commission had sought an investigation into the disappearance of the BLO. Amit is a resident of the Bikihat area of aaKhajurdihi Panchayat in Katwa-I block. He is a teacher by profession and works at Uddharanpur Primary School in Ketugram. According to his family, on Tuesday morning (December 23), around 10 a.m., Amit returned home from the market, parked his motorcycle and said that he had a meeting related to his BLO duties. However, he did not return home after leaving. As the afternoon progressed and there was no word from him, the family became worried. During their search, they found his mobile phone, BLO identity card and SIR-related documents at home. Despite extensive searches by family and relatives in various locations, Amit was still missing. Consequently, the family filed a missing person's report at the Katwa police station on Tuesday night. They also mentioned that Amit had been experiencing mental stress since assuming the responsibilities of a BLO. Notably, there are 641 voters in Amit Kumar Mandal's Booth No. 23. He had distributed notices to 33 voters for the hearing. Meanwhile, the hearing sessions on the claims and objections to the draft voters' list in West Bengal have started on Saturday. His presence as the BLO is mandatory there. However, his disappearance has put the administration in a challenging position. According to sources, if Amit is still missing for the due time, then a replacement will be made to complete his unfinished work. IANS sch/sd/ Jaipur, Dec 27 : The Pratapgarh District Police of Rajasthan successfully rescued 53 tribal labourers who were held captive in Solapur district, Maharashtra, after being lured with false promises of employment. Under the direction of B. Aditya, Superintendent of Police, Pratapgarh, and the guidance of Gajendra Singh Jodha, Additional Superintendent of Police, Pratapgarh, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Sohanlal of Ghantali Police Station rescued 53 labourers (13 women and 40 men) belonging to the tribal community in the district. On December 22, the Superintendent of Police, Pratapgarh, received information that men and women from villages Varda, Jamli, Maliya, Gothra, Umariya Pada, Bada Kali Ghati, Thesla, Kumari, and other villages falling under Ghantali, Pipalkhoont, and Parsola police station areas had been taken about two months earlier to Jabud village, under Akluj Police Station, Solapur district (Maharashtra). They were lured with the help of a local person on the pretext of providing employment, police said on Saturday. Later, the labourers contacted their families and revealed that brokers Sitaram Patil (Maharashtra) and Khan (Alwar, Rajasthan), along with a local associate, had conspired to lure around 100 labourers by promising Rs 500 per person per day, along with free food and accommodation in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Instead, the labourers were sent to work in sugarcane fields in Sholapur district. Broker Khan allegedly took an advance of Rs 9.50 lakh, while Sitaram Patil took Rs 18 lakh from landlords as labour wages and then abandoned the workers. When the labourers demanded their wages, they were beaten, threatened, confined in houses and enclosures on the farms, and forced to work. Some labourers managed to escape and return home when opportunities arose. It has also emerged that the accused subjected women labourers to indecent behaviour. No wages were paid to any of the labourers. Considering the humanitarian aspect and following the Rajasthan Police motto a" "Confidence among the public, fear among criminals" a" the Superintendent of Police immediately dispatched Sub-Inspector Sohanlal and his team to Maharashtra along with the families of the captive labourers. With sustained effort and coordination, the police team successfully rescued all 53 labourers from various locations. As the rescued labourers had no money for food, travel, or basic needs, arrangements for return travel and other facilities were made with the support of public representatives and local citizens. All labourers were safely brought back to Pratapgarh and will be dropped at their respective villages. A case has been registered at Ghantali Police Station against the accused persons involved in the conspiracy, and further legal action is underway. Patna, Dec 27 : An accused in the Bihar temple theft case suffered a wound during an encounter with police and was arrested on Saturday. The crown of the Thawe Bhawani Temple in Gopalganj, Bihar, was recovered from the accused. According to Gopalganj Superintendent of Police Awadhesh Dixit, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed under the leadership of the Sadar SDPO received a tip-off that a member of the Deepak Rai gang, involved in the temple theft, arrived in Gopalganj carrying the stolen jewels. Acting on the information, the SIT conducted a raid near Riki Tola in the Thawe police station area. "During the operation, one of the accused opened fire on the police team. The police first issued a warning, but when the firing continued, they retaliated in self-defence," Dixit said. In the encounter, the accused, Ismail Alam, was shot in the leg and apprehended. He was immediately taken into police custody and provided medical treatment. Police said the accused hails from the Ghazipura"Motihari region and was currently residing in the Shahpur police station area. During the search, police recovered important parts of the crown of Goddess Thawe Bhawani, a mobile phone used in the crime, and other incriminating evidence from the spot. SP Awadhesh Dixit stated that during interrogation, the accused confessed to his involvement in the theft and provided detailed information about the entire gang, including how the crime was executed, who was involved, where the stolen jewellery was taken, and who is currently in possession of the remaining items. Police also confirmed that Alam was captured on CCTV footage along with gang leader Deepak Rai, entering the temple and committing the theft. Following the development, continuous raids are being conducted to arrest the remaining accused. Police officials expressed confidence that the entire theft case will be completely solved soon. New Delhi, Dec 27 : The ongoing investigations by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) into an Al-Qaeda case have revealed that servers and control centres in Afghanistan had been used extensively for spreading radical ideology. These details cropped up during the interrogation of Zubair Hangargekar, who was arrested for his alleged links with Al-Qaeda. The probe found that he was highly radicalised by the ideology of Al-Qaeda. The electronic devices seized from him revealed that he was using the ideology of the outfit with the larger plan of implementing the Sharia law in India and also establishing a Caliphate. Al-Qaeda has been gradually building up massive infrastructure in Afghanistan, the probe found. Officials say that they have set up servers, cyber infrastructure, and appointed content distributors. The material that Al-Qaeda operatives in India post is done through the infrastructure that the outfit has set up in Afghanistan. This is, in fact, helping the operatives reach a wider audience without being tracked. They are also able to operate across large jurisdictions owing to this technology, while staying out of the radar of the Indian agencies, an official also added. While scanning through the electronic devices of Zubair Hangargekar, the ATS found a Pakistani contact. Numbers of contact persons from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman were also found on him. The ATS is currently ascertaining how he was linked to these persons and whether they had any role to play. The ATS says that Hangargekar was in possession of jihadi literature and was attempting to radicalise the youth. He is also accused of being in touch with many members of the Al-Qaeda network. Intelligence Bureau officials say that there has been a sustained effort by Al-Qaeda to expand operations in India. This was the primary intent why the outfit launched Al-Qaeda in the Sub-Continent (AQIS). The outfit that is based out of Afghanistan has been looking to expand operations in India ever since its inception in 2014. The ATS learnt that the accused was using eight IDs, which were registered in Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Four of them are from Afghanistan, while the remaining are from Hong Kong, the official pointed out. The probe has found that Hong Kong was used for routing communication. This allows them to carry out activities discreetly, as Hong Kong is classified as a technical transit and masking zone. Intelligence agencies have been flagging the sudden rise in propaganda material that Al-Qaeda has been circulating in recent years. The outfit may not have had much success in carrying out attacks in India, but its propaganda has been spreading like wildfire, which in turn has resulted in large-scale radicalisation. The focus is currently just online, said an official. It is a matter of time before they get onto the field and attempt an attack, the official added. In recent months, attempts to set up modules have been made in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, parts of North India, Gujarat and Maharashtra. It has also been making calls for radicalised youth to carry out lone wolf strikes. Officials say that the activities of Al-Qaeda are dangerous owing to the reach it has in India. In the northern parts of the country, it gains much more traction when compared to the south, where the Islamic State is a stronger force. Many view Osama Bin Laden as a hero, and this explains why the traction is much higher. These developments come at a time when Bangladesh is on the boil. Al-Qaeda is a strong entity in that country, and the spillover into India cannot be ruled out, officials add. Hence, it is important to keep a very close watch on their activities to prevent anything untoward, the official also added. THE HAGUE, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Two people were injured in a stabbing on Friday evening following a concert by Dutch hip-hop group Broederliefde in Rotterdam, the Netherlands' second-largest city, Rotterdam Police Unit said. According to a police statement posted on the social media platform X, the incident occurred as people were leaving the venue. The injured individuals, a 15-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man, were taken to hospital. Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported both men are responsive and their lives are not in danger. No suspects have been arrested, though police believe there was only one perpetrator. Investigations are ongoing. Beijing, Dec 27 : Of the four mice involved in a recent mission aboard China's space station, one female has now successfully birthed healthy offspring on Earth, the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization (CSU) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) said on Saturday. The four mice -- two male and two female -- were sent into space aboard the Shenzhou-21 crewed spaceship on October 31, and were housed in a specialised habitat on the space station before returning to Earth on November 14, Xinhua news agency reported. After their return, one female conceived and later delivered nine pups on December 10. Six of the newborns have survived -- a rate considered normal. Researchers have noted that the mother is nursing normally and the pups appear active and healthy. "This mission showed that short-term space travel did not impair the reproductive capability of the mouse," said Wang Hongmei, a researcher at the Institute of Zoology of the CAS. "It also provides invaluable samples for the investigation of how the space environment influences early developmental stages in mammals," Hongmei added. The rodents were transported to China's space station to be raised in orbit for five to seven days, marking the country's first scientific experiments involving mammalian models in space. As a key model animal in the field of life sciences, the mice feature several advantages -- high genetic similarity to humans, small body size and short reproductive cycle, and a high amenability to genetic modification, said Huang Kun, an expert from the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). "These traits make them ideal for studying physiological and pathological processes, as well as the growth, development, and reproduction of living organisms in space," he said. The project, jointly led by the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics and the Institute of Zoology, both under the CAS, involved continuous multi-dimensional video monitoring of the mice throughout their stay in orbit. The lighting inside the mice experiment facility turned on at 7 a.m. and off at 7 p.m., maintaining the same circadian rhythm as on Earth, explained Li Tianda, an associate researcher at the Institute of Zoology. The rodent food was not only nutritionally balanced but also made it relatively hard to reduce crumbs and meet the mice's teeth-grinding habit. A directional air flow within the facility is designed to blow hair, faeces, and other garbage into a collection container, ensuring a clean and hygienic environment for the mice, Li said. By collecting preliminary data on stress responses and adaptation mechanisms in microgravity, the scientists aimed to use these observations to decode how weightlessness and enclosed space influence mice's behaviours. After completing their orbital mission, the "mice astronauts" returned to Earth aboard the Shenzhou-20 spaceship for further analysis. Previous animal experiments conducted in the Chinese space lab involved zebra fish and fruit flies. New Delhi, Dec 27 : On the occasion of Guru Gobind Singh's Parkash Purab on Saturday, the Congress said that ideals and path shown by the tenth Sikh Guru, for human welfare, courage and truth will continue to inspire generations. Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, took to social media platform X to convey his greetings. "Many many congratulations to all of you on the birth anniversary of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The ideals and path shown by him for human welfare, courage and truth will always inspire us," he said. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also extended his wishes on the occasion. In a post on X, he said, "Heartiest greetings on the occasion of Prakash Parv of Sarbans Daani, Sahib-e-Kamal and the tenth Guru of Sikhism and founder of Khalsa Panth, Dhan Dhan Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji." Kharge highlighted the Guru's universal message, saying that Guru Gobind Singh gave the message of peace, love, unity, equality and brotherhood to all humanity. "He gave the message of peace, love, unity, equality and brotherhood to the entire humanity and awakened the spirit of human service and social harmony in the hearts of the people, which will always remain a source of inspiration for the people," Kharge said. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also paid tribute to Guru Gobind Singh by sharing his powerful words on X: "I will fight one against a quarter of a million, I will break the birds into eagles, Only then should I call myself Guru Gobind Singh." Extending her greetings, she said that on the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the founder of the Khalsa Panth and the tenth Sikh Guru, the nation remembers his noble values of service, truth, love and humanity. "On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the founder of the Khalsa Panth and the tenth Guru, who taught the noble values of service, truth, love, and humanity, we pay our heartfelt tributes to him. His sacrifice for humanity and his lessons will forever guide the world," Priyanka said. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying tributes to Sri Guru Gobind Singh on the sacred occasion of his Parkash Utsav, remembering the tenth Sikh Guru's unparalleled courage, sacrifice and commitment to truth and justice. In a message shared on the social media platform X, the Prime Minister highlighted how Sri Guru Gobind Singh's life and teachings continue to inspire generations to stand for righteousness and protect human dignity. Prime Minister Modi wrote on X, "On the sacred Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, we bow in reverence to him. He remains an embodiment of courage, compassion and sacrifice. His life and teachings inspire us to stand for truth, justice, righteousness, and to protect human dignity. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji's vision continues to guide generations towards service and selfless duty. Here are pictures from my visit to the Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib earlier this year, where I also had Darshan of the Holy Jore Sahib of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji." Guru Gobind Singh, born in 1666, played a pivotal role in shaping Sikh identity and values. The founder of the Khalsa Panth, he emphasised equality, bravery and selfless service, inspiring followers to stand against tyranny and injustice. His teachings continue to resonate across generations, reinforcing ideals of sacrifice, faith and service to humanity. The Parkash Utsav is marked across the country with prayers, kirtans and tributes, an enduring legacy of one of India's greatest spiritual and moral leaders. On this day, devotees visit gurdwaras across India for traditional prayers, including Akhand Paaths (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtans (devotional singing), and Langar (community meals). Many cities will also hold processions and community services to remember Guru Gobind Singh's teachings on service, spirituality, and resilience. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti remains one of the most significant Sikh festivals, bringing communities together in reflection, celebration, and service. In 1699, on the festival of Baisakhi, he founded the Khalsa Panth, a collective body of initiated Sikhs, to uphold righteousness and resist oppression. He introduced the Five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan), which became essential symbols of Sikh identity and discipline. Guru Gobind Singh also stood firmly against the tyranny and religious persecution during the Mughal era, inspiring his followers to fight for justice and freedom. One of his most lasting spiritual contributions was declaring the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs in 1708, ensuring that scripture would guide the faith after him. These actions not only shaped Sikhism but also laid the foundation for a unique religious and martial identity that endures to this day. Kozhikode, Dec 27 : Senior Congress leader and KPCC Political Affairs Committee member N. Subramanian was taken into police custody on Saturday in connection with a controversy over the circulation of an allegedly distorted image of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan along with Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold heist case. The Chevayur police took Subramanion into custody from his residence and booked him under sections related to promoting enmity and public mischief, alleging that the social media post could incite communal disharmony. Police said he is eligible for station bail. The case relates to a social media post in which Subramanian shared images purportedly showing CM Vijayan standing with Potti, accompanied by a caption questioning a "deep connection" between the two. CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan was the first to flag the image as AI-generated and allegedly circulated with the intent to mislead the public and provoke unrest. Soon after being taken into custody, Subramanian reportedly felt uneasy and was taken to a hospital for medical attention. Following repeated claims by CPI(M) leaders that the image was fabricated using artificial intelligence, the Chevayur police registered a case and took Subramanian into custody as part of the investigation. A police team led by the Circle Inspector is probing the matter. Police said Subramanian had posted two images and later deleted one, with the investigation focusing on this aspect. Reacting sharply, AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal termed the police action "strange" and alleged selective targeting. "Chief Minister Vijayan and Prime Minister Modi appear to have the same attitude of using agencies against political opponents. We do not question the law, but why is it being applied selectively? Why is there laxity in taking into custody those involved in the Sabarimala gold heist case?" Venugopal said. Former Kerala Home Minister and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said the party would challenge the police action both legally and politically. Responding to the case, Subramanian maintained that the action was politically motivated. He claimed the image he shared was a screenshot from a video released by the Chief Minister's Office and not an AI-generated fabrication. He said he was unaware whether the police would formally arrest him, but added that he would "willingly go to jail" if arrested. The incident has triggered sharp political reactions across the state. While CPI(M) leaders argued that strict action was necessary to curb the misuse of AI-generated and fake images that could disturb public order, opposition parties criticised the move as an attempt to suppress free expression and intimidate political opponents. The controversy has once again brought the issue of AI-generated content in political discourse into focus, amid increasing scrutiny of social media activity by law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, the image row took a fresh turn after another picture -- purportedly showing former Devaswom Minister and senior CPI(M) MLA Kadakampally Surendran with Potti -- began circulating on social media, adding a new dimension to the political fallout. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, Dec 27 : A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India will add more employment, exports, and raise incomes, said New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday. He said this as India and New Zealand concluded a comprehensive and long-awaited FTA, marking a major economic and strategic milestone. "We said we'd secure a Free Trade Agreement with India in our first term, and we've delivered," Luxon said in a post on social media platform X. "This landmark deal means more jobs, higher incomes, and more exports by opening the door to 1.4 billion Indian consumers," he added. The negotiations were formally launched on March 16. "Fixing the Basics. Building the Future," Luxon said, while welcoming the deal that was concluded in nine months. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hailed the India-New Zealand FTA as a historic milestone. "An important moment for India-New Zealand relations, with a strong push to bilateral trade and investment! My friend PM Christopher Luxon and I had a very good conversation a short while ago following the conclusion of the landmark India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement," he wrote on X. The FTA eliminates duty on 100 per cent of Indian exports, along with a $20 billion investment commitment over 15 years to strengthen long-term economic and strategic cooperation. It enhances market access to India's labour-intensive sectors, including textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, marine products, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, engineering goods, and automobiles, directly supporting Indian workers, artisans, women, youth, and MSMEs and integrating them deeper into global value chains, according to the commerce ministry. Meanwhile, India has secured commitments across a wide range of high-value sectors, including IT and IT-enabled services, professional services, education, financial services, tourism, construction, and other business services, opening up substantial new opportunities for Indian service suppliers and high-skill employment, according to the Commerce Ministry. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Moscow, Dec 27 : The potential crisis resolution plan that Kyiv is reportedly proposing differs significantly from the one that Moscow and Washington are working on, a Russian official said. The settlement was approaching, but the negotiation process is being hindered by the setting of deadlines and attempts to torpedo it, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on the "60 Minutes" programme. "I believe Dec. 25, 2025, will remain in our memory as a milestone when we truly approached a solution, but whether we can make the final push and reach an agreement depends on the political will of the other side," the Russian diplomat noted. Commenting on remarks by US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker about ending the conflict within 90 days, Ryabkov said setting specific deadlines does not contribute to a peaceful settlement. A breakthrough in the negotiations must be achieved "under conditions where Kyiv and its sponsors, particularly within the European Union, who are not focused on reaching an agreement, have redoubled their efforts to torpedo it," he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that he is willing to bring a peace plan to end the Ukraine crisis for a referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire of at least 60 days, according to US media outlet Axios. In a phone interview with Axios on Friday, Zelensky said he would still like to negotiate a better position on territory. But if the plan demands "a very difficult" decision on that issue, he believes the best path forward will be to put the entire 20-point plan to a referendum, Xinhua news agency reported. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida on Sunday, as Kyiv presses ahead with a new 20-point peace plan aimed at ending Russia's nearly four-year war in Ukraine. The White House on Friday (local time) announced that Trump would meet Zelensky at Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday, December 28. Ahead of the meeting, Trump cast himself as the final arbiter of any potential agreement between Ukraine and Russia, striking a guarded note on Zelensky's latest proposal. "He doesn't have anything until I approve it," Trump told POLITICO in an interview. "So we'll see what he's got." Srinagar, Dec 27 : Tourists have arrived in appreciable numbers in the Kashmir Valley these days to welcome the New Year. Minimum temperature dropped notches below the freezing point in the Valley on Saturday as the Pahalgam hill station recorded minus 4.8 as the night's lowest temperature. After many months, hotels in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam are reporting full occupancy these days. Altaf Ahmad, general manager of a hotel in Gulmarg, told IANS, "We are completely sold out this time." The Meteorological Department has forecast partly or generally cloudy weather from December 27 to December 29, and generally cloudy weather with light rain/snow at isolated places on December 30. "On December 31 and January 1, generally cloudy weather with light rain/snow at many places with possibility of moderate snowfall at a few places in the north and central parts of the Valley," the MET forecast said. Srinagar city recorded minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg minus 4.2 degrees Celsius and Pahalgam minus 4.8 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature. Jammu city witnessed 7.1 degrees Celsius, Katra town 7.6 degrees Celsius, Batote 4.6 degrees Celsius, Banihal 0.8 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 0.2 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature. The 40-day-long period of harsh winter cold, known locally as the 'Chillai Kalan' started on December 21 and will end on January 30. The minimum temperature usually drops to minus 5-7 degrees while the day temperature rarely rises above 8 degrees Celsius in the Chillai Kalan. This year, however, the minimum temperature so far in Chillai has not fallen below minus 3 degrees Celsius, while the day temperature hovers around 10 degrees in Srinagar city. This winter, a record number of migratory birds have arrived in the Valley from Siberia, China, the Philippines and Eastern Europe. These birds come to Kashmir during the winter months to ward off the extreme cold of their summer homes. Bhubaneswar, Dec 27 : Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, stating that the CEC's darshan of Lord Jagannath would not help the Election Commission of India (ECI) "get rid of its sins." Bhubaneswar, Dec 27 (IANS) Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, stating that the CEC's darshan of Lord Jagannath would not help the Election Commission of India (ECI) "get rid of its sins." The Congress leader accused the ECI of functioning as an auxiliary body of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that it has compromised its constitutional responsibility. Talking to reporters in Bhubaneswar, Das claimed that the Commission is systematically undermining democratic rights by removing genuine voters from electoral rolls across several states. "Under the current Commission, large numbers of voters have been removed from lists, leading to a denial of the citizens' constitutional right to vote," the OPCC chief said. Backing his allegations with figures, Das said the scale of voter exclusion was unprecedented. "In Bihar, around 65 lakh voters were removed from the list. In Uttar Pradesh, nearly three crore names were reportedly deleted from the electoral rolls following court orders. Similar practices have taken place in multiple states. This is nothing but making democracy subservient and taking away the rights of the poor," he alleged. The Congress leader also targeted the CEC over his three-day visit to Odisha, particularly his repeated visits to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls in the state. Questioning the moral authority of the poll body chief, Das remarked that religious visits could not compensate for administrative failures. "After committing such wrongdoing, visiting Lord Jagannath every day for darshan is not going to absolve them. Lord Jagannath is the lord of the universe and sees everything. Their sins won't vanish," he added. Shifting focus to Odisha, Das alleged that a similar pattern of voter exclusion is unfolding in the state as well. He claimed that thousands of eligible voters, especially from marginalised communities, have discovered their names missing from the updated electoral rolls ahead of the forthcoming election cycle. Calling for immediate accountability, the OPCC chief demanded corrective action from the Election Commission to restore public trust. "The CEC should accept responsibility and step down if he cannot ensure a free and fair electoral process. He must surrender before the truth, correct the wrongs, and resign," Das said. The electoral roll revision in the state aims to update lists for 3.32 crore voters, remove duplicates, add eligible citizens, and rationalise polling stations. CEC Gyanesh Kumar is on a three-day visit to Odisha starting Saturday. Kolkata, Dec 27 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has summoned two sons of four-time Trinamool Congress MP and currently the party's Chief Whip in Lok Sabha, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, for a hearing on claims and objections to the draft voters' list, which started from Saturday. Confirming the development, Ghosh alleged that this proves the kind of farce going on in West Bengal in the name of the revision exercise. She also confirmed that both her sons received the notices for the hearing as their names were not included in the draft voters' list published on December 16. Ghosh also claimed that besides her two sons, her mother and younger sister were issued notices for being present at the hearing on claims and objections to the draft voters' list. Their names were also not included in the draft voters' list. "Both my sons are government servants. Their deceased father, Sudarshan Ghosh Dastidar, was a member of the West Bengal cabinet. I have been a Lok Sabha member for four terms since 2009. Still, they have been summoned for a hearing. So what is going on in the name of SIR is easily imaginable. It is nothing but an exercise to harass people," she said. She also claimed that her party had been claiming since the beginning that such confusions were obvious if a two-year exercise had to be completed within two months. This is not the first instance of political controversy, when the close relatives of elected representatives of the Trinamool Congress got notices for a hearing on claims and objections. On Friday, a similar incident surfaced where ECI summoned the mother, brother, and sister-in-law of Trinamool Congress legislator from the Khandaghosh Assembly constituency in East Burdwan district, Nabin Chandra Bag, for a hearing. Bag had alleged that her mother, brother, and sister-in-law had been served with notices for a hearing by the Commission, despite their names in the 2002 voters' list. 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. New Delhi, Dec 27 : As the national capital prepares for New Year celebrations, the Delhi Police have intensified security measures by carrying out an overnight crackdown under Operation Aaghat 3.0, arresting 285 people across the South-East district. The special drive, aimed at preventing crime during the festive season, led to the seizure of illegal weapons, drugs, illicit liquor, cash and stolen property. According to the Delhi police, coordinated raids were conducted at multiple vulnerable locations to identify and detain individuals suspected of criminal activities. The operation focused on curbing offences related to arms, narcotics, excise violations, gambling and property crimes, ensuring a safer environment for residents and revellers. Officials said that 285 accused were arrested under various provisions of the Arms Act, Excise Act, NDPS Act and Gambling Act. In addition, 504 people were apprehended under preventive action, while 1,306 individuals were rounded up as part of precautionary measures to deter any untoward incidents during the holiday period. As part of the operation, the police apprehended 116 'bad characters' or habitual offenders. Ten property offenders and five auto-lifters were also arrested, with a special focus on dismantling vehicle theft networks to prevent inconvenience to the public during celebrations. Significant recoveries were made during the crackdown. The police seized 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges and 27 knives from various accused. A total of 12,258 quarters of illicit liquor were recovered, along with 6.01 kg of ganja. In action against gambling activities, cash amounting to Rs 2,30,990 was seized. The drive also resulted in the recovery of stolen property, including 310 mobile phones reported as snatched, robbed or lost. Additionally, 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler were seized or recovered during the raids. Operation Aaghat 3.0 is part of an ongoing series of enforcement drives. The first phase of the operation, conducted in September, led to several arrests and the seizure of firearms and narcotics. Operation Aaghat 2.0, carried out in October, saw around 500 people apprehended in a focused crackdown against habitual offenders, bootleggers and drug peddlers. The Delhi Police stated that such coordinated and intelligence-based operations will continue in the coming days to maintain law and order and ensure heightened security across the city during the New Year and holiday season. Caracas, Dec 27 : Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has expressed willingness to hold dialogue with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, provided that the United States gives up interference in Venezuela. In a televised speech on Friday (local time), Maduro said that if the US side is willing to engage in dialogue with Venezuela on the basis of mutual respect and abandon its failed attempts to interfere in Venezuela over the past 25 years, he will welcome it and seek a path toward peace, cooperation and prosperity. The president also criticised the United States for its sustained smear campaigns against the Venezuelan government, its destabilising efforts in Venezuela, and its attempts to overthrow the leadership, reports Xinhua news agency. He called on the US media to report the real situation of Venezuela after truly understanding the country. For months, the United States has deployed large-scale air and naval forces in Caribbean waters near Venezuela under the guise of combating so-called "narco-terrorism." It has sunk about 30 so-called "drug trafficking ships" in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific, causing more than 100 deaths. Earlier this week, the White House ordered the US military to focus almost exclusively on enforcing a "quarantine" of Venezuelan oil for at least the next two months. "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," a US official said. "The efforts so far have put tremendous pressure on (Venezuelan President Nicolas) 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 US," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. Bella I, the third oil tanker pursued by US forces, has turned away from its route to Venezuela to load cargo and retreated into the Atlantic Ocean, according to US media reports. US President Donald Trump ordered a "full and total blockade" of all sanctioned tankers entering or leaving Venezuela last week, announcing Maduro's government as a US-designated foreign terrorist organisation. Venezuela has repeatedly accused Washington of seeking regime change and military expansion in Latin America, condemning the interception of oil tankers as "piracy." Asked if the goal was to force Maduro from power, Trump told reporters on Monday that it would be "smart" for Maduro to step down. "If he plays tough, it'll be the last time he's ever able to play tough," he added. The UN Security Council on Tuesday held an emergency meeting on the situation in Venezuela, at which the overwhelming majority of Security Council members called for respect for the UN Charter and restraint to avoid further escalation. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text HELSINKI, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- A commercial aircraft carrying about 150 people slid off the runway while landing at Kittila Airport in Finland's Lapland region on Saturday afternoon amid stormy weather, Finnish airport operator Finavia said. The aircraft came to a stop in deep snow, and no injuries were reported, Finavia said. The operator confirmed to local media that the flight was arriving from Geneva, Switzerland, but did not identify the airline. In a separate incident, a smaller aircraft with 10 people on board also hit a snowbank at Kittila on Saturday afternoon, with no injuries reported, according to Finnish daily Ilta-Sanomat. Finavia confirmed the incident. Finavia said recovery operations to remove the aircraft caused delays to other flights at Kittila. Stormy conditions also disrupted air traffic at Rovaniemi and Ivalo, also located in Lapland, resulting in delays and cancellations. Finavia said air traffic restrictions and disruptions had been in place at Ivalo, Kittila and Rovaniemi airports since 4 p.m. local time on Saturday due to severe weather conditions. Flight operations later resumed at Ivalo and Kittila in the evening, while air traffic at Rovaniemi remained suspended. Finavia added that conditions, wind strength and the continuation of flight operations were being continuously assessed in cooperation with air traffic control. Ivalo, Kittila and Rovaniemi are well-known winter tourist destinations and see heightened air traffic during the holiday season. The Finnish Meteorological Institute said a low-pressure system named Storm Hannes was moving south across northern Finland on Saturday, bringing strengthening north-northwesterly winds. The storm was expected to peak late Saturday evening before gradually weakening. Kolkata, Dec 27 : The West Bengal police arrested a man from Chennai on charges of duping a private hospital in Kolkata of crores of rupees through a cyber scam, officials said on Saturday. The police said that the accused, identified as Sikandar Bacha, was arrested in Chennai and brought to the Bidhannagar Police Station on transit remand. A portion of the defrauded money of Rs 30.72 lakh has also been recovered from the accused. According to the police, earlier this month, Atanu Mukherjee, vice-president of a private hospital in Baguiati in north Kolkata, received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. The sender's profile picture displayed that of the hospital's managing director, Prashant Sharma. In the message, the impostor claimed that he was no longer using his old phone number and would henceforth use the new number for all company-related communication. Believing the message to be genuine, Mukherjee responded. The following day, Mukherjee received another message from the same number, instructing him to transfer a large sum of money from the hospital's account to another bank account. Assuming it to be a direct instruction from the managing director, he complied. It was only later that he realised he had been scammed and had fallen victim to cyber fraud. Subsequently, Mukherjee lodged a complaint with the Baguiati police, following which an investigation was launched. During the probe, the police identified the bank account that was used for siphoning off the money and traced it to Tamil Nadu. A team was dispatched to track down the accused in Tamil Nadu. "The accused, Sikandar Bacha, was arrested in Chennai. He was brought to the police station on transit remand and produced in court, which remanded him to seven days of police custody. The investigation is on to ascertain whether anyone else was involved in the crime," said a senior officer of the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate. Meanwhile, the police have recovered Rs 30.72 lakh of the stolen amount so far. Efforts are underway to trace and recover the remaining amount, the police said. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Hyderabad-based drugmaker Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) on Saturday refuted claims by Australian health authorities over fake doses of its antirabies vaccine in India. Earlier this week, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation issued an alert that counterfeit batches of rabies vaccine Abhayrab have been circulating in India since November 2023. IIL has been manufacturing Abhayrab in India since 2000. In a statement, IIL "strongly refuted the over-cautionary and misplaced reference to 2023", adding that the alert "does not reflect the current situation". "IIL aims to reassure stakeholders that the company's pharmacovigilance and quality systems are robust, and that the public can continue to place confidence in vaccines supplied directly by IIL and its authorised channels," added Sunil Tiwari, Vice President and Head of Quality Management at IIL, in the statement. The company noted that since the year 2000, more than 210 million doses of Abhayrab have been supplied across India and 40 countries. The anti-rabies vaccine continues to hold a 40 per cent market share in India. People who have received the counterfeit vaccine may not be fully protected against rabies, said the Australian health authorities, while advising people vaccinated with Abhayrab from November 1, 2023, onwards to see their healthcare provider to check if replacement doses are needed. "In January 2025, IIL proactively identified a packaging anomaly in one specific batch (Batch # KA 24014). The company immediately notified Indian regulators and law enforcement agencies, lodged a formal complaint, and worked closely with authorities to ensure swift action," IIL said. Calling it an "isolated incident", the drugmaker stated that "the counterfeit batch is no longer available on the shelves". The company also reassured healthcare professionals and the public of safe vaccines. "Every batch of vaccine manufactured in India is tested and released by the Central Drugs Laboratory (Government of India) before being made available for sale or administration. Supplies made through government institutions and authorised distributors remain safe and of standard quality," IIL said. Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that affects the central nervous system. Infected dogs are responsible for transmitting the virus in the vast majority of rabies cases among humans. The disease is fatal in 100 per cent of cases, once it infects the central nervous system and clinical symptoms appear. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India records an estimated 18,00020,000 rabies deaths each year, most of them following dog bites. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday sought suggestions from partymen on a proposed agitation against the "discontinuation of MGNREGA" and directed early preparations for Assembly elections in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bengal, and other states in April-May 2026. Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC) at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi, Kharge said a nationwide movement, 'MGNREGA Action Plan', is needed to oppose the government decision to "discontinue" the rural job scheme. "This should be strongly opposed in every corner of the country. Because earlier, in January 2015, when the Modi government amended the land acquisition law to suit corporate interests, Congress members took to the streets, forcing the government to retreat," he said. He also expressed concern over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and repeated the allegation of "collusion" between the BJP and the Election Commission. "Rahulji has, on several occasions, presented evidence of 'vote chori' before the nation. The collusion between the BJP and the ECI is not hidden from the public. Therefore, we have to ensure that our voters' names are not deleted from the electoral rolls," he said. The CWC meeting was attended by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and several senior leaders. Kharge also called upon party workers and Booth Level Agents to go from door-to-door and start preparing the voter lists for states going to the polls in 2027. The Congress National President also attacked the government for misusing probe agencies to target Opposition leaders. "Over the past 11 years, the country has witnessed how institutions like the ED, IT, and CBI are being misused. The BJP and the Sangh Parivar are engaged in tarnishing the image of our leaders over the National Herald issue. We are fighting a legal battle. Rahulji always says, 'Satyameva Jayate', and we will win," he said in a message on X. Condemning the attacks on Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh, Kharge also drew attention to the alleged attempts by workers and organisations linked to the BJP and RSS to disturb communal harmony on Christmas that have globally tarnished the countryas image. Others who attended the CWC meeting included Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, senior Congress leader Harish Rawat, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, former MP Salman Khurshid, MPs Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Rajeev Shukla are among the prominent leaders present at the deliberations. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was also seen attending the meeting, despite his recent remarks that reportedly did not align well with the party's official stance. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Investors have poured over Rs 3 lakh crore into mutual fund schemes through systematic investment plans until November, for the first time in a calendar year. The data from Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) said SIP inflows in the calendar year touched Rs 3.04 trillion (lakh crore) for the first time, up from Rs 2.69 trillion in 2024. The rise in SIP inflows came as investors increasingly relied on the staggered investment route amid market volatility, which helped to offset a decline in lumpsum investments. Lumpsum investments into active equity schemes stood at Rs 3.9 trillion as of October 2025, down from Rs 5.9 trillion a year earlier, while SIP investments in active equity schemes rose 3 per cent to Rs 2.3 trillion in the same period, AMFI data showed. "SIPs have emerged as India's preferred long-term wealth-building habit, helping investors maintain discipline through market volatility while steadily deepening equity participation across market cycles," said Venkat Chalasani, chief executive, AMFI. SIPs accounted for 37 per cent of gross inflows into active equity schemes in the first 10 months of 2025, up from 27 per cent in 2024, with active equity schemes garnering around 80 per cent of total SIP flows. SIP inflows in November remained almost steady at Rs 29,445 crore, slightly lower than the Rs 29,529 crore recorded in October. Despite this minor dip, overall investor participation in mutual funds stayed strong during the month. Net equity inflows saw a healthy rise, increasing to Rs 29,894 crore in November from Rs 24,671 crore in October. The industry's total assets under management also grew, touching Rs 80.80 lakh crore compared to Rs 79.87 lakh crore in the previous month. "The month's flows underscore a constructive risk appetite, supported by deep domestic liquidity, strong and sticky retail SIP participation, and optimism about India's medium-term economic and corporate earnings outlook," market experts said. IANS aar/na Kozhikode, Dec 27 : Senior Congress leader and state unit Political Affairs Committee member N. Subramanian was taken into custody by Chevayur police on Saturday in connection with the alleged circulation of a distorted image of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, but was released after questioning. Subramanian was questioned for a while in connection with a social media post that allegedly featured an AI-generated image showing the Chief Minister alongside Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold heist case. Following the interrogation, his mobile phone was confiscated for forensic examination as part of the investigation. With news spreading that the top Congress leader was taken into custody, a huge crowd of party workers gathered at the Chevayur police station and started shouting anti-Vijayan slogans. Subramanian was subsequently served a notice under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, directing him to appear before the police whenever summoned. Police reiterated that the case remains under investigation and that further action would depend on the outcome of the digital analysis of the seized device. The case was registered after the ruling CPI-M's leaders, including state Secretary M.V. Govindan, alleged that the image shared by Subramanian was fabricated using artificial intelligence and circulated with the intent to mislead the public and provoke communal disharmony. The police booked the Congress leader under sections related to promoting enmity and public mischief, though officers maintained that he was eligible for station bail. Subramanian, who had briefly been taken to a hospital after reportedly feeling unwell while in custody, continued to deny the allegations. He maintained that the image he shared was a screenshot taken from a video released by the Chief Ministeras Office, and not an AI-generated creation, and termed the police action politically motivated. The incident has triggered sharp political reactions across Kerala. Congress leaders accused the government of selective application of the law, while CPI-M leaders defended the police action, arguing that firm measures were necessary to curb the misuse of AI-generated content capable of disturbing public order. The controversy has once again spotlighted the growing challenge posed by AI-driven misinformation in political discourse, amid increased monitoring of social media activity by law enforcement agencies. Bengaluru, Dec 27 : The suicide case of a 26-year-old newly married woman, Ganavi, known as Rashi, has taken a serious twist with her husband Suraj dying by suicide and his mother Jayanti allegedly attempting to end her life in Maharashtra, police said on Saturday. Ganavi allegedly attempted suicide and later died at a hospital in Bengaluru on Thursday, alleging harassment and rejection by her husband Suraj and his family members. Following her death, Ganavi's parents and relatives staged a protest in front of Suraj's residence in Bengaluru. They displayed posters of Suraj and her family members and raised slogans against them, demanding their arrest. According to the police, following Ganavi's death, Suraj, his mother Jayanti, and his brother Sanjay had travelled to Nagpur. On Wednesday evening, Jayanti allegedly attempted suicide at the residence of one of Suraj's relatives. While Suraj died allegedly by hanging, Jayanti is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital and is said to be in a critical condition. No death note or message was recovered from Suraj's phone. A post-mortem examination was conducted at a government hospital in Nagpur, and an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) has been registered at the Sonegoan police station in Maharashtra. Police said that after Ganavias death, Suraj and his family members allegedly faced backlash and accusations from her relatives, following which they left for Nagpur. It is being alleged that the pressure and humiliation may have driven Suraj to take the extreme step, while his mother allegedly attempted suicide. Reacting to the development, Ganavi's mother, Rukmini, alleged that Suraj died by suicide due to a sense of guilt. "They realised their mistakes. My daughter showed Suraj so much love; he couldn't have lived after her death. In this background, he had taken the extreme step," Rukmini said. "Their allegations will not stand. My daughter's character was good. They could have made allegations earlier. She was a shy person and did not even speak to boys during her college days. Let them inquire," she asked. It can be recalled that Ganavi and Suraj were married on October 29 and hosted a grand wedding reception at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru. The couple travelled to Sri Lanka for their honeymoon. However, disputes reportedly erupted between them during the trip after Suraj allegedly came to know about Ganavias pre-marital relationship with another person. The quarrel escalated, forcing the couple to cut short their honeymoon and return to Bengaluru midway on December 21. After returning, Ganavi allegedly faced rejection and humiliation from her in-laws. Following continued marital discord, Ganavias family brought her back to their home on Monday. On Tuesday afternoon, Ganavi attempted suicide and was rushed to a private hospital. Doctors later declared her brain-dead and kept her on a ventilator support. She succumbed to her injuries on Thursday night. After Ganavi's death, her family lodged a complaint at the Ramamurthy Nagar Police Station in Bengaluru, accusing Suraj and his family members of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide. A case has been registered and is under investigation. Rukmini alleged that despite being married for over a month, her daughter did not receive love from her husband and was subjected to harassment by her in-laws, including being denied proper food. She further claimed that Ganavi had pleaded with her mother-in-law not to send her back and expressed her desire to stay in the marital home if she was shown love. According to the family, Ganavi was reluctant to seek a divorce, fearing loss of family honour. Police have stated that investigations are ongoing in both Karnataka and Maharashtra. December 27 : Lucknow/Noida: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government is developing the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority area as one of the country's most ambitious multi-modal transport hubs. This integrated vision aims to position Uttar Pradesh as a nationally and globally competitive destination for investment, industry, logistics and employment generation. At the core of this comprehensive plan is the Noida International Airport at Jewar, which upon completion is expected to emerge as North India's largest aviation and logistics gateway. The Chief Executive Officer of Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority, Shailendra Kumar Bhatia stated , the Yogi government's priority is to ensure seamless connectivity through five modes, including air, road, rail, RRTS and expressways. As part of this strategy, the eight-lane access-controlled Yamuna Expressway has been directly connected to the airport, enabling faster and more efficient travel to Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh. Through the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, direct connectivity will be available to Haryana and Uttarakhand, while the DelhiMumbai Expressway, via the Ballabhgarh interchange, will link the Jewar Airport with the country's largest industrial and commercial corridor. This extensive road network is expected to significantly benefit logistics, trade and industrial movement across regions. To strengthen the logistics ecosystem, the Yogi government has planned the development of North and East Dedicated Access Roads specifically for air cargo operations. These corridors will allow heavy freight vehicles to reach the airport directly without entering urban areas, ensuring smooth, safe and time-efficient cargo movement. In addition, preparations are underway to connect the Ganga Expressway and NH-34 with YEIDA sectors and the Yamuna Expressway. This initiative will further improve connectivity across eastern, central and western Uttar Pradesh, making the region more accessible for industrial and commercial activities. The proposed RRTS network will connect Delhi and the National Capital Region with YEIDA sectors and the Noida International Airport, marking a major step towards modern urban transportation. Simultaneously, rail connectivity is being developed for industrial units and the airport, including direct links to the DelhiHowrah and DelhiMumbai rail corridors. This enhanced rail infrastructure is expected to reduce transportation costs and provide a strong boost to exports. Alongside infrastructure development, the impact of the Yogi government's industry-friendly policies is evident in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Area and EMC Park, where large-scale investments are underway. In the electronics and semiconductor sector, the HCLFoxconn group, through Vama Sundari Investments, is establishing a semiconductor testing facility. Major anchor investments by Havells India, Dixon Technologies, Aditech Semiconductors and Ascent Circuits are transforming the region into a high-tech manufacturing hub with strong global linkages. The automobile and electric mobility sector is also gaining momentum, with investments from companies such as Escorts Kubota, Minda Corporation and Ninjas Electric. These projects are generating significant employment opportunities while strengthening Uttar Pradesh's industrial base. Renewable energy and green manufacturing are receiving a major push in the region, with the presence of SAEL Solar, Amber Enterprises and the Electric Vehicle Manufacturers Welfare Trust. These initiatives are positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leading state in clean energy and sustainable industrial development. Projects by Pine Valley Venture and Deki Electronics are further strengthening the textile and electronic components sectors. The government believes that strong connectivity, modern logistics infrastructure and an industry-friendly environment will create employment opportunities for lakhs of youth in the YEIDA region. Overall, this comprehensive vision under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership is expected to play a decisive role in advancing Uttar Pradesh towards the goal of becoming a one trillion dollar economy, while firmly establishing YEIDA as north India's largest industrial, logistics and investment hub. Bengaluru, Dec 27 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Saturday asked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan not to interfere in his state's affairs, hitting out at the latter for his bulldozer model remark. CM Vijayan had reportedly said, "The Karnataka government is using a 'bulldozer model' on the lines of Uttar Pradesh to evict Muslims in Bengaluru." Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, said, "Without knowing the facts, Mr Pinarayi should not interfere in our state's affairs. These are political gimmicks ahead of elections. Those evicted with valid documents and those belonging to Karnataka will certainly be helped." "At that location, huts had come up overnight. After discussions with local representatives and officers, an order was issued to vacate the land, and the area has now been cleared. We are doing this work without troubling anyone. Those who are eligible will be rehabilitated. The slum had come up at the quarry site notified 10 years ago for garbage dumping," he claimed Calling the Kerala CM's remarks unfortunate, Shivakumar said senior leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan should first understand the facts in Bengaluru. "Some people have encroached on a quarry pit that is being used as a solid waste dumping site. It is a dangerous area with serious health hazards, and they attempted to occupy it illegally," he said. "We know Bengaluru well and do not want land mafia to create slums. We are protecting government land," Shivakumar underlined. The eligible were being provided houses under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme, he claimed. Claiming that the state government did not use bulldozers at all, Shivakumar said, "We only vacated a public place in the heart of the city. It is a site earmarked for garbage dumping, and we cannot allow encroachment there." He alleged that the protests at the site were politically motivated. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Bhopal, Dec 27 : In a swift turn of events highlighting ongoing internal discord within the Madhya Pradesh Congress unit, senior leader and former minister Mukesh Nayak tendered his resignation as Chairman of the party's Media Department on Saturday, only for it to be promptly rejected by the state unit. Nayak, a veteran Congressman and former minister in Digvijay Singh-led previous Congress government, submitted his resignation letter to state president Jitu Patwari, citing a voluntary decision to make way for newer faces. In his letter, he referenced a recent administrative committee meeting where he had advocated for senior members to step aside. "I voluntarily resign from my post," Nayak wrote. "It has been a good experience working with a very hardworking, honest, and capable chairman for two years. My best wishes..." The resignation quickly became fodder for political rivals. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seized the opportunity to attack the Congress, portraying it as evidence of deep-seated infighting and neglect of senior leaders. BJP spokesperson highlighted a "tradition in the Congress of humiliating and sidelining dedicated workers," adding that "there is only room for sycophants" while genuine leaders like Nayak are forced out. Madhya Pradesh BJP Media In-charge Ashish Agarwal amplified the criticism on X, congratulating Nayak sarcastically on completing his "challenging" two-year tenure. He questioned who in Congress appreciates balanced and creative efforts amid prevailing "factionalism, favouritism, and dynastic politics." Agarwal argued that Nayak's exit exposes the party's "lack of leadership, coordination, and trust crisis," contrasting it with the BJP's "stable leadership and organisational discipline." However, the episode took a dramatic twist within hours. The Madhya Pradesh Congress rejected Nayak's resignation outright. In an official order issued by Organisational General Secretary Sanjay Kamle, as per Patwari's instructions, Nayak was directed to continue discharging his duties "actively" as Media Department Chairman for the "strengthening of the organisation." The party also shared the development on X, signalling an effort to contain the fallout. Political observers see this as a reflection of persistent factional struggles within the MP Congress, which has struggled to regain ground after successive electoral defeats. While Nayak's continuation averts an immediate crisis, the public airing of grievances underscores challenges in unity ahead of future polls. The BJP, meanwhile, continues to exploit such incidents to project the opposition as disorganised. Srinagar, Dec 27 : Three overground workers (OGWs) of terrorists have been detained in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, police said on Saturday. "As part of its sustained efforts to maintain peace and security, Shopian police has detained three overground workers (OGWs) under the provisions of the Public Safety Act (PSA)," a police statement said. The detained individuals have been identified as Owais Ahmad Lone of Sedow, Mashooq Ahmad Shah of Shahlatoo, and Subzar Ahmad Gani of Check Choland, all residents of Shopian, it added. "The detenues were found repeatedly involved in activities prejudicial to the security of the state. Despite preventive actions and proceedings initiated against them under Sections 170/126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), they continued to indulge in unlawful activities, thereby posing a serious threat to peace and security in the district. Considering their continued involvement in such activities, detention orders were obtained from the District Magistrate, Shopian, after completion of all legal formalities," the statement said, adding that, subsequently, the detenues were taken into custody and lodged at Central Jail Kot Bhalwal, Jammu. Shopian police reiterates its commitment to safeguarding peace and security and will continue to take firm action against elements inimical to the security of the state strictly in accordance with law, the statement added. J&K Police and the security forces have been carrying out aggressive operations against terrorists, their OGWs, sympathisers, drug smugglers and those involved in hawala money rackets and other unlawful activities. These coordinated effects are undertaken to dismantle the complete support system of terrorism. In addition, police also attach the properties of people involved in terrorism, drug smuggling, etc., after obtaining court orders. Such properties are created by the involved persons through terrorist activities and other unlawful activities. WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "doesn't have anything until I approve it," U.S. President Donald Trump said in an exclusive interview with Politico on Friday, two days ahead of his meeting with Zelensky in Florida over a peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict lasting nearly four years. The two leaders are expected to discuss the framework of a new 20-point peace plan including a proposed demilitarized zone, the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, territorial control of Donbas, and U.S. security guarantees after the conflict comes to an end. Zelensky's offer of a demilitarized zone came with a key condition: Russia would have to withdraw its forces from a corresponding stretch of land in Donetsk, according to the Politico report. "So we'll see what he (Zelensky)'s got," said Trump. "I think it's going to go good with him. I think it's going to go good with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin." Trump said he also expects to speak with Putin "soon, as much as I want." Such remarks "underscore the degree to which Ukraine's fate rests on convincing Trump that it is conceding enough to satisfy a president who, at times, has appeared inclined to lean toward Russia if it means an end to the war," Politico commented. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday he is willing to bring a peace plan to end the Ukraine crisis for a referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire of at least 60 days, according to U.S. media outlet Axios. In a phone interview with Axios on Friday, Zelensky said he would still like to negotiate a better position on territory. But if the plan demands "a very difficult" decision on that issue, he believes the best path forward will be to put the entire 20-point plan to a referendum. Also on Friday, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the 20-point plan published by Ukraine and agreed with the United States "differs radically" from the agreements reached between Washington and Moscow. "We know that this plan radically -- if it can be called a plan at all -- differs from the 27 points which in recent weeks, starting from early December, we have been working through with the American side," Ryabkov quoted by Russian news agency Interfax as saying. December 27 : Sambhal: The impact of the Yogi Adityanath government's policy of quality education, STEM-based innovation, and a vision of equal opportunity is now clearly visible on the national stage. Children studying in government schools of Sambhal, coming from a Parishadiya background, have achieved a milestone that was earlier considered limited to students of large and prestigious educational institutions. These students participated in Techfest 2025 at IIT Bombay and presented a powerful example of technical excellence. Trained by the Seva Nyay Utthan Foundation, students from Sambhal district showcased their capabilities at Techfest 2025, one of Asia's most prestigious science and technology festivals. They participated in complex robotics competitions such as CosmoClench and Mesmerize. Students from classes 4 to 9 directly challenged more than 250 teams of BTech students from across the country. Impressed by their technical skills and innovative abilities, IIT Bombay specially commended these students for technical excellence and honored them with certificates of excellence. This achievement has proved that students from Parishadiya Vidyalaya are equally capable of demonstrating their talent on high-level technical platforms. Despite limited resources, these children displayed remarkable proficiency in complex fields like robotics and put up strong competition before students with engineering backgrounds. The success clearly reflects the role of educational reforms under the Yogi Adityanath government. Special focus on STEM education, equality of opportunities, and administrative support at the grassroots level enabled these students to reach the national platform. Under the guidance of District Magistrate Dr Rajendra Painsiya, 11 selected meritorious students, including girls, divyang students, and those from economically weaker sections, traveled to Mumbai along with their teachers. Basic Education Officer Alka Sharma stated, these students had earlier also been honored at IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur. Now, by receiving recognition in two robotics competitions at IIT Bombay, Sambhal has added a new chapter in the fields of education and technological innovation. This achievement demonstrates that under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, the state's education policy is successfully providing national recognition to rural talent. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Congress Rajya Sabha member and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh on Saturday shared a 1996 photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with L.K. Advani and praised the BJP and the RSS for promoting ground workers - alluding to PM Modi - to posts like Chief Minister and Prime Minister. New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) Congress Rajya Sabha member and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh on Saturday shared a 1996 photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with L.K. Advani and praised the BJP and the RSS for promoting ground workers a" alluding to PM Modi a" to posts like Chief Minister and Prime Minister. "I found this picture on the Quora site. It is very impactful. In the way the grassroots swayamsevaks (workers) of RSS and the workers of Jan Sangh @BJP4India sit on the floor at the feet of leaders and become the Chief Minister of the state and the Prime Minister of the country. This is the power of the organization. Jai Siya Ram," Singh said on X. The post, which spread like wildfire in political circles, coincided with the Congress Working Committee meeting in Delhi, raising doubts if the senior Congress leader intended to send a message to his own party leaders. The picture shared by Digvijaya Singh and the accompanying message were also tagged to the party's National President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The photo, shared by Digvijaya Singh, documents the rise of PM Modi in Gujarat's politics. It was reportedly clicked during the swearing-in ceremony of former Gujarat chief minister Shankersinh Vaghela in 1996, attended by top BJP leaders of that time. The photo showed BJP veteran Advani, seated in a chair, attending the swearing-in ceremony, and PM Modi (then an organisational leader) sitting on the floor, near Advani. On December 19, Digvijaya Singh made another controversial comment addressed to LoP Rahul Gandhi, calling for reforms in the party. Suggesting a more pragmatic decentralised functioning of the party, Digvijaya Singh ended the post by saying, "Only problem is that it is not easy to 'convince' you!!" BJP Spokesperson C. R. Kesavan, in a social media message on Saturday, demanded answers from Rahul Gandhi on Digvijaya Singh's two posts on X. "Will Rahul Gandhi show courage & react to the shocking Truth Bomb dropped by Shri. Digvijaya Singh's tweet, which has totally exposed how Congress first family ruthlessly runs the party in a dictatorial manner and also how autocratic & undemocratic this Congress leadership is?" said Kesavan. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar on Saturday strongly condemned the reported atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, saying the situation for minorities in the neighbouring country is deeply alarming and requires urgent global attention. Reacting to India's condemnation of the incidents, Kumar said that violence rooted in religious intolerance undermines democracy and social harmony. "The incidents occurring in Bangladesh are deeply tragic," Neeraj Kumar said. "Wherever there is a state based on religion, democracy is strangled, and disputes arise between the majority and minority communities. Today, the situation in Bangladesh is such that minorities do not feel safe, and there are continuous instances of mob violence. Therefore, we appeal to all peace-loving nations around the world. India is taking the initiative, and the protection of minorities in Bangladesh must be ensured. No one should face discrimination on the basis of religion." His remarks come amid growing concern over a series of attacks on members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, which have triggered protests and strong reactions across India. Several political leaders and organisations have expressed anguish over what they describe as a deteriorating security situation for minorities in the neighbouring country. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh also echoed similar concerns, alleging that violence against Hindus has been a long-standing issue. "Atrocities against Hindus have been occurring in Bangladesh ever since the country's partition. Even in West Bengal, Hindus face similar attacks by the same groups, while the state government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remain silent," Ghosh said. The latest outrage follows the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, which sparked nationwide protests. In another incident, a Hindu man, who was allegedly assaulted by a mob in Bangladesh's Rajbari district on December 24, later succumbed to his injuries. The victim has been identified as Amrit Mandal alias Samrat. Earlier this week, demonstrations erupted across several parts of India over the killing of Das and allegations of continued atrocities against minorities under the Muhammad Yunus-led administration in Bangladesh. Protestors accused authorities in the neighbouring country of failing to ensure the safety of minority communities. From Delhi to Kolkata, Bhopal and Hyderabad, various Hindu organisations and civil society groups staged demonstrations, demanding international intervention and stronger diplomatic pressure to safeguard minorities in Bangladesh. Protesters described the incidents as targeted attacks and urged the Indian government to continue raising the issue at global forums. Chennai, Dec 27 : Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare Minister Ma Subramanian on Saturday inspected the 'Stalin for Health' medical camp organised at the Government Higher Secondary School campus in Kannagi Nagar, under the Greater Chennai Corporation's Sholinganallur zone. Chennai, Dec 27 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare Minister Ma Subramanian on Saturday inspected the 'Stalin for Health' medical camp organised at the Government Higher Secondary School campus in Kannagi Nagar, under the Greater Chennai Corporationas Sholinganallur zone. The camp forms part of the State government's flagship public healthcare initiative aimed at providing comprehensive medical services at the grassroots level. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the facilities, the minister said the programme, launched by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on August 2, has emerged as one of the most extensive community healthcare initiatives in the country. Under the scheme, 1,256 medical camps are being conducted across Tamil Nadu - three camps in every block, four in each of the five municipalities with populations exceeding 10 lakh, and three camps each in 19 municipalities with populations below 10 lakh. "These camps are not just routine medical check-ups. They provide complete health assessments and immediate follow-up services, ensuring that people receive quality care close to their homes," the minister said. As of Saturday, the programme has completed its 26th week, with camps held across 44 locations in 31 districts in a single day. So far, over 800 camps have been organised statewide, benefitting a total of 12,34,908 people. On Saturday alone, nearly 9,951 people availed medical services at various camps. The initiative also plays a key role in linking beneficiaries to government welfare schemes. Beneficiaries are issued health insurance cards on the spot, enabling them to access cashless treatment. So far, 37,445 people have received insurance benefits through the camps. A major highlight of the programme is the issuance of disability identity cards. Earlier, persons with disabilities had to visit district collectorates to obtain certification. Under the current initiative, certificates are issued directly at the camps. So far, 46,657 persons with disabilities have benefited from this facility. The minister noted that the programme has already been completed in seven districts, Mayiladuthurai, Nilgiris, Perambalur, Kancheepuram, Tirupattur, Nagapattinam and one more, and will soon cover the remaining districts. The camps offer services across 17 medical specialities, including general medicine, paediatrics, cardiology, orthopaedics, neurology, dermatology, obstetrics and gynaecology, ophthalmology, ENT, physiotherapy, dentistry, mental health, pulmonology, diabetology, radiology, general surgery, Siddha and Indian systems of medicine. "The overwhelming response shows that the programme has become a model of people-centric governance," the minister said. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again found himself at the centre of a political storm after making a statement on India's foreign policy, asserting that the defeat of a Prime Minister is equivalent to the defeat of India. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) welcomed Tharoor's remarks, the statement has once again drawn criticism from within his own party, the Congress. The BJP and the JD-U backed Tharoor's comments, emphasising the need for national unity on the global stage, while also criticising the Opposition for targeting the country's leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at international platforms. Speaking to a leading media outlet on Friday, Congress MP Tharoor said that foreign policy does not belong to the BJP or the Congress, but to India as a nation. "If someone in politics rejoices at the defeat of a Prime Minister, they are celebrating the defeat of India," Tharoor said. Recalling the words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, he added, "If India dies, who will live?" Reacting to Tharoor's remarks, Maharashtra BJP MLA Ram Kadam described the statement as candid and factual. "Shashi Tharoor's statement is a truthful and straightforward remark that the Prime Minister is not the leader of any single party, but the Prime Minister of the entire country. Unfortunately, the way some leaders, particularly Rahul Gandhi, make comments, criticisms, or sarcastic remarks is regrettable. These remarks, under the guise of commentary, are diminishing the essence and dignity of our India," Kadam told IANS. "Rahul Gandhi should at least listen to his party's leader, Shashi Tharoor, and understand this concept," he added. JD-U spokesperson Neeraj Kumar, speaking to IANS, said that India has traditionally maintained bipartisan unity on issues of foreign policy and national security. "India has traditionally maintained unity on foreign policy, national security, and terrorism, avoiding public disputes between the government and the Opposition. However, internal matters are now being discussed abroad," Kumar said. Maharashtra BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay also came out in support of Tharoor, telling IANS: "People from the INDI Alliance, especially Congress leaders, repeatedly insult the Prime Minister and wish for his defeat. I support Shashi Tharoor's statement on this. Politics may be local, but on the global stage, we are all Indians, and we must stand and fight for India's honour. Shashi Tharoor has done exactly that." Meanwhile, the Congress leadership and its functionaries mounted a sharp attack on Tharoor, accusing him of remaining silent when the BJP criticises former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and levels allegations against the party, while urging the Thiruvananthapuram MP not to become a "slave" to Prime Minister Modi. Former Congress Rajya Sabha member V. Hanumantha Rao said Tharoor should also speak up for former Prime Ministers. "Shashi Tharoor should also speak about the former Prime Ministers. There were Prime Ministers who went to jail in the name of serving the nation, and yet are being insulted. Why doesn't he speak about that? Those leaders were also Prime Ministers," Rao said. "He does not say anything when these people insult (B.R.) Ambedkar or Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Shashi Tharoor keeps mum when this happens," he added. Congress' Odisha unit President Bhakta Charan Das also criticised Tharoor, despite acknowledging his intellect. Speaking to IANS, Das said: "Shashi Tharoor is wrong, and Shashi Tharoor is acting as a sycophant. I will speak about Shashi Tharoor because I respect his intellect. We also took his political ambition democratically when he contested elections against our Congress President, (Mallikarjuna) Kharge." "This statement he made is his opinion, but has he ever understood what the country is actually suffering from? I request Shashi Tharoor to avoid making such statements against Congress and not become PM Modi's slave," Das added. Pahalgam : , Dec 27 (IANS) Undeterred by the recent barbaric terror attack, tourists kept their tryst with J&K's picturesque Pahalgam town, with visitors continuously seen arriving on Saturday to celebrate the coming New Year. As the year draws to a close, tourists seeking respite from busy city life have once again begun thronging the popular hill destination. The renewed footfall comes months after the April 22 attack, in which 26 tourists were killed, severely impacting tourism across the region. Several visitors expressed excitement and relief over improved security arrangements. Speaking to IANS, a tourist from Haryana's Hisar said: "I have come here with my husband, and this is my first visit to Kashmir. It is truly beautiful. The security arrangements are very good, and we feel safe celebrating the New Year here." Another tourist from Haryana shared similar sentiments, saying: "I came here to welcome the New Year and will take back wonderful memories. Everything herea"the weather, environment and overall experiencea"is excellent." A group of college students also visited the area to celebrate the occasion. "Things are much better now. I visited Srinagar earlier and am currently in Pahalgam. Although there is no snowfall yet, we are hopeful it will happen in the next two or three days. There are 16 of us, and the local people have been very cooperative. We have not faced any problems so far," one of the students said. Following the April 22 terror attack, authorities had shut down several tourist resorts and destinations in and around Pahalgam due to security concerns. The incident led to widespread panic, prompting thousands of tourists to leave Kashmir and resulting in mass cancellations during the peak summer season. The tourism sector, a key pillar of the local economy, suffered heavily. Hotels, restaurants, taxi operators and handicraft sellers reported severe losses, with many businesses forced to temporarily shut down. The sudden halt in tourist activity also led to job losses and financial hardship for thousands of families dependent on tourism. In response, both the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Central government initiated measures to revive tourism. These included reopening tourist spots in a phased manner, enhancing security, and launching initiatives to rebuild tourist confidence. The current influx of visitors ahead of the New Year celebrations is being seen as a positive sign for the gradual revival of tourism in Pahalgam and the wider Kashmir Valley. December 27 : Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of the preparations for Magh Mela 2026, scheduled to be held in Prayagraj at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati. During the review meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized that Magh Mela is not merely a religious gathering, but a living expression of Indias Sanatan tradition, social discipline and administrative excellence. He said, Ensuring a safe, clean and well-managed environment for devotees arriving from across the country and abroad remains the governments foremost priority. The Chief Minister stated that the traditions of Kalpavas, ritual bathing and spiritual practices at the Sangam form the core of Indias cultural consciousness. He noted that 15 to 25 lakh devotees are expected to observe Kalpavas this year alone. Following the successful organization of the Mahakumbh, there is widespread enthusiasm for Magh Mela 2026 both in India and internationally. He said the fair conveys values of restraint, harmony and service to society, and directed officials to preserve its spiritual sanctity while ensuring that devotees face no inconvenience at any level. He further instructed the Home Department to ensure that no VIP protocol is implemented during major bathing festivals and to issue the necessary guidelines in this regard. The Chief Minister also directed that Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of all concerned departments, along with the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), must personally visit the fair site to review preparations, and that all arrangements be completed by December 31. During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner of Prayagraj informed that Magh Mela 2026 will be held from January 3 to February 15, 2026, spanning a total of 44 days. Major bathing occasions including Paush Purnima, Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Maghi Purnima and Mahashivratri, will be observed during this period. An estimated 12 to 15 crore devotees are expected to visit the Mela, with the possibility of more than 3.5 crore pilgrims taking a holy dip at the Sangam on peak days such as Mauni Amavasya. Accordingly, extensive arrangements are being put in place. It was further informed that the Mela area has been expanded to around 800 hectares, with the number of sectors increased from five to seven. The total length of bathing ghats has been enhanced by nearly 50 percent compared to the previous Magh Mela. A comprehensive action plan covering 42 parking facilities, nine pontoon bridges, an upgraded internal road network and streamlined traffic management for the convenience of devotees is in its final stages. Reviewing security and crowd management arrangements, the Chief Minister emphasized the extensive use of modern technology and directed officials to formulate a strong, multi-layered action plan for traffic and crowd regulation. He instructed that strict action be taken against rumor-mongers. The Police Commissioner of the Prayagraj Commissionerate informed that adequate police personnel are being deployed throughout the Mela period. Around 450 CCTV cameras are being installed, of which 250 have already been commissioned. Teams of the SDRF and NDRF will also be deployed. An AI-enabled surveillance and crowd management system is being implemented across the fair area. The Chief Minister directed that police personnel be provided proper training to ensure courteous conduct and a devotee-centric approach. He also instructed that the services of NSS volunteers and NCC cadets be integrated into the arrangements. Additionally, he stressed the importance of coordination with boatmen and regulation of charges for food and other services to prevent overcharging. Emphasizing innovation, the Chief Minister said, Magh Mela 2026 must set new benchmarks in facilities and technology. The meeting was informed that several modern initiatives are being introduced for the convenience of devotees, including app-based bike taxi services, extensive directional signage, QR codebased identification on electric poles, ring main units to ensure uninterrupted power supply, geo-tube technology to prevent riverbank erosion, and prefabricated sewage treatment plants. He directed that these innovations should be clearly visible and effectively implemented on the ground. The Chief Minister reiterated the ban on single-use plastics and said that the Magh Mela should emerge as a model of cleanliness. Officials informed the meeting that 16,650 toilets are being set up across the fair area, with adequate and separate facilities for women. Around 3,300 sanitation workers will be deployed on a 247 basis. Supporting arrangements such as sanitation colonies, Anganwadi centres for children and primary schools have also been ensured for them. The Chief Minister directed that the honorarium of sanitation workers engaged in the fair be paid within 15 days under all circumstances. The Chief Minister instructed the Urban Development Department to implement a zero liquid discharge system in the fair area to preserve the purity of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Regarding health services, it was informed that two hospitals with 20 beds each, 12 first-aid centres, 50 ambulances, along with Ayurvedic and homeopathic medical units, are being established within the Mela area to provide prompt medical assistance in emergencies. On river and flood management, the meeting was informed that river training works, temporary embankments, jetty construction, drain cleaning and continuous water-level monitoring are underway. Jetty construction has reached approximately 85 percent completion. The Chief Minister directed that regular river patrols be ensured, effective mock drills be conducted prior to the Mela, and the availability of modern fire-fighting equipment be ensured. This year, the Tourism and Culture Department will organize folk dances, folk theatre, bhajans and kirtans, Ramlila performances, and exhibitions highlighting the rich art and cultural heritage of the state during the Magh Mela. An exhibition showcasing public records related to administrative arrangements of Magh Mela events from the 19th and early 20th centuries, along with rare manuscripts associated with Sanatan tradition and spirituality, will also be organized. Concluding the review, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed all departments to complete their responsibilities in a time-bound manner with close inter-departmental coordination. He said that Magh Mela 2026 should reflect a harmonious blend of faith, security, cleanliness, innovation and sensitive administration. Jaipur, Dec 27 : Emphasising the need for stress-free education, Rajasthan Education and Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar called upon schools to become centres of joyful learning. Addressing the inaugural session of a state-level consultation meeting on Mental Health and well-being, Minister Dilawar said that to make education stress-free, it is essential to move beyond the race for grades and marks and focus instead on the joy of learning. The meeting was organised by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Shekhawati University, Sikar. He highlighted the Manodarpan initiative of the Union Government as a significant step in this direction, providing crucial emotional support to students during difficult times. He added that education is not merely a means to complete the syllabus, but also serves as the first line of defence in safeguarding students' mental health. The Minister stressed that teachers must be attentive to subtle changes in students' behaviour. If a student suddenly becomes irritable, he should be listened to with empathy. He noted that only a mentally healthy teacher can create a healthy classroom environment, and therefore, teachers must also take care of their own mental well-being. He urged all stakeholders to work together to build an educational environment where children grow not only into successful doctors or engineers, but also into mentally healthy, value-driven individuals. Minister Dilawar stated that building a prosperous nation is possible only when its citizens are mentally strong and happy. He expressed hope that this consultation would prove to be significant in strengthening initiatives related to children's mental health and well-being in the state. The meeting was attended by NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Prof. Vinod Kumar Sanwal from the Manodarpan Cell, NCERT Delhi, Sitaram Jat, Director of the Rajasthan Education Department, and D. P. Singh, Coordinator from Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Shekhawati University, Bikaner. A total of 210 participants are attending the two-day meeting in Sikar. Of these, 50 per cent are secondary and senior secondary school teachers, 25 per cent are school counsellors/special educators, and 25 per cent are educational and administrative officers. The objective of the programme is to enhance mental health awareness among teachers and stakeholders, equip participants with skills for identifying mental health issues and early intervention, familiarise them with national initiatives such as the Manodarpan Tele-Helpline and Tele-MANAS, promote the exchange of best practices, and develop master trainers in the field. Mumbai, Dec 27 : The teaser of the upcoming combat film 'Battle of Galwan' was unveiled on Saturday on the occasion of Salman Khan's birthday. The teaser stands as a tribute to India's frontline soldiers and their indomitable spirit. Mumbai, Dec 27 (IANS) The teaser of the upcoming combat film aBattle of Galwana was unveiled on Saturday on the occasion of Salman Khanas birthday. The teaser stands as a tribute to Indiaas frontline soldiers and their indomitable spirit. In the teaser Salman Khan appears in one of his most commanding avatars, as he embodies an Indian Army officer with restrained ferocity and quiet authority. In the teaser, he can be seen in a weathered look, controlled aggression, and piercing silence speak louder than words, especially in the final moments where his unflinching gaze locks directly with the viewer, leaving a lasting impact. The teaser hits hard with its gritty, raw visuals, capturing the unforgiving terrain and brutal realities of high-altitude combat. The film also stars Chitrangada Singh and is produced by Salma Khan under the banner of Salman Khan Films. The film is based on the Galwan stand-off between India and its expansionist neighbour, China on June 15, 2020 during the thick of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in India. The Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Galwan Valley, eastern Ladakh. It was part of a larger border standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The clash turned violent when both sides attempted to patrol disputed areas, leading to hand-to-hand combat. The fighting resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, while China also suffered casualties. This was the deadliest Indiaa"China face-off in over four decades, escalating tensions and prompting both nations to increase troop deployments and engage in diplomatic talks to avoid further conflict. Currently, India and China have mended their relationship, and have opened multiple channels as a part of diplomacy as India struggles against the tariff imposed by the USA, the arch-rival of China in the west. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film is set to release on April 17, 2026. Navi Mumbai, Dec 27 : In a shocking and disturbing incident from Navi Mumbai, a woman allegedly murdered her six-year-old daughter because the child could not speak Marathi, sending shockwaves across the city. The police have arrested the mother in connection with the case after attempts were made to pass off the child's death as a heart attack. The incident came to light after the police grew suspicious of the circumstances surrounding the child's death and ordered a post-mortem examination, which revealed that the girl had died due to asphyxiation. Following intensive questioning, the truth behind the incident was uncovered. The heart-wrenching crime was reported from the Kalamboli suburb of Navi Mumbai. In Gurusankalp Housing Society in Sector-1, Kalamboli, the 30-year-old woman allegedly strangled her own six-year-old daughter to death. The Kalamboli police have arrested the woman and initiated further investigation into the matter. According to information provided by the police, the family consisted of an IT engineer husband and his wife, who holds a B.Sc. degree. The couple got married in 2017 and welcomed their daughter in 2019. However, from a very young age, the child reportedly had difficulty speaking and mostly communicated in Hindi instead of Marathi. This reportedly became a recurring source of anger for the mother. During the investigation, it emerged that she often expressed resentment about the child's speech, repeatedly telling her husband, "I don't want such a child; she doesn't speak properly." The husband, police said, had tried to reason with her on several occasions. On the night of December 23, the woman allegedly decided to kill the child. Coincidentally, the grandmother had visited the house that day, but could not meet the girl. Later, when the husband returned home and found the child unresponsive, the family rushed her to the hospital. At the hospital, an initial claim was made that the child had suffered a heart attack. However, Senior Police Inspector Rajendra Kote of Kalamboli Police Station found the circumstances surrounding the death suspicious and ordered a post-mortem examination. The preliminary medical report indicated obstruction of the airway, pointing towards asphyxiation. Following this revelation, the police subjected the parents to sustained questioning. After nearly six hours of interrogation, the mother allegedly confessed to strangling her daughter. She has since been arrested in connection with the crime. It has also come to light during the investigation that the woman was undergoing treatment with a psychiatrist. The police are continuing their probe to ascertain all aspects related to the case and the mental condition of the accused. WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "doesn't have anything until I approve it," U.S. President Donald Trump said in an exclusive interview with Politico on Friday, two days ahead of his meeting with Zelensky in Florida over a peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict lasting nearly four years. The two leaders are expected to discuss the framework of a new 20-point peace plan including a proposed demilitarized zone, the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, territorial control of Donbas, and U.S. security guarantees after the conflict comes to an end. Chennai, Dec 27 : Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) functionary Ajitha Agnel was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on Saturday after her health condition deteriorated following an alleged suicide attempt earlier this week, sources said. Ajitha, a key party worker from Thoothukudi, was admitted to a private hospital after reportedly consuming around 15 sleeping pills at her residence on Friday. According to sources, she had been under severe emotional distress after being overlooked for the post of Thoothukudi Central district secretary in the newly announced party structure. She was reportedly upset over the appointment of Samuel Raj to the post, a decision announced by TVK chief Vijay on December 23. Ajitha had openly expressed her displeasure, claiming she had been actively working for the party since its inception, and questioned the credentials of the newly appointed office-bearer. Following the announcement, Ajitha and a group of her supporters staged a protest at the TVK headquarters in Panaiyur, briefly stopping Vijayas vehicle and later sitting in dharna outside the party office. The protest drew attention within political circles, highlighting signs of discontent among certain grassroots functionaries of the party. Family members said Ajitha consumed sleeping pills at her residence in Thoothukudi after the incident and was rushed to a private hospital, where her condition initially stabilised. However, her health deteriorated on Saturday, necessitating her transfer to the ICU. Hospital sources said she remains under close medical observation. The incident comes at a sensitive time for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, a relatively new political outfit launched by actor-turned-politician Vijay earlier this year. The party, which aims to emerge as a major political force ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, has been focusing on building a strong organisational structure across districts. TVKas formation had generated considerable public interest, particularly following Vijayas political messaging and his promise to offer a corruption-free alternative to existing parties. However, internal disagreements such as the present episode have raised questions about organisational cohesion as the party prepares for an expanded political role. The incident has also revived memories of the stampede during a TVK event in Karur on September 27 this year, which resulted in the death of 41 people and injuries to many others, bringing the party under public scrutiny over crowd management and internal coordination. As Ajitha continues to undergo treatment, the episode has sparked wider discussion within political circles on internal democracy, cadre management, and the pressures faced by grassroots workers in rapidly expanding political movements. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Framing the MGNREGA changes as an ideological battle over equity, federalism, and Gandhian values, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday announced a nationwide movement to resist the changes. Kharge set the tone for the agitation by questioning the government's priorities: "Why has the Central government destroyed a scheme like MGNREGS? You have endless money for the rich - who loot banks through massive loans - but no courage to give even 30 per cent to labourers? This shows they stand only with the rich, never with the poor." He accused the BJP of ideological bias, saying, "Those who side with the rich will never support the poor. That's why we are fighting for the rights of the impoverished, and we will keep fighting." Kharge also condemned the reported removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the scheme as a profound insult. "Sonia Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh transformed it into a rights-based law. Now, they are merely changing the name - but it's not just about the name. They cannot even tolerate Mahatma Gandhi's name because his full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. This is an attack on Gandhi ji himself, on the Father of the Nation." Declaring unanimous support from the Congress Working Committee, Kharge pledged a vigorous nationwide agitation. Rahul Gandhi built on this, describing MGNREGA as far more than a mere employment programme. "It is a revolutionary rights-based framework and development model that has earned global acclaim," he said. Recounting Kharge's travels, Gandhi noted, "Kharge ji visited 16 countries, and every one praised the Congress government for pioneering this entirely new concept of development intertwined with rights." He charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi with single-handedly destroying this legacy "without consulting his cabinet or studying the issue"a"likening it to "demonetisation". Gandhi called the alterations a "multi-pronged assault" on states by "stripping their funds and decision-making authority"; on rural infrastructure built through MGNREGA works; and on Indian labour by removing the "guaranteed wage floor". "This is a devastating blow to India's states and its poor," Gandhi asserted. "It will inflict immense suffering on the most vulnerablea"Adivasis, Dalits, OBCs, poor general category families, and minorities - while fully benefiting select industrialists. The intent is clear: snatch money from the poor and hand it to the preferred rich, Rahul Gandhi alleged. Highlighting MNREGA's role in empowering local democracy, Gandhi added that the scheme injected funds directly into panchayats, fostering grassroots political action and decentralised governance. "This is nothing less than an attack on our democratic structure, the third tier of government, and the foundational architecture of India." Echoing Kharge's resolve, Gandhi declared, "We will resist this fiercely. We will fight it on the streets, and I am confident the entire opposition will stand united against it." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Chennai, Dec 27 : Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister P.K. Sekar Babu on Saturday accused the BJP of attempting to foment communal tension by politicising the recent controversy surrounding the Karthigai Deepam lamp at the historic Thirupparankundram hill temple, but asserted that the bid had failed. It clearly showed that "Lord Murugan himself did not support such divisive politics", Sekar Babu said. Speaking to reporters, the minister said the BJP had tried to use the revered Thirupparankundram Murugan temple a" one of the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan a" as a political tool to provoke religious sentiments and create discord in society. "They wanted to incite communal hatred in the name of Lord Murugan. But such attempts will never succeed under the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin," he said. The controversy erupted after certain groups alleged that the traditional lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the Thirupparankundram hill was obstructed, and sought to portray the issue as an attack on the Hindu faith. The BJP launched protests and accused the state government of interfering in religious practices, turning the matter into a politically charged issue. However, the HR&CE Minister clarified that there was no interference in religious rituals and that all traditional practices were followed strictly in accordance with temple customs and court directions. "The attempt was to create a false narrative and provoke communal sentiments. But the people of Tamil Nadu saw through it," he said. Sekar Babu reiterated that the DMK government remains committed to protecting all religions equally and ensuring that temples are administered transparently and peacefully. "Our government respects every faith. We will not allow anyone to misuse religion for political gain or disturb communal harmony," he added. The failure of the controversy to gain public support proved that the people of Tamil Nadu stood united against divisive politics, he said. "Those who tried to use Lord Muruganas name for political mileage have been rejected by the people themselves," he said. The minister asserted that the state would continue to function on the principles of social justice, secularism, and harmony, ensuring that religious institutions remain places of faith, not political confrontation. --IANS aal/vd New Delhi, Dec 27 : A team of US researchers has developed and validated an artificial intelligence (AI)-based non-invasive tool that can predict the risk of head and neck cancer spread. The AI tool by researchers from the Mass General Brigham could predict the likelihood that a patient's oropharyngeal cancer -- a type of head and neck cancer that develops in the throat -- will spread. It could help doctors by signaling which patients should receive aggressive treatment. "Our tool may help identify which patients should receive multiple interventions or would be ideal candidates for clinical trials of intensive strategies such as immunotherapy or additional chemotherapy," said senior author Benjamin Kann, the Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM) Programme at Mass General Brigham. "Our tool can also help identify which patients should undergo de-intensification of treatment, such as surgery alone," Kann added. The research is published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Treatments for oropharyngeal cancer, including combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, can be difficult to tolerate and may have lasting negative effects. Therefore, it's important to identify subgroups of patients who may benefit from less or more intensive treatment approaches. One way to accomplish this involves assessing whether the patient has pathologic extranodal extension (ENE), which occurs when cancer cells invade beyond the lymph node into surrounding tissue. Currently, ENE can only be definitively diagnosed by surgically removing and examining lymph nodes. The new AI-based tool helped in imaging data from computed tomography scans and predict the number of lymph nodes with ENE -- an indicator of a patient's prognosis and likelihood of benefiting from intensified therapy. When the tool was applied to imaging scans from 1,733 patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma, the tool was able to predict uncontrolled cancer spread and worse patient survival. Integrating the AI's assessment into established clinical risk predictors improved risk stratification, leading to more accurate predictions of survival and cancer spread in individual patients. "The AI tool enables the prediction of the number of lymph nodes with ENE, which could not be done before, and shows that it is a powerful, novel prognostic biomarker for oropharyngeal cancer that could be used to improve the current staging scheme and treatment planning," said Kann. Patna, Dec 27 : Pictures which surfaced online showing belongings being shifted from former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi's government residence at 10 Circular Road have triggered a fresh political controversy in the state. Reacting sharply, Janata Dal (United) chief spokesperson and MLC Neeraj Kumar raised serious questions over the manner in which the residence is being vacated and demanded strict monitoring by the government. Neeraj Kumar alleged that the bungalow may have a secret basement where important documents or valuables could be hidden, and even called for the excavation of the premises. "Rabri Devi was informed well in advance about vacating the residence. Then what is the mystery and emotional attachment? Is there a basement? I believe some confidential documents might be hidden there, which is why there is hesitation in vacating the house," Neeraj Kumar said. The JD-U spokesperson said vacating an official residence is a routine administrative process, but stressed that a complete inventory of government property - including furniture, flowerpots, and other items - must be prepared. He questioned whether government property was being shifted under the guise of vacating the bungalow. "This is public property, purchased with taxpayers' money. No one has the right to take it away from what was once a fortress of corruption," he alleged. Addressing RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Neeraj Kumar said the family should move into their private properties instead of holding on to a government residence. "You have 43 bighas of land in Patna. You can settle wherever you want. Even 39 Harding Road is allotted in your wife's name. The government must keep a close watch on this entire process," he added. Since Thursday night, several small vehicles have reportedly arrived at Rabri Devi's residence, with household items and plants being loaded and transported. According to RJD sources, the belongings are being shifted gradually to another location. The visuals of the shifting reportedly prompted a strong reaction from the JD-U. After the formation of the new government in Bihar, the Building Construction Department issued a notice to Rabri Devi on November 25, 2025, asking her to vacate the official residence at 10 Circular Road. While the RJD had earlier stated that it would not vacate the bungalow, the process of vacating appears to have begun, reigniting political tensions between the ruling NDA and the opposition RJD. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Political parties opposed to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trying to consolidate vote banks for the 2026 Assembly polls are wary of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha's (JMM) apparent foray in the tribal-dominated constituencies. New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) Political parties opposed to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trying to consolidate vote banks for the 2026 Assembly polls are wary of the Jharkhand Mukti Morchaas (JMM) apparent foray in the tribal-dominated constituencies. Added to their concerns is the silence of Badruddin Ajmal a" the businessman heading All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) a" on a possible realignment with the Congress-led Mahajot for the 2026 Assam Assembly polls. JMM, the principal constituent in Jharkhandas ruling alliance, had given an indication in 2024 of expanding its footprints in selected seats in states like Assam and West Bengal, where elections are due next year. It also wanted to have leaders organise migrants from Jharkhand in other states, including Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Working on its expansion plans, the party has already constituted a delegation which will visit Assam for an on-ground assessment. Political footprints beyond Jharkhand will give the party a scope to expand across tribal regions in other parts of the country, with a chance for being recognised as a national party. In the Bihar election this year, the JMM sought to contest in alliance with the Opposition Mahagathbandhan bloc, but could not, despite the fact that the coalition is currently in power in Jharkhand. JMM was forced to withdraw from the race, much to the chagrin of its leaders, who indicated a review of the Jharkhand alliance. Though the alliance continues in office, there has been an uneasy calm since the Bihar episode. The issue now risks fragmenting antia'National Democratic Alliance (NDA) votes in key other states over internal clashes, potentially benefiting the BJPa'led platform, where unified seat allocation remains steadier. Now, the JMM delegationas report following its forthcoming Assam visit will give a clearer picture of the leadershipas future plans. According to the Census of India, last held in 2011, Assamas population stood at over 3 crore, with Scheduled Tribes accounting for almost 39 lakhs, or 12.4 per cent of the total. The tribal population in Assam was predominantly rural, with 94.4 per cent residing in such areas. The major tribes include Bodo, Mishing, Karbi, Rabha, SonowalKachari, Lalung, Garo, and Dimasa. Of the 126 seats in the Assam Legislative Assembly, 19 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes, as are two of its 14 Parliament Constituencies. Tribal issues are sensitive, and clashes have been reported with settlers, considered outsiders. There have been violent incidents in Lower Assam between Bodo and Bengali-speaking Muslims. Currently, Karbi Anglong is on the edge with news of skirmishes between the local Karbi tribal population and non-Karbi, as Bihari communities settled there. Incidentally, Assamas tribal politics is already dominated by regional parties and autonomous council-based groups, where the JMM may have to negotiate with regional leaders. In the process, the stateas principal Opposition Congress party stands to lose ground. The United Peopleas Party Liberal (UPPL), which has held its sway in the Bodoland Territorial Region, won six of the 11 seats it contested as part of the NDA in the 2021 Assembly elections. Meanwhile, Bodoland Peopleas Front (BOPF), a former NDA ally, later joined the Congress-led alliance Mahajot to win four of the 12 seats it contested in the last Assembly polls. While the JMM stands to upset the Congress in pockets, Ajmalas stand further creates questions over Mahajot. Instead, he has alternated between contemplating going solo and entering an understanding with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), which has unsettled Congress. Historically, AIUDF and Congress have collaborated in minority-dominated constituencies in Lower Assam and Barak Valley, but the alliance has been inconsistent, with Congress often wary of Ajmalas influence. Some reports speculate a seat understanding with the Hyderabad-based AIMIM, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, without entering into a formal agreement. The AIUDF a" strong in Muslim-majority areas like Lower Assam, Barak Valley, among other pockets a" won 16 of the 20 seats it contested the last time. The Congress itself managed to score victories in 29 of the 95 seats it contested, while the Mahajot overall got 50 seats, increasing its tally from 26 in 2016. Meanwhile, the BJP, with 60 seats, went on to form the government in 2021, retaining power for the NDA (total 75 seats), and marking a first for a non-Congress coalition to win a second-consecutive term in the state. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a regional ally of the BJP rooted in Assamese nationalism, got nine seats. The last state poll was dominated by the BJP and Congress, but regional and minority-focused parties like the AIUDF, AGP, UPPL, BPF, etc played crucial roles in coalition-building and influencing outcomes in tribal and minority regions. Quetta, Dec 27 : The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) on Saturday claimed responsibility for two separate attacks in Balochistan's Ormara and Surab regions that killed six Pakistani soldiers. The Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) separately said it carried out a grenade attack on police in the province's Kachhi district. In a media statement issued on Friday, BLF spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch said the BLF fighters opened fire on a joint Pakistan's Frontier Corps (FC) and police checkpoint in Surab Bazaar on the evening of December 25, resulting in the deaths of two FC personnel and injuries to three others. The group said its fighters on the same day launched an attack on a Pakistani military camp in the Basol area of Ormara, The Balochistan Post reported The statement added that a BLF sniper team initially shot and killed a Pakistani soldier stationed at the camp's security post, after which another squad launched an assault minutes later with rocket-propelled grenades and heavy weapons. The group claimed three more personnel were killed, while several others sustained injuries. According to the BLF, Pakistani forces "opened machine-gun fire and launched mortars in different directions" in retaliation, adding that its fighters withdrew safely after completion of the operation. It stressed that the organisation would "continue the struggle until the mission of our martyrs is fulfilled." In a separate statement, the Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) claimed that it launched a grenade attack on police personnel in Dhadar city of Kachhi district, on Friday. BRG spokesperson Dostain Baloch said its fighters used a hand grenade to target a police position, resulting in "casualties and material losses" to what the group called "occupying forces." He asserted that such attacks would continue "until the freedom of Balochistan." People from Balochistan are currently fighting for their independence from Pakistan. Various human rights organisations of Balochistan have time and again highlighted the repression by Pakistani forces in the province, which includes violent raids on the homes of Baloch leaders and civilians, unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances, the 'kill and dump' policy, detention under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, and the filing of fabricated police cases. Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 27 : Kerala General Education and Labour Minister V. Sivankutty on Saturday directed that a draft notification revising the minimum wages of employees in the private hospital sector in the State be issued in the official Gazette within one month. The directive was given to the Labour Department Secretary at a meeting of the Private Hospital Industrial Relations Committee held in Thiruvananthapuram. The decision to issue the notification directly under Section 5(1)(b) of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, was taken in view of the failure to arrive at a consensus through discussions held by the Minimum Wages Committee due to non-cooperation by management representatives. A committee constituted by the government in October 2023 to revise wages had conducted evidence collection in all 14 districts and held several rounds of discussions. However, agreement could not be reached because of the rigid stance adopted by management representatives. The Minister pointed out that in a majority of private hospitals, wages are still being paid in accordance with the 2013 notification, which he said is inadequate for workers to sustain their families under present living conditions. Ensuring better wages for workers is the responsibility of the government, Sivankutty said, adding that discussions cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely. He noted that trade unions had already accepted a proposal for a 60 per cent wage increase, prepared at the departmental level based on the 2013 notification. The Minister also clarified that the proposal would not impose any additional financial burden on hospitals. He further stated that while issuing the draft notification, the government would take into account the demands raised by organisations such as the Indian Association of Physiotherapists, Kerala Private Pharmacists Association, Indian Society of Radiographers and Technologists, and the Indian Speech Language and Hearing Association. The meeting was attended by Additional Labour Commissioner K. M. Sunil, members of the Private Hospital Minimum Wages Committee, and other officials. Bengaluru, Dec 27 : The Congress-led Karnataka government has said it is duty-bound to support the Tibetan community living in the state. Minister for School Education and Literacy Madhu Bangarappa made the statement while participating in the 55th anniversary celebrations of the establishment of the Gaden Shartse Thoesam Norling School at the Tibetan Colony in Mundgod. Addressing the gathering, Bangarappa reaffirmed the state government's continued support to the Tibetan community and said it was both a duty and a privilege to serve them. He extended his best wishes to the students for a healthy future rooted in education, peace and human values. Expressing his reverence to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Minister conveyed special greetings to monks, students, educators and dignitaries present at the event. He described education as a boundary-less force that transcends language, religion, state and national borders, and emphasised that peace and progress can only be sustained through education and human values. Highlighting the Karnataka government's commitment to inclusive education, Bangarappa outlined several welfare initiatives implemented by the School Education Department, including mid-day meals, milk, eggs, ragi malt, free textbooks, notebooks, uniforms, shoes and socks for students. He noted that nearly 1.16 crore students across government, aided and private schools are beneficiaries of the state's education ecosystem. The Minister also reiterated the reintroduction of "Moral Science" as a compulsory subject from the next academic year, aimed at strengthening human values, civic responsibility, health awareness, environmental sensitivity and ethical living among students. On the occasion, Bangarappa presented certificates of honour to distinguished officials, educators and supporters for their valuable contributions to education and community service. Ven. Geshe Lobsang Tsering, Principal of Gaden Shartse Thoesam Norling School; Jigme Tsultrim, Chief Representative Officer, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), South Zone, Bengaluru; Gyari Dolma, Kalon (Minister) for the Department of Security, CTA, Dharamshala; along with monks, officials, teachers and community leaders were present during the celebrations. Bengaluru, Dec 27 : Referring to discussions on moving out of Foxconn from Karnataka, the State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Saturday, charged that the Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is threatening industrialists in the state. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra said: "In the last two-and-a-half years, several companies, from Ather Energy to others, had moved out of the state. Toyota had gone to another state, and Foxconn's second unit had also moved elsewhere." Many industrialists were leaving Karnataka opposing the Congress government's anti-investment policies, he alleged. He said that the agreement with Foxconn was signed when BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai was the Chief Minister and asked what current State Minister for IT and Biotechnology Priyank Kharge and the State Industries Minister M.B. Patil had to say about it. The State BJP President accused the Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar of threatening industrialists in the state. Vijayendra said apartment associations had submitted representations to Deputy CM Shivakumar in Bengaluru and even they were threatened. He alleged that the state government had descended into goondaism and was failing on all fronts. Referring to the Lokayukta raids on Sarfaraz Khan, an aide of Karnataka Housing Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, State BJP President Vijayendra said that Rs 14.35 crore had been seized and questioned whether this was not corruption. He added that senior Congress MLA B.R. Patil had accused Sarfaraz Khan of demanding bribes a year ago and that an audio tape had been leaked, and asked what action the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) had taken then. He asked why the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was adopting a soft approach in this matter. Vijayendra also said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress could not tolerate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and were unable to accept his popularity. "They (Congress) keep complaining against the Centre, while having achieved nothing themselves." He added that the Union government had renamed Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as Viksit Bharata"Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, and that too had become an issue, with criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The State BJP President asked whether the Congress had the moral right to criticise the Prime Minister. He said that Prime Minister Modi had implemented Mahatma Gandhi's dream of a "Clean India" , and accused the Congress of shedding crocodile tears over Gandhiji. He added that to ensure the youth remember leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and B.R. Ambedkar, the NDA government under PM Narendra Modi's leadership had built memorials, something the Congress had not done. The State BJP President said the Narendra Modi-led Union government had built 12 crore toilets and developed the Sabarmati Ashram, and criticised the Congress and CM Siddaramaiah for opposing merely the change of names. He alleged that the Congress could not tolerate Prime Minister Modi as he comes from an extremely backward community. Vijayendra said that during the Karnataka Assembly's recent Winter session in Belagavi, Ministers showed no seriousness in responding to burning issues of the state. He alleged that Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar had given wrong information to the House regarding the release of funds under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme and later had to apologise. The State BJP President said there was also discussion on the State Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda's involvement in a land scam. He added that while there were long discussions on the problems of North Karnataka, farmers' issues, law and order, the state government and the Chief Minister failed to give proper answers regarding farmers' problems, irrigation projects and issues concerning North Karnataka. He alleged that Ministers wasted time for months before the Winter session in breakfast and dinner meetings, and the session continued with power struggles, infighting and meetings instead of focusing on solutions to North Karnataka's problems. Vijayendra said he had advised that unless leadership issues within the Congress were resolved, the Assembly session should not be held or should be postponed. Bengaluru Central MP P.C. Mohan, MLAs M. Krishnappa and K. Gopalaiah, and State Chief Spokesperson C.N. Ashwath Narayan were present. Key Points Defense stocks, on the whole, have gotten very expensive. But helicopter company Textron and shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls still trade close to 1x sales. 10 stocks we like better than Huntington Ingalls Industries The Cold War is long over. The peace dividend has been spent. Thirty-six years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, however, the world somehow feels more dangerous than ever before. There's conflict in the Middle East, border wars in Southeast Asia, artificial islands springing up across the South China Sea, and of course ... the largest land war in Europe since World War II continues to grind on. Think now might be a good time to invest in some defense stocks? Well, so do I -- and apparently, so do a lot of people! For months, I've been warning that defense stocks are getting increasingly expensive as investors glom onto the global trend of growing military budgets. The good news is that, while defense stocks as a whole are getting pricey, there are still a few relative bargains to be found in this sector. If you have $500 available to invest, here are two that approach my self-defined standard of what constitutes a good price for a defense stock: Textron (NYSE: TXT) and Huntington Ingalls (NYSE: HII). Image source: Getty Images. Get to know Textron Textron may be less well-known than some of the larger defense contractors, but you almost certainly know some of its brands. The company's biggest division, Textron Aviation, produces Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft, for both civil and military customers. Similarly with Bell Helicopter, the company's second-largest division by revenue. In partnership with Boeing, Bell also builds the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps. On the ground, Textron Systems builds M1117 armored cars for the Army, LCAC 1000 hovercraft for the Navy, as well as the RIPSAW M5 robotic tank (developed by now-Textron subsidiary Howe & Howe). Priced at $15.8 billion in market capitalization, Textron stock sells for an unassuming 19 times trailing earnings. Although somewhat more expensive when valued on free cash flow (22.7 times FCF), the stock's price-to-sales ratio sits very close to my preferred one-times-sales valuation for U.S. defense stocks -- just under 1.1. Out of all the defense stocks I track, Textron is one of the two cheapest by this metric. Get to know Huntington Ingalls Slightly cheaper than Textron is Huntington Ingalls. And for those unfamiliar, Huntington is the former military shipbuilding arm of Northrop Grumman, which was spun off from the parent defense contractor in 2011. The stock price is up 8-fold since its spinoff, by the way, despite its sales having barely doubled -- a good object lesson in the value of patience for Northrop and for investors alike. Kolkata, Dec 27 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Saturday, condemned the killing of a migrant worker from the state in Odisha and asserted that speaking in Bengali cannot be a crime. Taking to her official X account, Chief Minister Banerjee told that a zero FIR has been filed in West Bengal and six people have been arrested in connection with the incident. "We strongly condemn the brutal oppression and persecution unleashed upon Bengali-speaking people in every BJP-ruled state. We stand in solidarity with these persecuted, terrorised, and oppressed migrant Bengali-speaking families, and we will provide them with all possible support. There is no price for a human life, but in cases where deaths have occurred, we pledge to provide financial compensation," CM Banerjee said. The migrant worker from West Bengal was allegedly killed in Odisha's Sambalpur district following an altercation over a 'bidi' on Wednesday. In connection with the killing of the youth, Jewel Rana, the West Bengal Police have already registered a zero FIR at the Suti police station and a police team from West Bengal went to Odisha to carry out the investigation. "Most recently, migrant workers from the Jangipur area have faced various forms of oppression in the BJP-ruled state of Odisha. It is extremely unfortunate that a young migrant worker from the Sutia area of aaJangipur was beaten to death in Sambalpur on December 24. Migrant workers from Murshidabad are returning home from Odisha in fear. We stand with the families affected by this tragic incident, and our financial assistance will reach the family of the deceased," the Chief Minister added. She also said, "We condemn the perpetrators of these incidents in BJP-ruled states and pledge all possible assistance to the victims. Speaking the Bengali language cannot be a crime." Referring to the Sambalpur incident, the Chief Minister said, "Regarding the death of the young man, Jewel Rana, the West Bengal Police have already registered a Zero FIR at the Sutia Police Station, and six people have already been arrested. A police team from my state has gone to Odisha for the investigation." -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Chennai, Dec 27 : Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman launched a sharp attack on the BJP on Saturday, asserting that he owes his political birth to Tamil soil and to any national party. Addressing the party's General Council meeting held at Thiruverkkadu near Chennai, Seeman said attempts to brand him as a creation of the BJP were politically motivated and baseless. "Some people say the BJP gave birth to me. I ask them when I was born, was Thirumavalavan or anyone else present there? I was born of this soil. I belong to this land," he said, responding to repeated allegations by several leaders, including prominent Dalit leader and MP Thol Thirumavalavan, that the BJP indirectly nurtured him. Seeman announced that the party had passed 26 resolutions during the meeting, including demands to add "Tamil Nadu" to the name of all State Transport Corporations, implement total prohibition, and secure exemption from the NEET examination. He said these demands reflected the aspirations of the people and not political opportunism. Addressing the media before the public meeting, Seeman said NTK was not formed merely to listen to people's grievances but to resolve them. "We are not born to think endlessly; we are born to act and deliver solutions," he said. He accused both ruling and opposition parties of making empty promises during elections while failing to address core issues once in power. Taking a dig at mainstream political parties, he said, "You ruled the state, and you also sat in the opposition. Today, you roam from constituency to constituency, saying you will solve people's problems. If that is the case, what were you doing all these years?" Seeman reiterated that his party's goal was to win all 234 Assembly seats and establish a governance model rooted in justice and self-respect. He criticised welfare schemes that focused on distributing free consumer goods, arguing that real development lay in providing sustainable employment and the dignity of labour. Referring to welfare spending, he said, "You talk about allocating Rs 950 crore for women's welfare. But how much would it cost to make nurses, cleaners and teachers permanent employees? Real empowerment lies there." Responding to accusations branding him as a BJP or RSS supporter, Seeman said such labels were meant to discredit him. "If calling me names could define who I am, they would have done it long ago. No one funds me. We run this movement with people's contributions, not corporate or political backing," he asserted. The NTK leader concluded by reaffirming his party's commitment to building a governance model rooted in Tamil identity, dignity and self-reliance. --IANS aal/dan Kabul, Dec 27 : Over 2,370 Afghan refugees were forcibly deported from Iran and Pakistan in a single day, local media reported on Saturday, citing a Taliban official. Taliban deputy spokesperson Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat shared a report from the High Commission for Addressing Migrants' Issues on his social media platform, which indicated that 501 families, comprising 2,370 people, returned to Afghanistan on Friday, Pajhwok Afghan News reported. Afghan returnees travelled to Afghanistan through several border crossings, including Islam Qala in Herat, Pul-i-Abresham in Nimroz, Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Bahramcha in Helmand, and Torkham in Nangarhar. Fitrat stated that returnees were taken to their respective regions, while 742 families were provided additional assistance upon arrival. Additionally, telecommunication firms provided 562 SIM cards to the returning refugees. He also revealed that 2,400 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Iran and Pakistan on Thursday. Earlier in November, several Afghan refugees in Pakistan said that they had been overwhelmed by continuous pressure from the country's police, which, apart from conducting searches, was arresting people and exploiting their vulnerable situation as a source of income. A report in an Afghan newspaper, '8 AM Media', also known as Hasht-e-Subh Daily, highlighted that Afghan refugees in Pakistan do not have basic human rights and live in constant fear and anxiety. Human rights groups and refugee-support groups have remained silent regarding the uncertainty and the government's failure to fulfil its commitment to human rights and the protection of refugees. Over the past few months, as tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan continue, Islamabad has increased its pressure on Afghan refugees, with the Pakistani forces conducting widespread harassment of migrants each day in various areas, including Islamabad. Apart from official operations involving the arrest of Afghan refugees without visas, people in plain clothes extort money from migrants in residential areas. Afghan people have said that they live in inhumane conditions filled with fear and anxiety, and their refugee rights are not respected. Kolkata, Dec 27 : A man in West Bengal's Nadia district was arrested on Saturday for hacking his niece-in-law to death following a family dispute, police said. The incident was reported from the Gopinathpur panchayat area under Palashipara police station in Nadia. Based on a complaint lodged by the deceased's family, the police arrested the accused from near his house after an all-night search. He was to be produced before a local court, with police aiming to seek his custody for further questioning. According to police sources, the deceased was identified as Shampa Biswas, aged 27, who had married Uttam Biswas a few years ago. Local residents alleged that Biswas and his uncle, Sufal Biswas, 52, had a long-standing family feud. On Friday, the dispute escalated to a violent level. During the argument between the two families, the uncle allegedly attacked Shampa with a sharp weapon, striking her in the neck. The screams and commotion from the two families alerted the neighbours, who rushed to the house and found Shampa lying in a pool of blood. The injured woman was taken to the Palashipara Rural Hospital, where the doctors on duty declared her dead on arrival. "The trouble in the family had been brewing since Thursday. A day later, after a brief argument, my uncle brought a machete from the house and struck my sister-in-law in the neck. The whole incident happened all of a sudden. My sister-in-law was rescued and taken to the hospital. Then the police were informed. The police came and questioned everyone," Uttam Biswas's brother, Anup Biswas, told local reporters, Meanwhile, Sufal Biswas had gone missing after the incident but was found and arrested, police said. "After an overnight search, the accused was arrested yesterday. A murder case has been registered against him. We will seek his custody for further investigation into the matter," a senior officer of Nadia district police said. Shampa's husband has demanded severe punishment for his uncle, said the police. According to police sources, the body has been sent to Shaktinagar District Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Patna, Dec 27 : The Bihar Revenue Service Association (BIRSA), which represents circle officers, has written to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar protesting against Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, alleging public humiliation of officers during district-level public grievance programmes. In its letter, the association expressed serious concern over the Deputy CM's conduct and warned that if such behaviour continues, revenue officers across the state may boycott Vijay Kumar Sinha's public programmes. Since assuming charge of the department, Sinha has been holding public dialogues in districts such as Patna, Muzaffarpur and Purnea, where he listens to citizens' complaints in the presence of departmental officers. While these interactions are aimed at redressing public grievances, they have reportedly led to the public exposure of alleged irregularities by circle officers and staff, triggering resentment within the department. The Revenue Service Association accused the minister of using derogatory language against officers on public platforms and social media, alleging that administrative norms are being ignored in the pursuit of instant popularity. The association claimed that principles of natural justice, constitutional safeguards under Articles 14 and 21, service rules, and established administrative procedures are being bypassed. It objected to remarks allegedly made during public hearings such as "We will suspend you on the spot," "Answer here in front of the public," and "Immediate decisions will be taken." According to BIRSA, such statements are incompatible with constitutional governance and resemble a drumhead court martial or mob justice rather than democratic administration. The letter also expressed disappointment that during these public interactions, the minister allegedly discredits the work of previous ministers and senior officials, despite the NDA being in power for most of the past two decades, creating an impression that earlier administrations were entirely ineffective. BIRSA further alleged that some senior officers of the department appear to be complicit, prioritising personal visibility over institutional integrity. The association emphasised that land disputes in Bihar are a decades-old systemic issue and cautioned against placing the entire burden of responsibility solely on present-day circle officers. As of now, no official response has been issued by the Chief Minister's Office. Meanwhile, Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha made it clear that he would not bow to any pressure, stating that the era of warnings is over and decisive action against land mafia and brokers has begun. Speaking on the issue, Sinha said a clear warning had already been issued a week ago. He instructed all circle officers and revenue officials to take strict legal action against those using fake documents to illegally grab land or create disputes over genuine ownership. He directed officials to register cases after proper verification and ensure that no illegal activity is overlooked. The Deputy Chief Minister further stated that direct action must be taken against land mafia, brokers and middlemen involved in land-related fraud. He warned that any circle officer who fails to act against such elements would face departmental action. Kolkata, Dec 27 : The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is staring at one of its toughest electoral battles since coming to power in 2011, with a series of socio-political developments in 2025 posing formidable challenges ahead of the crucial Assembly elections scheduled next year. Key trouble spots include allegations of appeasement politics, rampant corruption, rising crimes against women, mounting legal setbacks and a precarious state financial situation. IANS takes a review of the major socio-political developments in West Bengal in 2025 that make the 2026 Assembly elections one of the toughest for Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee since 2011, the year which marked the end of the 34-year Left Front government and the beginning of the Trinamool Congress government. Communal riots in Murshidabad Communal riots broke out in the minority-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal in April this year after protests against the newly promulgated Waqf (Amendment) Act turned violent. A division bench of the Calcutta High Court observed that had the state government taken prompt and timely actions, including deciding on the deployment of central armed forces personnel (CAF), the situation there would not have turned so violent. Again, on December 23, a district court in Murshidabad sentenced 13 convicted persons to life imprisonment in connection with the riots, with all of them being close aides of the ruling Trinamool Congress. The BJP seized upon the verdict to allege that the state police deliberately refrained from acting against the rioters due to their proximity to the ruling party -- an allegation political observers say the TMC will find difficult to counter. Waqf property registration in Bengal Initially, in the first half of 2025, when the Waqf (Amendment) Act was promulgated, Mamata Banerjee vowed that under no circumstances would she allow the implementation of the Act in West Bengal. However, in the second half, a state government notification was issued hurriedly, instructing registration of the Waqf properties in the state on the UMEED Portal within an abysmally short deadline set for that purpose. This prompted the non-BJP opposition parties in West Bengal, especially the CPI(M)-led Left Front, Congress, and All India Secular Front, to start a campaign accusing Trinamool Congress and the Chief Minister of maintaining double standards on this issue. Political observers feel that while the Murshidabad riots antagonised a large section of Hindu voters, the U-turn of the ruling party on the issue of Waqf property registration angered a large section of the Muslim voters. Supreme Court order cancelling around 26,000 school jobs In April this year, a division bench of the Supreme Court upheld an order by a division bench of the Calcutta High Court cancelling 25,753 teaching and non-teaching jobs in various state-run schools across the state following proven and gross irregularities in the recruitment process. The apex court also accepted the observation of the Calcutta High Court that the entire panel had to be cancelled because of the state government's reluctance to furnish separate lists segregating the "tainted" from the "untainted" candidates. Although the West Bengal government started the process for fresh recruitment to fill up vacant posts, that process continues to be entangled with some legal hurdles, posing uncertainty over the entire process. The opposition parties have already started campaigning that any fair recruitment process in the Trinamool Congress regime is nothing but an absurd proposition -- another challenge for the ruling party TMC ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls. Lingering shadow of RG Kar rape and murder case The August 2024 rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College continued to haunt the TMC through 2025. While the Supreme Court later withdrew from the case, proceedings are still underway in the Calcutta High Court and lower courts. Public perception remains damaging for the ruling party, with allegations that influential sections of the state administration attempted to shield the key conspirators. The TMC also faces criticism over allegedly vindictive actions, including the transfer of junior doctors who led protests following the incident. In this matter, Trinamool Congress is also facing the controversies over allegedly vindictive departmental actions, including the arbitrary transfer of the junior doctors who became the lead faces of the movement on this rape and murder case. Kasba Law College gang-rape case Another major area of challenge that erupted for Trinamool Congress in 2025 was the rape of a law student within her college premises in Kasba in Kolkata, where all three accused were active associates of Trinamool Congress's student wing -- Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP). Opposition parties have used the incident to allege that educational institutions in the state have turned into safe havens for politically backed strongmen, further denting the ruling partyas image. DA arrears and threat of contempt A fresh legal challenge looms over the state government following the Supreme Courtas directive to clear 25 per cent of dearness allowance arrears owed to state employees by June 30. The governmentas failure to comply has raised the spectre of contempt of court. Although the West Bengal government has filed a review petition in the matter in the apex court, legal experts feel that the review petition comes with no guarantee of protection against contempt of court for not abiding by the apex court order. Kochi, Dec 27 : Kerala's Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Saturday launched a blistering attack on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the arrest and questioning of senior Congress leader N. Subramanian in connection with the circulation of an image showing Vijayan with Sabarimala gold heist case prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti. Satheesan said the way the police took Subramanian into custody early Saturday from his residence amounted to the conduct of an "autocratic ruler", alleging that Kerala was being pushed towards a climate of fear. "This is not Stalin's Russia or Idi Amin's Uganda. This is democratic Kerala," he said. Satheesan noted that visuals of the Chief Minister meeting Potti had been carried by mainstream media and alleged that the police action was a retaliatory move following the CPI-M's alleged false propaganda against Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. He accused the government of selective enforcement of the law, claiming that while opposition leaders were swiftly targeted for social media posts, complaints against the CPI-M's cyber campaigns were routinely ignored. He alleged that CPI-M-backed social media handles had launched repeated personal and "sexually coloured" attacks against women journalists, opposition leaders, and even family members of political figures. "The CPI-M has been the biggest abuser of AI tools," Satheesan said, citing the circulation of an AI-generated video purportedly showing Congress leaders dancing. "Will the police arrest those responsible?" he asked. Taking direct aim at Vijayan, Satheesan said the government had shown leniency towards CPI-M leaders convicted in serious crimes, including bomb attacks on police, while "law-abiding citizens are arrested from their homes at night". He alleged corruption in the parole system and accused the government of shielding criminals, drug mafias and those linked to the Sabarimala gold theft. Satheesan dismissed claims that the image shared by Subramanian could trigger unrest, calling the argument "absurd", and warned that attempts to intimidate the Opposition would fail. "The Congress and the UDF will not retreat. If this continues, you will have to arrest all of us," he said. He also warned the ruling front that public discontent was mounting and that the people would deliver a "much stronger verdict in 2026". Bengaluru, Dec 27 : Charging the Congress-led Karnataka government over handling of the alleged Dharmasthala mass murder case, the State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Saturday, asked that who will pay the price for the malicious propaganda against the Hindu pilgrimage centre. Speaking at a press conference held at the state BJP headquarters "Jagannath Bhavan" in Bengaluru, State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has said that the handling of the alleged Dharmasthala mass grave case and the alleged conspiracy to hurt Hindu sentiments had triggered discussions at the state, national and even international levels. "There has also been discussion on the mental harassment caused to devotees of the Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple due to malicious propaganda. Acting on the demands of so-called urban Naxals, the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) formed an SIT overnight," he said while criticising the state government. "The BJP, through the 'Dharmasthala Chalo' (March towards Dharmasthala) movement, created awareness and brought the Karnataka government's irresponsibility to the notice of the people," Vijayendra added. He asked whether it was right for the Chief Minister to take decisions that hurt the sentiments of crores of devotees by listening to people on the streets. Who will pay the price for the malicious propaganda, BJP leader Vijayendra asked, adding that the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who hurt Hindu sentiments, has not apologised till date. "Instead, CM Siddaramaiah has washed his hands off by claiming that whatever he did was right," Vijayendra said. He criticised that the sinister forces behind the conspiracy have not been exposed. The alleged Dharmasthala mass burial case refers to allegations and claims circulating about the existence of mass burials in and around the Dharmasthala region, which led to political controversy and public debate in Karnataka. The issue gained prominence after allegations were made suggesting the recovery of skeletal remains, triggering claims of a larger conspiracy and raising concerns among devotees of Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple. Vijayendra further charged the Congress government, saying, "The Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is following 'anti-Hindu' policies and is doing injustice to the state in the name of guarantees." He said that earlier, those involved in illegal transportation of cattle had to seek bail from courts after being arrested by the police and having their vehicles seized. The Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government, Vijayendra alleged, made preparations to allow police to grant bail at the police station itself and release seized vehicles on bonds. He asked whether this was not an 'anti-national' act and whether it did not hurt Hindu sentiments. Why such sympathy for them, Vijayendra asked, alleging that the Karnataka government had stooped to an unforgivable low for minority appeasement. The State BJP President said that even Ministers had warned in the state Cabinet that such a move would cost Hindu votes, following which the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill was not introduced. Vijayendra criticised the Congress-led Karnataka government for talking about intolerance while passing a Bill related to hate speech in the House without allowing discussion. He termed it an act of recklessness and alleged that the Congress-led Karnataka government brought the Bill to cover up its failures and to prevent the BJP, JD-S, private individuals and the media from criticising it. He alleged that the Karnataka government was conspiring to send people to jail for nine to 10 years for criticising the hate speech bill on social media, calling it an "anti-democratic" move. Drawing a parallel with the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in 1975, Vijayendra said the Karnataka government had brought a law that would recreate those dark days. This was a symbol of intolerance and amounted to the murder of democracy, the State BJP President added. Chandigarh, Dec 27 : Extortion calls, contract killings, organized drug trafficking networks and cybercrime are among the issues that will be debated at the high-level meeting chaired by Director General of Police (DGP) O.P. Singh in the Haryana Police Academy (HPA) in Madhuban on Sunday. The high-level strategy session is aimed at consolidating operational learnings from 2025 and setting the crime-control and communication roadmap for 2026, an official statement said. The meeting will bring together ADGPs, IGs, Commissioners of Police, Range DIGs, and SPs from all 23 districts. The session will focus on identifying tactical improvements and policy innovations based on field experiences, emerging criminal trends, and evolving policing challenges. The agenda includes an in-depth review of organized crime, narcotics control, cybercrime prevention and strategic public communication, with an emphasis on making policing more proactive, intelligence-driven, and people-centric, said the statement here. In view of the rising menace of extortion and contract killings, particularly through use of mobile networks and social media handles operated from jails or abroad, the police top brass will deliberate on new preventive frameworks. The discussions will emphasize targeted surveillance, actionable intelligence-sharing, coordination with prison authorities, and adopting digital forensics to trace and neutralize extortion networks at the source. With the state policeas anti-narcotics campaign gaining nationwide recognition for its scale and innovation, 2026 will see sharper focus on dismantling organized drug cartels operating across district and inter-state borders. The meeting will assess ongoing operations in hotspot districts along Punjab, Rajasthan, and Delhi borders, and explore enhanced cooperation with the NCB, the BSF, and neighboring state police units. Field best practices, ranging from the use of drones for surveillance to digital tracking of supply chains, will be shared during the session. On cybercrime prevention and detection, officers will present case studies on successful crackdowns in 2025 and propose measures for strengthening cyber police stations, integrating AI-based data analytics, and extending capacity-building for investigators. The roadmap will highlight citizen awareness campaigns, preventive digital hygiene, and faster redressal through cyber helplines. The meeting will also review crime patterns that shaped 2025. They include terror cells and radical elements in parts of the Mewat region and grenade incidents in select areas. The DGP is expected to issue strategic directives post the brainstorming session, aligning 2026 policing priorities with a three-dimensional focus -- law enforcement excellence, institutional synergy, and people trust-building. The outcomes from the Madhuban session will inform the state's Annual Policing Plan and form the basis for operational targets across districts. Kolkata, Dec 27 : Trinamool Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha MP, Abhishek Banerjee, on Saturday, challenged the Election Commission of India (ECI), to immediately publish a separate list of 1.36 crore voters who have been identified as "logical discrepancy" cases in the course of progeny-mapping. He also said that he will call for a "gherao" of the ECI headquarters in New Delhi if the separate list of 1.36 crore of "logical discrepancy" cases is not published. "I will meet the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, on December 31 and raise the demand for publishing the separate list of "logical discrepancy" cases," Banerjee said. Voters being detected as "logical discrepancy" cases are those voters in whose cases weird family-tree data have been detected in course of progeny-mapping, like voters becoming fathers at the age of 15 or less, voters becoming grandfathers at the age of 40 or less, and voters having fathers and mothers with the same names, among others. These "logical discrepancy" cases will be summoned for hearing in the second stage of the hearings on claims and objections to the draft voters' list that started on Saturday. In the first stage of hearing, "unmapped" voters, that is voters having no link with the 2002 voters' list either through self-mapping or through progeny-mapping, have been summoned for hearing. Speaking to the media persons on Saturday afternoon, Abhishek Banerjee raised two questions on the "logical discrepancy" cases. "How could the commission ascertain the figure of 1.35 crore of "logical discrepancy" cases just in a day based on data collected by the booth-level officers for more than a month by visiting the doorsteps of the voters? Why is the Commission leaking this date "logical discrepancy" cases selectively through WhatsApp instead of issuing a formal press release in the matter?" Banerjee asked. He also accused the ECI's Director General (Information Technology), Seema Khanna, of playing a role in the matter. He also questioned the authority of Khanna in this electoral revision exercise. Speaking on the occasion, the Trinamool Congress General Secretary also asked why the Commission refrained from extending the deadline for completion of the SIR exercise in West Bengal, which they allowed in case of other states where parallel revision exercises are being conducted. "The people of West Bengal are suffering because of the hurried manner in which the Commission is conducting the revision exercise in the state. A total of 51 people in the state, including some booth-level officers (BLOs), have made suicide attempts because of the SIR in West Bengal, of which 45 individuals have lost their lives. A total of 29 BLOs have made suicide attempts," Abhishek Banerjee said. He also asked why the elected BJP Lok Sabha members are silent over the Union government's reluctance to release funds to the West Bengal government under different Central-sponsored welfare schemes. "They (Central government) have been selected by the people of West Bengal, and hence they, too, have the responsibility to speak on behalf of their voters," Banerjee said. Analysts aren't looking for an explosive response to these and other overhauls. But, they do expect sales growth to accelerate to a pace of 3.6% in the year ahead, driving even faster earnings growth. Once other investors see this growth materializing, they could jump on board pretty quickly, dragging this stock's current dividend yield lower by driving the stock's price higher. Acting before that happens would be better than moving after the fact. These headwinds are finally abating, though, after the company itself has regrouped into a more relevant and marketable family of brands. For instance, in March the company acquired prebiotic soda brand Poppi, and in July unveiled the world's first prebiotic cola. Blame inflation, mostly. Some of PepsiCo's rising costs have been passed along to its customers, but many of them haven't, biting into its profits. Granted, as anyone keeping tabs on this company of late knows, this yield has been pumped up largely because PepsiCo's stock has underperformed. If you're looking for a better yield opportunity from a consumer goods name, however, Coca-Cola rival PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) is arguably the better beverage bet right now, while its forward-looking dividend yield stands at nearly 4%. One of the most popular income stocks from the consumer staples sector of the stock market is Coca-Cola . And understandably so. The company's products are among the beverage industry's best-known, while the company itself has not only paid a dividend like clockwork for decades, but has raised its dividend payment every year for the past 63 years. To this end, here's a closer look at three dividend stocks that would be smart additions to nearly anyone's portfolio. In no particular order... The holiday gift-giving season may be wrapping up, but that doesn't mean investors can't ring in the New Year with some gifts to themselves that keep on giving the whole year long. The right dividend stocks will add ever-increasing value to your portfolio, either through growing cash payouts, or -- when these payments are reinvested -- more shares of the stock paying them. And given that reliable dividend stocks tend to outperform inconsistent or non-dividend payers, even growth-minded investors might be wise to make a point of adding some of these names to their holdings. Its not a household name, but Brookfield Asset Management is built to be a fantastic dividend payer thanks to its recurring, growing revenue and generous payout ratio. The oil and gas industry is still nowhere near its once-expected end. Energy giant Chevron remains one of the best income-based bets in the business. Story continues Chevron Contrary to a common assumption, the advent of renewable energy and electric vehicles isn't reducing the consumption of fossil fuels like crude oil and natural gas; the need for electricity and transportation is absorbing all of this capacity growth, and then some. Indeed, the International Energy Agency now believes the world's daily usage of oil won't reach its absolute peak until 2050, pushing a previous prediction much further down the road. And even then, they'll only modestly dwindle for the next few decades. Translation: There's still money to be made in the oil business, and there will be for a long while. Enter Chevron (NYSE: CVX) ... one of the oil industry's biggest and best-known names. Last year, it turned a top line of $203 billion into net income of nearly $18 billion, and is on pace to report comparable numbers this year. This massive size and scale, of course, means the company can fund the very best of opportunities and operate more cost-efficiently. More specifically, it means that deeper-pocketed Chevron can afford to operate a more complex business that includes drilling, refining, and transportation, which allows it to safely maintain its dividend and required capital expenditures even if oil prices dip to $50 per barrel. The company can cover all of its upstream production costs with oil priced as low as $30 per barrel, in fact, making it one of the most cost-effective players in the energy business. More importantly to interested income investors, it means Chevron's track record of 38 years of uninterrupted annual dividend growth should remain uninterrupted well into the indefinite future. Newcomers will be plugging in while its forward-looking yield stands at just under 4.6%. Brookfield Asset Management Last but not least, add Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM) to your list of dividend stocks that keep on giving well after you buy them. If the name rings a bell, it may be because several investments bearing the same name are part of this family. These include Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, Brookfield Renewable Partners, and Brookfield Business Partners. Each of these outfits brings its own unique investment proposition to the table, capitalizing on the modern-day economy's top opportunities, ranging from energy infrastructure to real estate to artificial intelligence to private equity in several perpetually marketable service businesses. Brookfield Renewable's hydroelectric power plants located in Pennsylvania, for instance, will supply more than $3 billion worth of power to data centers owned and operated by Alphabet's Google for the next several years. In many cases, there's no other way to invest in these up-and-coming companies. Brookfield Asset Management itself is different, though. It's the manager of this entire family of funds, collecting ongoing fees for its work as the management firm for over $1 trillion worth of businesses. More to the point, this recurring fee-based business is ideally suited for supporting dividends and dividend growth. Its target revenue growth of between 15% and 20% for the foreseeable future. With a payout ratio on the order of 90%, shareholders' dividend income should grow at roughly this same pace. You'll never get explosive capital gains from this stock; that's the trade-off with a management fee-based business like this one. With plausible growth in the low double-digits and a forward-looking dividend yield of 3.3% for today's buyers, however, reinvesting your ever-rising dividends in more shares of BAM could translate into long-term net gains readily rivaling those of most growth stocks. Should you invest $1,000 in PepsiCo right now? Before you buy stock in PepsiCo, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and PepsiCo wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. 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The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 3 Dividend Stocks to Buy to Create the Gift That Keeps on Giving was originally published by The Motley Fool New Delhi, Dec 27 : The Congress party has declared war on the Centre's recent replacement of the iconic Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G). Following a high-powered Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting here on Saturday, party president Mallikarjun Kharge announced a massive nationwide 'Save MGNREGA Campaign' starting January 5, 2026, framing it as a battle to protect the constitutional right to work for millions of rural poor. Senior leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed the resolve on X, sharing a video of the press conference: "In today's CWC meeting, we took an oath for a major movement centred on MGNREGA. The Indian National Congress will launch the 'Save MGNREGA Campaign' from January 5. This is the constitutional right to work for villagers and labourersa"we will defend it at all costs. Jai Constitution, Jai Hind!" Earlier during the day, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing the media alongside Rahul Gandhi, slammed the new law as an assault on the poor, federalism, and the Gandhian legacy. He highlighted how the UPA-era MGNREGA, pioneered by Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh, transformed Directive Principles into enforceable rights, empowering Dalits, Adivasis, women, and marginalised communities. "It stopped migration, built infrastructure, protected the environment, and saved lakhs during COVIDa"if MGNREGA hadn't existed, many would have perished," he said. Criticising the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name, Kharge called it an "insult" and an ideological attack. "They can't tolerate Gandhi's name because his surname is Gandhia"they're targeting that too." He drew parallels to the successful farmers' agitation against black laws, predicting similar public anger over shifted funding (now 60:40 Centre-State ratio, burdening states heavily) and unilateral decisions without stakeholder consultation. Rahul Gandhi termed the overhaul a "devastating, single-handed attack by the Prime Minister, akin to demonetisation," stripping demand-driven employment, decentralised panchayat powers, and wage guarantees. "It hurts states, infrastructure, labourers, and the vulnerablea"while benefiting a few," he alleged. The CWC unanimously pledged to fight the "conspiracy to turn rights into charity," raising slogans of "Jai Samvidhana"Jai Hind." Kharge invoked global praise and even government admissions, including a NITI Aayog study lauding MGNREGA's durable assets. With opposition unity assured, the Congress aims to mobilise villages nationwide, positioning the campaign as a defence of democracy's third tier and rural dignity against central overreach. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Dozens of AIagenerated videos and images pushed by accounts linked to Pakistan's security establishment have flooded the country's social media in recent months, aimed at inflaming communal tensions and spreading false narratives against India, according to a media report. New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) Dozens of AIa'generated videos and images pushed by accounts linked to Pakistanas security establishment have flooded the country's social media in recent months, aimed at inflaming communal tensions and spreading false narratives against India, according to a media report. The International Business Times report said that journalists and analysts found many viral posts came from X accounts tied to Pakistanas military and intelligence establishment. Facta'checkers have debunked manipulated clips that mimic news formats but exhibit uncanny audiovisual glitches, repetitive eye movements, clipped speech, and misaligned lipa'sync. "The trend is troubling for regional stability and for Pakistan's own information ecosystema"and countermeasures will require international vigilance to stop Pakistan from spreading mass disinformation on social media," the report said. Examples include an AI-generated clip showing IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, criticising Indiaas Tejas fighter and a clip attributed to former Indian Army chief V.P. Malik spouting fake communal rhetoric. An alleged circulator of such videos, 'PakVocals' account was followed by Pakistan's Information and Broadcasting Minister, Ataullah Tarar, suggesting high-level interest or endorsement from the country's top leadership, the report said. Further, the coordination style, including rapid deletions after posts and networks amplifying one another, resembles a managed influence operation more than that of random amateurs. In media statements and press briefings, Pakistani officials have acknowledged an "organised disinformation" problem even as they publicly target others for it, it added. Even international conflicts have been warped in this Pakistan-led disinformation campaign. Examples include the Israel-Iran war in 2025, when several Pakistani news outlets aired an AI tampered video of an Israeli studio supposedly invaded, not realising the footage was entirely fake. Similarly, the AI-manipulated videos of Indian journalist Palki Sharma Upadhyay are circulating in Pakistani social media networks. These fake clips showed her promoting Indian government-backed financial investment platforms or questioning diplomatic protocols for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jordan, the report said. Thiruvananthapuram Dec 27 : Nearly 15,000 students across Kerala are gaining hands-on exposure to modern weather science and forecasting techniques as the Little KITEs Sub-District Camps got underway across the state. A total of 14,804 students, selected from more than 2.08 lakh members spread across 2,248 Little KITEs units, are participating in the two-day camps being held at 225 centres. The students were shortlisted following preliminary school-level camps and are now receiving intensive training in programming, electronics, and digital content creation. The camps focus on enabling students to develop functional prototypes of weather monitoring instruments and understand the scientific principles behind the operation of professional weather forecasting centres. Using robotic kits earlier supplied to schools by the Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE), participants are designing systems that analyse inputs such as temperature, air pressure, wind speed, and humidity to predict weather conditions. As part of the programming sessions, students are building working models of essential weather station equipment, including temperature gauges using LDR sensor modules, servo motors, and Arduino components. They are also constructing digital anemometers to measure wind speed and wind vanes to determine wind direction, translating classroom concepts into real-world applications. Little KITEs, an initiative of KITE, the technology arm of the Kerala General Education Department, is recognised as Indiaas largest Student ICT Network, with a membership exceeding two lakh. The programme aims to cultivate innovation and technical excellence among students in public schools, equipping them with skills in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), and Animation, and encouraging them to become creators rather than mere users of technology. In the animation segment of the camp, students are producing digital content using OpenToonz, a free and open-source 2D animation software. They are being trained in advanced techniques such as rotate animation, in-betweening, lip-syncing, tweening and visual effects, while also creating 3D models using Blender. KITE Chief Executive Officer, K. Anvar Sadath, said that advanced robotic kits capable of building sophisticated systemsa"from mobile robots to smart weather stationsa"will be introduced in all schools from January 2026. New Delhi, Dec 27 : Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said on Saturday that the party will organise "Atal Smriti Sammelans" in all 70 Assembly constituencies between December 28 and 31 to familiarise party workers with the life and ideals of late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said on Saturday that the party will organise "Atal Smriti Sammelans" in all 70 Assembly constituencies between December 28 and 31 to familiarise party workers with the life and ideals of late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. A similar programme was held on December 25 in the Kasturba Nagar Assembly constituency. The Sammelan in Kasturba Nagar was inaugurated by BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin, who addressed the gathering in the presence of Sachdeva. The Delhi BJP chief said that these Sammelans are being organised to strengthen organisational character among new party entrants. He said that new workers continue to join the BJP, and the party aims to keep them rooted in its ideological foundations and the values of its iconic leaders. Sharing details of the schedule for the "Atal Smriti Sammelans", Sachdeva said that the BJP is a party that functions on the basis of principles nurtured by its senior leaders and founding members, including Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said that these events would help party workers align themselves with the ideology of the BJP and learn from the experiences of senior leaders. In another development, the Delhi BJP organised a public grievance redressal camp on Saturday at the party's state office to address issues related to the Delhi government. The camp was attended by a Delhi Cabinet Minister, who listened to people's grievances and made efforts to resolve them. Continuing the initiative, Education and Power Minister Ashish Sood attended the camp and heard the problems of 47 common citizens and party workers. In some cases, he immediately contacted the concerned officials and directed them to take action and update their respective government offices. In several other cases, he issued written instructions to officials, asking them to take prompt action or submit their responses to his office within one week. On the instructions of Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, the party's "Sahyog Prakoshth" has been organising this grievance redressal camp every Saturday at the state office since the first week of March 2025. According to Sahyog Prakoshth Convenor Gulshan Virmani, over the past 10 months, more than 2,500 people have received solutions to their problems through these camps. Dhaka: As Bangladesh gears up for its 13th national election slated in February 2026, Dhaka's political climate is marred with challenges the country has never faced before. Since August 2024, communal violence, mobocracy, ethnic attacks, the rise of Islamist extremism, systemic target of dissident voices and aggressive attempts at historical revisionism have become akin to 'new' Bangladesh. The Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, however, promised this election to be Bangladesh's first 'free and fair' democratic transition after 15 years. The July Uprising, the formation of interim government, banning of Awami League and its student wing Chhatra League, received legitimacy on the ground that Sheikh Hasina, the now ousted Prime Minister, had compromised the country's democracy for 15 years. Not just anti-Hasina forces within Bangladesh, but also her political opponents abroad (West), remained fixated on the same. Concerns were raised about the past three national elections being free and fair, while Hasina's autocratic tendencies were attributed to centralisation of power and her long incumbency, and human rights violations. These issues were treated in isolation, stripped of its context. Hasina's Western critics often viewed Bangladesh politics through a Eurocentric prism, reducing Bangladesh's democracy challenges as a mere election issue, a turnout problem like that of Denmark. However, Bangladeshas democracy is earned not through ballot, but through blood sacrificed by millions of Bengali population and a double partition (1947 and 1971) besides overcoming double colonisation a"first from the British and then from Pakistan. Even after the country's liberation in 1971, Bangladesh had a brief period of democracy from 1971-75, before plunging into military rule that continued till 1990. Therefore, despite the country's independent existence of 54 years, Bangladesh's democracy is new, while anti-democratic elements continue to exist. The major challenge to the country's democratic ethos has been the Islamists that re-emerged under military rule after Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's assassination in 1975. A Former collaborator of the Pakistan Army a" Jamaat-e-Islami a" was allowed to reorganise itself as a religious political party in 1978 and allowed to contest national polls under Bangladesh's civilian rule. It should be noted that Jamaat-e-Islami historically opposed the 1972 Constitution, including the fundamental state principles of nationalism, socialism, democracy and secularism. Instead, it advocates for an Islamic state based on Sharia, a theo-democracy that is within the Islamic framework. Jamaat emerged as the third largest party in the country, thanks to coalition with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and BNP-Jamaat alliance formed governments twice a" 1991-06 and 2001-06. These periods also witnessed a rise in Islamic radicalism along with a deepening governance crisis. On one hand, Islamist militant outfits like Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HuJI-B) were terrorising the nation with its arson attacks and targetted killings. On the other hand, those in power were eroding democratic norms through voter manipulation, rigged elections, political violence and rampant corruption. Sheikh Hasina's second tenure came amidst a critical political environment that needed military intervention for the country's democratic survival. The 2008 election that brought her to power ushered a new phase of liberal democracy. Hasina's political pragmatism steered the country's economic and infrastructural growth while also enabling democratic institutional continuity by maintaining civil-military balance. At a time when South Asian nations like Sri Lanka and Pakistan were diving into debt-crisis, Hasina kept the country's economy afloat, despite the financial challenges. However, the most notable contribution of the Awami league-led government was Hasina's iron clad approach to tackling Bangladesh's prolonged Islamist extremism. The new phase of Islamist extremist attacks by Neo-JMB, and Ansar-ul-Bangla Team targetting secular activists, bloggers, artists, minorities and leaders witnessed since 2013, were met with 'zero-tolerance' policy. The aggressive counter-terrorism operations nationwide through diversified security apparatus and strict laws, helped neutralise terrorist camps at the borders and attacks within the country, a move that received international praise. It was also her tenure that gave due recognition and justice to people who suffered during the 1971 Liberation War. By reviving the International War Crimes Tribunal, Hasina ensured that collaborators of the Pakistan Army, who enjoyed protection under the predecessor government, faced trial for their war crimes. She also gave dignified recognition to the rape survivors of 1971 as liberation fighters or war-heroines, and provided families of liberation fighters with financial allowances, scholarships and housing. Thus, it was Sheikh Hasinaas tenure that restored the true legacy of 1971, albeit to the discomfort of Jamaat-e-Islami. Sheikh Hasina's main political opponents a" namely BNP and Jamaat (then in alliance) a" were ideologically antithetical to her party Awami League, making the latter the country's only secular party that could form a government. Through the 15th amendment in 2011, Sheikh Hasina's government constitutionally reinstated secularism, earlier removed under Ziaur Rahman's rule in 1977, while also maintaining Islam as the state religion. Her 15-year rule provided protection to minority communities, religious persecution witnessed a significant curtailment because of protective measures undertaken by the Awami League government. Bangladeshi culture, too, was actively promoted by the government via interfaith initiatives, celebration of festivals, boosting Bangladesh's cultural revival which is pluralistic at its core. Therefore, in more ways than one Sheikh Hasina was not only Bangladesh's stabiliser but also protector of Bangladesh's pluralism that kept Bangladesh economically and geographically predictable. Hasina was the only realistic alternative, notwithstanding her shortcomings, in a state that remained hostile to democracy, liberalism and pluralism. Even her foreign opponents know this, although they chose to downplay it. Much of Bangladesh's current democracy crisis is this loophole a" the lack of a democratic opposition. Contrary to the old belief that delegitimising a strong incumbent would restore Bangladesh's democracy and open space for credible pluralistic alternative, the present political reality reveals a known historic pattern a" in a divided society, power vacuums are not filled with moderates but with conservatives, the most violent and organised forces. In Bangladesh's case, it is the Islamists. On the political sphere, Islamists are now contesting elections and advocating to change the country's constitution to make it Sharia-based. Socially, its factions are the forces behind mob attacks, communal violence and disrupting events that observe and celebrate the country's pluralism. This counter-revolution resulted due to chasing democratic optics, therefore, proved to be destructive missteps, a context-blind activism masquerading as a strategy of value-driven paternalism. Indeed, Sheikh Hasina was not flawless. However, state collapse is always worse than an imperfect order. Bangladeshas democracy crisis is grave, violence and persecution became normalised, and the entire country is suffering from de-stability. Unfortunately, Bangladesh will have to pay a heavy price for this. Bhubaneswar, Dec 27 : The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, who is on a three-day visit to Odisha, on Saturday, offered prayers and sought the blessings of Lord Jagannath at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri and later visited the historic Sun Temple at Konark. On this occasion, the CEC expressed his belief that the divine blessings of Lord Jagannath would motivate and inspire him to discharge his constitutional responsibilities with greater sincerity and commitment. Upon his arrival in state capital Bhubaneswar, the CEC paid his respects to Lord Jagannath and conveyed his greetings to the people of Odisha in the Odia language. He was accorded a warm reception at the Biju Patnaik International Airport by the Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), R.S. Gopalan, along with senior officials. At the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, CEC Kumar was received by the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath temple administration Arabinda Padhee, District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, Superintendent of Police Pratik Kumar Singh, and other officials, who facilitated his darshan of Lord Jagannath and the other deities. He remarked that the art, literature, and culture of Odisha are ancient and unique, and said that during his visit he would endeavour to learn as much as possible about these rich traditions. Senior temple officials and servitors apprised CEC Kumar of the spiritual and cultural uniqueness of Lord Jagannath, the distinctive rituals and traditions of the Shree Jagannath Temple, the world-famous Rath Yatra held annually in the presence of millions of devotees, as well as the exquisite temple architecture and deep-rooted devotional practices. After offering prayers at the Shree Jagannath Temple, the CEC travelled along the coastal route to visit the world-renowned Sun Temple at Konark. He was deeply impressed upon learning about the extraordinary craftsmanship and historical significance of Konark, a UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site, built in the distinctive Kalinga style of architecture. Speaking at the Sun Temple in Konark, CEC Kumar said that the Sun Temple is not only a symbol of Odisha's heritage but also a matter of pride and honour for the entire nation. "Observing the grandeur and intricate craftsmanship of the temple, one can truly appreciate how prosperous ancient India was in terms of wealth, knowledge, and scientific advancement," he added. He noted that contemplating this legacy fills one's heart with deep sense of pride. The Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri and the Sun Temple at Konark stand as magnificent examples of Odisha's rich heritage and age-old traditions, he said. The divine experience of visiting these sacred and historic places will remain etched in his memory forever, CEC Kumar added. During the visit to Puri and Konark, the CEC was accompanied by the Odisha CEO Gopalan; Additional Chief Electoral Officer Sushant Kumar Mishra; Joint Chief Electoral Officer Gopinath Kanhar; Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Laxmi Prasad Sahu; Anamika Singh; along with officials of the local administration and other senior officers. Abu Dhabi, Dec 27 : Pakistan's long-used tactic of 'hoodwinking' risks yielding diminishing returns in a more transactional and leader-centric United States after Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir committing troops to support US President Donald Trump's higharisk Gaza stabilisation project. Abu Dhabi, Dec 27 (IANS) Pakistan's long-used tactic of 'hoodwinking' risks yielding diminishing returns in a more transactional and leader-centric United States after Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir committing troops to support US President Donald Trump's higha'risk Gaza stabilisation project. If Trump begins to view Munir as another "unreliable partner" a" one willing to extract concessions while avoiding delivery -- the guarantees Munir seeks on tenure, investment, and indulgence over Imran Khan could weaken rapidly, a report said on Saturday. "Field Marshal Asim Munir's ascent as Pakistan's most powerful military ruler in decades has coincided with President Donald Trump's higha'risk Gaza stabilisation project, creating the perfect environment for a transactional understanding between Rawalpindi and Washington. Munir delivers Pakistani boots for Trump's proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, while the US delivers economic lifelines, political cover, and indulgence of his domestic crackdown, especially against Imran Khan and the Pakistan Tehreeka'ea'Insaf (PTI)," a report in the UAE-based Al Arabiya Post detailed. "Yet, as pressure mounts, Pakistan's familiar act of overa'promising and undera'delivering appears to be rea'emerging, with Munir dragging his feet on ISF commitments while extracting maximum geopolitical rent," it added. According to the report, Munir's authority today is anchored in firm institutional control over the military and intelligence apparatus, a submissive civilian facade in Islamabad, and the calculated erosion of Imran Khan's political challenge. "His elevation to Field Marshal, consolidation of authority over all three services, and ruthless suppression of PTI after the May 9, 2023, unrest have turned him into Pakistan's de facto ruler, but also into the single point of blame for economic hardship, political repression, and strategic setbacks such as the humiliation of India's Operation Sindoor," it added. For Munir, the report said, external backing has become a survival imperative rather than a luxury, driving his need for three assurances from Washington. "First, quiet support for extending his tenure and preserving his extraordinary powers beyond the usual institutional norms. Second, investment and economic relief to shore up Pakistanas tottering economy and provide a narrative of arescue through strategic alignment,a visible in recent USa"Pakistan MoUs on minerals and energy investments. Third, a blind eye regarding the legal persecution, media blackout, and physical isolation of Imran Khan, whom many observers now describe as the central victim of a militarya'engineered political purge," it detailed. The report noted that if Munir continues to stall, Washington will be forced to choose between diluting the ISF concept by relying on a smaller, less credible coalition, or confronting Pakistan more directly over unmet commitments a" both carry high costs. "The Faustian bargain" it said, which promised the Pakistani Army chief "external protection in exchange for Gaza may yet collapse, leaving him overexposed at home and increasingly distrusted abroad." New Delhi, Dec 27 : The Supreme Court will on Monday hear the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) plea against the Delhi High Court order that suspended the life sentence and granted bail to expelled Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case. As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a three-judge Vacation Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, and Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih will take up the matter for hearing on Monday. The CBI has moved the apex court against the December 23 order of 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 had indicated their intention to challenge the Delhi High Court's decision before the Supreme Court. Before the Delhi High Court, the CBI had strongly opposed Sengar's plea, highlighting the gravity of the offence and the potential risks involved. In its order, a Division Bench of Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar of the of the Delhi HC had suspended Sengar's life sentence and granted him conditional bail during the pendency of his appeal, subject to strict conditions. The Justice Prasad-led Bench ordered Sengar's release on a personal bond of Rs 15 lakh with three sureties of the like amount. It directed that Sengar will not come within a five-kilometre radius of the victim's residence and shall remain in Delhi for the duration of the bail. The Delhi High Court clarified that any violation of the conditions would lead to cancellation of bail. The Unnao rape case had triggered nationwide outrage. In December 2019, the trial court convicted Sengar of kidnapping and raping a 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 survivor, along with women's rights activists, have protested against the suspension of Sengar's sentence, saying the bail order had "shaken public faith" and sent a wrong message on crimes against women. Jaipur, Dec 27 : Supreme Court judge Justice J.K. Maheshwari on Saturday said that the Indian Constitution is not secular in a narrow sense but is religiously neutral, emphasising that it accords equal respect and protection to all faiths. Speaking on the second day of the 17th National Convention of the All India Advocates Council held in Balotra, Justice Maheshwari said that while discussions were held on the inclusion of the term "secular" in the Preamble, legal experts from Rajasthan had suggested describing the Constitution as religiously neutral a view that was subsequently accepted. Referring to the motto "Justice: My Religion", Justice Maheshwari said it was not merely a slogan but a living constitutional truth. Addressing the third session of the convention on the theme "Unity and Integrity of the Nation: Constitutional Mandate", Justice Maheshwari stressed that the Constitution should not remain confined to courtrooms alone but must be reflected in the conduct of lawyers and citizens alike. He said that under the rule of law, the Constitution is supreme for people of all religions and serves as a guiding text, comparable in its moral authority to religious scriptures such as the Gita, the Quran and the Bible. Describing Balotra and Jodhpur as lands known for bravery and unwavering faith, Justice Maheshwari said that constitutional values must not only be preached but also lived and practised in daily life. Sharing lesser-known facts about the making of the Constitution, he said that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee. He noted that the artwork of the original Constitution was done by renowned artist Nandalal Bose, while it was handwritten by Prem Bihari Narayan Raizada using 432 nibs of 303 different varieties. Justice Maheshwari also displayed images of these nibs through a digital presentation in the seminar hall, adding that the Constitution should be a centre of faith not only for judges and lawyers but also for the general public. Drawing parallels with the concept of justice associated with the legendary throne of Vikramaditya, he said that in earlier times justice was not only delivered but also accepted by society, reinforcing public trust in governance. Justice Vineet Kumar Mathur, Justice Sanjeet Purohit and former Rajasthan High Court judge Dr. Vineet Kothari also addressed the session. Justice Mathur said that the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) is clearly reflected in the Preamble of the Constitution, describing its core philosophy as nationalistic rather than individualistic. Dr. Vineet Kothari said that advocates are the primary wheels of the justice delivery system and that justice cannot function without them. He highlighted the shared responsibility of judges and lawyers in upholding the global credibility of India's judicial system. National Vice President of the Advocates Council Rajendran D. and several senior members also expressed their views. The programme began with Ganesh Vandana, followed by an acclaimed Chari dance. Cultural performances, including a sword dance from Porbandar, energetic Bhangra, Mayur dance, Kathak, Rathwa dance and Manganiyar folk music, added colour and vibrancy to the evening. The cultural presentations introduced advocates from across the country to Rajasthan's rich folk traditions and heritage of valour. The programme was conducted by Poonam Sharma and advocate Pankaj Awasthi and witnessed a large gathering of advocates and guests. Several prominent legal personalities attended the convention, including National Organising Secretary Harirao Borikar, National President K. Srinivas Murthy, National Secretary Vikram Dubey, State President Sunil Joshi, State General Secretary Shyam Paliwal, Devkinandan Vyas, Kamlesh Rawal, Senior Advocate Kantilal Thakur, Additional Advocate General Rajesh Panwar, Shyam Ladrecha and Mahaveer Bishnoi. Agartala, Dec 27 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, on Saturday, spoke to his Uttarakhand counterpart Pushkar Singh Dhami over the brutal assault on student Angel Chakma in Dehradun, government officials said. The 24-year-old student, son of a Border Security Force (BSF) Constable, succumbed to his injuries on Friday after being attacked by a group of miscreants on December 9, officials said. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami told Tripura CM Saha that five accused have been arrested in connection with the incident and further investigation is underway. In social media posts, CM Saha said: "Spoke with the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami Ji, regarding the tragic incident involving our student Angel Chakma, a resident of Nandanagar under Debram Thakur Para in Tripura, who was brutally assaulted by a group of miscreants in Dehradun on December 9 and later died at the Graphic Era Hospital." "The Uttarakhand Chief Minister (Pushkar Singh Dhami) informed me that five accused have already been arrested in connection with the case. Further investigation is underway, and he has assured that justice will be delivered," the Tripura CM added. Angel Chakma, who was pursuing his studies at a university in Uttarakhand, was grievously injured in what is alleged to be a "racially motivated attack". According to the deceased victim's family sources in Agartala, the incident occurred on the evening of December 9 in the Selaqui area of Dehradun. A written complaint was lodged with the police by the victim's brother, Michael Chakma. As per the complaint, the two brothers -- Michael and Angel -- had gone out to buy essential items when they were stopped by a group of youths, allegedly under the influence of alcohol. What began as an argument soon escalated into violence, with the attackers allegedly hurling racial slurs and making derogatory remarks about their appearance. When the brothers objected, the situation turned into a brutal physical assault. Michael Chakma, a student of another university, alleged that he was struck on the head with a 'kada', a metal wrist ornament. Angel bore the brunt of the attack and sustained multiple stab injuries, including deep wounds to his neck and abdomen. He was immediately rushed to Graphic Era Hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit. Despite prolonged medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries around 4 a.m. on Friday. The Uttarakhand Police have arrested five accused and placed them in judicial custody. Meanwhile, the mortal remains of Angel Chakma reached his home in Tripura on Saturday. The Youth Tipra Federation, the youth wing of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), an ally of the BJP government in Tripura, expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and demanded swift justice. "Those responsible for this heinous act must be identified and brought to justice without delay. We urge the authorities to ensure a fair, thorough and time-bound investigation," the organisation said. Angel Chakma's death has triggered widespread grief and anger across Tripura, with several student bodies and political leaders condemning the incident and demanding exemplary punishment for the accused. TMP Supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma also expressed grief and outrage, calling for immediate justice. In Q3 2025, Realty Income reported adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) per share of $1.08 and total revenue of $1.47 billion (up 11% year over year). These figures were driven by significant global investment activity totaling $1.4 billion, high portfolio occupancy (98.7%), and a 103.5% rent recapture rate. The company primarily uses a net lease structure, where the tenant is responsible for property operating expenses like taxes, maintenance, and insurance, which also helps preserve predictable cash flow for the company. 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The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 3 Superb High-Yield Dividend Stocks With Yields North of 5% That Make for No-Brainer Buys Right Now was originally published by The Motley Fool Bengaluru, Dec 27 : Taking objection to the Congress-led Karnataka government's demolition drive against unauthorised constructions in Bengaluru, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Saturday raised serious concerns, stating that such actions should have been undertaken with greater caution and sensitivity. AICC General Secretary and Congress Lok Sabha member K.C. Venugopal made the remarks after speaking to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Taking to social media platform X, Venugopal said: "I spoke to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding the demolition of unauthorised constructions in Kogilu village, Bengaluru. I conveyed the AICC's serious concern that such actions should have been undertaken with far greater caution, sensitivity and compassion, keeping the human impact at the centre." "They have assured that they will personally engage with the affected families, put in place an appropriate mechanism to address grievances, and ensure rehabilitation and relief for those impacted," Venugopal added. The issue came into focus after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that the Karnataka government was adopting a 'bulldozer model', similar to Uttar Pradesh, to evict Muslims in parts of Bengaluru. Reacting strongly to Vijayan's remarks, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar asked the Kerala Chief Minister not to interfere in Karnataka's internal affairs and dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. "Without knowing the facts, Mr Pinarayi should not interfere in our state's affairs. These are political gimmicks ahead of elections," Shivakumar said. Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, said that those evicted who possess valid documents and are residents of Karnataka would be assisted. "Those who are eligible will certainly be rehabilitated," he said. Explaining the government's action, Shivakumar said that huts had come up overnight at the site. "After discussions with local representatives and officials, an order was issued to vacate the land, and the area has now been cleared. We carried out the operation without troubling anyone," he claimed. He said the encroachment had occurred at a quarry site notified nearly a decade ago for garbage dumping. "It is a dangerous area with serious health hazards, and illegal occupation cannot be allowed," he said. Calling Vijayan's remarks unfortunate, Shivakumar said senior leaders should first understand the ground realities in Bengaluru before making statements. "We know Bengaluru well and do not want land mafia to create slums. We are protecting government land," he underlined. Shivakumar further claimed that eligible families were being provided housing under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme. Rejecting allegations of the use of bulldozers, he said, "We did not use bulldozers at all. We only vacated a public place in the heart of the city. It is a site earmarked for garbage dumping, and encroachment there cannot be permitted." He also alleged that protests at the site were politically motivated. Bengaluru, Dec 27 : The police on Saturday arrested three persons for allegedly chasing and harassing a young woman rider for several kilometres in Bengaluru. The accused have been identified as Shaiek Roshan (19), a resident of Begur, and Shaiek Ayan (19), a resident of Old Gurappanpalya in BTM Layout. Both are employed at a chicken shop. The third accused, Shaiek Rihan Khan (18), a resident of BTM Layout, works at a garage. The incident came to light after a video went viral on social media, triggering serious concerns over women's safety in the city. A whistleblower, identified as Abhinav Vasudevan, shared the video on social media platform X and tagged the Bengaluru Police, seeking immediate action. After posting the nine-second video, Abhinav said, "I saw a girl being harassed by a group of men for several kilometres on a main road, and this was before 10 pm. I recorded the video as evidence and intervened, after which they immediately fled." Acting swiftly on the complaint, the jurisdictional Sadduguntepalya police arrested the accused and seized the two-wheeler used in the incident. Providing details, the Sadduguntepalya police said, "An FIR has been registered, the accused have been arrested, and they have been remanded to judicial custody. Suitable legal action has been initiated." The video shows the three accused riding a motorcycle without helmets, chasing the woman who was riding a scooter and allegedly passing lewd comments. According to police, the incident occurred in the BTM Layout area around midnight on December 25. The woman was riding her scooter while wearing a helmet when the three youths on another two-wheeler followed her for nearly two kilometres. Police said the accused rode recklessly, deliberately swerved in front of the woman's scooter in an attempt to block her path, and continued to chase her. Meanwhile, Abhinav Vasudevan, who was travelling in a car behind the woman, noticed the harassment, recorded the incident and later shared the video on X, tagging the police. Further investigation is underway. Kathmandu, Dec 27 : Nepal interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Saturday held her first-ever direct meeting with top leaders of the country's major political parties to discuss the parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5 next year. Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified MarxistLeninist) [CPN (UML)] Chairperson KP Sharma Oli, and Nepali Communist Party Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal reached the Prime Minister's official residence to discuss the matter. Although the leaders had earlier met during a meeting facilitated by President Ram Chandra Paudel on Tuesday, this was the first time Prime Minister Karki held a direct meeting with them. All three leaders are former prime ministers. With major political parties - particularly the CPN (UML) and Nepali Congress - expressing concerns over the electoral environment, citing the law-and-order situation, and their leaders filing writ petitions at the Supreme Court seeking restoration of the dissolved House of Representatives, the latest meeting was convened amid heightened political tension. Following the meeting, former Prime Minister Deuba told journalists that all political parties were ready to participate in the elections scheduled for March. "However, a conducive environment for the polls has not yet been prepared," he added. Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel, who also serves as the government spokesperson, said all three leaders expressed readiness to go to the polls. He told journalists that even former Prime Minister Oli, whose party has been demanding restoration of the dissolved lower house, expressed willingness to participate in the elections while calling for the creation of a conducive environment. "The Prime Minister assured the leaders that the government will ensure a suitable electoral environment by improving security and other conditions," Kharel said. Kharel also had held separate meetings with these three leaders on Friday. Among the parties, the CPN (UML) has been expressing doubts about the government's seriousness in holding the polls on time, criticising the current government and claiming it was formed in violation of the constitution. The Nepali Congress has formally decided to participate in the elections through its Central Working Committee but has also emphasised the need for a conducive electoral environment. The Nepali Communist Party, formed after the merger of the erstwhile CPN (Maoist Centre) and CPN (Unified Socialist), among others, has been advocating for holding the elections as scheduled. According to the Prime Minister's Secretariat, Prime Minister Karki welcomed the commitment expressed by the political leaders to participate in the polls. "The government will ensure an environment for free and fair elections," she said. Kolkata, Dec 27 : As the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls began on Saturday, a Trinamool Congress delegation visited the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in West Bengal and lodged a series of complaints regarding the hearing process. The delegation also submitted a written representation outlining its grievances and said that officials at the CEO's office informed them that the letter would be forwarded to the Election Commission of India. The TMC delegation comprised state ministers Chandrima Bhattacharya, Aroop Biswas and Shashi Panja, along with senior party leaders Manas Bhunia and Moloy Ghatak. After meeting officials at the CEO's office, members of the delegation levelled allegations against the Election Commission over the conduct of the SIR process. State Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said the revision exercise should be carried out keeping public convenience in mind, but alleged that this was not being followed in West Bengal. "The way the SIR process is being conducted in BJP-ruled states, it is not being done in the same manner in Bengal," she alleged. Bhattacharya further claimed that the powers of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) were being curtailed in the state, which she described as illegal. "We will not accept this," she said, alleging that the Election Commission was acting at the behest of the BJP. State Minister Aroop Biswas also made similar allegations, claiming that the Commission was acting under pressure from the ruling party at the Centre. "The Election Commission is doing whatever the BJP is saying. It is acting like the B-team of the BJP. The electoral office is now functioning like a BJP office, and the central government is repeatedly dictating who should remain voters," Biswas alleged. He also questioned why the names of lakhs of people, allegedly deleted from the electoral rolls after the first round of the SIR process, had not been made public. "We will not allow the name of a single legitimate voter to be removed," Biswas said. Senior TMC leader Manas Bhunia alleged that the developments were politically motivated because the Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are in power in the state. The delegation further alleged that elderly people were being harassed by being called for hearings over minor discrepancies during the revision process. Americans don't agree on much these days, but we all seem to agree that higher education in our country is broken. The good news is that we may now see the beginning of a nationwide movement to make higher education a better investment for students and help prepare them for life after school. Since the 1990s, we have seen an explosion in the cost of college driven by a growth in administrators and virtually endless government-backed debt. Continued increases in enrollments allowed even state schools to create classes and even entire majors for which there was absolutely no job market. The result is all around us. Millennials and Gen Z are buried in $1.78 trillion in student debt (larger than the economy of Australia or South Korea), and nearly half of college graduates regret their choice of major. There are more college administrators than everin fact, at public institutions, there are more administrators than faculty. At Yale, there is roughly one administrator per undergraduate student. It is no wonder that more and more Americans are questioning the old conventional wisdom that college is necessary. Popular respect for college is at an all-time low, and total enrollment at American colleges and universities is down by more than one million students since the Great Recession. President Trump even expressed worry about American colleges going out of business in a recent interview. Meanwhile, there have been more than seven million jobs available in this country for more than four years straight. The CEO of Ford Motors said recently that he has more than 5,000 job openings that pay six figuresfor mechanics. As Marco Rubio famously put it, we need fewer philosophers and more plumbers. There is clearly an enormous misalignment between what colleges are doing and what the job market actually needs. Thankfully, President Trump and his administration are taking historic action to fix this situation. This summer, the president signed a new law that imposed modest limits to new student loans. President Trumps new law will also cut off federal student loans to any major that makes students worse off than if theyd never gone to college. This might sound like an incredibly low bar, but it is a very real problem: According to one estimate, 31 percent of college degrees have a negative return on investment for students. It is an indictment on the nations higher education system that this kind of test should even be necessary. Sadly, it isbut President Trumps law is the first step to fixing the problem. Thanks to President Trump, students who are being exploited and even bankrupted by colleges are now being given some protection. Most higher education spending in America is done at state schools, which are generously subsidized by state taxpayers with the goal of strengthening the states economy for the next generation. According to the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association, at least 30 states already have a performance-based funding component in their higher education funding formula, using measures like graduation rates, student retention, and enrollment in high-value degree programs. Earlier this year, we saw perhaps the next phase in this reform movement at the state level. During this years General Session, Utahs Republican-controlled legislature passed House Bill 265, the Higher Education Strategic Reinvestment Act. This reform withheld 10 percent of each Utah public colleges instructional budget, or about $60 million in total. To earn the money back, colleges had to submit three-year budget reallocation plans to the state board of higher education. The result? Hundreds of programs, courses, and staff offering little value to students are being cut. Some examples of cut programs include a Ph.D. in theater at the University of Utah, many underenrolled specialized language programs at Weber State University, and liberal arts minors in ethnic and gender studies. The resources freed up by these cuts will be reinvested in badly needed areas like engineering, biotechnology, and health care. Just because a subject is worthy of academic pursuit doesnt mean that every university should offer it or that taxpayers should subsidize it. This new law may be the start of a nationwide movement. States like Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, and others are actively implementing or refining performance-based funding frameworks for higher education. Ohio adopted a law this year to cut degree programs with fewer than five graduates over any three-year periodand Ohios state schools are already cutting away. Also in 2025, Pennsylvanias recently adopted Performance-Based Funding Council published final recommendations for a new funding approach for the states flagship public universities. Todays students can hope that these state reforms, together with President Trumps new law, are a sign of things to come. It is long past time that our schools stop getting a failing grade. Tata Steels two Dutch subsidiaries are facing a 1.4 billion lawsuit in the Netherlands alleging health and property damage caused by emissions from the companys steelmaking operations, a charge which the Indian conglomerate labelled as unsubstantiated and speculative. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Andrew Yates/Reuters In an exchange filing, Tata Steel said that environmental group Stichting Frisse Wind.nu (SFW) has served a writ of summons on Tata Steel Nederland BV and Tata Steel IJmuiden BV on December 19. And the proceedings have begun before the District Court of North Holland in Haarlem under the Dutch Act on Collective Settlement of Mass Claims (WAMCA). SFW has said that it is acting on behalf of residents living near Tata Steels IJmuiden plant. The lawsuit relates to allegations that emissions of hazardous or harmful substances from Tata Steels operations in Velsen-Noord have adversely affected residents health and living conditions. According to the filing, SFW is seeking approximately euro 1.4 billion in compensation, citing increased susceptibility to various health issues and loss of enjoyment of homes. Justifying the claim, SFW said that average home values in the region lag those in comparable areas due to the impact of Tata Steels operations. On its part, Tata Steel said that SFW has provided no supporting evidence. The company said its Dutch subsidiaries, collectively referred to as TSN, reject the allegations and consider the claims to be without any basis. TSN considers that it has strong arguments to defend against the claims and will vehemently defend itself, Tata Steel said. The company also added that, in its assessment, SFW faces considerable challenges in establishing both the admissibility of the case and the merits of its claims. Under the WAMCA framework, proceedings are conducted in two stages: Admissibility and merits, with each phase expected to take two-three years to conclude. Tata Steel said that given the nature of the process, a discussion on the quantum of claims is not expected in the coming years thus limiting the likelihood of near term financial implications for the company. The filing also disclosed that the SFWs action is being funded by Redbreast Associates NV and Omni Bridgeway SA, both third party litigation funders. SFW has published a compliance statement outlining the compensation structure for financiers. It allows them to receive either a multiple of their investment or a share of any recovered amount, capped at 25 per cent. Tata Steel said health and a clean living environment remain key priorities for its Dutch operations. The company highlighted that TSN has made substantial investments under its Roadmap+ programme over the past five years to address concerns raised by neighbouring communities. TSN consistently ranks among the leading global blast furnace-based steel producers in terms of CO2 efficiency, with performance metrics well below both European and global averages, it added. Given these efforts, the company said it believes that SFW's claim lacks merit. The company said it is examining the documents received from SFW, consulting legal counsel and assessing potential implications. Vedanta, a conglomerate in mining and metals, has seen a surge in its share price on the back of multiple triggers. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters Its demerger appears to be on track, a strong non-ferrous commodity cycle is boosting margins, and silver bulls are interested in Hindustan Zinc, its subsidiary. Aluminium and zinc are up 7 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively, on a quarter-on-quarter (Q-o-Q) basis for October-December. Aluminium is expected to remain deficit next year as well and supply constraints could sustain higher silver prices in 2026. Hindustan Zinc will benefit from rising silver prices (up 32 per cent Q-o-Q), given that it is Indias largest silver producer with 800 tonnes of refining capacity. Vedanta is expanding with the commissioning of a smelting unit (at Balco) with a capacity of 435 kilo tonnes per annum (KTPA). Debottlenecking at Jharsuguda will lift its smelting capacity to 3.1 million tonnes per annum, or MTPA, by FY28. The commissioning of the 1.5 MTPA Lanjigarh alumina refinery is part of a targeted expansion of alumina capacity to 6 MTPA, backed by bauxite and coal mines. A focus on value-added products is expected to drive premium realisations. Aluminium revenue at Vedanta is expected to grow at 12 per cent annually over FY25-27, with operating profit/tonne rising to $1,283 by FY27 (vs $870 in FY25). A generation of good cash flow, or CFO, at over Rs 30,000 crore since FY22 has enabled deleveraging, with net debt/operating profit improving to 1.37 times as of September 2025 and targeted at making them equal by FY27. Despite high dividend payouts, robust free cash-flow generation is expected to sustain a dividend yield of 6 per cent in future. An operating profit of Vedanta could rise annually at 25 per cent over FY25-27. Approval by the National Company Law Tribunal for demerger paves the way for creating five listed companies, subject to getting other clearances. Given separate capital structures and deleveraging, the demerger could unlock value. The approvals for demerger are still pending (next hearing on January 7) and next steps include asset/liability transfers including mining leases, power-purchase agreements and production-sharing contracts for oil/gas and furnishing corporate guarantees. Vedanta hopes to complete the demerger by March. Hindustan Zinc contributes 40 per cent to Vedantas consolidated operating profit. The management reiterated its medium-term visibility on earnings, supported by a secure mine life, high structural-entry barriers, and renewables-led cost cuts. The company is confident of retaining mines in the CY30 re-auction. The management highlighted high entry barriers, supporting a high probability of mine retention, albeit at moderately higher royalty. The energy-mix transition is a key cost lever, with the use of renewables to increase from 7 per cent in FY25 to 55 per cent in FY27 and to 70 per cent by FY28. Each 2 per cent increase in the share of renewables yields $1/tonne in cost savings. The FY27 management guidance for zinc output is at least 1,080 kilo tonnes and for silver production 700 tonnes at very competitive global costs. Minimal hedging for FY27 reflects the managements belief about structural silver tightness. Silver hedging is limited to 123 tonnes (34 per cent of H2FY26) at $37/ounce, while FY27 hedging is minimal. Operating profit could have a considerable upside over consensus expectations of Rs 22,000 crore since spot prices indicate operating profits of Rs 25,800 crore. Each $1/ounce move in silver prices changes Hindustan Zincs operating profit by 1 per cent. Vedanta reported consolidated revenues of Rs 39,900 crore, up 6 per cent Y-o-Y and up 5 per cent Q-o-Q, driven by higher London Metal Exchange prices, improved premiums, and forex gains in Q2FY26. Consolidated operating profits stood at Rs 11,400 crore, up 16 per cent Y-o-Y and up 15 per cent Q-o-Q. The operating profit margin for Q2FY26 stood at 28.6 per cent compared to 26.2 per cent in Q1FY26 and 26.1 per cent in 2QFY25. Adjusted net profits stood at Rs 3,350 crore, up 13 per cent Y-o-Y and up 5 per cent Q-o-Q. The company has maintained its full-year capex guidance at $1.7 billion-1.9 billion for FY26, with $0.9 billion already invested in H1. The analyst consensus is positive and the stock has hit new highs. The passing of bills without Parliament, including the treasury benches, having any real understanding of what they contained through any rigorous process has accelerated through the Modi era, points out Aakar Patel. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, December 25, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo On December 17, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asked the Lok Sabha to send the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee For Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission Bill, 2025, to the standing committee for suggestions and changes. Opposition MPs said that the Bill was made available on the members' portal at 5 pm, and amendments were sought by 5:45 pm. MPs said they should be given at least one day to first read and understand the Bill. The requests were turned down and the bill was passed by voice vote on December 18. MNREGA, one of our most important laws, has been finished off and we do not really know why. This passing of bills without Parliament, including the treasury benches, having any real understanding of what they contained through any rigorous process has accelerated through the Modi era. In the 14th Lok Sabha (2004-2009), 60 per cent of the bills were referred to committees for scrutiny. In the next Lok Sabha (2009-2014), this number was 71 per cent. In the first Modi government, this fell to 25 per cent. In the second Modi government (2019-2024) this fell to 16 per cent. It wilfully undid the parliamentary convention of referring bills to department-related parliamentary standing committees for scrutiny and examination. The Right to Information law was gutted similarly by pushing through changes in 2019 without sending it to a committee. As a direct consequence, India's global ranking on the RTI index fell from 2nd to eighth and then ninth. In 2019, Telegu Desam MPs had joined MPs from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Communist Party of India-Marxist to express concern at the 'hurried passing' of bills without scrutiny. They wrote that public consultation -- in which groups and individuals engaged with particular subjects are invited by legislators to put forward their views on prospective legislations -- had also stopped. 'Public consultation is a long established practice where parliamentary committees scrutinise bills, deliberate, engage and work towards improving the content and quality of the legislation,' they wrote. This had no effect on Modi, and in 2020, not a single bill was sent to a committee for scrutiny. What is the point of writing this now? It is that the government must learn that often this haste and arrogance produces outcomes that are unwanted. On September 20, 2020, ordinances that had cleared the Lok Sabha were pushed through the Rajya Sabha on a 'voice vote' and not a division vote, meaning an actual vote where ayes and noes are counted. The excuse given then was that the individual in control, Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, was distracted by the disorder in the House and did not notice that a division vote had been demanded. Rajya Sabha television stopped its live broadcast while this was happening and the microphones of the MPs were switched off. (The BJP took the cue and followed the same pattern elsewhere. In the Karnataka legislative council, where it lacked a majority, the BJP passed its anti-cow slaughter bill through a voice vote, ignoring the demand for a division vote.) The two laws given birth in this manner were the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020 and the Farmers' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020. To remind readers: The first law removed the monopoly of government-run agriculture markets, or mandis, and allowed the sale of produce outside these. It also forbade the taxing of these new spaces. This meant that, over time, the mandis, which are taxed, would become redundant. This would damage the interests of farmers in those states where the mandis were efficiently run and procurement happened to the satisfaction of farmers. The second law made contract farming possible. However, the law said that aggrieved farmers could not move court in case the buyer defaulted -- they could only approach the state bureaucracy for resolution. A third law undid the banning of hoarding of essential commodities, allowing corporations to stock up as much grain as they wanted. The Modi government said it had the farmers' interests in mind when it wrote up these legislations (the intent, it was said, was to double the incomes of farmers, which had stagnated over years). But if that was the case it was unexplained why the laws had provisions which seemed to deliberately go against the interest of the farmers. Other than the manner in which they were passed, the laws also appeared to violate the Constitution under which agriculture is a state subject. It is for the states to legislate laws on the subject and not the Union. Here, the excuse given was that these laws really regulated trade and not agriculture itself. The bills were signed by the President a week later and became law, triggering a protest that became a mass movement. Like MNREGA, these were laws that would deeply impact the lives of crores of Indians. The government did not consider what the reaction from these Indians would be. It was at first surprised and taken aback that there was any pushback at all. When it became clear that it could not actually get the laws implemented, the prime minister ignored the fallout for a full year. Eventually he apologised and retreated. But why get into this position in the first place? Why mess with the lives of crores of people with this level of casualness and arrogance? It is hard for the writer and indeed for the reader to say. One has to believe one has been gifted unlimited power and authority to consider such moves and only one person in this country thinks in that fashion. Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer and you can read Aakar's earlier columns here. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com That could be much less depending on your work record and when you claim your benefit; if you dont wait until your full retirement age of 67, your benefit will be permanently reduced. As of August 2025, the average Social Security retirement benefit for a retired worker was $2,008 per month. Thats just $24,000 a year. (3) So theres a legitimate reason for working Americans to be concerned. Regardless, even if a solution is found and benefits arent slashed, the average Social Security retirement benefit right now isnt enough for most Americans to live comfortably in retirement if they dont have other sources of income. At the same time, the current administration has slashed staff at the Social Security Administration (SSA), leaving remaining workers struggling to service millions of Americans. (2) The looming insolvency of Social Securitys retirement program will lead to a 23 percent across-the-board benefit cut when todays 59-year-olds reach the Full Retirement Age (FRA) and when todays youngest retirees turn 70. On a theoretically combined basis, beneficiaries will face a 19 percent benefit cut just one year later, according to analyses from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. The Social Security and Medicare trust funds are just eight years from insolvency, according to the latest annual Trustees Reports from both organizations. That means beneficiaries could face a 23% cut to their benefits by 2033. (1) Im almost 50 years old and have nothing saved for retirement. What do I do? Dont panic. Here are 6 easy ways to catch up (and fast) Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how However, theyre also concerned that funds will run out before theyre able to claim them. Thats why getting diverse income streams set up now can help prepare you for monthly income when youre no longer working a 9 to 5 and in case one income stream becomes negatively impacted. More than half (52%) of working Americans expect to rely on Social Security benefits to cover necessary expenses when they retire, according to Bankrates 2025 Social Security Survey. And more than a quarter (28%) expect to be very reliant. Social Security wont be enough for many to get through retirement yet many Americans are relying heavily (or solely) on it to fund their golden years. Story Continues The average retired household (from age 65 to 74) spends about $5,400 a month, or $65,000 a year, in retirement on essential and discretionary items, according to the Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CE) program from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. (4) So the average Social Security retirement benefit wouldnt be enough, even if two spouses were each receiving a check. However, Social Security was never designed to fund the entirety of a persons retirement; rather, it was meant to be part of a broader plan that included pensions or employer-sponsored retirement plans, as well as personal retirement savings. Read More: Vanguard reveals what could be coming for U.S. stocks, and its raising alarm bells for retirees. Heres why and how to protect yourself 6 ways to diversify your income streams in retirement Pensions: If youre a government worker, or one of the 15% of private-industry workers with access to a traditional pension, that could be an important part of your retirement income. (5) Retirement accounts: While not everyone has a traditional pension, you may have access to an employer-sponsored retirement account, such as a 401(k) or 403(b) plan and if your employer matches your contributions, you can significantly boost those savings. You can also set aside money for retirement in a traditional IRA (individual retirement account), which can lower your current taxable income (you pay taxes upon withdrawal). However, both 401(k)s and IRAs offer Roth versions, wherein you contribute after-tax dollars and dont have to pay taxes on qualifying withdrawals. (So tax considerations should be part of your retirement strategy.) High-interest deposit accounts: You could also stash money away in certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts and high-yield savings accounts (though do your research to get the best CD interest rate). The advantage is that your money is more easily accessible. With a high-yield savings account, you can access your money whenever you want; with a CD, your funds are locked for a set period. Dividend-paying stocks: If you invest in stocks and bonds, you may also want to consider dividend-paying stocks, since they provide a regular income stream from dividend payments on top of appreciation. Dividends tend to pay quarterly, though some pay monthly. Annuities: Another way to get a guaranteed stream of income in retirement is through an annuity with your insurance company. This is funded in advance, either through a lump sum or series of payments, and the money earns interest. Then, the initial investment and growth is paid back to you over a specified period or your lifetime (usually monthly). However, annuities do come with fees that could affect long-term returns. Real estate: If youre willing to take on the responsibility of becoming a landlord, you could generate a regular stream of income from rent, though this should be weighed against the cost of owning a property and becoming a landlord. For example, youll have to pay taxes on rental income, maintenance, and if you have a mortgage on the house, you may also be required to buy landlord insurance and maintenance. But this is not the only way to invest in real estate. You could also consider investing in private real estate funds (skipping the hassle of direct ownership), accessing the home equity market or tapping into the residential or commercial real estate markets through investment platforms. When it comes to pulling together a paycheck from your retirement accounts, theres a lot to consider. You may want to consult with a qualified financial advisor to help you reach your goals without being overly reliant on Social Security. You May Also Like Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. Committee for a Responsible Financial Budget (CRFB) (1); NPR (2); Social Security Administration (3); Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis(4); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (5). This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. 'If a common man wants to buy an air purifier for Rs 10,000, then he will have to shell out Rs 11,800 with 18 percent GST.' 'If he is charged GST at 5 percent the same air purifier will cost Rs 10,500.' 'This saves a one time amount of Rs 1,300 -- and that too just to breathe clean air.' IMAGE: A drone visual shows the Mayur Vihar-1 area in New Delhi as the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the 'Very Poor' category as per the Central Pollution Control Board. Photograph: ANI Video Grab As Delhi witnessed one of its worst air pollution spells this year, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the 'severe' category for days and often crossing hazardous levels in November, daily life in the national capital came to a virtual standstill. Schools curtailed outdoor activities, hospitals reported a surge in respiratory complaints, and residents were advised to stay indoors as a thick blanket of smog engulfed the city. It was during this peak pollution period that Advocate Kapil Madan decided to act, filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on air purifiers from 18 per cent to 5 per cent. In an interview with Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff, Mr. Madan explains why he believes air purifiers have become an essential, health-related necessity rather than a luxury item. The plea was heard on Friday, December 26, 2025, when the Union government told the Delhi high court that directing a GST cut on air purifiers would 'open a Pandora's box'. The court has now listed the matter for further hearing on January 9, 2026, even as the petition brings renewed focus on the cost of breathing clean air in one of the world's most polluted cities, Delhi. What made you file a PIL stating that the GST on air purifiers should be reduced to 5 percent from the current 18 percent? In November the AQI was terrible in Delhi. We were continuously in the 500 plus upwards category. So, I decided to buy an air purifier and while buying I realised that the GST is at 18 percent. Very recently the Government of India had reduced GST on most items so I felt why not air purifiers? Air purifiers are a necessity now in a city like Delhi. And when I researched I felt there was a way that we could argue our justification of a 5 percent tax on air purifiers as it qualifies like a medical device. How can an air purifier be a medical device? Yes, it can be. There is a notification in the GST Act itself where one can argue that air purifiers can be qualified in that (medical device) category so there should be a 5 percent GST on it. Don't you think if the government admits your argument of a medical device, then indirectly the government is admitting that it is unable to provide clean air to its citizens? Why would it admit this in court? Not really. At the last hearing the government said it is mooting this point. But at this (on December 26, 2025) hearing they are saying that it is a policy decision and the court should not interfere in the policy decision. On that context they have made legal and technical objections (to the PIL). The court has now given them time to file a counter affidavit (till January 9, 2026). IMAGE: A view from around Dhaula Kuan in New Delhi, December 26, 2025 as a layer of smog engulfs the area. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Did you check any other electronic goods or consumer goods where you felt there was 5 percent GST on them and on air purifiers it was 18 percent? I have checked medical devices or the devices which are not medical but they will have essentially medical use only. I saw those devices were taxed at 5 percent. I could also get my hands on one of the press releases of the Government of India wherein they are themselves saying that all the items which have medical connection the GST will be 5 percent on them. So this was the overall thought of the government to reduce GST on all medical items and bring it to 5 percent flat GST. Why do you think air purifiers have to be considered medical equipment because the government of India does not believe it to be so? You see the HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter in air purifiers and the process it uses (to clean air). You tell me why would you use an air purifier when the air is alright outside your home? Give me one good reason. Agreed, there is no good reason to use an air purifier. Yes, there is no good reason to use an air purifier at home. The only purpose it serves is that it helps you filter out micro pollutants from the air so that it should not impact your respiratory system. That is the only purpose of an air purifier. If the air is good no one will buy an air purifier. IMAGE: An anti-smog gun sprays water to curb the pollution at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, December 26, 2025. Photograph: Amit/ANI Photo Was this the first time you bought an air purifier? I bought one last year and I got another two this year. What is the reason for buying another two this year? The obvious answer is bad air quality. In Delhi this time the air pollution span has been long. Earlier, there used to be a short span of air pollution. If you check the data you will find out this year the pollution is worst. This year we had a very long window. AQI started worsening from November and now we are in December. Earlier I had bought it for my office. But now I realise that an air purifier is a must have equipment in your home. One is for my room and another is for my children's room. You think the AQI situation is getting worse and the government is not doing anything about it. I will not comment on measures taken by the Government of India to reduce pollution, but the fact of the matter is that everyone is suffering due to air pollution. I think if we are able to convince the court that this is the available legal GST and other regulatory framework that should be charged on air purifiers. If air purifiers are charged 5 percent GST, then this would give some respite to everyone suffering from air pollution. Don't you think tomorrow someone can get up and say there is too much heat in Delhi so give 5 percent GST on air conditioners and ceiling fans too? There is a difference. Air conditioners give you comfort as far as the temperature is concerned as it lowers the room temperature. Air purifiers works on a different technology. As I said earlier, air purifiers works on HEPA filters and they are equipped to filter very tiny particles via a technical process. Air purifiers allow you to breathe cleaner air after you put them in your room. So there is no logic in comparing air conditioners to air purifiers. IMAGE: Vehicles commute amid dense fog on a cold winter morning in New Delhi, December 26, 2025. Photograph: Sumit/ANI Photo Have the air purifiers made a difference in your life? When you go out of an air purifier room you suddenly feel there is something wrong outside. If you are continuously staying in a polluted environment then you might not feel the difference in the quality of air but if you stay in an air purified room and go out in a polluted environment then the polluted air will immediately strike you. We have seen photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi sitting in a meeting next to an air purifier. The same goes with (the Delhi) chief minister too. Why are they using an air purifiers? They are using it because it is required. Did you remember that Hindi phrase 'Hawa lene ke liye bhi tax dena padega' when purchasing an air purifier? I have put the same application in my PIL stating that we are told to pay for breathing air and also being charged wrongly. This is irony. If a common man wants to buy an air purifier for Rs 10,000, then he will have to shell out Rs 11,800 with 18 percent GST. If he is charged GST at 5 percent the same air purifier will cost Rs 10,500. This saves a one time amount of Rs 1,300 -- and that too just to breathe clean air. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff There have been several instances in which Bangladeshi nationals who were pushed back after being identified as illegal entrants have re-entered Assam. Kindly note the image has been published only for representational purposes. Photograph: Reuters Seven Bangladeshi nationals were detained in Assam's Sribhumi district after they allegedly re-entered Indian territory days after being sent back across the international border, officials said on Friday. The group was intercepted in the Mahishasan border area after members of the local Village Defence Party noticed suspicious movement during routine patrolling. They were stopped near Manatoli village, close to the India-Bangladesh border, and subsequently handed over to security personnel for further verification and legal action. Preliminary checks revealed that the seven had earlier been identified as foreigners and pushed back into Bangladesh during a recent operation along the border. However, they reportedly crossed back into India within a short span, raising concerns over gaps in border monitoring and the possible involvement of organised networks facilitating illegal crossings. Officials said the detainees were found only a few kilometres from the point where they were earlier sent back, suggesting familiarity with the terrain and border routes. Security agencies are now probing the circumstances of their re-entry and examining whether traffickers or local facilitators assisted them. There have been several instances in the past in which Bangladeshi nationals who were pushed back after being identified as illegal entrants have managed to re-enter Assam, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by agencies tasked with guarding the porous stretches of the international border. The incident has prompted heightened vigilance in the region, with police and border security agencies intensifying patrols and surveillance along vulnerable stretches of the boundary. Further investigation is underway Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff The BJP alleged that the move would undermine existing reservation norms and was aimed at consolidating a particular vote bank. IMAGE: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Photograph: Kind courtesy Himanta Biswa Sarma/X A political storm has erupted in Assam over a proposal to earmark 48 seats for Muslims with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party launching a scathing attack on the Opposition Indian National Congress, accusing it of attempting to polarise voters ahead of elections. The controversy centres on claims that the Congress, if voted to power, would introduce reservation for Bengali-speaking Muslims of migrant origin in local bodies and other representative institutions. The BJP alleged that the move would undermine existing reservation norms and was aimed at consolidating a particular vote bank. Senior BJP leaders in Assam said the Congress was 'playing with fire' by raising divisive issues and warned that such proposals could disrupt social harmony. "There is no Constitutional basis for such selective reservation. This is nothing but appeasement politics," a BJP spokesperson said, adding that his party would oppose any attempt to alter the current framework. The Congress rejected the BJP allegations, maintaining that the issue was being misrepresented. "The BJP is deliberately spreading misinformation to distract from governance failures," a Congress leader said, asserting that any policy decision would follow Constitutional provisions and due process. The issue has sparked reactions across the political spectrum, with civil society groups urging restraint and clarity. Analysts say the row could sharpen political fault lines in the state as parties ramp up rhetoric in the run-up to the assembly elections. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff The Congress on Saturday announced a nationwide campaign against the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from January 5, with Rahul Gandhi accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of 'single-handedly destroying' the United Progressive Alliance-era legislation and claimed it was an attack on the democratic structure that will ruin the rural economy. IMAGE: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in a conversation with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge during the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting at Indira Bhawan, in New Delhi on Saturday. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress general secretary K C Venugopal also present. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo Announcing the plan at a press conference, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, along with Rahul Gandhi, said their agitation will be similar to the pushback against the three farm laws, which eventually forced the Narendra Modi government to roll them back. After a nearly three-hour meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the first one after the Bihar poll debacle, Kharge said the party will lead the 'MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan' from January 5, and a detailed plan will be announced soon under which rallies will be held across the country. Causing a flutter ahead of the CWC meet, Digvijaya Singh lauded the organisational power of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party as he shared Narendra Modi's old picture and remarked how a grassroots worker went on to become the chief minister and prime minister by sitting at the feet of their leaders. He later raised the issue of strengthening the Congress and decentralising its state units. During the CWC meeting, Congress leaders took an oath to protect MGNREGA at all costs and collectively struggle to secure the right to dignity, employment, and fair and timely compensation due to the country's workers. The VB-G RAM G Bill, replacing the 20-year-old MGNREGA, was passed during the Winter Session of Parliament amid vociferous protests by the opposition. Kharge said the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was not just a scheme, but the 'Right to Work' given by the Constitution. "We resolve to oppose, by all democratic means possible, the attempt to remove the name of Mahatma Gandhi from MGNREGA and to convert the rights of workers to a government dole. While keeping full faith in the Constitution and Indian democracy, we will protect the MGNREGA, the rights of India's workers and take our voice to every last village," stated the oath taken at the CWC meeting. Kharge said, "People are angry over the repeal of MGNREGA and the government will have to face the consequences." "At the CWC meeting, we took an oath that a campaign would be launched with MGNREGA as its focal point. The Congress would take the lead and start a 'MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan' from January 5," Kharge announced. Reading out the pledge, he said, "We will fight unitedly for the rights of rural labourers to dignity, employment, wages and timely payment and will protect the rights of demand-based employment and gram sabha." Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, alleged that the prime minister carried out a devastating attack on states and the poor, 'much like demonetisation'. "The prime minister single-handedly destroyed MGNREGA without asking his Cabinet, and without studying the matter," he said. Asserting that the Congress will resist and fight it, he said, "I am confident that the entire opposition will stand united against this action." In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi later said, 'There is only one purpose behind the end of MGNREGA -- to erase the right to employment for the poor, to steal economic and political power from the states, and to hand over that money to billionaire friends.' 'The entire country will bear the cost of the whims of the 'lone ranger' Prime Minister. Jobs will end, and the rural economy will collapse. When villages weaken, the country will weaken,' he said. Noting that it is an attack on the country's federal structure, Gandhi claimed it is a devastating attack on states and poor people, 'carried out by the prime minister single-handedly, much like demonetisation'. The former Congress chief said this is an attack on the states of India because they are simply taking away money and decision-making power that belongs to the states. It is an attack on the infrastructure of the states because MGNREGA was used to build infrastructure, he claimed. "It is going to cause tremendous pain to the weaker sections, to Adivasis, to Dalits, to OBCs, to poor general castes, and to minorities," Gandhi said. At the same time, the senior Congress leader claimed, it is going to 'benefit Mr Adani in full measure. That is the purpose of this exercise: to take money away from poor people and hand it to people like Mr Adani'. On the SIR exercise, Kharge said it is a serious issue, and 'a well-planned conspiracy' to limit people's democratic rights. "There is a collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission." "We have to ensure that the names of our voters are not deleted. We also need to ensure that the names of Dalits, tribals, extremely backward classes and minorities are not deleted or transferred. For this, our booth-level agents will have to go house to house," he said, urging partymen to start work in states that will go to the polls in 2027. He also condemned the attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and said that the whole of India is concerned about it. Party leader Shashi Tharoor said the issue of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh should not be equated with attacks on minorities in India. Kharge claimed that the attacks on Christmas Day celebrations by 'organisations linked to BJP and RSS' have disturbed communal harmony and tainted India's image globally. State Bharatiya Janata Party presidents from across the country are likely to be summoned to Delhi after January 15 for the election of the party's national president. IMAGE: BJP national working president Nitin Nabin. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo According to sources, the election process for the BJP's national president is expected to be completed between January 18 and January 20. The appointment of Nitin Nabin as the new BJP national president is likely to be announced by January 20. The organisational election process has been completed in more than half of the BJP-ruled states, with 29 out of 37 states finalising their internal elections. State presidents from these states will submit one set of nomination papers supporting Nitin Nabin's candidature for the post of National President. Another set of nomination papers will be filed by members of the BJP's national council. The nomination papers backing Nitin Nabin will also carry the signatures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, sources added. Since Nitin Nabin is the only candidate expected to file nomination papers, his election as national president will be officially announced soon after the scrutiny of nominations by BJP chief election officer K Laxman. All Chief Ministers and state presidents of BJP-ruled states have been instructed to remain present in Delhi on the occasion. Sources also noted that Nitin Nabins term as National President will be from January 2026 to January 2029. With the Lok Sabha elections scheduled in 2029, his term is likely to be extended beyond that year. The BJP's appointment of Nitin Nabin, 45, as national president reflects the party's focus on projecting young leadership. Ukraine's capital Kyiv came under a large-scale missile and drone attack overnight on December 27, with multiple explosions reported across the city and surrounding regions, one day ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as diplomatic efforts continue to end the four-year-long war. IMAGE: A firefighter works at the site of an apartment building hit during Russian missile and drone strikes, in Kyiv, Ukraine on December 27, 2025. Photograph: Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters According to the Kyiv Independent, citing monitoring sources, the capital was hit by a large-scale ballistic missile assault as Russia fired multiple Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, four Iskander ballistic missiles, and several Kalibr cruise missiles at the city. Numerous explosions were heard throughout the capital, as well as in the surrounding Kyiv Oblast, the Kyiv Independent reported. In Brovary, a town about 20 kilometres northeast of Kyiv, the strikes caused power outages affecting the town and nearby areas. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the attack in a post on Telegram, urging residents to remain in shelters. 'Explosions in the capital. Air defence forces are working. Stay in shelters!' he wrote. Ukraine's Air Force also issued a series of urgent alerts, warning of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating over Kyiv and nearby regions. According to the Air Force, UAVs were detected over Kyiv itself, as well as in parts of the Kyiv region, including areas near Velyka Dymerka and west of the village of Pereyaslav, heading south. Additional UAV activity was also reported in the southern part of the Chernihiv region, moving toward Kyiv Oblast. 'Kyiv, take cover! There is an attack UAV in the air over the city,' the Air Force warned in one of its alerts. This attack on Ukraines capital comes a day after the Ukrainian President confirmed his meeting with US President Trump, who is acting as a mediator in the peace talks to end the war, in Florida on Sunday. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Zelenskyy said the meeting could help move discussions closer to a settlement, though he cautioned that no final agreement should be expected immediately, CNN reported. He further stated that both sides would focus on resolving as many outstanding issues as possible. Zelenskyy also said the 20-point peace plan proposed by US and Ukrainian officials is 90 per cent ready, and that talks with Trump would focus on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine and the role of its allies in ensuring stability after the war, as reported by CNN. However, during an interview, Trump said that any peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia would require his approval, Politico reported. 'He doesn't have anything until I approve it,' Trump said. 'So we'll see what he's got,' he added. Meanwhile, Russia's Ministry of Defence said its forces have continued advancing on the frontlines in southern Ukraine while carrying out a series of large-scale strikes across Ukrainian territory, in response to what it described as Ukrainian attacks on civilian targets inside Russia. According to the ministry's statement on Telegram, units of the Vostok Group of Forces advanced deeper into Ukrainian defensive positions and, following what it called 'decisive actions', captured the settlement of Kosovtsevo in the Zaporizhzhia region. 'The Vostok Group's units continued to advance into the depths of the enemy's defence and, as a result of decisive actions, liberated the settlement of Kosovtsevo in the Zaporozhye region,' the statement read. The Defence Ministry also said that between December 20 and December 26, Russian forces conducted one 'massive' and five 'group' strikes against targets in Ukraine. The strikes reportedly included the use of Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missiles. It noted that the attacks were carried out in response to alleged Ukrainian 'terrorist attacks' against civilian infrastructure in the Russian Federation. According to the statement, the strikes targeted enterprises linked to Ukraine's defence industry, energy facilities supplying those enterprises, and transport infrastructure. It further claimed that the strikes hit airfields, ports, and depot infrastructure allegedly used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 'In response to the terrorist attacks launched by Ukraine against civilian facilities in the Russian Federation from December 20 to 26, 2025, the Russian Armed Forces carried out one massive and five group strikes, including with Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missiles. 'They hit enterprises of the Ukrainian defence industry, energy facilities supporting them, transport, airfield, port and depot infrastructure used for the benefit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, assembly facilities, storage areas of long-range strike unmanned aerial vehicles, fuel and military equipment depots, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries,' the statement added. A 30-year-old woman from Navi Mumbai has been arrested for allegedly killing her six-year-old daughter, apparently because she did not want a girl child, a police official said. The woman, who is being treated for depression, has also told the police that she was upset because the girl did not speak Marathi. According to the Kalamboli police official, the woman has studied BSc and lives with her husband, who is an IT engineer. The woman took her daughter to a hospital on December 23, claiming that she had become unresponsive due to ill health. While doctors at the medical facility declared her dead, they also alerted the police. An accidental death report was initially registered, but the post-mortem concluded that the child had been smothered. The police then registered a murder case, the official said. During questioning on Friday, the woman told the police that she killed her daughter as she wanted a son. She was also unhappy that the girl's speech was unclear and that the child spoke only in Hindi, not Marathi, the official said. A local court has remanded the mother in police custody till Monday (December 30), the official said, adding that further investigation is underway. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday visited Dhaka University and offered prayers at the grave of slain student leader Sharif Osman Hadi amid heavy security. IMAGE: A police officer stands guard at the National Martyrs' Memorial before the arrival of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh, December 26, 2025. Photograph: Fatima Tuj Johora/Reuters The 60-year-old BNP leader also offered prayers at the grave of Bangladesh's national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, located beside the Dhaka University Central Mosque, The Daily Star newspaper reported. Hadi was buried beside the grave of Nazrul Islam on December 20. Rahman paid respects at the grave of Hadi, a spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, who was shot dead earlier this month in an attack that has heightened political tensions ahead of national elections scheduled for February. Traffic for both vehicles and pedestrians was halted on both sides of the road from Shahbagh towards Dhaka University during the visit, while members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police were deployed along the route, news portal tbsnews.net reported. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir arrived earlier at the university to accompany Rahman during the visit. Rahman returned to Bangladesh from London on Thursday, ending a long period of self-exile that began in 2008. Hadi (32) was a prominent figure of the July 2024 uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government last year. He was also a parliamentary candidate for the upcoming elections. Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 during an election campaign in Dhaka. He was airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment but died of his injuries on December 18. The Hyderabad police have filed a charge sheet in a court against 23 persons, including top Telugu actor Allu Arjun, in connection with the death of a woman in a stampede during the premiere of Pushpa-2 film at Sandhya theatre in the city last year. IMAGE: Actor Allu Arjun at his residence, at Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad. Photograph: ANI Photo The theatre's owner, partners, manager and lower balcony In-charge and gatekeeper were named as accused no. 1 to 10 in the charge sheet filed on December 24, while Arjun has been named as accused no 11. Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar on Saturday stated that the investigation into the Sandhya theatre stampede case has been completed. The investigation established lapses in planning, crowd management, security arrangements, and coordination among the theatre management, event organisers, private security personnel, and others involved during the incident, the Commissioner said. 'Following a comprehensive and detailed probe, a chargesheet was filed before the court on December 24. A total of 23 accused have been charge-sheeted in the case. Of these, 14 accused were arrested, while nine accused, who obtained anticipatory bail, were served notices,' he said in a release. Further proceedings in the case will continue as per law, he said. Earlier, Allu Arjun was arrested after the 35-year-old woman died and her eight-year-old son was injured in the stampede during the screening of Pushpa 2 movie at Sandhya theatre here on December 4, 2024. The stampede occurred as fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the actor during the premiere. Following the incident, Hyderabad police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under different sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station based on a complaint lodged by the deceased woman's family. Allu Arjun was arrested on December 13, 2024 and released from jail on December 14, 2024 after the Telangana high court granted him interim bail. He was granted regular bail later. Allu Arjun and the makers of the film Pushpa had extended financial assistance to the family of the boy. The Telangana government had also announced financial assistance to the family. While players like Nvidia (NVDA) and Broadcom (AVGO) are at the forefront of investors minds, smaller specialized players are grabbing a slice of the AI spending behind the scenes. In a recent report, Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya named a handful of small- to mid-cap companies as the unsung heroes of the semiconductor surge. "We mentioned a few companies on the smid-cap side, Credo, MKS, Advanced Energy, MACOM, and Teradyne," Arya told reporters on a Dec. 19 call. While these companies lack the massive margins of Nvidia, Arya suggests they are currently benefitting from being the primary providers of essential technologies. The scale of the unsung opportunity is staggering. BofA predicts the total addressable market for AI data center systems will exceed $1.2 trillion by 2030, fueled by a 38% compound annual growth rate. Within that, AI accelerators will grab around $900 billion, but that leaves a massive $300 billion slice one that depends on secondary technologies like networking, cables, and power systems. Arya breaks down how the pie is divided. For every $100 spent on AI hardware, $15 to $20 goes into networking. A third flows directly into interconnects the wires and optical components that let GPUs talk to each other. As AI clusters expand, these bits and bolts of the trillion-dollar build-out are seeing a direct benefit. Arya highlights Credo (CRDO) for its leadership in active electrical cables. As data centers prioritize "performance per watt," Credo's niche technology is critical. "They want to make sure that all these GPUs talk to each other, very effectively," he said. He also pointed to Astera Labs (ALAB) and its robust high-speed connectivity efforts via PCIe 6.0, the standard for moving data between a computer's motherboard and its hardware. "They were the ones who invested in specific technologies ... nobody cared about these categories," he said. "So now, they are benefitting from being the only people standing in those specific niche technologies." NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang makes a keynote speech during the special session at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) ASSOCIATED PRESS Other key players, such as MKS Instruments (MKSI) and Advanced Energy (AEIS), provide the precision power and vacuum systems needed to actually build chips. If Nvidia is the architect, these companies provide the machinery and high-voltage power to keep the site running. Meanwhile, MACOM (MTSI) provides high-speed analog and optical components that let these "brains" interact, while Teradyne (TER) serves as a final checkpoint. The company's automated testing equipment ensures these expensive components actually work before they are shipped. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. For nearly two months, Sayed Wali, a young Afghan truck driver, has watched the sun rise, and the sun set in the fabled Khyber Pass, which connects western Pakistan to eastern Afghanistan. But he's not here for the view. He's stuck. Wali can't even leave his 10-wheel truck and its cargo unattended for fear it could be robbed or ransacked. He was taking a shipment of Afghan imports from Pakistan's southern seaport city of Karachi through some 1,800 kilometers of roads that wind from the Arabian Sea up through to the treacherous Khyber mountains and onward to Afghanistan's capital, Kabul. Then politics got in the way. Simmering tensions between the Taliban-led Afghan government and Islamabad boiled over into fierce border clashes in early October after Pakistan carried out air strikes inside Afghanistan. Islamabad accused Kabul of sheltering the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) rebel group, whose attacks killed scores of Pakistani troops in September. In a repeat of its key lever to pressure landlocked Kabul, Islamabad sealed half a dozen major and minor border crossings with Afghanistan on October 12. But instead of negotiating for reopening the vital trade routes, the Taliban retaliated by shutting the border with Pakistan in early October. Wali is not alone; some 8,000 truckers are stuck at the two major border crossings along the 2,640 kilometers of the Durand Line, which separates the two countries. "We are miserable. The cold is now unbearable and we've been stranded here for two months away from our families," Wali recently told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal. "We are sick of this misery," he said. "The two should resolve this problem once and for all." In the weeks that followed the diplomatic dispute, Kabul struck new deals to increase trade and open new routes with Iran, Central Asia, and India. The Taliban government called on Afghan traders and investors to seek new partners, suppliers and manufacturers away from Pakistan. "This has been one of the most debilitating and tragic closures," said Imtiaz Gul, executive director of the Center for Research and Security Studies, a think tank in Islamabad. "This has badly impacted tens of thousands of people from both sides -- farmers, daily wage workers, traders and truckers," he said. Irreparable Losses Nearly five decades of war and political turmoil have entangled the two countries in a complex web of population movements, trade, transport and mostly free movement across their porous border. Before the border closure, bilateral trade between Islamabad and Kabul was between $2 billion and $3 billion annually, according to the Pak-Afghan Joint Chambers of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI). Islamabad was the dominant partner. Its exporters accounted for most of the trade and included industrial goods, pharmaceuticals, cement, and food. Kabul, on the other hand, sent its fresh and dry fruits to Pakistan. The country served as a major transit route for Afghan imports, generating considerable revenue. Now Islamabads predicament is visible. Every winter, it sold more than $50 million worth of citrus fruits to Afghanistan and, via its routes, to its western Central Asian neighbors. But this year's crops are being sold cheaply domestically. Shahid Hussain, the senior vice president of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industries in the northwestern city of Peshawar, says the trade war has already caused irreparable losses to traders and investors in both countries. "There is no way traders can recover from these losses," he told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal. "Everything they had built over the past few decades has been ruined." In Peshawar, the fallout from the continued border closure is everywhere. The city's once-bustling gemstone market is silent. Most of its shops and offices are closed, as no raw stones used in ornaments and jewelry have crossed into Pakistan from Afghanistan. Most of the minerals processed and refined in this market are mined in various parts of the Hindu Kush mountains, which shape and dominate the Afghan landscape. "If the border continues to be closed, it will affect thousands of workers and associated businessmen," said Abdul Jalil, the president of the Peshawar Gemstone Association. 'Traders Cannot Absorb More Losses' In Kabul, Younas Mohmand, a business leader, says insulating trade from the troubled bilateral relations between the two neighbors might provide a good beginning toward restoring ties. "Business ties should resume in return for future guarantees from Pakistan," he told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi repeating the Talibans key demand from Islamabad. "Our traders cannot absorb more losses." Graeme Smith, a bestselling author and regional analyst, says Kabul will need Islamabad for major projects aimed at transforming it into a trade, transport and energy hub between Central Asia and South Asia. "Like it or not, most of the big economic opportunities will require doing business with Pakistan," he said. First conceived nearly three decades ago, the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project remains a pipe dream. Similarly, sending Central Asia's abundant hydropower to Pakistan and linking the region to Islamabad via a railway line would require stability within Central Asia and stable relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The United States has banned imports of car tires from the Chinese-owned Linglong factory in northern Serbia following years of allegations that workers there were subjected to forced labor and abusive conditions. For Rafik Buks, an Indian construction worker who helped build the plant in Zrenjanin in 2024, the move comes as no surprise. What we experienced in Serbia was forced labor, he says. We were controlled, exploited, and treated without dignity. Buks recalls being promised legal work, decent pay, and humane accommodation before leaving India. None of it was true, he says. US customs officials announced on December 18 that they were blocking imports from the Zrenjanin facility, citing evidence that workers passports had been confiscated, wages withheld, and staff exposed to abusive living and working conditions. Washingtons decision follows years of warnings from local and international NGOs about the treatment of Linglongs largely Asian workforce and raises uncomfortable questions for Serbias government, which has courted Chinese investment and hailed the $940 million project as one of "national importance." Serbian authorities, however, have remained conspicuously silent. Neither Linglong nor any Serbian institution has publicly addressed the US allegations. That contrast alarms Mirjana Mitic of Astra, a Serbian anti-trafficking NGO. What is most worrying is the gap between the reaction of international institutions and that of institutions in Serbia, she says. While foreign governments and rights groups have responded forcefully, complaints filed at home have languished without resolution. Concerns about forced labor at Linglong first surfaced several years ago when the facility was being built, and NGOs and media reported on the plight of hundreds of Vietnamese workers housed in squalid barracks near the construction site. In 2021 and 2022, RFE/RL's Balkan Service documented overcrowded dormitories, food served on the floor, and claims that wages were months in arrears and passports had been seized. Linglong denied responsibility, insisting that the workers were employed by subcontractors, and Serbian authorities effectively shut reporters out of the camp. The case was later verbally declared closed by the governments anti-trafficking center, which said it had been unable to communicate with the workers before they left the country. This pattern repeated itself with a subsequent complaint on behalf of Buks and 10 other Indian men, alleging human trafficking and labor exploitation. The men said their passports had been taken and their pay withheld. They also said that they were not only sent to the tire plant construction site but also to other building projects around Serbia, even as Linglong claimed they had never worked for the company. Prosecutors in Zrenjanin said they had asked police to gather information; the Serbian Interior Ministry has yet to say what, if anything, that investigation found. Linglong again rejected the accusations, asserting that the Indians had not worked on its factory. According to Mitic, the men eventually received back pay and compensation, plus travel tickets home, but no official findings have ever been published. 'I Will Not Chase Away Investors' European institutions have also raised the alarm. In 2021 the European Parliament passed a resolution urging Serbia to investigate allegations that roughly 400 Vietnamese workers at Linglong had been subjected to forced labor. Belgrade has never provided a public answer. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has repeatedly defended the project, dismissing criticism as a media-political campaign against a prized Chinese investor. We will try to help the Vietnamese workers, but I will not chase away investors, he said at the time. The factory itself finally began production in September 2024, five years after building started. It sits on 100 hectares of state land granted free of charge and has received at least $89 million in direct subsidies. An account in the company's financial report related to capital subsidies and other state allocations for the construction and acquisition of fixed assets and intangible assets, shows that from 2020 to 2024, Linglong was awarded just over $247 million. What is clear is that the plant is overwhelmingly export-oriented. In 2024, Linglong shipped tires worth $209 million abroad, while sales on the domestic Serbian market totaled $11.2 million. The firm does not disclose where its exports go, and it has not said how much was destined for the US market now closed off by Washingtons ban. Company filings show its workforce grew by 48 percent last year to almost 1,750 employees. Local activists say the factory continues to rely heavily on foreign labor hired through a web of subcontractors. From the very beginning, during construction and now in production, Chinese workers have been employed in worse conditions than Serbian workers, says Tara Rukeci of the Zrenjanin Social Forum, a local NGO which has supported migrant staff. She says large agencies such as China Energy initially brought in hundreds of people, but that the field has since fragmented into many smaller intermediaries, making oversight even harder. A Broader Pattern The Linglong controversy is also part of a broader pattern. Chinese investors have become central to Serbias infrastructure and industrial strategy under the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijings flagship plan to link Asia and Europe. Alongside new roads, bridges, and factories, rights groups and EU officials have catalogued a trail of environmental damage, opaque contracts and reports of labor exploitation. In 2021, RFE/RL reported that Chinese workers at a copper mine camp near Bor in eastern Serbia lived in poor conditions and were barred from leaving the site or interacting with locals. Those concerns have repeatedly featured in European Commission reports on Serbias progress toward EU membership, which warn that Chinese-backed projects often bypass European standards on transparency, environmental protection and social rights. For workers like Buks, the consequences are painfully personal. What happened in Serbia changed me forever, he says. Now I check every foreign job offer very carefully. Financial regulators have long worked to address anti-competitive practices like collusion and price fixing in markets. But in retail, AI has taken the spotlight, particularly as companies using algorithmic pricing come under scrutiny. This month, Instacart , which uses AI-powered pricing tools , announced it will end its program where some customers saw different prices for the same item on the delivery companys platform. It follows a Consumer Reports analysis found in an experiment that Instacart offered nearly 75% of its grocery items at multiple prices. In both mechanisms, they basically converge to this pattern where they are not acting aggressively, and in the long run, its good for them, study co-author and Wharton finance professor Itay Goldstein told Fortune. In another model, AI bots had over-pruned biases and were trained to internalize that if any risky trade led to a negative outcome, they should not pursue that strategy again. The bots traded conservatively in a dogmatic manner, even when more aggressive trades were seen as more profitable, collectively acting in a way the study called artificial stupidity. In one algorithmic model looking at price-trigger strategy, AI agents traded conservatively on signals until a large enough market swing triggered them to trade very aggressively. The bots, trained through reinforcement learning, were sophisticated enough to implicitly understand that widespread aggressive trading could create more market volatility. In the study, researchers let bots loose in market models, essentially a computer program designed to simulate real market conditions and train AI to interpret market-pricing data, with virtual market makers setting prices based on different variables in the model. These markets can have various levels of noise, referring to the amount of conflicting information and price fluctuation in the various market contexts. While some bots were trained to behave like retail investors and others like hedge funds, in many cases, the machines engaged in pervasive price-fixing behaviors by collectively refusing to trade aggressivelywithout being explicitly told to do so. A working paper posted earlier this year on the National Bureau of Economic Research website from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology found when AI-powered trading agents were released into simulated markets, the bots colluded with one another, engaging in price fixing to make a collective profit. Artificial intelligence is just smartand stupidenough to pervasively form price-fixing cartels in financial market conditions if left to their own devices. A study from University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology found that when placed in simulated markets, AI trading bots did not compete with one another, but rather began colluding in price-fixing behaviors. According to the study authors, research on how AI behaves in market environments can help regulators understand gaps in existing rules and statutes. Story continues For the [Securities and Exchange Commission] and those regulators in financial markets, their primary goal is to not only preserve this kind of stability, but also ensure competitiveness of the market and market efficiency, Winston Wei Dou, Wharton professor of finance and one of the studys authors, told Fortune. With that in mind, Dou and two colleagues set out to identify how AI would behave in a financial market by putting trading agent bots into various simulated markets based on high or low levels of noise. The bots ultimately earned supra-competitive profits by collectively and spontaneously deciding to avoid aggressive trading behaviors. They just believed sub-optimal trading behavior as optimal, Dou said. But it turns out, if all the machines in the environment are trading in a sub-optimal way, actually everyone can make profits because they dont want to take advantage of each other. Simply put, the bots didnt question their conservative trading behaviors because they were all making money and therefore stopped engaging in competitive behaviors with one another, forming de-facto cartels. Fears of AI in financial services With the ability to increase consumer inclusion in financial markets and save investors time and money on advisory services, AI tools for financial services, like trading agent bots, have become increasingly appealing. Nearly one-third of U.S. investors said they felt comfortable accepting financial planning advice from a generative AI-powered tool, according to a 2023 survey from financial planning nonprofit CFP Board. A report published in July from cryptocurrency exchange MEXC found that among 78,000 Gen Z users, 67% of those traders activated at least one AI-powered trading bot in the previous fiscal quarter. But for all their benefits, AI trading agents arent without risks, according to Michael Clements, director of financial markets and community at the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Beyond cybersecurity concerns and potentially biased decision-making, these trading bots can have a real impact on markets. A lot of AI models are trained on the same data, Clements told Fortune. If there is consolidation within AI so theres only a few major providers of these platforms, you could get herding behaviorthat large numbers of individuals and entities are buying at the same time or selling at the same time, which can cause some price dislocations. Jonathan Hall, an external official on the Bank of Englands Financial Policy Committee, warned last year of AI bots encouraging this herd-like behavior that could weaken the resilience of markets. He advocated for a kill switch for the technology, as well as increased human oversight. Exposing regulatory gaps in AI pricing tools Clements explained many financial regulators have so far been able to apply well-established rules and statutes to AI, saying for example, Whether a lending decision is made with AI or with a paper and pencil, rules still apply equally. Some agencies, such as the SEC, are even opting to fight fire with fire, developing AI tools to detect anomalous trading behaviors. On the one hand, you might have an environment where AI is causing anomalous trading, Clements said. On the other hand, you would have the regulators in a little better position to be able to detect it as well. According to Dou and Goldstein, regulators have expressed interest in their research, which the authors said has helped expose gaps in current regulation around AI in financial services. When regulators have previously looked for instances of collusion, theyve looked for evidence of communication between individuals, with the belief that humans cant really sustain price-fixing behaviors unless theyre corresponding with one another. But in Dou and Goldsteins study, the bots had no explicit forms of communication. With the machines, when you have reinforcement learning algorithms, it really doesnt apply, because theyre clearly not communicating or coordinating, Goldstein said. We coded them and programmed them, and we know exactly whats going into the code, and there is nothing there that is talking explicitly about collusion. Yet they learn over time that this is the way to move forward. The differences in how human and bot traders communicate behind the scenes is one of the most fundamental issues where regulators can learn to adapt to rapidly developing AI technologies, Goldstein argued. If you use it to think about collusion as emerging as a result of communication and coordination, he said, this is clearly not the way to think about it when youre dealing with algorithms. A version of this story was published on Fortune.com on August 1, 2025. More on AI pricing: Instacart may be jacking up your grocery prices using AI, study showsa practice called smart rounding Delta moves toward eliminating set prices in favor of AI that determines how much you personally will pay for a ticket Top antitrust official raises red flag on dynamic pricing and warns of biggest extraction of monopoly power ever This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Ukraine's leading anti-corruption agencies said they were investigating alleged vote-buying by members of parliament, and that security services were hindering efforts to conduct searches. The probe, announced December 27, was the latest in a series of investigations by the two agencies -- the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine -- that have roiled politics inside Ukraine. The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office -- known as SAPO -- said that its investigators had allegedly identified "an organized criminal group" that included current lawmakers in the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament. The group members, SAPO said, received illegal benefits in exchange for their votes in parliament. No further details were released. Relatedly, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, known as NABU, said its investigators were being blocked from accessing administrative buildings used by members of parliament. The agency charged with providing security for lawmakers, the State Protection Agency, denied the accusations, telling RFE/RL that guards were merely verifying the identities of the investigators. "The fact is that NABU employees are trying to bring unfamiliar or incomprehensible people into the territory of the regime, into the territory of the government entity," service spokesman Oleksiy Morozov said. The investigators were later allowed into the heavily guarded compound, the security agency said in a post to Facebook. Established in 2015 as part of sweeping reforms aimed at uprooting entrenched corruption, the two agencies have built a reputation for conducting politically charged investigations -- as well as fighting to preserve their independence from other law enforcement entities. An investigation into energy sector kickbacks -- including financing air-defense systems for electricity grid infrastructure -- burst into public view last month when anti-corruption officers raided offices in Kyiv. That probe, which is still ongoing, ultimately led to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firing Andriy Yermak, his longtime chief of staff and a key go-between in peace negotiations with the United States. Yermak's dismissal came at a difficult time for Zelenskyy. The allegations have tarnished his reputation at home, and added to pressure to hold new elections, something the Ukrainian president has resisted due to martial law and Russia's all-out war on Ukraine. Ukrainian utility workers raced to restore heat and power to large parts of Kyiv, after Russian drones and missiles knocked out municipal heating plants. At least one person was killed, and more than two dozen wounded in the overnight barrage. With temperatures hovering around freezing, officials ordered emergency power cuts for parts of the Ukrainian capital, as a result of the December 27 attacks, which included more than 500 drones and missiles. "This is the first time that so many drones have hit the city center," Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko told reporters. Hours later, Ukraine appeared to launch its own aerial assault on Russian targets, with more than 110 drones fired at seven regions, including Moscow. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed all were shot down in the unusual daytime barrage. The hours-long Russian assault targeting residential homes and civilian infrastructure in Kyiv and elsewhere came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepared for critical talks with US President Donald Trump on a Washington-backed peace plan. The White House, which made no formal announcement about the meeting, released a schedule showing Zelenskyy and Trump meeting in Florida on the afternoon on December 28. I think they want to do it now, and I think that Russia wants to do it. But every time one wants to do it, the other doesnt, Trump was quoted as telling the New York Post on December 26. En route to Washington, Zelenskyy stopped in Halifax, Canada, to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney, who labeled Russia's recent military strikes as "barbarism" and announced an additional $2.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine. Following a conference call between Zelenskyy and European leaders, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen called for "a just and lasting peace that preserves Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity." In comments to reporters traveling with him to the United States, Zelenskyy again signaled that there was room for compromise. One of the critical issues now at the heart of the negotiations that accelerated last month with the release of a plan seen as heavily favorable to Moscow is the fate of the eastern Donbas region. Most of that territory is under Russian control, and Moscow has demanded that Kyiv turn over that parts Russia does not hold. That includes two major cities -- Kramatorsk and Slovyansk -- which are linchpins for Ukrainian defenses in the area. Zelenskyy has proposed a compromise that calls for establishing a demilitarized zone in which both Ukraine and Russia would withdraw their forces. Foreign forces would then monitor the demilitarized buffer area. The Ukrainian leader has floated the idea of holding a referendum on the plan, though he also cautioned that a 60-day cease-fire would be necessary to ensure people could vote safely. In comments to reporters, Zelenskyy pushed back on an idea proposed by Moscow that Ukrainian citizens living in Russia be allowed to vote in any such referendum. Ukrainian officials say that would open the door to fraud. The other critical issue is the fate of Ukraines largest nuclear power plant. The Zaporizhzhya region facility, which was Ukraine's largest single source of electricity, has been under Russian control since shortly after the start of the all-out invasion in February 2022. Zelenskyy has proposed putting the plant under joint control between Ukraine and the United States, with Washington netting profits from the sale of the plants electricity -- including potentially to Moscow. The Kremlin, which believes it has the upper hand both on the battlefield and in the peace negotiations, has showed little willingness to compromise on its hard-line demands -- most of which predate the invasion. The overnight attack on Kyiv, which included hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, killed one person and wounded at least 28 people, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said; large swaths of city districts on the eastern banks of the Dnieper River were without power and water, he said in a post to Telegram. Ukraine's largest private power company said nearly a third of Kyiv had been left without electricity, later adding that 500,000 families were impacted following the Russian attack. "Today, Russia demonstrated its reaction to peace negotiations.... They launched a massive attack on Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. "It's the very same Russia demonstrating this while [we're] on the way to peace negotiations." A day earlier, Russia launched heavy glide bombs at Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv, killing at least two people and wounded several others. Ukraines largest port city, Odesa, has been battered for several days in a row. With reporting by RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service Cathy from Buffalo, New York, told "The Ramsey Show" she lost about $15,000 after lending money to her uncle to help cover her grandfather's hospital bills. She said the money came from savings she built while working throughout college. After hearing that her uncle told her "you can go into debt" instead of repaying her, personal finance host Dave Ramsey reacted bluntly: "What a butthole." College Savings Put On The Line Cathy said she worked consistently through college and managed to save about $25,000 by her senior year. The money, she said, was meant to support her transition after graduation, including transportation, rent, food, and other necessities. Don't Miss: Americans With a Financial Plan Can 4X Their Wealth Get Your Personalized Plan from a CFP Pro Have $100k+ to invest? Charlie Munger says that's the toughest milestone don't stall now. Get matched with a fiduciary advisor and keep building That plan changed when her grandfather was hospitalized during the COVID pandemic. Cathy said her uncle asked to borrow money to help pay the medical bills and told her she would be repaid within a year, once his wife found a new job. She agreed and sent about $15,000. Over time, the repayment did not materialize. Cathy added that her parents were already in conflict with her uncle over money, leaving her without meaningful family support. Told To Go Into Debt Co-host George Kamel asked what protections Cathy had in place, and she said she has an email referencing repayment but no formal contract. When Cathy followed up about repayment, she said her uncle told her to go into debt and said he would pay her back later. Trending: Earn While You Scroll: The Deloitte-Ranked #1 Software Company Growing 32,481% Is Opening Its $0.50/Share Round to Accredited Investors. Ramsey responded sharply, saying the responsibility never should have landed on a college student. He said hospitals do not repossess people over unpaid bills and that payment plans, negotiations or delayed billing are common. He added that pushing the burden onto a 21-year-old with limited income reflected poor judgment and a lack of character. Kamel said Cathy's reliability likely made her an easy target, adding that responsible people are often pressured precisely because they are dependable. Ramsey told Cathy she had two options. One was to call her uncle again, ask for the money and lower her expectations about getting it back. The other was to hire an attorney and sue, with the understanding that it would end the relationship. He said neither option was good, but told her to make a decision and move forward. By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association The late Diana, Princess of Wales was far more skilled in the media battle with the then-Prince of Wales, Irish officials were advised 30 years ago, according to a newly released document which claims her staff were devoting time to upstaging St James Palace. The assessment is contained in Government files that have been made public as part of an annual release from the National Archives of Ireland. Britain's King Charles conducted a two-day visit to Ireland while Prince of Wales in June 1995, after his separation from Diana in 1992. The files note that Charles camp saw coverage of the visit to Ireland as part of a long-term public relations strategy to rehabilitate the Prince in the eyes of the British public after the high-profile split. The Prince and Princess of Wales (PA) Charles press team, led by press secretary Alan Percival and his successor Sandy Henney, had reported to Irish officials that they felt the visit to Ireland was the best public outing the Prince has had in a very long time. Ms Henney was described in the Department of Foreign Affairs document as fiercely loyal to Charles and alive to every opportunity to advance his cause. A Department of Foreign Affairs note shows officials were unsure if she was joking when she suggested that Diana may also want to visit Ireland. Henney (who would have been less aware of the political dimension than the more restrained Percival) told me that if she had any say in it the Prince would be here again before the summer was out, according to the document. She also remarked that if practice to date was any guide we could shortly expect an approach from Princess Diana! The Prince of Waless press secretary Sandy Henney in 2000 (John Stillwell/PA) Department of Foreign Affairs official Joe Hayes added: I took this as a joke until she repeated it and assured me that in the media battle between the two, the Princess was by far the more predatory and skilled and her staff devoted a great deal of time to finding ways and means of upstaging St James Palace. Charles officials agreed with the Irish diplomats that coverage of the visit in the UK was, while positive, relatively light compared with that in Ireland. It was noted by officials on both sides of the Irish Sea that, in contrast with the blanket coverage in Ireland, the coverage of the visit in the UK was though positive, relatively light in tone. This article is based on documents contained in the file labelled 2025/124/160 in the National Archives of Ireland. A retiring circuit court judge has been praised for her kindness, knowledge and professionalism. The December sitting of Roscommon Civil Court was Judge Karen Fergus last time to preside in County Roscommon, and County Registrar Dr Ann Courell led tributes to her, wishing the excellent member of the judiciary all the best in her retirement. As a barrister, she said that she had the good fortune to practice before the judge, saying she displayed remarkable patience, wisdom, and insight. Her thoughtful and carefully reasoned decisions left no one in doubt that justice was always administered in the court regardless of the outcome. Dr Courell also paid tribute to her work ethic and the way she dealt with difficult if not impossible cases. You are consistently considerate, forensic and courteous to everyone who appears in your court. You will be greatly missed, especially by all the staff at the Roscommon office, Dr Courell said. She added that she knew Judge Fergus on a personal level as a wonderful person, humorous, intelligent and kind. Tributes were also paid to Mr John Herron, the judges tipstaff, and presentations were made to both of them. On behalf of the assembled barristers, Anne OMeara BL spoke of her the collective admiration for Judge Fergus, who was a pleasure and a joy to appear before. Ms OMeara said the judge was known for her generosity of spirit and that she would be missed terribly. On behalf of the Roscommon Bar Association, solicitor Mr Sean Mahon said the judge had been extremely pleasant to appear before during her approximately 10 years presiding in the county. He wished her health and happiness in her retirement. Court Registrar Martina Carlos thanked Judge Fergus for her kindness, support and professionalism. She also thanked Mr Herron. Judge Fergus, who presided in seven different venues around the Midlands Circuit, thanked everyone for their kind words, and she also thanked Mr Herron as her right hand man. She said that she will miss being a judge and that she loved the job, adding that she was ready for the next phase, and looking forward to spending more time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. It has been a pleasure and privilege to have this role, she said. It also flagged low visibility concerns at Agartala, Bagdogra and Hindon (Ghaziabad) airports and warned that these conditions could further affect flight schedules and urged travellers to check up-to-date flight status before departure. File Photo. The airline added that it was monitoring the situation and prioritising safety and compliance with visibility requirements. Dense Fog Hits North India: IndiGo Warns of Flight Delays at Amritsar and Chandigarh Airports On Saturday, dense winter fog enveloped large parts of north and east India, significantly reducing visibility and disrupting flight operations. This prompted IndiGo to issue travel advisories for passengers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a dense fog advisory covering areas including Agartala, Siliguri, Ghaziabad, and parts of Punjab and Haryana, urging commuters and travellers to exercise caution amid challenging weather conditions. Advertisement In response to deteriorating visibility, IndiGo said airports in Amritsar, Chandigarh and Ranchi were affected by fluctuating fog, leading to slower-than-usual flight movements and possible schedule changes. The airline added that it was monitoring the situation and prioritising safety and compliance with visibility requirements. In an official post on X, IndiGo highlighted that cold winter air and fog had wrapped these airports, potentially triggering delays in arrivals and departures, and called on passengers to remain patient as operations stabilise. It also flagged low visibility concerns at Agartala, Bagdogra and Hindon (Ghaziabad) airports and warned that these conditions could further affect flight schedules and urged travellers to check up-to-date flight status before departure. The IMD advisory underscored the continuing impact of dense fog across northern India, with several regions experiencing significant drops in visibility on Saturday morning. Advertisement Source: Hindustan Times He outlined that the state government is actively working to elevate Rakhigarhi's profile not just within India but internationally, with efforts underway to secure UNESCO World Heritage status. File Photo. The INR 500 crore budget allocation is expected to accelerate infrastructure development. Union Budget 2025-26 allots INR 500 crore to transform Rakhigarhi into a global heritage hub, says Haryana CM Saini. The Union Budget 202526 has brought a major boost for Indias archaeological heritage with an INR 500 crore allocation for the development of Rakhigarhi. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced it at the second state-level Rakhigarhi Festival. This initiative reflects a growing emphasis on preserving Indias ancient civilisational landmarks and positioning them as key destinations on the global tourism map. Advertisement Rakhigarhi is located in the Hisar district of Haryana. It is a principal site of the Indus-Saraswati (Harappan) civilisation, dating back over 6,000 years. Archaeological evidence from the site shows advanced urban planning, intricate water management systems, and well-organised sanitation, which are clear markers of one of the earliest urban societies in human history. CM Saini also inaugurated the Harappan Gyan Kendra, a knowledge centre dedicated to spreading awareness about the ancient culture and history embedded in Rakhigarhi. He outlined that the state government is actively working to elevate Rakhigarhis profile not just within India but internationally, with efforts underway to secure UNESCO World Heritage status. The INR 500 crore budget allocation is expected to accelerate infrastructure development, improve preservation efforts, support research, and enhance the overall visitor experience. The funding will also back allied projects such as the expansion of museums, heritage displays, and community facilities that celebrate the regions archaeological wealth. Advertisement Saini highlighted that nearly 100 other historically important sites in Haryana are also being conserved and developed through targeted initiatives, highlighting the states rich cultural legacy. He assured that local needs will be addressed, with the Rakhigarhi and Rakhi Shahpur gram panchayats receiving special grants to support village-level development. With this focused financial support and strategic vision, Rakhigarhi is poised to become a global heritage and tourism hub, celebrating Indias ancient roots while creating new opportunities for education, research, and economic growth. Source: Times of India On Wednesday, the state government dismissed Dr Nirula after an inquiry found him guilty of entering into a physical altercation with a patient, Arjun Singh, inside IGMC this week. File Photo. The protest began with mass casual leave on Friday, and an official indefinite strike commenced on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Doctors Strike Brings IGMC Shimla to a Standstill After Senior Resident Fired Advertisement Resident doctors at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, and other government hospitals in Himachal Pradesh have launched an indefinite strike, severely disrupting medical services across the state. The protest began with mass casual leave on Friday, and an official indefinite strike commenced on Saturday, December 27, 2025. It was triggered by the termination of Senior Resident Dr. Raghav Nirula. On Wednesday, the state government dismissed Dr Nirula after an inquiry found him guilty of entering into a physical altercation with a patient, Arjun Singh, inside IGMC this week. Routine services, elective surgeries and outpatient departments remain closed, with only emergency care continuing during the strike. Patients and attendants, especially those from remote areas, have faced significant difficulties due to the unavailability of doctors. One attendant from Ani, about 125 kilometres from Shimla, told The Tribune that the lack of doctors during peak winter and heavy tourist rush increased their problems. Advertisement The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) announced the strike and protested what it describes as a hasty termination and demanded the revocation of Dr Nirulas dismissal. They argue that the disciplinary action was taken without a fair and transparent process and have called for a fresh, impartial inquiry. Several medical bodies, including the Himachal Medical Officers Association and the Shimla Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers, have come together in support of the striking doctors. Despite a meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who assured a review of the incident and improved security guidelines, doctors have proceeded with the strike, underscoring unresolved concerns about due process and workplace safety. Source: The Tribune Advertisement According to Delhi Police, another 504 people were apprehended under preventive measures, and 116 persons were listed as bad characters and taken into custody. File Photo. Authorities said these actions were designed to deter property crime and improve public safety. Delhi Police Seizes 21 Pistols, 6 kg Ganja and 310 Stolen Phones in Operation Aaghat 3.0 Ahead of New Year Delhi Police launched Operation Aaghat 3.0 across the capitals South-East District as a major crime-control push ahead of New Year celebrations. According to officials, it resulted in the detention and arrest of hundreds of individuals and the seizure of weapons, narcotics and stolen property. The crackdown was focused on curbing organised crime, street offences and habitual offenders as the city prepared for increased footfall and festivities. Advertisement Police intensified patrolling, vehicle checks and targeted raids, which led to the arrest of 285 people under statutes including the Excise Act, NDPS Act and Public Gambling Act. According to Delhi Police, another 504 people were apprehended under preventive measures, and 116 persons were listed as bad characters and taken into custody. Under the Arms Act, law enforcement recovered 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges and 27 knives. The operation also led to the seizure of 6.01 kg of ganja and a large quantity of illicit liquor 12,258 quarters. Officers also recovered 310 mobile phones believed to be stolen and seized 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler during checks. Authorities said these actions were designed to deter property crime and improve public safety. Advertisement Delhi Police said that officials reported a brief shootout in Narela, where two wanted men were wounded and taken into custody after opening fire at police; firearms and other items were recovered at the scene. Source: Hindustan Times The order comes against the backdrop of alarmingly low forest coverage in both states, approximately 3.67% in Punjab and 3.63% in Haryana of the total geographical area. File Photo. Advocates for environmental justice have appreciated the court's proactive stance. Punjab and Haryana HC Bans Tree Felling Amid Alarm Over Shrinking Green Cover Advertisement The Punjab and Haryana High Court has delivered an interim order with a temporary ban on the felling of trees across Punjab. According to experts, this move is a crucial judicial intervention to address the regions severe ecological distress. The ban comes after public interest litigations that highlighted widespread violations of environmental safeguards and rampant tree cutting, prompting the court to step in to curb further destruction of green cover. The order comes against the backdrop of alarmingly low forest coverage in both states, approximately 3.67% in Punjab and 3.63% in Haryana of the total geographical area. This is far below the National Forest Policys 33% target for ecological sustainability. The courts decision seeks to affirm the constitutional balance between developmental planning and environmental protection. Environmental specialists have long cautioned that diminishing green cover worsens air pollution, soil erosion, frequent dust storms, and climate vulnerabilities in the agrarian regions. The interim ban requires that any tree felling must be preceded by court permissions and appropriate afforestation reporting, aiming to ensure accountability and preservation. Advertisement Advocates for environmental justice have appreciated the courts proactive stance. They call it timely and necessary given the increasing threats to air quality and ecological balance across northern India. The ruling also references cultural and traditional principles that highlight the sanctity of trees in local heritage, invoking teachings that encourage reverence for nature and protection of living trees. While the temporary ban is linked to the next stage of judicial review, environmentalists believe it could spur governments in both states to pursue more sustainable land management practices and adopt innovative greening strategies that do not hinder development. Suggestions include expanding urban canopies, incentivising agroforestry on agricultural lands, and leveraging underutilised spaces such as rooftops and institutional grounds for tree planting. According to legal observers, this interim order could set a precedent for judicial environmental activism in Indias courts, signalling greater scrutiny of policies that impact natural resources and community health. Advertisement Source: Hindustan Times The share price of Cosan S.A. (NYSE:CSAN) fell by 7.4% between December 17 and December 24, 2025, putting it among the Energy Stocks that Lost the Most This Week. Cosan (CSAN) Continued to Slide This Week. Here is Why Cosan S.A. (NYSE:CSAN) is a Brazilian conglomerate engaged in fuel distribution. It operates through Raizen, Compass, Moove, Rumo, and Radar segments. Cosan S.A. (NYSE: CSAN) has continued on a downward trajectory since December 5, when former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro endorsed his son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, as the far-right candidate for the presidential election scheduled for next October. The news came as a surprise to many, as it had been expected that the former president would nominate Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas, viewed as a more market-friendly, execution-minded candidate who might restore fiscal discipline after 2027. As a result, the countrys benchmark stock index Bovespa, which had hit a record of more than 164,000 points, plunged by over 4.3% on the same day, with the Brazilian Real also slipping by as much as 3% against the US dollar. Moreover, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro added to the skepticism later on by suggesting that he could exit the presidential elections race for the right price, while his allies pushed in Congress to reduce his fathers 27-year prison sentence. However, the senator has since retracted his statement and reaffirmed his commitment to the candidacy. Moreover, he has been busy organizing meetings with the countrys business and finance leaders to address concerns over his economic policies. Following the recent plunge driven by Brazils political and economic uncertainty, the share price of Cosan S.A. (NYSE:CSAN) has fallen by over 34% since the beginning of 2025. While we acknowledge the potential of CSAN 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: Retirement Stock Portfolio: 11 Energy Stocks to Buy and 11 Best Utility Stocks to Invest in According to Hedge Funds. Disclosure: None. She explained that under the scheme, children below 21 years of age are eligible for benefits if both their parents are deceased, missing, or physically or mentally incapacitated and unable to support the family. File Photo. Dr Kaur emphasised that the scheme is focused on enabling these children to pursue education. Punjab Releases INR 314 Crore for Over 2.3 Lakh Dependent Children, Minister Confirms Dr Baljit Kaur, Punjabs Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, said on Friday that the state government has released INR 314.22 crore as financial assistance under the Dependent Children Pension Scheme for orphaned and dependent children across Punjab. This financial aid will benefit 237,406 children to provide them economic stability and support their education and development. Advertisement Dr Kaur emphasised that the scheme is focused on enabling these children to pursue education, integrate into the mainstream of society, and move toward a self-reliant future. She described orphaned and dependent children not as mere government statistics but as a collective responsibility of society. She explained that under the scheme, children below 21 years of age are eligible for benefits if both their parents are deceased, missing, or physically or mentally incapacitated and unable to support the family. The minister reiterated the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab governments commitment to ensure that no childs education or dreams are hindered by financial hardship or neglect. According to Dr Kaur, this initiative reflects the states dedication to not only giving financial aid but also securing a safe, dignified and bright future for each eligible child in the state. Advertisement Source: Times of India The mission clarified that all services and interventions by the OSCW will be provided within the purview of Canadian local laws. File Photo. The mission said it has also launched a 247 helpline to ensure immediate support. Indian Mission Launches One-Stop Help Centre for Distressed Women in Canada The Indian mission said in a statement that the Consulate General of India in Toronto has established a One Stop Centre for Women (OSCW) to support Indian national women in distress residing in Canada. The OSCW has been set up to provide timely and critical assistance to Indian passport-holder women facing issues such as domestic violence, abuse, family conflict, abandonment, exploitation, legal challenges, and other similar hardships. Advertisement The mission said it has also launched a 247 helpline to ensure immediate support. The Indian consulate said in a post on X that the centre will deliver coordinated, beneficiary-centred assistance by linking distressed women with appropriate avenues of support, including immediate counselling, facilitation of psycho-social support, and coordination of legal assistance and advice. The mission clarified that all services and interventions by the OSCW will be provided within the purview of Canadian local laws. The centre will be managed by a woman Centre Administrator, tasked with ensuring safe, dignified and comprehensive assistance on a means-tested basis through the helpline. This includes counselling and emotional support through empanelled NGOs, while any financial aid will follow Government of India rules. Advertisement Operating from the Consulate General of India in Toronto, the centre can be reached at +1 (437) 552-3309 and [osc.toronto@mea.gov.in](mailto:osc.toronto@mea.gov.in). The missions FAQ on its website also outlines how officials can or cannot assist Indian women affected by abandonment or abuse by overseas Indian spouses. Source: The Tribune Advertisement The Museum of Flutes from around the World The Museum of Flutes from around World is a cultural project initiated by the ISVOR Cultural Association, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the flute, one of humanity's oldest musical instruments Muzeul Fluierelor Lumii Ion Puican, 27.12.2025, 12:09 Ion Puican The Museum of Flutes from around the World is a cultural project initiated by the ISVOR Cultural Association, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the flute, one of humanitys oldest musical instruments. The museum aims to bring together traditional Romanian flutes with similar instruments from other cultures, highlighting sound heritage as a form of living memory and cultural identity. We spoke with the initiator of this special museum, musician Oana Ivascu, co-founder of the early and traditional music ensemble Imago Mundi, about the establishment of the museum, how it came to be, and the effort to create this cultural center: The Museum of Flutes is a project organized by the Isvor Cultural Association, with the support of the Malaia Townhall and co-financed by the National Cultural Fund Administration, through which we aim to transform the flute into a symbol of the connection between communities, generations, and cultures. Lets build and maintain a living space where heritage becomes accessible and relevant to all ages. The Museum was born out of a passion for wind instruments and almost 25 years of concerts and tours with Imago Mundi. This musical journey has shown us that instruments are carriers of stories and build bridges between cultures. In 2016, we founded the Isvor Cultural Association to support the ensemble and develop collaborative artistic projects. Starting in 2020, we got closer to the rural communities in Valcea, building educational programs and creative workshops in schools, which we equipped with various musical instruments and where we met many children. It was also around that time that we learned about the old school in Salistea, Malaia commune, built between 1956 and 1960 by villagers out of care and love for children. Together with Mr. Puiu Dinculescu, the mayor of the commune, we came to the conclusion that a museum to preserve the local heritage and create the conditions for a multicultural dialogue was not only welcome but necessary. Thanks to Mr. Dinculescus care and effort, the building was completely renovated and refurbished this year, managing to attract support from the extended community of the area. In this way, the old school has turned into a space for education, but also one that celebrates memories. The museums collection will include an exhibition of international wind instruments, interactive shows and multimedia installations, which will allow visitors to listen to the authentic sounds of the flutes. The museum experience will be complemented by a digital platform. Oana Ivascu told us about the museums content and collection: The museum is imagined as an art installation structured into distinct rooms. We have windows to the world, the workshop, the community, a multimedia room. We dont have display cases. The instruments are exhibited with all their qualities and imperfections on display. We are talking here about functional as well as decorative instruments. Over time, the museum will be transformed into a space for international artistic residencies and will become a laboratory of traditional sounds for world music enthusiasts. We complement the physical museum with an interactive web platform, created by Daniel Ivascu, and the podcast Povestea Fluierului (The Story of the Flute), created in collaboration with the Astra Museum and the Mostenitorii din Vaideeni Cultural Association. We are joined in this project by incredible people who are attentive to intangible heritage. The website will contain an atlas of the worlds flutes My passion for wind instruments led to the creation of a personal collection that initially numbered over 30 flutes, and thanks to campaigns launched in 2025 by the Isvor Cultural Association, the collection has grown to more than 80 instruments. We have African rhythm flutes, we have pentatonic flutes, Asian instruments. Some of them are instruments donated by the museums ambassadors or brought in through international contributions. The Museum of Flutes also has a strong community and educational dimension, through music workshops, exhibitions, and concerts. The project is carried out in partnership with cultural and educational institutions in Romania and abroad, contributing to the development of a sustainable cultural infrastructure and the transmission of sound heritage to future generations. Finally, the museums founder, musician Oana Ivascu, told us: Because we are not stopping here, next year the museum will host the Summer Music School, part of the Dream Blower project, a project recently selected for funding in the AFCN session for 2026. This time we will focus on the ocarina. We will have music workshops, reading, clay modelling, as well as a tour of culturally disadvantaged rural areas. December 27, 2025 A roundup of local and world news Newsflash Newsroom, 27.12.2025, 14:00 New pediatric psychiatry hospital in Bucharest The foundation has been laid down for Romanias largest pediatric psychiatry clinic, built by Bucharest City Hall jointly with the Metropolis foundation through a public-private partnership. Bucharests Mayor General, Ciprian Ciucu, wrote on the City Hall Facebook page that Bucharest needs new, safe hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment and doctors who are properly valued. For a second medical unit built from scratch, Sector 6 City Hall has finalized the tender for design and execution, and secured funding guaranteed by the European Commission. The site has been connected to utility networks, all studies and urban planning documentation have been approved, including the government decision establishing the hospital as a legal entity, and after contract signing, the order to start works will be issued. 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. 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. Fire in Giurgiu Dozens of people self-evacuated or were evacuated by firefighters from a residential block in the southern Romanian city of Giurgiu following a fire that broke out in one of the apartments. The owner was not home when the fire started; neighbors noticed the smell of smoke and called 112, according to a press release issued Saturday by the Giurgiu Emergency Situations Inspectorate. Firefighters rescued a puppy left alone in the affected apartment; the furniture burned completely, other items were damaged, and the apartment walls along with the stairwell were affected by smoke. The fire was most likely caused by an unattended candle. Medical services e-platform The new IT platform for Romanias National Health Insurance House, which manages medical services, is partially operational. For now, it is not accessible to the general public, as the large-scale data transfer has not yet been completed. Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete explains that the system will become fully operational after mid-next year and will streamline the relationship between patients, on one hand, and doctors, hospitals, pharmacies or other medical units, on the other. The data transfer from the old platform to the new one is already underway; It takes quite a while, and we chose to move the data during this holiday period, when the number of medical services is low and it doesnt affect medical activity, Minister Rogobete stated. Migrant trafficking A Romanian citizen caught transporting three Egyptians and a Syrian by car has been remanded in custody for 30 days for migrant trafficking, the General Border Police Inspectorate reports. Romanian and Bulgarian border police stopped the 21-year-old driver of a Romanian-registered car during a joint check. The check uncovered four foreigners without documents required for travel in the Schengen area. They were handed over to Bulgarian border authorities. Feast Day Orthodox and EasternCatholic Christians in Romania celebrate Saint Stephen on Saturday, the first Christian martyr. He was a contemporary of Jesus Christs apostles and one of the seven deacons chosen to serve in the first Christian community in Jerusalem. Stephen was accused of blasphemy by Jewish clerics and stoned to death. The New Testament records his last words, asking God to forgive his killers. Increase in local taxes City halls across Romania have until the end of the year to set the value of local taxes and fees for 2026, or they risk sanctions including the loss of funds, under an emergency decree adopted by the Government. In Bucharest, the General Council has set the taxable value of buildings to rise from nearly 1,500 lei per square meter this year to 2,677 lei in 2026, an increase of about 80%. Owners of buildings in Timisoara (west) will pay more by the same percentage, as the city hall has also eliminated reductions based on building age and other benefits for certain owner categories. In Cluj-Napoca (north-west), the municipality will apply increases between 58% and 71% depending on the area, while in Constanta (south-east), the Local Council has approved tax hikes between 50% and 80%, along with rises in other local fees. Starting 2027, taxation will be based on market value, as per the reform committed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. (VP) December 27, 2025 UPDATE A roundup of local and world news December 27, 2025 UPDATE Newsroom, 27.12.2025, 20:00 Constitutional Court reviews second special pensions reform project Romanias Constitutional Court (CCR) on Sunday is set to review the challenge from the High Court of Cassation and Justice, which contested the governments second project on reforming the magistrates pension system. The law, for which the government assumed responsibility, provides for raising the retirement age for magistrates to the standard 65 years over the next 15 years. Their pensions will also not exceed 70% of the net salary from the last month of activity. The High Court considers, however, that this violates judicial independence and discriminates against magistrates compared to other pension beneficiaries. Nearly 12,000 people benefited last month from such pensions, granted under specific laws for their field of work. According to the National Public Pensions Authority, nearly half were former prosecutors and judges, with an average pension of about 5,000 for this category. Nearly 800 former diplomats benefited with an average of nearly 1,400; 900 former MPs with over 1,240; 1,300 former civil aviation employees with an average of 2,600; and nearly 700 employees of the Court of Accounts, whose average pension exceeded 2,000. Service pensions were also received by 2,350 people from the auxiliary staff of courts and prosecutors offices, with an average of just over 1,400. Increase in local taxes City halls across Romania have until the end of the year to set the value of local taxes and fees for 2026, or they risk sanctions including the loss of funds, under an emergency decree adopted by the Government. In Bucharest, the General Council has set the taxable value of buildings to rise from nearly 300 per square meter this year to 535 in 2026, an increase of about 80%. Owners of buildings in Timisoara (west) will pay more by the same percentage, as the city hall has also eliminated reductions based on building age and other benefits for certain owner categories. In Cluj-Napoca (north-west), the municipality will apply increases between 58% and 71% depending on the area, while in Constanta (south-east), the Local Council has approved tax hikes between 50% and 80%, along with rises in other local fees. Starting 2027, taxation will be based on market value, as per the reform stipulated under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. International arrest warrant for Vlad Filat An international arrest warrant has been issued for Vlad Filat, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, after a French court sentenced him in absentia to two years in prison and a fine of 100,000 for money laundering Chisinau media reported Saturday, picked up by Bucharest outlets. After the French courts ruling became public, the former PM posted on social media that it concerns the case on dividing assets after his 2012 divorce and that it is politically motivated and heavily influenced by Moldovas current authorities. According to the Constitution, Moldovan citizens cannot be extradited or expelled. In 2016, Filat was also sentenced to nine years in prison for corruption and influence peddling, of which he served three years. Medical services e-platform The new IT platform for Romanias National Health Insurance Authority, which manages medical services, is partially operational. For now, it is not accessible to the general public, as the large-scale data transfer has not yet been completed. Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete explains that the system will become fully operational after mid-next year and will streamline the relationship between patients, on one hand, and doctors, hospitals, pharmacies or other medical units, on the other. The data transfer from the old platform to the new one is already underway; It takes quite a while, and we chose to move the data during this holiday period, when the number of medical services is low and it doesnt affect medical activity, Minister Rogobete stated. (VP) A total of nine models will be showcased, including five concepts, two accessorized models and two motorcycles At the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, Suzuki looks to inspire enthusiasts to embrace the great outdoors. The theme Life with Adventure clearly illustrates Suzukis direction for the event. To bring this vision to life, Suzuki will showcase a range of adventure-focused concept models. While Jimny Nomade is already off-road focused, seeing the adventure-styled versions of city cars like the XBEE and Every Wagon feels truly transformational. Lets get more details on these exciting concepts. Monster Hunter Wilds edition Jimny Nomade, DR-Z4S This concept model derives inspiration from the popular Monster Hunter Wilds action role-playing game. The core idea for this concept came from the question What if SUZUKI existed in the world of Monster Hunter? Jimny Nomade Monster Hunter Wilds concept features realistic game-inspired graphics, which make it truly exclusive. Exteriors feature various elements from the Monster Hunter Wilds such as barbed wire, distinctive brown earthy colour, wild flora, etc. Other customizations include a large roof rack, accents in metallic finish and a fresh design for the alloy wheels. Accompanying the Jimny Nomade is the DR-Z4S motorcycle, which also gets the Monster Hunter Wilds customizations. It is inspired by the Seikret and is featured in the Monster Hunter Wilds game. XBEE Nature Photographer This is specially built for photography enthusiasts, although the concept seems quite versatile to handle various other outdoor applications. Key customizations include a rugged grille design, distinctive alloy wheels and a large roof rack with integrated LED lighting. Most of the exterior skin, including the metal, glass and plastic surfaces, gets a distinctive nature-inspired detailing. One can also notice tail lamp guards and a ladder at the rear. Every Wagon Wanpaku Rider This concept imagines weekend outdoor explorations, especially for families that like to participate in Strider races. Customizations include a large roof rack with space for childrens bikes and storage spaces. The rack comes with LED lights and a foldable awning. A blacked-out treatment can be seen on the front grille and theres a smoked finish on the headlight lenses. Every Wagon Wanpaku Rider concept also gets distinctive alloy wheels. Swift Sport Super Taikyu Race Version Based on the previous-gen Swift, this race-spec model recently participated in the ENEOS Super Taikyu 2025 Series, a long-distance endurance race. Featuring refined driving performance, the Swift Sport Super Taikyu Race model demonstrated its capabilities during the gruelling stages of the racing event. Super Carry Work & Play Pro This is specially designed for folks who like camping and marine activities. In addition to the cargo bed, theres a heavy-duty roof rack. The latter can haul heavy items such as kayaks and camping equipment. Other features include an outboard motor and camping gear. This concept meets professional needs during weekdays and doubles up as a leisure vehicle on the weekends. In addition to the above, Suzuki will be showcasing three other vehicles at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon. There will be separate accessorized versions of the XBEE and the Super Carry, and Suzukis new GSX-8TT motorcycle. The 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon is scheduled for 9th-11th January. While the Everest Tremor trim is also available in Australia, the Tremor with the 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine is exclusive to the Middle East In line with region-specific requirements, Ford has introduced a new Tremor trim with the 2026 Everest (Endeavour) in the UAE. The primary differentiating factor is the 2.7-litre V6 EcoBoost petrol unit, engineered for the demanding conditions of the Middle East. Ford Everest Tremor also gets other updates, including enhanced off-road capability. Lets check out the details. Ford Endeavour Tremor (Everest) Engine specs Fords 2.7-litre V6 EcoBoost petrol engine has been in production since 2015. It has been used in models like the Ford F-150, Ford Edge, Bronco, Fusion Sport and North American Ranger. However, this is the first time the 2.7-litre V6 EcoBoost petrol engine is being offered with the Everest SUV. Since it has been introduced for region-specific requirements, it is unlikely that other markets will get this engine option with the Everest. Performance numbers of the 2.7-litre V6 EcoBoost engine are pretty impressive at 355 HP and 500 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. With this new powertrain, users can expect the Everest to seamlessly handle demanding driving conditions and off-road adventures. SUVs in the Middle East region have to handle tough conditions such as extreme heat and desert driving. Ford Everest Tremor is also fully ready for desert safaris and dune climbs. Earlier trims of the Ford Everest Active, Sport and Platinum will continue to be available in the Middle East. The Tremor range in the Middle East already includes the F-150 Tremor and Expedition Tremor. The newest addition, Everest Tremor, is expected to be competitively priced, all while offering robust off-road capability and versatility. As for the existing engine options of a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, these may continue to be available with the Ford Everest in the Middle East. In Australia, the Ford Everest Tremor is offered with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine. It generates 247 HP and 600 Nm of torque, and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Other updates, India launch prospects Ford Everest Tremor in the Middle East gets adventure-ready hardware. It includes Bilstein Suspension and 17-inch all-terrain tyres. Users can expect enhanced capability across uneven terrain, sand and gravel. In terms of Ford Endeavours India launch possibility, there is currently no official timeline. Fords Chennai plant is being readied, but it will be initially used only for manufacturing engines for export markets. Some reports indicate that Ford Endeavour could be imported into India in limited numbers via the CBU route. When it was available in India, Ford Endeavour used to be one of the preferred options in the large SUV segment. After Endeavour was discontinued in India in 2021, Toyota Fortuner emerged as a clear winner in this space. If Ford Endeavour is relaunched in India, it will take on rivals such as Skoda Kodiaq, MG Gloster and Jeep Meridian, in addition to the Fortuner. The death of a parent is a difficult time, bringing out strong emotions and highlighting any family conflict. Add to that the distribution of assets, and theres the strong potential for family strife even more so when the executor is not suited to the task. Consider the hypothetical case of Jessica from Minneapolis, whose father died four years ago. She was entitled to a percentage of the value of her childhood home, which was sold shortly after her fathers death. At the time, the attorney said all beneficiaries needed to wait eight months before the proceeds of the sale would be disbursed to ensure no unknown creditors came forward a process known as probate. This was double the legally required minimum notice period of four months in Minnesota. (1) Jessicas late father had no unknown creditors or debts, so his attorney sent a letter to Jessicas sister, who was executor of the will, to request an expedited disbursement. Jessica was asked to sign a release and then the funds were sent to her a couple of weeks later. Now its four years later. In that time, Jessicas sister has failed to execute the terms of the will; stopped talking to the other beneficiaries; delayed the transfer of three other properties to her siblings; fired the original lawyer and exhausted the resources of the estate. Now shes asking Jessica to return almost half of her inheritance to help pay $60,000 in legal fees incurred during the disbursement of the other properties. Must Read Implications of mismanaging an estate settlement Jessica feels that her sister has mismanaged the estate settlement process and doesnt want to pay. She argues that her part of the estate was already settled, including having the associated legal and probate fees deducted, and since she didnt benefit from the remainder of the estate, she shouldnt have to pay. Jessica is right that the process has been mismanaged. Aside from the mishandling of the disbursement of the other properties, disbursements before the end of the probate process are not best practice nor recommended, so Jessica should have been made to wait. Its best to have all affairs of the estate settled first, which includes paying any creditor claims against the estate, executor compensation, taxes and fees incurred to settle the estate, before making any disbursements. The newly-discovered theropod and sauropod footprints are part of the Late Jurassic Majala Formation, and represent the oldest dinosaur footprints reported for Chile and the western margin of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. The Late Jurassic fossil record exhibits notable disparities in the abundance and distribution of dinosaur tracksites between Laurasia and Gondwana, said Dr. Marko Yurac from the Unidad de Patrimonio Paleontologico and his colleagues. In Europe alone, several sites have been documented, including those in Italy, Croatia, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Portugal. Additionally, North America hosts extensive tracksites with abundant ichnological evidence. In contrast, the dinosaur track record in Gondwana is markedly more limited and fragmented. Notable exceptions include track-bearing outcrops in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Beyond these, ichnological evidence is relatively scarce, with only a few records from Australia. In South America, most dinosaur tracksites are concentrated along the eastern margin of the continent, particularly in Brazil, Guyana, and Uruguay, with additional reports from northern regions such as Colombia. In contrast, the western margin of South America corresponding to the western boundary of Gondwana has yielded Late Jurassic dinosaur tracksites exclusively from Chile. The paleontologists identified a total of five track-bearing levels within the Majala Formation in the Quebrada Huatacondo area of Chile. The footprints were produced by theropod and sauropod dinosaurs approximately 160 million years ago, during the Late Jurassic epoch. Around 160 million years ago, northern Chile experienced cycles of flooding and drought, the researchers explained. While the climate was largely dry, seasonal water accumulation created ephemeral wetlands that attracted animals of all sizes from small theropods to massive carnivorous dinosaurs. As dinosaurs walked across damp mud near these water sources, their footprints were imprinted in the soft sediment. Subsequent flooding gently covered the tracks, preserving them for millions of years. The Majala footprints reveal the presence of giant (lengths between 51 and 52.8 cm), large (lengths between 43.5 and 46.5 cm) and medium (lengths between 25 and 27 cm) theropod dinosaurs. One surface has more than 25 footprints of minute to small theropods (footprints lengths ranging from 8 to 13 cm). These footprints constitute the smallest theropod tracks recorded so far in Chile, and possibly across the entire western margin of Gondwana, the scientists said. Another surface represents the sole stratigraphic level exhibiting exclusively sauropod tracks (potentially undertracks). Due to their poor preservation state, quantitative measurements could not be obtained, the authors said. Nevertheless, analysis of the digital model enables the inference of the presence of at least 9 footprints that show an alignment which could correspond to a possible trackway. According to the paleontologists, their finds represent the oldest dinosaur tracks known from Chile and the western margin of Gondwana. These footprints serve as the primary evidence for reconstructing the paleoenvironmental and behavioral dynamics of dinosaurs in northern Chile during the Late Jurassic, reflecting episodic occupation of semi-arid floodplain and ephemeral wetland habitats, they concluded. The discovery is reported in a paper in the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology. _____ M. Yurac et al. 2025. Upper Jurassic dinosaur tracks from the Majala Formation in the Huatacondo area (Tarapaca Basin, Chile): reappraisal of known localities and new tracksite discoveries. Swiss J Palaeontol 144, 72; doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00419-9 Key Points Dr. Ed Yardeni runs his own investment firm, Yardeni Research, while Dan Ives serves as the global head of technology research at Wedbush. Yardeni has long been bullish on the S&P 500 index and tech stocks, but has recently changed course. Ives has consistently been bullish on tech stocks for most of his career, and he views the current artificial intelligence (AI) trade as the fourth industrial revolution. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires Dr. Ed Yardeni of Yardeni Research and Dan Ives of Wedbush are two well-known market strategists and tech analysts on Wall Street right now. Yardeni holds a Ph.D. in economics from Yale University and has a storied career as a chief investment strategist on Wall Street. Yardeni currently runs investment firm Yardeni Research and has nailed bullish calls on tech, artificial intelligence (AI), and the stock market for the past several years now. Ives has built a career by being ultra-bullish on tech and now artificial intelligence for much of his 25-year career on Wall Street, a thesis that has paid off handsomely. Ives and his colorful outfits can be frequently spotted on all the major business networks or being quoted in the country's most prominent business publications. Currently, one of these analysts is quite bullish on tech and AI heading into 2026, while the other is starting to pull back. Who will be right? Image source: Getty Images. Yardeni: Time to pump the brakes Yardeni and his firm recently did something for the first time in 15 years: They shifted their stance on the broader benchmark S&P 500's (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) tech and communications stocks, changing their recommendation from overweight to market weight, which is essentially a neutral rating. This group of stocks specifically refers to the "Magnificent Seven," tech giants expected to benefit immensely from the rise of artificial intelligence. Yardeni suggested being overweight in the financials, industrials, and healthcare sectors. Yardeni says the tech and AI landscape has changed. Members of the Magnificent Seven have begun to "aggressively" compete with one another, which is actually a big change from recent years. "They used to just operate in their own moats and kind of leave each other alone, but I think we're now having a competitive situation," Yardeni told CNBC recently. "Not only that, but I think we're going to find out start-ups are coming [to] challenge some of their technologies." For instance, Alphabet has built its own chips that the company has reportedly begun pitching to AI companies, and that could cut into some of Nvidia's market share. Furthermore, Yardeni also cited examples like the Chinese start-up DeepSeek, which sent U.S. AI stocks reeling after the company supposedly developed a ChatGPT rival at a fraction of the cost, although there is much debate over the resources that went into DeepSeek. Emerging markets have concluded 2025 with a significant surge, outperforming major Wall Street averages. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which encompasses large- and mid-cap stocks from developing nations, has seen an approximate 30% increase since the start of the year. The emerging markets stock indexes have hit record highs at the end of 2025. Certain countries within this group, including Greece, Chile, and the Czech Republic, have demonstrated particularly strong performances. The Athens Composite, Greeces primary index, has seen a nearly 44% increase over the year and is anticipated to be promoted to developed market status in September 2026. During a roundtable event in London in November, fund managers at Ninety One, an asset management firm overseeing assets worth over $203 billion, expressed optimism about the potential for further growth in various emerging markets in 2026, reports CNBC. Portfolio manager Varun Laijawalla referred to 2025 as a year of change across numerous sectors. Speaking with the outlet, Laijawalla also highlighted that the U.S. dollar had weakened over the year following 15 years of a one-way trade. Also Read: Leaked Memo Reveals Why TikToks New US Owners May Have Less Power Than Expected This has positively affected emerging economies that depend on foreign capital, as it lowers the local currency cost of dollar-denominated debt and can boost investment inflows from overseas. Mislav Matejka, the Head of Global and European Equity Strategy at JP Morgan, speaking at the banks London headquarters, predicted that emerging markets are set for a second year of outperformance in 2026. Factors contributing to this outlook include appealing valuations, currency movements, and economic growth patterns. The impressive performance of emerging markets in 2025 is not just a one-off event. The weakening of the U.S. dollar, which reduces the cost of dollar-denominated debt, coupled with the attractive valuations and economic growth trajectories, are all factors that are setting the stage for these markets to continue their upward trend in 2026. The anticipated upgrade of Greece to developed market status further underscores the potential for growth in these markets. Read Next Got $10,000? Heres Where 6 Wall Street Titans Say You Should Invest UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Worshippers at St. Sylvesters R.C. church in Concord were shocked to learn the front of their church was defaced with feces Thursday while they were inside celebrating Christmas Mass. The churchs pastor, Fr. Jacob Thumma, said the human feces were discovered on the main doors, steps and railing of the church during the 10 a.m. mass. While the mass was going on around 10:30, I was walking to the church to thank people, and I found human (feces) on the door. Smeared on the outside of the door, he said. He directed the congregation to exit through a side door. Speaking to the Advance/SILive.com on Friday he said, Yesterday, there were a lot of people at the Mass, and I didnt want anyone to see that. So I sent them through the side door. I feel sorry for the guy who did this; and why he did it, we dont know. St. Sylvester's camera picked up the incident. Church Images St. Sylvester's camera picked up the incident. Church Images The churchs camera footage captured a man committing the act at 10:26 a.m. Fr. Thumma said that while the act was disturbing and he reported it to police, he feels sympathy for the man. He looks like he may be a homeless or disturbed person. I feel sorry for him and wonder why he did that on the joyful day of Christmas. The Advance/SILive.com viewed a video that shows a man approach the front of the church carrying a cup. After he passes, the brown substance has been splattered across the doors. Police confirmed a report connected to the incident had been filed, and police officials on Staten Island said Friday night that the incident would be investigated as a crime. Its a little disturbing, Fr. Thumma said. People are hurting emotionally somewhere, with some problems. Is he trying to tell us some kind of message? Thats what I felt. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The NYPD is investigating a New Brighton robbery in which a man made off with three bags of rock salt, according to a department spokesperson. The robbery allegedly took place at around 1:28 p.m. on Friday in the rear of 15 Bank St., the NYPD said. Google Maps shows a warehouse at this location. At that time, a 60-year-old man encountered a male individual removing salt from the site without permission and informed him that he was trespassing. A spokesperson with the Deputy Commissioner of Public Informations Office told the Advance/SILive.com that the man was just passing by the location. After being told to leave, the unknown individual allegedly displayed a knife to the 60-year-old man and fled in a Mazda CX9 with the three bags of salt, according to police. No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing, the spokesperson added. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Staten Island has recorded a historically low number of shooting incidents and murders during 2025, according to CompStat, NYPDs crime tracking system. This marks the Islands second year with a drop in shootings. As of Dec. 14, the most recent week for which data is available, shooting victims also declined 27%, dropping from 15 to 11 when compared to the year prior. Murders during the same time period dropped 63%, from eight to three, in 2025, compared to 2024. With weeks remaining, Staten Island is on pace to achieve its lowest murder rate since comprehensive records began in 1964. In that year, four murders were recorded, meaning the current figure would set a new historic low, Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon said. A multi-agency partnership has united law enforcement at the city, state, and federal levels to drive down gun violence and homicides to a historical low. Collaborative efforts have led to historic reductions, with shootings down 27% and murders down over 83% over a five-year period in the borough. Citywide as of Dec. 14, shooting incidents were down 23% and the number of shooting victims dropped 21%, compared to the year prior. Officials attribute this dramatic drop to the direct correlation between fewer shootings and fewer gun-related homicides. Of the three homicides that took place in 2025, only one was gun-related, while the other two were stabbings involving individuals known to each other. The dramatic 83% drop in murders over five years comes from a unique collaboration model that has law enforcement officials communicating 24/7. CompStat Gun violence down According to McMahon, a key driver of reduced gun violence is the Gun Violence Strategies Partnership (GVSP) that has helped to revolutionize the speed and efficiency of sharing intelligence on gun-related cases. The GVSP is a collaborative initiative that convenes every weekday morning both virtually and in person to discuss gun-related cases and intelligence. So far, over 1,000 daily meetings have been held, Staten Island Executive Assistant District Attorney Thomas C. Ridges noted. This daily communication structure has revolutionized the speed of information sharing. What used to require dozens of separate phone calls, voicemails, and long waits for data retrieval can now be accomplished in a single hour-and-a-half meeting. Participants include every district attorneys office, Special Narcotics, Homeland Security Investigations, federal and city probation, state parole, the Mayors Office of Criminal Justice, and state police from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. What we do in a matter of an hour in the morning used to take 50 phone calls, waiting for someone to call you back. By the time I get all that information, hes already been gone or arraigned, Ridges, who has dedicated over 35 years to public service, said. This 24/7 real-time collaboration allows officials to gain a comprehensive picture of a suspects history, including their probation or parole status and involvement in other cases, enabling swift and informed decisions before a suspect is even arraigned. This precision policing strategy ensures that critical information is never delayed. Staten Island's innovative "precision policing" strategy has helped remove more than 900 guns from the streets and revolutionized how agencies share critical intelligence. CompStat The precision policing model targets the most prolific gun violence offenders and is critical for tracking a firearms history. Thanks to this partnership Staten Island investigators are able to pinpoint an illegal firearms time to crime the period from its initial purchase to its use in an illegal act and connections to other incidents through ballistic evidence even if the perpetrator is not yet identified. The GVSP is organized and hosted under the federal umbrella of the federal High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program to specifically target gun violence. This intelligence helps build stronger cases and identify networks of gun trafficking. For example, law enforcement can learn if a recovered gun was part of a recent gun shop burglary or was used in non-fatal shootings in different jurisdictions. HIDTA is a long-standing federal initiative that provides a framework and resources for coordinating law enforcement efforts across different regions to combat drug trafficking. The GVSP model has allowed Staten Island law enforcement to leverage HIDTAs regional reach and established inter-agency relationships. This partnership has proven to be critical for tackling interstate gun trafficking. By focusing resources on the worst of the worst offenders the known trigger-pullers law enforcement can act more effectively. This intelligence ensures that gun crimes are no longer anonymous events. In addition to better interagency communication, Staten Island has implemented a zero tolerance bail and jail policy for individuals who possess or use a firearm. Well know everything there is to know about the gun that has been used and we know the history of the players that are involved, McMahon said. Here in Staten Island we have a very firm policy that if you use a gun, were going to ask for bail and youre going to go to jail. The District Attorneys office consistently asks for bail with the expectation that the defendant will be incarcerated until trial. This stringent approach sends a clear message that gun offenses will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Staten Island's innovative "precision policing" strategy has helped remove more than 900 guns from the streets and revolutionized how agencies share critical intelligence. CompStat Driving down gun crime This local policy, in combination with the GVSP collaboration, is credited with helping to drive down gun crime on Staten Island even more dramatically than in the rest of the city. Officials highlight a unique local Staten Island communication model. According to the district attorney, there is a 24/7 line of communication between the his office and the NYPDs four commanding officers on Staten Island. Local precinct commanders, who have intimate knowledge of the gangs, crews, and key players in their areas, communicate directly and immediately with prosecutors. This boots-on-the-ground intelligence is then fed into the larger GVSP network, but the initial, hyper-local collaboration is considered a critical component of the success in identifying and prosecuting offenders. The dramatic reduction in gun violence on Staten Island is not attributed to a single action, but to a multi-faceted approach. It is the combination of the regional intelligence sharing of the GVSP, the hyper-local collaboration of the Staten Island Model, a dedicated firearms unit within the DAs office, a strict bail and jail prosecutorial policy, and proactive preventative measures like gun buybacks. Since coming into office, McMahons team has removed more than 900 guns from the streets through the no questions asked gun buyback program. Furthermore, the office has been a leader in the state in utilizing the Emergency Risk Protection Order, or Red Flag Law. The team has filed about 60 ERPO applications to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to be a be a danger to themselves or others, often due to a history of domestic violence or other violent behavior. Raise the Age McMahon has called for reforms to New Yorks Raise the Age law, arguing it needs to address youth gun violence. They are advocating for legislative changes that would allow the DAs office to retain and prosecute these cases, ensuring accountability even if it doesnt involve long-term incarceration. Under the current law, cases involving teenagers ages 14 through 17 charged with simple possession of a loaded firearm are presumptively sent to Family Court, where they are handled by Corporation Counsel rather than the DAs office. A major flaw in the Raise the Age framework, according to McMahon, is the fact that Family Court judges are prevented from seeing a youths prior offenses, treating them as first-time offenders each time they offend. Prosecutors argue that this system lacks meaningful consequences and fails to deter young people from carrying weapons. Older street gang members exploit this loophole by using juveniles as purses, to carry firearms for them in order to evade responsibility should they get caught. This practice not only puts the youths in immense danger but also makes it more difficult for law enforcement to charge the more culpable adult offenders who orchestrate the crimes. Under the law, a 14- or 15-year-old caught with a gun within 1,000 feet of a school can be prosecuted by the DAs office, but this exception does not apply to those who are 16 and 17 in the exact same situation. This creates a scenario in which two teenagers could be standing next to each other committing the same crime, but one faces more severe prosecution than the other solely based on a one-year age difference. Officials are pushing for a change within the legislature. McMahon acknowledged that many young people are aware of the legal loopholes and know they will likely face minimal penalties. When Raise the Age was passed, the legislature pledged approximately $800 million in funding for programming designed to help youths in the criminal justice system and provide them with diversionary pathways. However, officials report that this crucial funding has not been delivered. They emphasize that prosecution alone cannot solve the problem of youth crime. Without the promised resources to implement effective educational, therapeutic, and support programs, at-risk youth are likely to continue reoffending. They are calling on the state to fund these essential services. A surprising insight came from the DAs Youth Advisory Council, a group of high school students who meet to discuss issues affecting them. The students revealed that many kids carry knives or other weapons, not for aggression, but for protection, because they feel unsafe traveling to and from school. This eye-opening feedback prompted the DAs office to partner with the Police Department and school officials to create safe corridors. This initiative has increased police and school safety presence along routes to bus stops and the ferry, which has reportedly improved the situation. Preventative outreach includes school programs on anti-bullying and conflict resolution to address root causes of youth violence. Domestic violence Despite the successful reduction in gun homicides, domestic violence remains a major challenge, accounting for over half of all felony assaults on Staten Island. This indicates that while gun violence from street crews may be down, intimate partner violence continues to drive serious crime. Borough Commander Melissa Eger comes from a domestic violence background. Were doing everything we can in that space, but theres still a lot of work to be done there, McMahon said. I think it shows that weve made progress, but its still an issue. Alongside domestic violence, McMahon said untreated mental health is another major factor contributing to crime. The connection is illustrated by one of the years homicides, which was described by McMahon as a tragic outcome of severe mental illness. Officials acknowledge that while they have implemented programs like Mental Health Treatment Court and Veterans Treatment Court, the broader societal problem of untreated mental health issues continues to fuel violence and other crimes. If you received this brand of chocolate in your Christmas stocking or gift this year, you may want to double-check the label. Willy Petes Chocolate Company LLC of Harwinton is recalling its Almond Despair chocolate bars due to almonds not being listed on the ingredients label, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The list of ingredients incorrectly lists macadamia nuts instead of almonds on the label, posing a risk to consumers who are allergic to almonds. READ MORE: Check your Christmas stockings now: FDA issues urgent recall on chocolate that has already caused an allergic reaction No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported to date. Heres what you need to know about the chocolates being recalled and what you should do if you have these chocolates. What Almond Despair chocolate bars are being recalled? According to the FDA, the recalled Almond Despair chocolate bars are packaged in purple wrappers with a weight of 2 ounces and a UPC code of 0 987261 5. The chocolates were distributed to the following stores in three states: Curioporium: 168 Center Street Suite 101, Southington, Conn., 06489 Puckerbutt Pepper Co.: 1376 Broadcloth Street Suite 102, Fort Mill, S.C., 29715 Army Barracks: 30 Broadway, Saugus, Mass., 01906 What should people do if they have the recalled Almond Despair chocolate bars? Customers who purchased the affected chocolate bars from Willy Petes Chocolate Company LLC should not eat the chocolate. Instead, they should return them to their place of purchase for a full refund. Those with questions may contact the company at 860-878-0302. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Legendary filmmaker James Cameron said he has no interest in becoming an American citizen, despite having lived in Los Angeles for 47 years, PennLive.com reported. In a brief red carpet interview with BuzzFeed Canada, the Canadian-born Avatar director said he once considered U.S. citizenship because of what he described as the nobility of the American democratic experiment, but added: Where the hell did that go? Im over it. The report also states that Cameron addressed Canadian frustration toward Donald Trump and the presidents remarks about making Canada the 51st state. He said Canadians are way over it, joking that if such a move were attempted, we will fight to the last moose. A frequent critic of Trump and his administration, Cameron earlier this month referred to him as the most narcissistic (expletive) in history since (expletive) Nero,' according to a Fox News report. Camerons latest film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in the franchise, stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, and Sigourney Weaver, and has grossed $483.3 million worldwide to date, the report states. 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. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Years of neglect at the Park Hill apartment complex have tenants unsure how to feel about a $165 million government investment that officials say will at last see their home transformed. Prince Thomas, a longtime tenant and organizer of a youth program called Park Hill Leaders, said he was apprehensive about the announcement after so many efforts in the past failed to deliver on promised improvements for himself and his neighbors. (Ive) seen so many that came in and its the same story, he said. That would be nice, but Park Hills been waiting for so long. You talk to anybody, theyll tell you the same story. A September 2023 Advance/SILive.com article touts a $2.25 million federal investment for plumbing and electrical improvements. In 2020, the complexs ownership secured a $174 million refinancing, as reported by the Commercial Observer. Another Advance/SILive,com article from March 2019 reported apparent concessions elected officials had received from the complexs ownership to improve conditions. None of those and a host of other government announcements, investments, and private refinancing efforts have been able to provide humane conditions for the residents of Park Hill. Tenants have long complained about unsanitary conditions throughout the complex; broken elevators that can make a day out for older and disabled tenants almost impossible; broken appliances that can leave tenants without stoves or refrigerators, and downed heating systems that can have tenants struggling through the winter cold. The city Department of Housing Preservation and Development this year alone issued more than 1,200 violations across the complex for varying conditions. The most consistent violations are for issues like pest problems; faulty or missing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; broken windows and doors, and mold or unsanitary water conditions. Olga Navarro, another longtime tenant of the eight-building development, said she was unsure if the latest investment would lead to the needed improvements, but said that it was the tenants best chance in a complex built in the 1960s. I hope that at least were going to get a decent place to live, she said. These buildings are very very old and they need remodeling. Neither Thomas nor Navarro received information about the rehabilitation plan, but both said workers had been by taking measurements in units across the complex. The press release announcing the $165 million plan said that information meetings for residents would be held early next year. The project will receive funding from all levels of government, including $98.5 million from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development; $50 million from New York State Homes and Community Renewals Multifamily Preservation Program, and federal support through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In what could be seen as a cause for optimism, it was at the same time announced that a new development team would come to Park Hill, something unique for the complexs 1,100 units. Since at least the 1990s, the complex and the money funneled to it has been under the control of the Shah family currently headed by Michael Shah, the founder and CEO of a company called DelShah Capital. Residents, including Navarro, have long pointed to Shahs neglect of the development as the main cause of its poor conditions. Now, it is hoped that the introduction of a new development team, comprised of The Arker Companies, L+M Development Partners and LIHC Investment Group, may lead to the necessary improvements. Mondays announcement saw that group described as the new ownership of the complex, but their exact involvement hasnt yet been made clear. The Richmond County Clerks Office has not posted traditional documentation connected to a property sale for any of the lots comprising the Park Hill development. It is clear, however, that the government rehabilitation investment would not have been possible without the new development group becoming part of Park Hill. All three entities have worked on affordable housing restorations and developments around the city, and Arker has involvement with multiple on Staten Island, including Concord Court at 55 Bowen St. and Seaside Plaza at 20 Father Capodanno Blvd. At Mondays press conference where she was joined by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, a North Shore Democrat who has been perhaps the most forceful advocate for the complexs tenants, said she believed the announced deal would lead to the long-sought improvements. For far too long, the residents of Park Hill have been forced to live with neglect, disrepair, and conditions no community should ever have to accept, she said. From day one in office, I made it clear this was unacceptable. I worked alongside my colleagues in government to ensure that these conditions would no longer be ignored. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York recently became the latest state in the union to declare itself an official Purple Heart State. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation in early November adopting the official designation as part of a package of bills honoring past and present service members. Our veterans and service members made the selfless choice to step up to protect our nation and our liberties, Hochul said following her signing of the bills. Signing this legislative package ensures that those who served our country face fewer barriers to employment and benefits and are properly honored for their commitment to our country. Service members wounded or killed in combat receive the nations Purple Heart as a medal for their service. The legislation counts New York among several states that already count themselves as Purple Heart States, including Ohio, Washington and Virginia. New Yorks Hudson River Valley is also home to the Purple Heart Hall of Honor, the nations only repository dedicated to the preservation and collection of the stories of Purple Heart recipients. Assemblymember John McDonald, a Democrat representing part of upstate New York, sponsored the Purple Heart State legislation and praised the governor for her signature. I was proud to sponsor this legislation designating New York as a Purple Heart State so that we, as New Yorkers, can collectively express our gratitude to the approximately 1.8 million Purple Heart recipients nationwide for their sacrifice and courage, he said. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this important bill into law and for her continued support of our Veterans. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries recently posted on SILive. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here. Lauren Ann Malone Besignano, 75, of Cincinnati, Ohio, a former Great Kills resident, died on Dec. 21. Throughout her life, she held many roles, including homemaker and payroll worker for the United States Postal Service and the former St. Vincents Medical Center, West Brighton. She also worked for the New York City Department of Transportation Office of Payroll Management for more than 15 years and held positions in the Equal Employment Opportunity Office and as the Director of Administration for Staten Island Ferries, before returning to Payroll as the director. She attended the Academy of St Dorothy, Sacred Heart, and Saint Joseph Hill before graduating from Wagner College with a bachelor of arts in English in 1972. The following May, she married John Lawrence Besignano, Sr, of Manhattan. She was an active parishioner at the Church of St. John Neumann, where she served as a Lector and CCD instructor. Read the full obituary on SILive. Leslie Paul Gertner, 101, a long-time Staten Islander known as the Mayor of New Dorp, died on Dec. 19. Born in Manhattan on Sept. 12, 1924, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a radar specialist. Mr. Gertner worked for the A&P company for 50 years, meeting his wife Inez while at the New Dorp store. They were married from 1951 until her death in 2005. He was an avid card player and active in several local organizations. Read the full obituary on SILive STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A new amendment to public health law, set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, in New York state, will expand organ donation authority beyond family members for the first time. The new law expands New Yorks anatomical gift statute by allowing a close friend, as defined in the Family Health Care Decisions Act of 2010, to authorize organ, eye, or tissue donation on behalf of a deceased individual who left no documented wishes and has no available family. The new law, signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, was introduced in the Assembly in January 2025 by Amy Paulin, chairwoman of the Assembly Health Committee. It passed in the Assembly on March 3, the Senate on June 11, and was signed into law on Nov. 21. Until now, New York remained one of only seven states nationwide that still didnt allow close friends to make posthumous anatomical gifts on behalf of a loved one, despite the Family Health Care Decision Act authorizing close friends to act as health decision makers for living individuals. Locally, Staten Island Assemblymembers Charles D. Fall and Sam Pirozzolo voted in favor of the bill. Assemblymember Michael Reilly, a Republican representing the South Shore, also voted in favor of the bill. Assemblymember Michael Tannousis, a Republican representing the East Shore and South Brooklyn, was excused on the day of the vote. Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, a Democrat who represents the North Shore, voted for the change. Sen. Andrew J. Lanza, a Republican representing the South Shore, did not. The bill was passed in the state Senate by Sen. Gustavo Rivera of the Bronx. This legislation is about ensuring that no opportunity to save a life is lost simply because the person who knew the decedent best wasnt legally recognized, said Paulin, a Democrat representing Westchester County, in an announcement when the bill was signed into law. Close friends often serve as caregivers, decision-makers, and are the people who know an individuals values more than anyone else. Its only right that they be trusted with this responsibility when no family member is available. Organ and tissue donation saves countless lives every year, she said. This seemingly small but meaningful change brings New York in line with 43 states and Washington, D.C., and removes an unnecessary barrier that has prevented some donations from moving forward, Paulin said. No New Yorker should be denied the chance to give the gift of life simply because the law doesnt acknowledge the closest person in their life. The change ensures equitable treatment of diverse personal relationships and consistency across New Yorks public health statutes, Paulin said in her announcement. Fall, a Democrat representing the North Shore and parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan, said the people who knew someone best and could honor their values were blocked from making life-saving decisions because of outdated legal limits. By allowing close friends to authorize donations when theres no next of kin or documented choice, New York shows respect for real human relationships and increases the chance to save lives, he said. Pirozzolo, a Republican representing Staten Islands South and West shores, said he sees the value of organ donation and has recently become a registered donor. Its the ultimate way I can help others,' he said. Currently, about 8,000 people are on the waiting list for donor organs in New York, according to LiveOnNY, the nonprofit organization that facilitates organ tissue and transplants in the greater New York City area. One organ donor can save eight lives and one tissue donor can help 50 to 75 people, according to LiveOnNY. Currently, in New York state, the average wait for a deceased-donor kidney ranges from three to seven years, based on national data published by Kidney Transplant Services at Stony Brook University Hospital. Across the United States, the median wait time for a first-time kidney transplant is about 33 months, the hospital data showed. According to the new law, if multiple siblings or others considered by law to be in the same class exist, a majority must agree if there is an objection. Allowing close friends to honor a loved ones wishes and give the gift of life is an act of dignity and love,' said Fall. Im grateful to see our state affirm the value of these relationships and expand the chance to save lives. The office of Scarcella-Spanton did not reply to a request for comment by the time of publication. A spokesperson for Leonard Achan, president and CEO of LiveOnNY, said he could not comment at this time on the legislative change. We recently compiled a list of the 10 Cheap Stocks With Strong Buy Ratings on Wall Street. Energy Transfer LP is one of the cheap stocks to buy on our list. TheFly reported that on December 18, Morgan Stanley downgraded ET from Overweight to Equal Weight, maintaining a $19 price target. The firm cited a lack of catalysts to re-rate the shares higher, noting that without a clear event-driven path to close ETs valuation discount relative to peers, outperformance versus the group is likely to remain challenging, according to the analysts research note. On the same day, Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) announced it is suspending the development of its Lake Charles LNG project. Management stated that continued development was not warranted at this time, as the company seeks to focus on projects with superior risk/return profiles. The suspension follows challenges in securing enough equity partners to unload a desired 50% interest in the facility. Energy Transfer LP (ET) Upsizes Desert Southwest Pipeline to Meet Surging Demand Simultaneously, ET announced it will upsize the capacity of its planned Desert Southwest expansion project on the Transwestern Pipeline. To meet surging customer demand in Arizona and New Mexico, the company will increase the pipeline diameter from 42 inches to 48 inches. This modification will boost capacity to 2.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) and is expected to increase 2026 growth capital expenditures by approximately $200 million, bringing the total project cost to $5.6 billion. Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) is a leading U.S. midstream energy company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It operates over 140,000 miles of pipelines across 44 states, transporting and storing natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). While we acknowledge the potential of ET as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy NOW Disclosure: None. Hurry up and wait. Thats what happened to thousands of holiday travelers hoping to fly out of the New York metropolitan area yesterday. Thanks to a snowstorm crashing down on the area, they found themselves sticking around a bit longer than theyd hoped, with little to do and nothing to do about it. More than a thousand flights were canceled or delayed across the Northeast and Great Lakes regions due to snow as thousands took to U.S. roads and airports during the busy travel period between Christmas and New Years, according to an Associated Press report. At least 1,500 flights were canceled from Friday night into Saturday, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware, with many affecting travelers out of Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. At JFK, 160 departing flights were canceled Friday, according to FlightAware, 107 flights were canceled out of Newark Airport, and those planning on 90 flights at LaGuardia were left with nothing to do but wait Delays totaled 261 at Newark, 219 at JFK and 126 at LaGuardia. According to reports, hundreds sat on floors in packed area airports with little space and even less information. We dont know when we can go back to Brazil, Mara Pimenta, who traveled to New York from Sao Paulo with her husband and two young children for a joyful Christmas vacation, told The New York Post. I have been on hold for an hour waiting with some guy. He said maybe the 29th we have a flight. He told me to just wait. I have nothing. No information, nothing. I just have a lot of luggage and two children. She had been stuck at JFK for more than four hours and said her family arrived at the airport only to discover her Latam Airlines flight had been canceled, with no notice from the airline and a deserted check-in counter. As of Saturday morning, Central Park had received just over 4 inches of snow, more than it has seen in the past three years. And as of 6:30 a.m., Midland Beach received about 2.5 inches of snow; Great Kills had about 2 inches of snow on the ground. These measurements are low compared to the 7-to-9-inch snowfall forecasts issued by the National Weather Service. Snow warnings were posted Friday on the social media platform X, cautioning NYC metro travelers that weather conditions could cause flight disruptions. The National Weather Service warned of hazardous travel conditions from the Great Lakes through the northern mid-Atlantic and southern New England, with the potential for tree damage and power outages. Forecasters said the storm was expected to weaken by Saturday morning, the AP reported. And, ahead of the storm, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for more than half of the state. Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency for all of New Jersey, due to a severe winter storm causing dangerous weather conditions, including heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Less snow, but more icy rain caused dangerous driving conditions in Newark Saturday morning. This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel, Way predicted accurately on Friday. We are urging travelers to avoid travel during the storm and allow crews to tend to the roads. Drivers should plan their travel accordingly, monitor conditions and road closures, and follow all safety protocols. On Dec. 22, 2025, the U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for Belarus, keeping it a Level 4, the highest level, warning travelers not to go to the country due to unrest and security risks. According to the updated summary, there are four main reasons Americans should exercise increased caution, according to the department: The risk of harassment by Belarusian security officials. The arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The potential for civil unrest. Dangers associated with the countrys continued support of Russias war against Ukraine. The department noted that because Belarus is Level 4, the U.S. government has limited ability to assist detained U.S. citizens. Travelers may not receive consular access and could face arbitrary detention with no contact with the outside world. The State Department also warned that freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are not protected rights in Belarus, and demonstrations or protests occur frequently and can turn violent. Tens of thousands of people, including those involved in political activities, have been detained in Belarus, the State Department said. The warning also says Belarusian authorities have used excessive force to disperse participants, including those peacefully protesting, and have targeted individuals specifically linked to independent or foreign media. Although the State Department strongly urges Americans not to travel to Belarus, those who do should take extreme precautions. A new map to see worldwide travel warnings 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. The State Department updates the map daily and assigns levels based on risks such as crime, conflict, terrorism, health concerns and civil unrest. Protecting yourself when traveling Travelers are advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), use the international travel checklist and share emergency contacts. Individuals should have evacuation and communication plans that do not rely on U.S. assistance, monitor local news, follow instructions from local authorities and review official travel and health guidance for Belarus. Travelers should also reconsider bringing electronic devices, as U.S. citizens should assume all communications may be monitored. The department noted that Belarusian security services have arrested individuals based on information found on devices, including data created, sent or stored abroad. For more information about the advisory and travel preparations, visit travel.state.gov, go to the Find International Travel Information page, and search for Belarus to view the full advisory. I talked with my friend Susan Grabel about an organization entitled Staten Island Action Coalition that seeks to disseminate information about government actions. Youre rolling your eyesHere he goes again! Many people are feeling hopeless and directionless right now. Heres some place to direct your energies. The coalition began about six months ago as a result of the ongoing attacks by the government on anybody who isnt them. It was proposed at a meeting by Laura McCarthy. Its comprised of a group of about 15 core people. Their mission is to activate and educate. They are now part of a larger group Staten Island 4 The People and have been recognized by the larger umbrella group Indivisible. One of their actions is to gather outside the office of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis every Monday and spotlight key issues that she seems to want to avoid speaking about. They were instrumental in organizing the No Kings march, which some readers felt deeply offended by. The government is currently in the process of scrubbing records on their official websites from any mention of women or people of color. No unemployment statistics have been released since October. The CDC is not reporting information about the recent measles outbreak. Recently, the President has stated he wants to end sign language interpretation for his speeches as the signers are too distracting. This is not the way to make a country great. That way involves having a populace that is kept up to date on events that directly affect it, like changes in climate, disease outbreaks, possible wars with foreign countries and economic status. The current government seems either unable or unwilling to share pertinent information with its citizenry. This can lead to only two suppositions: one, these guys are really, really bad at their jobs or two, they are working very hard to bring these organizations and institutions down. If you promote a TV salesman to a position of authority regarding healthcare, or a guy whose ideas include drinking raw milk, if your Homeland Security advisor is a scary looking dude with a grudge against immigrants and a woman who killed her dog is his chief, if your director of the FBI has stated he wants to shut down his own organization and doesnt seem to know anything about cases under his jurisdiction, and your Secretary of Defense changes the name of his department to The Department Of War and rants and raves like a middle schooler on amphetamines, Buddy, you have got the wrong people doing the wrong things at the wrong time and its not gonna take long for the whole thing to come crashing down like a Jenga tower. What do we do till then? Activate and educate. When someone tells us were full of manure, that we dont know what were talking about, that all this is fake news and media manipulation, point them in the right direction. Show them the evidence. Chances are good theyll dig in their heels even harder and shake their heads back and forth like a toddler told he has to go to bed. But, at least, you have gotten the information out there because, and Ive experienced this with several friends, theyll never hear it anywhere else. Both sides are wrapped in their own bubble so tightly, nothing can leak out. It is possible for anybody to be wrong about anything. And it never hurts to consider the fact that you might be wrong. But to blindly insist youre right when faced with tons of evidence that this is not the case is totally self-destructive behavior. We need to move past this. We need to accept the fact that any one of us could be wrong or right about something. We need to see a way clear through the trees. Because insisting youre right when you know youre not is just being intractable. One does not become weaker from admitting a mistake. One grows stronger because it means youre capable of changing your mind when new information presents itself. President Obama did it about same sex marriage, Thomas Jefferson about the Louisiana purchase. Our current President stopped railing against NATO when he saw its worth, but then moved on to calling reporters piggy. It is possible for men in power to come to an understanding that their opinion on matters will have world-wide implications and that they must then modulate their responses for the greater good. I asked Susan if the current administration disappeared tomorrow, what would become of the Staten Island Action Coalition. Her answer was immediate: We would keep going. Because their mission is not only to educate and activate there public, but to convince our elected representatives that there are matters they must weigh in on and address, no matter how uncomfortable. If youre interested in finding out more about this organization: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/siactioncoalition Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/si_action_coalition/?hl=en And, if youd like to receive a weekly newsletter, letting you know about events in your area and other ways to get involved, contact them at siactioncoalition@gmail.com. Any action matters, Susan reminded me, because, cumulatively, they can cause change. I was also reminded of a quote from John Philpot Curran: The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. Know your rights. Fight the good fight. Shine a light! And hold those magnificent grey heads high! Comments may be submitted to Talk To The Old Guy on Facebook. Update: Expected storm totals have dropped to approximately 3 inches of snow and ice accumulation in NYC. The National Weather Service issues the following message for Staten Island: Heavy mixed precipitation. Additional snow and sleet accumulations between 2 and 4 inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze. Total snow and sleet accumulations of 2 to 5 inches, with a glaze of ice. The service cautions that ice could make roads, and particularly, untreated services slick Saturday morning. DSNY has been plowing overnight. Check when your street was last plowed on the PlowNYC website. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. While a post-Christmas winter storm brings more snow to the borough than it has seen in several years, officials are asking Staten Islanders to stay safe by staying home. At least until after the last flakesor sleethave fallen and the streets are clear. If you must travel, use public transportation, Mayor Eric Adams said on Friday. He continued, I want to make clear: the city is ready. The storm, which started on Staten Island early Friday evening with a mix of sleet ahead of the heaviest snow, is the first big test for the citys updated snow removal plan, despite the new approach and technology being announced in 2023. Since then, the city has not seen a significant snow over 4 inches; and even as the system moved in on Friday, forecasters began to lower anticipated snow totals due to the amount of sleet on the front edge of the storm. AccuWeather's forecast map for the storm. AccuWeather.com Still, Gov. Kathy Hochul, as she declared a state of emergency, also urged New Yorkers to avoid travel after 6 p.m. on Friday. And she, too, emphasized preparedness, telling 1010 WINS the state was positioning to, as much as possible, keep mass transit moving. (W)ere literally putting, for example, chains on the tires of our MTA buses thatll help them have better traction in the snow. Were already positioning people to clear the subway platforms and the outdoor stations. We have 220 miles of outdoor track that has to be maintained and cleared in the storm events. You can imagine what a nightmare that can be when the snow comes down in heavy volumes and we have to manage that. So were ready for it. Were experienced. We know how to deal with this. On the waterways, the NYC Ferry shut down as the storm began Friday evening; at the start of the storm, the Staten Island Ferry was operating on a 20-minute schedule during the evening rush. Snow to wrap up early Saturday 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. Ahead of the storm, Peyton Simmers, a meteorologist with AccuWeather, predicted the city would see 3-6 inches of snow before the storm was done. 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 predicts the snow will cease falling on the city by 8 a.m. Saturday. Only a tenth of an inch is expected to come down after 7 a.m., according to the weather service. Any snow that does fall will not be around for very long, as temperatures will reach into the upper 40s going into early next week and a storm on Sunday is expected to aid the melting process. Advertisement Exclusive NationalNSWSydney councils Sydney councillors quit Labor amid rate hike anger Anthony Segaert December 28, 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 Labor has lost majority control of Sydneys largest council after the deputy mayor and a councillor quietly resigned from the party over a proposed rate hike, accusing their party councillors of playing politics at an inept and dangerous level. This masthead can reveal Blacktown City councillors Carol Israel and Bob Fitzgerald notified Labor head office of their resignations from the party in September, fuelled by concerns about a plan to increase local rates for residents and businesses, and the 2022 sale of huge swaths of council-owned land to major developer the Walker Corporation. Blacktown City councillors Bob Fitzgerald and Carol Israel resigned from Labor. Blacktown City Council The defections kept secret while the party considered formal expulsion end decades of near-uninterrupted Labor dominance in Blacktown, stripping Mayor Brad Bunting of the numbers required to guarantee Labors agenda in one of the citys most significant growth corridors. Blacktown City Council is grappling with a projected surge in its population from 400,000 to 600,000 over the next 20 years and says it cannot fund essential services and run programs the community expects with the money it gets from rates under the legislated cap. Advertisement Since August, councillors have been debating the merits of a proposed special rate variation which, if approved by the independent regulator, IPART, would force businesses and residents to pay more in council rates. Bunting said the rise, when coupled with the standard rate increase, would result in an average rise of $3.29 a week for most households. The areas two largest shopping centres, Westpoint Blacktown and Westfield Mount Druitt, would face a major rate rise to reduce the impact on smaller businesses. Related Article Exclusive Sydney councils How many partnerships does one Sydney council need? In November, councillors voted 8-7 against the planned increase. In a chaotic reversal during an extraordinary meeting held last Monday, the rate hike was revived. Labor used a rescission motion to push the plan through on a voice vote, a move only possible because two Liberal councillors were absent: one was on a flight, and the other, seeking to attend the meeting remotely, was locked out because of a technical problem with a video-conferencing app. Advertisement Now-independent councillors Israel and Fitzgerald both voted against the increase, splintering from their former Labor colleagues, who supported it. $42 million sale a bad decision Fitzgerald said he also had concerns about the $42 million sale of a huge portion of land and property in Blacktowns city centre to the Walker Corporation, the developer responsible for the transformation of Parramatta Square. The sale, which councillors voted to accept with no tender by a single vote in 2022, meant the council began renting its own chambers from Walker Corporation. The Blacktown City Council building. Sitthixay Ditthavong I can support a [special rate variation] for maintenance, but not one for a bad decision made by councillors in the past, he said. When I was elected, I swore an oath to do my very best for the people of Blacktown and the city, said Fitzgerald, who retired last year as the chief inspector for Blacktown Area Command after close to 40 years in the police force. Advertisement The more I see it, the more I dislike local politics. Ive been elected to represent all the people, however at a local level, I cannot respect, I cannot trust, people who I believe do not have the community at heart. Ive got to make sure our financial sustainability is sustainable, and were not leaving future residents with our bills today. Related Article Sydney Metro The Sydney metro station where there are 2.5 cars for every parking space Israel, a trade unionist, is facing disciplinary action by Labor for voting against the caucus in relation to the sale of the land and the rate hike. She said she resigned to fight for the best interests of my constituents. Bunting accused the pair of leaving the party for their own self-interest after the Liberals nominated Israel, now independent, for the position of deputy mayor. He said the rate rise was required for three reasons: addressing backlog maintenance work, building new council offices and managing the day-to-day management of sites created by the NSW government. Advertisement Fitzgerald said the rise would leave future residents with our bills today. Im a believer in the Labor Party but not a believer in some of the members of the Labor Party who play politics at a very inept and dangerous level, he added. Labor, Liberals and the Greens all have some fascinating policies I support and respect. Unfortunately, its got to the stage now where I, in good conscience, cannot support some of those projects going forward. The Sydney Morning Herald has opened a bureau in the heart of Parramatta. Email parramatta@smh.com.au with news tips. Edwina Pickles front page Sun Herald photo (Hateful flags and slogans banned, December 21) of a crescent of many hundreds of volunteer lifesavers, all in the familiar red and yellow, spanning the shore at Bondi in vigil, their colours long providing us with a sense of safety and selflessness, moved me the way only the grainy depictions of the Anzacs landing at Gallipoli always do. Andrew Cohen, Glebe The photo of volunteer surf lifesavers standing firm around Bondi Beach shows respect and mindfulness for victims and survivors of the tragedy last week. It is on the fridge door. It shows Australia is strong, looks after their mates and welcomes all with kindness and care. Hate is not our way. Politicians who use divisive words are not worthy of a vote. Our hearts are heavy with grief but a smile and gday shows kindness is the winner. Bea Hodgson, Gerringong Surf Lifesavers from Bondi stand shoulder-to-shoulder along the shore and observe a silence on Saturday December 20. At the same time, on beaches all around Australia, fellow surf lifesavers stood with them. Edwina Pickles The power of words Thank you, Jenna Price, for your moving article (My country is gone. It wont come back, December 21). I would never question the depth or sincerity of Josh Frydenbergs grief at the terrible events at Bondi, but I was outraged that two days later he would use that emotion in his speech to so nakedly politicise such a tragedy when clearly our country needs unity from its political leaders. Jenna Prices sorrow, empathy and deep understanding are in stark contrast. Her words powerfully conveyed the pain of her experience, and that of the Jewish community, without rancour or blame, in a way that could actually change minds. Josh Frydenberg provoked me to anger, Jenna Price opened my heart. Nick Parsons, Lithgow Thank you, Jenna Price, for your sensible and heartbreaking words. Id been wondering how you were, knowing you would be broken, of course, like all Jewish and so many non-Jewish Australians who are experiencing tears and fears and trying to stand against bigotry and racism in our everyday lives and in the way we vote. Im glad youve been able to pen such an honest and moving piece as part of the long healing process that is ahead for you, your friends and family, and for all who are paying attention to the sad and dangerous normalisation of hatred and violence that has reared its ugly head of late in our country. Kerrie Wehbe, Blacktown Jenna Price, we feel your pain and no, our country wont be the same again. I hope it can be better. To give up hope means those misguided terrorists have achieved their goals. Our beautiful, at times welcoming country, has never been perfect. Hate, greed and prejudice make sure it is not always a haven of safety. Your plea to call out bigotry and racism echoes the calls from our own hearts. We all want the country your parents wanted for you, that you want for your children and grandchildren. Things will never be the same, but we can work to make them better. Geoff Nilon, Mascot Advertisement NationalAntisemitism Opinion There are three kinds of antisemitism each needs to be dealt with differently Kylie Moore-Gilbert Political scientist and writer December 28, 2025 5:00am December 28, 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 Each day that passes since the unimaginable terror of the events in Bondi seems to bring with it fresh announcements from various levels of government. The understandable rage felt within the Jewish community that they have been let down by police, the intelligence agencies and even the prime minister himself, combined with the inevitable reality that opposition parties would smell political advantage. Albanese, who had floundered at first, clearly sensed that the political winds had begun to shift against him. Thoughts, prayers and wishy-washy statements about Australian values would no longer cut it (if they ever had). So, after a pause, we now have a raft of new federal measures designed to crack down on antisemitism, incorporating everything from gun reform to new vilification and hate speech offences. A man mourns during a menorah lighting ceremony at the floral memorial for victims of the Bondi Beach attack. AP These can be added to those already tabled in the NSW parliament by the swifter-acting Premier Chris Minns, not to be outdone by a five-point plan announced on Monday by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. In the mix too is the 20-page report by Antisemitism Envoy Jillian Segal, which contains 13 recommendations and 49 key actions. There is a fear that governments are scrambling to propose solutions without properly evaluating the problem. If this is the case, there is a real risk of knee-jerk overreach, particularly when it comes to curtailing important civil liberties, including freedom of speech and assembly. Advertisement As the situation stands, there appears to be no singular, monolithic antisemitism festering in Australia but rather multiple different mutations of this ancient virus. The two most outwardly and unashamedly antisemitic groups are the Islamist extremists and the far-right neo-Nazis. They are similar in that they exist on the fringes of society and are actively engaged in recruiting for their cause. Both largely target disaffected young men and both use online spaces to spread their hateful ideologies as well as connect with, and import ideas from, like-minded groups overseas. We should, however, avoid lumping them together when crafting our response. Related Article Bondi shooting Antisemitism laws to push constitutional limit, says Burke Of the two, the Islamist extremists have demonstrated a greater capacity for deadly violence this century, particularly against Jews. The Bondi terror attack was but the latest antisemitic atrocity carried out by fanatical Islamists, remarkable only in that it so shockingly tore apart our illusion of a peaceful and safe Australia. Of course, it was the Islamist terror group Hamas massacre of 1200 mostly civilians in Israel that triggered the current spike in antisemitic rhetoric and violence, popularising it in quarters far removed from radical Islamist ideology. However uncomfortable it may be to admit, Islamist antisemitism draws on Islamic scripture, though those texts need not be interpreted that way. Islamist extremist movements reach for Koranic passages and episodes from early Islamic history, particularly the complex, sometimes conflictual relationships between the early Muslim community and Jewish tribes in 7thcentury Medina, and present them as timeless proof of an eternal struggle. Verses that address particular disputes in a particular time and place are recast as instructions for all Muslims everywhere against all Jews everywhere. This is how global jihadist groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda have sought to provide a theological alibi for violence against Jews. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Extremism Neo-Nazis chilling threats as government investigates homeschooling network Yet there is also a large body of Islamic teaching that points in a different direction. The Koran refers to Jews and Christians as ahl al-kitab people of the book who are close to Muslims and may not need to convert to Islam to ascend to heaven. Mohammad himself married a Jewish woman, and the Koran speaks at length of Bani Israel, the children of Israel (known similarly as Bnei Yisrael in Hebrew), retelling many stories from the Torah including those of the prophets Abraham, Moses, David and Solomon. Deradicalisation programs overseas have shown that Islam itself can be an effective tool to steer radicals away from extremism when a credible religious counter-argument is presented. Alongside policing and intelligence work, there is value in supporting approaches that strengthen contextual religious literacy, including teaching about the Jewish roots and references within Islamic scripture and history, and in expanding meaningful contact between Muslim and Jewish Australians. Politically speaking, cracking down on neo-Nazis would be a much simpler affair, particularly for Labor-led federal and state governments, which rely on large Muslim constituencies in a number of crucial seats. Neo-Nazi antisemitism has its roots in the blood libels of medieval Europe, witness to centuries of state and church-sanctioned pogroms against Jews justified by Christian scripture, papal edicts, hateful conspiracies and old-fashioned economic opportunism. It is from this Eurocentric ideology that many familiar antisemitic tropes have sprung, including white supremacist ideas about Jews sullying European racial and cultural purity. Advertisement The Islamist threat may be predominant, but the dangers posed by neo-Nazi ideology should not be underestimated. We cant forget what happened when the antecedents of the current neo-Nazi movement held power in Europe. Neo-Nazi groups have brazenly asserted their presence in recent years in a series of violent protests including on the steps of both the Victorian and NSW parliaments. There is talk of a neo-Nazi political party running at the next election. Allowing neo-Nazi ideology to spread poses not only a danger to Australias Jewish community but also to our migrant communities and other groups including Indigenous and queer Australians. Related Article Exclusive Resolve Political Monitor Australians want tougher visa screening, half in favour of royal commission after Bondi attack A third grouping also exists that is far more ideologically nebulous and tricky to delineate. These are individuals whose extreme anti-Israel views have crossed the line into anti-Jewish sentiment, and for whom any distinction between diaspora Jews living in countries such as Australia and the actions of the Israeli government has long since disappeared. The vast majority of pro-Palestine protesters do not fall into this camp. Most are rightly horrified at the deplorable situation in Gaza, including the slaughter of tens of thousands of innocent women and children. There is nothing antisemitic about opposing Israels conduct of the war or Israeli government policy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus clumsy attempts to blame Australias recognition of a Palestinian state for the Bondi terror attack undermined the position of Australias Jews, who have long decried efforts by an antisemitic fringe within the protest movement to label all Jews as Zios who are somehow complicit in Israels war, or even its very existence. Advertisement 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 This slippery iteration of antisemitism, located on the outer edge of the progressive left, borrows from both Islamist and neo-Nazi tropes and adds them to a smorgasbord of far-left grievance: A preoccupation with settler-colonialism, wonky parallels with Indigenous suffering, shallow moral frameworks of oppressor and oppressed. The result is a fluid and combustible ideology that has proven devilishly hard to police. Australians would be forgiven for being totally bamboozled by the sheer volume of policy and legislation being thrown at antisemitism all at once from various levels of government. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. What we need is keyhole surgery, not the kitchen sink. Governments must go after the specific groups that threaten the safety of Jews or have worked to bring antisemitism into the mainstream. We should not be afraid to identify them openly. Kylie Moore-Gilbert is an academic, author and a regular columnist. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. Advertisement NationalVictoriaWater These lakes were once so clean you could swim in them. Now they are fetid and residents are being told to pay to fix them Adam Carey December 27, 2025 7:00pm 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 Hundreds of households that live around a chain of artificial lakes in Melbournes south-east are being asked to pay a significant extra charge on their water bills to deal with recurrent outbreaks of toxic blue-green algae. People once swam in Patterson Lakes three Quiet Lakes, which were flushed with 730 megalitres of bore water every year to keep them healthy under a deal struck between the developer and the water authority. The lower amount of bore water being flushed into the lakes has led to the growth of algae. Joe Armao But residents say a severe curtailment of the volume of bore water flushed through the lakes by Melbourne Water has left the water severely polluted, compromising peoples health and wellbeing. Once home to turtles and multiple species of fish, the lakes have become infested with carp and turn algal green during dry periods. Advertisement Melbourne Water has proposed adding an annual tariff to Quiet Lakes residents household water bills, beginning at $153 in 2025-26 and rising to $335 by 2030-31, to flush all three lakes with bore water and improve water quality. The proposal is contained within Melbourne Waters 2026 price submission to the Essential Services Commission, which will rule on the water corporations proposed charges to customers next year. Melbourne Water has cut the volume of groundwater pumped through the lakes annually from 730 megalitres to 20 megalitres. Joe Armao The Quiet Lakes owners and residents association, which represents about 300 Patterson Lakes households whose properties back onto the three lakes, has urged the commission to reject Melbourne Waters tariff proposal. The association argues Melbourne Water has mismanaged the three lakes for decades and is responsible for the decline in water quality and recurrent algal bloom outbreaks. Advertisement Its submission states that in 1991, Melbourne Water cut the volume of groundwater pumped through the lakes annually from 730 megalitres which flushed the lakes every three months and maintained a swimmable standard of water quality to 20 megalitres. It also closed off the outlet from Lake Carramar, the southernmost of the three lakes, to the tidal lakes that connect to Patterson River and Port Phillip Bay, turning the lake into a stagnant body of water. The residents abutting the Quiet Lakes, especially Lake Carramar, have suffered for over 30 years with toxic water containing cyanobacteria which is harmful to humans, wildlife and fauna, the submission by association president Alison Yates argues. Under the management of Melbourne Water, the Quiet Lakes were transformed from a residential community enjoying a lifestyle built around lakes, in which they were safe to live beside and in which they could swim, into a seething mass of blue-green algae which included several toxic varieties. Advertisement Melbourne Water proposes to introduce bore-flushing to Lake Carramar at a cost of $300,000 to improve its water quality. Related Article Water South Australias algal bloom has spread. Heres why the rest of Australia should be worried Bore-flushing will be provided at Lake Carramar with the cost shared equally across customers at all three lakes, its submission to the Essential Services Commission states. This enables the lake network to be managed as a complete system rather than separate entities. During consultation with residents, it also proposed optional additional charges for carp control, algae treatment and reducing phosphorus levels. Heather Smith and her husband have lived in a house on Lake Carramar since 2012, and she says there have been summers when the algae problem was intolerable, although recent years have been better. Advertisement It gets quite green if we have hot sunny days for a few days. The other two lakes dont suffer from it like we suffer from it, Smith said. I would pay a reasonable charge because I want cleaner water: Residents Heather and Ken Smith at their Patterson Lakes home. Joe Armao Smith said she would be prepared to pay the additional tariff if it would improve the lakes water quality. I would pay a reasonable charge because I want cleaner water, she said. You dont get much for a free lunch, you might as well suck it up and pay what you have to pay. But thats just me, others probably dont want to pay a cent. Advertisement The three lakes were developed when a swamp was drained to build a housing estate in the 1970s. The houses around the Quiet Lakes are a beacon for retirees. Related Article Exclusive Climate policy The suburbs most under threat from rising seas revealed The developer, Gladesville, obtained a permit from the rural water authority to pump the lake with 730 megalitres of groundwater. Patterson Lakes was outside Melbournes municipal boundary until 1991. The residents association argues the original permit has not been amended, putting Melbourne Water in breach of its obligations. Quiet Lakes residents are among a small number of property owners in Melbournes outer south-east who must pay Melbourne Water a separate direct service charge on their water bills for managing what are considered private assets. The charge covers services including jetty maintenance, bore-flushing and channel maintenance. Melbourne Water executive general manager Sue Jackman said the corporation received more than 8000 pieces of feedback about its price submission, including from Patterson Lakes residents. Advertisement Residents told us they preferred expanding bore-flushing to include Lake Carramar, in addition to lakes Legana and Illawong, Jackman said. Feedback from residents showed most supported a price increase to cover the cost of including Lake Carramar, to provide consistent service and recreational value across all three lakes. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalBills Millions of people should be saving hundreds of dollars on power bills Mike Foley December 28, 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 More than 2 million households are paying more than they need to on their electricity bills, and some could save as much as several hundred dollars a year, with new analysis revealing that customers could switch to cheaper deals with one phone call. People who have been on the same energy plan for more than three years paid, on average, $221 a year more than those who updated their plan annually to ensure they were on the cheapest plan, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commissions Electricity Market Inquiry report found. Millions of customers are paying too much for the electricity, the ACCC says. Luis Enrique Ascui/The Age The ACCC said nearly 2.5 million customers are paying prices at or above the default offer, which is a legal requirement for electricity retailers to provide plans that are capped by the independent market regulator. Typically, customers are missing out on cheaper electricity plans because they have failed to opt in to access a default offer. Advertisement Also, if a customer has been on a non-default deal plan, perhaps chasing even cheaper prices, there is a strong likelihood that a retailers terms and conditions mean the contract can roll over to a higher rate after 12 months. Related Article Electricity Renewables delays drive electricity cost blow out ACCC commissioner Anna Brakey said these loyalty penalties, with annual contracts rolling over to higher rates, were rife in the electricity market. The very best thing people can do to save money is to switch plans either moving to a cheaper plan offered by their existing retailer or changing retailers, Brakey said. In Victoria, the default offer is $1675 for financial year 2025-26 and $1965 in Sydney, while it costs more in regional areas of NSW. Advertisement Default offers for NSW and Victoria have risen about $250 since 2022, but prices vary across jurisdictions depending on a range of local factors such as the supply from energy generation plants and the cost of poles-and-wires networks. The ACCC report revealed that 400,000 customers were paying more than 10 per cent above the default offer. Brakey said that electricity retailers, when they send out quarterly bills, must disclose on the first page the potential savings if the customer switched to their cheapest plan. We would strongly encourage households to, at the very least, look at their electricity bill to see how much they could save, she said. Advertisement Customers can compare retail offers on Energy Made Easy in NSW and Victorian Energy Compare. To change plans, they must contact their retailer and will probably confront an array of differing terms when they seek a new deal. However, state and federal energy ministers have signed off on new rules that kick in from July next year, with bans on hiking prices more than once a year and excessive charges for late-payment fees. Loyalty penalties will also be banned, with a prohibition on retailers charging more than the default offer when a customer rolls over to a new annual plan. Australians deserve a fairer go when it comes to their energy bills, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said. The government has implemented a range of consumer rule changes which will further help protect consumers. From next year, new rules will make sure plan benefits last the whole contract, stop sneaky price hikes during fixed contracts and limit price increases to once per year. Advertisement The Albanese government is under pressure over power bill hikes after promising in the 2022 election campaign to cut bills $275 by this year. The government has issued two rounds of subsidies, at a cost of $7 billion to the budget, to give households relief from rising costs. Related Article Energy Chalmers ends energy rebates as budget bites Treasurer Jim Chalmers revealed this month that the government would not extend its $300 power bill subsidy, which would have cost another $2 billion to run for a further six months. Chalmers said it was time to move away from direct cash support to help people deal with cost pressures. This marks a shift in the way that we are delivering cost-of-living relief, he said in announcing the end of the subsidy. This wasnt an easy decision, but its the right decision. This was a difficult call that we made as a cabinet, but its the right call. Advertisement The federal government last month announced that power companies would be forced to offer three hours of free power in the middle of the day to all Australian households under new regulations in force from July 2026. The Solar Sharer program is set to be available to all houses and apartments, with and without solar panels, as long as they have a smart meter and opt in to the new plans. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsNSWFood safety Dirty utensils, rat droppings: Sydneys worst food safety breaches revealed David Barwell December 28, 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 Dirty cooking utensils, rat droppings scattered through kitchens, and drinks contaminated with caustic soda are among the stomach-churning scenes uncovered during recent inspections of the states food businesses. Sydneys reputation as a world-class dining city is being marred by new figures revealing a growing number of eateries are failing to meet basic safety standards, prompting calls for businesses to be required to display the inspection reports on their shopfronts. A photo of non-compliant handwashing facilities taken during an inspection by Willoughby Council this year. Data released by the NSW Food Authority this month shows 949 infringement notices were issued to businesses for violating food standards in the 2024-25 financial year up from 908 the previous year. The authority also issued 8243 warning letters up from 7458 the previous year and complaints from members of the public about retail food businesses increased from 6093 to 6258. Advertisement The most common breaches related to unclean food premises, improper food storage, poor handwashing facilities, unclean fixtures and poor pest control. Haymarkets The Eight had the most fines issued to an individual food outlet. The Chinese restaurant received seven infringements for alleged offences, including failing to take practicable measures to eradicate and prevent harbourage of pests, during inspections by the City of Sydney in January and February this year. This masthead contacted the restaurant for comment about the fines but did not receive a response. Advertisement A public name and shame register, maintained by the NSW Food Authority, showed businesses in Blacktown City Council received the most penalties, with 33 food outlets fined since January. It was followed by Chatswood (16 businesses), Lakemba (12 businesses) and Campbelltown and Mount Druitt (each with eight businesses). On top of fines and warning notices, businesses suspected of serious breaches of the NSW Food Act can face prosecution by the NSW Food Authority. Four cases were finalised last financial year. In September last year, the Fraternity Bowling and Recreation Club in Fairy Meadow was fined $29,500 in Wollongong Local Court for four offences, including sale of unsafe food and non-compliant food handling practices, after two patrons were served drinks containing caustic soda. Advertisement In August this year, Penriths Rolld outlet was convicted of 10 offences, including failing to take all practicable measures to prevent pests entering the premises, and failing to take all necessary steps to prevent the likelihood of food being contaminated. The Vietnamese fast food business was fined a total of $33,500. The Fraternity Bowling and Recreation Club in Fairy Meadow. A City of Sydney Council spokeswoman said the most common breaches uncovered by its food inspectors this year related to inadequate protection of food from contamination, food contact surfaces not being kept sanitary and handwashing facilities lacking warm water, soap or single-use towels. In Hornsby Shire Council, one inspection identified potentially hazardous food stored outside temperature control, rodent droppings throughout the premises and an accumulation of food waste, grease, grime and visible matter in food preparation areas. Meanwhile, about 10 per cent of businesses inspected by Willoughby Council were found without a current food safety supervisor certificate. Advertisement University of Sydney food science senior lecturer Kim-Yen Phan-Thien said poor staff training and a lack of awareness of hygiene and safety protocols were driving the increase in breaches. Phan-Thien said the food sector is dominated by small and medium enterprises, which may lack dedicated regulatory compliance staff. They also have a high rate of turnover, which means they operate under time, cost and resource pressures. And if they dont have a robust training system, staff may be inadequately trained and supervised, Phan-Thien said. In its annual report, the NSW Food Authority noted that while there has been a 10.5 per cent increase in businesses issued warnings for failing to meet food standards over the past two financial years, most of the states food businesses were compliant. Advertisement Changes to the NSW Food Act this year increased the value of council fines for non-compliant businesses from $880 to $1980. Related Video Video icon 1:58 Homemade food products believed to be linked to Queensland rat poisoning cases While the changes were designed to encourage businesses to adhere to food safety and hygiene protocols, 40 per cent of fines issued to businesses since the changes came into effect in September had received warnings for the same offences during previous council inspections. Multiple councils have called on the state government to bolster regulations, with North Sydney Council suggesting a licensing system that would require businesses with repeated breaches of food standards to display prohibition orders or improvement notices on their shopfronts in a move to boost transparency and consumer awareness. Hornsby Council is advocating for all eateries to have to take part in the state governments Scores on Doors program, which involves businesses displaying the results of food inspections in their shopfront windows. Advertisement Just 62 of the states 128 councils make food businesses take part in the program. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsNSWNSW State Parliament Hate speech offence leads to just two charges as government keeps review secret Jessica McSweeney and Patrick Begley December 28, 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 ban on publicly inciting racial hatred has led to only two charges since laws rushed through parliament took effect in August, documents obtained under freedom of information reveal. Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal told an independent inquiry into hate speech laws that prosecutors faced barriers to proving the new offence. Legal bodies warned it may be unworkable. The National Socialist Network held a rally outside parliament in Sydney in November. No charges have been laid. Flavio Brancaleone But the Minns government is refusing to release the inquirys final report, as it pushes for extra hate speech laws following Novembers neo-Nazi rally outside parliament and the Bondi terror attack. Documents obtained by The Sun-Herald show two individuals were charged with the new offence, known as 93ZAA, between August 15 and the end of November. Advertisement One had charges withdrawn by prosecutors and the status of the other is unknown. No charges have been laid over the Nazi rally. Introducing the laws in February, Attorney General Michael Daley said the offence was a direct response to escalating incidents of antisemitism in Sydney, including graffiti and firebombings, and would be punishable with an $11,000 fine or up to two years imprisonment. Premier Chris Minns says he is considering when to release the report into hate speech laws. Dominic Lorrimer The law includes an exemption for quoting religious texts. At the time, Premier Chris Minns ignored advice from the Law Reform Commission, which had recommended against new vilification laws partly because terms such as hatred would introduce imprecision and subjectivity into the criminal law. Advertisement Minns said in January: I acknowledge that we asked for a recommendation from the states Law Reform Commission, but at the end of the day, I dont believe antisemitism, antisemitic attacks begin and end with a firebombing or a graffiti attack. When asked whether the government was pleased with the take-up of the new laws, a spokesperson for Daley said there had been a relatively short time for offences to be investigated and prosecuted. Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal has recommended the government consider a number of changes to the new offence. Dylan Coker The laws do not exist in isolation, the spokesperson said. An alternative or more serious charge might be deemed appropriate depending on the facts and circumstances of a case ... 41 people have been found guilty over a Nazi symbol offence as of the end of October. The government ordered a review of protections against hate speech in February, which retired Supreme Court judge John Sackar, KC, handed to Daley last month. Advertisement In a public submission to the inquiry, Segal welcomed the ban on inciting racial hatred and called for mandatory training for police officers, lawyers and judges. Related Video Video icon 1:53 New poll shows crackdown on hate speech popular among voters post Bondi attack She also encouraged such changes as lowering the threshold to promote hatred and removing the onus on prosecutors to prove a reasonable member of a targeted group would fear harassment, intimidation or violence. The intentional promotion of hatred is itself harmful to society and destructive of social cohesion, and ought to attract criminal liability irrespective of whether it raises an immediate fear response, she wrote. Segal said the cumulative effect of graffiti slurs such as F--- the Jews produced an environment in which antisemitic hatred is seen to be tolerated, even permitted, by law. Advertisement NSW Bar Association president Dominic Toomey, SC, said the association did not support the creation or expansion of the offence, which was imprecise. Related Article Updated Extremism Prison time, $22,000 fines for Nazi chants in new laws The Law Society of NSW predicted minimal police prosecution because of the complexity in proving a person intentionally, through a public act, incited another person to hate a group based on their race. A NSW government spokesperson said it would carefully consider the Sackar report before making it available. Minns is deciding on the best time to release it. Shadow attorney-general Alister Henskens called on the government to release the report immediately, saying there could be no more important time, given the recent Bondi terror attack. Advertisement The state government is pursuing further crackdowns on hate speech, including a new offence of publicly supporting Nazi ideology through symbols or slogans. Police patrol the Bondi Beach footbridge after the terror attack. Oscar Colman Legislation to outlaw certain slogans following the Bondi massacre, including globalise the intifada, is expected to be introduced next year after a committee checks whether such laws infringe on freedom of political communication. Greens MP and justice spokeswoman Sue Higginson said it was impossible to reconcile government calls for further hate speech reforms when existing laws were barely being engaged. We need to carefully examine any hate speech laws to ensure they are effective tools to confront hate, antisemitism and racism, especially before we are asked to enact any more, Higginson said. Advertisement What we know for certain is that our communities need and deserve real tools to confront hate and racism in all its forms and that starts with doing all we can to foster equality and social justice. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. Advertisement InspirationTravel tips The 12 most underrated, and five most overrated, things about hotels December 28, 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 What do we love? Outdoor tubs and inclusive mini-bars. But were over luxury branding that doesnt add up and the great wellness contagion. UNDERRATED Outdoor bathtubs Nothing beats an outdoor tub. Getty Images Those properties with outdoor baths, saunas or hot tubs, according to Airbnb, experience a higher occupancy than those without, especially in winter. Theres just something about an outdoor tub a mixture of decadence, self-indulgence and communion with nature. Lie back, soak up the warmth, gaze up at the stars and feel the air on your naked skin pure bliss. Advertisement Inclusive mini-bars Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. We love accommodation that offers a free mini-bar as part of the stay. Its a small touch that comes with huge ROI (great guest memories, maximum relaxation, no reeling at the final bill). We were reminded of this welcome luxe gesture at Tasmanias Pumphouse Point, where a stay at its flash new lakefront retreats includes an array of fine wines and bubbles. See pumphousepoint.com.au Transfers on arrival You touch down to start that long-awaited holiday but still have to reach the hotel. Youre bone-tired from packing and travelling, barely holding it together and the kids are ready to start World War III. Oh, hallelujah at some point in all the organising, you booked a hotel transfer and a driver is standing in the arrivals area with your name written on a board. Worth it every time. Original decor Advertisement The revamped Rydges Melbourne lobby. Swanky hotel refurbishments often come at the cost of original character. Thankfully, more designers are now committed to honouring a propertys founding vision. Rydges Melbourne is a standout: its burnt-orange and chocolate accents nod to the heritage-listed brutalist towers 1970s origins. Elsewhere, Edmonton Canadas Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, where a 2024 revamp put the century-old landmarks history centre-stage while subtly adding freshness and modern comforts. See rydges.com; all.accor.com Holiday parks A family playing in the water park at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort in Umina, NSW. They may not have the styling or design cache of more expensive hotels, but many Australian holiday parks have snaffled prime beachfront real estate and feature facilities that are winners with kids swimming pools, splash mats, waterslides, playgrounds and jumping cushions. If youre travelling with children, they offer unbeatable value as well as capturing that carefree Aussie summer vibe of yesteryear. Advertisement Hotel Etico, Mount Victoria, NSW Hotel Etico, Mount Victoria Manor, the Blue Mountains. Australias first social enterprise hotel, this historic property in Mount Victoria in the Blue Mountains creates work opportunities for young adults with disabilities, training them in all aspects of hotel management. A newly expanded program also provides independent living skills and recruitment pathways into nearby hotels via a collaboration with the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School and a new academy in Canberra. See hoteletico.com.au Genuinely quiet rooms Forget the pillow menu and the lavender tea delivered at bedtime. Want us to sleep? Then give us solid soundproofing. A door that seals properly with thick walls means no hallway noise so we can sleep. Hotels which invest in soundproofing such as triple-pane windows and great door seals means were not woken by our neighbours dawn check-out to make their flight. Advertisement High-pressure, consistent-temperature showers A good strong shower with the same water temperature throughout should be simple, but theyre rarer than they ought to be, even in high-end hotels and resorts. Nothing screams good hotel like a shower that doesnt turn Arctic or that you dont have to stand under for 15 minutes just to wash the shampoo out. Bonus points if temperature adjustment doesnt require a physics degree. A decent lobby cafe A good cafe with real espresso and decent pastries probably beats any hotel restaurant breakfast, and at a fraction of the price (why do all hotel buffets have to start at about $35?). Its extra great if its open early for when we have early flights. Genuine local insight from staff Advertisement Front-desk or concierge teams who know the area and recommend lesser-known good spots (not just the oh-so-obvious tourist traps) can turn a trip from okay to memorable. Please tell us where you go wed love to experience your town or city like locals do. We know were tourists, but that doesnt mean we want to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe. Related Article Opinion Travel tips What women do, and dont, want in a hotel room Penny Watson Travel writer Flattering bathroom lighting You dont want to head out not really knowing how you look because your bathroom light is so dim, but those bright CIA-style interrogation lights can be a tad depressing too. We all want to feel glam and good-looking on holiday. Give us decent lighting thats flattering and well know we dont have lipstick on our teeth. Functional storage space Advertisement Wardrobes, drawers and luggage racks arent very glamorous as a feature to sell to tourists, but they really impact our hotel experience. A room might look attractive, but it loses a lot of style points if we have to crowd it with our suitcases, making it impossible to navigate our room without climbing over the bed. OVERRATED In-room coffee machines Coffee pods are marketed like theyre a genuine perk, but half the time the water tastes like plastic and the machine hasnt been cleaned since 2021, or it just doesnt work (despite that hour you spend at dawn trying to figure it out). And even if it does and its clean this is the nastiest coffee youll find on the market. Find a kettle and a tea bag instead. High-speed Wi-Fi Advertisement Its 2025, hotel big wigs, so Wi-Fi should just work fast, its really not that big a deal it does for most of us in our homes for less than $80 a month. And yet so many hotels still throttle speeds or charge extra for premium access. Cmon, even backpackers at hostels get fast internet free. Related Article Opinion Travel tips Ten basic things even five-star hotels cant get right Ben Groundwater Travel writer Designer lobbies They look great on Instagram, but theyre uncomfortable. Who wants to lounge on sculptural furniture which feels like youre perched on concrete? Keep it comfy and practical we didnt book a room in an art gallery. And consider how much time most of us spend in a lobby anyway. Spend all that money on our rooms instead. Wellness everything, everywhere Advertisement Where will it stop, and what does it even mean? From mindful minibars to curated sleep experiences (aka: decent curtains and overpriced lavender spray that smells a lot like toilet freshener), the wellness trend has gone well into the realm of marketing over actual health benefits. Anyway, were travelling so maybe we need a break from all the wellness we obsess over at home. Luxury branding Every mid-tier hotel chain now calls itself boutique luxury. Its a phrase thatll drive you crazy if you travel enough. A gold tinge in the lobby and some mood lighting doesnt make a hotel high-end. Real luxury is all about service and comfort not a soft velvet couch by the check-in desk. Contributors: Ben Groundwater, Julietta Jameson, Brian Johnston, Kristie Kellahan, Katrina Lobley, Rob McFarland, Julie Miller, Tim Richards, Craig Tansley, Sue Williams Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Travel tips Luxury holidays Traveller Guides Advertisement WorldAsiaBondi shooting Glimpses, maybes and a ping: On the murky trail of the Bondi gunmen in the Philippines Zach Hope December 28, 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 Davao City, Philippines: With rows of palm trees, deckchairs and a restaurant that juts out over water so clear you can see the starfish, the Seagull White Sand Beach Resort is a popular respite from Davao Citys busted and bustling downtown. Visitors swim in a roped-out section of Davao Bay watched over by lifeguards. Even in the smothering heat of early afternoon, Christmas party revellers sing outdoor karaoke. The Seagull White Sand Beach Resort on the outskirts of Davao City. Facebook It was here, Filipino investigators believe, one or both of the Bondi gunmen Sajid and Naveed Akram visited in November one of only a handful of places police clocked the pair during a month-long residence on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. Its seven kilometres from the $24-a-night hotel room in Davao Citys Poblacion district, where the father and son were reportedly holed up for most of that month. Another sighting was the Shooters Guns and Ammo Corporation, a small shop about 150 metres from the hotel. Sajid browsed a cabinet of protective vests and eyeballed gun posters on the wall, then left, a staff member recalled. His visit stuck with her because he refused to even acknowledge her when she asked if he needed assistance. Advertisement Likewise, the pair was retrospectively traced to Davao Citys Mercy Islamic Foundation, whose leaders have turned over hours of CCTV footage to police, but say they cannot recall seeing the Akrams among the 600-odd worshippers they sometimes get on Fridays. The resort not far from Davao City is one of a handful of places that Filipino investigators believe Bondi gunmen Sajid and Naveed Akram may have visited in November. DAVAO SEAGULL RESORTS/Facebook Back at the White Sands Resort, the apparent fleeting visit of soon-to-be terrorist gunmen has been a talking point. I was told they went for a swim in the morning, about 10am, said a lifeguard, adding that, of course, he didnt see them personally. A security guard at the front entrance heard something different. It was only the son, Naveed. A taxi driver had collected him from somewhere nearby, hot and sweaty, as though hed been exercising, the man said. Advertisement The Akrams passports, as shown on television in the Philippines. Truth is, no one here really knows. As with each of the 27 days in November the pair spent in the southern Philippines, it is fragments, glimpses and maybes. The investigation in the Philippines has been slow and painstaking, complicated by a dearth of security camera footage. Much of it was automatically wiped in the weeks between the shootings and the revelation that they had been in the country. But tracing their path through the Philippines may be necessary to understand why on December 14, just weeks after the trip, the two men espousing Islamic State ideology shot dead 15 people celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah in Sydneys Archer Park. Advertisement Had the Akrams spent their November in Europe, America or New Zealand, it would not have raised so many suspicions. But the island of Mindanao, with a history of Islamic extremism, is not in the usual tourist brochures. Related Article Bondi shooting Inside the dusty Philippine hotel room where Bondi gunmen holed up for a month Islamic State-inspired militants reached their rampaging zenith in 2017 when they laid siege to Marawi City, a six-hour drive from Davao, and held it for more than 150 days until it was liberated by the Philippine military. Some 900 militants and more than 200 troops and civilians were killed. Since then, terrorist groups on the island have been beaten into irrelevance, according to the Philippine government. For years, we have acted decisively to dismantle terrorist networks, to secure communities, and to sustain our hard-earned peace, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said in response to reporting that the Akrams may have been receiving last-minute technical or spiritual training from militant remnants still lingering in the Mindanao jungles. Advertisement To dismiss these gains with unfounded speculation is not acceptable. Echoing his bosss frustrations, national security adviser Eduardo M Ano, complained days after the Bondi massacre that a mere visit does not support allegations of terrorist training. Filipino media has gone big on these angles. One headline, citing a rear-admiral operating in the South China Sea, said the Bondi attacks were rooted in antisemitism, not Philippine-based radicalisation. The GV Hotel in Davao City. The Akrams stayed there for most of November. Getty Images The most detailed accounts of the Akrams movements come from the staff of the GV Hotel, an ultra-budget option nestled among pawnshops, massage parlours and competitor accommodation offering cheap rooms in three-hour blocks. Advertisement The Akrams checked in on November 1 and checked out on the 28th, paying week by week, as if unsure of their itinerary. According to worker Jenelyn Sayson, from the time they arrived until they checked out, they never left the city because we saw them going in and out of the hotel every day. The longest they left their room on any given day was one or two hours, she added. The spartan hotel room the Akrams stayed in during their trip to Davao. If this is true, Sajid and Naveed Akram spent at least 23 hours a day through 27 days holed up together in a room hardly bigger or better equipped than a low-security jail cell. Advertisement Their room, 315, has two single beds each with one pillow and one sheet separated by less than a metre. The bathroom has no hot water and the1980s-style Sanyo TV plays only one clear channel. It is plugged into one of two power points. The other socket is occupied by a feeble box air-conditioner. If it was a mere visit, as Ano suggested, what on earth were they doing in such a room for so long? But the assertion by staff that they never left the city is dubious. This masthead observed long periods of time, even during the day, when the front desk was unattended. The town of Mlang. Zach Hope Also raising serious doubts about this account is the revelation that investigators have detected a ping from a phone. Advertisement A few kilometres outside the Philippine town of Mlang a six-hour return drive from Davao City a roundabout offers travellers two options. The road to the right goes to the town proper, a bustling Catholic-majority hamlet in Cotabato province. The straight option veers left into the province of Maguindanao Del Sur, where remnants of Islamic State-inspired militant groups are thought to linger in towns and jungles. Related Article Exclusive Bondi shooting Bondi gunmans phone may have pinged in area with a history of extremism: source In November, a phone belonging to one of the Bondi gunmen passed somewhere near that roundabout, Filipino investigators believe. The precise location of the ping suggested a right turn towards Mlang, or more precisely, Dungoan, one of the towns 37 sub-villages. The region has a history of violence. Islamic State-inspired group Daulah Islamiyah (DI) was responsible for a commuter bus fire in Mlang that killed at least three people in 2021. Before Filipino clearance operations killed or drove away militants that same year, DI strongholds were only about 10 kilometres away, Dungoan village chief Patutin Ali Sagadan Jr told this masthead. Advertisement On Friday last week, Sagadan said, police, army and intelligence officers poured into Dungoan armed with this digital data. But it appeared to be a dead end. Tracing led Sagadan and investigators to a roadside field inhabited only by a handful of grazing cattle. Related Article Exclusive Bondi shooting No one lives there: How a remote village became entangled in Bondi terror It could have been that they [one or both of Akrams] were passing the area and made a call or sent a message, and it was picked up here, Sagadan said the police told him. None of [the village leaders] have monitored the presence of those two people. One possibility was Naveed, Sajid, or both, continued beyond Mlang to the wild central and western areas so teeming with kidnappers and bandits that the Australian government warns citizens in the strongest terms not to travel there. Sagadan said he had heard reports of Islamic militants, however fragmented and leaderless, still practising their ideology in neighbouring provinces. Advertisement But if it was the case that the Akrams passed beyond Mlang and Dungoan, should there not have been more phone pings? A source close to the investigation said only Mlang township had detected such activity. Yet another possibility was that the Akrams never went that way at all, that it was all a mistake and the GV Hotel staff were right all along. Sajid was killed by police on the Bondi footbridge he used as a shooting platform and shield for his killing. One man Naveed holds the answers. He is in Long Bay Correctional Complex in Sydneys east, charged with 15 counts of murder. Bondi Beach incident helplines: Bondi Beach Victim Services on 1800 411 822 Bondi Beach Public Information & Enquiry Centre on 1800 227 228 NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Lifeline on Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au 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. Advertisement WorldEuropePop music The Cure guitarist and keyboardist dies, aged 65 Michael Levenson December 27, 2025 12:38pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Perry Bamonte, a guitarist and keyboard player in The Cure, the seminal post-punk band that brought a dark, Gothic sensibility to sparkly, upbeat hits such as Friday Im in Love, has died. He was 65. The Cure announced Bamontes death in a statement on its website Friday that said he had died after a short illness at home over Christmas. Perry Bamonte of The Cure performs in 2023. Getty Images Bamonte was a roadie and guitar tech for the Cure before he joined the band full-time in 1990. The Cure called him quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, and a vital part of the Cure story. He played guitar, six-string bass and keyboards on the albums Wish (1992), Wild Mood Swings (1996), Bloodflowers (2000), Acoustic Hits (2001) and The Cure (2004). Wish included Friday Im in Love, which spent 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992 and peaked at No. 18 on August 8 of that year. Advertisement He performed in 400 shows over 14 years during his first stint with The Cure, playing behind Robert Smith, the gloomily romantic frontman, who cut an indelible image with his black clothing, tangly mop of hair and smeared lipstick. After a time away from the band, Bamonte rejoined The Cure in 2022. He played another 90 shows that culminated with the bands Show of a Lost Word performance in London on November 1, 2024, which was later released as a concert film. Bamonte, right, with Robert Smith, left, and Simon Gallup, after The Cure was inducted into Hollywoods Rockwalk in 2004. AP He also had various acting roles in movies, including Judge Dredd, About Time and The Crow. Perry Archangelo Bamonte was born September 3, 1960. Details about survivors were not immediately available. Advertisement Known as Teddy, Bamonte grew up in England as a huge fan of David Bowie and Jeff Beck but didnt start playing guitar until he was 17, according to the book Never Enough: The Story of The Cure, by Jeff Apter. Related Article Review The Cure review: A well-oiled act with some surprises too He played in several bands before his brother Daryl, who was a roadie for Depeche Mode and later became The Cures manager, got him a job as a roadie for The Cure in 1984, the book said. Smiths sister Janet spent a month teaching Bamonte the rudiments of piano, the book said, before Bamonte joined the band, replacing keyboardist Roger ODonnell, who left The Cure in 1990. We could have hired a professional to take his place, but why not use someone who knows all the songs? Smith was quoted as saying in the book. Advertisement Bamonte, for his part, said that moving from backstage tech man to full-time band member was pretty seamless. My transition to band member was easy because I was friends with everyone already and spent all my time with them, Bamonte said, according to the book. The Cure was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 and performed a well-regarded series of shows in the US in 2023, when a headline in Rolling Stone proclaimed, The Cure Are This Summers Hottest Rock Tour. Yes, Really. That year, Smith also became something of an internet folk hero when he publicly took on Ticketmaster for adding a litany of fees to tickets his fans had purchased. He also tried to limit scalpers resales to keep prices affordable. In a rare concession, Ticketmaster agreed to make partial refunds to some The Cure fans. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaEpstein fallout Kill-attempt claim and prison failures: Epstein files offer new details on his death in jail cell Derek Hawkins December 27, 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 Among the tens of thousands of Jeffrey Epstein files released so far by the Justice Department are documents that provide new details on one of the most discussed aspects of the case his death in federal custody in 2019. Epstein, who was indicted in July 2019 on federal sex-trafficking charges, had been locked up in the now-closed Metropolitan Correctional Centre in New York for five weeks when, about 6.30am on August 10, he was found dead in his cell. Jeffrey Epstein died in his prison cell in 2019. AP He had been denied bail and, at age 66, was facing a potential 45-year sentence if convicted on all charges. The day before his death, federal judges in a separate civil lawsuit had unsealed 2000 pages of records containing allegations of his sexual abuse of girls and young women. Six days after his death, New York Citys chief medical examiner, Barbara Sampson, whose office had conducted an autopsy of Epsteins body, issued a finding that he had hanged himself. Advertisement Ever since, a wide range of people including members of Congress and some prominent supporters of US President Donald Trump have challenged that conclusion, asserting with no evidence that Epstein was killed and proffering theories about who might have done it. The documents released so far provide no support for those theories. Epsteins cell at the now-closed Metropolitan Correctional Centre in New York. They do offer additional evidence for the conclusion reached by previous investigations both by the Justice Department and media organisations that jail officials failed to properly monitor Epstein even though they had previously put him on suicide watch. Two jail staff members were charged after Epsteins death with failing to watch him. Prosecutors said they slept through part of their shift, whiled away time shopping online and falsified logbooks to conceal their failure to conduct rounds every 30 minutes. They ultimately reached a deal to avoid trial. Jail officials also left Epstein alone in his cell, despite strict instructions not to do so. Advertisement Loading In the early hours of July 23, 2019, a couple of weeks after Epstein arrived at the jail, workers found him semiconscious on the floor of his cell with a makeshift orange noose around his neck, according to an investigative report from the Federal Bureau of Prisons included in one of the batches of documents released during the week. That previous apparent suicide attempt had been widely reported, but the newly released documents provide new details. Epstein was held at the jail for about five weeks before he was found dead in his cell. Reuters The Bureau of Prisons did not respond to questions about Epsteins confinement and death. Advertisement After struggling to stand him up, staff members put Epstein in hand and leg restraints and carried him out on a gurney, the report said. A medical assessment found redness and abrasions around his neck. Photos in the report, time-stamped 1.45am and labelled possible suicide attempt, show a dishevelled Epstein in a blue anti-suicide smock, his skin faintly red above the collarbone. Officials placed Epstein on suicide watch. An observation log from the morning of that apparent suicide attempt was also among the documents the Justice Department released this week. It shows handwritten notes from two staffers, entered at 15-minute intervals. A note from 2.15am says Epstein states his cellmate tried to kill him. The investigative report also states that Epstein told an officer that his cellmate had attempted to kill him and had been harassing him. Epsteins death attracted global attention. PA At the time, Epstein was housed with Nicholas Tartaglione a former police officer who was later convicted of a quadruple murder and sentenced to life in prison. Tartaglione and Epstein each said later that they did not have problems with each other, according to prison documents. Investigators did not find significant evidence that Tartaglione assaulted Epstein. Advertisement A 2.30am note in the suicide watch log reads: Inmate sitting on bed trying to remember what happened. Later notes simply read, inmate sitting on bed and inmate standing at door. Epstein told investigators in a July 31 interview that he hadnt slept in approximately 20 days, according to the investigative report. He said he had woken up on the floor to the sound of snoring that turned out to be his own. Related Article Epstein fallout A million more Epstein documents suddenly turn up, sparking cover-up accusations Tartaglione said he had been asleep on the cell floor when he felt something hit his foot, the report says. He awoke to see Epstein snoring with his eyes open and thought he was having a heart attack, according to the report. Epstein appeared to recover quickly from the apparent suicide attempt, according to a Bureau of Prisons medical form filled out that morning. A healthcare provider noted that he was breathing normally, didnt appear distressed and smiled during the visit. He declined to talk about what led to the incident, the document states, saying only that he went to drink a little water and [woke] up snoring. Advertisement A separate document appears to contain notes from an interview with a prison psychologist who observed Epstein over the following two weeks. Epstein avoided questions about the incident, according to the notes, and said it was against his religion to kill himself. E said he doesnt like pain and didnt want to hurt himself, one bullet point read. No signs in logbooks showing suicidality, participating in legal meetings, read another. Other notes indicate Epstein tried to avoid being transferred back to special housing. Loading Another logbook, dated July 24 through July 30, 2019, shows Epstein was allowed basic comforts while under psychological observation, including regular clothes, newspapers and magazines, books, legal mail and a safety toothbrush. Advertisement He made small talk with staffers about investment strategies and jail life, visited with lawyers, showered and slept, according to the logs. The documents also contain correspondence from the same period between a prison associate warden and a Bureau of Prisons regional director who asked for daily updates on Epstein after his apparent suicide attempt. Related Article Updated Epstein fallout Lolita quotes, womens IDs: Democrats release dozens of new Epstein images A Bureau of Prisons spokesperson did not respond to a message seeking comment about those arrangements or other details in the correspondence. Less than 48 hours after the apparent suicide attempt, the associate warden emailed the regional director to say that Epstein could face a disciplinary hearing for violating the prisons prohibition on self-mutilation. Advertisement A doctor had indicated that most likely he will be found competent because he is not mentally ill, the email said. We have supporting memorandums from the responding officers who indicated they observed inmate Epstein with a makeshift noose around his neck. Further emails from senders whose names are redacted appear to show prison officials tracking Epsteins progress in the days leading up to his death in custody. In a July 26 email, the prisons chief psychologist indicated that a psychologist in the Bureau of Prisons headquarters in Washington was concerned I stepped him down to psych obs rather than keeping him on SW, probably referring to suicide watch. I gave my justification and feel it is appropriate, but I just want to make sure I still feel that way when he is interviewed today, the email read. Another exchange suggested that Epstein had spent about 12 hours with his attorney and had complained about being dehydrated because of limited bathroom breaks. Advertisement He also complained about having to go back up to SHU, the July 27 email read, referring to the special housing unit, which is used for inmates with psychiatric problems and those requiring extra monitoring. The sender added that Epstein was anxious about it and not being able to sleep there because of the noise of inmates banging and screaming at night. An email dated the following morning read: Inmate Epstein seems psychologically stable. Prison workers sent Epstein back to special housing on July 30. Over the following days, Epsteins lawyers wrote to prison officials with complaints about his conditions. They said he had no toilet paper, that his CPAP machine, used for sleep apnoea, had been disconnected and that he had been allowed only two 15-minute calls on speakerphone with officers present, according to redacted emails. On August 10, prison staffers delivering Epsteins breakfast found him unresponsive in his cell, documents show. Advertisement CORRECTED: N. Korea's Kim stresses shared bloodshed in New Year message to Putin Seoul, Dec 27 (AFP) Dec 27, 2025 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un highlighted on Saturday how his nation and Russia had shared "blood, life and death" in the Ukraine war, as he sent President Vladimir Putin new year's greetings. Pyongyang has dispatched thousands of troops to fight for Moscow, according to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, as Russia presses ahead with its nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine. In the message, published by the state-run KCNA news agency, Kim said 2025 was a "really meaningful year" for the bilateral alliance that was consolidated by "sharing blood, life and death in the same trench". North Korea only confirmed in April that it had deployed troops to support Russia's military campaign against Ukraine and that its soldiers had been killed in combat. Earlier this month, Pyongyang acknowledged that it had sent troops to clear mines in Russia's Kursk region in August 2025. At least nine troops from an engineering regiment were killed during the 120-day deployment, Kim said in a speech on December 12 marking the unit's homecoming. Kim sent Putin his new year's greetings a day after the North Korean leader ordered officials to step up missile production. Pyongyang has 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 Russia. In addition to sending troops to fight for Russia, Pyongyang has sent 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 have said. UK launches paid military gap-year scheme amid recruitment struggles London, Dec 27 (AFP) Dec 27, 2025 The UK will launch a military "gap year" scheme, as part of efforts to boost recruitment and reconnect young people with defence, the government said Saturday. The initial pilot scheme, which will launch in March 2026, will offer around 150 under-25s a year of paid experience and training in the armed forces "without a commitment beyond the course". The government hopes to "eventually" expand this to offer over 1,000 places, "subject to interest". The announcement comes after the new head of Britain's armed forces, Richard Knighton, earlier this month issued a call for the country's "sons and daughters" to be "ready to fight" in the face of growing threats, including from Russia. It comes as British defence chiefs attempt to boost recruitment. Figures released by Britain's defence ministry in November show that its army trained around 38 percent fewer recruits in 2022-2023 than in 2019-2020, with a growing share leaving during training compared with pre-pandemic levels. "This gap-year scheme will give Britain's young people a taste of the incredible skills and training on offer across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF (air force)," said John Healey, the UK's defence secretary. "It's part of our determination to reconnect society with our forces, and drive a whole of society approach to our nation's defence." The scheme is inspired by a similar scheme in Australia which the government described as an "exciting model from which to learn". Other European countries have looked to national service in response to the threat from Russia, with France, Germany and Belgium introducing schemes this year. The British government statement outlining the scheme did not mention the salary offered to recruits or how funding will be found to pay for this. Further details about the scheme will follow "in due course", a government spokesperson told AFP. Former First Mayor of Hamburg Christoph Ahlhaus sits on the podium at a discussion event with fellow officials. Chairman of the German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (BVMW) Ahlhaus said on Saturday that "superficial reforms are no longer enough to get Germany back on track". Markus Scholz/dpa More than half of Germany's medium-sized companies expect an economic downturn next year, according to a survey by the BVMW business association. Christoph Ahlhaus, the association's chief executive, said on Saturday that "superficial reforms are no longer enough to get Germany back on track." He said businesses expect the federal government to finally deliver on long-promised structural reforms and concrete relief measures in areas such as bureaucracy, the labour market, taxation and energy costs. According to the survey, 54% of companies expect an economic slowdown, while only 22% anticipate an upswing. In addition, 42% of respondents said they plan to scale back investment in 2026, the association said. Medium-sized companies, known as the Mittelstand, form the backbone of Germany's economy and account for a large share of employment and investment. The German economy contracted in 2023 and 2024, while growth is forecast to be minimal this year and no meaningful recovery is expected in 2026. The BVMW surveyed more than 1,000 Mittelstand companies in an online poll conducted between December 18 and 23. Allow Google Search To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information. Allow and Continue Kraken reportedly aims to list its shares on a US stock exchange as early as Q1 2026, joining Coinbase, Gemini, and Bullish on public markets. While Bitcoin and major altcoins trade sideways, money continues to flow into crypto equities and mergers, with $8.6 billion in crypto M&A deals recorded in 2025. This shift suggests that while token prices are cooling off, the business side of crypto is heating up again. (Source CoinGecko, Kraken) While the Q1 2026 window is the goal for the Kraken IPO, the real story is in the private books. Kraken is reportedly finalizing a $500 million pre-IPO round this month, targeting a $15 billion valuation. This is a significant jump from its 2022 valuation and suggests Wall Street is already pricing in the regulatory thaw following the dismissal of the SECs suit Will a Kraken IPO Really Fire Up Another Bull Run? Think of an IPO (initial public offering) as a company opening its doors to everyday stock investors for the first time. Kraken, one of the longest-running crypto exchanges, now wants to sell shares on a traditional stock market, similar to how big banks moving into crypto brought the sector a new stamp of seriousness. Kraken is exploring an IPO as early as 2026, following the easing of pressure by US regulators and the SECs dropping of a high-profile lawsuit. This timing matters. In 2025, crypto firms completed roughly $8.6 billion in deals, including Krakens $1.5 billion acquisition of futures platform NinjaTrader, as reported by the Financial Times. That kind of deal flow suggests that big players continue to invest heavily in crypto infrastructure, even when token charts appear unexciting. We also see a wave of other listings. Circle, the company behind the USDC stablecoin, listed on the NYSE in June 2025, and exchanges like Gemini and Bullish also went public. For you as a retail investor, this opens a second route into crypto: you can buy shares in the companies that run the rails, not just the coins themselves. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025 How Could Krakens IPO Shape the Next Crypto Cycle? Every crypto cycle has a story. Earlier cycles focused on Bitcoin halvings and pure speculation. This mid-stage cycle resembles a Wall Street buildout, where exchanges, stablecoin issuers, and mining firms list on stock markets and raise regulated capital. That aligns with the broader debate we cover regarding the crypto markets path into 2026. When a large exchange lists, it sends a simple message to traditional investors: crypto is not going away. Public companies are required to publish audited financial statements, adhere to strict disclosure rules, and be accountable to regulators. That transparency gives pension funds, asset managers, and even ETF providers greater confidence to increase their exposure to the sector over time. Since incorporating, Starbase has filed at least four lawsuits against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over his offices rulings on media requests for public information. San Antonio Express-News file photo Since incorporating, Starbase has filed at least four lawsuits against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over his offices rulings on media requests for public information. Dallas Morning News file photo Tesla Cybertrucks are seen at Starbase in South Texas. Since incorporating, Starbase has filed at least four lawsuits against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over his offices rulings on media requests for public information. Eric Gay/Associated Press The secretive nature of Elon Musks SpaceX keeps colliding with Texas open records laws at the new company town of Starbase. Since incorporating, the space city has filed at least four lawsuits against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over his offices rulings on media requests for public information. The most recent came last week when Starbase attorneys sued Paxton in state District Court in Travis County over his ruling that the city must release some information it wants to keep private. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The flurry of lawsuits by the city shows its growing pains as it wrestles with being a public entity loomed over by the space company thats estimated to be worth as much as $800 billion. Three of the cases, all filed in Travis County, stem from public information requests from Dave Hendricks, a reporter with KVEO-TV in Brownsville. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Two of those, including the most recent one and another filed in October, center on separate requests for invoices from Starbases attorney, Frisco-based Messer Fort, spanning different time periods since the citys incorporation in May. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In both, the city argued the invoices were protected by legal exceptions or attorney-client privilege and appealed to the attorney general to keep them sealed. Paxtons office agreed that some of the information could be withheld, but that the city must release the remaining information. The third case involving a request by Hendricks stems from Paxtons ruling that portions of emails between Starbase city officials and Richard Cardile, SpaceXs senior manager of spaceport operations at Starbase, should be released. Paxtons office ruled that Starbase could withhold some of the infomation but must release the rest. Starbase wants Paxtons rulings vacated in all three cases. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A fourth case filed last month in Travis County also stems from a media outlets public information request to Starbase. Lauren McGaughy, a journalist at KUT, Austins National Public Radio station, filed several requests for emails from Starbase officials since May, including City Administrator Kent Myers, Mayor Bobby Peden and Commissioners Jordan Buss and Jenna Petrzelka. In addition to their city roles, Peden and Buss work for SpaceX as vice president of Texas test and launch and senior director of environmental, health and safety, respectively. As it frequently does in such requests, the city included SpaceX as a third party on the request. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Paxtons office found that some of the information Starbase and SpaceX wants withheld should be released. The city sued to get the decision vacated, but last week filed a notice to stop the suit. SPACEX NEWS: SpaceX sued over injuries caused when valve exploded at Freeport machine shop As a private company, SpaceX is not bound by state open records laws. But a city usually must comply with requests for communications with a private company. There are some exceptions, though, usually for protection of trade secrets. SpaceX often leans on state and local government officials to withhold information and frequently litigates requests for public records pertaining to company operations. Its not always successful. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After a monthslong battle, the state last month released to media organizations a trove of 1,400 pages of heavily redacted emails between Musk and Gov. Greg. Abbott. SpaceX had argued the emails included proprietary business information. Abbott fought the ruling partially on the grounds the communications included intimate and embarrassing information. A reader implores the City of Austin and Texas Department of Criminal Justice to advance a proposal that would deploy inmates help with shelter cleaning. BRIANA SANCHEZ/AMERICAN-STATESMAN President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One as he arrives at the Palm Beach International Airport. A reader says Trump has bigger issues to address than whining about the age of Air Force One. American-Statesman Staff Russia President Vladimir Putin attacked neighboring Ukraine without provocation in 2022. Now with the war at a crucial moment, President Donald Trump could be a decisive figure for the future of Europe. Austin American-Statesman Path to rehabilitation Advertisement Article continues below this ad Why not expand opportunities for county jail and state prison inmates to render work activity for other nonprofits in the area? Consider nonprofits such as art museums and venues, food banks, environmental organizations, home building for homeless people, public parks and recreation. Such organizations would gladly offer work supervision and gain from volunteer inmate work. Inmates, who would volunteer without pay, would benefit from rehabilitative and work-related opportunities. They would reduce the hours of boredom spent in jail and prison cells. Critics' arguments of exploitation are defeated by inmate voluntary work, and by nonprofits' humanitarian missions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kudos to to the city of Austin and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice staff for advancing this proposal, which benefits all concerned. Adrian Moore, Austin Reward best teachers As a former educator in a Title I school, Ive seen firsthand how student success rises or falls on the strength of the teacher, and whether that teacher had support. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas cant improve education outcomes without elevating teachers. Texas should implement a system to recognize exemplary teachers and share best practices by releasing teacher-linked performance data through the Public Education Information Management System in a restricted-use, privacy-safe dataset. Done right, this would spotlight outstanding teachers, including those serving special education, bilingual education, support, gifted and Title I students, so we can recognize them while also scaling what works statewide where funding allows. Recognition isnt enough. Such a program should be paired with rigorous on-the-job training, stronger career and technical education preparation and higher base pay to attract high-performing professionals. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Give top performers greater autonomy and higher compensation. Finally, let teachers teach. Respect excellence and replicate it. Texas students deserve it. Robbye Kirkpatrick, co-Founder of Texas TransformED, Austin He should just fly away Advertisement Article continues below this ad So, President Donald Trump resents flying around in a plane former President George H.W. Bush used so many years ago. I have some suggestions: He could stop flying around on our dime and stay home to oversee his magnificent, bigger and better ballroom; or as an alternative, he could use the fabulous new jet provided to him by his friends in the Qatari royal family out of the kindness of their hearts. Either way, stop whining. In case he hasnt noticed, many residents in this country are going hungry and many need medical assistance. He could help out there. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another option would be for him to quit his job and rule elsewhere. Grania Patterson, Austin Let Texans connect In 2021 the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law gave Texas $3.3 billion to build out internet access in Texas for a population in need of real, consistent and reliable access farmers, education and small businesses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The original guidelines provided by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, or NTIA, gave a preference to fiber optic networks because they are proven to be reliable, fast, upgradeable and more secure. In June, the secretary of commerce announced the NTIAs original guidelines would be discarded. This meant states would no longer have input in making the rules and that money provided for broadband build out would be awarded to the cheapest bidder, opening the door to less secure and slower technology. As a 28-year member of the nations largest telecommunications union Communications Workers of America I know firsthand the benefits of reliable fiber optic internet service. Now, Texas is using less than half the funds allocated so Texans are getting the boot when it comes to the best-in-class internet build out. The NTIA should stop meddling and let Texas residents choose whats best for us. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tony Thornburg, CWA Local 6132, CWA District 6 Will history repeat? Earlier this year, the world marked the 80th anniversary of victory in May 1945 over the murderous tyrant Adolf Hitler. He and his war machine had overrun all of continental Europe and attacked England and Russia. Then the U.S. and allied countries outside Europe joined the fight. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They put millions of boots on the ground in Europe, and suffered huge, grievous losses in lives and material, but they defeated Hitler, and liberated the people of Europe, ending World War II. The momentous decision to defend Europe was driven by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Today, Europe is in crisis again. Russias murderous tyrant Vladimir Putin attacked neighboring Ukraine without provocation in 2022, and continues slaughtering civilians and kidnapping children every day. Advertisement Article continues below this ad History shows that his goal is much more than conquering Ukraine. Europe is next, country by country. Perhaps he shares Hitlers goal, to rule from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Now the war seems at a crucial moment, with American President Donald Trump holding all the cards. Will he support Europe again and drive a just end to the aggressors war? Or will Trump side with Putin? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Paul Gatchell, Austin Proud of the paper Ive been a subscriber since 2018 and just wanted to pay some compliments to the changes I have seen at the Statesman in the last few months. Your local coverage has absolutely improved and moved away from being heavily human interest weighted. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On the day I am writing this letter, I received three breaking news alerts over email that were actually of interest to me and linked out to very well-reported stories. I particularly appreciated Dante Motleys in-depth coverage of an Austin Police Department officer who has been disciplined for excessive force. Austin has had an accountability problem in our government, police and many other organizations for quite some time. The recent defeat of Proposition Q showed that residents are tired of it. Having a strong local press to ask questions and report is essential to digging into some of the real problems our city faces. I finally feel like I can pick up the Statesman and get some real news. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thanks for the changes you have made. Meredith Cosgrove, Austin State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code The shift from private to public didnt happen overnight. Still, it has happened, and the biggest beneficiaries are massive companies like Amazons AWS, Alphabet, and Microsoft companies with massive underused compute capacity that they realized could be monetized by renting space to other companies. It wasnt too long ago that enterprises were laser-focused on internal data centers walled off from prying eyes. A lot has changed over the past decade, though. Nowadays, most enterprises have shifted their focus, jettisoning expensive siloed data centers for cloud-managed networks that require less upfront investment in infrastructure. Guilfoyle isnt afraid to be wrong. And hes perfectly fine sticking by winners. Hes a fan of Jensen Huangs ability to navigate what, historically, is a notoriously boom-and-bust industry. Guilfoyle recently updated his Nvidia stock price target after the shares' volatile ride in 2025. Given his nearly forty years of experience, you might want to consider what he thinks will happen as we flip the calendar to 2026. My cost? Less than $20 per share. Im not alone in having done a nice job buying and holding Nvidia. Plenty of others also took note and have made money betting on Nvidia, including Stephen Guilfoyle, a Wall Street veteran analyst whose career began on the NYSE floor in 1987, just as Black Monday struck. The rationale for buying all those years ago was simple: a dynamic CEO dominating gaming with a rising cryptocurrency mining opportunity. Over the years, my reasoning evolved as AI took hold, but my conviction remained unwavering. Find a great company with a great CEO and stay the course. Its a good model that worked with Apple ( Steve Jobs ) and Microsoft ( Bill Gates ). It has also worked very well with Nvidia and its dynamic CEO, Jensen Huang . Over the years, Ive made my fair share of mistakes. Sticking to my guns by owning Nvidia hasnt been one of them. I bought Nvidia in 2017, long before ChatGPT emerged in 2022, sparking a tidal wave of demand for its graphics processing units, or GPUs. I learned a lot, including the value of listening to the market, something that is much easier said than done. The timing was, to say the least, instructive. I got to witness the Internet bubble boom and bust firsthand. I made and lost a lot of money, and had a direct line to working with the largest, most influential mutual and hedge fund managers at the time. I also benefited from a mentor who cut his teeth in the 1970s, during a similar boom-and-bust period. Ive been at this for a while. Back in 1997, I was lucky enough to convince the partners at a Wall Street boutique investment research firm to give me a shot. It panned out. I became a partner and eventually launched my own sell-side firm in 2003. Story Continues More Nvidia: These once-niche businesses have become profit gravy trains for these companies, particularly after ChatGPT broke the Internet by becoming the fastest app to ever reach one million users in 2022. ChatGPTs success unleashed a surge of artificial intelligence research and development, leading to a slate of AI chatbots from deep-pocketed rivals. Microsoft integrated OpenAIs ChatGPT into its AI ambitions, contributing to the development of Copilot. Alphabet, afraid OpenAI would undermine its Google search dominance, responded with Gemini. Amazon invested billions to support the growth of Anthropics Claude LLM. Others also joined the race, including Meta Platforms, Mark Zuckerberg's company, which developed Llama. It didnt stop with generative AI, though. Recognizing the potential for AI to transform many operational roles, companies across most industries have begun investing in AI applications, or agentic AI agents that can assist and sometimes replace workers. The flurry of activity has meant an insatiable appetite for Nvidia GPUs. In 2007, Jensen Huang developedCUDA, a software that optimizes the performance of GPUs. He probably didnt realize it fully at the time (perhaps he had guessed), but that move, coupling high-powered processors with software, gave it a significant advantage in managing the substantial computing demands associated with AI. It didnt take long for hyperscalers, the biggest cloud data providers, to realize prior investments in servers packed with CPUs werent up to the job. Since ChatGPT's launch, hundreds of billions of dollars have been poured into retrofitting data centers with the computer chips most suited to crunch AI workloads providing Nvidia with a torrent of demand (and cash) that accelerated its GPU development. First, Nvidia had the H100 and H200, built on the Hopper architecture. Then, it developed the Blackwell lineup. Soon, it will launch Vera Rubin, its fastest, most efficient AI chip architecture yet. Its moving fast, and hundreds of billions in revenue are up for grabs, with Nvidia by far in the lead to continue capturing it. Analyst revisits Nvidia price target as we flip to 2026 Guilfoyle has been a fan of Nvidia since before its blowout 2024 and 2025 rally, when sales and profits first started rocketing higher, thanks to hyperscalers' shift from CPUs to GPUs. For instance, I wrote about Guilfoyle's bullishness on Nvidia in August 2023, when shares were trading below $50 (split-adjusted), and Guilfoyle said prices would rise even higher. At the time, he called Nvidia's balance sheet "beast-like." Nvidia's balance sheet has gotten a lot more beastly since then: Total assets: $161 billion, according to its 10-Q quarterly SEC filing. Current assets: $116.5 billion Short-term cash, equivalents, & investments: $60.6 billion. Total liabilities: $42.2 billion Short-term liabilities: $26.1 billion Current ratio (current assets/current liabilities): 4.47 Guilfoyle has revisited his price target many times since then, including recently, when he shared updated thoughts on what could happen to Nvidia in 2026 following its $20 billion deal with Groq. "News broke on Christmas Eve that Nvidia had entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with "Groq" for that nine-year-old private firm's inference technology. Groq, not to be confused with Grok, which is an AI assistant and chatbot developed by Elon Musk's xAI, is a designer of high-performance artificial intelligence accelerator chips," wrote Guilfoyle in a TheStreet Pro post. "If completed, this would be Nvidia's largest acquisition ever, far surpassing the $7 billion purchase of Mellanox in 2019. Is this a smart purchase? Sounds like it." Related: Nvidias China chip problem isnt what most investors think "We envision future NVDA platforms where GPU and LPU co-exist in a rack, connected seamlessly with NVDA's NVLInk networking fabric. Groq's LPU employ a large amount (hundreds of MB) of fast on-chip SRAM memory as primary storage for AI model weights and working data," wrote Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya to clients in a research note shared with me. "Longer-term, we think the potential Groq deal could be strategic, similar to NVDA's Apr'20 Mellanox acquisition that is now the foundation of NVDA's networking/AI scaling moat." The deal may help Nvidia technology work even better at AI inference, a fancy term used to describe the use of AI apps and models. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang thinks inference will be a much bigger market than training AI models, driving substantially more demand for infrastructure, including its chips, software, and networking gear. The amount of computation necessary to do that reasoning process is 100 times more than what we used to do, Huang told CNBC earlier this year. Nvidia shares have taken a breather since August, soaring in late October to new all-time highs before retreating through early December. Last week, however, Nvidia shares started climbing again, recovering its 50-day moving average for the first time since mid-November. On Dec. 9, Guilfoyle said Nvidia had "survived a short-term sell-off," prompting him to put a $225 stock price target on its shares. Nvidia's shares have strengthened since then, leading him to update his thinking. "The shares are engaged in an attempt to take and hold the $188 pivot created by the newly formed bullish double bottom pattern," wrote Guilfoyle. "The stock's reading for relative strength and its daily Moving Average Convergence Divergence are both also in a better place at this time." Guilfoyle's new Nvidia stock target: $235. He plans to buy more shares on any retreat to $169 and wouldn't hit the panic button unless it closes below its 200-day moving average, which, at the time of his writing, sits at $159. He's not alone in thinking Nvidia shares are poised to head higher in 2026. Bank of America rates Nvidia a "buy" with a $275 price target. Meanwhile, Cantor Fitzgerald ranks Nvidia a top pick, with a $300 target price. Todd Campbell owns shares in Nvidia. Related: Popular analyst sets bold 2026 price target on Nvidia stock This story was originally published by TheStreet on Dec 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Investing section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. (Ted Rohde/Stars and Stripes) Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, France, July 5, 1959: Josephine Baker, her husband Jo (Joe) Bouillon and several of their ten adopted children at their home of Les Milandes in the Dordogne Valley. Baker has come out of retirement to support her children and rebuild the manor and village around it so it can welcome visitors. The children were adopted for a reason, and one so simple that most people cant believe it, Baker said in an interview with Stars and Stripes, published July 29, 1959. She calls her family the Rainbow Tribe. People cant believe until they see for themselves that human beings of every race, color and creed can live together as brothers. That is why we have rebuilt the village and established its attractions so that people. will come from everywhere to see the children. See additional images of the family and the estate, and read the full 1959 article here. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, left, and Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, pay their respects at the USS Arizona Memorial during Pistorius visit to Honolulu, July 30, 2024. The visit came as Germany participated for the first time in the annual Rim of the Pacific maritime exercise. (John D. Bellino/U.S. Navy) (Tribune News Service) As political tides shift around the world, Germany is working to tune its approach to the the Pacific and how it will work with the United States in the region. This month Alexander Taylor-Fowles, a German diplomat working in his countrys embassy in D.C. as the first secretary of its Indo-Pacific Affairs Political Section, visited Hawaii. During the trip he met with military officials and diplomats around the island, and made a stop at the East-West Center to talk about Berlins interests in the region. Germany is an export economy, the fact that so much of world trade goes to the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait has direct implications on our prosperity if there is a problem in that part of the world, said Taylor-Fowles. But the other aspects include the absolute explosion in population in this part of the world that leads to issues around education, innovation, the cultural significance coming out of (Asia). Taylor-Fowles has deep diplomatic experience on both sides of the Pacific, working in both the U.S. and China. Between 2017 and 2020 he served as Germanys Deputy Consul General in Chengdu, China and before his latest posting at the German Embassy, he was a Trans-Atlantic Diplomatic Fellow in the U.S. State Department. His stop Hawaii came just after the White House released its controversial new national security strategy. It calls for the U.S. to pull military forces from much of its global operations to focus military and diplomatic efforts in the Western Hemisphere as the administration of President Donald Trump launches deadly strikes on alleged drug traffickers and says it seeks to fight Chinese influence throughout the Americas and assert U.S. power. The strategy also had harsh words for Europe. The White House said that it would push European countries to tighten borders, deport immigrants and refugees, and that the U.S. would seek to back right-wing patriotic political parties in those countries to advance those goals. The strategy has ruffled feathers and raise concerns across the Atlantic. But Taylor-Fowles said that when it comes to the Pacific and China the U.S. and Germany are still largely aligned and that he believes theres still lots of room for cooperation. Many of the conversations that we Europeans have had with the U.S. administration over the last few months is that this is a new era now in how we look at China, he said. Because they have shown that they have this weapon of massive (economic) dependency of the rest of the world and they are willing to use it. Germany has robust trade with countries across Asia and more recently has been beefing up engagement in Pacific Island nations. In August 2023 it opened a new embassy in Fiji. Germany has been working with island nations on climate resilience and infrastructure, along with other engagements. We do a lot of these things because they are valuable, and because we have partners in the region that for whom this is valuable, said Taylor-Fowles. But at the same time (though) its not because of this it also helps bolster against sort of Chinese malign influence in the region. In recent years Beijing has invested heavily in Pacific island nations through its Belt and Road Initiative, a series of Chinese government-backed infrastructure projects aimed at promoting trade with China. The BRI has drawn criticism from some observers who charge that China is using debt trap diplomacy meant to lure and force countries into a subservient relationship with Beijing. Analysts have also argued that the BRI includes dual use projects that can also support Chinese military and intelligence operations. The way that China has put itself at the center of the spiders web of international trade, and has made everyone so dependent on it, is a feature, not a bug, said Taylor-Fowles. They have done this with great deliberateness since joining the international trading system (and) untangling that is a huge challenge, and one that can only be met if we do it together. Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was a major shock to Europes economic and foreign policies. Much of Europe, including Germany, heavily used Russian oil and gas to power their electrical grids and fuel their cars. The breakdown in trade has been a shock to Europes economy. The breakout of a major war in Europe has also prompted a major effort among European countries to bulk up their militaries and think much more seriously about their security policies. (The war) has also changed the way we view other parts of the world, said Taylor-Fowles. The three biggest supporters for Russia in its war against Ukraine are in Asia: China, India and North Korea. North Korea sent about 12,000 troops to fight in Ukraine, India buys enormous amounts of Russian oil, China also buys oil and also exports all sorts of dual use equipment. But Germany, which boasts the fourth largest economy in the world, has also had deep trade ties with China. In 2023 Berlin released its first China strategy, which called Beijing a systemic rival and advocated that Germany work to reduce economic dependence on its largest trading partner. China has changed, the document stated. As a result of this and Chinas political decisions, we need to change our approach to China. In 2024 the German military sent a small Navy task force across the Pacific, which came to Hawaii to participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise. It was the German militarys first time participating. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stopped in Hawaii during the exercise. In the islands, he told reporters we need to show that many countries in this world say this rules-based international order is the foundation, the prerequisite for security and prosperity of many people across the world. And so this is why we bear this responsibility together. And we need to show that we really support that. Afterwards the Germans sailed west to the Sea of Japan to participate in international sanction enforcement operations against North Korea and sailed through the Taiwan Strait and into the South China Sea, making stops in ports along the way. We have an inherent interest to our long-term prosperity in keeping waterways and shipping routes clear, said Taylor-Fowles. But the other reason is that we have many other allies and partners in the region that ask us to be there. He noted longstanding diplomatic and security cooperation with Japan, South Korea and Australia. Germany has also been engaging more with the Philippines on security operations. Taylor-Fowles said we have many allies and partners in the region that think it is important to message and to signal to potential adversaries in the region that this isnt just a regional issue or an American issue. Though Berlin is working to re-arm its military in historic ways, a sustained military presence in the Pacific isnt likely. For most European countries Germany included building up forces to deter Russia is the top priority and where forces will be based. But Taylor-Fowles noted that Germany has decades of experience from the Cold War on protecting undersea cables and securing sort of maritime infrastructure that it has been sharing with countries in the region, arguing even though we might not be a big sort of military player in terms of hardware in the Pacific, there is a lot that we can do bring to various issues in the region. Security in the Pacific, which includes economic security, human security, and those other issues, that is one of those areas where I think we all acknowledge and we all see that is something we can only do together, the German diplomat argued. America cant win the strategic competition with China by itself, America needs allies and partners America needs us, we need America. 2025 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Visit www.staradvertiser.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. U.S. soldiers attending air assault school prepare for troops to rappel from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, May 19, 2025. (Nathan Arellano Tlaczani/U.S. Army) (Tribune News Service) With the U.S. Army having long handled maintenance of thousands of Black Hawk helicopters, the branch could turn to industry to take on the job with no immediate indication whether Black Hawk manufacturer Sikorsky itself would bid for the work, and where that would occur if it won a contract. Sikorsky is based in Stratford as a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, with more than 7,000 employees in Connecticut at last report and more who work for a number of smaller suppliers. Last week, the U.S. Army announced plans to release a request for information on a potential commercial production line to maintain and upgrade some 2,300 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and variants. Between one and two-dozen helicopters would be disassembled annually, with parts inspected for any needed replacements and new systems installed, possibly to include capabilities for autonomous flight and the deployment of aerial drones for surveillance or attack. Lockheed Martin spokesperson Melissa Chadwick did not provide any immediate details on any potential Sikorsky bid in response to a CT Insider query on Wednesday. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership to support this iconic aircraft with the U.S. Army, National Guard, and allies well beyond 2050, a corporate statement read that was forwarded by Chadwick. Together with our network of American suppliers, we also continue modernization efforts in partnership with the Army that include innovations that will deliver critical capabilities to Army and National Guard soldiers such as increased mission reliability, crewed-uncrewed teaming, advanced networked reconnaissance, and cutting-edge digitization. Sikorskys main production bay in Stratford is currently dominated by as many as 200 CH-53K King Stallion cargo helicopters it is producing for the U.S. Marine Corps, and continuing Black Hawk production including for a contract announced in mid-December for another 24 helicopters at a cost of $433 million. Sikorsky has an auxiliary bay in Stratford for other Black Hawk variants, and another there where it produced the VH-92 Patriot helicopter fleet for the White House. Sikorsky also has a pair of Alabama facilities that support Black Hawk and variant helicopters. Army and Sikorsky test pilots have been putting a new turbine engine prototype through the paces at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, which the Army plans to install in existing Black Hawk helicopters and in time its fleet of Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. GE Aerospace will build the engines at a factory in Lynn, Massachusetts. Three years ago, the Army selected a Bell Textron tiltrotor aircraft for cargo transport and utility missions, but continues to order Black Hawk helicopters. Bell is working to begin delivering the MV-75 starting in 2028 and has stated it expects the aircraft to replace Black Hawks over time, but Army leaders have stated they they expect the Black Hawk to remain in Army service at least another 50 years. That will require upgrades to existing helicopters, which are handled today in part at the Corpus Christi Army Depot in Texas. The facility also performs maintenance work on CH-47 Chinook cargo helicopters and AH-64 Apache helicopters, manufactured in Pennsylvania and Arizona respectively by Boeing. The Army for now regards the Black Hawk maintenance request for industry information as market research in its words by a Utility Helicopters Project Office. The Army plans to host a conference in mid-February 2026 in Huntsville, Alabama, to share more details and gather industry feedback before accepting bids in March. An Army officer stated the effort will evaluate the industrial bases manufacturing capability and capacity to deliver UH-60M modernization and sustainment as worded in an announcement of the plans, and that any work could eventually extend to other U.S. and international military and civilian entities that fly the Black Hawk or variants like the maritime Seahawk helicopter. Among other criteria, the Army wants potential contractors to detail their total manufacturing and engineering workforce; their experience with the Black Hawk; capabilities on everything from removing paint to engine overhauls; how many overhauled aircraft they could deliver in a year; enclosed hangar or manufacturing bay space; and facility security. The Army also wants bidders to list three perceived risks for them in winning any contract and how they would mitigate those risks; and what plans they have in place for crisis management and business continuity. 2025 The Middletown Press, Conn.. Visit www.middletownpress.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal is awarded to veterans who served during the Korean War from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953. (Christine Spargur/U.S. Air Force) HAGUE, N.Y. (Tribune News Service) Former Hague residents Sgt. Howard R. Belden and Pvt. 1st Class Richard W. Jordan of the U.S. Army, who both served in and died during the Korean War, will be posthumously honored with the Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Republic of Korea. According to the Korean War Veterans Association, the Ambassador for Peace Medal is an expression of appreciation from the Korean government to United States service men and women who served in the Korean War. To be eligible, the veterans must have served during the Korean War from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, or participated in UN peacekeeping operations until the end of 1955. Both men attended Hague Central School and enlisted before graduation. Belden enlisted in the army in 1948 and served as a rifleman in the Security Platoon, Headquarters Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division during the Korean War. He died on Dec. 1, 1950, while stationed in Haggaru, North Korea, during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. He was 19. According to public accounts, he was shot in the back by enemy forces and placed in a truck for evacuation. The convoy was then ambushed, and Belden was reported missing in action until he was officially presumed dead on Dec. 31, 1953. His body would not be recovered until July 2018, when 55 boxes containing the remains of U.S. servicemen were turned over to the U.S. government as part of an agreement with North Korea. The remains went through a DNA analysis in Hawaii and in October 2021, his family was finally able to be notified that he was found. In April 2022, he was honored by the Town of Hague and the Warren County Board of Supervisors for his service to the country; April 22 was proclaimed Sgt., Howard Belden Day in the county and a procession was held in his honor. Belden earned a Purple Heart with one oak leaf cluster, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. Beldens body was buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors in May 2022. PFC Jordan entered Korea in 1950 with the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. On April 1, 1951, while fighting as part of Operation Ripper in the South Korean town of Uijongbu, he was seriously wounded in action during a missile attack by enemy forces. He died of his injuries the next day. He was 20 years old. His body was returned home and buried in Ticonderoga. Jordan earned a Purple Heart for his service, as well as a Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal. The Ambassador for Peace proclamation reads, It is a great honor and pleasure to express the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and our people for the service you and your countrymen have performed in restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy. We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us reestablish our free nation. In grateful recognition of your dedicated contributions, it is our privilege to proclaim you an Ambassador for Peace with every good wish of [the] people of the Republic of Korea. Let each of us reaffirm our mutual respect and friendship that they may endure for generations to come. Over 36,000 U.S. armed forces members died in-theater during the Korean War. 2025 The Post Star (Glens Falls, N.Y.). Visit www.poststar.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Soldiers from 4th Infantry Division and veterans attend a memorial service for the Vietnam Wars battle of Suoi Tre in Fort Carson, Colo., March 21, 2025. Vietnam veteran E. Paige Lanier is a constant presence around the 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery, on the base. (Isaiah Mount/U.S. Army) COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Tribune News Service) With a deafening crack, Vietnam veteran E. Paige Lanier pulled the lanyard on an M777 howitzer, sending a shell soaring over the prairie at Fort Carsons vast training grounds south of Colorado Springs. On that sunny fall day, Command Sgt. Maj. Rob McGinnis introduced Lanier to the crowd gathered for a demonstration of new technology as invaluable to the artillery regiment. He keeps us rooted in our history and he keeps us bonded together, McGinnis said. We love him. Former Army Capt. Lanier, 85, helped symbolically close the door on old communications technology that day. But he is a constant presence around the 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery on Fort Carson, visiting a few times a month. At a recent change of command ceremony, he sat in the front row, his red hat a stark contrast in a sea of camouflage. The 2-77 is just his home, said Capt. Sophia Suri, who helps Lanier as a board member of the regiments association. When troops were returning home from war in the Middle East, Lanier and a group of about 10 volunteers helped ensure they were greeted with pizza parties, challenge coins and free rides home. He made sure those welcomes replaced divorce attorneys representing unhappy spouses and taxi drivers wanting to charge exorbitant fees. The volunteers essentially ran the lawyers off base, he recalled. Some Vietnam veterans were spat upon or had red substances thrown on them by protesters. While it never happened to Lanier personally, he said some of his friends faced the angry reception, and the group wanted to make sure returning soldiers never experienced anything similar. These are my family, he said during an interview at his home in December, several months after firing the artillery on base. While Lanier has lived in Colorado Springs since 1972, his Virginia accent came through as he reflected on years of volunteer work with Fort Carson soldiers and his time as a young officer in Vietnam. Winning against the odds Sharing his stories from Vietnam with younger soldiers is also part of his mission on base. In early December, Lanier told the story of the Battle Soui Tre to Fort Carson soldiers, as a featured speaker during a celebration of the 4th Infantry Divisions 108th birthday. Laniers first deployment to Vietnam, as a first lieutenant, in 1966 and 67, came at a time when the U.S. was trying to capture Viet Cong leadership near Cambodia, as part of an offensive called Operation Junction City. As part of that push, the Army established a base for artillery to provide support to ground troops near the abandoned village of Soui Tre. I think they put us out there for bait, because they wanted the enemy to attack us, Lanier said. The Viet Cong likely thought they could overrun the American troops, but the U.S. soldiers beat them despite running out of ammunition at one point, he said. The battle started in the early morning of March 21, 1967, when the Viet Cong started a heavy mortar attack followed by a ground assault with troops descending on them from the north, east and south, according to an official Army account recommending the units in the battle for a presidential unit citation. The account estimated 2,500 Viet Cong attacked. The situation was so critical howitzers were lowered to fire directly into the waves of advancing enemy soldiers, the account said. The artillerymen fired beehive rounds into the soldiers filled with nails with fins on the end instead of a flat head, Lanier said. The beehive rounds would pin a soldiers rifle to their body and people to trees, he said, and contributed to the high death toll. The official record tallied 647 killed Viet Cong soldiers, but Lanier said he knew it was much higher because the defeated troops took the bodies of their fellow soldiers with them and as they retreated, American jets fired on them. As a young munitions officer at the time, Lanier collected the rounds from the munitions depot and received 18 extra rounds of the beehive munition that his commanding officer ordered him to issue to the guns anyway, providing more firepower to the 77th Artillery Regiment crews. During the fighting, the artillery crews cannibalized destroyed howitzers to keep damaged ones firing. When they ran out of ammunition, they grabbed rifles and kept firing on the enemy, Lanier said. Cooks, clerks and others also jumped in to help, the official record said. As U.S. soldiers ran out of ammunition, they started using weapons and ammunition from dead or wounded Viet Cong soldiers, according to the official record. The infantrymen ran out of bullets after being issued double their normal supply, he said. During the fighting, personnel carriers and tanks arrived with additional weapons, Lanier said, and the Americans carried the day, with about 33 soldiers killed and 187 wounded. During the battle, Lanier was less than two miles away, charged with manning small arms and thousands of high-explosive rounds for the artillery. Lanier and his team got lucky and werent discovered by the enemy fighters during the battle. In other engagements, though, Lanier was tasked with calling artillery fire and he had no problem giving the order, he recalled. If we got one round fired at us, I would have artillery in the air, he said. After enlisting in 1960 and then attending Officer Candidate School, Lanier had considered making the military a career. He came from a family history of service. Among the eight brothers in his family, six had served in the military, two in World War II, two in Korea and two in Vietnam, including Lanier. But he got frustrated with the lower standards for soldiers introduced by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. They couldnt read, they couldnt write, they couldnt march, he recalled. So he left and went into business for himself as a traveling salesman representing auto part manufacturers, a career he loved and worked in for 42 years. Work on Fort Carson In 2007, when the 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment moved back to Fort Carson from Fort Hood, Lanier got involved with the regiments association and organized a reunion after making friends with the battalions commander. During the reunion, the Vietnam veterans helped train the soldiers on air-lifting artillery with helicopters, he said. For some, Lanier is a living reminder of the regiments legacy. He also provides a personal connection to the soldiers of the past and an understanding of who they are and what they went through, said Capt. Suri, who has met other older artillerymen through the association. Through those former soldiers she said she has learned about dedication to community. Your service is not restricted to your time in active duty, she said. While Lanier is moving a little slower than he used to after a fall, he has no plans to stop volunteering with the artillerymen or telling their story. And he expects artillery will be relevant long into the future because it always has been. Artillery has been a backbone of the military forever, he said. While the artillery shell he fired in September could be his last, he said that sunny day, he is not ruling out the possibility of another invitation from his friends at the 2nd Battalion to fire a big gun. 2025 The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Visit www.gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban believes the government may have slipped in a version of universal basic income without anyone realizing it. And he thinks it came through an unexpected path: Health savings accounts. Cuban Sees Hidden UBI in Trump-Era HSA Expansion I think its interesting that the [Trump] administration offered a UBI program, hidden behind direct HSA contributions, and no one noticed, Cuban wrote in a post on X recently. Mark Cuban (@mcuban) December 20, 2025 I think it's interesting that the administration offered a UBI program, hidden behind direct HSA contributions, and no one noticed Those eligible for the $3k or so annual HSA contributions, can withdraw with a 20% penalty. That's $200 per month. Aka UBI,for anyone under Don't Miss: Earn While You Scroll: The Deloitte-Ranked #1 Software Company Growing 32,481% Is Opening Its $0.50/Share Round to Accredited Investors. 7 Million Gamers Already Trust Gameflip With Their Digital Assets Now You Can Own a Stake in the Platform He said that eligible individuals can receive up to $3,000 a year in tax-advantaged HSA contributions. If used for non-medical expenses, the funds incur a 20% penalty, but that still amounts to roughly $200 per month in available cash. Aka UBI, for anyone under the standard deduction or even paying zero taxes because of child tax credits, he added. Cuban emphasized that this structure functions like a soft safety net for lower-income Americans, even if its not officially labeled as UBI. I never thought we would see a UBI proposal. But here we are! Still, he criticized the approach, writing, Im not a fan of the HSA contributions because too little will actually be spent on healthcare. Trending: GM-Backed EnergyX Is Solving the Lithium Supply Crisis Invest Before They Scale Global Production Critics Say Its Not UBI At All Cubans comments sparked debate. The 2024 Libertarian presidential candidate Lars Mapstead pushed back, writing, The government is not depositing $3,000 into accounts. Individuals or employers fund HSAs with their own money. Calling this a UBI implies new public spending, which is not happening, he said. The $200/month framing is misleading. Another person added that the HSA structure misses the cruel design and benefits the comfortable while excluding around 40% of Americans. It's reverse welfare for the comfortable, they said. Cuban replied simply, Wrong. Spine surgeon John Asghar also challenged the idea. Eligibility is limited, contribution caps remain low, and access requires enrollment in a qualifying plan, he said. Funds must be pre-contributed and non-medical withdrawals trigger taxes plus a 20 percent penalty. The last weekend of the year is threatening to be very unpleasant weather wise in Malaga. Spain's state meteorological agency (Aemet) has raised the warning for heavy rainfall in the province to amber with up to 80mm expected to fall in 12 hours. The alert will be at this level in the Ronda, western Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce valley areas, while in Antequera and the Axarquia a lower warning will be in force, at yellow level, for amounts that could reach 60mm. The episode will begin at three o'clock this Saturday - except in the Axarquia which will come into force at 8pm - and will intensify in the last hours of the day and early hours of Sunday, when peaks well above 20mm litres per square metre in an hour are expected. Zoom The weather alerts in place in Malaga province this Saturday, 27 December 2025. Aemet The heavy rain warning does not come alone. Storms are also expected - with "very strong gusts from the east", according to Aemet - and coastal phenomena along the entire coastline. In this case, the alert is expected at midday and Levante winds are forecast with gusts of between 50 and 60 kilometres per hour (force 7) and waves of 2 to 3 metres. Temperatures will be as low as 9C this Saturday in Malaga city, where the thermometers will not climb above 16 degrees. The mercury will be as low as just 2C in Ronda and 3C in Antequera. In Marbella and Velez, the minimum temperatures will be around 10 and 7 degrees respectively. On Sunday, the scenario will be very similar. At least at the start of the day. Malaga will remain in check with heavy rain forecast until 10am. In the Ronda, western Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce valley areas the warning will be amber with the forecast of up to 80mm in 12 hours. From 4am the warning will be downgraded to yellow, the same as in the Axarquia and Antequera. Until the end of the year The forecast for the next few days is for rain until almost the end of the year, when the outlook should clear up somewhat. As a result, the weather forecasts are looming like dark clouds over this weekend's leisure and shopping plans, but they promise a return for Malaga's reservoirs, which are still feeling the effects of the run-off from the latest rains. In just over a week, the province's seven reservoirs have seen their reserves increase by 15 million cubic metres. This is equivalent to the annual consumption of a population of 225,000 people. The rate of inflow from the tail end of the reservoirs is steady. The water in storage already exceeds 292 million cubic metres, which is almost half of Malaga province's reservoir capacity. Distribution The Guadalteba is on its way to 82 million cubic metres. It has the largest volume, closely followed by La Vinuela, with almost 74. The third largest is the Guadalhorce, on the verge of 47 million cubic metres. El Limonero and Casasola, which are flood abatement reservoirs but are also strategic reserves in case of supply needs, store 11 and 9 million cubic metres respectively. As things stand, the situation is very different from this time last year. The seven reservoirs barely contained 171 million cubic metres in a province still plagued by droughts and where the storms of October and November had given a respite. As for the watercourses, there are no warnings at any point in the province. The highest flow, with more than 3,000 litres per second, is recorded at the Paredones weir, downstream of the Guadalhorce system, where the branch that goes to irrigation and the branch that is intended to supply Malaga city meet. HGTV star David Bromstad is getting honest about his struggles with substance abuse. In his newest special, My Lottery Dream Home: Davids Happy Ending, which premiered Dec. 19, Bromstad revealed that he entered a treatment program after storm damage to his Florida dream home led him to turn to substances to cope with the emotional fallout. Bromstad said severe damage to his fairytale-inspired home, including extensive mold that required stripping the structure to the studs, triggered a personal crisis. I got into some unhealthy behaviors and its really easy to go there when youre under distress, Bromstad said in the special. I knew I was in trouble. The renovation project held deep personal significance for the 52-year-old creative, who designed the home to help heal childhood trauma from being bullied. When the storm nearly destroyed it, he connected the physical damage to his emotional state. Back when I was a teenager, I didnt deal with what really happened, Bromstad said. I was exactly this amount of gay, this amount of perfect, but that was not celebrated, that was looked [at] in a different way back then. He added, Now my childhood fantasy, my house, is broken, like me. As the renovation stalled, Bromstad recognized he needed help. I think with the house, with where Im at emotionally, physically, spiritually, psychologically, everything has stopped. I was literally screaming out for help, he said. That realization led him to seek treatment. I decided its time. I need to put my house on hold and I need to check myself into some sort of program, Bromstad said. I need to talk. I need to climb out of this hole. I need to understand why I climbed into it in the first place. After completing his treatment, the TV star celebrated his 50th birthday in August 2023 with a trip to Norway. In Instagram posts from the trip, he reflected on his recovery journey. Learning to love myself, warts and all, has been the hardest and most beautiful process, he wrote. In another post, he said it feels good to be present, sober and living the life I was intended to live. A Canadian spinoff of HGTVs Home Town Takeover is moving forward without Erin and Ben Napier. The beloved HGTV couple, who have anchored the franchise since 2016, wont be hosting the new series due to legal restrictions. Canadian broadcasting regulations prevent the Mississippi couple from taking their usual leading roles. Instead, theyll appear as guest stars while another husband-and-wife team takes over hosting duties. Our production company is Canadian. The people who make our show, theyre passionate about this Canadian takeover, Erin told Cinemablend earlier this month. But because were Americans, were not legally allowed to host the show. We can only be in it as, like guest stars. Ben explained the reason behind the restriction: A Canadian broadcast show has to be hosted by Canadian talent. The requirement stems from Canadas Online Streaming Act, which became law in April 2023. The legislation aims to support Canadian creators and increase representation by ensuring Canadian broadcast productions feature Canadian talent. The Napiers have endorsed their successors, though the production has not publicly revealed the new hosts identities. We know who it is, and I can say that we really like them, Ben said. Its another husband and wife team. The Home Town franchise focuses on revitalizing small towns. The original series centered on the Napiers renovation work in their hometown of Laurel, Miss. The couple also has another project in the works. A special documenting the renovation of the Heirloom Hotel in Laurel is expected to air in 2026. The 30-room boutique hotel, featured in the HGTV series Inn This Together, was severely damaged by a fire in August. If you want to see human endurance and the spirit of we can do hard things, it is going to be that hotel series, Erin further told Cinemablend. The city of Syracuse did not have enough snow plow drivers available to respond to the fast-falling snow storm Friday night and Saturday morning, officials said. The response did not meet our standard of performance, and we are taking immediate steps to correct it, Public Works Commissioner Jeremy Robinson told syracuse.com. At least four inches of snow fell quickly Friday night and early Saturday morning. The snow was combined with ice and sleet. Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in advance of the storm. On Saturday morning, many city streets had not been plowed, according to a city website that allows residents to track service on each street every five minutes. Syracuse.com readers reported difficulty navigating steep hills and side streets in nearly every neighborhood. Even the streets around City Hall were covered in chunky snow hours after the storm ended. Robinson said early forecasts called for lighter snow. He said the public works department did not mandate shifts, which led to fewer drivers than anticipated. He said crews are working now to clear the roads. We are reallocating resources to prioritize the most critical routes first, he said. In the future, the city will mandate more shifts during storms, he said. The city also needs to hire more snow plow drivers, he said. The city has 26 snow plows. Earlier this month, Mayor Ben Walsh introduced the newest three plows and announced names for them: Blizzard Beater, Salt City Express and Below Zero Hero. The new plows cost $250,000 each and took two years to build. Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Friday for more than half of New Yorks counties ahead of what forecasters predict will be the highest snowfall totals for New York City since 2022. The emergency declaration covers 36 counties, including all five New York City boroughs, as widespread snowfall is expected to begin Friday evening and continue into Saturday morning. The Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions are forecast to receive the highest totals, with four to eight inches expected and localized amounts of up to one foot possible. Areas throughout Central New York, the Southern Tier and Capital Region are expected to see three to six inches of snow, with localized amounts reaching up to eight inches. Peak snowfall rates could exceed two inches per hour in some areas. As widespread snowfall is expected to start in New York City and its surrounding areas this evening, I will declare a State of Emergency to ensure that our agencies and local partners have the resources and tools they need to respond to the storm, Hochul said. The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and I continue to urge extreme caution throughout the duration of this storm. Please continue to monitor your local forecast, avoid unnecessary travel and if you must travel, take all necessary precautions to ensure you arrive safely at your destination. The heaviest snowfall is expected between 6 p.m. and midnight Friday. Officials are urging residents who need to travel to reach their destinations before 6 p.m. and avoid unnecessary travel until late Saturday morning. Snow has already begun falling in western portions of the state, with the system expected to move east throughout the day. Strong winds are also anticipated, with gusts of 25 to 35 mph possible and localized gusts potentially reaching 50 mph. The wind, combined with snow that could be wet and heavy at times, creates the potential for power outages and hazardous driving conditions with reduced visibility. Ice accumulation is possible in Western New York. The state of emergency impacts Albany, Bronx, Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Fulton, Greene, Herkimer, Kings, Madison, Montgomery, Nassau, New York, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Rensselaer, Suffolk, Ulster, Wayne, Westchester and contiguous counties. Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories have been issued. Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts and updates from the National Weather Service. New Yorkers can sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333-111. State agencies began preparations for this storm earlier this week. Christmas week was good for most people, but for hundreds of crypto investors, it ended with a court-ordered shutdown. An Australian court has shut down NGS Crypto, a digital asset company that marketed itself as a crypto-based retirement solution, after liquidators recovered just $4.4 million of an estimated $40 million invested by the public. The Federal Court order, issued during Christmas week, followed findings that the Gold Coastlinked group operated an unlicensed financial services business and posed what the court described as a serious risk to investors, reported The Australian. Related: New property rules could boost investor protection in crypto bankruptcies Marketed as crypto mining NGS Crypto promoted what it called digital mining packages, telling investors they could earn fixed annual returns of up to 16%, while also assuring them their principal would be returned. Related: What is Bitcoin mining? Explained According to Australias corporate regulator, those claims raised immediate concerns. The court ultimately found the company was operating without the required financial services license, breaching securities and consumer protection laws. Justice Berna Collier ordered the companies wound up and permanently restrained from offering financial services, citing risks to retail investors and repeated violations of corporate regulations. According to Australias corporate regulator, more than 450 investors put money into NGS Crypto and related entities over roughly six years. Many were encouraged to move retirement savings into the scheme using self-managed retirement accounts, similar to U.S. self-directed IRAs. Regulators said this gave the operation an appearance of legitimacy and compliance. Marketing materials emphasized predictable income, capital protection, and blockchain expertise, messaging that appealed particularly to older investors and retirees. More News: Court finds unlicensed financial services activity The Federal Court found that NGS Crypto and its related entities were operating a financial services business without a license, in breach of securities and consumer protection laws. In her ruling, Justice Berna Collier said the structure and conduct of the business posed a serious risk to investors and warranted immediate intervention. The court ordered the group wound up and permanently restrained it from operating or promoting financial products. Four die in avalanche in Greece: state TV Athens, Dec 26 (AFP) Dec 26, 2025 The bodies of four people who died in an avalanche in Greece were discovered Friday after an intense search operation, state television ERT reported. Rescue services had been looking for three hikers, men between 30 and 35, who went missing on Thursday in the Vardousia mountains in central Greece. A woman in her mid-30s, who had not been reported missing, was found dead with the others, ERT said. Greek police were not available for confirmation. Rescue services, using drones and trained dogs, discovered the bodies shortly after finding traces of their footsteps in the area popular with hikers and mountaineers, ERT said. The large search operation was hampered by low temperatures and limited visibility, local authorities told media. 6.6-magnitude earthquake hits off Taiwan Taipei, Dec 27 (AFP) Dec 27, 2025 A 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck off Taiwan's northeastern coast on Saturday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said, the second major tremor to hit the island within days. Taiwan's weather agency, which put the magnitude at 7.0, said the quake hit at 11:05 pm (1505 GMT) at a depth of 73 kilometres (45 miles) in the sea off Yilan county, southwest of Taipei. The Yilan County Fire Bureau told AFP there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The quake caused buildings in the capital Taipei to sway, and local media said it was felt across Taiwan. It also temporarily disrupted electricity supply in a Yilan town, said the National Fire Agency, adding no major damage was reported. Taiwan Railway said it suspended four trains operating in Yilan, affecting more than 270 passengers. Taipei's metro lines were running at reduced speed for around 20 minutes until no abnormalities were reported in the stations and tracks, authorities said. Premier Cho Jung-tai urged the public to "remain vigilant and be mindful of the safety of your neighbours" in a statement issued after the quake. "A strong earthquake struck an hour ago (23:05). After repeatedly checking the situation in various locations, thankfully, there were only minor incidents," he said in a separate post on Facebook. Taiwan is frequently hit by earthquakes due to its location on the edge of two tectonic plates near the Pacific Ring of Fire, which the USGS says is the most seismically active zone in the world. On Wednesday, a 6.0-magnitude tremor struck the island's southeast. In April 2024, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed 17 people as it triggered landslides and severely damaged buildings around Hualien city. Officials at the time said it was Taiwan's strongest quake in 25 years. It was the most serious in Taiwan since a 7.6-magnitude tremor struck in 1999 -- the deadliest natural disaster in the island's history. Two dead as storm batters Nordics Stockholm, Dec 27 (AFP) Dec 27, 2025 Two people died Saturday in Sweden, authorities and a utility said, as a storm battered Norway, Sweden and Finland, leaving thousands without power. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute issued alerts for strong winds for large parts of the northern half of the country as Storm Johannes hit the country. One fatality, a man in his 50s, was reported near the Kungsberget ski resort in central Sweden. The man was hit by a falling tree, Mats Lann of Gavleborg police told AFP. He was taken to hospital where he died from his injuries. Further north, regional utility Hemab said that one of its employees had died in an accident "in the field". Broadcaster SVT reported that the worker had also been caught under a falling tree. Finnish public broadcaster Yle reported that over 120,000 homes in Finland were without power, with the western part of the country being hit the worst. Swedish news agency TT reported that over 40,000 Swedish homes were left without electricity. Traffic at the Kittila airport in northern Finland was halted after heavy winds pushed a passenger plane and a smaller plane off the runway and into a bank of snow, Finnish media reported. There were no injuries. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: We 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. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. 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. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model . Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of PropNex Limited ( SGX:OYY ) by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. 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 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 (2.5%) 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 7.3%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035 (1 + g) (r g) = S$143m (1 + 2.5%) (7.3% 2.5%) = S$3.0b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= S$3.0b ( 1 + 7.3%)10= S$1.5b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is S$2.4b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of S$1.9, the company appears quite good value at a 43% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind. SGX:OYY Discounted Cash Flow December 27th 2025 Important Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at PropNex 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 7.3%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.159. 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 PropNex SWOT Analysis for PropNex Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Currently debt free. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Real Estate market. Opportunity Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the Singaporean market. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Threat Dividends are not covered by earnings. Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Singaporean market. Looking Ahead: Whilst important, the DCF calculation is only one of many factors that you need to assess for 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. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For PropNex, there are three essential factors you should look at: Risks: We feel that you should assess the 1 warning sign for PropNex we've flagged before making an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does OYY's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Singaporean stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice 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. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Diana, Princess of Wales, was considered "far more" adept at navigating the media landscape than Charles, then Prince of Wales, newly-declassified documents have revealed. The documents from the National Archives of Ireland reveal that Dianas staff were actively engaged in "upstaging" St James' Palace during their highly publicised separation. These files also shed light on Charles's two-day visit to Ireland in June 1995, following his 1992 split from Diana. His inner circle reportedly viewed the extensive coverage of this trip as a crucial component of a "long-term public relations strategy to rehabilitate the Prince in the eyes of the British public" in the wake of their high-profile divorce. Charless press team, led by press secretary Alan Percival and his successor Sandy Henney, had reported to Irish officials that they felt the visit to Ireland was the best public outing the Prince has had in a very long time. Charles, then the Prince of Wales, conducted a two-day visit to Ireland while Prince of Wales in June 1995 ( Martin Keene/PA Wire ) Ms Henney was described in the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs document as fiercely loyal to Charles and alive to every opportunity to advance his cause. A Department of Foreign Affairs note shows officials were unsure if she was joking when she suggested that Diana may also want to visit Ireland. Henney (who would have been less aware of the political dimension than the more restrained Percival) told me that if she had any say in it the Prince would be here again before the summer was out, according to the document. She also remarked that if practice to date was any guide we could shortly expect an approach from Princess Diana! Department of Foreign Affairs official Joe Hayes added: I took this as a joke until she repeated it and assured me that in the media battle between the two, the Princess was by far the more predatory and skilled and her staff devoted a great deal of time to finding ways and means of upstaging St James Palace. Charles officials agreed with the Irish diplomats that coverage of the visit in the UK was, while positive, relatively light compared with that in Ireland. It was noted by officials on both sides of the Irish Sea that, in contrast with the blanket coverage in Ireland, the coverage of the visit in the UK was though positive, relatively light in tone. This article is based on documents contained in the file labelled 2025/124/160 in the National Archives of Ireland. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Long Island man has been arrested for the fatal stabbing of a 23-year-old CVS employee on Christmas Day. John Pilaccio, 43, of Lindenhurst, is charged with second-degree murder after he allegedly stabbed Edeedson Cine, of West Babylon, in the chest about an hour before the store was set to close, Suffolk County police said Friday. Officers responded to the scene just before 7 p.m. Thursday at the CVS store at 20 East Montauk Highway in Lindenhurst. The suspect initially fled the scene on foot and Cine was rushed to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, where he was pronounced dead. Pilaccio was identified as a person of interest based on witness descriptions and surveillance video from outside the store, Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said on Friday. It appears this poor kid went to work on Christmas and he was assaulted while he was working behind the counter in the store, Catalina added. Cine had worked at the store for about 10 months, according to police and CVS representatives. Investigators have not said what led to the stabbing or whether the suspect and victim knew each other. Pilaccio was taken into custody later that day and is set to be arraigned on Saturday. open image in gallery Edeedson Cine was fatally stabbed at a CVS store on Long Island on Christmas, the Suffolk County Police said on Friday ( GoFundMe ) Were devastated over the tragic stabbing that occurred inside our East Montauk Highway store on Christmas night, a CVS spokesperson said in a statement. Edeedson Cine was a valued member of the store team, known for his strong work ethic his loss will be felt by all of us. Cines family told CBS News that he was not scheduled to work on Christmas, but that he had picked up an extra shift. Why inside of CVS? Cines grandmother, Rose Cine said. Why where he was working? He just gets up and goes to work thats all he does. She said her grandson lived with his parents, attended a Seventh-day Adventist church and was very loving. A makeshift memorial was set up outside the store Friday, where community members stopped to honor Cine, who made a lasting impression on customers. open image in gallery A makeshift memorial was set up outside the CVS store in Lindenhurst on Friday, where community members stopped to honor Edeedson Cine, who made a lasting impression on customers ( Google Maps ) He would go above and beyond. If you needed something, he would be responsive to you, customer Margaret Reichling said. He was always a nice, polite kid. A GoFundMe that describes Cine as a remarkable young man who was taken from this world far too soon, had raised more than $36,000 by Saturday. He had a fierce heart for service, and his love for his family and friends was unwavering, the campaign read. That love will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know him. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A former law enforcement officer in Florida who once lectured students about the harm of bullying is accused of committing a violent act against a child herself. Tiffany Lee Griffith, 36, of Fort Myers, was arrested December 19 and charged with aggravated child abuse after allegedly holding a six-year-old boy underwater for several seconds at a hotel pool, according to a police report obtained by WPBF. Investigators say the alleged act was retaliation for the child repeatedly dunking her own son, who she said is eight years old and has autism. The incident happened at the Gaylord Palms Hotel in Orlando, where authorities say Griffith got into the pool and began screaming at a child she believed was playing too rough with her son. She then placed her hands on the victims shoulders and forcibly dunked him underwater for several seconds, according to the Osceola County Sheriffs Office. open image in gallery Tiffany Griffith, 36, who was arrested for allegedly holding a child underwater at a pool in retaliation for the child repeatedly dunking her own son, was once a police officer who spoke out against bullying ( Osceola County Sheriff's Office ) Security footage obtained by ClickOrlando shows Griffith wading over to the boy and holding him down in the water for approximately two to three seconds. The boy got out of the pool visibly upset and bleeding from his nose, police said. Griffith then allegedly screamed at the boys mother before leaving the pool area. It was later revealed that Griffith had previously worked for the Punta Gorda Police Department from 2013 to 2018 under the name Tiffany Lee Viola. She had also served as a school resource officer and was awarded employee of the quarter in 2016. Online posts show her speaking to high school freshmen at Charlotte High School about bullying and sexting. open image in gallery Griffith once served as a school resource officer and was awarded employee of the quarter in 2016 ( Punta Gorda Police Department ) Griffith was booked at the Osceola County Jail on an aggravated child abuse charge. At a pretrial release hearing this week, Griffiths husband testified that she feared her son could have been in danger. She was released on a $20,000 bond on Tuesday. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Three people are hurt following a shooting in the downtown area of Wallace, Idaho. Police responded to reports of gunfire at the Shoshone County Sheriffs Office around 2:30 p.m. local time Friday, Sheriff William Eddy said at a press conference. Multiple agencies responded, and the suspected shooter is now dead. An officer sustained an injury to his ear and two women were shot in the leg while inside a vehicle near the county building. All three have minor injuries, Eddy said. Following an officer-involved shooting, the suspect was pronounced dead around 4:15 p.m. local time in the lobby of the building, according to Eddy. The suspected attacker had several guns, he said. No further information has been revealed about the suspect. SWAT units were deployed to the area after the shooting was reported. open image in gallery Shoshone County Sheriff William Eddy told reporters three people were injured in a shooting in Wallace, Idaho ( KREM 2 News ) The Mineral County Sheriff's Office also said it dispatched reinforcements to assist in the neighboring county and asked people to stay away from the downtown area. Mineral County is located in northwestern Montana. The online reports of an active shooter at the Shoshone County Sheriffs Office in Wallace, Idaho are accurate, Mineral County Sheriff's Office said a Facebook post. We are sending reinforcement to help our neighbor. Please pray for all law enforcement. Wallace is a small historical city, located about an hour and a half drive east of Spokane, in the Silver Valley along Interstate 90 near the Montana border. open image in gallery SWAT units were deployed to the area after the shooting was reported ( Getty Images ) Around 800 people live in Wallace, according to Census data. Local news outlets reported that police formed a perimeter near the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office during the incident. The Shoshone County Courthouse, sheriffs office and county jail are all located within the same building. Several local businesses in the downtown area reported a heavy law enforcement presence in the area, according to local news outlets. The owner of a nearby Ace Hardware said the suspected shooter fired into his building before entering the sheriffs office, according to the Shoshone News-Press. Another witness who was inside a nearby grocery store told KREM 2 News she heard some shots fired in the area. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Kentucky police discovered about 55 pounds of methamphetamine disguised as Christmas presents during a holiday drug bust. Police in Jeffersontown, a Louisville suburb, found the illicit drugs during an investigation on Bluegrass Parkway on December 22, according to a police press release. Detectives encountered Jacob Talamantes, a 23-year-old from Nebraska, while he exited a vehicle. He reportedly tried to walk away from the authorities, but officers detained him. While smelling the outside of the vehicle, a police K9 unit signaled to officers that narcotics were present. Officers opened the trunk and discovered over half a dozen boxes wrapped in Christmas paper, which they said contained suspected methamphetamine. Photos posted by police show cardboard boxes, discarded wrapping paper and about 20 plastic bags filled with a white-colored substance. open image in gallery Police in Kentucky seized 55 pounds of meth disguised as Christmas presents in a holiday bust ( Jeffersontown Police Department ) According to police, Talamantes said he had traveled from Iowa and was intending to traffic the meth. Talamantes was arrested and charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. Other charges could be added as the probe continues. open image in gallery Police arrested Jacob Talamantes, a 23-year-old from Nebraska, over the haul ( Jeffersontown Police Department ) open image in gallery 'No amount of festive wrapping can disguise the harm these drugs inflict on families and communities,' Chief Richard Sanders said ( Jeffersontown Police Department ) The investigation was aided by the Kentucky State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration, police said. "No amount of festive wrapping can disguise the harm these drugs inflict on families and communities, Jeffersontown Police Chief Richard Sanders said in the release. The coordinated efforts of partner agencies ensured these holiday-wrapped packages never reached the streets. Its not the first time such a stunt has been pulled. Last December, a Canadian woman was arrested after she tried to bring meth wrapped up as a Christmas present through an airport in New Zealand. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Five years before New York City was terrorized by the Son of Sam killer David Berkowitz back in the 1970s, a teenage girl was gunned down on a Bronx street and now, a retired detective believes her killing could be linked to Berkowitz, as he calls for the case to be reopened. Mike Lorenzo, whose father worked the Berkowitz investigation, told The New York Post that the 1970 murder of 16-year-old Margaret Inglesia bears striking similarities to the crimes that would later make Berkowitz one of the most infamous serial killers in American history. This is a case that needs to be reexamined, said Lorenzo, who is working with Son of Sam expert Manny Grossman, to urge the NYPD to reopen the decades-old case. Lorenzo spent 20 years with the Yonkers Police Department before retiring in 2008. This was Son of Sam before Son of Sam. On October 18, 1970, around 2 a.m., Inglesia was walking home from a party when she was shot on East 169th Street between Morris and Grant avenues in the Morrisania section of the Bronx. She was shot once in the front and twice in the back as she lay dying, according to a witness report at the time. open image in gallery Son of Sam killer David Berkowitz terrorized NYC in the late 1970s, but a retired detective believes his rampage might have started even earlier ( Getty ) Her killing was the only fatal shooting in a string of six attacks carried out by an unidentified sniper on the same block over a two-month span that year. No arrests were ever made. But Lorenzo and Grossman believe Berkowitz, who was 17 at the time, could have been the one responsible. From June 1970 to June 1971, Berkowitz worked about a mile away from the attacks, at his fathers business, Melrose Hardware, before leaving to join the U.S. Army. They also point to evidence uncovered after Berkowitzs 1977 arrest, including 100-yard shooting targets found in his home, as sign he may have been honing long-distance shooting skills before his notorious killing spree. Why would he have 100-yard targets? Hes not a hunter, Lorenzo pointed out. The theory comes with notable differences. Berkowitzs confirmed attacks between 1976 and 1977 were carried out at close range, using a .44-caliber revolver, often firing through car windows. The Bronx sniper used a .22-caliber rifle. Still, Lorenzo argues the similarities outweigh the discrepancies. It wasnt right next door to the fathers shop but it wasnt 20 miles away or in another borough and it fits his M.O., Lorenzo said. Its the same thing as the Son of Sam killings but just a different kind of gun. Shooting into a car is sniping too. New York City in the 1970s was already unraveling financially strained, crime-ridden, and fearful. But between July 1976 and August 1977, that fear escalated when a faceless gunman stalked young women and couples across the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. open image in gallery Between July 1976 and August 1977, Berkowitz stalked young women and couples across the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn ( Netflix ) open image in gallery Calling himself the Son of Sam, the killer taunted police and the media with handwritten letters and random violence ( Netflix ) Calling himself the Son of Sam, the killer taunted police and the media with handwritten letters and random violence. Berkowitz, a Yonkers postal worker, was eventually identified as the shooter who murdered six people and wounded seven others, including teenagers and young couples sitting in parked cars. After more than a year of false leads and mounting panic, a parking ticket near the scene of the final shooting led police to Berkowitzs car and he was arrested on August 10, 1977. He was convicted in 1978 of six counts of second-degree murder and seven counts of attempted second-degree murder, and sentenced to 25 years to life. Now 72, Berkowitz remains incarcerated at Shawangunk Correctional Facility in Ulster County. open image in gallery Now 72, Berkowitz remains incarcerated at Shawangunk Correctional Facility in Ulster County ( AP ) open image in gallery Wendy Savino survived a 1976 shooting in the Bronx after being struck five times while sitting in her car ( NBC News ) Lorenzo said the Bronx sniper case had troubled him long before he began working with Grossman on other Son of Sam-related investigations. I really think theres something in those files, Lorenzo said. The two have previously helped uncover a previously unknown Berkowitz victim Wendy Savino, who survived a 1976 shooting in the Bronx after being struck five times while sitting in her car. I found out about Wendy because I found the sketch she did of her shooter that was an exact match of Berkowitz, Grossman told The Post. Then I found a police report that showed her shooting had all the characteristics of a Son of Sam shooting. He then cold called Savino and says she told him that she had identified Berkowitz as her shooter in 1977 right after his arrest. She never forgot his face, he added. The findings were later brought to now-retired NYPD First Grade Detective Robert Klein, who concluded Savino had been shot by Berkowitz, despite Berkowitz denying the crime during a prison interview, police sources said. Interest in the Son of Sam case has surged again in recent years, fueled most recently by a Netflix docuseries that revisits Berkowitzs crimes using never-before-heard prison recordings and archival footage. youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=mLENEDZK3h4&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.the-independent.com%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE Grossman believes the Inglesia case deserves a closer look whether or not Berkowitz ultimately proves to be the killer. This is a major case thats been forgotten, Grossman said. Theres a perp out there and we think its Berkowitz. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice 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. open image in gallery 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. open image in gallery 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. AI is transforming the advertising and marketing industries. Startups developing tools such as AI agents and AI-generated video platforms are raising millions. Take a look at the pitch decks of 14 media and advertising AI startups shared with Business Insider. AI is reshaping the media and marketing industries at warp speed. Adtech and martech startups are raising millions of dollars from venture capital firms on the back of the AI wave. Many of these companies are developing under-the-hood tech, such as agentic AI tools designed to streamline marketers' workflows and boost productivity. Others are working on creative platforms that let marketers create ads and even virtual influencers using generative AI. Some are working in the new area of "generative engine optimization" (GEO), helping brands optimize their visibility in AI search results. "We want to disrupt the traditional ad agency," Bolbi Liu, founder of AI adtech startup AdsGency, told Business Insider. In October, AdsGency announced it raised a $12 million seed round, led by XYZ Venture Capital. The AI Marketer reports on how artificial intelligence is disrupting advertising, brand, creative, data, and the role of the CMO. Contact Lara O'Reilly for pitches or questions. Advertising agency giants are aware that they must embrace AI or risk being left behind. Large agency groups, from UK-based WPP to French holding company Publicis and US ad giant Omnicom, have pledged to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in AI over the next few years. Publicis is hunting for AI companies to acquire. There's big money to be made. A Boston Consulting Group survey of 200 senior marketers, conducted this year, found that 71% of chief marketing officers plan to invest at least $10 million annually in generative AI over the next three years, up from 57% of respondents in the 2024 edition of the study. Business Insider has interviewed the founders of startups building tools to disrupt advertising and marketing with AI. These founders shared the pitch decks they used to impress investors and raise venture capital funding. Read 14 pitch decks advertising and marketing AI startups used to raise millions: Series B Series A Advertisement CultureMoviesCinema Filmmaker Tyler Perry accused of sexual assault again Francesca Regalado and Mark Walker December 28, 2025 9:32am 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 second actor has sued filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry, accusing him of sexual assault and seeking $US77 million ($115 million) in damages, according to a complaint filed Thursday in the Los Angeles Superior Court. In the lawsuit, which also names the production company Lionsgate as a defendant, the actor, Mario Rodriguez, said he was subjected to multiple instances of sexual assault at Perrys Los Angeles home. Tyler Perry in June, the month he was first accused of sexual assault. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Rodriguez had a small role in the 2016 comedy Boo! A Madea Halloween, a movie that Perry directed and starred in. Rodriguez told Perry that he had never acted before auditioning to get that part, according to the lawsuit. According to the complaint, Rodriguez was approached by a trainer at a Los Angeles Equinox gym in 2015 about meeting with Perry about a possible acting role as a very good-looking college student in a new movie that later became Boo! A Madea Halloween. Advertisement In the years that followed, Rodriguez said Perry subjected him to several unwanted sexual advances. Related Article Celebrity life Actor accuses Tyler Perry of sexual assault in $400 million lawsuit Among the instances, the complaint details two that took place between 2018 and 2019 in which Rodriguez said Perry apologised for unwanted sexual advances and stuffed $US5000 in his pocket on both occasions before he left. This is the second such lawsuit filed against Perry this year. In June, actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in Perrys television series The Oval, sued him for $US260 million. Advertisement Dixon claimed that Perry subjected him to escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery, and professional retaliation when Dixon did not reciprocate Perrys unwanted advances, according to the lawsuit. The lawyer representing Perry in that case, Matthew Boyd, said the lawsuit was without merit, calling it a scam. Film tycoon Tyler Perry. Invision Both Dixon and Rodriguez are being represented by the same lawyer, Jonathan Delshad. Alex Spiro, a lawyer representing Perry in the most recent lawsuit, said in a statement that having recently failed in another matter against Mr Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab. Advertisement Spiro added that his client had yet to be served. Lionsgate did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. Perry has written and directed plays, movies and television shows depicting black life in America, including the Madea series, in which he also stars. In 2019, he opened a 330-acre studio complex in Atlanta, where productions including Black Panther and The Walking Dead have been filmed. The New York Times Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). Must-see movies, interviews and all the latest from the world of film delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our Screening Room newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Cinema Crime Advertisement Review Eating outSydney This ramen spots first Australian outpost is generating long-distance buzz Japanese vegan restaurant Towzen is pushing boundaries at its third international offshoot, in Sydney, with ramen that incorporates Thai green curry and Sichuan-style flavours. Lee Tran Lam December 28, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A As featured in the January 2026 hit list. See all stories . 1 / 13 Sydneys Towzen sits in a 140-year-old heritage building. James Brickwood 2 / 13 Thai green curry ramen. James Brickwood 3 / 13 James Brickwood 4 / 13 Tantanmen ramen. James Brickwood 5 / 13 James Brickwood 6 / 13 James Brickwood 7 / 13 Kyoto ramen. James Brickwood 8 / 13 Matcha strawberry latte. James Brickwood 9 / 13 Soy pudding. James Brickwood 10 / 13 Hojicha latte. James Brickwood 11 / 13 Iced sparkling yuzu. James Brickwood 12 / 13 James Brickwood 13 / 13 James Brickwood Previous Slide Next Slide Japanese$$$$ There is a heatwave on, yet Im queueing for ramen in Sydneys CBD. Sure, the footpath is toasting my shoes and my clothes are liquefying, but Ive committed to sweating further over a hot bowl of broth. Its not just me: the line stretches half an hour long. Im outside Australias first outpost for Towzen, a well-established vegan ramen restaurant from Japan. Sydneys location opened in July and has generated long-distance buzz: in the line, I meet an English tourist and Canberra visitors whove sought out Towzens steamy bowls. Ironically, there was no queueing (or unflattering sweating) required when I visited Towzens original Kyoto location some years back. Maybe because its far from the city and requires two public transport connections (still, the trip is shorter than my ramen wait in Sydney). Towzen opened in 2004 and became known for founder Minoru Yonekawas soy-milk ramen. Towzen Sydney serves his signature noodle broth and its even better than the one I sipped in Kyoto. Its nutty, vegetable-rich and zings with sansho pepper. Even the bitter rocket leaves add a welcoming charge of contrast. In Kyoto, my bowl was filled with gloopy, green chlorella noodles (something I ordered out of curiosity), whereas Sydney serves standard wheat strands in the Goldilocks zone: not too thick or thin, slurpable and broth-compatible. Thai green curry ramen. James Brickwood Advertisement Sydneys Towzen sits in a 140-year-old heritage building and evokes Japan with its bonsai trees, teapot collections and soothing piano instrumentals: its respite for the bustling city workers that come in for an hour or so, says co-owner Daryl Chan. This cool and calming refuge, like the tree-lined original, offers relief for sweaty queuers like me. Also refreshing? Towzens chilled tofu pooled in sesame-rich dressing, cold soy pudding drizzled with caramel-like kuromitsu (Japanese black sugar) and icy drinks: everyone orders matcha-strawberry lattes, but citrus-spiked yuzu sodas, smoky hojicha brews and nutty black sesame beverages are also summer-worthy. This is Towzens third international offshoot, following sites in Malaysia and Indonesia. Chan, a long-time vegetarian, believes its so hard to find plant-based Sydney restaurants outside Cabramatta and Newtown. The CBD, with its hotbed of steakhouses, is a smart place for setting up. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Our menu notably differs from Kyotos. Australias a multicultural country, Chan says. So theres ramen with Thai green curry and Sichuan-style flavours. Towzen isnt here to challenge collagen-thick bowls of porky tonkotsu or other meaty staples, but similar dedication goes into broths. Most are developed overnight, using stock-bolstering ingredients such as mushrooms, nutty pastes and tingly spices. Top-selling tantanmen highlights an oyster mushrooms butterfly-like sprawl, salty soy mince on a lilypad-like disc of charred zucchini and soup punchy with chilli oil, sesame and peanut pastes. Thai green curry ramen is aptly spicy and vegetable-loaded, while mushroom shoyu ramen, drizzled with chanterelle oil, is pretty light by comparison. Matcha strawberry latte. James Brickwood Its so light, in fact, that I fit in a whole meal afterwards: Towzens unadon set of rice, pickles, miso soup and vegan kabayaki-style eel made from soy-glazed bean curd and mushroom. This meat substitute reflects Japans vegetarian temple cuisine, which has endured for more than 1000 years. Buddhist monks offered such mock meats to welcome carnivores. Towzens best take on this is the karaage, where ginger-charged bites of crunchy lions mane mushrooms are served in place of fried chicken. A nearby table agrees, pronouncing it amazing, as do Google reviews. Some online commenters, though, have flagged the noodle bowls as expensive. Towzen isnt cheap, sure; but its $30-ish vegan broths are in the same price zone as Mensho, another Japanese ramen brand attracting queues in the CBD. Advertisement Advertisement NationalVictoriaRoad safety Pedestrian fatalities reach 17-year-high. This trend could be why Patrick Hatch December 28, 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 The number of pedestrians killed in Victoria in 2025 is at a 17-year-high, with concerns the growing dominance of large SUVs and utes is reversing years of road safety gains. Fifty-one pedestrians had been killed on the states roads this year as of Saturday the most in any calendar year since 2008, according to Transport Accident Commission data. Large SUVs and American pick-up trucks are significantly more likely to kill pedestrians in a crash, research shows. Joe Armao Based on a four-year rolling average, pedestrian deaths have increased 27 per cent since 2015, while driver and vehicle passenger deaths have fallen 10 per cent. Fatalities across all road users sit at 285 so far this year, which is one more than in 2024 and continues an upward trend since the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Melbourne University transport safety researcher Milad Haghani said a body of evidence supported his view that growing vehicle size was causing a nationwide increase in pedestrian deaths. Haghani warned that Australia was starting along the same path as the United States, where pedestrian deaths hit an all-time low in 2009 but then grew 77 per cent to hit a 40-year-high in 2022. If we dont take action, we will just follow the same trajectory, he said. SUVs (sports utility vehicles) and light commercial vehicles (such as dual-cab utes) have replaced sedans as the go-to Australian family car, and now account for more than 80 per cent of new vehicle sales. Advertisement Those vehicles are 44 per cent more likely to kill an adult pedestrian or cyclist in a crash compared with a sedan, and 82 per cent more likely to kill a child, a recent UK review of 24 academic studies found. As well as being heavier, many are being designed with high, blunt front-ends that further endanger pedestrians and cyclists. If you stand next to them, you see that youre at eye level with the bumper, Haghani said. That means its not your lower body extremities that are getting hit. Its your upper body, chest or head. And if its a child, the most likely point of impact is going to be the head. Advertisement Combined with a heavier weight, that means a significantly higher risk of the crash becoming fatal. A Chevrolet ute in St Kilda West on Saturday. Joe Armao Victoria Police assistant commissioner Glen Weir said inattention from both pedestrians and drivers was contributing to serious crashes. Larger vehicles were also a problem, he said. They are large vehicles, designed for a certain specific task that are being used on roads that perhaps arent fit for that task, he said. So people need to adapt to the changing conditions of roads and vehicles. Weir said the risk to pedestrians would grow as more Melburnians moved into apartments and suburbs became denser, leading to more pedestrians, cyclists and scooter users on streets that once only carried cars. Advertisement People need to realise that where theyve driven for a long time is going to change and [they need to] start adapting their behaviour, he said. Haghani called for government action to reverse the trend of motorists buying larger vehicles than they needed, in the same way a suite of initiatives is in place to encourage lower-polluting vehicles. But current policies did the opposite, he said. For example, a two-tonne American pick-up truck is exempt from the 33 per cent luxury car tax that applies to a sedan costing $80,567 or more. There is incentive for people to not pay that extra tax and just pay towards the price of the car, and that means they get a bigger car, Haghani said. Advertisement He said Victoria should also join other states in charging higher registration fees for larger vehicles. Related Article Pollution The growing problem electric vehicles are fuelling Victoria Walks chief executive Sarah Pilgrim said many vehicles now had such high bonnets that it was impossible for drivers to see a pedestrian in front of them. Youd think with vehicle technology getting safer, we should be getting less pedestrian deaths but were getting more, and definitely the bonnet heights are a part of that, she said. Pilgrim said arresting the growth in pedestrian deaths would require more investment in infrastructure so people could cross streets safely, along with lower speed limits around schools, shopping strips and on local streets. Advertisement Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) chief executive Carla Hoorweg said good vehicle design made a significant difference to whether pedestrians survived a crash. But it was not mandated in Australia. Related Article Explainer Road safety Everything changed in one moment: What makes a car crash so deadly? Pedestrian impact protection has been part of vehicle regulation in Europe and Japan for many years, she said. Weir said a greater share of fatal road crashes happened on rural roads this year, accounting for 154 of the 285 fatalities, and generally on single-lane, non-separated sections of country road. Single acts of non-compliance such as basic driving errors or inattention caused about 60 per cent of fatal crashes, he said. Advertisement Everyone thinks its the really high-end speeder or someone whos really way over the limit or off their head on drugs. And whilst that is a contributor, thats the exception rather than the rule, he said. The average size of new light vehicles sold in Australia has grown 0.7 square metres since 2006, and utes and pick-up trucks have grown 1.6 square metres since 2003, according to the National Transport Commission. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Letters NationalVictoriaLetters The states should lead, not Canberra December 27, 2025 8:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Photo: Megan Herbert To submit a letter to The Age, email letters@theage.com.au. Please include your home address and telephone number. No attachments, please include your letter in the body of the email. See here for our rules and tips on getting your letter published. The state should lead Nick Bryant, (This is not time for partisan rage, 27/12), makes the troublingly acute observation that for the right-wing press, praising the NSW Premier Chris Minns has become a means of denigrating Albanese. It is surely worth asking the question: why cannot our nation, as a federation, be politically literate enough to not look reflexively at all times to a prime minister for leadership in times of emergencies? In the case of the recent Sydney massacre, it was surely appropriate and even natural that the NSW premier be allowed to reassure immediately his NSW constituents, being geographically close to the tragic events and readily apprised by state bureaucrats and security services as to a rapidly developing situation. Federalism should be seen as allowing for Canberra-based political leaders such as Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong to take a lower profile in the immediate aftermath of an initially state-based tragedy; just as has long been, and sometimes famously the case, when natural disasters occur. Premiers must be allowed to lead at this point. There will be a less volatile and fraught time when the Australian PM can deliver a fully informed and healing powerful FDR-style or Churchillian-like address to the nation. Performative responses by national leaders and federal ministers in these testing times should be avoided, whatever febrile media commentators or aspirational opposition leaders might advise. Jon McMillan, Mornington Too long a commission I have to disagree with your correspondents rationale for the need for a royal commission into antisemitism (Letters, 26/12). He says that Bondi was not about guns, but virulent antisemitism. However, he may not recognise that extremely violent jihadists are beyond redemption when it comes to antisemitism. Having a royal commission into antisemitism will do no harm but it may arguably take too long and there may be other intelligence and security measures that the government is taking and will take that will have a quicker impact; and a royal commission will not reduce the current terrorist threat level which has been probable since August 2024. Brendan OFarrell, Brunswick PM, please lead Anthony Albanese is supposed to be our leader. So why not lead? We need a Commonwealth royal commission into antisemitism. Brian Marshall, Ashburton Advertisement Contrasting realities In blaming Benjamin Netanyahu for the rise of antisemitism in Australia, your correspondent (Letters, 27/12) excuses the antisemitism of those who hold all Jews responsible for an Israeli PM responding to Hamas steadfast commitment to the annihilation of the Jewish state. Perhaps your correspondent might wish to contrast the Jewish experience here with that of the similar number of Australians with Russian ancestry who have been able to live peacefully in this country, despite Putins ongoing devastating war against Ukraine. Geoff Feren, St Kilda East Born Jewish The responses to the attack in Sydney and more broadly demonstrate that many in Australia dont understand what makes a person Jewish. Many have expressed to me the hope that my faith guides me in this difficult time. It is a gesture I deeply appreciate, but it assumes my Jewishness is a choice. Actually, I dont believe in God. Im Jewish because I was born Jewish. Jews, regardless of whether they practise religiously, practise certain cultural traditions like my family, or arent open about it all, have been targeted throughout history. You cant just wake up and decide not to be Jewish. How convenient this would have been so many times in history. Judaism is a religion, culture, a diverse nation of people. While most Jews in Australia are of European origin, the majority of Jews in Israel are not. Nick Rose, McKinnon Incredibly unique To your correspondent (Letters, 26/12) heres a few more mal-adoptions of our language that I want to home in on and hone. When did the succinct and unambiguous yes become absolutely? How come just doing something properly became incredibly and when did that stand-alone, lonely qualifier unique spin off more shades of comparative grey than Hades itself, so many, that it is, it must be said, absolutely incredible and a little bit unique? Vincent ODonnell, Ascot Vale Faith and education Your correspondent (Letters, 24/12) identifies the threat to social cohesion caused by underfunding our public schools, compounded in disadvantaged areas. Its encouraging that religious institutions are expressing interfaith solidarity in response to the crisis reflected in the Bondi attack. However, it is also timely for these bodies, largely responsible for our relatively well-endowed, tax-funded private schools, to consider the implications of Australias unusually religiously segregated education system. In addition to its evident inequity, such separation must hinder the development of understanding and goodwill between those of different and of no religious affiliation. Angela Munro, Carlton North Cant shell out for this Lobsters were once called poor mans chicken and cockroaches of the sea. Indeed, the crustacean was so overpopulated that it once was even used as a fertiliser. No longer and no wonder. As it now can fetch well over $100 a kilogram, meaning that only the well-to-do, relatively speaking, can now afford to buy it at Christmas. Lobsters did not form part of my Christmas fare. I ate real chicken. At $6 a kilogram. Michael Gamble, Belmont Advertisement Spring St source Opposition Leader Jess Wilson is right to condemn the release of Greater Western Waters annual report on Christmas Eve as a shameless attempt to avoid accountability (Western Waters $200m deficit, 26/12). Aside from the current discussion of a bail out, Western Water as a state-owned corporation would be in better financial shape if the Victorian government hadnt been bleeding it of cash in the form of dividends and so-called capital repatriations. To pay those imposts, Western Water has had to borrow with interest from the governments financing authority, the Treasury Corporation of Victoria. Issues of accountability for Western Waters financial mess, are as much to do with the Victorian government itself, as with the company. Lawrie Bradly, Surrey Hills Royally received I always look forward to the Christmas message from the reigning monarch (Letters, 27/12). This time of year is increasingly commercial and consumerist, and now is even sprinkled with anti-Christian jokes. So I find it refreshing to hear a leader speak about his own faith, in a multi-faith context embracing the values of courage, sacrifice, respect, forgiveness, compassion, reconciliation, resilience, community and peace. We could do a lot worse than listen to this five-minute address from King Charles. Joan Reilly, Surrey Hills Missed the magic Talk of Shane Warnes hat-trick in 1994 at the MCG reminds me that I took my young son to that Test match on that day. Unluckily for us, my son was exhausted before tea, so we headed home, only to hear about Warnes marvellous feat when we got home. We were so near and yet so far. My son, who is 36 now, still feels badly about it. Nick Toovey, Beaumaris Hollow vessels Trump Class vessels. So that would be a destroyer? John Bye, Elwood Pros and cons One day American citizens will realise that being pro-Trump is being anti-America. John Walsh, Watsonia Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) is included among the 13 Highest Paying Monthly Dividend Stocks to Buy. Realty Income Corporation (O) Downgraded as JPMorgan Reshapes 2026 REIT Outlook Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash On December 18, JPMorgan downgraded Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) to Underweight from Neutral and kept its price target at $61. The move was part of the firms broader 2026 outlook for REITs. JPMorgan made two upgrades and seven downgrades across the group. The higher number of cuts points to a more stratified ratings distribution, the analyst wrote in a research note. Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O)s long-term growth story is still hard to ignore. Revenue has climbed from $49 million in 1994 to $5.27 billion in 2024. Thats a 10,657% increase. The dividend strategy is a bit unusual. Increases are often small, sometimes just a fraction of a cent, but they happen frequently. Over time, those raises stack up. On December 9, the company lifted its monthly dividend by 0.2% to $0.27 per share. For years, Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) focused almost entirely on the US. That started to change in 2019 with its first international deal. The company bought 12 U.K. properties leased to grocery chain Sainsburys. Since then, Europe has become a bigger part of the picture. As of last quarter, 17.7% of contractual rent now comes from Europe and the U.K. The company invested $1 billion in European properties last quarter alone. Thats higher than the $889 million spent in Q2 and the $893 million in Q1. So far, the returns look better overseas. New European assets are generating an initial weighted average cash yield of 8%, compared with about 7% for new US properties. Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) is a REIT that owns free-standing, single-tenant commercial properties across the US, the U.K., and six other European countries. While we acknowledge the potential of O 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: Dividend Achievers List: Top 16 Stocks and 10 Best Debt Free Dividend Stocks to Buy Now. Disclosure: None. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Save this article for later Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. A woman has been slashed by a man with a knife after seeking help at a Melbourne police station but finding it closed. Reservoir police station is open from 11am to 7pm on weekdays and is closed on weekends. Forty-three police stations, including Reservoir, slashed their reception hours across Victoria starting in 2023 due to staffing shortages, in a move the force described at the time as temporary. The woman sought help at Reservoir police station, only to find it closed. Paul Rovere A 32-year-old woman and 22-year-old woman were in their stationary car at the intersection of Mahoneys and Edgars roads in Reservoir about 2.40am on Saturday when a man approached the front passenger door and began to damage the vehicle. Advertisement WorldAsiaBorder disputes Thailand and Cambodia sign truce to halt brutal border war Panu Wongcha-um December 27, 2025 3:36pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Bangkok: Thailand and Cambodia agreed on Saturday to halt weeks of fierce border clashes, the worst fighting in years between the South-East Asian countries that has included fighter jets sorties, rockets fired and artillery barrages. Both sides agree to maintain current troop deployments without further movement, their defence ministers said in a joint statement on the ceasefire, to take effect at noon (4pm AEDT). The Thai military fires artillery towards Cambodia on Friday. AP Any reinforcement would heighten tensions and negatively affect long-term efforts to resolve the situation, according to the statement released on social media by Cambodias Defence Ministry. The agreement, signed by Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Nakrphanit and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha, ended 20 days of fighting that has killed at least 101 people and displaced more than half a million on both sides. Advertisement Within hours of the signing, Thailands Foreign Ministry protested to Cambodia that a Thai soldier sustained a permanent disability when he stepped on an anti-personnel land mine it charged had been laid by Cambodian forces. Related Article Border disputes Fresh airstrikes shatter Asian ceasefire Trump claimed as a victory The clashes were re-ignited in early December after a breakdown in a ceasefire that US President Donald Trump had helped broker to halt a previous round of fighting in July. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the ceasefire announcement and urged Cambodia and Thailand to fully honour it and the terms of the peace accord reached earlier in Malaysia. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the ceasefire a positive step towards alleviating the suffering of civilians, ending current hostilities, and creating an environment conducive to achieving lasting peace, his spokesman said. Advertisement Chinas Foreign Ministry also hailed the agreement in a statement late on Saturday. China will play a constructive role in its own way for Cambodia and Thailand to consolidate the ceasefire, resume exchanges, rebuild political trust, achieve turnaround in bilateral relations and uphold regional peace, the statement read. Loading Earlier, Cambodia reported that Thailand had hit a site in the countrys north-west with an airstrike, even as the two countries held talks to end their renewed combat. Cambodias Defence Ministry said that Thailand deployed F-16 fighter jets to drop four bombs on Saturday morning on a target in Serei Saophoan in the north-western province of Banteay Meanchey. On Friday, Cambodia said that a similar airstrike dropped 40 bombs on a target in Chok Chey village in the same province. There were no reports of casualties from that raid, but the ministry said that houses and infrastructure in the Chok Chey target area were destroyed. Advertisement Thailands military confirmed the Friday attack, saying that a joint army-air force operation was conducted to protect Thailands Sa Kaeo province, which borders Banteay Meanchey, where the two nations have overlapping territorial claims. Related Article Exclusive Border disputes How a gunshot at dawn broke a mothers heart, and left a prime minister fighting for her job Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai, a spokesperson for Thailands air force, said at a press briefing on Friday that the operation took place after days of monitoring by the Thai military determined that civilians had been evacuated from the target area. Long-standing competing claims of territory along the border are the root of tensions that broke into open combat in late July. Mediation by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, backed up by pressure from Trump, led the two sides to agree to a shaky ceasefire after five days of fighting. Each side describes its military actions as being taken in self-defence and had blamed the other for breaching that ceasefire. Advertisement Reuters, 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. CBI arrests 3 postal officials for bribery in Bijapur Our Correspondent : BIJAPUR : IN a major anti-corruption crackdown, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested three officials of the Postal Department in Bijapur district while they were allegedly accepting bribes. The operation has sent shockwaves through the district and exposed what officials describe as a well-organised corruption network within the department. Those caught include Sub-Divisional Inspector (Posts), Bijapur, Shastri Kumar Paikara; Postal Superintendent, Bijapur, Maloth Shobhan; and Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) Santosh Andrik. The CBI team reportedly recovered around Rs 43,000 in bribe money during the operation. According to sources, the Postal Department in the district had been plagued by systematic bribery for an extended period. Rural postal employees were allegedly forced to pay illegal gratification for appointments, transfers, branch office inspections and clearance of allowances. It is learnt that following the recent transfer of 31 postal employees, a bribe of Rs 15,000 was allegedly demanded from each individual. Acting on complaints lodged by aggrieved employees, a six-member CBI team reached Bijapur on Wednesday afternoon. After laying a trap and conducting a planned operation, the officials were caught red-handed while accepting bribes. Sources said the accused were interrogated extensively through Wednesday and Thursday. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the alleged racket had been operating for nearly two years, with SDI(P) Shastri Kumar Paikara suspected to be a key figure. There are also unverified allegations of intimidation and harassment of employees, including women staff, which are currently under investigation. Meanwhile, several postal employees have come forward with serious allegations, claiming that bribes were routinely demanded for postings and transfers, and that those who refused faced threats and mental harassment. Similar allegations have also surfaced against other officials, though the CBI has not officially confirmed these claims. The CBI is expected to produce the three accused before a special court shortly. Justin, from Pittsburgh, called "The Ramsey Show" and said he is considering marriage while confronting a significant financial gap between himself and his partner. The 28-year-old told the hosts that his girlfriend of two years had graduated from veterinary school and would bring about $350,000 in student loan debt into the marriage. Co-host George Kamel asked Justin how much debt he would bring into the relationship, and Justin replied that he had none. Justin said his income was about $107,000 at the time, with projections of roughly $135,000 following his return from a nine-month military deployment. Don't Miss: Americans With a Financial Plan Can 4X Their Wealth Get Your Personalized Plan from a CFP Pro Have $100k+ to invest? Charlie Munger says that's the toughest milestone don't stall now. Get matched with a fiduciary advisor and keep building He asked how to prioritize debt repayment alongside marriage and major purchases such as a home or vehicles. The question prompted a blunt warning from personal finance expert Dave Ramsey that in some cases the right move is to "run run away" if both partners are not aligned on aggressively addressing the debt. Strong Finances, Tough Question Justin said that aside from being debt-free, he has about $21,000 in cash, roughly $60,000 in retirement savings through a Thrifty Savings Plan, 401(k), and an investment portfolio valued at approximately $110,000. He also serves in the Navy Reserve and works as a program manager in the oil and gas industry. A recent deployment, he said, temporarily affected his income, with higher earnings expected after returning to civilian work. Trending: GM-Backed EnergyX Is Solving the Lithium Supply Crisis Invest Before They Scale Global Production Two Paths, Two Outcomes "The No. 1 cause of divorce in North America is money fights and money problems," Ramsey said as he shifted to how the couple would need to approach the debt together. He added that Justin was "walking into a mess" and that the scale of the loans meant the relationship would require unusually deep agreement on short- and long-term financial plans. Ramsey then outlined two possible paths. "If she's gonna roll up her sleeves and go, Oh my God, we've made a mess. We're gonna dive on this thing and we're gonna fix this thing,'" he said, describing a scenario in which both partners work long hours, slash expenses, and aggressively attack the debt. He told Justin that if both partners were fully committed "working like a maniac" the debt could be cleaned up in a few years. FINANCIAL SCAM: EOW files case against ex-GM of Distt Coop Central Bank Staff Reporter : Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has registered a case against the former General Manager of District Cooperative Central Bank, Mandla and three others following a probe into a major financial scam involving the Alp Bachat Credit Co-operative Society. The investigation focussed on a 2011 Loan Sub-Committee meeting. Although the Alp Bachat Society was already in default of Rs. 38 lakh, official records were tampered with to facilitate a new credit limit of Rs. 65 lakh. The accused include Narendra Kori (Ex-GM), N.L. Yadav (Ex-Establishment In-charge), Atul Dubey (Ex-Accountant), and Shashi Chaudhary (Manager, Alp Bachat Society). The Forensic analysis showed that the status of the loan application was changed from Disapproved to Approved after the meeting concluded. Former General Manager Narendra Kori allegedly suppressed the societys debt status and authorized the release of Rs. 65 lakh within 72 hours of the manipulated meeting. The documents were falsified by the then-Establishment In-charge, N.L. Yadav and Accountant Atul Dubey to cause wrongful loss to the bank. The current manager of the society, Shashi Chaudhary, is accused of illegally soliciting over Rs. 26 lakh from non-members in violation of cooperative statutes. The EOW has filed FIR No. 168/2025 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 409 (Criminal breach of trust), 420 (Cheating), 467/468/471 (Forgery), and 120B (Criminal conspiracy), alongside Section 7C of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018. Further investigation is currently underway to determine if other officials were involved in the conspiracy. Ghe Bharari Exhibition opens, getting overwhelming response Business Reporter : THE one and only Ghe Bharari Exhibition, a Guinness World Record holder, has now come to Nagpur. The exhibition is being organised in Nagpur at Hotel Tuli Imperial, Ramdaspeth, from December 26 to 28. It is geeting an overwhelming response from the Nagpurians. The exhibition will be open from 11 am to 9 pm. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Kanchan Gadkari, wife of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, along with renowned chef Vishnu Manohar. Well-known industrialists Sudhir Ghike and Seema Ghike were present as chief guests. Rahul Kulkarni and Neelam Edlabadkar have appealed to all Nagpur residents to visit the exhibition and enjoy a delightful shopping experience. Ghe Bharari is an active group on Facebook and Instagram, working continuously towards business growth. The exhibition features more than 70 stalls along with a live food zone, making it a complete shopping and lifestyle experience. Govt to sharpen focus on steel output THE Government : will continue to prioritise higher steel production and raw material security in the coming year, as India enters the final five years of its journey towards achieving an installed steelmaking capacity of 300 million tonne (MT) by 2030. Alongside capacity expansion, the emphasis will remain on the adoption of low-carbon technologies, the development of green steel capacity and the production of special and high-end steel grades to meet the evolving needs of domestic industries and export markets, a Steel Ministry official said. The push comes at a time when India is the world's second-largest crude steel producer, and steel demand continues to be supported by strong infrastructure spending, housing, railways, automobiles, defence manufacturing and capital goods under government initiatives such as PM Gati Shakti, National Infrastructure Pipeline, and Make in India.However, the industry is also bracing for continued challenges in 2025, including rising imports, volatile raw material prices and global trade uncertainties. Imports, particularly from Asian markets, remain a concern for domestic producers despite safeguard and anti-dumping measures already in place. In May 2017, the Government unveiled the ambitious National Steel Policy (NSP), targeting the addition of over 200 MT of steelmaking capacity with investments estimated at around Rs 10 lakh crore. The policy also envisages actual steel production of 250 MT and per capita steel consumption of 160 kg by 2030-31. According to Steel Ministry data, Indias steel production capacity rose from 97 MT in 2012-13 to 138 MT in 2017-18, and has since expanded steadily with significant brownfield and greenfield investments by both public and private sector players. As per data research firm BigMint, Indias installed steelmaking capacity was 235 MT as of November 2025, and it is estimated to remain at around the same levels by FY26. The production is projected at 167 MT against current levels of 110 MT. By March 2026, the per capita steel consumption is estimated at 107 kg, compared with 105 kg currently. Based on these estimates, the country needs to add another 65 MT of capacity over the next five years to stay on track for the NSP targets. A Steel Ministry official said the Government has taken several steps to protect the domestic industry, including the imposition of safeguard duties and anti-dumping duties on imports of flat steel products from countries such as China and Vietnam. To promote value-added steel, the ministry has rolled out the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, offering fiscal incentives for the manufacturing of high-end and speciality steel used in sectors such as defence, power transmission, renewable energy, automobiles and aviation. The Government is also focusing on strengthening raw material availability. New reserves of coking coal are being explored, and we are engaging with resource-rich countries to diversify sourcing, the official said. For iron ore, auctions are already underway, and steelmakers are encouraged to participate. The Ministry is also promoting beneficiation and pelletisation of low-grade iron ore to improve resource efficiency. With just five years left to meet NSP targets, industry leaders say momentum must accelerate. Naveen Jindal, President of the Indian Steel Association (ISA), said India has made strong progress, but needs faster execution. The pathway ahead demands sustained demand creation, policy stability and bold investments. These will determine whether India not only meets its goals but sets a new benchmark in competitive, low-carbon steelmaking, said Jindal, who is also Chairman of Jindal Steel. Industry body Assocham noted that while the Government support has been significant, challenges such as rising coking coal costs, high logistics expenses, limited availability of railway rakes and infrastructure bottlenecks continue to weigh on the sector. In the new year, ASSOCHAM expects a pickup in steel demand and does not anticipate further relaxation of quality control orders (QCOs). It also flagged growing trade barriers globally. Trade restrictions imposed by other countries on Indian steel exports are increasing. Some relief could emerge if free trade agreements with the EU and the US are concluded, supporting the domestic industry, it said. On the green steel transition, PHDCCI Secretary General Ranjeet Mehta said it remains a highly capital-intensive industry, with greenfield capacity requiring very large investments per tonne. Referring to the European Unions Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), he cautioned that as global demand shifts towards low-carbon steel, Indian producers, many of whom rely on coal-based blast furnace routes, could face competitiveness challenges unless decarbonisation accelerates through technologies like hydrogen-based DRI, increased scrap usage and renewable energy integration. Meanwhile, ratings agency Icra has projected around 8 per cent growth in steel demand in FY26, although pricing pressures are expected to persist. The industry has added a record 15 MT of capacity over the past three to four quarters, with another 5 MT likely by the end of FY2026. However, incremental demand of about 1112 MT has lagged supply growth, creating a temporary surplus and softening domestic prices. Commenting on price trends, Girishkumar Kadam, Senior Vice-President and Group Head, Corporate Sector Ratings, Icra, said domestic hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices have corrected sharply. Domestic HRC (hot rolled coils) prices have declined from Rs 52,850 per tonne in April 2025 to around Rs 46,000 per tonne by November 2025, trading below import parity. Despite healthy underlying demand, pricing remains under pressure due to global headwinds and elevated Chinese exports, Kadam said. indiacondemns-hindu-youths-killing-in-desh NEW DELHI : 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 Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman saying it should be seen in the context of ensuring inclusive polls. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India condemns the recent killing of Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladeshs Mymensingh. The unremitting hostilities against the minorities in Bangladesh including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists is 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, he said at his weekly media briefing. Jaiswal said India is closely following the developments in Bangladesh. Over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities have been documented in Bangladesh by independent sources during the tenure of interim government, he noted. The incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh cannot be brushed aside as media exaggeration or dismissed as political violence, Jaiswal said. MP accelerates fight against malnutrition, child marriage, and women empowerment By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla : Madhya Pradesh has made historic progress in addressing malnutrition, child protection, and womens empowerment over the past two years under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modis Developed India-2047 vision, a press conference by the Women and Child Development Ministry revealed on Friday. Minister Nirmala Bhuria highlighted that malnutrition among children, often aggravated by early marriages, remains a critical focus area. Early marriage not only impacts a girls health but also increases the likelihood of malnutrition in her children, perpetuating a cycle of poor health across generations. Co-ordinated efforts by the state have successfully reduced child marriage rates from 32.4% to 23.1%, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS). Programmes such as Ladli Laxmi and Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao are directly addressing these issues. Over 52 lakh girls have been registered under Ladli Laxmi, and 6.4 lakh girls received scholarships and incentives worth over Rs 350 crore, ensuring better access to nutrition, healthcare, and education. Community awareness campaigns, run in collaboration with Government departments, NGOs, social institutions, and local leaders, have played a key role in educating society about the risks of early marriage and malnutrition. Digital initiatives including the Anganwadi Services Contact App, Nutrition Tracker, and Facial Recognition System have strengthened monitoring and transparency, ensuring timely delivery of nutritional supplements to children, pregnant, and lactating women. Under the Chief Ministers Child Health Promotion Program, children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), and underweight (SUW) are being systematically identified and provided with treatment, supplementary nutrition, and continuous monitoring both at Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers (NRCs) and community levels. Significant improvements in child nutrition are reflected in NFHS data. Underweight children have decreased from 42.8% to 33%, stunting from 42% to 35.7%, wasting from 25.8% to 19%, and severe malnutrition from 9.2% to 6.5%, positioning Madhya Pradesh among the fastest-improving states in the country. Womens empowerment initiatives complement nutrition efforts. The Pink Driving License campaign, skill training for girls, One Stop Centers, and helpline 181 enhance womens independence, safety, and awareness. The Ladli Bahna scheme has benefitted 1.26 crore women with over Rs 48,632 crore transferred directly to accounts, fostering economic empowerment. Neutralisation of Uike, a blow to Naxalism: CM Staff Reporter : RAIPUR : Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has described the neutralisation of Ganesh Uike, a senior leader of the CPI (Maoist), as a major success in the decisive fight against Naxalism. The operation was carried out by security forces in a joint action in the forested border areas of Kandhamal and Ganjam districts of Odisha. The Chief Minister stated that this operation has dealt a direct and severe blow to the backbone of the Naxal network and sends a strong message that there is no longer any safe haven for Naxal violence anywhere in the country. He emphasised that the action marks a concrete and decisive step toward fulfilling the national resolve to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026. Under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the effective guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the nation is moving swiftly toward the complete elimination of Naxalism. Inspired by the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat (One India, Great India), coordinated efforts by the Central and State Governments are ushering in a new era of peace and development in Naxal-affected regions. Chief Minister Sai paid tribute to the indomitable courage, valor and professional excellence of the security personnel and officers involved in the operation, commending their high morale and dedication. He reiterated the governments unequivocal message: Abandon the path of violence and join the mainstream; otherwise, the law will take its course. He further stated that peace, development, and trust are the defining features of the new India. Continuous efforts are being made to create new development opportunities in Naxal-affected areas through improved infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment generation, and access to basic amenities. The government also remains firmly committed to the rehabilitation of misguided youth who have strayed toward violence, ensuring their dignified reintegration into the mainstream of society. Expressing confidence in the collective strength of public cooperation, the bravery of security forces, and the governments unwavering policy commitment, the Chief Minister said that the vision of a Naxal-free India will soon be fully realised. Rashtriya Bajrang Dal seeks intervention against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants Staff Reporter : Jabalpur unit of Rashtriya Bajrang Dal staged a protest at Gohalpur Chowk on Friday, demanding decisive state intervention against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. The demonstration included the burning of an effigy representing Mohammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladeshs interim government and the submission of a formal memorandum to local authorities. The organisation directed a formal appeal to the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, advocating for the implementation of Operation Torch. The protest was staged following the recent administrative actions in Uttar Pradesh, specifically designed to identify and process undocumented foreign nationals. Through the memorandum, the protestors demanded to utilise Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to locate illegal residents, to create detention centers for individuals residing in the state without valid legal documentation and to ensure systematic deportation of illegal immigrants to prevent domestic socio-political instability. Arpit Singh Thakur, the Provincial Secretary for the Mahakaushal region, emphasized that rigorous action is a prerequisite for maintaining national security and social harmony. He also indicated towards the leadership crisis in the neighboring nation, suggesting that organisation possesses capacity to provide leadership solutions if the current Bangladeshi administration remains unable to stabilize its internal affairs. Those present werei Dhandharia (Executive President, Mahakaushal Province), Amit Upadhyay (Departmental Secretary) and others. Rs 2.5 lakh fine for selling nylon manja; CP orders strict enforcement Staff Reporter : Acting on clear directives from the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, Commissioner of Police (CP) Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal has instructed all police station in-charges to strictly enforce penalties against those using or selling nylon manja. As per the courts order, offenders must be directed to pay fines of Rs 50,000 for use and Rs 2.50 lakh for sale, to be imposed through the courts. In a circular issued to all units, Dr Singal has directed police to register offences under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against violators. The move is aimed to curb the growing menace of nylon manja, which poses serious risks to birds, animals, two-wheeler riders, and pedestrians. The CP has also ordered strict monitoring of courier companies and distribution centres linked to e-commerce platforms such as Flipkart and Amazon. Police have been asked to check these facilities regularly and ensure that nylon manja is not being stored, transported, or sold through online channels. In addition to enforcement, the CP has stressed the need for public awareness. Police stations have been told to actively educate citizens about the dangers of nylon manja. People must understand that nylon manja is not just illegal, but life-threatening, a senior officer said. Cyber police units have been specifically tasked with taking firm action against online advertisements and digital promotion of nylon manja. Any seller found advertising or offering the banned string on digital platforms will face legal action. Sacrifice of Sahibzaderepresents Indias courage, valour, bravery: PM Modi NEW DELHI : PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzade (sons) of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, represents the ultimate expression of Indias indomitable courage, valour and bravery against the cruel Mughal Sultanate, shaking the very existence of religious fanaticism and terror. Addressing an event organised on Veer Bal Diwas to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzade Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, Modi said the country is remembering the brave sons who represent the pinnacle of Indias indomitable courage, valour and bravery. Today, we remember the brave Sahibzade, the pride of our nation. They embody Indias indomitable courage and the highest ideals of valour. Those brave Sahibzade broke the limits of age and circumstance. They stood like a rock against the cruel A nation with such a glorious past, whose young generation has inherited such inspirations, what can that nation not achieve? he said. The Prime Minister said the Sahibzade were quite young at the time, but Mughal emperor Aurangzebs cruelty was unmoved by that. Aurangzeb knew that if he wanted to instil fear among the people of India and force religious conversion, he would first have to break the morale of Indians. That is why he made the Sahibzade his target. But Aurangzeb and his commanders forgot that our gurus were not ordinary human beings. They were living embodiments of penance and sacrifice, divine incarnations in spirit and action, he said. Modi said the courage and ideals of Mata Gujri Ji, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the four Sahibzade continue to give strength to every Indian. Sahibzada Ajit Singh ji, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh ji, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji were compelled, at a very young age, to confront the greatest power of their time. This struggle was not merely about power but a clash between Indias core values and religious fanaticism. It was a battle of truth versus falsehood, he said. On the Prakash Purab (birth anniversary) of Sri Guru Gobind Singh on January 9, 2022, Modi had announced that December 26 would be observed as Veer Bal Diwas to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzade Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, whose unparalleled sacrifice continues to inspire generations. The Government is organising programmes across the country aimed at informing and educating citizens about the extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzade to mark Veer Bal Diwas. The Prime Minister said the country has decided that liberation from the mentality of slavery must be achieved and the sacrifices of Indians, memories of the peoples valour will not be suppressed. Now, the heroes and heroines of the country will not be relegated to the margins and, therefore, we are celebrating Veer Bal Diwas with full enthusiasm. In our country, which is becoming free from the mentality of slavery, linguistic diversity is becoming our strength, he said. He emphasised that the saga of the Sahibzades sacrifice should have been on the lips of every citizen, but unfortunately, even after Independence, the colonial mindset prevailed. Modi pointed out that this mentality was sown by British politician Macaulay in 1835 and was not eradicated even after Independence, leading to decades of attempts to suppress such truths. He asserted that India has now resolved to free itself from the colonial mindset, declaring that the memories of Indian sacrifices and valour will no longer be suppressed and the nations heroes and heroines will no longer be sidelined. Seattle, Washington-based Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) is the worlds largest specialty coffee roaster and retailer. With a global footprint of tens of thousands of stores across more than 87 countries, it currently holds a market cap of $96.2 billion. Founded in 1971, Starbucks operates primarily through company-operated and licensed retail stores offering premium coffee, espresso beverages, teas, food items, packaged goods, and merchandise under brands such as Starbucks Coffee, Teavana, Seattles Best Coffee and Starbucks Reserve, while also selling ready-to-drink and grocery-channel products. The coffee giant is expected to announce its fiscal first-quarter earnings for 2025 in the near future. Ahead of the event, analysts expect SBUX to report a profit of $0.59 per share on a diluted basis, down 14.5% from $0.69 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company beat consensus estimates in only one of the last four quarters, while missing the forecast on three other occasions. More News from Barchart For the current year, analysts expect SBUX to report EPS of $2.35, up 10.3% from $2.13 in fiscal 2025. Moreover, its EPS is expected to rise 28.5% year over year to $3.02 in fiscal 2027. www.barchart.com SBUX stock has decreased 5.9% over the past year, lagging behind the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 14.8% gains and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLY) 4.6% rally over the same time frame. www.barchart.com Starbucks stock has lagged the broader market over the past year, driven by operational, financial, and sentiment-related factors, with the companys share price declining roughly 1014% while major indices posted gains. Key factors include persistent labor unrest and historic employee strikes, which have represented the longest and most widespread work stoppages in Starbucks history and raised investor concerns about operational disruption, rising wage and scheduling costs, and reputational risks that could depress sales and margins. At the same time, Starbucks has faced slowing comparable store sales and transaction declines, higher labor and commodity costs, and the financial impact of restructuring initiatives, including store closures and layoffs, under its Back to Starbucks turnaround plan, which have weighed on profitability and near-term earnings expectations. ETRACS MarketVector Business Development Companies Liquid Index ETN (NYSEARCA:BDCZ Get Free Report) saw a large drop in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 13 shares, a drop of 96.9% from the November 30th total of 422 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,358 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Currently, 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 1,358 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days. ETRACS MarketVector Business Development Companies Liquid Index ETN Trading Up 2.1% Shares of BDCZ stock traded up $0.35 on Friday, reaching $16.68. 5,186 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,850. ETRACS MarketVector Business Development Companies Liquid Index ETN has a 1-year low of $15.11 and a 1-year high of $20.42. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $16.61 and a two-hundred day moving average of $17.53. Get ETRACS MarketVector Business Development Companies Liquid Index ETN alerts: ETRACS MarketVector Business Development Companies Liquid Index ETN Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 21st. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 10th were issued a $0.4458 dividend. This is a positive change from ETRACS MarketVector Business Development Companies Liquid Index ETNs previous quarterly dividend of $0.44. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 10th. This represents a $1.78 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 10.7%. About ETRACS MarketVector Business Development Companies Liquid Index ETN The ETRACS MarketVector Business Development Companies Liquid Index ETN (BDCZ) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in financials equity. The fund tracks an index of at least 25 companies invested in the initial growth stages of small firms. BDCZ was launched on Oct 8, 2015 and is issued by ETRACS. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for ETRACS MarketVector Business Development Companies Liquid Index ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ETRACS MarketVector Business Development Companies Liquid Index ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Voya Infrastructure, Industrials and Materials Fund (NYSE:IDE 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 21,803 shares, a growth of 476.6% from the November 30th total of 3,781 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 40,853 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 40,853 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Voya Infrastructure, Industrials and Materials Fund Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Walleye Capital LLC grew its stake in shares of Voya Infrastructure, Industrials and Materials Fund by 59.4% in the 1st quarter. Walleye Capital LLC now owns 16,077 shares of the companys stock valued at $170,000 after buying an additional 5,989 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its stake in Voya Infrastructure, Industrials and Materials Fund by 64.1% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 171,610 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,816,000 after acquiring an additional 67,052 shares during the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its position in Voya Infrastructure, Industrials and Materials Fund by 14,903.3% in the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 49,961 shares of the companys stock worth $584,000 after acquiring an additional 49,628 shares in the last quarter. Bay Colony Advisory Group Inc d b a Bay Colony Advisors grew its position in Voya Infrastructure, Industrials and Materials Fund by 54.4% in the second quarter. Bay Colony Advisory Group Inc d b a Bay Colony Advisors now owns 30,032 shares of the companys stock worth $351,000 after acquiring an additional 10,581 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Voya Infrastructure, Industrials and Materials Fund by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 314,139 shares of the companys stock worth $3,672,000 after purchasing an additional 2,141 shares during the last quarter. Get Voya Infrastructure Industrials and Materials Fund alerts: Voya Infrastructure, Industrials and Materials Fund Trading Down 0.1% NYSE IDE traded down $0.02 during trading on Friday, reaching $12.33. 52,932 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 49,766. Voya Infrastructure, Industrials and Materials Fund has a fifty-two week low of $8.75 and a fifty-two week high of $12.54. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $11.97 and its 200-day simple moving average is $11.97. Voya Infrastructure, Industrials and Materials Fund Dividend Announcement About Voya Infrastructure, Industrials and Materials Fund The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 30th will be paid a $0.10 dividend. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 9.7%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 30th. (Get Free Report) Voya Infrastructure, Industrials and Materials Fund (NYSE: IDE) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. The fund primarily invests in equity securities of companies engaged in infrastructure, industrials and materials businesses, such as utilities, transportation, engineering and construction materials. By targeting firms with established cash flows and growth potential, the fund aims to deliver a blend of yield and long-term capital gains for shareholders. The funds investment strategy combines bottom-up security selection with broad sector diversification. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Voya Infrastructure Industrials and Materials Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Voya Infrastructure Industrials and Materials Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Regent Peak Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 10,228 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,571,000. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of PG. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 233,211,283 shares of the companys stock worth $37,155,222,000 after acquiring an additional 3,189,111 shares during the last quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC boosted its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 655,209.0% in the 2nd quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 76,028,952 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,832,680,000 after purchasing an additional 76,017,350 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Procter & Gamble by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 59,415,933 shares of the companys stock worth $9,439,341,000 after purchasing an additional 1,060,713 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Procter & Gamble during the 2nd quarter worth about $5,099,644,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 1.7% during the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 17,385,571 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,770,035,000 after buying an additional 294,673 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 65.77% of the companys stock. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Procter & Gamble Price Performance Shares of NYSE:PG opened at $144.74 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $338.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.13, a P/E/G ratio of 4.87 and a beta of 0.39. Procter & Gamble Company has a 1 year low of $138.14 and a 1 year high of $179.99. The company has a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $146.81 and a 200 day simple moving average of $152.85. Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $1.99 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.90 by $0.09. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.63% and a net margin of 19.74%.The company had revenue of $22.39 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.23 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.93 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.100 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 24th were paid a dividend of $1.0568 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 24th. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.9%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is 61.61%. Insider Buying and Selling at Procter & Gamble In related news, COO Shailesh Jejurikar sold 3,986 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $152.23, for a total value of $606,788.78. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 46,899 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,139,434.77. This represents a 7.83% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Jennifer L. Davis sold 3,227 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $152.23, for a total value of $491,246.21. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 61,764 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,402,333.72. This trade represents a 4.97% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 30,308 shares of company stock worth $4,611,852 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Dbs Bank raised shares of Procter & Gamble to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Raymond James Financial lowered their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $185.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 20th. UBS Group decreased their target price on Procter & Gamble from $180.00 to $176.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Procter & Gamble from $165.00 to $157.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Berenberg Bank raised their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $152.00 to $154.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 17th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Procter & Gamble currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $171.38. Read Our Latest Research Report on PG About Procter & Gamble (Free Report) Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide. P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Macro Bank Inc. (NYSE:BMA Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the nine analysts that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $103.75. A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on BMA shares. UBS Group began coverage on Macro Bank in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. They set a buy rating and a $130.00 price objective on the stock. HSBC downgraded shares of Macro Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $80.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Monday, December 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Macro Bank to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Zacks Research raised shares of Macro Bank from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res downgraded shares of Macro Bank from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Get Macro Bank alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Macro Bank Hedge Funds Weigh In On Macro Bank Macro Bank Price Performance Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new stake in Macro Bank in the third quarter valued at approximately $46,000. Van ECK Associates Corp purchased a new position in shares of Macro Bank in the third quarter worth $72,000. Advisors Preferred LLC bought a new stake in Macro Bank during the 3rd quarter valued at $117,000. Aquatic Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Macro Bank during the 3rd quarter valued at $151,000. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP grew its holdings in Macro Bank by 46.8% in the 3rd quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 4,856 shares of the banks stock worth $205,000 after acquiring an additional 1,548 shares during the last quarter. Shares of NYSE:BMA opened at $91.57 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $82.38 and its 200-day moving average price is $68.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 1.16 and a quick ratio of 1.16. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.43, a PEG ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 1.46. Macro Bank has a one year low of $38.30 and a one year high of $118.42. Macro Bank (NYSE:BMA Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 26th. The bank reported ($0.39) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.67 by ($1.06). Macro Bank had a return on equity of 8.15% and a net margin of 6.11%.The company had revenue of $668.70 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $590.57 million. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Macro Bank will post 7.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Macro Bank Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 23rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 16th were paid a $0.3585 dividend. This is a boost from Macro Banks previous monthly dividend of $0.35. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 16th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.7%. Macro Banks dividend payout ratio is presently 194.57%. Macro Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) Macro Bank (NYSE: BMA) is the American depositary receipt program of Banco Macro SA, one of the largest privately owned banks in Argentina. Headquartered in Buenos Aires, the institution delivers a comprehensive suite of banking solutions to retail, corporate and agricultural customers across the country. Through its extensive branch network and digital platforms, Macro Bank aims to serve diverse client segments with tailored financial products and services. The banks offerings span traditional deposit accountsincluding checking, savings and term depositsalongside payment and transaction services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Macro Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Macro Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Big Yellow Group Plc (OTCMKTS:BYLOF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 21,431 shares, a drop of 45.2% from the November 30th total of 39,123 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 2,297 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 9.3 days. Based on an average daily volume of 2,297 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 9.3 days. Big Yellow Group Stock Down 0.1% OTCMKTS:BYLOF opened at $13.88 on Friday. Big Yellow Group has a fifty-two week low of $10.60 and a fifty-two week high of $15.84. The stocks 50-day moving average is $14.37 and its two-hundred day moving average is $13.43. Get Big Yellow Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have commented on BYLOF. Jefferies Financial Group lowered shares of Big Yellow Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Big Yellow Group in a report on Tuesday, September 23rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. About Big Yellow Group (Get Free Report) Big Yellow Group (OTCMKTS:BYLOF) is a UK-based self storage company that develops, owns and operates purpose-built storage facilities. Established in 1998 and listed on the London Stock Exchange, the company has grown to become one of the largest self storage providers in the United Kingdom. Its portfolio encompasses modern, secure units designed for personal and business use, offering customers flexible rental periods and a range of unit sizes to suit varying storage needs. The companys core activities include property development, facility management and customer services, underpinned by features such as 24-hour CCTV surveillance, individual alarms and climate-controlled units at many locations. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Big Yellow Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Big Yellow Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock Greater Europe (LON:BRGE Get Free Report)s stock price was down 0.2% on Friday . The company traded as low as GBX 574 and last traded at GBX 575.76. Approximately 147,630 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 9% from the average daily volume of 162,166 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 577. BlackRock Greater Europe Price Performance The firms 50 day moving average price is GBX 580.70 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 583.62. The stock has a market cap of 538.31 million, a P/E ratio of -13.90 and a beta of 1.01. Get BlackRock Greater Europe alerts: BlackRock Greater Europe (LON:BRGE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported GBX 6.89 earnings per share for the quarter. BlackRock Greater Europe had a net margin of 90.71% and a return on equity of 14.06%. BlackRock Greater Europe Company Profile The Company aims to provide capital growth, primarily through investment in a focused portfolio constructed from a combination of the securities of large, mid and small capitalisation European companies, together with some investment in the developing markets of Europe. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Greater Europe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock Greater Europe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of BrightView Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BV Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the eight brokerages that are covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $14.70. Several equities analysts have weighed in on BV shares. Robert W. Baird lowered their price objective on shares of BrightView from $19.00 to $15.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their target price on BrightView from $13.50 to $10.50 and set a sell rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of BrightView in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. CJS Securities raised BrightView to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on BrightView from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Get BrightView alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on BrightView Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Inflows and Outflows In related news, Director William L. Cornog acquired 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 2nd. The shares were purchased at an average price of $12.84 per share, for a total transaction of $128,400.00. Following the purchase, the director owned 30,000 shares in the company, valued at $385,200. This represents a 50.00% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . Also, EVP Jonathan Mark Gottsegen sold 35,000 shares of BrightView stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.62, for a total transaction of $441,700.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 142,958 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,804,129.96. This trade represents a 19.67% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure . 2.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Van Berkom & Associates Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of BrightView in the 3rd quarter valued at $61,076,000. William Blair Investment Management LLC bought a new position in BrightView during the third quarter valued at about $25,565,000. Boston Partners lifted its position in shares of BrightView by 106.1% in the second quarter. Boston Partners now owns 2,079,487 shares of the companys stock worth $34,622,000 after buying an additional 1,070,339 shares during the last quarter. Cooke & Bieler LP boosted its stake in shares of BrightView by 40.9% during the 3rd quarter. Cooke & Bieler LP now owns 3,568,050 shares of the companys stock worth $47,812,000 after acquiring an additional 1,035,820 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bessemer Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of BrightView by 52.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 2,424,001 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,362,000 after acquiring an additional 833,469 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.41% of the companys stock. BrightView Price Performance NYSE BV opened at $12.89 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. BrightView has a 1 year low of $11.06 and a 1 year high of $17.10. The company has a market cap of $1.22 billion, a PE ratio of 322.13 and a beta of 1.30. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $12.55 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $14.02. BrightView (NYSE:BV Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The company reported $0.27 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.32 by ($0.05). BrightView had a return on equity of 8.43% and a net margin of 2.10%.The firm had revenue of $702.80 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $718.03 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.30 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 3.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that BrightView will post 0.73 EPS for the current year. BrightView Company Profile (Get Free Report) BrightView Inc (NYSE:BV) is a leading commercial landscaping services company in the United States, offering a comprehensive suite of outdoor asset management solutions. The companys core business activities include landscape maintenance, development and enhancement services tailored to a wide array of clients such as corporate campuses, healthcare facilities, multi-family residential properties, retail centers and municipalities. BrightViews service portfolio covers routine grounds maintenance, landscape construction and design-build, irrigation system installation and management, tree care, seasonal color programs and snow and ice management. See Also Receive News & Ratings for BrightView Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BrightView and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A lot happened in policy tied to crypto this year. Congress passed and the president signed the first major piece of crypto legislation in U.S. history this year. Federal regulators have dramatically scaled back their enforcement actions against crypto companies while announcing more rulemaking efforts aimed at bolstering the industry. Companies themselves have felt more emboldened to launch new products and services in the U.S. Youre reading State of Crypto, a CoinDesk newsletter looking at the intersection of cryptocurrency and government. Click here to sign up for future editions. Looking back at 2025 The narrative Last year, CoinDesk's policy team explained what we'd be looking for in 2025. Here's how we did. Why it matters This is the final edition of this newsletter for 2025. A lot happened, and clearly we'll all be busy well into 2026. Breaking it down On Dec. 31, 2024, I wrote that, "it seems pretty likely the agency may shift how it approaches future lawsuits against crypto industry participants. Less clear is how the agency might handle its ongoing cases against companies like Coinbase, Binance, Binance.US, Kraken and others. No attorney seems to think the SEC will outright dismiss these cases." The SEC has dismissed the vast majority of the cases it pursued last year. Other court cases largely played out as expected; Sam Bankman-Fried's appeal is ongoing, Roman Storm's case ended in a partial conviction with post-trial motions still ongoing, Do Kwon pleaded guilty to some charges and there are still a small number of active cases we're tracking. Jesse Hamilton noted that while Congress would work on legislation, "Bottom line: Post-election excitement often settles into a why-is-this-taking-so-long vibe." While the GENIUS Act addressing stablecoins became law confirming Cheyenne Ligon's analysis as well the continuing negotiations over the more important market structure bill bears Jesse's analysis out. The regulatory world has gotten vastly more complex as far as digital assets go, in the sense that an increasing number of nations are advancing their approaches toward digital assets. That ranges from rulemakings in the U.S. to new licenses being issued in the Middle East to Russia's evolving approach toward digital assets. This week This week Happy new year everybody! If youve got thoughts or questions on what I should discuss next week or any other feedback youd like to share, feel free to email me at nik@coindesk.com or find me on Bluesky @nikhileshde.bsky.social. Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund (TSE:CHE.UN Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$12.75 and traded as high as C$14.57. Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund shares last traded at C$14.50, with a volume of 39,742 shares changing hands. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently issued reports on CHE.UN. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on shares of Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$14.00 to C$18.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Raymond James Financial raised shares of Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and upped their price objective for the stock from C$16.00 to C$21.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. CIBC lifted their target price on shares of Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$16.00 to C$19.00 in a research note on Friday, November 14th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$15.00 to C$20.00 in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Scotiabank lowered Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and increased their price target for the stock from C$15.00 to C$17.00 in a research report on Friday, November 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$18.29. Get Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund Stock Down 0.3% Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund Announces Dividend The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 128.02, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a current ratio of 0.40. The stock has a market cap of C$1.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.10 and a beta of 1.13. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$14.03 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$12.78. The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Investors of record on Friday, October 31st were issued a $0.0575 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 29th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.8%. Chemtrade Logistics Income Funds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 71.09%. About Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund (Get Free Report) Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund provides industrial chemicals and services to customers in North America and around the world. The company organized into four main operating segments: Sulphur Products and Performance Chemicals (SPPC), Water Solutions and Specialty Chemicals (WSSC), Electrochemicals, and Corporate. It generates maximum revenue from Electrochemicals segment. Chemtrade operates in Canada, the United States, and South America of which maximum revenue comes from the United States. SPPC markets, remove and produces merchant, regenerated and ultra-pure sulphuric acid, liquid sulphur dioxide, sodium hydrosulfite and provides other processing services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Cronos Group Inc. (TSE:CRON Get Free Report) were up 0.3% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$3.76 and last traded at C$3.76. Approximately 81,193 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 60% from the average daily volume of 200,658 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$3.75. Cronos Group Price Performance The company has a quick ratio of 24.01, a current ratio of 24.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The company has a market cap of C$1.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.12 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of C$3.61 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$3.33. Get Cronos Group alerts: Cronos Group (TSE:CRON Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported C$0.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Cronos Group had a negative return on equity of 4.40% and a negative net margin of 42.65%.The business had revenue of C$50.60 million during the quarter. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Cronos Group Inc. will post -0.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Cronos Group Cronos Group, headquartered in Toronto, Canada cultivates and sells medicinal and recreational cannabis through its medicinal brand, Peace Naturals, and its two recreational brands, Cove and Spinach. Although it primarily operates in Canada, Cronos exports medical cannabis to Poland and Germany. In addition, it has entered joint ventures in Israel, Colombia, and Australia to drive further international cultivation and distribution growth. In the U.S. the company directly sells hemp-derived CBD and has an option to acquire 10.5% of U.S. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Cronos Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cronos Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Telecom Italia (OTCMKTS:TIIAY Get Free Report) and BCE (NYSE:BCE Get Free Report) are both utilities companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, risk, earnings, analyst recommendations, valuation, dividends and institutional ownership. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Telecom Italia and BCEs revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Telecom Italia alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Telecom Italia $15.88 billion N/A -$660.08 million N/A N/A BCE $17.82 billion 1.21 $251.05 million $4.81 4.80 Insider and Institutional Ownership BCE has higher revenue and earnings than Telecom Italia. 41.5% of BCE shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.2% of BCE shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Telecom Italia and BCE, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Telecom Italia 0 2 0 3 3.20 BCE 4 1 6 2 2.46 BCE has a consensus target price of $29.00, suggesting a potential upside of 25.68%. Given BCEs higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe BCE is more favorable than Telecom Italia. Volatility and Risk Telecom Italia has a beta of 0.61, meaning that its share price is 39% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, BCE has a beta of 0.61, meaning that its share price is 39% less volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Telecom Italia and BCEs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Telecom Italia N/A N/A N/A BCE 25.62% 17.35% 3.66% Summary BCE beats Telecom Italia on 9 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About Telecom Italia (Get Free Report) Telecom Italia S.p.A., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of fixed and mobile telecommunications services in Italy and internationally. The company operates through Domestic, Brazil, and Other Operations segments. It offers fixed and mobile voice and Internet, and public telephony services, as well as products managed and developed for individuals and families; and voice, data, and Internet services and products, and information and communications technology solutions for top, public sector and large account customers. The company also manages and develops a portfolio of regulated and unregulated wholesale services for fixed-line and mobile telecommunications operators; and development, engineering, construction, and operation of network infrastructures, information technology (IT), and systems and properties. Telecom Italia S.p.A. was incorporated in 1908 and is based in Milan, Italy. About BCE (Get Free Report) BCE Inc., a communications company, provides wireless, wireline, Internet, and television (TV) services to residential, business, and wholesale customers in Canada. The company operates through two segments, Bell Communication and Technology Services, and Bell Media. The Bell Communication and Technology Services segment provides wireless products and services including mobile data and voice plans and devices; wireline products and services comprising data, including internet access, internet protocol television, cloud-based services, and business solutions, as well as voice, and other communication services and products; and satellite TV and connectivity services for residential, small and medium-sized business, government, and large enterprise customers. This segment also buys and sells local telephone, long distance, and data and other services from or to resellers and other carriers; and operates consumer electronics retail stores. The Bell Media segment provides conventional TV, specialty TV, pay TV, streaming services, digital media services, radio broadcasting services, and out-of-home advertising services. BCE Inc. was founded in 1880 and is headquartered in Verdun, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for Telecom Italia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telecom Italia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Marotta Asset Management cut its stake in shares of Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (NYSEARCA:FLKR Free Report) by 18.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 141,399 shares of the companys stock after selling 31,384 shares during the quarter. Marotta Asset Management owned 1.86% of Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF worth $3,903,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF by 121.0% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,231 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 674 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF in the second quarter valued at $177,000. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF in the second quarter valued at $251,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its position in shares of Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF by 2,424.3% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 12,470 shares of the companys stock worth $305,000 after purchasing an additional 11,976 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vident Advisory LLC acquired a new position in shares of Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF during the 1st quarter worth $309,000. Get Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF alerts: Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF Stock Up 1.0% Shares of FLKR opened at $31.49 on Friday. Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF has a 52-week low of $16.54 and a 52-week high of $33.73. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $31.03 and a 200-day simple moving average of $27.35. The company has a market capitalization of $239.32 million, a PE ratio of 10.49 and a beta of 1.23. Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF Profile The Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped index. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted index of large- and mid-cap South Korean companies. FLKR was launched on Nov 2, 2017 and is managed by Franklin Templeton. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF (NYSEARCA:ASEA Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 37,068 shares, a growth of 242.3% from the November 30th total of 10,828 shares. Approximately 1.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 31,857 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.2 days. Based on an average trading volume of 31,857 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.2 days. Approximately 1.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Institutional Trading of Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Boothe Investment Group Inc. boosted its stake in Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Boothe Investment Group Inc. now owns 730,872 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,494,000 after acquiring an additional 9,700 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its stake in Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 3.2% in the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 116,914 shares of the companys stock worth $1,907,000 after purchasing an additional 3,634 shares in the last quarter. Barry Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 0.7% in the third quarter. Barry Investment Advisors LLC now owns 100,298 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,714,000 after buying an additional 719 shares during the last quarter. Algorithmic Investment Models LLC lifted its holdings in Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 5.0% during the 3rd quarter. Algorithmic Investment Models LLC now owns 62,762 shares of the companys stock worth $1,073,000 after buying an additional 2,961 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC lifted its holdings in Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 17.4% during the 2nd quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 54,716 shares of the companys stock worth $892,000 after buying an additional 8,096 shares during the last quarter. Get Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF alerts: Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:ASEA traded down $0.03 during trading on Friday, hitting $18.79. The companys stock had a trading volume of 10,926 shares, compared to its average volume of 28,637. The company has a market capitalization of $71.97 million, a PE ratio of 12.26 and a beta of 0.58. Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF has a fifty-two week low of $13.68 and a fifty-two week high of $18.94. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $18.09 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $17.36. Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF Company Profile The Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF (ASEA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE\u002FASEAN 40 INDEX index. The fund tracks a market-cap weighted and -selected index of the 40 largest and most liquid stocks from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. ASEA was launched on Feb 17, 2011 and is managed by Global X. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF (NYSEARCA:GVIP Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 6,885 shares, a decrease of 45.9% from the November 30th total of 12,722 shares. Approximately 0.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 7,473 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.9 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 7,473 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.9 days. Approximately 0.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Institutional Trading of Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in GVIP. Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its position in Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF by 1,226.9% in the 2nd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 41,624 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,760,000 after acquiring an additional 38,487 shares during the period. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. acquired a new stake in Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF in the second quarter valued at $3,696,000. Private Advisory Group LLC raised its position in Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF by 39.0% during the 3rd quarter. Private Advisory Group LLC now owns 35,323 shares of the companys stock worth $5,414,000 after purchasing an additional 9,911 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC raised its position in Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF by 449.5% during the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 11,962 shares of the companys stock worth $1,410,000 after purchasing an additional 9,785 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE lifted its holdings in Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF by 5.1% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 155,110 shares of the companys stock worth $21,463,000 after buying an additional 7,474 shares during the period. Get Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF alerts: Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF Stock Up 0.1% NYSEARCA GVIP opened at $156.68 on Friday. Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF has a twelve month low of $100.33 and a twelve month high of $161.71. The company has a market cap of $423.04 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.77 and a beta of 1.06. The businesss fifty day moving average is $153.17 and its 200 day moving average is $146.68. About Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF The Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF (GVIP) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Goldman Sachs Hedge Fund VIP index. The fund tracks an equal-weighted index of the 50 most-frequently held US companies selected from the portfolios of hedge funds. GVIP was launched on Nov 1, 2016 and is managed by Goldman Sachs. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greenwood Capital Associates LLC increased its position in JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF (BATS:BBEU Free Report) by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 362,897 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 12,499 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF accounts for 2.9% of Greenwood Capital Associates LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 5th largest position. Greenwood Capital Associates LLC owned 0.54% of JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF worth $25,261,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BBEU. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its holdings in JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF by 375.5% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 1,624,978 shares of the companys stock worth $100,472,000 after buying an additional 1,283,272 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in shares of JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF by 40.9% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 448,103 shares of the companys stock worth $30,229,000 after acquiring an additional 130,062 shares during the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC acquired a new position in shares of JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF in the second quarter worth about $24,797,000. Elm Partners Management LLC boosted its holdings in JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF by 290.9% in the second quarter. Elm Partners Management LLC now owns 361,113 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,361,000 after purchasing an additional 268,744 shares during the last quarter. Finally, 1 North Wealth Services LLC purchased a new position in JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF in the second quarter valued at about $7,221,000. Get JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF alerts: JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF Stock Up 32.6% BBEU stock opened at $73.57 on Friday. JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF has a 52-week low of $54.58 and a 52-week high of $69.69. The stocks 50 day moving average is $71.19 and its two-hundred day moving average is $69.27. The company has a market capitalization of $4.98 billion, a PE ratio of 16.78 and a beta of 0.93. About JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF The JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF (BBEU) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted index of large- and mid-cap stocks in developed European countries. BBEU was launched on Jun 15, 2018 and is managed by JPMorgan Chase. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BBEU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF (BATS:BBEU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan BetaBuilders Europe ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. decreased its stake in shares of Marcus & Millichap, Inc. (NYSE:MMI Free Report) by 72.0% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 52,016 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 133,541 shares during the quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc.s holdings in Marcus & Millichap were worth $1,527,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. AlphaQuest LLC lifted its position in Marcus & Millichap by 410.6% during the first quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 2,931 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $101,000 after acquiring an additional 2,357 shares during the last quarter. Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in Marcus & Millichap during the 1st quarter worth approximately $145,000. Quantbot Technologies LP bought a new stake in Marcus & Millichap in the 2nd quarter valued at $137,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its holdings in Marcus & Millichap by 769.4% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 5,286 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $162,000 after buying an additional 4,678 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey grew its holdings in Marcus & Millichap by 16.4% in the 2nd quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 5,606 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $172,000 after buying an additional 790 shares in the last quarter. 62.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Marcus & Millichap alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Marcus & Millichap in a research report on Monday. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Marcus & Millichap from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, December 20th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on shares of Marcus & Millichap from $30.00 to $29.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $29.00. Marcus & Millichap Stock Down 1.0% Shares of Marcus & Millichap stock opened at $27.55 on Friday. Marcus & Millichap, Inc. has a 12-month low of $27.10 and a 12-month high of $41.94. The company has a market capitalization of $1.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -172.19 and a beta of 1.32. The firms 50-day moving average price is $29.10 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $30.28. Marcus & Millichap (NYSE:MMI Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.09 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.04) by $0.13. The company had revenue of $193.89 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $183.10 million. Marcus & Millichap had a negative net margin of 0.89% and a negative return on equity of 0.58%. Marcus & Millichap Profile (Free Report) Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI) is a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm focused on investment sales, financing, research and advisory services. Founded in 1971 by George M. Marcus and William A. Millichap, the company has grown to specialize in the marketing of multifamily, retail, office, industrial, hospitality and other commercial property types. Through an extensive network of investment specialists, Marcus & Millichap connects property owners and investors with tailored transactions across a range of asset classes. The firm offers comprehensive capital markets solutions, including debt and equity placement, structured finance, and customized financing programs. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MMI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Marcus & Millichap, Inc. (NYSE:MMI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Marcus & Millichap Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Marcus & Millichap and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shiseido (OTCMKTS:SSDOY Get Free Report) and Tristar Wellness Solutions (OTCMKTS:TWSI Get Free Report) are both consumer staples companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, institutional ownership, risk, profitability, earnings and analyst recommendations. Profitability This table compares Shiseido and Tristar Wellness Solutions net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Shiseido alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Shiseido -5.80% -1.36% -0.67% Tristar Wellness Solutions N/A N/A N/A Risk and Volatility Shiseido has a beta of 0.37, indicating that its share price is 63% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Tristar Wellness Solutions has a beta of 14.19, indicating that its share price is 1,319% more volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership Earnings and Valuation 0.0% of Shiseido shares are held by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. This table compares Shiseido and Tristar Wellness Solutionss top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Shiseido $6.55 billion 0.92 -$68.94 million ($0.94) -16.03 Tristar Wellness Solutions N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Tristar Wellness Solutions has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Shiseido. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Shiseido and Tristar Wellness Solutions, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Shiseido 0 1 1 0 2.50 Tristar Wellness Solutions 0 0 0 0 0.00 About Shiseido (Get Free Report) Shiseido Company, Limited engages in the production and sale of cosmetics in Japan and internationally. The company offers fragrances; and skincare and makeup products. It also engages in the restaurant and food, and retail businesses; and operates beauty salons. In addition, the company operates and supports SABFA, a professional hair makeup training school. Further, it offers childcare facilities. The company sells its products through department, specialized cosmetic, drug, and general merchandise stores. Shiseido Company, Limited was founded in 1872 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. About Tristar Wellness Solutions (Get Free Report) TriStar Wellness Solutions, Inc. develops, markets, and sells wound care products. The company also offers skincare and other products under the Beaute de Maman name for pregnant and nursing women; bleeding and wound management products for surgical, health care, consumer, and military markets; and develops and markets Delivery Devise with Invertible Diaphragm, which is a medical applicator for delivering medicants and internal devices within the body without producing injury or damage. In addition, it develops over-the-counter itch suppression products; and develops, manufactures, and markets wound care and infection control medical devices. The company was formerly known as BioPack Environmental Solutions, Inc. and changed its name to TriStar Wellness Solutions, Inc. in January 2013. TriStar Wellness Solutions, Inc. was incorporated in 2000 and is based in Portland, Oregon. On January 15, 2016, TriStar Wellness Solutions, Inc. filed a voluntary petition for liquidation under Chapter 7 in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon. Receive News & Ratings for Shiseido Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shiseido and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Heritage Media Corp. (OTCMKTS:OLVI Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 2,847 shares, a growth of 306.1% from the November 30th total of 701 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 35,412 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 35,412 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Heritage Media Trading Up 0.0% Shares of Heritage Media stock traded up $0.00 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $0.24. 1,367 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 12,916. The company has a 50 day moving average of $0.28 and a two-hundred day moving average of $0.75. Heritage Media has a fifty-two week low of $0.16 and a fifty-two week high of $2.78. The stock has a market cap of $157.83 million, a P/E ratio of -8.16 and a beta of -2.22. Get Heritage Media alerts: Heritage Media (OTCMKTS:OLVI Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $18.07 million during the quarter. Heritage Media Company Profile Heritage Media Corporation was formerly known as Lignin Industries Inc Heritage Media Corporation is based in Calgary, Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Heritage Media Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Heritage Media and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Investors looking for stocks in the Banks - Foreign sector might want to consider either Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) or ICICI Bank Limited (IBN). But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors? We'll need to take a closer look to find out. Everyone has their own methods for finding great value opportunities, but our model includes pairing an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system with a strong Zacks Rank. The Zacks Rank is a proven strategy that targets companies with positive earnings estimate revision trends, while our Style Scores work to grade companies based on specific traits. Right now, Toronto-Dominion Bank is sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), while ICICI Bank Limited has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). This means that TD's earnings estimate revision activity has been more impressive, so investors should feel comfortable with its improving analyst outlook. But this is just one factor that value investors are interested in. Value investors are also interested in a number of tried-and-true valuation metrics that help show when a company is undervalued at its current share price levels. The Style Score Value grade factors in a variety of key fundamental metrics, including the popular P/E ratio, P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a number of other key stats that are commonly used by value investors. TD currently has a forward P/E ratio of 14.72, while IBN has a forward P/E of 18.74. We also note that TD has a PEG ratio of 1.32. This figure is similar to the commonly-used P/E ratio, with the PEG ratio also factoring in a company's expected earnings growth rate. IBN currently has a PEG ratio of 1.39. Another notable valuation metric for TD is its P/B ratio of 1.92. The P/B is a method of comparing a stock's market value to its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. By comparison, IBN has a P/B of 2.65. These are just a few of the metrics contributing to TD's Value grade of B and IBN's Value grade of C. TD sticks out from IBN in both our Zacks Rank and Style Scores models, so value investors will likely feel that TD is the better option right now. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Toronto Dominion Bank (The) (TD) : Free Stock Analysis Report ICICI Bank Limited (IBN) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research Highland Capital Management LLC raised its position in McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD Free Report) by 70.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 7,729 shares of the fast-food giants stock after buying an additional 3,196 shares during the period. Highland Capital Management LLCs holdings in McDonalds were worth $2,349,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in McDonalds by 1.3% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 71,331,031 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $20,840,787,000 after purchasing an additional 921,936 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its stake in shares of McDonalds by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 34,828,352 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $10,175,800,000 after purchasing an additional 272,139 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of McDonalds by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 16,828,420 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $4,901,595,000 after buying an additional 276,065 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in McDonalds during the second quarter worth about $2,780,712,000. Finally, Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in McDonalds by 29,382.3% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,737,548 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $1,676,339,000 after acquiring an additional 5,718,087 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.29% of the companys stock. Get McDonald's alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades MCD has been the subject of a number of research reports. Truist Financial reduced their target price on shares of McDonalds from $360.00 to $350.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of McDonalds in a report on Friday, October 31st. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of McDonalds in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. BTIG Research reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of McDonalds in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Mizuho raised McDonalds to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $324.57. McDonalds Price Performance McDonalds stock opened at $310.61 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $221.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.50, a PEG ratio of 3.49 and a beta of 0.52. McDonalds Corporation has a one year low of $276.53 and a one year high of $326.32. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $308.02 and a 200-day moving average price of $304.06. McDonalds (NYSE:MCD Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The fast-food giant reported $3.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.33 by ($0.11). The company had revenue of $7.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.10 billion. McDonalds had a negative return on equity of 280.89% and a net margin of 32.04%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $3.23 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. McDonalds Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 1st were given a $1.86 dividend. This represents a $7.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. This is an increase from McDonaldss previous quarterly dividend of $1.77. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. McDonaldss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 63.48%. More McDonalds News Here are the key news stories impacting McDonalds this week: Insider Activity In related news, insider Joseph M. Erlinger sold 3,195 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $305.82, for a total transaction of $977,094.90. Following the sale, the insider owned 6,088 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,861,832.16. This represents a 34.42% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Desiree Ralls-Morrison sold 2,486 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $320.00, for a total transaction of $795,520.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 6,268 shares in the company, valued at $2,005,760. This represents a 28.40% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 42,516 shares of company stock worth $13,036,090 in the last three months. Insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock. McDonalds Profile (Free Report) McDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is a global quick-service restaurant company best known for its hamburgers, French fries and breakfast offerings. The company develops, operates and franchises a system of restaurants that sell a range of food and beverage items, including signature products such as the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets, McCafe coffee beverages and a variety of salads, desserts and seasonal menu items. McDonalds serves customers through company-operated restaurants and franchised locations, and it supports sales via dine-in, drive-thru, digital ordering platforms and third-party delivery partnerships. Founded in 1940 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald as a single San Bernardino, California restaurant, the business was transformed into a franchising model after Ray Kroc joined in the mid-1950s and led the brands national and international expansion. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MCD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for McDonald's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McDonald's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pacer Advisors Inc. cut its holdings in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:IPG Free Report) by 42.9% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,468,496 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 1,105,439 shares during the quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc.s holdings in Interpublic Group of Companies were worth $40,986,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of IPG. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC purchased a new position in Interpublic Group of Companies during the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its holdings in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies by 72.0% in the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,397 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 585 shares during the period. Private Trust Co. NA grew its holdings in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies by 22.9% in the second quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 2,606 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $64,000 after purchasing an additional 485 shares during the period. Assetmark Inc. increased its position in Interpublic Group of Companies by 54.1% during the second quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 3,071 shares of the business services providers stock worth $75,000 after purchasing an additional 1,078 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Employees Retirement System of Texas purchased a new position in Interpublic Group of Companies during the second quarter worth about $75,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.43% of the companys stock. Get Interpublic Group of Companies alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Interpublic Group of Companies from $28.00 to $27.50 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Interpublic Group of Companies in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded Interpublic Group of Companies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $31.82. Interpublic Group of Companies Trading Down 1.7% Shares of NYSE IPG opened at $24.63 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.95 billion, a PE ratio of 20.87 and a beta of 1.12. Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. has a twelve month low of $22.51 and a twelve month high of $33.05. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $25.21 and a 200-day simple moving average of $25.46. About Interpublic Group of Companies (Free Report) Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG) is a leading global provider of marketing solutions and communications services. Through its portfolio of agencies and specialized networks, IPG delivers a broad spectrum of services, including advertising, digital marketing, media planning and buying, public relations, branding, and data analytics. Its creative agencies develop integrated campaigns that span television, print, social media, mobile, experiential and other emerging channels, while its media networks leverage proprietary tools and strategic partnerships to optimize audience targeting and performance. Since its formation in 1961 as one of the first marketing services holding companies, Interpublic has expanded through strategic acquisitions and organic growth to become one of the so-called Big Four advertising conglomerates. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IPG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:IPG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Interpublic Group of Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Interpublic Group of Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEARCA:PPA Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 150,933 shares, a growth of 158.7% from the November 30th total of 58,342 shares. Approximately 0.3% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 135,692 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 135,692 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.1 days. Approximately 0.3% of the companys stock are short sold. Institutional Trading of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of PPA. BOK Financial Private Wealth Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 84.2% in the third quarter. BOK Financial Private Wealth Inc. now owns 175 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 80 shares in the last quarter. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Briaud Financial Planning Inc purchased a new stake in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Binnacle Investments Inc raised its position in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 84.2% in the 2nd quarter. Binnacle Investments Inc now owns 210 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Banque Transatlantique SA purchased a new position in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Get Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF alerts: Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Stock Performance Shares of PPA stock traded down $1.16 on Friday, hitting $158.94. The stock had a trading volume of 92,857 shares, compared to its average volume of 200,080. The stocks 50 day moving average is $153.63 and its 200-day moving average is $149.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.91 and a beta of 0.87. Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF has a 52-week low of $100.39 and a 52-week high of $160.49. About Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF PowerShares Aerospace & Defense Portfolio (Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the SPADE Defense Index (the Index). The Index is designed to identify a group of companies involved in the development, manufacturing, operations and support of the United States defense, homeland security and aerospace operations. The modified market-cap portfolio is rebalanced quarterly and reconstituted annually. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Index. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LeConte Wealth Management LLC cut its stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report) by 13.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 125,107 shares of the companys stock after selling 18,747 shares during the quarter. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF comprises approximately 15.8% of LeConte Wealth Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its biggest position. LeConte Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF were worth $23,733,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Nova Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the second quarter worth about $25,000. Uniplan Investment Counsel Inc. acquired a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada acquired a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. Tompkins Financial Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Finally, Howe & Rusling Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 190.8% during the 1st quarter. Howe & Rusling Inc. now owns 189 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 124 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 61.18% of the companys stock. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Stock Performance RSP stock opened at $193.84 on Friday. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has a one year low of $150.35 and a one year high of $195.46. The firm has a market cap of $74.98 billion, a PE ratio of 20.10 and a beta of 0.99. The firms 50 day moving average price is $189.93 and its 200-day moving average price is $187.08. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Profile Guggenheim S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, formerly Rydex S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, seeks to replicate as closely as possible, the daily performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index (the Index). The Index is a capitalization-weighted index covering 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the United States markets (mostly NYSE Euronext issues). The Index utilizes quarterly rebalancing to maintain its equal-weight stance. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 90% of its net assets, plus any borrowing for investment purposes, in the equity securities (and derivatives thereof) included in the Index. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF (NYSEARCA:JPXN Get Free Report) shot up 0% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $87.05 and last traded at $86.82. 8,107 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 20% from the average session volume of 10,141 shares. The stock had previously closed at $86.79. iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF Stock Performance The company has a market capitalization of $104.18 million, a PE ratio of 14.59 and a beta of 0.65. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $87.35 and a 200 day moving average price of $84.00. Get iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of JPXN. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in shares of iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF by 1.3% during the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 13,448 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,146,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares during the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its holdings in iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF by 329.9% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 331 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 254 shares in the last quarter. UBS Group AG raised its holdings in iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF by 6.6% during the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 7,946 shares of the companys stock worth $677,000 after buying an additional 492 shares during the period. Susquehanna International Group LLP raised its position in iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF by 14.8% during the third quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 12,816 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,092,000 after buying an additional 1,653 shares during the period. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $162,000. iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF Company Profile iShares Japan Large-Cap ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P/TOPIX 150 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/TOPIX 150 (the Index). The Index is comprised of approximately 70% of the market value of the Japanese equity market. Components primarily include consumer discretionary, financial and industrials companies. The Fund generally invests at least 90% of its assets in securities of the Index and in depositary receipts representing securities of the Index. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF (NYSEARCA:TOK Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 172 shares, a decline of 73.5% from the November 30th total of 650 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 846 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Based on an average trading volume of 846 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in TOK. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management UK Ltd. grew its position in iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF by 6.4% during the second quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management UK Ltd. now owns 154,100 shares of the companys stock worth $19,412,000 after buying an additional 9,300 shares in the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF by 22.2% during the 3rd quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC now owns 95,439 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,882,000 after acquiring an additional 17,310 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF by 17.3% during the third quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 72,520 shares of the companys stock worth $9,788,000 after purchasing an additional 10,695 shares in the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF in the third quarter worth approximately $2,094,000. Finally, Citadel Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF by 84.6% in the third quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC now owns 4,034 shares of the companys stock worth $544,000 after purchasing an additional 1,849 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF Stock Performance iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF stock traded down $0.09 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $139.47. 8,176 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,456. iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF has a 52 week low of $99.96 and a 52 week high of $139.60. The firm has a market cap of $230.13 million, a PE ratio of 22.74 and a beta of 0.98. The companys fifty day moving average is $137.01 and its 200-day moving average is $132.13. About iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF The iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF (TOK) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Kokusai (World ex Japan) index. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted index of large- and mid-cap developed market stocks outside of Japan. TOK was launched on Dec 10, 2007 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of iShares MSCI Poland UCITS ETF USD (Acc) (LON:SPOL Get Free Report) passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 2,320.73 and traded as high as GBX 2,446.50. iShares MSCI Poland UCITS ETF USD (Acc) shares last traded at GBX 2,442.50, with a volume of 9,353 shares changing hands. iShares MSCI Poland UCITS ETF USD (Acc) Trading Up 0.4% The business has a fifty day moving average of GBX 2,325.91 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 2,202.05. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Poland UCITS ETF USD (Acc) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Poland UCITS ETF USD (Acc) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (NYSEARCA:EWY Get Free Report) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $80.96 and traded as high as $94.65. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF shares last traded at $94.60, with a volume of 3,461,499 shares trading hands. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF Trading Up 1.3% The stock has a market capitalization of $6.92 billion, a PE ratio of 10.35 and a beta of 1.22. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $92.95 and a 200-day moving average price of $81.16. Get iShares MSCI South Korea ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in EWY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 13.3% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,208,253 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $96,781,000 after acquiring an additional 141,996 shares during the last quarter. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. purchased a new position in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF in the 3rd quarter worth $8,432,000. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF in the third quarter worth $167,000. CacheTech Inc. bought a new stake in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF in the third quarter worth $13,381,000. Finally, Soros Capital Management LLC boosted its position in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 34.3% during the third quarter. Soros Capital Management LLC now owns 307,600 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $24,639,000 after buying an additional 78,500 shares during the period. 49.22% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI South Korea ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI South Korea ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:WLYB Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 2,628 shares, a growth of 330.1% from the November 30th total of 611 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,359 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.9 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are short sold. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 1,359 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.9 days. John Wiley & Sons Stock Down 7.5% Shares of NYSE WLYB traded down $2.59 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $32.16. The company had a trading volume of 61 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,109. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.69 billion, a PE ratio of 17.11 and a beta of 0.79. John Wiley & Sons has a twelve month low of $30.10 and a twelve month high of $46.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a current ratio of 0.71. The stocks 50 day moving average is $34.93 and its 200-day moving average is $38.59. Get John Wiley & Sons alerts: John Wiley & Sons (NYSE:WLYB Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported $1.10 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.78 by $0.32. John Wiley & Sons had a return on equity of 28.23% and a net margin of 6.11%.The firm had revenue of $421.75 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $416.40 million. John Wiley & Sons Announces Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 30th will be given a dividend of $0.355 per share. This represents a $1.42 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 30th. John Wiley & Sonss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 75.53%. Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of John Wiley & Sons in a report on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on WLYB Institutional Trading of John Wiley & Sons A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in John Wiley & Sons stock. Gabelli Funds LLC purchased a new stake in shares of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:WLYB Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 4,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $201,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 0.49% of the companys stock. About John Wiley & Sons (Get Free Report) John Wiley & Sons, Inc is a global publishing and knowledge services company headquartered in Hoboken, New Jersey. Founded in 1807, Wiley has established itself as a leading provider of scholarly, educational and professional content across scientific, technical, medical and academic disciplines. The company leverages both print and digital platforms to deliver peer-reviewed journals, books, reference works and online resources to researchers, educators, students and professionals around the world. Wileys operations are organized into key segments, including Research Publishing, which publishes over 1,600 peer-reviewed journals and a broad suite of digital books; Academic and Professional Learning, which offers course materials, interactive digital platforms and certification programs; and Education Solutions, providing custom learning environments, online degree programs and professional development services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for John Wiley & Sons Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Wiley & Sons and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greenup Street Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 558.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,540 shares of the credit services providers stock after acquiring an additional 2,154 shares during the quarter. Greenup Street Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Mastercard were worth $1,445,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. ORG Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 73.2% in the 2nd quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 698 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $394,000 after acquiring an additional 295 shares during the period. Curio Wealth LLC grew its position in Mastercard by 22,400.0% in the 2nd quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 225 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $126,000 after purchasing an additional 224 shares during the last quarter. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Mastercard by 3,694.7% in the third quarter. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. now owns 9,297 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $5,288,000 after purchasing an additional 9,052 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Mastercard by 1.2% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 78,475,807 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $44,098,695,000 after purchasing an additional 931,132 shares during the period. Finally, Wheelhouse Advisory Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 4.4% during the second quarter. Wheelhouse Advisory Group LLC now owns 1,336 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $751,000 after buying an additional 56 shares during the last quarter. 97.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Mastercard alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $713.00 price objective on shares of Mastercard in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Citigroup raised Mastercard to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Tigress Financial upped their price objective 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 research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have assigned a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $657.48. Mastercard Trading Up 0.0% Shares of Mastercard stock opened at $579.61 on Friday. 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 firm has a market cap of $520.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.87. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $555.62 and a 200-day simple moving average of $565.84. Mastercard Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $465.59 and a fifty-two week high of $601.77. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The credit services provider reported $4.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.31 by $0.07. Mastercard had a return on equity of 202.03% and a net margin of 45.28%.The firm had revenue of $8.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.53 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $3.89 earnings per share. Mastercards revenue was up 16.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts forecast that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 EPS for the current fiscal year. Mastercard Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Investors of record on Friday, January 9th will be issued a $0.87 dividend. This represents a $3.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 9th. This is an increase from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.76. 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 Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. In most stablecoin lineups, Circles USDC would hold this spot because its $78 billion market capitalization trumps that of RLUSDs $1.3 billion. But as Massad pointed out, stablecoin performance has more to do with being able to move money efficiently than its total supply. Ripple Labs stablecoin, RLUSD, swiped the second spot with a velocity of 71. That means, on average, every RLUSD token has changed hands 71 times since the start of the year. But thats not stopped the company from turning a hefty profit. So far in 2025, Tether has seen $10 billion in profit in the first three quarters of the year, the company said in October. Tether boasts a market capitalization of $186 billion after increasing 35% since the start of the year, according to CoinGecko data. The bulk of Tether tokens get traded on Ethereum (46.3%) and Tron (41.4%), according to DeFi Llama data. Tether tops the list with a velocity of 166 because its long been a workhorse for global crypto trading. It cant claim the crown as the first-ever stablecointhat belongs to BitUSD . But it launched the same year, in 2014, and became the first widely used one. Stablecoins can be very useful without there being a large market cap, he said. In other words, it's really the velocity, the transaction use, and they can circulate very quickly even if the amount outstanding is not that great. As former Commodities and Futures Trading Commission Chairman Timothy Massad explained to Decrypt , measuring velocity beats rankings that rely only on total supply. To measure stablecoin performance, Decrypt calculated velocity using historical data from crypto price aggregator CoinGecko from January through December 15. Velocity divides total volume by average supply, resulting in a calculation of how many times each coin has, on average, changed hands. Since the start of January, the overall U.S. dollar-denominated stablecoin supply has increased by more than $100 billion, to $314 billion total. But that doesnt mean all boats have risen at the same rate. This was a defining year for stablecoins, with the signing of the GENIUS Act , a high-flying IPO for Circle, and a handful of tokens outpacing the rest. Story Continues Ripple was provisionally approved for a national banking charter by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, or OCC, in December. This is a massive step forwardfirst for RLUSD setting the highest standard for stablecoin compliance with both federal (OCC) & state (NYDFS) oversight, Ripple Labs CEO Brad Garlinghouse wrote on X. Ripple Senior Vice President of Stablecoins Jack McDonald has often pointed out that RLUSD was specifically designed for institutional use. At the start of December, Ripple got the green light from the Singapore Monetary Authority, or MAS, to expand XRP and RLUSD payments in Singapore. And earlier this year, RLUSD was integrated into Securitize's tokenization platform. That means its one of the assets investors can swap for tokenized money market funds. Circle (USDC) USDC saw its velocity reach 56 in 2025, while its market capitalization climbed 78% to $78.4 billion by December 15. Perhaps more than any of its competitors, Circle benefitted massively from the passage of the GENIUS Act. Its operating model already resembled the federally regulated framework thats now become U.S. law. Thats given Circle a head start on compliance and investor confidenceand investors took note. USDC Issuer Circle Halted on NYSE Debut as CRCL Triples IPO Price CRCL was so popular with investors on its debut that the NYSE halted trading three times. Since then, Circle has reported $740 million in Q3 revenue, marking a 66% year-over-year increase. Circle has also rolled out the testnet for Arc, its layer-1 blockchain, which counts BlackRock, Visa, and Amazon Web Services as early participants. Circle was also one of several stablecoin issuersincluding Ripple, Paxos and BitGowhich got a provisional approval for its national banking charter and will be looking to expand into broader financial services. USD1 (USD1) USD1 is an outlier because it launched in April, and therefore doesnt have nearly a full years worth of data. But that didnt stop it from landing right next to the podium with a velocity of 39. Issued by World Liberty Financialthe crypto-focused firm co-founded by Donald Trump Jr. and partnersUSD1 was designed from the outset to be a highly liquid transactional stablecoin. The token reached a $1 billion market cap in April, less than a month after its launch, according to data from CoinGecko. Trump-Backed USD1 to Supplant Tether, USDC as Top Stablecoin by 2028: Blockstreet There have been some very bullish predictions about its growth. Blockstreets Kyle Klemmer told Decrypt he believes USD1 will be the worlds dominant stablecoin, beating USDT and USDC, before President Donald Trumps second term ends in 2029. The project has leaned heavily on retail distribution and promotional partnerships, including integrations with several U.S.-based crypto exchanges, like Coinbase and FalconX, and its making a bid to become Solanas go-to stablecoin by teaming up with meme coin platform Bonk and decentralized exchange Raydium. PayPal USD (PYUSD) PayPal USDs velocity of 18 lands it in fifth place on this list. Its 2023 debut made big waves because it was the first time an established payments platform made a bid at issuing a stablecoinyears before there was a regulatory framework in the U.S.. For most of this year, growth for PYUSD moved at a modest pace. Its market capitalization peaked above $1 billion in June and then established a foothold in September. Since then, its nearly tripled to $3.8 billion as of December 15. Printing Money: Paxos Mints, Then Burns $300 Trillion in PayPal Stablecoins PayPal has teamed with LayerZero to expand the tokens presence to nine new blockchains, including Tron, Abstract, Aptos, and Avalanche. But theres also been some controversy. In October, observers noted that PYUSD issuer Paxos minted and then immediately burned $300 trillion worth of tokens. Its an impossibly large number of tokens, given it represents more than twice the worlds GDP. "This was an internal technical error. There is no security breach, the firm wrote on X. Customer funds are safe. We have addressed the root cause." USDe (USDe) Ethena Labs USDe demonstrated a velocity of 11 in 2025, with its market capitalization showing a modest gain of 11% from $5.8 billion in January to $6.5 billion by December 15. But that trajectory leaves out the fact that its market cap soared to nearly $15 billion before the early October flash crash. Arthur Hayes Buys Nearly $1M in Ethena Ahead of Hyperliquid Vote USDe is the only stablecoin on this list that isnt backed by fiat currency: Its backed by a delta-neutral strategy involving staked Ethereum and perpetual futures hedges. But its reliance on derivatives means that times of high volatility and shifts in sentiment can cause big swings in market capitalization. Even with a less straightforward structure, the tokens advocates include billionaire Arthur Hayes. But not all regulators are convinced. Ethena Labs pulled out of the German market in April over growing scrutiny over its serious deficiencies in compliance. USDS (USDS) Skys USDS showed extremely low velocity of 1 in 2025and thats by design. To avoid confusion: Sky is a rebrand of DeFi OG MakerDAO and USDS is a rebrand of its DAI stablecoin. Unlike USDT or USDC, which function as transactional stablecoins, most USDS tokens sit locked in Maker vaults or savings contracts as collateral for DeFi loans rather than circulating. Its role in DeFi is closer to a yield-bearing savings instrument than digital cash, so it naturally turns over far less often. For example, the Sky Protocol currently offers a 4% rewards rate (paid in SKY tokens) to users who hold USDS. As of 2025, USDS has seen its market capitalization grow from $5.2 billion at the start of the year to $9.8 billion, marking an 85% increase in just under 12 months. Meyer Handelman Co. boosted its holdings in Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ Free Report) by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,160,906 shares of the cell phone carriers stock after buying an additional 25,852 shares during the period. Verizon Communications makes up about 1.6% of Meyer Handelman Co.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th largest position. Meyer Handelman Co.s holdings in Verizon Communications were worth $51,022,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Beacon Investment Advisory Services Inc. increased its position in Verizon Communications by 10.6% during the third quarter. Beacon Investment Advisory Services Inc. now owns 16,650 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $732,000 after acquiring an additional 1,591 shares during the period. HBW Advisory Services LLC grew its position in Verizon Communications by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. HBW Advisory Services LLC now owns 78,622 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $3,455,000 after purchasing an additional 783 shares during the last quarter. Burney Co. increased its holdings in shares of Verizon Communications by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter. Burney Co. now owns 230,990 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $10,152,000 after purchasing an additional 2,211 shares during the period. CRA Financial Services LLC raised its position in shares of Verizon Communications by 21.2% during the third quarter. CRA Financial Services LLC now owns 6,311 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $277,000 after buying an additional 1,104 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Greenup Street Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Verizon Communications by 9.9% in the third quarter. Greenup Street Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,270 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $363,000 after buying an additional 743 shares during the period. 62.06% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Verizon Communications alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently issued reports on VZ. Scotiabank boosted their price target on Verizon Communications from $50.50 to $51.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. TD Cowen decreased their price objective on Verizon Communications from $56.00 to $51.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Verizon Communications from $49.00 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Verizon Communications in a research note on Tuesday, September 2nd. They set a buy rating and a $49.00 price target on the stock. Finally, BNP Paribas Exane cut shares of Verizon Communications from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $44.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating and eleven have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Verizon Communications currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $47.47. Verizon Communications Price Performance Shares of VZ stock opened at $40.49 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.69. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $40.36 and its 200 day simple moving average is $42.03. Verizon Communications Inc. has a one year low of $37.58 and a one year high of $47.35. The firm has a market cap of $170.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.65, a P/E/G ratio of 3.60 and a beta of 0.33. Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The cell phone carrier reported $1.21 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.19 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $33.82 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $34.19 billion. Verizon Communications had a net margin of 14.43% and a return on equity of 19.31%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.19 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Verizon Communications Inc. will post 4.69 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Verizon Communications Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.69 per share. This represents a $2.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 12th. Verizon Communicationss dividend payout ratio is currently 58.97%. About Verizon Communications (Free Report) Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE: VZ) is a major U.S.-based telecommunications company that provides a broad range of communications and information services. Its operations span consumer and business markets, with core offerings that include wireless voice and data services, fixed-line broadband and fiber-optic services, and enterprise networking solutions. Verizon is headquartered in New York City and operates a nationwide wireless network that supports consumer subscribers as well as business and government customers. The companys consumer products include mobile phone plans, unlimited data services, and Fios, its branded fiber-optic internet, television and voice service for homes and small businesses. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Verizon Communications Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Verizon Communications and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meyer Handelman Co. reduced its stake in shares of McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD Free Report) by 4.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 98,809 shares of the fast-food giants stock after selling 4,500 shares during the quarter. Meyer Handelman Co.s holdings in McDonalds were worth $30,027,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Redhawk Wealth Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in McDonalds by 1.4% during the third quarter. Redhawk Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 2,423 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $736,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Symmetry Partners LLC boosted its position in McDonalds by 2.0% during the 3rd quarter. Symmetry Partners LLC now owns 1,771 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $538,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares during the last quarter. Certior Financial Group LLC grew its position in McDonalds by 2.6% in the first quarter. Certior Financial Group LLC now owns 1,367 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $427,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. Alaethes Wealth LLC grew its holdings in shares of McDonalds by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. Alaethes Wealth LLC now owns 1,219 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $381,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sheets Smith Wealth Management increased its position in shares of McDonalds by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Sheets Smith Wealth Management now owns 3,604 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $1,053,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.29% of the companys stock. Get McDonald's alerts: McDonalds News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting McDonalds this week: McDonalds Stock Down 0.9% Shares of MCD stock opened at $310.61 on Friday. McDonalds Corporation has a twelve month low of $276.53 and a twelve month high of $326.32. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $308.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is $304.06. The firm has a market capitalization of $221.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.50, a P/E/G ratio of 3.49 and a beta of 0.52. McDonalds (NYSE:MCD Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The fast-food giant reported $3.22 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.33 by ($0.11). The firm had revenue of $7.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.10 billion. McDonalds had a net margin of 32.04% and a negative return on equity of 280.89%. McDonaldss revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $3.23 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 EPS for the current fiscal year. McDonalds Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were given a dividend of $1.86 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $7.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. This is a boost from McDonaldss previous quarterly dividend of $1.77. McDonaldss dividend payout ratio is 63.48%. Insider Buying and Selling at McDonalds In other news, CFO Ian Frederick Borden sold 17,134 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $310.00, for a total transaction of $5,311,540.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 26,353 shares in the company, valued at $8,169,430. This trade represents a 39.40% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Manuel Jm Steijaert sold 13,134 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $300.42, for a total value of $3,945,716.28. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 4,606 shares in the company, valued at $1,383,734.52. The trade was a 74.04% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 42,516 shares of company stock valued at $13,036,090. Insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently weighed in on MCD. BTIG Research restated a neutral rating on shares of McDonalds in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Robert W. Baird lifted their target price on McDonalds from $322.00 to $325.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Barclays cut their price target on McDonalds from $362.00 to $358.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Truist Financial dropped their price target on McDonalds from $360.00 to $350.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Guggenheim upped their target price on McDonalds from $295.00 to $310.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $324.57. View Our Latest Research Report on McDonalds About McDonalds (Free Report) McDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is a global quick-service restaurant company best known for its hamburgers, French fries and breakfast offerings. The company develops, operates and franchises a system of restaurants that sell a range of food and beverage items, including signature products such as the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets, McCafe coffee beverages and a variety of salads, desserts and seasonal menu items. McDonalds serves customers through company-operated restaurants and franchised locations, and it supports sales via dine-in, drive-thru, digital ordering platforms and third-party delivery partnerships. Founded in 1940 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald as a single San Bernardino, California restaurant, the business was transformed into a franchising model after Ray Kroc joined in the mid-1950s and led the brands national and international expansion. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MCD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for McDonald's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McDonald's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Monash Absolute Investment Company Limited (ASX:MA1 Get Free Report) announced a interim dividend on Monday, December 22nd, MarketIndexAU Dividends reports. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 14th will be given a dividend of 0.014 per share on Wednesday, January 14th. This represents a dividend yield of 68.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 29th. This is a 7.7% increase from Monash Absolute Investments previous interim dividend of $0.01. Monash Absolute Investment Price Performance Monash Absolute Investment Company Profile (Get Free Report) Monash Absolute Investment Company Limited is a listed investment company launched and managed by Monash Investors Pty Limited. It invests in public equity markets across Australia. It invests in the growth and value stocks of small-cap companies. Monash Absolute Investment Company Limited is domiciled in Australia. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Monash Absolute Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Monash Absolute Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Hold from the twenty-two brokerages that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $53.3333. NVO has been the subject of several research reports. Rothschild & Co Redburn raised Novo Nordisk A/S from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on Novo Nordisk A/S from $60.00 to $54.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Berenberg Bank upgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 17th. Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 9th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Tuesday. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on NVO Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Down 0.5% NVO stock opened at $52.29 on Wednesday. The companys 50 day moving average is $49.35 and its two-hundred day moving average is $56.93. Novo Nordisk A/S has a twelve month low of $43.08 and a twelve month high of $93.80. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The stock has a market cap of $233.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.20 and a beta of 0.67. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $1.02 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.77 by $0.25. Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 32.76% and a return on equity of 73.50%. The firm had revenue of $11.79 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.98 billion. Research analysts expect that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Novo Nordisk A/S Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Academy Capital Management raised its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 0.3% during the 3rd quarter. Academy Capital Management now owns 367,419 shares of the companys stock worth $20,388,000 after buying an additional 1,170 shares during the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc raised its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 21.1% during the third quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 13,712 shares of the companys stock worth $761,000 after purchasing an additional 2,391 shares in the last quarter. Innova Wealth Partners lifted its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 35.6% in the third quarter. Innova Wealth Partners now owns 4,091 shares of the companys stock valued at $227,000 after purchasing an additional 1,073 shares during the period. Tevis Investment Management boosted its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 12.1% in the 3rd quarter. Tevis Investment Management now owns 44,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,480,000 after purchasing an additional 4,838 shares in the last quarter. Finally, XXEC Inc. increased its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 26.7% during the 3rd quarter. XXEC Inc. now owns 99,075 shares of the companys stock worth $5,498,000 after purchasing an additional 20,890 shares during the period. 11.54% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Novo Nordisk A/S Company Profile (Get Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S is a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Bagsvrd, Denmark, best known for its leadership in diabetes care and metabolic health. The company traces its roots to early Danish insulin production in the 1920s and was established in its current form through a 1989 merger of predecessor companies. Novo Nordisk develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and devices that address chronic and serious diseases, with a strong emphasis on long-term treatment and patient support. The companys core product portfolio centers on diabetes therapies, including a range of insulins and modern incretin-based treatments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pacer Advisors Inc. boosted its position in DT Midstream, Inc. (NYSE:DTM Free Report) by 12.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 255,274 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 28,087 shares during the period. Pacer Advisors Inc.s holdings in DT Midstream were worth $28,861,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of DT Midstream by 1.6% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 11,351,778 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,247,674,000 after buying an additional 176,813 shares in the last quarter. 59 North Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in DT Midstream in the 2nd quarter valued at about $226,757,000. Invesco Ltd. increased its holdings in DT Midstream by 15.4% during the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,664,052 shares of the companys stock valued at $182,896,000 after acquiring an additional 222,586 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in DT Midstream during the 2nd quarter valued at about $143,743,000. Finally, MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its position in DT Midstream by 11.9% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 1,236,800 shares of the companys stock worth $119,326,000 after acquiring an additional 131,138 shares during the last quarter. 81.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get DT Midstream alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently commented on DTM shares. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on shares of DT Midstream from $119.00 to $121.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. UBS Group increased their target price on DT Midstream from $115.00 to $128.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on DT Midstream from $121.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Citigroup boosted their price target on DT Midstream from $115.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of DT Midstream in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $123.25. DT Midstream Trading Up 0.0% Shares of DTM opened at $120.55 on Friday. DT Midstream, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $83.30 and a fifty-two week high of $122.70. The company has a market capitalization of $12.26 billion, a PE ratio of 30.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.32 and a beta of 0.76. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $115.53 and a two-hundred day moving average of $109.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 0.92. DT Midstream (NYSE:DTM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.13 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.03 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $314.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $309.21 million. DT Midstream had a return on equity of 8.83% and a net margin of 34.30%.During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.90 earnings per share. DT Midstream has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.150-4.450 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that DT Midstream, Inc. will post 3.8 EPS for the current year. DT Midstream Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.82 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $3.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.7%. DT Midstreams dividend payout ratio is currently 82.83%. About DT Midstream (Free Report) DT Midstream Inc (NYSE: DTM) is a midstream energy company that owns and operates infrastructure for gathering, processing and treating hydrocarbons and produced water. Its core business activities encompass natural gas gathering, cryogenic processing, natural gas liquids (NGL) fractionation, and produced-water handling services. These integrated operations enable the company to capture and transport multiple hydrocarbon streams from wellhead to market and to provide essential water management solutions. The companys asset footprint is concentrated in the Delaware Basin in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, where it serves a diverse range of exploration and production customers. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DTM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for DT Midstream, Inc. (NYSE:DTM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for DT Midstream Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DT Midstream and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pacer Advisors Inc. trimmed its holdings in Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP Free Report) by 10.8% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 102,394 shares of the railroad operators stock after selling 12,386 shares during the period. Pacer Advisors Inc.s holdings in Union Pacific were worth $24,203,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of UNP. Pines Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Union Pacific by 1.7% in the second quarter. Pines Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,520 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $595,000 after acquiring an additional 43 shares during the period. Titleist Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in Union Pacific by 1.1% in the first quarter. Titleist Asset Management LLC now owns 4,004 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $946,000 after purchasing an additional 44 shares during the last quarter. Five Oceans Advisors grew its position in Union Pacific by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Five Oceans Advisors now owns 1,183 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $272,000 after purchasing an additional 44 shares during the period. St. Johns Investment Management Company LLC raised its stake in Union Pacific by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. St. Johns Investment Management Company LLC now owns 3,012 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $693,000 after buying an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hanson & Doremus Investment Management lifted its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 2.5% during the 3rd quarter. Hanson & Doremus Investment Management now owns 1,880 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $444,000 after buying an additional 46 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.38% of the companys stock. Get Union Pacific alerts: Union Pacific Stock Performance UNP opened at $233.23 on Friday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $227.71 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $226.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.75, a current ratio of 0.75 and a quick ratio of 0.60. The firm has a market cap of $138.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.82, a PEG ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.99. Union Pacific Corporation has a 1-year low of $204.66 and a 1-year high of $256.84. Union Pacific Announces Dividend Union Pacific ( NYSE:UNP Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The railroad operator reported $3.08 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.99 by $0.09. Union Pacific had a net margin of 28.73% and a return on equity of 42.23%. The company had revenue of $6.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.24 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $2.75 EPS. Union Pacifics revenue for the quarter was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Union Pacific Corporation will post 11.99 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Investors of record on Friday, December 5th will be given a dividend of $1.38 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 5th. This represents a $5.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 46.90%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently commented on the company. Susquehanna reaffirmed a positive rating and issued a $272.00 price objective (up previously from $257.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Thursday, September 25th. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Union Pacific from $263.00 to $265.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on shares of Union Pacific from $277.00 to $275.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Union Pacific in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, TD Cowen reduced their target price on shares of Union Pacific from $258.00 to $257.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating and eleven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $260.33. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on UNP Union Pacific Company Profile (Free Report) Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) is one of the largest freight railroad companies in the United States. Its principal operating subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad, has roots that trace back to the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 and the construction of the first transcontinental rail link completed in 1869. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and operates as a holding company for rail transportation and related services. Union Pacifics core business is the movement of freight by rail across an extensive rail network serving the western twothirds of the United States. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Union Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Union Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pacer Advisors Inc. reduced its stake in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 1.9% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 68,153 shares of the credit services providers stock after selling 1,331 shares during the quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc.s holdings in Mastercard were worth $38,766,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. ORG Partners LLC grew its position in Mastercard by 73.2% during the 2nd quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 698 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $394,000 after acquiring an additional 295 shares during the last quarter. Curio Wealth LLC raised its position in Mastercard by 22,400.0% in the second quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 225 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $126,000 after purchasing an additional 224 shares during the last quarter. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Mastercard by 3,694.7% during the third quarter. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. now owns 9,297 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $5,288,000 after purchasing an additional 9,052 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 1.2% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 78,475,807 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $44,098,695,000 after purchasing an additional 931,132 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wheelhouse Advisory Group LLC increased its stake in shares of Mastercard by 4.4% in the second quarter. Wheelhouse Advisory Group LLC now owns 1,336 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $751,000 after buying an additional 56 shares during the period. 97.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Mastercard alerts: Mastercard Stock Performance MA stock opened at $579.61 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $520.49 billion, a PE ratio of 37.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.87. The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.40. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $555.62 and a 200-day moving average price of $565.84. Mastercard Incorporated has a 1-year low of $465.59 and a 1-year high of $601.77. Mastercard Increases Dividend Mastercard ( NYSE:MA Get Free Report ) last released its 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 business had revenue of $8.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations 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 firm posted $3.89 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be given a dividend of $0.87 per share. This is a positive change from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.76. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. Mastercards payout ratio is 19.44%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently commented on MA shares. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Mastercard from $669.00 to $660.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 31st. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Mastercard from $690.00 to $700.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Citigroup raised shares of Mastercard to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Compass Point set a $620.00 target price on Mastercard and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have issued a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $657.48. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on MA 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Persimmon Plc (OTCMKTS:PSMMY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 165 shares, a drop of 62.2% from the November 30th total of 437 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 11,598 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Based on an average daily volume of 11,598 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Persimmon Stock Down 0.0% PSMMY traded down $0.02 on Friday, hitting $36.12. 1,679 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,508. Persimmon has a 12-month low of $25.47 and a 12-month high of $38.84. The company has a 50 day moving average of $33.98 and a 200-day moving average of $32.70. Get Persimmon alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have commented on PSMMY. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Persimmon in a research report on Monday, November 24th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Persimmon in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded Persimmon from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and four have assigned a Buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Buy. About Persimmon (Get Free Report) Persimmon plc (OTCMKTS:PSMMY) is a leading United Kingdombased residential property developer primarily engaged in the design, construction and sale of new homes. The companys product range spans starter homes for first-time buyers, family houses and executive properties, addressing a broad spectrum of customer needs. Persimmon also offers warranty and after-sales services through its in-house customer care teams, ensuring ongoing support for homeowners. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in York, North Yorkshire, Persimmon has grown from a regional builder into one of the UKs most prolific housebuilders. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Persimmon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Persimmon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund (NYSEARCA:LONZ Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 5,140 shares, a decrease of 66.4% from the November 30th total of 15,296 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 39,869 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Based on an average trading volume of 39,869 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund Trading Up 0.0% Shares of NYSEARCA:LONZ traded up $0.02 during trading on Friday, reaching $50.81. 11,620 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 139,541. PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund has a 12 month low of $47.79 and a 12 month high of $51.70. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $50.62 and a 200-day moving average price of $50.77. Get PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of LONZ. JPMorgan Chase & Co. acquired a new position in shares of PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $7,685,000. L & S Advisors Inc boosted its stake in shares of PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund by 2.7% in the third quarter. L & S Advisors Inc now owns 130,706 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,675,000 after buying an additional 3,491 shares during the period. Titleist Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund by 1.9% in the first quarter. Titleist Asset Management LLC now owns 12,053 shares of the companys stock valued at $607,000 after buying an additional 229 shares during the period. Finally, OLD Mission Capital LLC acquired a new stake in PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund during the first quarter worth approximately $212,000. About PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund The PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund (LONZ) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund seeks current income through the active management of US dollar-denominated senior floating rate bank loans that are rated below investment grade. LONZ was launched on Jun 8, 2022 and is managed by PIMCO. See Also Receive News & Ratings for PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PIMCO Senior Loan Active Exchange-Traded Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF (NYSEARCA:BILZ Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 45,588 shares, a growth of 245.8% from the November 30th total of 13,182 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 250,185 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.5% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Approximately 0.5% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 250,185 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF Price Performance BILZ stock traded up $0.03 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $101.04. The companys stock had a trading volume of 90,937 shares, compared to its average volume of 218,424. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $100.94 and its 200-day simple moving average is $101.00. PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF has a 52 week low of $100.73 and a 52 week high of $101.27. Get PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. grew its position in shares of PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF by 128.0% during the 3rd quarter. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. now owns 269 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 151 shares during the period. Transce3nd LLC grew its holdings in PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF by 238.6% during the second quarter. Transce3nd LLC now owns 430 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 303 shares during the period. CWM LLC grew its holdings in PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF by 2,145.5% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 494 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,000 after purchasing an additional 472 shares during the period. Trust Co. of Vermont bought a new stake in PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $58,000. Finally, Evolution Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF in the second quarter worth $158,000. About PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF The PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active Exchange-Traded Fund (BILZ) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is an actively managed fund that invests in treasury bills and notes, repurchase agreements, and cash collateralized by the US government. Securities selected have a maximum maturity of six months. BILZ was launched on Jun 21, 2023 and is managed by PIMCO. Read More Receive News & Ratings for PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Key Points ConocoPhillips expects to add $6 billion to its annual free cash flow by 2029. Oneok expects merger synergies and organic expansion projects to fuel a steadily rising dividend. NextEra Energy sees the potential to deliver 8%+ compound annual earnings growth over the next decade. 10 stocks we like better than ConocoPhillips The energy sector had a rather quiet year. The average energy stock in the S&P 500 is only up about 4% year-to-date, compared to a nearly 18% rise by the broader market index. Lower oil prices contributed to the energy sector's lackluster returns. Despite the sector's recent underperformance, the energy industry remains vital to fueling the economy. Here are my top three energy stocks to buy now to capitalize on the expected continued growth in energy demand. Image source: Getty Images. ConocoPhillips ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is a leading oil and gas producer. The company has built one of the deepest and most diversified portfolios in the sector with some of the lowest operating costs. ConocoPhillips currently needs an average oil price in the mid-$40s to sustain its capital spending program and about $10 more per barrel to fund its dividend. With crude oil currently priced in the low $60s, ConocoPhillips is generating a substantial amount of surplus free cash flow. The company expects its breakeven level to steadily fall over the next several years as it captures more cost savings from last year's Marathon Oil megadeal. Additionally, the company expects to complete three large-scale liquefied natural gas projects and its Willow oil project in Alaska by the end of the decade. These catalysts will add an incremental $6 billion in annual free cash flow by 2029, assuming a $60 oil price. That's a meaningful increase for a company that produced $6.1 billion in free cash flow through the first nine months of this year. ConocoPhillips' growing cash flow will give it more money to increase its 3.4%-yielding dividend. It recently hiked its payout by 8% and aims to deliver dividend growth within the top 10% of companies in the S&P 500 in the future. Additionally, the company plans to continue repurchasing shares. This combination of growing cash flow and cash returns could give ConocoPhillips the fuel to produce a robust total return for investors over the next few years. Oneok Oneok (NYSE: OKE) is one of the country's largest energy midstream companies. The pipeline company generates very stable cash flow backed by long-term contracts and government-regulated rate structures. This cash flow supports the company's high-yielding dividend (5.6% current yield). Prada S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:PRDSY Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 649 shares, a decrease of 89.5% from the November 30th total of 6,210 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 22,897 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days. Based on an average daily volume of 22,897 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, UBS Group lowered shares of Prada from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold. Get Prada alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on PRDSY Prada Trading Up 0.4% Prada Company Profile Shares of OTCMKTS:PRDSY traded up $0.05 during trading on Friday, reaching $11.74. The stock had a trading volume of 2,256 shares, compared to its average volume of 19,591. Prada has a 52 week low of $10.12 and a 52 week high of $18.00. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $11.87 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $11.82. (Get Free Report) Prada S.p.A. is an Italian luxury fashion house renowned for its high-end leather goods, ready-to-wear collections and accessories. Founded in 1913 by Mario Prada in Milan, the company has built a reputation for craftsmanship and understated elegance. Its product portfolio spans handbags, small leather goods, footwear, eyewear and fragrances, all designed to reflect a blend of traditional techniques and contemporary sensibilities. The company distributes its products through a network of directly operated boutiques, franchise stores and e-commerce platforms. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Prada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rice Hall James & Associates LLC cut its stake in shares of ReposiTrak Inc. (NYSE:TRAK Free Report) by 9.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 745,944 shares of the companys stock after selling 80,855 shares during the quarter. Rice Hall James & Associates LLC owned 4.08% of ReposiTrak worth $11,055,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Handelsbanken Fonder AB grew its stake in shares of ReposiTrak by 7.1% during the second quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 1,654,348 shares of the companys stock worth $32,508,000 after buying an additional 110,000 shares during the last quarter. Ashford Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of ReposiTrak by 93.7% during the 2nd quarter. Ashford Capital Management Inc. now owns 792,154 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,566,000 after acquiring an additional 383,283 shares in the last quarter. Ingalls & Snyder LLC grew its position in ReposiTrak by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Ingalls & Snyder LLC now owns 198,714 shares of the companys stock worth $3,905,000 after acquiring an additional 2,554 shares during the last quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in ReposiTrak in the 2nd quarter worth about $818,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC bought a new position in ReposiTrak in the second quarter valued at about $802,000. Institutional investors own 27.35% of the companys stock. Get ReposiTrak alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other ReposiTrak news, CEO Randall K. Fields sold 4,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.26, for a total transaction of $59,670.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 167,500 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,221,050. This represents a 2.62% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders sold 90,000 shares of company stock valued at $1,289,317 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 41.00% of the companys stock. ReposiTrak Stock Down 1.9% TRAK opened at $13.14 on Friday. ReposiTrak Inc. has a twelve month low of $12.16 and a twelve month high of $23.72. The company has a fifty day moving average of $14.11 and a 200-day moving average of $16.30. The stock has a market cap of $240.33 million, a PE ratio of 36.50 and a beta of 0.39. ReposiTrak (NYSE:TRAK Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $0.09 EPS for the quarter. ReposiTrak had a net margin of 30.52% and a return on equity of 14.37%. The business had revenue of $5.97 million for the quarter. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of ReposiTrak in a research note on Monday. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of ReposiTrak from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, December 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold. View Our Latest Analysis on TRAK ReposiTrak Company Profile (Free Report) ReposiTrak, trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TRAK, is a provider of cloud-based supply chain compliance and transparency solutions. The companys platform enables retailers, suppliers and manufacturers to manage, share and validate product data throughout the supply chain. Through its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offering, ReposiTrak helps organizations ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, industry standards and retailer-specific guidelines for food safety, sustainability, labeling and quality assurance. At the core of ReposiTraks offerings is its DataHub, a centralized repository that captures critical information such as product specifications, certifications, catch-weight data, temperature logs and recall notifications. See Also Receive News & Ratings for ReposiTrak Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ReposiTrak and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ShaMaran Petroleum Corp. (OTCMKTS:SHASF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 112,246 shares, a decrease of 50.0% from the November 30th total of 224,403 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 1,121,282 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Based on an average trading volume of 1,121,282 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. ShaMaran Petroleum Stock Performance OTCMKTS SHASF traded up C$0.01 during trading on Friday, hitting C$0.18. 1,100,263 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 145,491. ShaMaran Petroleum has a 12-month low of C$0.07 and a 12-month high of C$0.21. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of C$0.18 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$0.17. Get ShaMaran Petroleum alerts: About ShaMaran Petroleum (Get Free Report) ShaMaran Petroleum is a Canadabased upstream oil and gas company that focuses on the exploration, development and production of crude oil in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The companys principal asset is a 27.6% working interest in the Atrush block, located near the Turkish border, where it partners with international firms and the Kurdistan Regional Government to develop and operate the Atrush oil field. Production began in late 2017, and crude is exported via pipeline to the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Since its incorporation in 2007, ShaMaran has concentrated on building its position in under-explored hydrocarbon provinces. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for ShaMaran Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ShaMaran Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Amplify BlueStar Israel Technology ETF (NYSEARCA:ITEQ Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 955 shares, a drop of 52.8% from the November 30th total of 2,022 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 5,151 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average trading volume of 5,151 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Institutional Trading of Amplify BlueStar Israel Technology ETF Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in ITEQ. Legacy Wealth Managment LLC ID acquired a new position in shares of Amplify BlueStar Israel Technology ETF during the second quarter worth about $54,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC acquired a new position in Amplify BlueStar Israel Technology ETF in the third quarter worth $1,385,000. Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. acquired a new stake in Amplify BlueStar Israel Technology ETF during the third quarter worth about $332,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Amplify BlueStar Israel Technology ETF by 82.7% during the third quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 4,284 shares of the companys stock valued at $251,000 after purchasing an additional 1,939 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Family Management Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Amplify BlueStar Israel Technology ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $205,000. Get Amplify BlueStar Israel Technology ETF alerts: Amplify BlueStar Israel Technology ETF Price Performance Shares of Amplify BlueStar Israel Technology ETF stock traded down $0.42 during trading on Friday, hitting $59.07. 2,926 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 7,774. Amplify BlueStar Israel Technology ETF has a 1 year low of $42.92 and a 1 year high of $60.05. The stock has a market capitalization of $103.37 million, a P/E ratio of 29.66 and a beta of 1.00. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $57.38 and a 200-day simple moving average of $56.39. About Amplify BlueStar Israel Technology ETF The BlueStar Israel Technology ETF (ITEQ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the BlueStar Israel Global Technology index. The fund tracks an index composed of Israeli technology companies listed globally. ITEQ was launched on Nov 2, 2015 and is managed by BlueStar. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Amplify BlueStar Israel Technology ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Amplify BlueStar Israel Technology ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust (NYSE:BTZ Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 42,769 shares, a drop of 62.0% from the November 30th total of 112,422 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 220,775 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Based on an average trading volume of 220,775 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Institutional Trading of BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in BTZ. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. purchased a new position in BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust during the second quarter valued at approximately $112,000. Guggenheim Capital LLC boosted its position in BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust by 6.8% during the 2nd quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 1,739,889 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $19,000,000 after acquiring an additional 110,656 shares in the last quarter. Riverbridge Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust by 3.5% in the 2nd quarter. Riverbridge Partners LLC now owns 65,486 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $715,000 after acquiring an additional 2,218 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its position in shares of BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust by 83.6% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 163,129 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,781,000 after acquiring an additional 74,266 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust during the 2nd quarter worth $76,000. Get BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust alerts: BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust Price Performance Shares of NYSE:BTZ traded up $0.03 during trading on Friday, hitting $10.84. The company had a trading volume of 194,028 shares, compared to its average volume of 230,008. BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust has a one year low of $9.54 and a one year high of $11.18. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $10.93 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $10.95. BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust Dividend Announcement About BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 22nd will be issued a dividend of $0.0839 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 22nd. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.3%. (Get Free Report) BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust (NYSE: BTZ) is a closed-end management investment company sponsored by BlackRock Fund Advisors. The trust seeks to provide investors with a high level of current income, as well as the potential for capital appreciation, through an actively managed portfolio of credit and income-producing securities. BTZ primarily focuses on instruments that offer attractive yields while aiming to preserve capital over the long term. The portfolio is diversified across a broad spectrum of credit sectors, including investment-grade corporate debt, high-yield bonds, leveraged bank loans, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:BULZ Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 298,260 shares, an increase of 299.9% from the November 30th total of 74,584 shares. Approximately 3.5% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 231,059 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.3 days. Based on an average daily volume of 231,059 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.3 days. Approximately 3.5% of the companys stock are sold short. MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN Trading Down 0.9% Shares of MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN stock traded down $2.41 during trading on Friday, reaching $272.96. The stock had a trading volume of 283,373 shares, compared to its average volume of 222,096. The company has a market capitalization of $2.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.09 and a beta of 4.45. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $272.41 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $228.44. MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN has a 52 week low of $57.00 and a 52 week high of $335.58. Get MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN alerts: MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Stories The MicroSectors Solactive FANG & Innovation 3X Leveraged ETN (BULZ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Solactive FANG Innovation index. The fund tracks 3x the daily price movements of an equal-weighted index of US-listed technology companies. BULZ was launched on Aug 20, 2021 and is issued by REX Microsectors. Receive News & Ratings for MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Australia Bank Ltd. (OTCMKTS:NABZY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 27,039 shares, a drop of 70.4% from the November 30th total of 91,229 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 353,953 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 353,953 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. National Australia Bank Stock Performance Shares of National Australia Bank stock traded up $0.03 during trading on Friday, reaching $14.35. 84,222 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 247,781. The company has a current ratio of 1.23, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.88. National Australia Bank has a 52-week low of $9.32 and a 52-week high of $15.13. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $13.85 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $13.57. Get National Australia Bank alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have weighed in on NABZY. National Bankshares began coverage on National Australia Bank in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. They issued a sell rating and a $38.00 price target for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of National Australia Bank to a strong sell rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Sell rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, National Australia Bank currently has a consensus rating of Sell and an average target price of $38.00. National Australia Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) National Australia Bank (OTCMKTS: NABZY) is one of Australias largest banking groups, offering a broad range of financial services to retail, small business, corporate and institutional customers. Its core activities include personal and business banking such as deposits, home and business lending, credit cards and payment services as well as wealth management, insurance, markets and specialist lending. The bank provides transaction and cash management solutions, financing and advisory services to corporate clients and institutional investors. Headquartered in Melbourne, NAB traces its corporate origins to a 1982 merger between the National Bank of Australasia and the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, with precursor institutions dating to the 19th century. Read More Receive News & Ratings for National Australia Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Australia Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Relief Therapeutics Holding SA (OTCMKTS:RLFTF Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 623 shares, a decline of 70.6% from the November 30th total of 2,121 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 13,663 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 13,663 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Relief Therapeutics Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:RLFTF traded down $0.10 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $2.95. The stock had a trading volume of 1,193 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,339. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $3.44 and its 200 day simple moving average is $3.32. Relief Therapeutics has a 1-year low of $1.40 and a 1-year high of $4.93. Get Relief Therapeutics alerts: About Relief Therapeutics (Get Free Report) Relief Therapeutics AG is a clinicalstage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for rare and critical care indications. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the company leverages its expertise in peptide biology to address diseases with high unmet need, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other serious pulmonary and inflammatory conditions. The companys lead product candidate, RLF100 (aviptadil), is a synthetic formulation of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) being evaluated for the treatment of ARDS and COVID-19associated respiratory failure. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Relief Therapeutics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Relief Therapeutics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Scor SE (OTCMKTS:SCRYY Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 534 shares, an increase of 158.0% from the November 30th total of 207 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 26,268 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 26,268 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently commented on SCRYY. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Scor in a report on Monday, October 13th. Zacks Research upgraded Scor from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of Scor in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy. Get Scor alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on SCRYY Scor Price Performance Shares of SCRYY stock remained flat at $3.40 during trading hours on Friday. The stock had a trading volume of 3 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,401. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $3.22 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $3.32. The firm has a market cap of $6.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.30 and a beta of 0.58. Scor has a 1-year low of $2.29 and a 1-year high of $3.73. Scor (OTCMKTS:SCRYY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $0.14 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.14. The company had revenue of $4.34 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.75 billion. Scor had a return on equity of 20.01% and a net margin of 5.63%. As a group, analysts anticipate that Scor will post -0.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Scor Company Profile (Get Free Report) SCOR SE, trading over-the-counter as SCRYY, is a leading global reinsurer headquartered in Paris, France. Founded in 1970, the company specializes in providing property & casualty and life & health reinsurance solutions to insurance companies worldwide. By pooling and diversifying risk, SCOR enables its clients to underwrite larger exposures, stabilize loss experience and safeguard their balance sheets against extreme events. The companys main business activities encompass risk underwriting, claims management and portfolio solutions designed to address evolving market needs. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Scor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Scor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc. (OTCMKTS:SCCAF Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 0.5% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as $25.81 and last traded at $25.81. 200 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 33% from the average session volume of 150 shares. The stock had previously closed at $25.94. Sleep Country Canada Stock Performance The company has a 50 day moving average price of $25.81 and a 200 day moving average price of $25.81. Get Sleep Country Canada alerts: About Sleep Country Canada (Get Free Report) Sleep Country Canada (OTCMKTS:SCCAF) is a specialty retailer focused on sleep products, including mattresses, pillows, bedding and related accessories. The company offers a range of national and private-label brands, working with manufacturers such as Tempur-Pedic, Sealy and Simmons. Through its retail network and e-commerce platform, Sleep Country Canada provides in-home delivery, white-glove setup and a trial period to ensure customer satisfaction. Founded in 1994 by Christine Magee, Stephen Gunn and Gordon Lownds, the company opened its first stores in British Columbia before expanding into Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sleep Country Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sleep Country Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Key Takeaways The U.K. is on course to finalize new regulations for stablecoins in 2026. New rules wont affect access to USDT or USDC on crypto exchanges. However, they will affect Circle and Tethers ability to expand more mainstream use cases in the country. As the government and financial authorities advance new rules for the sector, in 2026, stablecoins are poised to fall under the umbrella of U.K. regulation for the first time. But what implications does the expanding field of regulation have for issuers like Circle and Tether? Stablecoin Rules Not Focused on Trading The U.K.s emerging regulatory framework consists of two components: the Bank of Englands proposed regime for systemic stablecoins and new legislation establishing crypto services as regulated financial activities. However, neither is expected to have a major impact on the use of stablecoins for crypto trading and decentralized finance. An amendment to the 2000 Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA) raises the regulatory bar for exchanges, making it risky to list low-quality tokens. However, the legislation does not mandate specific listing rules. Ultimately, it will be up to platforms to determine the best way to protect users. Given their popularity and track record of stability, the large, centralized stablecoins like USDT and USDC are unlikely to disappear. The new statute wasnt designed to outlaw crypto trading. On the other hand, issuers that want to integrate stablecoins into the U.K.s traditional financial sector will need to up their compliance game. Regulation Impacts TradFi Adoption The FSMA amendment distinguished between activities that occur within or outside the U.K. For instance, Tether will still be able to issue USDT to British firms through its offshore entities. But if it wants to integrate GBP rails or manage reserve assets from within the U.K., it will need to register with the Financial Conduct Authority. Similarly, the Bank of Englands proposed regime has little to say about the stablecoin market as it exists today. Rather, it is a forward-looking framework designed with large-scale adoption of stablecoin payments in mind. The central banks rules anticipate a currently hypothetical GBP-denominated stablecoin of systemic importance. If, or when, a stablecoin that meets this threshold emerges, strict custody and reserve rules will take effect, requiring additional oversight for issuers. Impact for Circle and Tether While crypto and DeFi have fueled the stablecoin boom thus far, issuers are increasingly recognizing that more mainstream, payments-focused use cases will drive the next phase of adoption. Telefonica SA (NYSE:TEF Get Free Report)s share price passed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $4.41 and traded as low as $3.95. Telefonica shares last traded at $4.00, with a volume of 463,704 shares trading hands. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently commented on TEF. New Street Research downgraded shares of Telefonica from a hold rating to a reduce rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Bank of America reiterated an underperform rating and issued a $3.83 price target on shares of Telefonica in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. BNP Paribas raised shares of Telefonica to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Kepler Capital Markets raised Telefonica from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Telefonica in a research report on Monday. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and six have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Strong Sell and an average price target of $4.02. Get Telefonica alerts: Get Our Latest Report on TEF Telefonica Trading Down 0.4% The firm has a market capitalization of $22.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -9.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.32 and a beta of 0.27. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $4.38 and its 200-day moving average price is $4.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.44, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.80. Telefonica (NYSE:TEF Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The utilities provider reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.09 by $0.02. Telefonica had a negative net margin of 5.23% and a positive return on equity of 8.54%. The firm had revenue of $10.51 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9 billion. Equities analysts forecast that Telefonica SA will post 0.3 EPS for the current fiscal year. Telefonica Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 17th will be paid a $0.1731 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 17th. This represents a dividend yield of 856.0%. Telefonicas payout ratio is -60.98%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Telefonica Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Telefonica during the 3rd quarter worth $134,000. Verition Fund Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Telefonica by 50.0% in the third quarter. Verition Fund Management LLC now owns 21,209 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $108,000 after purchasing an additional 7,067 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI boosted its holdings in Telefonica by 367.7% during the third quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 4,897 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 3,850 shares in the last quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV grew its position in Telefonica by 12.3% during the third quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 92,970 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $472,000 after buying an additional 10,170 shares during the period. Finally, Lido Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Telefonica in the third quarter valued at about $78,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.14% of the companys stock. About Telefonica (Get Free Report) Telefonica, SA is a Spanish multinational telecommunications company headquartered in Madrid. Founded in 1924 as Compania Telefonica Nacional de Espana, it has grown into one of the worlds largest telecommunications groups. Telefonica provides a broad range of communications services to residential and business customers, including mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, and pay-TV. The company also develops and sells network infrastructure and related services to support connectivity at scale. Beyond traditional voice and data services, Telefonica has expanded into digital and IT services aimed at enterprise customers and public-sector clients. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Telefonica Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telefonica and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Terreno Realty Corporation (NYSE:TRNO Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Hold from the thirteen research firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have issued a hold recommendation and six have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $65.5385. A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on TRNO shares. KeyCorp raised their price objective on shares of Terreno Realty from $64.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on shares of Terreno Realty from $64.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on Terreno Realty from $60.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Piper Sandler raised Terreno Realty from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $75.00 target price on the stock in a report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Mizuho boosted their price target on Terreno Realty from $53.00 to $56.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Get Terreno Realty alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on TRNO Insider Transactions at Terreno Realty Institutional Trading of Terreno Realty In other Terreno Realty news, EVP John Tull Meyer sold 4,758 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.95, for a total transaction of $285,242.10. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 119,949 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,190,942.55. This trade represents a 3.82% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . Corporate insiders own 2.40% of the companys stock. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. State Street Corp lifted its stake in shares of Terreno Realty by 4.0% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 5,944,559 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $336,139,000 after buying an additional 230,444 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in shares of Terreno Realty by 14.4% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 4,158,754 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $262,918,000 after acquiring an additional 523,950 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Terreno Realty in the second quarter worth about $156,525,000. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Terreno Realty by 3.6% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,631,838 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $147,584,000 after purchasing an additional 92,519 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. grew its position in shares of Terreno Realty by 7.8% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 2,080,116 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $116,632,000 after purchasing an additional 150,020 shares in the last quarter. Terreno Realty Price Performance Shares of TRNO opened at $60.27 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $60.85 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $58.43. The firm has a market cap of $6.23 billion, a PE ratio of 19.13, a P/E/G ratio of 2.40 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a current ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. Terreno Realty has a 1-year low of $48.18 and a 1-year high of $69.20. Terreno Realty (NYSE:TRNO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.66 by $0.34. Terreno Realty had a return on equity of 8.27% and a net margin of 72.41%.The company had revenue of $116.25 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $114.62 million. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Terreno Realty will post 2.64 EPS for the current year. Terreno Realty Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $0.52 per share. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. Terreno Realtys payout ratio is presently 66.03%. Terreno Realty Company Profile (Get Free Report) Terreno Realty Corporation (NYSE: TRNO) is a real estate investment trust specializing in the acquisition, ownership and operation of industrial properties in key coastal markets across the United States. The companys portfolio primarily consists of bulk distribution, warehouse and light-industrial assets that serve a diverse tenant base, including third-party logistics providers, e-commerce companies and manufacturers. Terreno aims to generate stable rental income while pursuing long-term capital appreciation through targeted investment and active asset management. Terreno focuses on eight major coastal regions, emphasizing markets with strong supply-and-demand fundamentals and barriers to new development. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Terreno Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Terreno Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pacer Advisors Inc. grew its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 4.9% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 31,560 shares of the investment management companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,466 shares during the period. Pacer Advisors Inc.s holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $25,133,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in GS. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC boosted its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 617,504.5% in the 2nd quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 29,058,291 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $20,566,005,000 after buying an additional 29,053,586 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the second quarter worth about $2,138,031,000. Ninety One UK Ltd purchased a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group in the second quarter valued at about $408,780,000. AGF Management Ltd. boosted its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 2,429.6% in the second quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 485,375 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $343,524,000 after purchasing an additional 466,187 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 100,678.6% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 404,122 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $286,017,000 after purchasing an additional 403,721 shares in the last quarter. 71.21% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Rothschild & Co Redburn upped their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $608.00 to $748.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. BNP Paribas Exane lifted their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $685.00 to $775.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. They set a market perform rating and a $785.00 price objective on the stock. HSBC raised their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $652.00 to $677.00 in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $870.00 to $971.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, The Goldman Sachs Group presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $792.67. The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Down 0.3% GS stock opened at $907.94 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.53, a current ratio of 0.65 and a quick ratio of 0.65. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $439.38 and a 1-year high of $919.10. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $823.96 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $763.20. The firm has a market cap of $272.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.44, a PEG ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.36. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The investment management company reported $12.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $10.27 by $1.98. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 13.18% and a return on equity of 15.29%. The company had revenue of $15.18 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.68 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $8.40 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 19.5% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 EPS for the current year. The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd will be paid a $4.00 dividend. This represents a $16.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is presently 32.50%. Trending Headlines about The Goldman Sachs Group Here are the key news stories impacting The Goldman Sachs Group this week: The Goldman Sachs Group Profile (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc is a global investment banking and financial services firm headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1869 as a commercial paper business, the company has grown into a diversified financial institution that provides a broad range of services to corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. The firm is led by Chief Executive Officer David M. Solomon and operates across major financial centers worldwide. Goldman Sachs core businesses include investment banking, global markets, asset and wealth management, and consumer banking. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Turk Telekomunikasyon Anonim Sirketi (OTCMKTS:TRKNY Get Free Report) shares rose 12.8% on Friday . The stock traded as high as $3.25 and last traded at $3.00. Approximately 200 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 81% from the average daily volume of 1,041 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.66. Turk Telekomunikasyon Anonim Sirketi Price Performance The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $2.65 and its 200-day simple moving average is $2.69. Get Turk Telekomunikasyon Anonim Sirketi alerts: About Turk Telekomunikasyon Anonim Sirketi (Get Free Report) Turk Telekomunikasyon Anonim Sirketi (OTCMKTS: TRKNY) is Turkeys leading integrated telecommunications provider, offering a broad portfolio of fixedline, mobile, broadband and digital television services. Headquartered in Ankara, the company operates through an extensive fiber and copper network that spans urban and rural regions across the country. Its core operations include fixedvoice telephony, highspeed internet access under both DSL and fibertothe-home (FTTH) technologies, and a mobile business serving millions of subscribers under its own brand. In addition to traditional voice and data services, Turk Telekom has expanded into enterprise solutions, cloud computing, cyber security and managed data services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Turk Telekomunikasyon Anonim Sirketi Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Turk Telekomunikasyon Anonim Sirketi and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund Limited (OTCMKTS:VCVOF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 137 shares, a decrease of 79.7% from the November 30th total of 674 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 741 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 741 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund Price Performance VCVOF stock opened at $6.25 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $6.15 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $6.21. VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund has a 12 month low of $4.54 and a 12 month high of $6.81. Get VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund alerts: VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund Company Profile (Get Free Report) VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund (OTCMKTS:VCVOF) is a closed-end investment company dedicated to delivering long-term capital growth by investing in a diversified portfolio of equity and equity-related securities of companies operating in Vietnam. Established in 2003 and listed on OTC Markets under the ticker VCVOF, the fund seeks to harness Vietnams economic development through targeted exposure to both listed and unlisted businesses across the country. The funds investment universe spans a broad range of sectors, including financial services, consumer goods, real estate, industrial businesses and healthcare. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (NYSEARCA:EWZ Free Report) by 115.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 50,953 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 27,274 shares during the period. Vontobel Holding Ltd.s holdings in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF were worth $1,580,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in EWZ. Phoenix Financial Ltd. boosted its stake in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 276.2% during the second quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. now owns 6,609,000 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $190,670,000 after buying an additional 4,852,250 shares during the last quarter. New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $156,653,000. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 13.8% during the 2nd quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 1,540,907 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $44,211,000 after acquiring an additional 186,332 shares in the last quarter. Man Group plc boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 7,362.6% during the 2nd quarter. Man Group plc now owns 1,392,230 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $40,166,000 after acquiring an additional 1,373,574 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 1.5% in the third quarter. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. now owns 1,260,232 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $39,067,000 after purchasing an additional 18,377 shares in the last quarter. 72.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get iShares MSCI Brazil ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Stock Performance Shares of EWZ opened at $31.73 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.13 billion, a PE ratio of 9.58 and a beta of 0.87. The companys fifty day moving average is $32.16 and its 200 day moving average is $29.90. iShares MSCI Brazil ETF has a fifty-two week low of $22.26 and a fifty-two week high of $34.80. iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI Brazil Capped Index Fund (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Brazil Index Fund, seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Brazilian market, as measured by the MSCI Brazil Index (the Index). The Index seeks to measure the performance of the Brazilian equity market. It is a capitalization-weighted index that aims to capture 85% of the (publicly available) total market capitalization. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Voya Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK Free Report) by 171.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 25,200 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 15,913 shares during the quarter. Voya Investment Management LLCs holdings in Oshkosh were worth $3,268,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in OSK. Kodai Capital Management LP bought a new stake in Oshkosh during the first quarter worth $7,077,000. Ieq Capital LLC bought a new position in Oshkosh during the 1st quarter valued at $7,682,000. OMNI 360 Wealth Inc. bought a new position in Oshkosh during the 2nd quarter valued at $237,000. Amundi boosted its holdings in Oshkosh by 104.1% during the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 31,359 shares of the companys stock worth $2,715,000 after acquiring an additional 15,995 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Integrity Alliance LLC. bought a new stake in shares of Oshkosh in the 1st quarter worth $226,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.36% of the companys stock. Get Oshkosh alerts: Oshkosh Trading Up 0.1% NYSE:OSK opened at $130.54 on Friday. Oshkosh Corporation has a 12 month low of $76.82 and a 12 month high of $144.30. The company has a current ratio of 1.98, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The firms 50 day moving average is $127.98 and its 200 day moving average is $128.64. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.26 billion, a PE ratio of 12.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 1.41. Oshkosh Announces Dividend Oshkosh ( NYSE:OSK Get Free Report ) last released its 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 business had revenue of $2.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.84 billion. Oshkosh had a return on equity of 16.60% and a net margin of 6.43%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.93 earnings per share. Oshkosh has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.500-11.000 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Oshkosh Corporation will post 10.96 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were paid a $0.51 dividend. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. Oshkoshs payout ratio is currently 19.90%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In OSK has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of Oshkosh from $160.00 to $150.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their target price on shares of Oshkosh from $132.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Zacks Research lowered Oshkosh from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Barclays began coverage on Oshkosh in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. They set an overweight rating and a $150.00 price target for the company. Finally, Argus cut their price objective on Oshkosh from $175.00 to $160.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $149.56. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on OSK About Oshkosh (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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Oshkosh Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oshkosh and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wilmar International Ltd. (OTCMKTS:WLMIY 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 20,485 shares, an increase of 261.9% from the November 30th total of 5,661 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 63,086 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days. Based on an average daily volume of 63,086 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days. Wilmar International Price Performance Shares of WLMIY stock opened at $23.93 on Friday. Wilmar International has a one year low of $21.40 and a one year high of $27.21. The companys 50-day moving average is $24.24 and its 200 day moving average is $23.35. Get Wilmar International alerts: Wilmar International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Wilmar International Limited is a leading global agribusiness group with a diversified portfolio spanning palm oil cultivation, edible oils, sugar, flour milling, and oilseed crushing. Headquartered in Singapore, the company engages in the processing, refining, marketing, and distribution of agricultural commodities, serving both consumer and industrial markets. Its core products include a wide range of edible oils, specialty fats, and oleochemicals used across the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. Founded in 1991 by Kuok Khoon Hong and a consortium of agricultural entrepreneurs, Wilmar International has grown through strategic acquisitions and joint ventures to establish a vertically integrated supply chain. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Wilmar International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wilmar International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF (NYSEARCA:ASHR Get Free Report) crossed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $32.81 and traded as high as $32.83. Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF shares last traded at $32.82, with a volume of 2,587,098 shares trading hands. Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF Trading Up 0.9% The stocks 50-day moving average price is $32.83 and its 200-day moving average price is $30.94. The company has a market capitalization of $1.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.62 and a beta of 0.27. Get Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD acquired a new stake in shares of Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $315,000. ANTIPODES PARTNERS Ltd acquired a new stake in Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF in the third quarter worth $400,000. Hutchinson Financial Advisors INC bought a new stake in Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF in the second quarter valued at $631,000. Financial & Tax Architects LLC acquired a new position in shares of Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF during the third quarter valued at $1,098,000. Finally, Freemont Capital Pte Ltd bought a new position in shares of Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF during the third quarter worth about $1,814,000. Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF Company Profile The Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF (ASHR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the China Shenzhen SE \u002F CSI 300 index. The fund tracks an index of the 300 largest and most liquid Chinese shares traded on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges. The fund holds physical China A-shares. ASHR was launched on Nov 6, 2013 and is managed by Xtrackers. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China urges Japan to reflect on history of aggression Xinhua) 09:16, December 27, 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. "China appreciates what has been stated by the Russian side," Lin said. He went on to note that the Yasukuni Shrine -- a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism in waging foreign aggression -- honors 14 convicted Class-A war criminals with grave responsibility for their country's war crimes. This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Lin said. "China is willing to work with the international community, including Russia, to firmly defend the victorious outcomes of World War II and the post-war international order, remain vigilant against the resurgence of Japanese militarism, and safeguard international peace and stability," he added. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liu Ning) Gregory Clinton "Greg" Sisco, 62, of Orange, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 25,, in Houston. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 30, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. A Celebration of Life for Greg will be announced at a later date. Born in Orange, California, on October 9, 1963, he was the son of Robert Sisco and Phyllis Monaco Sisco. Greg proudly served in the United States Army as a member of the esteemed 82nd Airborne Division, where he exemplified the values of courage, commitment and camaraderie. His dedication to duty and service would remain a significant part of his identity throughout his life. After his time in the military, he devoted 22 years to his role as a Federal Corrections Officer, demonstrating unwavering commitment to maintaining safety and justice in our society before retiring in 2016. Beyond his professional achievements, Greg had a wealth of interests that showcased his vibrant spirit. He found great joy in woodworking, where his creativity and skill transformed raw materials into cherished creations. Greg also embraced the tranquility of nature through fishing and hunting, activities that provided him both solace and adventure. Those who knew Greg will remember him not only for his contributions to his country and community but also for his warmth and generosity. His legacy of service, integrity and craftsmanship will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him. His memory will be cherished, and he will be dearly missed. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Clinton Sisco. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Jennifer Moore Sisco of Orange; mother, Phyllis Sisco of Emmett, Idaho; children, Robert Sisco and wife, Chantell, of Aurora, Oregon, Patrick Sisco of Beaverton, Oregon, Jennifer Nicole Sisco of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Natasha Adams and husband, Derek, of Oregon City, Oregon and Meagan Sisco of Orange; grandchildren, Abigail and Garrett Sisco of Aurora and Rhys Sisco of Beaverton; siblings, Matt Sisco of Oregon City and Shauna Lynde of Nampa, Idaho and numerous other loving family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, Greg's family asks that donations be made in his honor to his church, Faith Methodist Church in Orange, by mail to PO Box 494, Orange, Tx 77631 or online at https://www.faithorange.org/donate. Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. MCPCR takes cognizance of Molnoi blast, calls ATR from DC | IMPHAL, Dec 27: Taking cognizance of an explosion on December 20 at Molnoi village which injured three children, the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has called for an Action Taken Report (ATR) from Saurabh Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Tengnoupal. The ATR shall be submitted to the commission within 15 days, said the MCPCR. Notably, the explosion of an explosive device at Molnoi village, under Pallel police station, injured Linus Hemgou Hou Baite (10), son of Douthanglen Baite; Alex Jamgubsei Baite (8), son of Douthenglen Baite; and Ngamgunmang Haokip (8), son of Late Haokholen Haokip. All three children are presently undergoing treatment in the ICU of a private hospital in the State, noted the MCPCR in its letter to the Deputy Commissioner. The Commission said it views the incident with grave concern, as it constitutes a serious violation of the children's right to life and safety. The presence of unsecured arms and explosive remnants in civilian areas has rendered villages unsafe for children, making them innocent victims of a prolonged, insecure environment, it said. The MCPCR then recommended the district administration and State authorities to bear the full cost of medical treatment, including ICU care, medicines, and post-hospital care; ensure issuance of health cards to the families/unhindered access to benefits under CMHT or PMJAY; and initiate enrolment of the children under the sponsorship scheme of Mission Vatsalya, or other eligible welfare and rehabilitation schemes, to ensure sustained financial and psychosocial support. Key Points Environmental groups are suing to reverse a regulator's decision on Sable's pipeline. This came one trading day after that regulator approved the system's restart. 10 stocks we like better than Sable Offshore Investors were hardly turned on by Sable Offshore (NYSE: SOC) on the last Friday trading session of 2025. On news of a lawsuit that might halt the oil flow through its pipeline system, they aggressively sold out of the energy company, leaving it with a more than 13% loss in price on the day. Up high, then down low Sable was quite a roller coaster of a stock before and after Christmas Day. On the 24th, investors couldn't get enough of it, following a federal regulator's approval of the restart of the Las Flores pipeline system in California. Image source: Getty Images. That regulator, the Department of Transportation's (DoT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), recently ruled that sections of the pipeline fell under federal, rather than state, oversight. This infrastructure has a troubled history, as in 2015, over 100,000 gallons of oil spilled from the system, with more than 20,000 gallons ending up in the Pacific Ocean. At the time, Las Flores was owned by Plains All American Pipeline. On Friday, environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, filed suit in a federal appeals court in California to challenge the PHMSA's decision. They are seeking an emergency stay of the order to halt the restart. Neither Sable nor the DoT has commented on the lawsuit yet. Legal headache It isn't all that surprising that a lawsuit would arise from the PHMSA's move. The ruling that the federal agency now has oversight of Las Flores feels sudden and is in line with recent federal government moves to have more influence on certain sectors of the nation's economy, notably the energy industry. I think this is a fight that could drag on for some time, as jurisdictional disputes often prove difficult to untangle. I don't think Sable has a clear advantage here, so I'd avoid the stock for now. Should you buy stock in Sable Offshore right now? Before you buy stock in Sable Offshore, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Sable Offshore wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $504,994!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,156,218!* Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has said that an ex-Coinbase customer service agent has been arrested in India, months after the crypto exchange uncovered a major insiderdriven data breach and extortion attempt. In a post on X, Armstrong wrote: We have zero tolerance for bad behaviour and will continue to work with law enforcement to bring bad actors to justice. Thanks to the Hyderabad Police in India, an ex-Coinbase customer service agent was just arrested. Another one down and more still to come. This is the first clear public confirmation from Coinbases top executive that Indian police have arrested a former support agent tied to the case. We have zero tolerance for bad behavior and will continue to work with law enforcement to bring bad actors to justice. Thanks to the Hyderabad Police in India, an ex-Coinbase customer service agent was just arrested. Another one down and more still to come. Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) December 26, 2025 Coinbase reportedly stated to international agencies that the arrest is connected to an earlier security incident in which hackers bribed overseas customer support staff to copy sensitive customer data. A company spokesperson also reportedly linked the latest development to recent work with the Brooklyn District Attorneys Office in the US, where prosecutors charged a man with a longrunning impersonation scheme targeting Coinbase customers. Coinbases May breach disclosure On May 14, 2025, Coinbase published a detailed blog titled Protecting Our Customers Standing Up to Extortionists, describing how cybercriminals bribed a small group of rogue overseas support agents to steal data relating to less than 1 per cent of active users. The attackers then tried to extort Coinbase, demanding $20 million to cover up the theft; the company refused, said it would reimburse affected customers and warned that fixing the damage could cost up to $400 million. Coinbase stressed that the attackers did not obtain login credentials, private keys or direct access to customer funds, but that stolen information such as addresses and ID details could be misused for fraud and impersonation. The company said at the time that the insiders were fired and referred to US and international lawenforcement agencies, and that it would press criminal charges. Last week, the company announced it was committed to working with law enforcement to trace funds, support victims, and pursue accountability. This came at the heels of the Brooklyn District Attorneys Office announcing charges against a Brooklyn man accused of running a long-running impersonation scheme targeting Coinbase customers across the US. Crypto scams aren't anon. Coinbase is committed to working with law enforcement to trace funds, support victims, and pursue accountability. We're proud to have helped the Brooklyn DA bring justice in a long-running impersonation scam. And thanks @zachxbt for your contributions. pic.twitter.com/zXRLRSFEEp Coinbase (@coinbase) December 19, 2025 The defendant allegedly posed as a Coinbase representative, used social engineering tactics to convince victims their accounts were at risk, and then directed them to transfer funds to wallets controlled by the scammer, resulting in nearly $16 million in alleged thefts from about 100 victims, with more than $600,000 recovered so far, noted Coinbase. The latest arrest in India is part of a wider hunt for cryptocurrency fraud. On Thursday, Gurugram Police said they arrested three men from Rajasthan for allegedly using social media platforms to cheat people, luring them into fake cryptocurrency investment schemes. Galwan did not merely raise tensions on the Line of Actual Control. It closed the chapter on episodic management of China. What followed was not a crisis, but a permanent strategic condition. Six years on, this reality will only harden. The question before New Delhi is not whether China can be managed, but whether India can manage itself with consistency, patience, and a long-term China strategic focus. Chinas approach has been steady and predictable. China probes incrementally, absorbs responses, and consolidates advantage. Patrol clashes and infrastructure expansion are not precursors to war; they are instruments to normalise friction and lower Indias escalation thresholds over time. They are meant to normalise tension and make friction routine. Beijing is not looking for conflict with India. It is looking for leverage. Sustained pressure on the frontier keeps India tied down, forces resource diversion, and tests political attention spans. Dialogue mechanisms and disengagement talks help manage risk, but they should not be mistaken for progress. They serve Chinas interest in time, not resolution. The military balance reflects this intent. The PLAs Western Theatre Command is structured to compress decision-to-action timelines, allowing pressure and adding to deterrence. Improved roads, railheads, and logistics nodes across Aksai Chin allow rapid concentration without visible mobilisation. The terrain has not changed. The tempo has. Yet with many friction points, China looks less like a power on the ascent and more like one conserving energy. Local governments are boxed in by debt, the property sector has lost its old role as a shock absorber, and households remain careful with spending. Jobs exist, but security feels thinner, especially for youth unemployment. The political control remains a central theme, and any friction is dealt with an iron fist. Military purges continue as rampant corruption plagues the PLA hierarchy. Technology and trade are no longer neutral spaces; they are screened through security first. China is not facing a cliff, it is navigating narrow ground, relying on control and caution to maintain balance rather than opening new engines of growth. These pressures do not signal collapse, but they do raise the temptation for controlled external assertiveness. India has responded since 2020 with seriousness. Forward deployments are stronger, connectivity has improved, and air support is more responsive. This has narrowed gaps and raised thresholds. But attempting to mirror Chinas scale would be a mistake. Yet deterrence in the Himalayas is not about parity. It is about denying China confidence in success. India needs to focus on the new geometry of warfare. C5ISR, unmanned precision warfare, non-kinetic vectors, responsive logistics and forward infrastructure will matter more than mass. Similarly, the deterrence needs a revisit from reactive defence to pre-emptive denial and proactive domination. The critical shift India still needs to make is doctrinal rather than numerical. Holding every feature is less important than ensuring that any attempt to alter the status quo carries a cost. The shift India still needs to make is mental. Border defence cannot remain reactive. It must become anticipatory, integrated, and designed for friction rather than crisis. Chinas sharper edge, however, lies outside the military domain. It uses economic dependence as an instrument of power. Despite restrictions and political signalling, Chinese components remain embedded across Indias industrial base. Electronics, telecom hardware, pharmaceuticals, and automotive supply chains all carry this exposure. This is not the result of recent policy failure. It is the legacy of two decades where price mattered more than resilience. Total decoupling is unrealistic. Strategic insulation is not. India needs to focus on where Chinese imports create vulnerability and trade imbalance. Indias most acute exposure lies in electronics and pharmaceutical APIs; other sectors carry risk, but these two create direct strategic vulnerability. Incentives alone will not solve this. Unless manufacturing policy builds full ecosystems rather than assembly lines, dependence will simply shift form. Make in India cannot depend on Made in China. An Indian manufacturing base dependent on Chinese inputs is not strategic autonomy. Japan and Taiwan are logical partners, but progress has been slow. Semiconductors, precision manufacturing, and joint technology development require regulatory urgency and political backing. India must exploit this opportunity of diplomatic affinity for its strategic delinking from Chinese dependency. This window will not remain open if the regulatory pace continues to trail strategic intent. Diplomatically, China avoids confrontation and prefers quiet dilution. Across South Asia, it has expanded influence through infrastructure financing, elite engagement, and debt leverage. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) remains a strategic pillar in spite of the realisation that it is a debt trap for recipient states. The ports of Gwadar, Hambantota and Kyaukpyu are not unilateral developments; they endorse an expanding Chinese maritime presence under a commercial cloak. These projects collectively expand Chinas ability to monitor, service, and sustain naval presence across Indias maritime approaches. Indias response has too often been defensive. Warning neighbours about Chinese risks has a limited effect if alternatives are slow or incomplete. Influence in South Asia follows delivery, not warning. Roads finished on time, power supplied reliably, and services that work shape choices more than strategic arguments. Indias advantage lies in capacity building rather than counter-projects. Health systems, digital training, disaster response, coastal monitoring, and climate resilience offer long-term influence without confrontation. Quiet competence builds influence more durably than overt counter-positioning. Indo-Pacific balancing and power play remain dynamic to Indias strategic security calculus. Beijing regards the region as hostile, and it has reacted through strategic coercion and strengthening counter-alliances, especially with Russia and Iran. India cannot afford rigid blocs. Strategic autonomy is not passivity. It is selective cooperation driven by interest. The Quad improves awareness and signalling, but it is not a warfighting alliance. India must plan accordingly. It improves maritime awareness, technology access, and signalling. But the decisive theatre will be the Indian Ocean. Chinas naval footprint will expand from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Sea. Geography remains Indias strongest asymmetric asset if operationalised decisively. The Andaman-Nicobar Islands are located on the maritime highway of the Chinese. Their value lies not in symbolism but in speed of development, infrastructure depth, and command integration. They hold the potential for development to further Indias rising economic, political, and military interests in the Asia-Pacific, especially as China becomes increasingly active in the Indian Ocean Region. Symbolism will not suffice, and development must be expedited. For India, this calls for restraint. Restraint does not mean accommodation. It means firmness without volatility. At the same time, Chinas economic fatigue creates space. Many states are reassessing the costs of Chinese financing. India does not need to replace China as a lender. It needs to be predictable, credible, and present. The information domain remains underused. China invests heavily in its three warfare doctrine, using Public Opinion Warfare, Psychological Warfare, and Legal Warfare (Lawfare) to achieve strategic goals. India lacks a unified strategic narrative during crises, allowing Chinese framing to travel faster. A democracy that functions at scale is not a liability. It is an asset. But narrative must be treated as a strategy, not publicity. Looking ahead, Indias China approach must rest on continuity rather than improvisation. Institutional memory, economic insulation in sensitive sectors, maritime depth, technology sovereignty, and steady regional reassurance are not optional. They are the minimum entry price for managing this rivalry. The competition with China will not disappear this decade. It will harden into managed hostility. Neither side wants war, but both will keep testing limits. Indias goal is not to outmatch China everywhere, but to ensure that coercion delivers diminishing returns. Power ultimately respects resilience. In this contest, the side that stays patient will shape Asias future. In what has been perceived as an effort to boost Russia's power to deliver missiles across Europe, Moscow is positioning its nuclear-capable hypersonic ballistic missiles at a former airbase in eastern Belarus. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India A Reuters report said researchers, studying satellite imagery, claimed that they could be 90 per cent certain that mobile Oreshnik missile launchers would be positioned at the former airbase near Krichev, which is 307 km east of the Belarusian capital, Minsk. John Foreman, an expert with Chatham House, was quoted as saying that Russia aims to deploy Oreshnik in Belarus to extend its range further into Europe. This, according to him, is in response to the US plan to station the country's missiles in Germany. This is the first time since the Cold War that Russia is stationing its nuclear assets outside its territory. ALSO READ: US National Security Strategy 2025: Renegotiating the US-India embrace? Belarus and Russia share close ties, including in the energy sector, transport, and manufacturing. Colonel Andrey Bogodel, deputy head of the General Staff faculty at the Military Academy of Belarus, had recently said the two countries may form a division equipped with Oreshnik missile systems. Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin had earlier claimed that the deployment of the Oreshnik missile system in the country is a reaction to the aggressive actions of the West. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had also said that up to 10 Oreshniks would be based in the country. He had confirmed that the first few missiles had already been deployed. However, according to Pavel Podvig, a Geneva-based expert on Moscow's nuclear forces, this move may not exactly give Russia any additional military advantage other than assuring Belarus of its protection. Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies claimed that there is no military reason to put the system in Belarus, only a political one. Could this be the next Gone Girl?? Jon Bernthal and Tessa Thompson play characters with "something to hide" in upcoming Netflix series His & Hers. The six-episode limited project will premiere on January 8. Thompson and Bernthal play a former couple who end up crossing each other's paths once again and reuniting, in a purely professional manner, following the murder of a common friend. It comes from critically acclaimed filmmaker William Oldroyd ("Eileen", "Lady Macbeth"). Thompson plays a reporter while Bernthal plays a London-based detective in the series which was adapted from Alice Feeneys 2020 novel of the same name. The official logline: "In the sweltering heat of Atlanta, Anna (Thompson) lives in haunted reclusion, fading away from her friends and career as a news anchor. But when she overhears talk about a murder in Dahlonega the sleepy north Georgia town where she grew up Anna is snapped back to life, pouncing on the case and searching for answers. Detective Jack Harper (Bernthal) is strangely suspicious of her involvement, chasing her into the crosshairs of his own investigation." Other cast members include Pablo Schreiber, Crystal Fox, Sunita Mani, Rebecca Rittenhouse, Marin Ireland, Poppy Liu, Chris Bauer, Rhoda Griffis and Jamie Tisdale, who are part of the show as recurring players. His & Hers joins other long-format episodic credits in Bernthal's filmography such as The Punisher, The Walking Dead, American Gigolo, and The Bear. He also plays an integral character in Christopher Nolan's upcoming fantasy epic The Odyssey, in another first-time actor-filmmaker collaboration. Telugu superstar Allu Arjun and 22 others have been named in a new chargesheet filed by the Hyderabad police in connection with a stampede at the Sandhya Theatre last year that killed one person. The chargesheet, filed earlier this week at the Chikkadpally Police Station in Hyderabad, also includes several members of the actor's personal security team and the theatre management. It was then submitted to the 9th Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) at the Nampally Court. Arjun was named the eleventh accused in the case on charges of abetment, while the Sandhya Theatre management has been listed as the prime accused. Telugu superstar #AlluArjun and 23 others have been named as accused in the chargesheet over the stampede that took place during a premier show of the actor's 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'. The document was submitted before the 9th Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) at pic.twitter.com/YChn6RLJ98 MissMalini (@MissMalini) December 27, 2025 The 43-year-old actor had already been arrested last year in connection with the stampede case. The tragic incident had taken place on the night of December 4, 2024, outside the already crowded Sandhya Theatre, when Arjun and the rest of the cast and crew of Pushpa 2 arrived there to join the premiere screening. The resulting fan-frenzy led to 39-year-old Revathiwho had gone there to watch the show with her husband and two childrenlosing her life, despite being rushed to the hospital. Though her son, Sri Tej, survived, he had been terribly injured at the time, and has been bedridden ever since. This led to her husband filing a case. The Tollywood actor was then booked under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 118(1) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), leading to his arrest on December 13. Though he managed to secure bail on the same day, it was delayed, and he was only let out the next day. It is not yet clear how the 2024 stampede case will affect Allu Arjun's preparations for his highly anticipated big-budget action entertainer (codenamed 'AA22xA6') with reputed Kollywood director Atlee that could reportedly release in 2027. Right after shooting with Atlee, the Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo fame is also set to collaborate with Lokesh Kanagaraj, another Kollywood fame. Reports have been circulating lately about actor Akshaye Khanna leaving Ajay Devgn's Drishyam 3 over a matter of remuneration and creative differences. It was reported that Khanna left because the producers were unwilling to agree to his Rs 21 crore demand, aside from turning down the actor's suggestion of wearing a wig. It was said that Khanna was trying to capitalise on his renewed popularity after his attention-grabbing roles in Chhaava and Dhurandhar. Now, Kumar Mangat Pathak, the producer of Drishyam 3, has thrown more light on this development. Here's what he told Bollywood Hungama: "We had signed an agreement with Akshaye Khanna. His fees also got locked after a lot of renegotiations from his side. He insisted that he would like to wear a wig. But (director) Abhishek Pathak convinced him that it wouldnt be practical, as it would result in continuity issues since Drishyam 3 is a sequel. He understood his point and agreed to let go of that demand. However, the chamchas around him advised him that he would look smarter if he donned a wig. So, he again requested the same. Abhishek relented and was even ready to discuss this point with him. But then, he informed us that he doesnt want to be a part of the film at all." Kumar Mangat Pathak further added that in his experience, it's not the first time that the actor had proved difficult to work with. There was a time when Akshaye was nothing. Thats when I made Section 375 (2019) with him. Even then, so many people told us not to work with him because of his unprofessional behaviour. His energy on set is absolutely toxic. Section 375 got him recognition. Later, I signed him in Drishyam 2 (2022). He has got all the big offers only after Drishyam 2. Uske pehle woh 3-4 saal tak ghar pe baitha hua tha (Before that he was sitting at home for 3-4 years). Calling further emphasis to the reality that a "solo Akshaye Khanna film won't even collect Rs. 50 crores in India", Pathak added: "Its important to note that the Drishyam franchise is fronted by Ajay Devgn. Chhaava is a Vicky Kaushal film along with Akshaye. The same goes for Dhurandhar it's Ranveer Singhs film. If Akshaye does a solo film, it wont even collect Rs. 50 crores in India. Forget the lifetime; if he thinks he has become a superstar, then he should try mounting a superstar budget film with some studio and see who greenlights his film with that kind of budget. Some actors do ensemble cast films, and after those movies become big hits, they start thinking that they are the star. Thats exactly what has happened with him. He thinks hes a superstar now. Success has gone into his head. He told us, Dhurandhar is working because of me. He needs to understand that multiple factors worked in favour of Dhurandhar. As for the wig demand, Pathak recalls being shocked. Drishyam 3 begins where Drishyam 2 ended. How can his character suddenly get hair? Is there any technology in the world that can grow hair within minutes? he asks. Pathak also remembers Khanna being enthusiastic about the script when he read it initially and even reaching an agreement on the fees initially discussed. However, he pulled out 10 days before the shoot was about to commence. When he heard the script in his Alibaug farmhouse, he liked it so much that he told us, Yeh Rs. 500 crore ki film hai. Maine life mein aisi script nahin suni hai. He even hugged Abhishek and the writer. Then, we had negotiations, after which we agreed on the fees. We even signed the agreement. He even got an advance while we paid the designer for his clothes. And then 10 days before his shoot, he declined to work on the film. The producer informed the outlet that he is initiating legal proceedings against Khanna, I have suffered losses because of his behaviour. I am going to take legal action. I have already sent him a legal notice; hes yet to reply to it. Pathak also confirmed the news that Jaideep Ahlawat ("Paatal Lok", "Jaane Jaan") is replacing Khanna. Drishyam is a very big brand. It doesnt matter whether he is in the film or not. Now, Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced him. By the grace of God, we have got a better actor than Akshaye, and most importantly, we have got a better person than Akshaye as well. I had produced one of the first films of Jaideep's career, Aakrosh (2010). Khanna is yet to issue an official statement on the matter. I am very satisfied with the treatment in India; it is like a new life. There was a time when I was unable to walk. My body would tilt to one side while walking, said a senior citizen from Bangladesh, on condition of anonymity, while he is currently getting treatment in a private hospital in Kolkata along with his wife, after their visas were issued a few months ago. For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH My wife has been getting treatment for two years. We were told to get dialysis done in Bangladesh, but dialysis is not required. I am getting her treatment done here, which has been successful. She had orthopaedic, nerve, and hip-related issues, added the Bangladeshi patient. The decision by Bangladesh to suspend visas and consular services at its High Commission in Delhi has put the countrys patients in a dilemma, with many suffering from serious ailments that need immediate attention. Most patients from Bangladesh come to Indian hospitals for general medicine, cardiology, neurology, and gastroenterology problems. A few surgical cases also come for consultation, with rare cases of cardiothoracic surgeries. The age group is usually from 30 to 6570 years There are a lot of problems. There is a lot of unrest there (Bangladesh), and many are unable to get the right treatment. It is a racket with middlemen. The government healthcare system does not work well; we cannot get through to doctors directly, and we dont get appointments. When we get a slot, the right treatment is not given. It is a racket, added the patient. The usual protocol is that they send an email to us and give us a summary of the medical issue, based on which we create an appointment in our system, which is then shared with the patients relative. The patients relative then approaches the medical visa counter on the basis of the appointment given by the hospital authorities. This process is continuing for the earlier patients, said a senior administrative official at Peerless Hospital. New requests for appointments have now come down. Earlier, we used to receive around 100 requests per day, and we are now getting around 50 requests per day, added the senior official at Peerless Hospital. The average number of patients that doctors deal with in Bangladesh compared to India is higher. This is the issue that doctors are dealing with in Bangladesha higher number of cases and fewer infrastructure facilities. Bangladeshi patients feel that corporate hospitals in Kolkata are far better than those in Bangladesh, as the share of corporate hospitals there is far less, with the majority of patients in the government healthcare system. About 6,00,000 patients come to India for treatment every year from Bangladesh, of which 1,00,000 stay back for treatment in Kolkata, while 500,000 patients get dispersed across other parts of the country, like South India and Delhi. Manipal Hospitals, which has 10 hospitals in Eastern India, with five in Kolkata, has engaged with the local Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has multiple chambers, and the idea was to encourage business processes that are ethical and consistent. There are lots of middlemen who, in the garb of helping, would actually cause more damage to the ecosystem of trust and transparency. So the idea was that if we can establish direct channels of communication, B2B interactions would be through chambers of commerce, who would then take responsibility for authentic organisations in Bangladesh and authentic organisations in India, or Kolkata for that matter, said Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Hospital (East). For B2C, we thought it was also very important as healthcare providers, and as an association of healthcare providers in Eastern India, to connect with consumers or patients directly. The rotational bodies we were talking to across various districts in Bangladesh, where we want to establish a direct connection, added Debgupta. Challenges emerged, such as going and seeing patients in Bangladesh because of licensing issues, as Indian doctors are not allowed to see patients there. Hence, Manipal Hospitals encourages doctors to hold talks in Bangladesh in general and, for now, ramp up telemedicine facilities. The number of Bangladeshi patients coming to India for treatment has gone down by almost 70 per cent in recent months due to the political unrest in Bangladesh. Cancer treatment is being done under clinicians here; radiation therapy is ongoing. So they were really concerned about how to manage the situationhow do we go back and come back? We are also trying to talk to a few hospitals in Bangladesh, where they would be able to support patients in delivering care. Even if there is a certain protocol that can be followed there, they need not come here, but we would support the treatment, which is primarily whats important, added Debgupta. Telemedicine uptake has gone up significantly in hospitals. Earlier, Manipal Hospitals handled an average of 8090 consults per month, which has gone up to 300350 consults a month due to telemedicine. There are telemedicine slots for various medical issues, and doctors across Manipal Hospitals in Kolkata assist patients in Bangladesh. People who are stuck there are the ones who are unable to communicate beyond a point, right? Inter-district travel within the country has been hampered with all the violence happening. So they are not even able to go to Dhaka for treatment. Hence, there has to be a provision where people in the local district are enabled to access care from where they are without having to travel even to Dhaka, added Debgupta. During this period of unrest, Manipal Hospitals has opened more centres with medical partners and ramped up telemedicine facilities in six districts in Bangladesh, which include Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, Sylhet, and Mymensingh. Hence, patients can reach out to the local medical centre and connect with the hospital in Kolkata to get consultations done. This enables economically poor and less-educated patients to connect with facilitators at these centres to connect with India. At the end of the day, it is about people-to-people connect. I think at least we can reach out and support them when people are in need, and Manipal Hospitals as an organisation has the opportunity to do that. With five hospitals in the city and 10 in the region, which is in closest proximity to Bangladesh, I think it is our responsibility to step up our service frequency to do the best we can, added Debgupta. The pandemic changed the way medical consultation was done, with the same technique being used by hospitals today. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we had established a clear and structured protocol to support patients who were unable to visit the hospital in person, within the applicable guidelines. That experience has enabled us to ensure continuity of care through remote consultation-based support, wherever clinically appropriate, said Abhijit CP, Director & Cluster Head Kolkata and Corporate Growth Initiatives Narayana Health East. We will continue to follow the same approach to guide patients, address their queries, and help them remain connected with their treating teams, ensuring that patient care remains seamless, coordinated, and focused on their well-being despite the prevailing challenges, added Abhijit CP. Combatting emerging challenges for Bangladeshi patients is Kolkatas way of ensuring that the association spanning decades remains intact until visa norms are relaxed and patients can resume travelling as before for medical treatment. Shutterstock / WS-Studio Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. During an episode of The Ramsey Show, a 73-year-old Arizona resident named Robin shared that she has no 401(k) and more than $12,000 in outstanding student loan debt but is considering buying a home in the next three years. Host Dave Ramsey then asks, How would you be able to buy [a house] if you dont have any money? Robin says she expects to pay off the student loan by March this year and is setting aside a modest amount for a down payment every month (1). Must Read Ramsey suggests she cash in on a universal life insurance policy, pay down her student loan faster and maximize her down payment savings right afterward. Basically, youre going to live on beans and rice for the next three years. Robin isnt alone. According to a 2025 study from Vanguard, 60% of baby boomers aged 61 to 65 are not on track to have enough money to retire (2). If youre concerned about being stuck in the same situation, consider these three ways to boost your retirement savings on short notice. 1. "Live on beans and rice" When Ramsey suggests Robin live on beans and rice, he doesnt mean it quite so literally, but rather, that she should live frugally and cut back on spending where possible. Start budgeting The first step in getting a hold of your finances is knowing exactly what your income and expenditures are. A quick daily check-in of your accounts can show you exactly where your money is going. An app like Rocket Money can easily flag recurring subscriptions, upcoming bills and unusual charges by pulling in transactions from all your linked accounts. This can help you cut unnecessary costs, and then you can manually redirect savings straight into your retirement fund. No spreadsheets, no guesswork, no stress. Small habits like this can make a big difference over time. Rocket Moneys intuitive app offers a variety of free and premium tools. Free features include subscription tracking, bill reminders and budgeting basics, while premium features like automated savings, net worth tracking, customizable dashboards, and more make it easier to stay on top of your retirement contributions and overall financial goals. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday lashed out at Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan over the latter's remarks on the demolition drive in Bengaluru. Describing Vijayan's remark as "unfortunate," Shivakumar said that senior leaders like him should not interfere in the matter "without knowing the facts" on the ground. Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, the Congress leader asserted that the action was aimed at protecting public land, not targeting any community. He added that people from outside the state must first understand Bengaluru's realities before making political comments. #WATCH | Bengaluru | On Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's statement on recent devlotion drive in Karanataka, Dy CM DK Shivakumar says, "It is very unfortunate. Senior leaders like Pinarayi should know the issues in Bengaluru. Some people have encroached there. It is a waste pic.twitter.com/3y3MlTfTCR ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2025 Vjayan, in a Facebook post on Friday, had criticised the bulldozing of Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout, where Muslim families had been living for many years. The Kerala CM alleged that the incident reflected a form of minority-targeting politics seen earlier in North India and warned that such practices were now spreading to the South. He also questioned how such forced evictions could be justified by a party that claims to stand for social justice. In a sharp retort, Shivakumar said the area in question was an encroached waste dumpsite and alleged that land mafia interests were behind attempts to turn it into a slum. "We have humanity. We gave people an opportunity to move to new places. Only a few of them are locals," he said. "Senior leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan should know the issues in Bengaluru. We know our city well, and we don't want to entertain slums that promote land mafia activities," Shivakumar further said. Discussions were held by the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) leadership with the Thackeray cousins over an alliance for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Marathi media reports said. Although the initial, lengthy discussions failed to provide a favourable outcome for the NCP, another round of talks is likely on Saturday, the reports added. It was NCP (Sharad Pawar) state president Shashikant Shinde, MP Supriya Sule, and senior leader Jayant Patil who met Raj and Uddhav Thackeray on Friday in the hope of sealing an alliance deal for the BMC elections. On Wednesday, 24 December, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray announced that his party will join forces with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the BMC elections. ALSO READ | Is Shiv Sena-MNS alliance for BMC polls alone? Sanjay Raut confirms Thackeray cousins will join forces in THESE Corporations too According to Marathi media reports, the NCP hoped to secure 25 seats for itself by joining the alliance of the Thackerays. However, Raj and Uddhav were open to allotting only 15 seats to the NCP, which was not agreeable to the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituent. The NCP has a negligible presence in half the seats that were included in the list by the Thackerays, making it a difficult pill for them to swallow, Loksatta said in a report. The NCP was firm on demanding seats where it stands a chance of fielding strong candidates for 15 January, the report added. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has a total of 227 seats. The NCP currently has nine seats in the civic body and wants the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) to allow it to contest all these sitting wards again. The party has also reportedly submitted a list of additional wards where it enjoys strong influence, from which the remaining sixteen seats were to be allocated. However, the report added that the Thackerays are yet to take a decision on this demand. When the two sides meet again on Saturday, the NCP is expected to demand 15 seats favourable to the party if the 25-seat tally is too much for the cousins to yield, the Loksatta report said. Following these discussions, an official announcement is likely either late on Saturday evening or on Sunday. ALSO READ | BMC polls: Mahayuti in trouble, as seat-sharing talks between BJP, Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena hit roadblock On Wednesday, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray said that they will ensure a Marathi person becomes the next Mayor of Mumbai, but stopped short of revealing details of the seat-sharing agreement between the two parties for the high-stakes BMC elections. The senior Congress leadership and its state units in Rajasthan and Haryana have become active in taking up the issue of the Aravalli hills, following reports that the government is planning to lease out the vast region for mining and real estate development. The issue arose following the Supreme Courts decision accepting a new definition for protected hills (those above 100 metres), under which less than 10 per cent of the hills can legally be protected. The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) has, meanwhile, taken the matter more seriously and has planned to undertake an Aravalli Satyagraha Yatra from January 720 to save the mountain range. It will start from Gujarat and end in Delhi after passing through Rajasthan and Haryana. Indian Youth Congress national president Uday Bhanu Chib alleged that the BJP government wants to hand over a large part of the Aravalli range to its close friends and industrialists. The 100-metre criterion should be abolished, the Aravalli region should be declared an ecologically sensitive area, the Supreme Court order should be reviewed, the government must withdraw its proposal, and mining activities should be completely banned in the Aravallis, the IYC chief said. Although there is no immediate electoral urgency in these states, with no elections due in the upcoming two years, experts say the issue has struck a chord with the youth. Therefore, Congress aims to capitalise on this sentiment by projecting it as a broader issue of the ruling partys mismanagement of public resources. The issue has created health concerns and gained political significance primarily in Delhi, as worries grow first over the governments inability to tackle rising pollution in the capital and second, over the government allegedly preparing to disturb the ecological balance. On top of that, a battery of senior leaders has come together to target the government; Haryana leaders, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Randeep Singh Surjewala and Lok Sabha MP Deepender Singh Hooda both expressed concerns over the government's Aravalli policy. Surjewala alleged that around 383 hectares of the Aravalli hills in Charkhi Dadri district were facing destruction due to illegal mining and that it was continuing under political protection. Hooda further emphasised that "until the government openly declares that it will revoke the 100-metre length guideline, the concern regarding the Aravallis will persist in people's minds." Moreover, despite the Centres assurance that no new mining leases will be granted in the Aravalli range, the political controversy in Haryana and Rajasthan, where most of the Aravallis lie, has refused to die down. As the Congress is the primary opposition party in these two states, the party is trying to ramp up its reach. On Friday, the National Students Union of India (NSUI) organised a protest march in Jaipur as part of its campaign to save the Aravallis. The march was attended by Congress leader and National General Secretary Sachin Pilot, along with NSUI state president Vinod Jakhar. The Congress may have had a dry electoral year in 2025, but in the small state of Goa, which will go to the polls 14 months from now, the party has made modest gains, signalling a slight shift among the electorate. The Congress more than doubled its strength in the recently concluded zilla panchayat elections, jumping from four to ten seats out of 50. Although the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has managed to retain control of both North Goa and South Goa district councils for a third straight term, the results have laid bare signs of erosion in its political dominance. For the Congress, meanwhile, the outcome is being seen as a rare morale booster, offering a glimmer of hope ahead of the crucial 2027 Assembly elections. In the elections held on December 21, the BJP won 29 seats across the two districts, a drop of four seats from the 33 it had secured in the 2020 zilla panchayat polls. The Congress eating into the BJPs space signals a revival at the grassroots level. At the same time, other parties also made inroads: the BJPs ally, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, won three seats; the Congress-aligned Goa Forward Party secured one; the debutant Revolutionary Goans Party won two; the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) retained its lone seat; while independents accounted for the remaining seats. Goa Zilla Panchayat Results 2 seats from North Goa Cong Candidate Nilesh kambli won Sirsai Zilla Panchayat. Congress gaining in North Goa Ashish Singh (@AshishSinghKiJi) December 22, 2025 Though these were local elections, a closer look at the district-wise performance underlines the Congresss grassroots growth and explains why the results matter politically. North Goa, a BJP bastion for more than two decades, still saw a strong showing by the ruling party. The BJP-MGP alliance won 19 of the 25 seats there, though the saffron partys own tally slipped by two seats compared to 2020both of which were picked up by the Congress. In South Goa, the alliance won 13 of the 25 seats, down from the 14 seats the BJP had won on its own last time. The Congress made its biggest gains in South Goa, adding six seats to take its total to eight in the district. Notably, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress wrested the South Goa parliamentary seat from the BJP, while the ruling party retained North Goa. The zilla panchayat results have now reinforced the sense that South Goa is emerging as a potentially favourable terrain for the Congress, even as the saffron camps hold over North Goa shows early signs of strain. Adding to the political weight of the outcome is the record voter turnout of 70.8 per cent, the highest ever in Goas zilla panchayat elections. These polls, the fifth since local bodies were first constituted in 2005, were largely held in rural areas, making them an important indicator of grassroots sentiment. A second round of local body elections, covering the Panjim municipality and 19 municipal councils, is scheduled for January 2026. Whether urban Goa mirrors the rural trend remains to be seen. The Congress leadership has projected the outcome as evidence of a broader political shift. Manikrao Thakare, All India Congress Committee in-charge of Goa, said the party was thrilled with what he termed a strong performance. Linking the gains to the Congresss Lok Sabha victory in South Goa in 2024, he said, In the 2020 ZP elections, Congress won just four seats, but this year, we have increased our tally to 10 seats. Thakare, who earlier served as the Congress in-charge of Telangana, was moved to Goa after the partys victory in the 2023 Assembly elections. He argued that the rural poll results reflect a grassroots resurgence driven by public anger over what he described as the BJP governments corruption, mismanagement and neglect of local issues. The voters of Goa are fed up with empty promises and divisive politics, he said, expressing confidence that the momentum would carry the Congress to a decisive win in 2027. For now, the BJP remains firmly in control of Goas local bodies. However, the shrinking margins and the growing opposition presence suggest that the road to the 2027 Assembly elections may be more competitive than in previous cycles. As Delhi gets ready to usher in the New Year, the police launched a massive crime-prevention drive, Operation Aaghat 3.0, leading to the arrest of nearly 300 people in the national capital. South-East Delhi Police arrested 285 people under the Excise Act, the NDPS Act and the Gambling Act. As many as 10 property offenders and five auto-lifters were also arrested in the operation. News agency ANI reports that 504 individuals were apprehended under preventive action. The police also took into custody 116 listed bad characters (BCs). Operation Aaghat 3.0 | Key Outcomes from the South-East District- 285 accused arrested under the Excise Act, NDPS Act & Gambling Act. 504 persons apprehended under preventive action. 116 Bad Characters (BCs) apprehended. 10 property offenders and five auto-lifters arrested. pic.twitter.com/XVTHulCBPC ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2025 The police recovered 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges and 27 knives. The operation also led to the seizure of 12,258 quarters of illicit liquor and 6.01 kg of cannabis. DCP South-East Delhi Hemant Tiwari stated that 2,30,990 was seized from gamblers. A total of 310 mobile phones were recovered. Besides, 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler were seized or recovered from the criminal elements. Additionally, 1,306 individuals were rounded up as part of preventive measures. The police said the drive involved extensive checking and questioning of over 1,000 people, and raids across multiple locations in the national capital. The police reportedly targeted known crime hotspots and suspects as part of the operation. This is reportedly one of the most extensive and coordinated crackdowns on crime. Media reports quoted police sources as saying that the drive was aimed at putting in place a strong deterrent against organised crime and other illegal activities. According to the police, such drives against crime in the national capital will continue in the coming days. Congress has announced that it will launch a nationwide protest against the centre for replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the VB-G RAM G Act. The announcement was made by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge during a press conference held after the meeting of the Congress Working Committee in Delhi on Saturday. #WATCH | Delhi: On Congress to launch 'MGNREGA Bachao Andolan' from 5th January 2026, Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "As Kharge ji has said, we are going to resist it. We are going to fight it. And I'm confident that the entire opposition is going to be aligned pic.twitter.com/XgVkiaZTav ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2025 In the CWC meeting, we have taken a resolution to start MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan from 5 January 2026," Kharge said. He said that replacing the scheme named after Mahatma Gandhi is an insult to the father of the nation. The Indian National Congress party, taking a lead role, will launch the Save MNREGA Campaign from January 5th, he announced. Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision to replace the act without consulting the concerned minister or the Union Cabinet. "Its a devastating attack on states, poor people, carried out by PM single-handedly, much like demonetisation," he said. Gandhi called the move a one-man show and alleged that the new framework would benefit capitalists instead of the poor. The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill that replaced the MGNREGA was passed during the recent winter session of the parliament and was approved by President Draupadi Murmu. Opposition parties argued that the new legislation destroys rights-based welfare for rural workers. Hearings for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) began in West Bengal on Saturday with several people going to hearing centres across the state, carrying one of the 13 identification documents as required by the Election Commission (EC). Voters were given hearing notices over the last one week, with hearing dates and a time slot allotted to them. Hearings are conducted in District Magistrate (DM) offices, Block Development Offices (BDO), Sub-Divisional Offices (SDO), government schools and colleges. It is a smooth process, they [the officials] were quite clear. They had instructed me on the phone exactly what I needed to carry. There were two or three people ahead of us. In half an hour, we were in and out within no time. As long as you have your documents, it is all smooth, said Ranveer Singh, one of the voters. VIDEO | Kolkata, West Bengal: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee says, "Least voter deletion has taken place in West Bengal after the SIR draft; BJP's Bangladeshi-Rohingya infiltration plank has fallen flat." (Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/qy11n8krCb Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 27, 2025 Another voter, Sumedha, echoed his views, saying, They are quite understanding and doing the best they can. I expected a lot worse, so I'm quite happy. In fact, one of my documents was left behind, so they said I could send it across today itself. Some voters were worried about issues related to documents. Gautam Goswami who lives in a joint family got hearing notice along with his brother. Though he has been voting since before the last 2002 SIR list came out, he received a hearing notice. They are not accepting our Aadhaar card, voter ID or PAN. I submitted my ration card. I have voted more than five or six times, but my name is not in the 2002 SIR list, he said. Other concerns with the SIR were first-time voters and those staying outside the city. My daughter is a first-time voter and is studying in Mumbai. They are not accepting her documents unless she is physically present. The next hearing date is January 19 when she has exams. They asked us to write to the CEO but I dont think it will help. They have given up but that does not help citizens. It is harassment, said Kaveri Gucheria. Her husband Nikhil Gucheria asked, Officers here are saying this is not in our authority, then why are they here? Booth Level Officers (BLO) and Booth Level Agents (BLA) were seen assisting voters at hearing centres. The hearing is completely smooth and there is no question of any harm done. Most people have passports, which I think is sufficient to prove citizenship, said Ujwal Bhattacharya, a BLA. BLO Tapan Banik said, The voters were very cooperative. They are not scared, they have their documents. The Trinamool Congress, which has been opposing the SIR from the beginning, met Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal on Saturday to address their concerns. This is the second meeting of the five-member delegation in a week. Claiming the election commission is not prepared, Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said the hearing dates were given within five days. How could those who come from another city or state get verification documents within five days? You are giving time verbally but not in reality, he added. While the first day of hearings came with its own challenges, the second phase of SIR hopes to address concerns of new and existing eligible voters ahead of the assembly polls scheduled early next year. Even as the CBI challenged before the Supreme Court the Delhi High Court order suspending the life sentence and granting bail to expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case, the survivor claimed that if the CBI had stood with her lawyer, the accused would not have been granted bail. Sengar had filed an appeal against his life sentence, which was vehemently opposed by the CBI and the survivors family before the high court. "Had the CBI stood with my lawyer, we wouldn't have had to see this day. We would have won, and they would have lost. Their family is bursting crackers. But ask my family. My father was killed. My husband and I were fired from our jobs. What will we eat? Where do we go? I have two newborns," news agency ANI quoted the survivor as saying. Calling it an injustice that "one family was intimidated while the other was given a free pass," she alleged that "this means that the judge has taken so much money that there is no limit. Call the judge; I will confront him. This is my right..." The mother of the survivor too said they will trust the CBI only if the agency officials meet them. How can we trust them otherwise? she asked. "We have not discussed the CBI... We have only said that the IO (investigating officer) met them. He was talking to Kuldeep Sengar's daughter. When we asked him whether he knew the victim, he said, Why would I know her? He said this in a crowded court," she was quoted as saying. Normally, when two parties are on the same side, they will file a petition after discussing or at least consulting with each other to coordinate, the lawyer of the Unnao rape case survivor observed. "The CBI is carrying out all these activities, which are incomprehensible to the average citizen, in a very cunning manner, and we are countering this as strongly and forcefully as we can at our level. We have filed a caveat so that we can at least know what the CBI has filed, so that we can file our petition accordingly," he was quoted as saying. The CBI had filed a Special Leave Petition in the apex court against the order of the high court. The Delhi High Court on Tuesday suspended the jail term of Sengar, who was serving life imprisonment in the 2017 Unnao rape case, saying he had already served seven years and five months in prison. Sengar's sentence was suspended till the pendency of his appeal challenging his conviction and sentence in the rape case. The talks of an electoral alliance between NCP Ajit Pawar and NCP Sharad Pawar in Pune have failed as Ajit Pawar insisted on all candidates contesting on his faction's clock symbol. This condition was rejected by NCP Sharad Pawar faction leaders as it was felt that contesting on clock symbol would be similar to surrender before Ajit Pawar. NCP Sharad Pawar is now in mood to return to MVA fold and hold talks with Congress and Shiv Sena UBT for an alliance in Pune. Elections to Pune municipal corporation will be held on January 15 and results will be declared on January 16. With talks failing in Pune the fate of the alliance between the two factions in punes neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporation is unclear. Some leaders however have said that both NCP factions will fight Pimpri-Chinchwad election together. It is also said that Ajit Pawar was unhappy with NCP Sharad Pawar demanding more number of seats than those won in 2017 when the party was together. The Week sought a comment from NCP SP working president Supriya Sule but she had not responded at the time of filing this report. Notorious gangster Vinay Tyagi has died while undergoing treatment for gunshot wounds at AIIMS Rishikesh. The Meerut history-sheeter was injured during an attack by miscreants on a bike while he was being taken to Laksar court on Wednesday, December 24. Tyagi was being taken to the Laksar court via the Haridwar-Laksar highway overbridge, by six policemen who were acoompanying him in a Tata Sumo police vehicle. The miscreants who were on a bike, took advantage of the traffic jam in the middle of the flyover bridge to open fire at the vehicle. The criminals were masked and they fled the scene. Viay Tyagi was shot at three times. Two policemen were also injured. Tyagi was shot in the chest, arm and neck. AIIMS PRO Sriloy Mohanty confirmed Vinay Tyagi's death at around 7 am on Saturday. Postmortem proceedings are underway according to Uttarakhand police. Rishikesh | Gangster Vinay Tyagi, who was critically injured after being shot three times in a daylight shootout three days ago while being taken under police security from Roorkee to Laksar Court for a court appearance, died this morning at around 7 am during treatment at AIIMS ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2025 Police have arrested the two attackers, Sunny Yadav and Ajay who are both residents of Kashipur. The main accused Sunny, alias Shera, confessed to shooting Tyagi with the intention to kill. They said that they targetted the man due to a financial dispute. Tyagi had reportedly refused to pay a sum of money to him. Who is Vinay Tyagi? Vinay Tyagi is known for having a very long history of criminal records in the state. He is said to have been associated with the notorious Sunil Rathi gang. Nearly 60 criminal cases have been registered against him which included murder, extortion, arms smuggling, kidnapping and theft. Haridwar, Uttarakhand: SSP Haridwar Pramendra Singh Dobhal says, "On the night of December 24, two criminals opened fire, injuring Vinay Tyagi, who was immediately taken to the hospital and later referred to AIIMS Rishikesh. Acting swiftly, the police arrested both accused within pic.twitter.com/4MCzXxqAcX IANS (@ians_india) December 27, 2025 A month ago,Tyagi was involved in a high-profile theft case, which involved crores of rupees. Tyagi had robbed a major Meerut-Ghaziabad National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) contractor of a large amount of cash, several kilograms of gold, jewellery and documents related to Benami properties belonging to the man. The items were hidden in Dehradun inside a car, which was also stolen. Dehrdun police had arrested Tyagi and his wife in relation to the case and recovered the massive haul of stolen goods. A case of fraud involving Rs 1 crore was also filed against them at the Laksar police station. Tyagi's sister, Seema, has now come out to make several allegations after his death. She claimed that the approximately Rs 750 crore stolen from Dehradun were illegal earnings and that the NHAI contractor had hidden it at the home of a doctor friend to avoid action by the Enforcement Directorate who were about to raid his property. Seema said that Vinay became aware of the secret black money and stole the goods with the help of the doctor friend. She said that he was planning to hand the goods over to the ED, over his long standing rivalry with the contractor. Vinay Tyagis family has also claimed the police conspired in his death, reported Nav Bharat Times. They said that Vinay was killed to prevent him from making a revelation to the ED or any other central agency about the illegal money aquired by the NHAI contractor. Speculations are rife that the Uttarakhand police conspired in his death to prevent the documents from being handed over to the Enforcement Directorate. According to sources, the police could not recover the Benami property documents, which were worth crores. Israel has formally recognised the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a move that represents a major diplomatic shift in the Horn of Africa. The announcement was made yesterday by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, making Israel the first country in the world to grant official recognition to Somaliland since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The decision sparked celebrations in Somaliland, anger in Somalia and swift condemnation from regional organisations including the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the African Union. Following the announcement, Israel and Somaliland signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations. The agreement provides for the opening of embassies and the exchange of ambassadors. Israeli officials said the step followed more than a year of intensive discussions and was carried out in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, the US-brokered agreements launched in 2020 that normalised relations between Israel and several Arab states. Netanyahu held a video call with Somalilands President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, widely known as Cirro, during which he praised his leadership and invited him to visit Israel. Both leaders pledged to expand cooperation immediately in areas including agriculture, technology, healthcare and trade. Abdullahi described the recognition as a historic moment and said Somaliland was ready to join the Abraham Accords, presenting the move as a contribution to regional and global peace. Somaliland lies in northwestern Somalia along the Gulf of Aden and was formerly a British protectorate. It declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of Somalias central government and years of devastating civil war. For more than three decades it has functioned as a de facto state with its own elected government, parliament, police force, currency and travel documents. Despite maintaining relative stability and a functioning democratic system compared with much of southern Somalia, Somaliland had failed to secure recognition from any United Nations member state before Israels decision. Somalilands leaders hope the recognition could encourage other countries to follow, rewarding its long record of internal peace and political development. It could open access to international markets, investment and financial institutions. Critics, however, warn that it could embolden other separatist movements. For Israel, the move helps expand its diplomatic presence in Africa and offers a foothold at one of the worlds most sensitive maritime corridors as Somaliland borders Djibouti and Ethiopia and lies next to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping lane linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. It is also close to Yemen, improving its strategic options against the Houthis. Somaliland already hosts a military base operated by the United Arab Emirates, itself a signatory to the Abraham Accords, which has used the facility to support its operations in Yemen. The Somali federal government reacted with fury. Prime minister Hamza Abdi Barre categorically rejected Israels recognition, calling it a deliberate attack on Somalias sovereignty and a violation of international law. Mogadishu regards Somaliland as an inseparable part of Somalia and considers any direct engagement with its authorities to be an infringement on the countrys territorial integrity. The Arab League described the recognition as a flagrant infringement of Somalias sovereignty while the Gulf Cooperation Council warned it could undermine stability across the Horn of Africa. The African Union also rejected the move, cautioning that attempts to weaken Somalias unity could have far-reaching consequences for peace and security on the continent. The foreign ministers of Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti held consultations with Somalias leadership to coordinate a response and present a united front. They condemned the recognition as a breach of the UN Charter and warned against the creation of parallel political entities. Turkey went further, characterising Israels action as interference in Somalias internal affairs and aligning it with what it described as expansionist policies. Several of these countries used the moment to reiterate their opposition to any proposals to displace Palestinians, referring to earlier reports, denied by all parties, that recognition might be linked to resettlement plans involving Gaza. The decision has also sharpened existing geopolitical rivalries in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia has recently sought access to the sea through an agreement with Somaliland, a move that has already inflamed tensions with Somalia. The United States finds itself in an awkward position. While the Trump administration is worried that recognising Somaliland could jeopardise security cooperation with Somalia against Al-Shabaab terrorist group, several prominent Republicans have openly supported recognition. Senator Ted Cruz and others have argued that Somaliland is a reliable partner of Israel. During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump had described the issue as complex but indicated it was under consideration, while a conservative policy blueprint known as Project 2025 has recommended recognising Somaliland as a counterweight to growing Chinese influence in Djibouti. By recognising Somaliland, Israel has upended a long-standing diplomatic consensus. The move offers Somaliland its first taste of international legitimacy and gives Israel strategic depth near the Red Sea, but it also risks deepening Israels isolation from influential regional players such as Turkey and Egypt and reignites sensitive debates over borders and sovereignty in Africa. The Bnei Menashe, also known as Sons of Menashe, are indigenous people within the Kuki-Chin-Mizo ethnic family. These individuals currently reside in the hills of Northeast India, specifically in the states of Manipur and Mizoram. This population is a peculiar intersection of ancient biblical prophecy and modern geopolitics. The population claims to be the descendants of one of the ten lost tribes of Israel, which were exiled by the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC. However, the question of their identity remains unresolved. Nirmalshankar M. For decades, the Bnei Menashe community has faced a constant dilemma: whether they are rooted in their geographical origins, linked to the Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram, or in their spiritual connection to Zion. Although these people are claimed to be one of the lost tribes of Israel, what challenges will India or the Indian government face in sending them back to Israel? The Bnei Menashe are not merely religious pilgrims but are essential actors in Israel's strategic and demographic policies. Among the Jewish communities in India, the Bnei Menashe differ from other established Jewish communities, such as the Bene Israel of Maharashtra or the Cochin Jews. The former belong to the Tibeto-Burman ethnic group, which practised animism before the 20th century. Their identification with Judaism began in the 1950s, after their leader reported a dream in which he claimed to have been shown that their ancestry was linked to Israel by correlating their pre-Christian oral traditions with biblical narratives. Their claim was contested and debated until 2005, when Israels then-Sephardi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar recognised this population as Zera Yisrael (Seed of Israel). Although their identity and Jewish roots were acknowledged, they are mandated to undergo formal Orthodox conversion called Giurin Hebrew upon arriving in Israel to be fully recognised as Jews under the Law of Return. The existence of the Bnei Menashe in India is not new; however, it came to light after the Israeli governments recent approval to bring the remaining 5,800 Bnei Menashe to Israel by the end of 2030. This includes the upcoming wave of 1,200 people in 2026 to Israel. Sure, but why in 2025 and not 2005? Numerous arguments suggest that a convergence of religious idealism and pragmatic considerations drives this sudden move. One, Israel faced and still faces a demographic challenge in maintaining the Jewish majority between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. While the right- and ultra-right-wing political factions view them as quality immigrants who devote themselves and integrate religiously, unlike some secular immigrants from the former Soviet Union who are questioning the religious authority of the state. Two, the Israeli governments explicit move to settle the Bnei Menashe in border areas, like the Galilee, to balance the Arab-Israeli population. In India, these groups face numerous difficulties, especially with the ethnic conflict in the state of Manipur. The suffering has persisted since 2023. During the instability, many synagogues were burned, and hundreds were displaced, not because of their religious identity, but rather an ethnic one. Economically, these people are largely agrarian, fall within the lower-middle class, and often sell their ancestral land to fund their emigration to Israel (Aliyah). However, in Israel, these problems remain unresolved. While escaping the physical violence in India, this population faces broader issues in Israel. This includes racism, where due to their visible distinct appearance, they are labelled as Chinese; economic hardships, due to language barrier; and geographical marginalisation, with the settlements located far from main towns. For India, migration is not solely a matter of foreign policy; it also has repercussions for internal security. The state of Manipur is under duress due to tensions among ethnic groups, with the Bnei Menashe predominantly belonging to the Kuki tribe. However, surprisingly, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed this move, framing it as a testament to people-to-people ties. This helps clarify the importance and relevance of the Bnei Menashe, also known as the lost tribes of Israel, to both Israel and India. For Israel, the Bnei Menashe represent a demographic buffer, and for India, they are part of a complex ethnic mosaic of the Northeast. The author is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Russia has launched a massive attack on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, with explosions reported throughout the city and air defenses in operation, according to reports on Saturday. The attack came just one day before a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, which is set to take place in Florida on Sunday to discuss the details of an accord aimed at settling the nearly four-year-old war. "Explosions in the capital. Air defense forces are operating. Stay in shelters!" Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, said on Telegram. Russia launched several Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, four Iskander ballistic missiles, and a group of Kalibr cruise missiles, as reported by the Kyiv Independent. BREAKING: RUSSIA LAUNCHES MASSIVE MISSILE STRIKE ON KYIV HOURS AFTER ZELENSKY SAID HE'S READY TO HOLD REFERENDUM ON TRUMP'S PEACE PLAN The Ukrainian capital came under massive attack early Saturday, with air defenses in operation and large-scale power outages hitting the pic.twitter.com/SNb68IIN5W Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 27, 2025 Several explosions were heard across the capital, and power outages were reported in Brovary, a suburban town of Kyiv, and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy stated that the talks with Trump would focus on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine and the role of its allies in ensuring stability after the war. The 20-point peace plan proposed by US and Ukrainian officials is 90 percent complete, he added. On Thursday, the Ukrainian leader met with Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the US president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as part of ongoing consultations. Denis WhiteRex Kapustin, also known as Denis Nikitin, the commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), has been killed, according to a report on the Telegram channel of the group. The RVC is a far-right white-nationalist paramilitary group made up of Russian citizens that has been fighting on the side of Ukraine in the war. Denis Kapustin, founder and commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, was killed overnight on the Zaporizhzhia front. According to the unit, he died while carrying out a combat mission, preliminary reports point to an FPV drone strike. pic.twitter.com/zjuM7Wzi4L NOELREPORTS (@NOELreports) December 27, 2025 Kapustin died while carrying out a combat mission, and it was specified that he died after the arrival of an FPV drone. "Tonight, our commander, Denis "WhiteRex" Kapustin, died heroically while carrying out a combat mission in the Zaporizhzhia sector of the front. According to preliminary data, it was an FPV drone," the RVC reported on their channel. Details about the death are still being probed. Denis Kapustin was 41 years old. He was a native of Moscow and moved to Germany with his family as a child, and grew up there. In 2022, he founded the Russian Volunteer Corps, which included ethnic Russians fighting against Russia. Ideologically, the RVC has been described as right-wing wing and Kapustin has been described as a neo-nazi. The RVC is a military unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and is also part of the International Legion of the Troops of Ukraine. RVC fighters participated in combat operations in the Avdiivka, Zaporizhzhia, and Limansk directions, as well as on Russian territory in border regions. In March 2023, Kapustin was involved in a saboteur attack and infiltration in the Bryansk region in Ukraine. The group killed a resident and wounded two others, including a 10-year-old. Russian leader Vladimir Putin called the incident a terrorist attack. Kapustin was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment for the attack. He was accused of treason and creating a terrorist organisation. In January 2023, RVC fighters were part of a raid on the banks of the Novaya Kakhovka River, during which at least 12 Russian forces were killed, and one prisoner was captured. The attack provided the Ukrainian army with intelligence about Russian reserves and numbers. The biggest danger [in India] is that fitness is becoming Bollywood fitnessbiceps, abs, how you look. For me, fitness is not about aesthetics. It is about what is sustainable. You dont have to go to the gym every day. There are small habits you can build into your lifestylemovement, sleep and nutrition. Jonty Rhodes former South African cricketer Economics is too important to be left to economists. Everyone should engage with economic ideas because they shape how we live. Many policies go unchallenged simply because people are not invited into the economic conversation. I am very keen that economics is not discussed only among economists. Abhijit Banerjee economist Preaching is not enough. Compassion becomes mindful problem-solving. When you are truly aware of yourself and others, you cannot remain silentyou are compelled to act. That is how a culture of problem-solving is born. Kailash Satyarthi Nobel laureate and social reformer Goas image is about sea, sand and sunrise, and you can see beautiful scenes of nature, but you can also see casinos, dances and liquor. People from all over the world must come to Goa for health and wellness. Baba Ramdev yoga guru John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:JHCP Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 10,816 shares, a decline of 63.8% from the November 30th total of 29,889 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 8,622 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.3 days. Approximately 0.5% of the shares of the company are sold short. Approximately 0.5% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 8,622 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.3 days. John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF Trading Up 0.1% Shares of John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF stock traded up $0.02 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $25.55. 83 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 92,906. John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF has a 12-month low of $24.35 and a 12-month high of $25.95. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $25.54 and a 200-day simple moving average of $25.34. Get John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Jane Street Group LLC purchased a new position in John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF in the first quarter valued at about $364,000. Coign Capital Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF by 9.8% during the 3rd quarter. Coign Capital Advisors LLC now owns 490,608 shares of the companys stock worth $12,484,000 after purchasing an additional 43,833 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Andina Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $253,000. About John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF The John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF (JHCP) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund is actively managed with a focus on a diversified bond portfolio, which includes a potential 20% allocation to high-yield bonds. The fund aims for a high level of current income while also considering ESG factors in its investment analysis JHCP was launched on Dec 18, 2024 and is issued by John Hancock. Read More Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. oOh media Limited (OTCMKTS:OMLAF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 85,266 shares, an increase of 350.6% from the November 30th total of 18,923 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. oOh media Stock Performance OMLAF remained flat at $0.87 during midday trading on Friday. oOh media has a 12-month low of $0.87 and a 12-month high of $1.32. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $0.91 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $0.97. Get oOh media alerts: oOh!media is a leading out-of-home (OOH) advertising company that operates a broad network of static and digital advertising displays across Australia and New Zealand. The companys media assets span large-format billboards, street furniture, transit shelters, airport terminals and Place-Based environments such as retail centres, office buildings and universities. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Sydney, oOh!media has grown from a single market presence into a nationwide operator with coverage in all major Australian citiesincluding Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaideas well as key metropolitan areas in New Zealand such as Auckland and Wellington. See Also Receive News & Ratings for oOh media Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for oOh media and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PURE Bioscience (OTCMKTS:PURE Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 26,140 shares, a growth of 155.8% from the November 30th total of 10,219 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 105,877 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 105,877 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. PURE Bioscience Stock Up 0.6% OTCMKTS:PURE traded up $0.00 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $0.05. 7,236 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 57,589. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $0.06 and its 200-day moving average price is $0.08. PURE Bioscience has a one year low of $0.04 and a one year high of $0.21. The firm has a market cap of $5.21 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.55 and a beta of 0.51. Get PURE Bioscience alerts: PURE Bioscience (OTCMKTS:PURE Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported ($0.01) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $1.71 million during the quarter. PURE Bioscience Company Profile PURE Bioscience, Inc is a San Diego, Californiabased company that develops and markets patented antimicrobial solutions for diverse industries. At the core of its technology portfolio is Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (SDC), an EPA-registered broad-spectrum biocide designed to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact. The company targets applications in food processing, water treatment, personal care, and medical device sanitation. PUREs product suite includes concentrate formulations and ready-to-use solutions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for PURE Bioscience Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PURE Bioscience and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:PFIG Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 6,386 shares, a drop of 65.5% from the November 30th total of 18,537 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 13,936 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.5 days. Currently, 0.2% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Currently, 0.2% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 13,936 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.5 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Osaic Holdings Inc. grew its position in Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF by 314.9% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 2,282 shares of the companys stock worth $55,000 after buying an additional 1,732 shares in the last quarter. Nikulski Financial Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $340,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. bought a new stake in shares of Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $375,000. Royal Bank of Canada grew its holdings in shares of Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF by 6.9% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 16,147 shares of the companys stock worth $384,000 after purchasing an additional 1,039 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers increased its position in shares of Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF by 96.6% in the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 18,986 shares of the companys stock worth $457,000 after purchasing an additional 9,330 shares during the last quarter. Get Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF alerts: Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF Stock Performance Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF stock remained flat at $24.30 during midday trading on Friday. 5,644 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 17,867. Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF has a twelve month low of $22.64 and a twelve month high of $26.96. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $24.29 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $24.19. Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF Company Profile The Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (PFIG) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the RAFI Bonds US Investment Grade 1-10 index. The fund tracks a fundamental-weighted index of investment-grade corporate bonds available in US markets. Issues are selected and weighted using RAFI scores based on financial statement metrics. PFIG was launched on Sep 15, 2011 and is managed by Invesco. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) recently received a number of ratings updates from brokerages and research firms: 12/22/2025 L3Harris Technologies had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/15/2025 L3Harris Technologies had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/11/2025 L3Harris Technologies is now covered by analysts at Citigroup Inc.. They set a buy rating and a $331.00 price target on the stock. 12/11/2025 L3Harris Technologies is now covered by analysts at Citigroup Inc.. They set a buy rating and a $331.00 price target on the stock. 12/8/2025 L3Harris Technologies was downgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating. 12/1/2025 L3Harris Technologies had its buy (b-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/25/2025 L3Harris Technologies was upgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating. 11/19/2025 L3Harris Technologies had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/18/2025 L3Harris Technologies was upgraded by analysts at BNP Paribas to a hold rating. 11/18/2025 L3Harris Technologies is now covered by analysts at BNP Paribas Exane. They set a neutral rating and a $290.00 price target on the stock. 11/13/2025 L3Harris Technologies had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/7/2025 L3Harris Technologies was downgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating. 11/4/2025 L3Harris Technologies had its price target raised by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $325.00 to $340.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 10/31/2025 L3Harris Technologies had its positive rating reaffirmed by analysts at Susquehanna. 10/31/2025 L3Harris Technologies had its price target raised by analysts at UBS Group AG from $318.00 to $323.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. L3Harris Technologies Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 5th. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were paid a $1.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. This represents a $4.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.6%. L3Harris Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 51.56%. Get L3Harris Technologies Inc alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO Christopher E. Kubasik sold 14,171 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $301.05, for a total transaction of $4,266,179.55. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 144,426 shares in the company, valued at $43,479,447.30. This represents a 8.94% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.72% of the stock is owned by company insiders. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) is an American aerospace and defense company formed in 2019 through the combination of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company designs, manufactures and supports a broad range of technology solutions for government and commercial customers, with a particular emphasis on defense, intelligence and public safety applications. The companys offerings span communications systems, avionics, electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors, space systems and mission integration. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for L3Harris Technologies Inc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for L3Harris Technologies Inc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NAD Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 676,711 shares, an increase of 134.7% from the November 30th total of 288,282 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 868,025 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.8 days. Based on an average trading volume of 868,025 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.8 days. Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund Stock Performance NAD stock traded down $0.12 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $11.92. The company had a trading volume of 1,139,254 shares, compared to its average volume of 776,078. Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund has a 52 week low of $10.40 and a 52 week high of $12.28. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $11.99 and its 200 day moving average price is $11.61. Get Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund alerts: Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.0705 per share. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.1%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund Company Profile A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Palisade Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund during the 3rd quarter valued at about $44,000. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC lifted its holdings in Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund by 82.3% in the 3rd quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 18,480 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $216,000 after buying an additional 8,341 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund by 24.2% in the 3rd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 197,183 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,305,000 after buying an additional 38,468 shares during the last quarter. Laird Norton Wetherby Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund during the third quarter valued at approximately $123,000. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE increased its stake in shares of Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund by 3.5% during the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 2,752,323 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,175,000 after buying an additional 92,389 shares during the period. (Get Free Report) Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NAD) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide shareholders with a high level of current income exempt from federal income taxes. The fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of investment-grade municipal securities, including general obligation and revenue bonds, issued by state and local governments across the United States. By focusing on high-quality issuers, the fund aims to balance income generation with prudent risk management. Launched in July 2022, NAD is managed by Nuveen Asset Management, a subsidiary of TIAA with decades of experience in municipal bond investing. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI Get Free Report) and Owens Corning (NYSE:OC Get Free Report) are both mid-cap construction companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, earnings, analyst recommendations, profitability, institutional ownership, valuation and risk. Volatility and Risk Armstrong World Industries has a beta of 1.3, indicating that its stock price is 30% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Owens Corning has a beta of 1.34, indicating that its stock price is 34% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Armstrong World Industries alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares Armstrong World Industries and Owens Cornings revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Armstrong World Industries $1.45 billion 5.74 $264.90 million $6.99 27.52 Owens Corning $10.98 billion 0.85 $647.00 million ($5.72) -19.87 Owens Corning has higher revenue and earnings than Armstrong World Industries. Owens Corning is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Armstrong World Industries, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Insider and Institutional Ownership 98.9% of Armstrong World Industries shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 88.4% of Owens Corning shares are held by institutional investors. 1.0% of Armstrong World Industries shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.8% of Owens Corning shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Armstrong World Industries and Owens Corning, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Armstrong World Industries 0 4 5 1 2.70 Owens Corning 2 5 10 0 2.47 Armstrong World Industries currently has a consensus target price of $207.50, indicating a potential upside of 7.86%. Owens Corning has a consensus target price of $155.58, indicating a potential upside of 36.91%. Given Owens Cornings higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Owens Corning is more favorable than Armstrong World Industries. Profitability This table compares Armstrong World Industries and Owens Cornings net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Armstrong World Industries 19.08% 38.97% 17.14% Owens Corning -4.46% 24.42% 8.53% Dividends Armstrong World Industries pays an annual dividend of $1.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.7%. Owens Corning pays an annual dividend of $2.76 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.4%. Armstrong World Industries pays out 19.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Owens Corning pays out -48.3% 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. Armstrong World Industries has increased its dividend for 1 consecutive years and Owens Corning has increased its dividend for 10 consecutive years. Owens Corning is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Summary Armstrong World Industries beats Owens Corning on 10 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks. About Armstrong World Industries (Get Free Report) Armstrong World Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of ceiling and wall solutions in the Americas. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers mineral fiber, fiberglass wool, metal, wood, felt, wood fiber, and glass-reinforced-gypsum; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings, walls, and facades for use in commercial settings; and manufactures ceiling suspension system (grid) products. It serves commercial and residential construction markets, as well as renovation of existing buildings sectors. The company sells its products to resale distributors, ceiling system contractors, wholesalers, and retailers comprising large home centers. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. was founded in 1860 and is headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. About Owens Corning (Get Free Report) Owens Corning manufactures and sells building and construction materials in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Roofing, Insulation, and Composites. The Roofing segment manufactures and sells laminate and strip asphalt roofing shingles, oxidized asphalt materials, and roofing components used in residential and commercial construction, and specialty applications. This segment sells its products through distributors, home centers, and lumberyards, as well as to roofing contractors for built-up roofing asphalt systems; and manufacturers in automotive, chemical, rubber, and construction industries. The Insulation segment manufactures and sells thermal and acoustical batts, loosefill insulation, spray foam insulation, foam sheathing and accessories under the Owens Corning PINK, and FIBERGLAS brands; and glass fiber pipe insulation, energy efficient flexible duct media, bonded and granulated mineral wool insulation, cellular glass insulation, and foam insulation under the FOAMULAR, FOAMGLAS, and Paroc brand names used in construction applications. This segment sells its products primarily to the insulation installers, home centers, lumberyards, retailers, and distributors. The Composites segment manufactures, fabricates, and sells glass reinforcements in the form of fiber; and glass fiber products in the form of fabrics, non-wovens, and composite lumber. Its products are used in building structures, roofing shingles, tubs and showers, pools, decking, flooring, pipes and tanks, poles, electrical equipment, and wind-energy turbine blades. This segment sells its products directly to parts molders, fabricators, and shingle manufacturers. The company was incorporated in 1938 and is headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. Receive News & Ratings for Armstrong World Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Armstrong World Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. InfraCap MLP ETF (NYSEARCA:AMZA Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 9,302 shares, an increase of 160.6% from the November 30th total of 3,569 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 24,906 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Based on an average trading volume of 24,906 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Institutional Investors Weigh In On InfraCap MLP ETF Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. CoreCap Advisors LLC grew its position in InfraCap MLP ETF by 24.5% during the 3rd quarter. CoreCap Advisors LLC now owns 2,014 shares of the companys stock worth $81,000 after acquiring an additional 396 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in InfraCap MLP ETF by 60.5% in the second 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 last quarter. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of InfraCap MLP ETF by 2.3% during the third quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 61,691 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,479,000 after purchasing an additional 1,395 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 7.34% of the companys stock. Get InfraCap MLP ETF alerts: InfraCap MLP ETF Stock Performance Shares of InfraCap MLP ETF stock traded down $0.54 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $39.07. 41,855 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 37,963. The stock has a market cap of $377.42 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.90 and a beta of 0.95. The firms fifty day moving average price is $39.55 and its 200-day moving average price is $41.18. InfraCap MLP ETF has a 12 month low of $37.18 and a 12 month high of $48.98. About InfraCap MLP ETF 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for InfraCap MLP ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for InfraCap MLP ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund (NYSEARCA:XSOE Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 44,936 shares, an increase of 268.9% from the November 30th total of 12,182 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 257,847 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the company are sold short. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 257,847 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund Price Performance Shares of WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund stock traded up $0.11 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $39.17. The company had a trading volume of 43,971 shares, compared to its average volume of 211,987. The stock has a market cap of $2.10 billion, a PE ratio of 17.70 and a beta of 0.67. WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund has a 1-year low of $27.00 and a 1-year high of $40.12. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $38.69 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $36.83. Get WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC acquired a new stake in shares of WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund during the second quarter worth approximately $220,000. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund by 7.9% during the 3rd quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 9,447 shares of the companys stock worth $358,000 after acquiring an additional 690 shares during the last quarter. Mengis Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Mengis Capital Management Inc. now owns 16,397 shares of the companys stock valued at $565,000 after purchasing an additional 290 shares in the last quarter. Strategic Wealth Partners Ltd. acquired a new stake in WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund during the 3rd quarter valued at $852,000. Finally, First Financial Corp IN raised its position in WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund by 8.5% in the 2nd quarter. First Financial Corp IN now owns 26,270 shares of the companys stock valued at $906,000 after purchasing an additional 2,047 shares during the last quarter. About WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund The WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund (XSOE) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market-cap-weighted index of emerging market companies, excluding state-owned enterprises. XSOE was launched on Dec 10, 2014 and is managed by WisdomTree. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF (NYSEARCA:USRT 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 1,265,406 shares, an increase of 160.0% from the November 30th total of 486,606 shares. Currently, 2.3% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 465,563 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.7 days. Based on an average daily volume of 465,563 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.7 days. Currently, 2.3% of the companys stock are short sold. Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its position in iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF by 9.1% during the third quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,748,498 shares of the companys stock valued at $102,672,000 after purchasing an additional 145,652 shares during the last quarter. Glenmede Investment Management LP raised its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF by 4.8% during the 3rd quarter. Glenmede Investment Management LP now owns 1,673,789 shares of the companys stock worth $98,285,000 after purchasing an additional 76,496 shares in the last quarter. Trust Co of Tennessee lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF by 8.8% during the 3rd quarter. Trust Co of Tennessee now owns 1,084,369 shares of the companys stock valued at $63,675,000 after buying an additional 87,436 shares during the last quarter. Cerity Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF by 3.7% during the 3rd quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 870,659 shares of the companys stock valued at $51,125,000 after buying an additional 31,328 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Heritage Financial Services LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF by 5.3% in the 3rd quarter. Heritage Financial Services LLC now owns 778,350 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,705,000 after buying an additional 39,470 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF alerts: iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF Price Performance USRT traded up $0.01 on Friday, reaching $57.18. 381,129 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 298,348. The company has a market cap of $3.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.32 and a beta of 1.02. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $57.91 and its 200-day moving average price is $57.60. iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF has a 52-week low of $48.47 and a 52-week high of $60.63. iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF Company Profile The iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF (USRT) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE Nareit \u002F Equity REITs INV index, a market-cap-weighted index of US-listed REITs USRT was launched on May 1, 2007 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SuperGroup (OTCMKTS:SEPGY Get Free Report) and Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, risk, earnings, profitability, institutional ownership and analyst recommendations. Profitability This table compares SuperGroup and Abercrombie & Fitchs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get SuperGroup alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets SuperGroup N/A N/A N/A Abercrombie & Fitch 10.07% 38.01% 14.98% Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings for SuperGroup and Abercrombie & Fitch, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score SuperGroup 0 0 0 0 0.00 Abercrombie & Fitch 0 6 6 0 2.50 Valuation & Earnings Abercrombie & Fitch has a consensus target price of $110.10, suggesting a potential downside of 13.16%. Given Abercrombie & Fitchs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Abercrombie & Fitch is more favorable than SuperGroup. This table compares SuperGroup and Abercrombie & Fitchs gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio SuperGroup $655.98 million 0.01 -$177.94 million N/A N/A Abercrombie & Fitch $4.95 billion 1.17 $566.22 million $10.43 12.16 Abercrombie & Fitch has higher revenue and earnings than SuperGroup. Summary Abercrombie & Fitch beats SuperGroup on 9 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About SuperGroup (Get Free Report) Superdry plc designs, produces, markets, and sells clothing, footwear, and accessories primarily under the Superdry brand for men and women in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates through Retail and Wholesale segments. The Company operates through stores, concessions, various Internet sites, multi-brand independents and distributors, franchise, and license stores. It operates 213 owned, and 410 franchised and licensed stores; and 18 international websites. The company was formerly known as SuperGroup Plc and changed its name to Superdry plc in January 2018. Superdry plc was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Cheltenham, the United Kingdom. About Abercrombie & Fitch (Get Free Report) Abercrombie & Fitch Co. engages in the retail of apparel, personal care products, and accessories. The firm operates through following geographical segments: Americas, EMEA and APAC. The Americas segment includes operations in North America and South America. The EMEA segment includes operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The APAC segment includes operations in the Asia-Pacific region, including Asia and Oceania. The company was founded by David Abercrombie in 1892 and is headquartered in New Albany, OH. Receive News & Ratings for SuperGroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SuperGroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Magna International (NYSE:MGA Get Free Report) and Miller Industries (NYSE:MLR Get Free Report) are both auto/tires/trucks companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, risk, valuation, dividends and profitability. Insider and Institutional Ownership 67.5% of Magna International shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 79.2% of Miller Industries shares are held by institutional investors. 0.5% of Magna International shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 4.4% of Miller Industries shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Get Magna International alerts: Profitability This table compares Magna International and Miller Industries net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Magna International 2.50% 11.88% 4.59% Miller Industries 3.59% 7.32% 4.76% Dividends Risk and Volatility Magna International pays an annual dividend of $1.94 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.6%. Miller Industries pays an annual dividend of $0.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.1%. Magna International pays out 53.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Miller Industries pays out 30.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Magna International has raised its dividend for 6 consecutive years and Miller Industries has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years. Magna International is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Magna International has a beta of 1.53, meaning that its share price is 53% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Miller Industries has a beta of 1.26, meaning that its share price is 26% more volatile than the S&P 500. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Magna International and Miller Industriess revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Magna International $42.84 billion 0.35 $1.01 billion $3.66 14.74 Miller Industries $1.26 billion 0.35 $63.49 million $2.60 14.70 Magna International has higher revenue and earnings than Miller Industries. Miller Industries is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Magna International, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent recommendations for Magna International and Miller Industries, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Magna International 1 14 3 0 2.11 Miller Industries 0 2 1 0 2.33 Magna International currently has a consensus price target of $50.33, indicating a potential downside of 6.70%. Miller Industries has a consensus price target of $55.00, indicating a potential upside of 43.89%. Given Miller Industries stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Miller Industries is more favorable than Magna International. Summary Magna International beats Miller Industries on 10 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Magna International (Get Free Report) Magna International Inc. designs, engineers, and manufactures components, assemblies, systems, subsystems, and modules for original equipment manufacturers of vehicles and light trucks worldwide. It operates through four segments: Body Exteriors & Structures, Power & Vision, Seating Systems, and Complete Vehicles. The Body Exteriors & Structures segment provides body and chassis system, battery enclosures, and engineering and testing; and exteriors, including fascia and trims, front end modules, integration panels, liftgate modules, active aerodynamics, engineered glass, running boards, truck bed access products, breakthrough lightings, side doors, and greenhouse products. The Power & Vision segment offers electric drive systems and components, such as emotors, inverters, onboard chargers, gearboxes, and e-clutch; dedicated hybrid drives, dual and hybrid dual clutch, and manual transmissions; AWD/4WD products and rear drive modules; transmission, driveline components, and ICE; far camera module, remote camera heads, interior sensing camera, radars, thermal sensing, and domain controllers; interior and exterior mirrors, camera monitoring system driver/occupant monitoring systems, and smart actuators; forward and rear lighting, and lit grilles/panels/displays; latching system, door modules, charge port doors, power system, hinges, and door handles; and modular and textile folding roofs, and hard and soft tops. The Seating Systems segment provides seat structures, mechanism and hardware solutions, and foam and trim products. The Complete Vehicles segment offers vehicle engineering and manufacturing services. Magna International Inc. was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Aurora, Canada. About Miller Industries (Get Free Report) Miller Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells towing and recovery equipment. The company offers wreckers that are used to recover and tow disabled vehicles and other equipment; and car carriers, which are specialized flat-bed vehicles with hydraulic tilt mechanisms, which are used to transport new or disabled vehicles and other equipment. It also provides transport trailers for moving various vehicles for auto auctions, car dealerships, leasing companies, and other similar operations. The company markets its products under the Century, Vulcan, Challenger, Holmes, Champion, Chevron, Eagle, Titan, Jige, and Boniface brands. Miller Industries, Inc. sells its products through independent distributors in North America, and Canada, Mexico; and through prime contractors to governmental entities. Miller Industries, Inc. was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Receive News & Ratings for Magna International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Magna International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF (NYSEARCA:FLTW Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 37,356 shares, a decline of 79.8% from the November 30th total of 185,191 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 81,534 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 81,534 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $54,000. Vident Advisory LLC lifted its stake in Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF by 103.4% in the 1st quarter. Vident Advisory LLC now owns 14,784 shares of the companys stock valued at $639,000 after purchasing an additional 7,515 shares during the last quarter. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF during the second quarter worth about $140,000. Boltwood Capital Management grew its holdings in Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF by 15.5% during the second quarter. Boltwood Capital Management now owns 12,650 shares of the companys stock worth $660,000 after purchasing an additional 1,700 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF by 261.4% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 251,060 shares of the companys stock worth $14,745,000 after buying an additional 181,593 shares during the last quarter. Get Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF alerts: Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF Trading Up 0.7% Shares of FLTW traded up $0.44 on Friday, reaching $60.34. 14,825 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 111,606. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $60.45 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $57.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $663.74 million, a P/E ratio of 17.84 and a beta of 0.94. Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF has a 12 month low of $35.82 and a 12 month high of $63.27. Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF Company Profile The Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF (FLTW) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE Taiwan RIC Capped index, a market-cap-weighted index of Taiwanese companies, excluding small-caps. FLTW was launched on Nov 2, 2017 and is managed by Franklin Templeton. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:GBF 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 4,155 shares, a growth of 150.9% from the November 30th total of 1,656 shares. Approximately 0.3% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 2,856 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.5 days. Based on an average trading volume of 2,856 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.5 days. Approximately 0.3% of the shares of the company are sold short. iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF Stock Performance Shares of GBF stock traded up $0.08 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $105.02. The company had a trading volume of 1,876 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,522. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $105.41 and a 200-day moving average price of $104.76. iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF has a one year low of $100.46 and a one year high of $106.43. Get iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of GBF. Destination Wealth Management lifted its holdings in iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF by 2.7% in the third quarter. Destination Wealth Management now owns 191,932 shares of the companys stock valued at $20,221,000 after acquiring an additional 5,123 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE grew its stake in shares of iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF by 13.7% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 104,384 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,997,000 after purchasing an additional 12,565 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in shares of iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF by 4.5% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 93,387 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,839,000 after purchasing an additional 4,051 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF by 28.3% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 36,600 shares of the companys stock worth $3,812,000 after purchasing an additional 8,071 shares during the period. Finally, Keybank National Association OH lifted its stake in shares of iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF by 12.0% in the 3rd quarter. Keybank National Association OH now owns 30,402 shares of the companys stock worth $3,203,000 after purchasing an additional 3,263 shares during the period. About iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of the United States dollar-denominated government, government-related and investment-grade the United States corporate bonds. The Fund seeks to track the investment results of the Barclays U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index (the Underlying Index), which measures the performance of the United States dollar-denominated United States Treasury bonds, government-related bonds (i.e., the United States and foreign agencies, sovereign, supranational and local authority debt) and investment-grade United States corporate bonds, which have a remaining maturity of greater than or equal to one year. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Farmers Bankshares, Inc. (OTCMKTS:FBVA Get Free Report)s share price shot up 2% on Friday . The stock traded as high as $18.85 and last traded at $18.81. 900 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 4% from the average session volume of 933 shares. The stock had previously closed at $18.45. Farmers Bankshares Stock Up 2.0% The firms 50-day moving average is $18.81 and its 200 day moving average is $18.81. About Farmers Bankshares (Get Free Report) Farmers Bankshares, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Farmers Bank that provides various banking products and services to small and mid-sized businesses, professionals, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs primarily in southeastern Virginia. The company offers personal and business checking and savings accounts. It also provides personal loans, including residential lot, construction, vehicle, and unsecured personal loans, as well as home equity lines of credit; mortgage loans; commercial loans, such as working capital lines of credit, equipment loans, commercial mortgage loans, real estate investment loans, and standby letters of credit; and real estate development loans comprising acquisition and development loans, construction loans, agricultural loans, and operating lines of credit. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Farmers Bankshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Farmers Bankshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yellow Cake plc (LON:YCA Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 0.7% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as GBX 578.50 and last traded at GBX 584.50. 170,446 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 91% from the average session volume of 1,995,816 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 588.50. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Yellow Cake from GBX 570 to GBX 670 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Canaccord Genuity Group cut their target price on shares of Yellow Cake from GBX 695 to GBX 680 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Panmure Gordon raised shares of Yellow Cake to a buy rating and upped their target price for the company from GBX 550 to GBX 630 in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Finally, Berenberg Bank dropped their price target on shares of Yellow Cake from GBX 682 to GBX 675 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Yellow Cake presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of GBX 655. Get Yellow Cake alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on YCA Yellow Cake Stock Performance About Yellow Cake The stock has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 543.78 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 528.78. The stock has a market capitalization of 1.40 billion, a PE ratio of -2.71 and a beta of 0.27. (Get Free Report) Yellow Cake is a London-quoted company, incorporated in Jersey, which offers exposure to the uranium spot price. This is achieved through its strategy of buying and holding U3O8. It may also seek to add value through other uranium-related activities. Yellow Cake and its wholly owned subsidiary (the Group) seek to generate returns for shareholders through the appreciation of the value of its holding of U3O8 and its other uranium-related activities in a rising uranium price environment. The business is differentiated from its peers by its ten-year Framework Agreement for the supply of U3O8 with Kazatomprom, the worlds largest uranium producer. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Yellow Cake Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yellow Cake and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Siemens Energy AG Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:SMNEY 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 75,072 shares, a growth of 137.5% from the November 30th total of 31,609 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 329,773 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 329,773 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Siemens Energy Stock Performance Shares of SMNEY traded up $0.04 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $143.13. The company had a trading volume of 51,327 shares, compared to its average volume of 177,869. The stock has a market capitalization of $114.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 80.86 and a beta of 1.94. Siemens Energy has a 52-week low of $50.00 and a 52-week high of $146.99. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $129.90 and a two-hundred day moving average of $117.74. The company has a quick ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. Get Siemens Energy alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on SMNEY shares. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Siemens Energy from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, November 9th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Siemens Energy in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Berenberg Bank raised Siemens Energy to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Evercore ISI assumed coverage on shares of Siemens Energy in a report on Monday, December 15th. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. Finally, Hsbc Global Res raised shares of Siemens Energy to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 5th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy. About Siemens Energy (Get Free Report) Siemens Energy AG is a global energy technology company headquartered in Germany that provides equipment, systems and services across the power generation and transmission value chains. Established as an independent public company through a spin-off of Siemens AGs energy businesses in 2020, Siemens Energy draws on a long industrial heritage to design, manufacture and service technologies used by utilities, industrial customers and the oil and gas sector. The companys product and service portfolio includes gas and steam turbines, generators, transformers and high-voltage transmission equipment as well as grid connection and power-conversion systems. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Siemens Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Siemens Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) have been given a consensus rating of Hold by the nineteen analysts that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and eight have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $70.0156. Several brokerages have weighed in on EQR. Evercore ISI cut their price target on shares of Equity Residential from $70.00 to $68.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their target price on Equity Residential from $72.00 to $70.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $79.75 price target on Equity Residential in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on shares of Equity Residential from $72.00 to $70.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 17th. Finally, Scotiabank decreased their price target on shares of Equity Residential from $73.00 to $66.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Get Equity Residential alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on EQR Equity Residential Trading Up 0.6% Shares of EQR stock opened at $63.11 on Wednesday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $60.98 and a 200 day moving average of $63.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.45 and a quick ratio of 0.45. Equity Residential has a 1-year low of $58.38 and a 1-year high of $75.86. The stock has a market capitalization of $24.01 billion, a PE ratio of 20.83, a P/E/G ratio of 3.34 and a beta of 0.75. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.02 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.02. The business had revenue of $782.41 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $779.68 million. Equity Residential had a return on equity of 10.30% and a net margin of 37.58%.During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $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. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Equity Residential will post 3.98 earnings per share for the current year. Equity Residential Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.6925 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $2.77 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.4%. Equity Residentials payout ratio is currently 91.42%. Institutional Trading of Equity Residential A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. HighTower Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Equity Residential by 5.8% during the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 14,035 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,005,000 after acquiring an additional 769 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in Equity Residential by 312.9% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 235,753 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $16,875,000 after buying an additional 178,660 shares during the last quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP bought a new stake in Equity Residential in the first quarter worth $144,000. SVB Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Equity Residential during the first quarter valued at $118,000. Finally, Jump Financial LLC purchased a new position in shares of Equity Residential in the 1st quarter worth about $413,000. 92.68% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Equity Residential (Get Free Report) 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Equity Residential Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity Residential and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shiseido Co. (OTCMKTS:SSDOY Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 42,969 shares, an increase of 442.9% from the November 30th total of 7,915 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 187,530 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 187,530 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Shiseido from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. UBS Group upgraded shares of Shiseido to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, September 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Shiseido presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Shiseido alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on SSDOY Shiseido Trading Down 1.2% Shares of Shiseido stock opened at $15.07 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $6.02 billion, a PE ratio of -16.03 and a beta of 0.37. Shiseido has a 1 year low of $13.60 and a 1 year high of $20.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 1.35 and a quick ratio of 0.89. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $15.79 and a 200-day moving average price of $16.58. Shiseido (OTCMKTS:SSDOY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported ($0.12) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Shiseido had a negative return on equity of 1.36% and a negative net margin of 5.80%.The company had revenue of $1.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.52 billion. Equities research analysts anticipate that Shiseido will post 0.29 EPS for the current year. Shiseido Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Shiseido Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shiseido and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY Get Free Report) have been assigned an average rating of Hold from the twenty-three ratings firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, thirteen have given a hold recommendation, five have given a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $49.9524. OXY has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Piper Sandler cut their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $47.00 to $46.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Roth Capital lifted their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $45.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Mizuho boosted their target price on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $60.00 to $64.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Citigroup decreased their price target on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $49.00 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reissued an outperform rating and issued a $50.00 price objective on shares of Occidental Petroleum in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Get Occidental Petroleum alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Occidental Petroleum Insider Activity Institutional Trading of Occidental Petroleum In other Occidental Petroleum news, Director William R. Klesse acquired 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 16th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $38.98 per share, with a total value of $194,900.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 218,913 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,533,228.74. This trade represents a 2.34% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . 0.31% of the stock is owned by company insiders. A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 77.6% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 139,086 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $5,843,000 after buying an additional 60,793 shares during the last quarter. Tevis Investment Management acquired a new stake in Occidental Petroleum during the second quarter worth about $356,000. Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in Occidental Petroleum during the first quarter worth about $7,516,000. Nordea Investment Management AB lifted its stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 459,826 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $19,446,000 after purchasing an additional 21,393 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Aberdeen Group plc lifted its stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 4.4% in the 2nd quarter. Aberdeen Group plc now owns 731,158 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $30,716,000 after purchasing an additional 30,746 shares in the last quarter. 88.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Occidental Petroleum Stock Performance NYSE:OXY opened at $39.85 on Wednesday. Occidental Petroleum has a twelve month low of $34.78 and a twelve month high of $53.20. The company has a market capitalization of $39.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.30 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $41.24 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $43.60. Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 10th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.64 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.16. Occidental Petroleum had a net margin of 7.81% and a return on equity of 12.35%. The business had revenue of $6.62 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.66 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.00 EPS. The companys revenue was down 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Occidental Petroleum will post 3.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Occidental Petroleum Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be issued a $0.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 10th. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. Occidental Petroleums payout ratio is 70.59%. Occidental Petroleum Company Profile (Get Free Report) Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) is an international energy company engaged primarily in the exploration, production and marketing of oil and natural gas. The company conducts upstream activities to discover and produce hydrocarbons and operates complementary midstream and marketing functions to transport and sell its production. Occidental also owns a chemicals business that manufactures and sells industrial chemicals and related products for a range of end markets. Occidentals operations are concentrated in the United States, with a significant presence in the Permian Basin, and it maintains exploration and production activities in several international regions, including parts of the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Hold from the twenty analysts that are covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $38.4375. A number of research firms recently commented on CNC. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on shares of Centene from $41.00 to $35.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Centene in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Robert W. Baird upped their target price on Centene from $28.00 to $36.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on Centene from $25.00 to $32.00 in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Barclays set a $44.00 price objective on Centene and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Get Centene alerts: Read Our Latest Report on CNC Institutional Investors Weigh In On Centene Centene Price Performance A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CNC. CW Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Centene during the first quarter worth approximately $245,000. 1832 Asset Management L.P. grew its stake in Centene by 62.0% in the first quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 36,204 shares of the companys stock worth $2,198,000 after purchasing an additional 13,854 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its holdings in Centene by 26.6% during the 1st quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 15,116 shares of the companys stock worth $918,000 after purchasing an additional 3,173 shares during the period. Comerica Bank lifted its holdings in shares of Centene by 9.3% in the 1st quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 106,606 shares of the companys stock worth $6,472,000 after buying an additional 9,041 shares during the period. Finally, Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec grew its position in shares of Centene by 192.5% during the 1st quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 552,467 shares of the companys stock worth $33,540,000 after buying an additional 363,561 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.63% of the companys stock. Shares of Centene stock opened at $40.52 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $19.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.08. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $37.46 and a 200-day moving average price of $35.87. Centene has a one year low of $25.08 and a one year high of $66.81. Centene (NYSE:CNC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.21) by $0.71. Centene had a positive return on equity of 7.82% and a negative net margin of 2.85%.The company had revenue of $49.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $47.50 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.62 earnings per share. Centenes revenue was up 18.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Centene will post 6.86 EPS for the current year. About Centene (Get Free Report) Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) is a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise that specializes in providing services to government-sponsored and national health programs. The company primarily acts as a managed care organization, delivering healthcare coverage and administering benefits for Medicaid, the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicare Advantage, and individual marketplace plans. Centene also contracts with federal and state agencies to manage specialty care programs and community-based services for vulnerable populations. Centenes offerings extend beyond traditional insurance to include a range of specialty and support services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Centene Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centene and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Get Free Report) have been assigned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the twenty-six ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have given a hold recommendation, fifteen have issued a buy recommendation and three have assigned a strong 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 $233.1739. Several brokerages recently commented on BA. Citigroup assumed coverage on shares of Boeing in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. They set a buy rating and a $265.00 price target for the company. New Street Research set a $257.00 price objective on Boeing in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $267.00 target price on shares of Boeing in a report on Friday, November 14th. Zacks Research upgraded Boeing from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Boeing from $240.00 to $245.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Get Boeing alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Boeing Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Investors Weigh In On Boeing In related news, EVP Uma M. Amuluru sold 1,366 shares of Boeing stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $197.66, for a total transaction of $270,003.56. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 14,656 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,896,904.96. The trade was a 8.53% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . Also, SVP Dana S. Deasy purchased 554 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 24th. The stock was bought at an average price of $178.88 per share, with a total value of $99,099.52. Following the completion of the acquisition, the senior vice president owned 28,442 shares in the company, valued at $5,087,704.96. This represents a 1.99% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Alpha Cubed Investments LLC grew its stake in Boeing by 43.3% in the second quarter. Alpha Cubed Investments LLC now owns 3,598 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $754,000 after purchasing an additional 1,088 shares in the last quarter. McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Boeing during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $62,859,000. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Boeing by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 66,773,360 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $13,991,022,000 after acquiring an additional 1,118,316 shares in the last quarter. Patton Fund Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Boeing by 734.4% in the 3rd quarter. Patton Fund Management Inc. now owns 10,322 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $2,228,000 after acquiring an additional 9,085 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vestor Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Boeing by 8,287.4% during the 2nd quarter. Vestor Capital LLC now owns 246,086 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $51,562,000 after acquiring an additional 243,152 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.82% of the companys stock. Boeing Stock Performance Boeing stock opened at $216.34 on Wednesday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $202.10 and its two-hundred day moving average is $214.27. Boeing has a fifty-two week low of $128.88 and a fifty-two week high of $242.69. The firm has a market capitalization of $164.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -15.81 and a beta of 1.18. Boeing (NYSE:BA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The aircraft producer reported ($7.47) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.51) by ($6.96). The business had revenue of $23.27 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.61 billion. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 30.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned ($10.44) earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Boeing will post -2.58 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Boeing (Get Free Report) Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space and security technologies. Founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, the company today operates as an integrated aerospace and defense contractor with a global customer base. Boeing relocated its corporate headquarters to Arlington, Virginia in 2022 and maintains extensive engineering, manufacturing and service operations across the United States and around the world. Boeings principal lines of business include Commercial Airplanes, which produces and supports a range of jetliners used by airlines globally; Defense, Space & Security, which develops military aircraft, rotorcraft, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, satellites, and launch and missile systems; and Boeing Global Services, which provides aftermarket maintenance, training, spare parts, digital analytics and logistics support. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AKITA Drilling Ltd. (OTCMKTS:AKTAF 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 17,588 shares, a growth of 152.7% from the November 30th total of 6,959 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 32,466 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Based on an average trading volume of 32,466 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. AKITA Drilling Stock Down 2.8% Shares of AKITA Drilling stock opened at $1.40 on Friday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $1.42 and its 200 day simple moving average is $1.51. AKITA Drilling has a 12 month low of $0.99 and a 12 month high of $1.79. Get AKITA Drilling alerts: About AKITA Drilling (Get Free Report) Akita Drilling Ltd. (OTCMKTS: AKTAF) is a Calgary-based provider of contract drilling services to the oil and gas industry, specializing in land-based operations. The company maintains a fleet of modular, high-specification rigs designed to meet a range of well depths and geological conditions, including conventional, horizontal and directional drilling programs. Akitas comprehensive service offering encompasses well planning support, rig mobilization, site preparation and on-site crew management. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for AKITA Drilling Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AKITA Drilling and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Select Medical Holdings Corporation (NYSE:SEM Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the six brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, one has assigned a hold recommendation and four have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $17.80. A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Bank of America decreased their price target on shares of Select Medical from $18.00 to $15.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 10th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Select Medical from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on Select Medical from $16.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Mizuho set a $17.00 price target on Select Medical in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Select Medical in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Get Select Medical alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on SEM Institutional Investors Weigh In On Select Medical Select Medical Stock Performance Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of SEM. CX Institutional raised its stake in Select Medical by 99.3% during the 2nd quarter. CX Institutional now owns 95,343 shares of the health services providers stock worth $1,447,000 after buying an additional 47,515 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Select Medical by 143.8% in the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 111,796 shares of the health services providers stock worth $1,867,000 after acquiring an additional 65,946 shares in the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Select Medical during the second quarter worth about $1,319,000. Empowered Funds LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Select Medical by 96.0% during the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 613,801 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $10,250,000 after purchasing an additional 300,631 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Strs Ohio acquired a new position in shares of Select Medical in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $773,000. 89.48% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. SEM stock opened at $14.80 on Monday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $14.35 and a 200 day simple moving average of $13.87. Select Medical has a 52 week low of $11.65 and a 52 week high of $20.83. The stock has a market cap of $1.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.20, a P/E/G ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.09. Select Medical (NYSE:SEM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The health services provider reported $0.23 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.18 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $1.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.33 billion. Select Medical had a return on equity of 7.41% and a net margin of 2.05%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.43 EPS. Select Medical has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.140-1.240 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Select Medical will post 1.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Select Medical Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, November 25th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 12th were paid a dividend of $0.0625 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 12th. This represents a $0.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.7%. Select Medicals payout ratio is currently 29.07%. Select Medical Company Profile (Get Free Report) Select Medical is a leading provider of specialized healthcare services in the United States, operating through two primary business segments: Hospital Division and Outpatient Rehabilitation Division. The Hospital Division offers long-term acute care (LTAC) hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) that serve patients recovering from complex illnesses, trauma or surgery. The Outpatient Rehabilitation Division delivers physical, occupational and speech therapy services through a network of clinic locations and home-based care programs. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Select Medical was founded in 1996 and has grown through strategic partnerships, joint ventures and acquisitions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Select Medical Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Select Medical and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:PAG Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the nine brokerages that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and seven have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $184.4286. PAG has been the topic of a number of research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Penske Automotive Group in a report on Monday, December 8th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Penske Automotive Group in a report on Friday, October 31st. Bank of America initiated coverage on shares of Penske Automotive Group in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. They set a buy rating and a $195.00 price target on the stock. Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of Penske Automotive Group from $200.00 to $206.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, September 25th. Finally, Barclays assumed coverage on shares of Penske Automotive Group in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. They issued an overweight rating and a $195.00 target price on the stock. Get Penske Automotive Group alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Penske Automotive Group Insider Activity at Penske Automotive Group Hedge Funds Weigh In On Penske Automotive Group In other Penske Automotive Group news, CFO Michelle Hulgrave sold 2,100 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.17, for a total transaction of $336,357.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 16,822 shares in the company, valued at $2,694,379.74. The trade was a 11.10% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . 51.70% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Allworth Financial LP grew its position in Penske Automotive Group by 0.6% in the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 49,522 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,612,000 after acquiring an additional 275 shares in the last quarter. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. acquired a new stake in Penske Automotive Group during the 3rd quarter valued at $510,000. Blue Chip Partners LLC increased its stake in Penske Automotive Group by 5.6% during the 3rd quarter. Blue Chip Partners LLC now owns 12,472 shares of the companys stock worth $2,169,000 after buying an additional 662 shares during the period. Verition Fund Management LLC lifted its holdings in Penske Automotive Group by 62.8% in the 3rd quarter. Verition Fund Management LLC now owns 12,475 shares of the companys stock worth $2,170,000 after buying an additional 4,813 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sherbrooke Park Advisers LLC purchased a new position in Penske Automotive Group in the 3rd quarter valued at about $599,000. 77.08% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Penske Automotive Group Stock Performance NYSE:PAG opened at $165.56 on Monday. Penske Automotive Group has a fifty-two week low of $134.05 and a fifty-two week high of $189.51. The firms 50 day moving average is $162.90 and its two-hundred day moving average is $171.63. The company has a market cap of $10.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.65, a P/E/G ratio of 2.35 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a quick ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22. Penske Automotive Group (NYSE:PAG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $3.23 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.48 by ($0.25). Penske Automotive Group had a return on equity of 16.84% and a net margin of 3.08%.The firm had revenue of $7.70 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.71 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $3.39 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Penske Automotive Group will post 13.86 EPS for the current year. Penske Automotive Group Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a $1.38 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $5.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.3%. This is an increase from Penske Automotive Groups previous quarterly dividend of $1.32. Penske Automotive Groups payout ratio is currently 38.85%. Penske Automotive Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Penske Automotive Group, Inc (NYSE: PAG), headquartered in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, is an international transportation services company primarily focused on automotive and commercial truck dealerships. The company retails new and pre-owned vehicles across a broad spectrum of brands, while offering parts, maintenance, collision repair and reconditioning services. In addition, Penske provides financing and insurance products through its integrated finance and insurance operations, supporting both retail customers and commercial clients. Formed in 1990 as United Auto Group and publicly traded since 1999, Penske Automotive Group has grown through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions to establish a network of dealerships and service centers across the United States and Europe. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Penske Automotive Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Penske Automotive Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Hold from the fifteen ratings firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $96.5833. PNW has been the subject of a number of research reports. Zacks Research raised shares of Pinnacle West Capital from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Argus dropped their price objective on shares of Pinnacle West Capital from $98.00 to $95.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Pinnacle West Capital in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Pinnacle West Capital to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $85.00 price target on Pinnacle West Capital in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Get Pinnacle West Capital alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Pinnacle West Capital Institutional Inflows and Outflows Pinnacle West Capital Price Performance Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC grew its stake in shares of Pinnacle West Capital by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC now owns 44,998 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,035,000 after buying an additional 114 shares during the period. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB lifted its holdings in Pinnacle West Capital by 27.5% in the third quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 542 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $49,000 after acquiring an additional 117 shares during the last quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC grew its position in Pinnacle West Capital by 1.3% in the second quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 9,846 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $881,000 after acquiring an additional 122 shares during the period. Mesirow Financial Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in Pinnacle West Capital by 0.9% during the second quarter. Mesirow Financial Investment Management Inc. now owns 13,516 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,209,000 after acquiring an additional 122 shares during the last quarter. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in Pinnacle West Capital by 11.8% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,330 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $119,000 after purchasing an additional 140 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.51% of the companys stock. Shares of Pinnacle West Capital stock opened at $88.44 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.16, a PEG ratio of 8.62 and a beta of 0.54. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $89.07 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $89.74. Pinnacle West Capital has a 12 month low of $81.47 and a 12 month high of $96.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 0.67 and a quick ratio of 0.49. Pinnacle West Capital (NYSE:PNW Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The utilities provider reported $3.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.04 by $0.35. Pinnacle West Capital had a return on equity of 8.57% and a net margin of 11.20%.The firm had revenue of $1.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.78 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.37 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. Pinnacle West Capital has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.550-4.750 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 4.900-5.100 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Pinnacle West Capital will post 5.13 EPS for the current fiscal year. Pinnacle West Capital Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 2nd will be issued a $0.91 dividend. This represents a $3.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.1%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 2nd. Pinnacle West Capitals dividend payout ratio is presently 74.74%. About Pinnacle West Capital (Get Free Report) Pinnacle West Capital Corporation is a publicly traded utility holding company headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Through its principal subsidiary, Arizona Public Service Company (APS), Pinnacle West generates, transmits and distributes electricity to more than one million residential, commercial and industrial customers across central and southern Arizona. The companys regulated operations focus on delivering safe, reliable power while meeting evolving environmental standards. The companys diversified generation portfolio includes natural gasfired plants, the nuclear-powered Palo Verde Generating Stationthe largest nuclear facility in the United States by net outputplus growing investments in solar and battery storage projects. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Pinnacle West Capital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pinnacle West Capital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco de Sabadell, S.A. (OTCMKTS:BNDSF Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 2,793,296 shares, an increase of 93.5% from the November 30th total of 1,443,527 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 949 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2,943.4 days. Based on an average daily volume of 949 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2,943.4 days. Banco de Sabadell Stock Performance BNDSF opened at $3.94 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $3.71 and a 200 day simple moving average of $3.66. Banco de Sabadell has a 1 year low of $1.84 and a 1 year high of $4.05. Get Banco de Sabadell alerts: Banco de Sabadell Company Profile (Get Free Report) Banco de Sabadell is a Spain-based banking group founded in 1881 and headquartered in Alicante. It ranks among the countrys largest banks by assets, serving a diverse client base that includes retail customers, small and medium?sized enterprises (SMEs) and large corporate clients. Over its history, the group has expanded through organic growth and strategic acquisitions to build a comprehensive financial services platform. The banks core business lines encompass retail banking, commercial and corporate banking, private banking, asset management and insurance. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Banco de Sabadell Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco de Sabadell and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp reduced its stake in shares of Invesco Ltd. (NYSE:IVZ Free Report) by 43.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 25,515 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 19,374 shares during the period. Texas Permanent School Fund Corps holdings in Invesco were worth $402,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Wellington Management Group LLP purchased a new stake in Invesco during the first quarter worth about $418,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its position in shares of Invesco by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 73,940 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $1,122,000 after acquiring an additional 1,194 shares during the period. Eisler Capital Management Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco during the 1st quarter worth approximately $234,000. State of Wyoming acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco in the 1st quarter worth approximately $336,000. Finally, Vident Advisory LLC increased its stake in Invesco by 16.8% in the 1st quarter. Vident Advisory LLC now owns 87,903 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $1,333,000 after purchasing an additional 12,645 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 66.09% of the companys stock. Get Invesco alerts: Invesco Price Performance NYSE:IVZ opened at $26.95 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $11.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 1.66. The company has a current ratio of 1.23, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85. The companys 50-day moving average is $24.61 and its two-hundred day moving average is $21.72. Invesco Ltd. has a 12-month low of $11.60 and a 12-month high of $27.48. Invesco Announces Dividend Invesco ( NYSE:IVZ Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The asset manager reported $0.61 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by $0.17. The business had revenue of $1.19 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.17 billion. Invesco had a net margin of 14.15% and a return on equity of 9.11%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.44 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Invesco Ltd. will post 1.87 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a $0.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.1%. Invescos payout ratio is 57.14%. Insider Buying and Selling at Invesco In other Invesco news, Director Douglas J. Sharp sold 160,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $23.56, for a total transaction of $3,769,600.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 192 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,523.52. This represents a 99.88% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. 1.21% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes IVZ has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Citigroup boosted their target price on Invesco from $22.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Invesco from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, December 13th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of Invesco from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Invesco from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the company from $26.00 to $31.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Invesco in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and thirteen have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $24.53. Get Our Latest Report on Invesco Invesco Company Profile (Free Report) Invesco Ltd. is an independent global investment management firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: IVZ). With origins dating back to 1935, the company is dedicated to offering a wide array of investment strategies and solutions to both individual and institutional clients worldwide. The firms product suite encompasses actively managed equity and fixed income funds, passive index funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), closed-end funds, and unit investment trusts, alongside specialized offerings such as private markets, real estate, and structured products. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Ltd. (NYSE:IVZ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Net Worth Advisory Group reduced its stake in iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IJS Free Report) by 88.8% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 2,017 shares of the companys stock after selling 15,923 shares during the period. Net Worth Advisory Groups holdings in iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF were worth $223,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of IJS. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH bought a new position in iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF in the second quarter valued at $30,000. Caldwell Trust Co purchased a new stake in iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF during the second quarter valued at about $30,000. RMG Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF during the second quarter valued at about $31,000. Finally, AlphaCore Capital LLC lifted its stake in iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF by 49.3% during the second quarter. AlphaCore Capital LLC now owns 333 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.86% of the companys stock. Get iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF alerts: iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF Trading Up 0.0% IJS opened at $115.73 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.92 and a beta of 1.08. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $112.52 and a 200-day moving average price of $107.93. iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF has a 12-month low of $82.10 and a 12-month high of $118.65. iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF Company Profile iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization value sector of the United States equity market and consists of those stocks in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index exhibiting the strongest value characteristics. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IJS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IJS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swedbank AB boosted its stake in Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY Free Report) by 2.9% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 873,001 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 24,833 shares during the quarter. Swedbank ABs holdings in Weyerhaeuser were worth $21,642,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Weyerhaeuser in the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its stake in Weyerhaeuser by 86.3% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,125 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 521 shares in the last quarter. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC raised its stake in Weyerhaeuser by 135.2% in the second quarter. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC now owns 1,404 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 807 shares in the last quarter. Operose Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Weyerhaeuser in the second quarter worth about $41,000. Finally, CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC bought a new stake in Weyerhaeuser during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $49,000. 82.99% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Weyerhaeuser alerts: Insider Activity at Weyerhaeuser In related news, Director Sara Grootwassink Lewis bought 4,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $23.61 per share, for a total transaction of $106,245.00. Following the acquisition, the director owned 25,978 shares in the company, valued at $613,340.58. This trade represents a 20.95% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Devin W. Stockfish sold 90,162 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $23.33, for a total value of $2,103,479.46. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 1,024,861 shares in the company, valued at $23,910,007.13. The trade was a 8.09% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 0.27% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Weyerhaeuser Trading Down 0.1% WY stock opened at $23.74 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $17.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 52.75, a PEG ratio of 124.42 and a beta of 1.08. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $22.77 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $24.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 1.23 and a quick ratio of 0.78. Weyerhaeuser Company has a 1-year low of $21.16 and a 1-year high of $31.66. Weyerhaeuser (NYSE:WY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.06 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.07) by $0.13. Weyerhaeuser had a return on equity of 3.04% and a net margin of 4.68%.The company had revenue of $1.72 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.71 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.05 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.1% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Weyerhaeuser Company will post 0.78 EPS for the current fiscal year. Weyerhaeuser Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 28th were given a dividend of $0.21 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 28th. This represents a $0.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.5%. Weyerhaeusers dividend payout ratio is 186.67%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages recently weighed in on WY. Truist Financial reduced their price target on Weyerhaeuser from $29.00 to $27.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 13th. Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of Weyerhaeuser from $28.00 to $26.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Bank of America restated a neutral rating and set a $26.00 target price (down previously from $29.00) on shares of Weyerhaeuser in a research note on Monday, November 17th. New Street Research set a $28.00 price target on Weyerhaeuser in a report on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of Weyerhaeuser from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $27.88. Get Our Latest Research Report on Weyerhaeuser Weyerhaeuser Company Profile (Free Report) Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE: WY) is a leading integrated forest products company whose core businesses are timberland ownership and forest products manufacturing. The company owns and manages large tracts of timberland and harvests, processes and sells wood and wood-derived products used primarily in residential and industrial construction. Its manufacturing operations produce a range of building materials, including lumber, engineered wood products and wood panels, alongside fiber-based products that serve multiple commercial applications. Founded in 1900 by Frederick Weyerhaeuser and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company has a long history in the North American forest products industry. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Weyerhaeuser Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Weyerhaeuser and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swedbank AB raised its holdings in Pure Storage, Inc. (NYSE:PSTG Free Report) by 16.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 154,754 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 21,824 shares during the period. Swedbank ABs holdings in Pure Storage were worth $12,970,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Kestra Advisory Services LLC grew its position in shares of Pure Storage by 29.8% in the first quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC now owns 28,427 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,258,000 after purchasing an additional 6,527 shares in the last quarter. AlphaQuest LLC grew its holdings in Pure Storage by 25.8% in the 1st quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 1,323 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $59,000 after buying an additional 271 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its stake in shares of Pure Storage by 10.1% in the 1st quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 30,063 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,331,000 after acquiring an additional 2,761 shares during the last quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec purchased a new position in shares of Pure Storage during the 1st quarter worth $3,181,000. Finally, OMERS ADMINISTRATION Corp raised its holdings in shares of Pure Storage by 46.6% during the 1st quarter. OMERS ADMINISTRATION Corp now owns 35,624 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,577,000 after acquiring an additional 11,332 shares during the period. 83.42% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Pure Storage alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Pure Storage from $80.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, September 26th. Wedbush increased their price target on shares of Pure Storage from $90.00 to $100.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Northland Securities set a $77.00 price target on shares of Pure Storage in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Barclays upped their price objective on Pure Storage from $70.00 to $77.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Piper Sandler set a $92.00 target price on Pure Storage and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, September 25th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $95.26. Pure Storage Stock Up 3.6% Shares of NYSE PSTG opened at $69.39 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $22.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 182.61, a PEG ratio of 7.48 and a beta of 1.27. Pure Storage, Inc. has a 52-week low of $34.51 and a 52-week high of $100.59. The businesss 50 day moving average is $82.40 and its two-hundred day moving average is $72.90. Pure Storage (NYSE:PSTG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, September 9th. The technology company reported $0.44 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $763.77 million during the quarter. Pure Storage had a return on equity of 10.60% and a net margin of 3.74%. Analysts anticipate that Pure Storage, Inc. will post 0.44 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Pure Storage In other Pure Storage news, CAO Mona Chu sold 9,091 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $84.91, for a total transaction of $771,916.81. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 107,353 shares in the company, valued at $9,115,343.23. This represents a 7.81% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Ajay Singh sold 7,178 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.14, for a total transaction of $481,930.92. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 215,091 shares in the company, valued at $14,441,209.74. This represents a 3.23% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 316,269 shares of company stock valued at $26,792,848 in the last three months. 5.60% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About Pure Storage (Free Report) Pure Storage, Inc (NYSE: PSTG) is a technology company that designs and sells data storage hardware and software for enterprise and cloud environments. The company is best known for its all-flash storage arrays that are engineered to deliver high performance, low latency and simplified management compared with traditional disk-based systems. Its product portfolio includes purpose-built arrays and software aimed at transactional databases, virtualized infrastructures, analytics and large-scale file/object workloads. Key product and software offerings include the FlashArray family for block storage and FlashBlade for file and object workloads, together with Purity, the companys storage operating environment. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PSTG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pure Storage, Inc. (NYSE:PSTG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pure Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pure Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swedbank AB cut its holdings in shares of Hubbell Inc (NYSE:HUBB Free Report) by 4.0% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 27,606 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 1,157 shares during the period. Swedbank ABs holdings in Hubbell were worth $11,879,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Walleye Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Hubbell during the first quarter worth approximately $265,000. B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. AG lifted its position in shares of Hubbell by 16.6% during the 1st quarter. B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. AG now owns 7,530 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,492,000 after acquiring an additional 1,072 shares during the period. BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its holdings in shares of Hubbell by 13.4% during the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 114,828 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $37,998,000 after purchasing an additional 13,535 shares in the last quarter. Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publ grew its holdings in shares of Hubbell by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publ now owns 46,716 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $15,459,000 after purchasing an additional 528 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. bought a new position in shares of Hubbell in the first quarter worth $375,000. 88.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Hubbell alerts: Insider Activity at Hubbell In other Hubbell news, Director John F. Malloy bought 435 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $429.24 per share, for a total transaction of $186,719.40. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 19,085 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,192,045.40. This represents a 2.33% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Mark Eugene Mikes sold 2,470 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $466.50, for a total transaction of $1,152,255.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 4,785 shares in the company, valued at $2,232,202.50. The trade was a 34.05% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 0.66% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms recently weighed in on HUBB. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Hubbell from $431.00 to $456.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Hubbell in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Hubbell from $417.00 to $458.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Evercore ISI started coverage on shares of Hubbell in a research note on Monday, December 15th. They issued an outperform rating and a $575.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, UBS Group reissued a neutral rating and set a $450.00 price target on shares of Hubbell in a report on Friday, December 12th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Hubbell has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $488.43. Read Our Latest Research Report on HUBB Hubbell Stock Performance NYSE HUBB opened at $454.56 on Friday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $442.23 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $430.08. The stock has a market cap of $24.16 billion, a PE ratio of 28.20, a PEG ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 1.36. Hubbell Inc has a fifty-two week low of $299.42 and a fifty-two week high of $484.26. Hubbell (NYSE:HUBB Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The industrial products company reported $5.17 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.98 by $0.19. Hubbell had a return on equity of 27.68% and a net margin of 15.24%.The company had revenue of $1.50 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.54 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $4.49 EPS. Hubbells revenue for the quarter was up 4.1% on a year-over-year basis. Hubbell has set its FY 2025 guidance at 18.100-18.30 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Hubbell Inc will post 17.63 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hubbell Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a $1.42 dividend. This is an increase from Hubbells previous quarterly dividend of $1.32. This represents a $5.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. Hubbells payout ratio is currently 35.24%. About Hubbell (Free Report) 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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HUBB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hubbell Inc (NYSE:HUBB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Hubbell Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hubbell and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Inspire Investing LLC increased its stake in Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE:WBS Free Report) by 141.1% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 17,103 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 10,009 shares during the period. Inspire Investing LLCs holdings in Webster Financial were worth $1,017,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in Webster Financial in the second quarter worth $131,780,000. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Webster Financial by 221.0% during the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,565,623 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $85,483,000 after acquiring an additional 1,077,819 shares in the last quarter. Azora Capital LP grew its holdings in Webster Financial by 30.5% in the second quarter. Azora Capital LP now owns 1,886,385 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $102,997,000 after purchasing an additional 440,347 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. increased its stake in shares of Webster Financial by 14.5% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 3,453,778 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $188,576,000 after purchasing an additional 438,131 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. lifted its holdings in shares of Webster Financial by 959.3% during the third quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 358,294 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $21,297,000 after purchasing an additional 324,471 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.58% of the companys stock. Get Webster Financial alerts: Insider Activity In other news, CEO John R. Ciulla sold 8,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.45, for a total value of $443,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 231,872 shares in the company, valued at $12,857,302.40. This represents a 3.34% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.54% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Webster Financial Stock Performance Shares of WBS opened at $64.36 on Friday. Webster Financial Corporation has a one year low of $39.43 and a one year high of $65.39. The business has a fifty day moving average of $59.54 and a 200 day moving average of $58.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.85 and a quick ratio of 0.85. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.99, a PEG ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 1.07. Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 17th. The financial services provider reported $1.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.52 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $756.06 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $725.22 million. Webster Financial had a return on equity of 11.07% and a net margin of 21.32%.During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.34 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Webster Financial Corporation will post 5.88 EPS for the current year. Webster Financial Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 20th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th were paid a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. Webster Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.80%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have commented on WBS shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Webster Financial from $70.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Cowen initiated coverage on shares of Webster Financial in a research report on Wednesday, September 24th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Webster Financial in a research report on Monday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their target price on Webster Financial from $70.00 to $75.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage on Webster Financial in a research note on Wednesday, September 10th. They issued an overweight rating and a $70.00 price target for the company. Fourteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $70.92. Read Our Latest Analysis on WBS Webster Financial Profile (Free Report) Webster Financial Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Waterbury, Connecticut. Through its principal subsidiary, Webster Bank, N.A., the company offers a broad range of banking products and financial services to individuals, small businesses, and middle-market commercial clients. Key offerings include deposit accounts, residential and commercial real estate lending, equipment finance, treasury management, and payment processing solutions. In addition to traditional banking services, Webster Financial provides wealth management and insurance products designed to help clients plan for retirement, preserve assets, and manage risk. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WBS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE:WBS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Webster Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Webster Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. decreased its holdings in shares of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE:WTM Free Report) by 71.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 852 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 2,124 shares during the period. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc.s holdings in White Mountains Insurance Group were worth $1,424,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its holdings in shares of White Mountains Insurance Group by 183.3% during the second quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 17 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 11 shares during the period. Voya Investment Management LLC lifted its position in White Mountains Insurance Group by 5.9% in the 1st quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 524 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,009,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares in the last quarter. Strs Ohio bought a new stake in shares of White Mountains Insurance Group in the first quarter worth approximately $2,205,000. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC boosted its stake in shares of White Mountains Insurance Group by 8.0% in the 2nd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 446 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $801,000 after buying an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its holdings in White Mountains Insurance Group by 90.9% during the first quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 21 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 10 shares during the last quarter. 88.65% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get White Mountains Insurance Group alerts: White Mountains Insurance Group Price Performance Shares of White Mountains Insurance Group stock opened at $2,061.77 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $1,977.90 and a 200 day moving average price of $1,856.81. The firm has a market cap of $5.24 billion, a PE ratio of 37.94 and a beta of 0.36. White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. has a twelve month low of $1,648.00 and a twelve month high of $2,127.97. Insider Buying and Selling at White Mountains Insurance Group White Mountains Insurance Group ( NYSE:WTM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The insurance provider reported $72.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $57.00 by $15.21. The firm had revenue of $864.20 million for the quarter. White Mountains Insurance Group had a return on equity of 7.19% and a net margin of 5.63%. In other White Mountains Insurance Group news, Director Philip A. Gelston sold 165 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,048.51, for a total value of $338,004.15. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 1,568 shares in the company, valued at $3,212,063.68. The trade was a 9.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 3.20% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of White Mountains Insurance Group in a report on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold. Check Out Our Latest Report on WTM White Mountains Insurance Group Profile (Free Report) White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. is a Bermuda-based diversified insurance and financial services holding company organized in 1985 and headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. The company operates through a portfolio of insurance, reinsurance and specialty finance businesses, offering a blend of underwriting expertise and investment management to institutional clients worldwide. As a publicly traded entity on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: WTM), White Mountains seeks to generate long-term shareholder value by combining disciplined capital management with strategic acquisitions and organic growth initiatives. Through its principal operating subsidiariesmost notably Sirius International Insurance Group, Ltd. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WTM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE:WTM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for White Mountains Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for White Mountains Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pacer Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE:VNO Free Report) by 27,787.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,489,737 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 1,484,395 shares during the quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. owned about 0.78% of Vornado Realty Trust worth $60,379,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Twin Tree Management LP boosted its holdings in shares of Vornado Realty Trust by 102.1% during the 1st quarter. Twin Tree Management LP now owns 785 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 38,585 shares during the last quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ purchased a new stake in Vornado Realty Trust in the second quarter worth approximately $111,000. Assetmark Inc. grew its position in Vornado Realty Trust by 63.7% in the 2nd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 3,004 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $115,000 after purchasing an additional 1,169 shares during the period. State of Wyoming bought a new stake in Vornado Realty Trust in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $175,000. Finally, Bfsg LLC raised its stake in Vornado Realty Trust by 14.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bfsg LLC now owns 4,756 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $182,000 after buying an additional 600 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.02% of the companys stock. Get Vornado Realty Trust alerts: Vornado Realty Trust Price Performance NYSE VNO opened at $33.65 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 5.58, a quick ratio of 5.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.42. Vornado Realty Trust has a 12 month low of $29.68 and a 12 month high of $45.37. The stock has a market cap of $6.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.01, a PEG ratio of 5.93 and a beta of 1.47. The companys 50 day moving average is $35.76 and its two-hundred day moving average is $38.00. Vornado Realty Trust Announces Dividend Vornado Realty Trust ( NYSE:VNO Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.55 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $453.70 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $435.19 million. Vornado Realty Trust had a net margin of 49.91% and a return on equity of 19.48%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.52 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Vornado Realty Trust will post 2.31 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared an annual dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 18th will be issued a dividend of $0.74 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 18th. This represents a yield of 220.0%. Vornado Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 17.62%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts recently commented on VNO shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Vornado Realty Trust from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $41.00 price objective for the company in a report on Monday, November 24th. Evercore ISI dropped their target price on Vornado Realty Trust from $43.00 to $42.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Truist Financial reduced their price target on shares of Vornado Realty Trust from $40.00 to $36.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Mizuho dropped their price objective on shares of Vornado Realty Trust from $43.00 to $40.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Piper Sandler reduced their target price on shares of Vornado Realty Trust from $39.00 to $38.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $38.46. View Our Latest Report on Vornado Realty Trust Vornado Realty Trust Profile (Free Report) Vornado Realty Trust is a self?administered real estate investment trust focused on the ownership, management and redevelopment of office and retail properties. As a fully integrated REIT, the company oversees leasing, property management, building operations and strategic capital improvements designed to enhance asset value and tenant experience. Vornados business model emphasizes long?term cash flow generation through stable rental income and disciplined portfolio optimization. The companys core portfolio is concentrated in New York City, where it holds a diverse mix of office towers and street?level retail assets in prominent submarkets such as Midtown and the Penn Plaza corridor. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VNO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE:VNO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vornado Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vornado Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pacer Advisors Inc. reduced its position in Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 7.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 189,045 shares of the companys stock after selling 14,631 shares during the quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $29,047,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. MOKAN Wealth Management Inc. increased its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 13.7% in the 2nd quarter. MOKAN Wealth Management Inc. now owns 15,319 shares of the companys stock worth $2,442,000 after buying an additional 1,846 shares during the period. Czech National Bank boosted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 3.8% in the 3rd quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 594,914 shares of the companys stock valued at $91,409,000 after acquiring an additional 21,825 shares during the last quarter. Vega Investment Solutions increased its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.3% in the second quarter. Vega Investment Solutions now owns 638,400 shares of the companys stock worth $101,710,000 after acquiring an additional 8,500 shares during the period. Westerkirk Capital Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble during the second quarter worth $4,796,000. Finally, Caliber Wealth Management LLC KS lifted its position in Procter & Gamble by 36.2% during the second quarter. Caliber Wealth Management LLC KS now owns 17,798 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,836,000 after purchasing an additional 4,730 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 65.77% of the companys stock. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Insider Transactions at Procter & Gamble In other news, CEO Jon R. Moeller sold 11,684 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $152.23, for a total value of $1,778,655.32. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 319,932 shares in the company, valued at $48,703,248.36. This trade represents a 3.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Jennifer L. Davis sold 3,227 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $152.23, for a total value of $491,246.21. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 61,764 shares in the company, valued at $9,402,333.72. This represents a 4.97% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 30,308 shares of company stock worth $4,611,852 in the last three months. 0.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have weighed in on PG shares. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 price target on Procter & Gamble in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Jefferies Financial Group raised Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $156.00 to $179.00 in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Berenberg Bank boosted their price target on Procter & Gamble from $152.00 to $154.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, September 17th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $180.00 to $174.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, UBS Group cut their target price on shares of Procter & Gamble from $180.00 to $176.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $171.38. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Procter & Gamble Procter & Gamble Stock Up 0.2% Shares of PG opened at $144.74 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $338.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.13, a PEG ratio of 4.87 and a beta of 0.39. Procter & Gamble Company has a 12 month low of $138.14 and a 12 month high of $179.99. The stocks 50 day moving average is $146.81 and its two-hundred day moving average is $152.85. The company has a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $1.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.90 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $22.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.23 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.63% and a net margin of 19.74%.The businesss revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.93 EPS. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.100 EPS. Analysts predict that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Investors of record on Friday, October 24th were given a dividend of $1.0568 per share. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 24th. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is 61.61%. Procter & Gamble Profile (Free Report) Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide. P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sheets Smith Wealth Management acquired a new stake in Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE:AGI Free Report) (TSE:AGI) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 19,840 shares of the basic materials companys stock, valued at approximately $692,000. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in Alamos Gold in the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Banque Transatlantique SA acquired a new stake in shares of Alamos Gold in the first quarter worth $31,000. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Alamos Gold in the 3rd quarter valued at $35,000. Bessemer Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Alamos Gold during the 2nd quarter valued at $90,000. Finally, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ purchased a new stake in Alamos Gold during the 2nd quarter worth $98,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.33% of the companys stock. Get Alamos Gold alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have commented on AGI shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (a) rating on shares of Alamos Gold in a research report on Monday. BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Alamos Gold in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. Wall Street Zen raised Alamos Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, October 25th. Scotiabank restated an outperform rating on shares of Alamos Gold in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price objective on shares of Alamos Gold from $40.00 to $43.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $43.00. Alamos Gold Trading Up 1.1% Shares of AGI opened at $40.78 on Friday. Alamos Gold Inc. has a one year low of $17.80 and a one year high of $40.98. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $34.85 and a 200 day moving average price of $31.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 1.33 and a current ratio of 1.72. The company has a market capitalization of $17.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.86, a P/E/G ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 0.63. Alamos Gold (NYSE:AGI Get Free Report) (TSE:AGI) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The basic materials company reported $0.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.37. Alamos Gold had a return on equity of 12.36% and a net margin of 33.46%.The company had revenue of $462.30 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $490.96 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.19 EPS. Alamos Golds quarterly revenue was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that Alamos Gold Inc. will post 1.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. Alamos Gold Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 4th were issued a dividend of $0.025 per share. This represents a $0.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 4th. Alamos Golds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 7.81%. Alamos Gold Company Profile (Free Report) Alamos Gold Inc is a Canadian-based intermediate gold producer engaged in the exploration, development and operation of mining projects in North America. Its principal activities include the acquisition, exploration and development of gold-bearing properties, and the management of operating mines. The company focuses on sustainable production practices and maintains a portfolio that spans both producing assets and advanced-stage development projects. Alamos Gold operates multiple open pit and underground mines, including the Young-Davidson and Island Gold mines in Ontario, Canada, and the Mulatos mine in Sonora, Mexico. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AGI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE:AGI Free Report) (TSE:AGI). Receive News & Ratings for Alamos Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alamos Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pacer Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report) by 38.0% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 245,957 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 67,707 shares during the quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc.s holdings in Citigroup were worth $24,965,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of C. Howard Hughes Medical Institute bought a new position in Citigroup during the 2nd quarter valued at about $34,000. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Citigroup by 157.1% during the second quarter. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. now owns 414 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 253 shares during the last quarter. Highline Wealth Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of Citigroup by 35.3% during the third quarter. Highline Wealth Partners LLC now owns 418 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 109 shares during the last quarter. Truvestments Capital LLC lifted its position in Citigroup by 131.6% during the first quarter. Truvestments Capital LLC now owns 433 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 246 shares during the period. Finally, Capital A Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Citigroup in the second quarter worth approximately $38,000. 71.72% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Citigroup alerts: Citigroup Stock Performance NYSE:C opened at $120.40 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.62, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 0.99. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $105.08 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $97.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $215.42 billion, a PE ratio of 16.91, a P/E/G ratio of 0.60 and a beta of 1.21. Citigroup Inc. has a 52-week low of $55.51 and a 52-week high of $122.84. Citigroup Dividend Announcement Citigroup ( NYSE:C Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 14th. The company reported $2.24 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.89 by $0.35. The firm had revenue of $22.09 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.92 billion. Citigroup had a return on equity of 7.91% and a net margin of 8.73%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.51 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Citigroup Inc. will post 7.53 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 3rd were given a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 3rd. Citigroups dividend payout ratio is presently 33.71%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on C shares. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $118.00 target price on shares of Citigroup in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on Citigroup from $112.00 to $123.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Piper Sandler set a $118.00 target price on Citigroup in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on Citigroup from $118.00 to $131.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Bank of America boosted their price target on Citigroup from $115.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $114.50. Check Out Our Latest Report on Citigroup Key Citigroup News Here are the key news stories impacting Citigroup this week: Positive Sentiment: Regulatory relief, progress on the Banamex stake sale and growing turnaround optimism are boosting Citis valuation narrative investors view these developments as freeing capital and reducing legacy overhang, supporting a re-rate. Citigroup (C): Valuation Check After Regulatory Relief, Banamex Stake Sale Progress and Turnaround Optimism Regulatory relief, progress on the Banamex stake sale and growing turnaround optimism are boosting Citis valuation narrative investors view these developments as freeing capital and reducing legacy overhang, supporting a re-rate. Positive Sentiment: Analyst coverage notes Citi can benefit from an eventual Fed easing cycle lower funding costs and stronger loan demand would help net interest margins and fee income across big banks, giving Citi upside if macro shifts as expected. The Zacks Analyst Blog Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Citigroup Analyst coverage notes Citi can benefit from an eventual Fed easing cycle lower funding costs and stronger loan demand would help net interest margins and fee income across big banks, giving Citi upside if macro shifts as expected. Positive Sentiment: Recent sessions showed Citi outperforming peers on bouts of buying interest, indicating pockets of accumulation from traders expecting the turnaround story to play out. Citigroup Inc. stock outperforms competitors on strong trading day Recent sessions showed Citi outperforming peers on bouts of buying interest, indicating pockets of accumulation from traders expecting the turnaround story to play out. Neutral Sentiment: Market-support readings and technicals are mixed some analyses flag that Citis momentum indicators and short-interest/market-structure signals leave room for consolidation instead of a clean breakout. Is Citigroup Inc Gaining or Losing Market Support? Market-support readings and technicals are mixed some analyses flag that Citis momentum indicators and short-interest/market-structure signals leave room for consolidation instead of a clean breakout. Negative Sentiment: Execution risk and headline sensitivity remain delays or a smaller-than-expected Banamex sale, plus below-average trading volume and profit-taking after a strong run, can pressure the stock even with positive fundamentals. (Related coverage on the Banamex/regulatory story above.) Citigroup Company Profile (Free Report) Citigroup Inc is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City with roots tracing back to the City Bank of New York, founded in 1812. The modern Citigroup was created through the 1998 merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group and has since operated as a diversified bank holding company that provides a broad range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments and institutions worldwide. Citis principal businesses include retail and commercial banking, credit card and consumer lending products, wealth management and private banking, and a full suite of institutional services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding C? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Citigroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citigroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pacer Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM Free Report) by 13.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 92,261 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 10,685 shares during the period. Pacer Advisors Inc.s holdings in International Business Machines were worth $26,032,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in IBM. Family CFO Inc purchased a new position in International Business Machines during the second quarter worth about $25,000. Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of International Business Machines during the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Highline Wealth Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of International Business Machines by 85.0% during the 2nd quarter. Highline Wealth Partners LLC now owns 111 shares of the technology companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the period. Silicon Valley Capital Partners boosted its position in shares of International Business Machines by 322.6% in the first quarter. Silicon Valley Capital Partners now owns 131 shares of the technology companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Copia Wealth Management grew its holdings in International Business Machines by 57.6% in the second quarter. Copia Wealth Management now owns 134 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.96% of the companys stock. Get International Business Machines alerts: International Business Machines Trading Up 0.2% Shares of IBM opened at $305.22 on Friday. International Business Machines Corporation has a 12 month low of $214.50 and a 12 month high of $324.90. The stocks 50-day moving average is $303.62 and its two-hundred day moving average is $280.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.97, a current ratio of 0.93 and a quick ratio of 0.89. The stock has a market cap of $285.30 billion, a PE ratio of 36.51, a P/E/G ratio of 3.03 and a beta of 0.69. International Business Machines Dividend Announcement International Business Machines ( NYSE:IBM Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The technology company reported $2.65 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.45 by $0.20. The business had revenue of $16.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.10 billion. International Business Machines had a return on equity of 37.76% and a net margin of 12.09%.The companys revenue was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.30 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th were paid a $1.68 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $6.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. International Business Machiness dividend payout ratio is 80.38%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated a market perform rating on shares of International Business Machines in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on International Business Machines from $300.00 to $305.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on International Business Machines from $280.00 to $305.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on International Business Machines from $295.00 to $325.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Finally, Erste Group Bank upgraded International Business Machines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $293.38. Get Our Latest Research Report on IBM International Business Machines Company Profile (Free Report) International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is a global technology and consulting company headquartered in Armonk, New York. Founded in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) and renamed IBM in 1924, the company has evolved from early electromechanical machines to a diversified technology provider serving enterprises and governments worldwide. IBM is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IBM. IBMs principal businesses encompass cloud computing and software, infrastructure and systems, consulting and technology services, and research and development. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for International Business Machines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Business Machines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sheets Smith Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of JBT Marel Corporation (NYSE:JBTM Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 3,811 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $535,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in JBTM. Geode Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of JBT Marel in the second quarter valued at about $141,026,000. Alliancebernstein L.P. acquired a new stake in shares of JBT Marel during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $135,854,000. Champlain Investment Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of JBT Marel during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $85,029,000. Bamco Inc. NY purchased a new stake in shares of JBT Marel during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $84,182,000. Finally, Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. acquired a new stake in shares of JBT Marel in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $83,397,000. 98.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get JBT Marel alerts: JBT Marel Stock Down 0.1% Shares of NYSE:JBTM opened at $155.02 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34. The firm has a market cap of $8.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -69.20, a PEG ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 1.01. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $140.73 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $136.64. JBT Marel Corporation has a 12-month low of $90.08 and a 12-month high of $157.21. JBT Marel Announces Dividend JBT Marel ( NYSE:JBTM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $1.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.51 by $0.43. The company had revenue of $1 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $936.75 million. JBT Marel had a negative net margin of 3.39% and a positive return on equity of 7.88%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 120.6% compared to the same quarter last year. JBT Marel has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.100-6.400 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that JBT Marel Corporation will post 5.21 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. JBT Marels dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -17.86%. Insider Buying and Selling at JBT Marel In other news, Director Olafur S. Gudmundsson sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $141.79, for a total transaction of $2,835,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 19,980 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,832,964.20. The trade was a 50.03% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.69% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have commented on JBTM. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of JBT Marel in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of JBT Marel from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $150.00 to $180.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Robert W. Baird set a $169.00 price objective on shares of JBT Marel in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, JBT Marel presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $164.00. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on JBT Marel About JBT Marel (Free Report) JBT Marel Corporation provides technology solutions to food and beverage industry in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It offers value-added processing that includes chilling, mixing/grinding, injecting, blending, marinating, tumbling, flattening, forming, portioning, coating, cooking, frying, freezing, extracting, pasteurizing, sterilizing, concentrating, high pressure processing, weighing, inspecting, filling, closing, sealing, end of line material handling, and packaging solutions to the food, beverage, and health market. Read More Receive News & Ratings for JBT Marel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JBT Marel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atlas Copco (OTCMKTS:ATLKY Get Free Report) and Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR Get Free Report) are both large-cap industrials companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability, risk and earnings. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Atlas Copco and Ingersoll Rand, as reported by MarketBeat. Get Atlas Copco alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Atlas Copco 1 2 3 0 2.33 Ingersoll Rand 0 7 4 0 2.36 Ingersoll Rand has a consensus price target of $91.44, indicating a potential upside of 12.55%. Given Ingersoll Rands stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Ingersoll Rand is more favorable than Atlas Copco. Dividends Institutional and Insider Ownership Atlas Copco pays an annual dividend of $0.21 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.1%. Ingersoll Rand pays an annual dividend of $0.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.1%. Atlas Copco pays out 37.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Ingersoll Rand pays out 5.9% 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. 0.0% of Atlas Copco shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 95.3% of Ingersoll Rand shares are held by institutional investors. 0.6% of Ingersoll Rand shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares Atlas Copco and Ingersoll Rands net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Atlas Copco 16.08% 25.42% 13.46% Ingersoll Rand 7.31% 12.14% 6.88% Volatility and Risk Atlas Copco has a beta of 1.4, meaning that its share price is 40% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Ingersoll Rand has a beta of 1.33, meaning that its share price is 33% more volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Atlas Copco and Ingersoll Rands revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Atlas Copco $16.72 billion 5.33 $2.82 billion $0.56 32.64 Ingersoll Rand $7.46 billion 4.30 $838.60 million $1.35 60.18 Atlas Copco has higher revenue and earnings than Ingersoll Rand. Atlas Copco is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Ingersoll Rand, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. About Atlas Copco (Get Free Report) Atlas Copco AB provides compressed air and gas, vacuum, energy, dewatering and industrial pump, industrial power tool, and assembly and machine vision solutions in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania. It operates through Compressor Technique, Vacuum Technique, Industrial Technique, and Power Technique segments. The company offers piston compressors, oil-free tooth and scroll compressors, rotary screw compressors, oil-free blowers, oil-free centrifugal compressors, gas and process compressors, air and gas treatment equipment, expanders and pumps, and medical air solutions. It also provides oil-sealed rotary vane, dry, and liquid ring vacuum pumps; turbomolecular and cryogenic pumps; abatement and integrated systems; industrial assembly tools and solutions; self-pierce riveting solutions; adhesive dispensing and flow drill fastening equipment; material removal tools, and drills and other pneumatic products; machine vision solutions; construction and demolition tools; mobile compressors, generators, and energy storage systems; and industrial flow, portable power, portable flow, and portable air products, as well as specialty rental services. The company serves the semiconductor and flat panel, industrial manufacturing, civil engineering, demolition, exploration drilling, automotive, off-highway vehicles, electronics, aerospace, energy, food, pharmaceutical, textile, and other industries. Atlas Copco AB was founded in 1873 and is headquartered in Nacka, Sweden. About Ingersoll Rand (Get Free Report) Ingersoll Rand Inc. provides various mission-critical air, gas, liquid, and solid flow creation technologies services and solutions worldwide. It operates through two segments, Industrial Technologies and Services, and Precision and Science Technologies. The Industrial Technologies and Services segment designs, manufactures, markets, and services air and gas compression, vacuum, and blower products; fluid transfer equipment and loading systems; and power tools and lifting equipment, including associated aftermarket parts, consumables, air treatment equipment, controls, other accessories, and services under the under the Ingersoll Rand, Gardner Denver, Nash, CompAir, Elmo Rietschle brands, etc. The Precision and Science Technologies segment designs, manufactures, and markets diaphragm, piston, water-powered, peristaltic, gear, vane, progressive cavity, and syringe pumps; and gas boosters, hydrogen compression systems, automated liquid handling systems, odorant injection systems, controls, software, and other related components and accessories for liquid and gas dosing, transfer, dispensing, compression, sampling, pressure management, and flow control in specialized or critical applications under the Air Dimensions, Albin, ARO, Dosatron, Haskel, Ingersoll Rand, LMI, Maximus, Milton Roy, MP, Oberdorfer, Seepex, Thomas, Welch, Williams, YZ, and Zinnser Analytic brand names. This segment's products are used in medical, life sciences, industrial manufacturing, water and wastewater, chemical processing, energy, food and beverage, agriculture, and other markets. It sells through an integrated network of direct sales representatives and independent distributors. The company was formerly known as Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Ingersoll Rand Inc. in March 2020. Ingersoll Rand Inc. was founded in 1859 and is headquartered in Davidson, North Carolina. Receive News & Ratings for Atlas Copco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Atlas Copco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Regent Peak Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm purchased 4,202 shares of the oil and gas companys stock, valued at approximately $653,000. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Solitude Financial Services boosted its holdings in Chevron by 8.2% during the 2nd quarter. Solitude Financial Services now owns 25,325 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $3,626,000 after acquiring an additional 1,913 shares during the period. Shell Asset Management Co. increased its stake in Chevron by 21.4% in the second quarter. Shell Asset Management Co. now owns 51,115 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $7,319,000 after purchasing an additional 9,002 shares during the period. Mutual Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Chevron by 7.3% during the second quarter. Mutual Advisors LLC now owns 88,759 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $13,743,000 after purchasing an additional 6,058 shares during the last quarter. Costello Asset Management INC boosted its stake in shares of Chevron by 26.9% during the second quarter. Costello Asset Management INC now owns 16,694 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,390,000 after purchasing an additional 3,541 shares during the period. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its holdings in shares of Chevron by 25.7% in the first quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 697,011 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $115,887,000 after purchasing an additional 142,662 shares during the last quarter. 72.42% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Chevron alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages recently weighed in on CVX. HSBC set a $169.00 price objective on shares of Chevron and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 1st. Raymond James Financial reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $160.00 price target (down previously from $170.00) on shares of Chevron in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Chevron from $190.00 to $196.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Hsbc Global Res raised Chevron from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised Chevron from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Chevron currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $166.00. Insider Buying and Selling In other Chevron news, Director John B. Hess sold 275,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.75, for a total transaction of $41,456,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 1,128,045 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $170,052,783.75. This represents a 19.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.21% of the companys stock. Chevron Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:CVX opened at $150.06 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $152.11 and a 200 day moving average of $152.76. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The company has a market capitalization of $302.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 9.03 and a beta of 0.68. Chevron Corporation has a 52 week low of $132.04 and a 52 week high of $168.96. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The oil and gas company reported $1.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $48.17 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $46.99 billion. Chevron had a return on equity of 8.74% and a net margin of 6.57%.The businesss revenue was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.48 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Chevron Corporation will post 10.79 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Chevron Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 18th were issued a $1.71 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 18th. This represents a $6.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.6%. Chevrons payout ratio is currently 96.20%. 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greenup Street Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund bought 9,691 shares of the energy producers stock, valued at approximately $917,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Navalign LLC increased its position in ConocoPhillips by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Navalign LLC now owns 9,918 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $890,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares during the period. Greenfield Savings Bank boosted its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. Greenfield Savings Bank now owns 9,018 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $853,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares in the last quarter. Tritonpoint Wealth LLC increased its position in shares of ConocoPhillips by 1.3% during the second quarter. Tritonpoint Wealth LLC now owns 8,329 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $747,000 after buying an additional 110 shares during the period. Iowa State Bank raised its stake in ConocoPhillips by 0.5% in the second quarter. Iowa State Bank now owns 22,193 shares of the energy producers stock worth $1,992,000 after buying an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Perennial Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 2.8% in the second quarter. Perennial Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,097 shares of the energy producers stock worth $368,000 after buying an additional 112 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.36% of the companys stock. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO Ryan Michael Lance sold 500,708 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.50, for a total transaction of $46,315,490.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 325,972 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,152,410. This trade represents a 60.57% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director William H. Mcraven acquired 5,768 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $86.68 per share, with a total value of $499,970.24. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 5,768 shares in the company, valued at $499,970.24. The trade was a ? increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Corporate insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. ConocoPhillips Trading Down 0.3% NYSE COP opened at $91.53 on Friday. ConocoPhillips has a 12 month low of $79.88 and a 12 month high of $106.20. The stock has a market cap of $113.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.95, a P/E/G ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 0.32. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $90.05 and its 200-day moving average price is $92.51. 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 (NYSE:COP Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The energy producer reported $1.61 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.41 by $0.20. ConocoPhillips had a return on equity of 13.64% and a net margin of 14.25%.The firm had revenue of $15.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.51 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.78 EPS. ConocoPhillipss quarterly revenue was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts forecast that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 EPS for the current fiscal year. ConocoPhillips Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 17th were paid a $0.84 dividend. This is a boost from ConocoPhillipss previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. This represents a $3.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.7%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. ConocoPhillipss payout ratio is currently 47.52%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have weighed in on COP. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of ConocoPhillips in a research report on Monday. Mizuho upped their price target on ConocoPhillips from $120.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Wall Street Zen upgraded ConocoPhillips from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips from $110.00 to $105.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Johnson Rice lowered shares of ConocoPhillips from an accumulate rating to a hold rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $108.00 to $105.00 in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Nineteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $114.08. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ConocoPhillips 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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ConocoPhillips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConocoPhillips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Marotta Asset Management boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Sweden ETF (NYSEARCA:EWD Free Report) by 7.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 200,422 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 14,720 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI Sweden ETF accounts for about 1.8% of Marotta Asset Managements holdings, making the stock its 19th biggest holding. Marotta Asset Managements holdings in iShares MSCI Sweden ETF were worth $9,542,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Jane Street Group LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Sweden ETF by 234.6% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 243,725 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,256,000 after acquiring an additional 170,892 shares during the period. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. increased its holdings in iShares MSCI Sweden ETF by 65,739.2% in the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 33,578 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,413,000 after purchasing an additional 33,527 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in iShares MSCI Sweden ETF by 64.3% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 64,695 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,721,000 after purchasing an additional 25,309 shares during the period. Obsido Oy purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Sweden ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $944,000. Finally, Mutual Advisors LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI Sweden ETF during the second quarter worth $649,000. 49.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get iShares MSCI Sweden ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Sweden ETF Stock Up 0.7% EWD opened at $49.65 on Friday. iShares MSCI Sweden ETF has a 52 week low of $36.50 and a 52 week high of $49.80. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $48.06 and a 200-day simple moving average of $46.82. The firm has a market cap of $338.61 million, a P/E ratio of 20.15 and a beta of 1.14. iShares MSCI Sweden ETF Company Profile Ishares Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Sweden ETF (NYSEARCA:EWD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Sweden ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Sweden ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Level Financial Advisors reduced its stake in Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 37.7% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 7,236 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 4,375 shares during the quarter. Level Financial Advisors holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $816,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Southland Equity Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter. Southland Equity Partners LLC now owns 16,216 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,828,000 after buying an additional 175 shares during the period. Symmetry Partners LLC grew its position in Exxon Mobil by 1.7% in the third quarter. Symmetry Partners LLC now owns 16,479 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,858,000 after acquiring an additional 270 shares in the last quarter. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Exxon Mobil by 2.7% in the third quarter. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 13,549 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,528,000 after acquiring an additional 358 shares in the last quarter. Friedenthal Financial purchased a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil during the third quarter valued at approximately $918,000. Finally, Gilman Hill Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 33.3% during the third quarter. Gilman Hill Asset Management LLC now owns 18,136 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,045,000 after purchasing an additional 4,532 shares in the last quarter. 61.80% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Exxon Mobil Stock Down 0.1% Shares of Exxon Mobil stock opened at $119.09 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $116.65 and a 200 day moving average price of $113.18. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $97.80 and a fifty-two week high of $120.81. The firm has a market cap of $502.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.31, a P/E/G ratio of 7.49 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. Exxon Mobil Increases Dividend Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, June 17th. The oil and gas company reported $0.65 EPS for the quarter. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 11.22% and a net margin of 8.99%.The company had revenue of $57.55 billion during the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a dividend of $1.03 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This is a positive change from Exxon Mobils previous quarterly dividend of $0.99. This represents a $4.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.5%. Exxon Mobils payout ratio is presently 59.88%. Insider Buying and Selling at Exxon Mobil In other news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.19, for a total value of $351,570.00. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 28,584 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,349,758.96. This trade represents a 9.50% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on XOM shares. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Barclays lowered their target price on Exxon Mobil from $127.00 to $126.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. TD Cowen increased their price target on Exxon Mobil from $128.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Piper Sandler raised their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $141.00 to $144.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Monday, December 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and thirteen have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $129.45. Read Our Latest Research Report on Exxon Mobil Exxon Mobil Company Profile (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) is an integrated oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, production, refining, distribution and marketing of petroleum products and the manufacture and sale of petrochemicals. Its operations span the full energy value chain, including upstream exploration and development of crude oil and natural gas; midstream transportation and storage; and downstream refining, product distribution and retail. The company also produces a broad range of chemical products for industrial and consumer applications. ExxonMobil markets fuels and lubricants under well-known brands such as Exxon, Mobil and Esso, and its Mobil 1 motor oil is a prominent consumer product. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of IP Group Plc (LON:IPO Get Free Report) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 56.74 and traded as high as GBX 58.90. IP Group shares last traded at GBX 57.70, with a volume of 443,005 shares. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a GBX 100 price objective on shares of IP Group in a research report on Monday, October 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 100. Get IP Group alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on IP Group IP Group Price Performance About IP Group The companys fifty day moving average is GBX 59.89 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 56.81. The firm has a market cap of 509.74 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.04 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a quick ratio of 8.59, a current ratio of 9.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 13.99. (Get Free Report) IP Group accelerates the impact of science for a better future. As the most active UK based, early-stage science investor, we develop and support some of the worlds most exciting businesses in deeptech, life sciences and cleantech (led by Kiko Ventures). Through Parkwalk, the UKs largest growth EIS fund manager, we also back world-changing innovation emerging in leading universities and research institutions. Our specialist investment team combines sector expertise with an international approach. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for IP Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IP Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE:PEB Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2025 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 1.500-1.570 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 0.150. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Pebblebrook Hotel Trust also updated its Q4 2025 guidance to 0.180-0.260 EPS. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have commented on PEB shares. Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage on shares of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. They issued a neutral rating and a $12.00 price objective on the stock. Morgan Stanley set a $9.00 price target on shares of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Truist Financial upped their price objective on Pebblebrook Hotel Trust from $9.00 to $11.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, September 11th. Compass Point downgraded Pebblebrook Hotel Trust from a neutral rating to a sell rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $12.00 to $11.50 in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust in a research note on Monday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Pebblebrook Hotel Trust presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $11.90. Get Pebblebrook Hotel Trust alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on PEB Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Stock Performance Shares of PEB opened at $11.48 on Friday. Pebblebrook Hotel Trust has a 12-month low of $7.41 and a 12-month high of $14.21. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86. The company has a market cap of $1.30 billion, a PE ratio of -9.64 and a beta of 1.53. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $11.07 and a 200-day moving average price of $10.76. Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE:PEB Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.51 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.50 by $0.01. Pebblebrook Hotel Trust had a negative net margin of 7.45% and a negative return on equity of 4.02%. The business had revenue of $398.72 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $396.80 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.59 earnings per share. Pebblebrook Hotel Trusts quarterly revenue was down 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. Pebblebrook Hotel Trust has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.500-1.570 EPS and its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.180-0.260 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Pebblebrook Hotel Trust will post 1.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be given a $0.01 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.3%. Pebblebrook Hotel Trusts payout ratio is -3.36%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. lifted its position in Pebblebrook Hotel Trust by 56.4% in the 3rd quarter. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. now owns 6,268,902 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $71,403,000 after buying an additional 2,259,389 shares during the last quarter. Woodline Partners LP raised its stake in shares of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust by 114.6% during the third quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 3,150,890 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $35,889,000 after acquiring an additional 1,682,855 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust by 2,584.8% in the 3rd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 2,161,137 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $24,615,000 after acquiring an additional 2,080,641 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its stake in shares of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust by 60.6% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 1,831,976 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $20,866,000 after purchasing an additional 691,363 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust by 684.1% during the 3rd quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC now owns 1,576,228 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $17,953,000 after purchasing an additional 1,375,207 shares during the last quarter. About Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (Get Free Report) Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE:PEB) is a real estate investment trust specializing in premium, high-barrier-to-entry hotel properties in gateway markets across the United States. Established in 2009, PEB focuses on lifestyle-oriented lodging assets that cater to business and leisure travelers seeking elevated experiences. The companys investment strategy emphasizes select-service and full-service hotels with established brands and prime urban or resort locations. PEBs portfolio comprises more than 30 properties in major metropolitan areas including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and San Francisco. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pebblebrook Hotel Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greenup Street Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Medtronic PLC (NYSE:MDT Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm bought 13,709 shares of the medical technology companys stock, valued at approximately $1,306,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. 1248 Management LLC acquired a new stake in Medtronic during the first quarter worth approximately $26,000. Delos Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Medtronic in the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Twin Tree Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Medtronic during the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. Activest Wealth Management grew its holdings in shares of Medtronic by 3,577.8% during the 1st quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 331 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 322 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GFG Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of Medtronic in the second quarter worth $36,000. 82.06% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Medtronic alerts: Medtronic Stock Performance NYSE MDT opened at $96.52 on Friday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $97.54 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $93.72. The stock has a market cap of $123.74 billion, a PE ratio of 26.02, a PEG ratio of 2.56 and a beta of 0.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a quick ratio of 1.80 and a current ratio of 2.42. Medtronic PLC has a fifty-two week low of $79.29 and a fifty-two week high of $106.33. Medtronic Dividend Announcement Medtronic ( NYSE:MDT Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 18th. The medical technology company reported $1.36 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.31 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $8.96 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.86 billion. Medtronic had a return on equity of 14.86% and a net margin of 13.71%.Medtronics revenue for the quarter was up 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.26 EPS. Medtronic has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.620-5.660 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Medtronic PLC will post 5.46 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th will be issued a dividend of $0.71 per share. This represents a $2.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 26th. Medtronics payout ratio is 76.55%. Analyst Ratings Changes MDT has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Leerink Partners set a $120.00 price objective on shares of Medtronic and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Daiwa Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of Medtronic from $104.00 to $117.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $110.00 price target on shares of Medtronic in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Piper Sandler reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Medtronic in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Medtronic from $100.00 to $114.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating and twelve have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Medtronic has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $109.94. Read Our Latest Research Report on MDT About Medtronic (Free Report) Medtronic plc is a global medical technology company that develops and manufactures a broad range of therapeutic devices and health care solutions. Headquartered legally in Ireland with principal operational offices in the United States, the company markets products to hospitals, physicians and health systems worldwide and has grown from its founding in 1949 into one of the largest medical-device manufacturers serving global health-care markets. Medtronics offerings span several clinical areas, including cardiac rhythm and heart failure (pacemakers, implantable cardioverter?defibrillators and related cardiac therapies), minimally invasive and surgical technologies (laparoscopic and advanced energy devices, visualization systems and surgical innovations), restorative therapies (spine and orthopedics, neuromodulation and neurovascular treatments) and diabetes management (insulin-delivery systems and glucose monitoring solutions). Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MDT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Medtronic PLC (NYSE:MDT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Medtronic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Medtronic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stellar AfricaGold Inc. (OTCMKTS:STLXF Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 51,655 shares, a growth of 334.5% from the November 30th total of 11,889 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 55,267 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.9 days. Based on an average trading volume of 55,267 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.9 days. Stellar AfricaGold Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:STLXF opened at $0.10 on Friday. Stellar AfricaGold has a 52 week low of $0.03 and a 52 week high of $0.21. The companys 50 day moving average is $0.11 and its two-hundred day moving average is $0.10. Get Stellar AfricaGold alerts: Stellar AfricaGold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Stories Stellar AfricaGold Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration and evaluation of mineral properties in Canada, Republic of Mali, and the Kingdom of Morocco. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. Stellar AfricaGold Inc was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for Stellar AfricaGold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stellar AfricaGold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:IITSF Get Free Report) crossed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $6.60 and traded as high as $7.16. Intesa Sanpaolo shares last traded at $6.90, with a volume of 3,543 shares traded. Intesa Sanpaolo Stock Up 5.0% The companys 50 day simple moving average is $6.62 and its 200 day simple moving average is $6.31. Get Intesa Sanpaolo alerts: About Intesa Sanpaolo (Get Free Report) Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. is an Italian banking group that provides a wide range of financial products and services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. Its main activities include traditional retail banking, corporate lending, wealth management, asset management and insurance solutions. The group operates through a network of branches, digital channels and specialized subsidiaries to serve the banking, investment and insurance needs of individuals and businesses. The origins of Intesa Sanpaolo date back to the early 19th century through predecessor institutions such as Banca Commerciale Italiana and Istituto Bancario San Paolo di Torino. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Intesa Sanpaolo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intesa Sanpaolo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA (OTCMKTS:JRONY Get Free Report) passed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $48.49 and traded as low as $46.7250. Jeronimo Martins SGPS shares last traded at $47.36, with a volume of 4,095 shares traded. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Kepler Capital Markets raised Jeronimo Martins SGPS from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Jeronimo Martins SGPS alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Jeronimo Martins SGPS Jeronimo Martins SGPS Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The companys 50-day moving average is $48.48 and its two-hundred day moving average is $49.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $14.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.91, a P/E/G ratio of 1.78 and a beta of 0.91. Jeronimo Martins SGPS (OTCMKTS:JRONY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.79 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.77 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $10.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.61 billion. Jeronimo Martins SGPS had a net margin of 1.83% and a return on equity of 21.15%. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA will post 2.13 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Jeronimo Martins SGPS (Get Free Report) Jeronimo Martins SGPS is a Portugal-based corporate group engaged primarily in food distribution and retail. Through its flagship Pingo Doce banner in Portugal, the company operates a network of full-service supermarkets and convenience outlets offering fresh produce, grocery items, and private-label products. In addition, its cash-and-carry arm, Recheio, supplies wholesale and hospitality professionals with a broad range of food and non-food goods. Beyond its home market, Jeronimo Martins has established a significant presence in Poland under the discount supermarket brand Biedronka. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Jeronimo Martins SGPS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jeronimo Martins SGPS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Voya Investment Management LLC decreased its holdings in Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV Free Report) by 35.3% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 111,710 shares of the airlines stock after selling 60,995 shares during the quarter. Voya Investment Management LLCs holdings in Southwest Airlines were worth $3,565,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Southwest Airlines in the second quarter valued at $25,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new position in Southwest Airlines during the 2nd quarter worth about $31,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. grew its holdings in Southwest Airlines by 81.4% during the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,056 shares of the airlines stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 474 shares during the last quarter. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. bought a new stake in Southwest Airlines during the 2nd quarter worth about $42,000. Finally, TD Private Client Wealth LLC increased its position in Southwest Airlines by 67.8% in the 2nd quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC now owns 1,448 shares of the airlines stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 585 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.82% of the companys stock. Get Southwest Airlines alerts: Southwest Airlines Price Performance Shares of LUV stock opened at $41.30 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $35.32 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $33.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 0.49. Southwest Airlines Co. has a 52-week low of $23.82 and a 52-week high of $43.54. The stock has a market cap of $21.36 billion, a PE ratio of 63.53, a PEG ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.17. Southwest Airlines Dividend Announcement Southwest Airlines ( NYSE:LUV Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The airline reported ($0.38) earnings per share for the quarter. Southwest Airlines had a net margin of 1.38% and a return on equity of 6.39%. The company had revenue of $6.17 billion during the quarter. As a group, analysts forecast that Southwest Airlines Co. will post 1.55 EPS for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th will be paid a $0.18 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 26th. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.7%. Southwest Airliness dividend payout ratio is presently 110.77%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on LUV shares. Susquehanna upped their target price on shares of Southwest Airlines from $30.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. BNP Paribas Exane boosted their price objective on shares of Southwest Airlines from $19.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. TD Cowen upped their price objective on Southwest Airlines from $31.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Raymond James Financial lifted their target price on Southwest Airlines from $42.00 to $49.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets started coverage on Southwest Airlines in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. They set a market perform rating and a $43.00 target price for the company. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Southwest Airlines presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $39.44. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines Company Profile (Free Report) Southwest Airlines Co is a U.S.-based low-cost carrier that operates a point-to-point domestic and near-international airline network. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company primarily flies Boeing 737 aircraft and offers no-frills, single-class service designed to keep fares competitive. Southwests operating model emphasizes high aircraft utilization, quick turnaround times and an open seating policy, allowing customers to board and select seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King as Air Southwest Company, Southwest began commercial service in 1971, initially connecting Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LUV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Southwest Airlines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southwest Airlines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Voya Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HE Free Report) by 14.9% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 332,393 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 43,056 shares during the quarter. Voya Investment Management LLCs holdings in Hawaiian Electric Industries were worth $3,670,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Federated Hermes Inc. lifted its position in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 72,891 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $775,000 after acquiring an additional 910 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas increased its position in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 4.0% during the second quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 26,142 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $278,000 after purchasing an additional 1,005 shares during the period. Byrne Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 28.1% in the second quarter. Byrne Asset Management LLC now owns 4,981 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $53,000 after purchasing an additional 1,094 shares in the last quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in Hawaiian Electric Industries by 0.5% in the second quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 212,400 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,258,000 after purchasing an additional 1,132 shares during the period. Finally, Evergreen Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Hawaiian Electric Industries by 8.0% during the second quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 17,355 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $184,000 after buying an additional 1,281 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 59.91% of the companys stock. Get Hawaiian Electric Industries alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries in a research note on Monday. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a hold rating on shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries in a research report on Friday, December 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $12.13. Hawaiian Electric Industries Stock Up 1.8% NYSE:HE opened at $12.13 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.79, a quick ratio of 1.35 and a current ratio of 1.35. Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. has a 52-week low of $8.14 and a 52-week high of $13.41. The company has a market cap of $2.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 151.56 and a beta of 0.64. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $11.66 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $11.38. Hawaiian Electric Industries (NYSE:HE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 7th. The utilities provider reported $0.19 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.20) by $0.39. Hawaiian Electric Industries had a return on equity of 9.51% and a net margin of 0.56%.The firm had revenue of $790.61 million during the quarter. On average, analysts anticipate that Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. will post 1.71 EPS for the current year. About Hawaiian Electric Industries (Free Report) Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc is a diversified holding company operating in the energy and financial services sectors in the state of Hawaii. Its principal subsidiary, Hawaiian Electric Company, provides generation, transmission, distribution and customer service to the island of Oahu, while its Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light Company subsidiaries serve Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii Island. The roots of the electric utility business trace back to 1891 when service first commenced in Honolulu. Through its subsidiary Hawaii Gas, HEI extends its energy portfolio to include the distribution of natural gas and propane, supporting residential, commercial and industrial customers across the islands. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Hawaiian Electric Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hawaiian Electric Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. World Investment Advisors raised its position in Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 5.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 242,804 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 12,583 shares during the quarter. World Investment Advisors holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $27,376,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Axis Wealth Partners LLC boosted its position in Exxon Mobil by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Axis Wealth Partners LLC now owns 5,056 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $545,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Park Edge Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 0.3% during the second quarter. Park Edge Advisors LLC now owns 32,031 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $3,453,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the last quarter. Willow Creek Wealth Management Inc. grew its position in Exxon Mobil by 3.6% in the second quarter. Willow Creek Wealth Management Inc. now owns 2,640 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $285,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares in the last quarter. Capstone Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Exxon Mobil by 3.8% in the 3rd quarter. Capstone Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,527 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $285,000 after buying an additional 92 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Chapin Davis Inc. lifted its position in Exxon Mobil by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. Chapin Davis Inc. now owns 4,607 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $497,000 after buying an additional 93 shares in the last quarter. 61.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts recently issued reports on XOM shares. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on Exxon Mobil from $146.00 to $148.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Bank of America dropped their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $119.00 to $118.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. TD Cowen raised their target price on shares of Exxon Mobil from $128.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Exxon Mobil from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, September 13th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Exxon Mobil from $135.00 to $137.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and thirteen have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $129.45. Exxon Mobil Trading Down 0.1% Shares of Exxon Mobil stock opened at $119.09 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $116.65 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $113.18. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a 1 year low of $97.80 and a 1 year high of $120.81. The company has a market capitalization of $502.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.31, a P/E/G ratio of 7.49 and a beta of 0.38. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, June 17th. The oil and gas company reported $0.65 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $57.55 billion for the quarter. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 8.99% and a return on equity of 11.22%. Research analysts forecast that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 EPS for the current year. Exxon Mobil Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a $1.03 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $4.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.5%. This is an increase from Exxon Mobils previous quarterly dividend of $0.99. Exxon Mobils payout ratio is currently 59.88%. Insider Transactions at Exxon Mobil In other news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.19, for a total transaction of $351,570.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 28,584 shares in the company, valued at $3,349,758.96. The trade was a 9.50% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.03% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Exxon Mobil Profile (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) is an integrated oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, production, refining, distribution and marketing of petroleum products and the manufacture and sale of petrochemicals. Its operations span the full energy value chain, including upstream exploration and development of crude oil and natural gas; midstream transportation and storage; and downstream refining, product distribution and retail. The company also produces a broad range of chemical products for industrial and consumer applications. ExxonMobil markets fuels and lubricants under well-known brands such as Exxon, Mobil and Esso, and its Mobil 1 motor oil is a prominent consumer product. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Capri Holdings Limited (NYSE:CPRI Free Report) by 105.6% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 127,029 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 65,259 shares during the quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd.s holdings in Capri were worth $2,530,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of CPRI. CWM LLC lifted its holdings in Capri by 37.2% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,360 shares of the companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 640 shares during the last quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas raised its position in shares of Capri by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 17,906 shares of the companys stock valued at $317,000 after acquiring an additional 671 shares in the last quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System lifted its stake in Capri by 0.7% during the second quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 108,789 shares of the companys stock worth $1,926,000 after purchasing an additional 734 shares during the last quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its stake in Capri by 2.3% during the second quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 39,370 shares of the companys stock worth $697,000 after purchasing an additional 890 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Arkadios Wealth Advisors boosted its holdings in Capri by 3.0% in the second quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors now owns 37,075 shares of the companys stock worth $656,000 after purchasing an additional 1,087 shares during the period. 84.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Capri alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Capri news, CFO Rajal Mehta sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.96, for a total transaction of $259,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 741 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,236.36. The trade was a 93.10% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 2.30% of the stock is owned by insiders. Capri Trading Up 0.6% Shares of NYSE:CPRI opened at $24.97 on Friday. Capri Holdings Limited has a fifty-two week low of $11.86 and a fifty-two week high of $28.26. The company has a quick ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.97. The company has a market cap of $2.97 billion, a PE ratio of -2.54, a P/E/G ratio of 0.49 and a beta of 1.48. The companys 50-day moving average price is $23.76 and its 200 day moving average price is $21.10. Capri (NYSE:CPRI Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported ($0.03) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by ($0.17). The business had revenue of $856.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $825.74 million. Capri had a negative net margin of 29.55% and a negative return on equity of 138.53%. Capri has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 0.700-0.80 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 1.200-1.400 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Capri Holdings Limited will post 0.98 earnings per share for the current year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have weighed in on CPRI. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Capri in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $27.00 price objective (up previously from $25.00) on shares of Capri in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Guggenheim raised shares of Capri to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on Capri from $20.00 to $24.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Barclays began coverage on Capri in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. They set an overweight rating and a $31.00 target price for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Capri currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $27.23. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Capri Capri Company Profile (Free Report) Capri Holdings Limited (NYSE: CPRI) is a global luxury fashion company that designs, markets and distributes a range of premium lifestyle products. The companys principal brandsMichael Kors, Versace and Jimmy Choooffer handbags, ready-to-wear apparel, footwear, watches, jewelry, fragrance and other accessories. Capri Holdings combines in-house design talent with international sourcing, manufacturing and retail operations to deliver collections that reflect each brands distinct heritage and aesthetic vision. Formed in 2018 through the rebranding of Michael Kors Holdings following the acquisition of Versace, Capri has since integrated Jimmy Choo into its portfolio. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CPRI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Capri Holdings Limited (NYSE:CPRI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Capri Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Capri and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kempner Capital Management Inc. trimmed its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 54.5% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 27,592 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 33,023 shares during the period. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing comprises 6.4% of Kempner Capital Management Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 2nd largest holding. Kempner Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $7,706,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC boosted its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 16,500.0% during the 1st quarter. New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC now owns 6,707,064 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,113,373,000 after acquiring an additional 6,666,660 shares in the last quarter. Jennison Associates LLC raised its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 26.7% in the second quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 12,046,792 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $2,728,478,000 after purchasing an additional 2,537,760 shares in the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. lifted its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 31.5% during the first quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 8,864,014 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,471,426,000 after purchasing an additional 2,121,758 shares during the period. Brown Advisory Inc. boosted its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 43.2% during the second quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 6,650,983 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,506,389,000 after purchasing an additional 2,006,745 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 109.5% in the 2nd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 3,526,160 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $798,640,000 after purchasing an additional 1,842,951 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.51% of the companys stock. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts recently commented on the company. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $360.00 target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Monday. Susquehanna boosted their target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $300.00 to $400.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $330.00 to $355.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, UBS Group set a $330.00 price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Sunday, December 7th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $355.00. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:TSM opened at $302.87 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $292.33 and a 200-day moving average of $262.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 2.47 and a current ratio of 2.69. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a twelve month low of $134.25 and a twelve month high of $313.98. The firm has a market cap of $1.57 trillion, a PE ratio of 31.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.31. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data 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 research analysts predict that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 EPS for the current fiscal year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be issued a $0.9678 dividend. This is an increase 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%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 25.85%. About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (Free Report) 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mercedes-Benz Group AG (OTCMKTS:MBGYY Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 35,539 shares, a decline of 46.1% from the November 30th total of 65,911 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 305,262 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 305,262 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on MBGYY shares. DZ Bank raised shares of Mercedes-Benz Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered shares of Mercedes-Benz Group from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 23rd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Mercedes-Benz Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Mercedes-Benz Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Mercedes-Benz Group Mercedes-Benz Group Stock Up 0.2% Mercedes-Benz Group stock opened at C$17.43 on Friday. Mercedes-Benz Group has a 52 week low of C$12.55 and a 52 week high of C$18.12. The stock has a market cap of C$67.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.53 and a beta of 0.83. The companys 50-day moving average price is C$16.85 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$15.73. The company has a current ratio of 1.27, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. Mercedes-Benz Group (OTCMKTS:MBGYY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported C$0.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Mercedes-Benz Group had a net margin of 4.51% and a return on equity of 6.59%. The business had revenue of C$37.58 billion during the quarter. On average, analysts expect that Mercedes-Benz Group will post 2.26 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Mercedes-Benz Group (Get Free Report) Mercedes-Benz Group AG is a global automotive manufacturer best known for producing premium passenger cars and vans under the Mercedes?Benz brand. The companys product portfolio spans compact and executive cars, luxury models marketed under Mercedes?Maybach, high?performance variants from Mercedes?AMG, and a growing range of electric vehicles sold under the EQ subbrand. In addition to vehicle manufacturing, Mercedes?Benz Group provides aftersales services, connected?car technologies and mobility solutions through its finance and mobility arm, which offers leasing, financing, fleet management and related customer services. The company traces its industrial roots to the pioneering work of Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler in the late 19th century and to the creation of Daimler?Benz in the early 20th century. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mercedes-Benz Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mercedes-Benz Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Monday, December 29th, TickerTech Dividends reports. Shareholders of record on Sunday, February 1st will be paid a dividend of 1.24 per share by the financial services provider on Sunday, February 1st. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 29th. This is a 5.1% increase from National Bank of Canadas previous quarterly dividend of $1.18. National Bank of Canada Stock Performance TSE:NA opened at C$176.10 on Friday. National Bank of Canada has a fifty-two week low of C$106.67 and a fifty-two week high of C$177.54. The company has a 50 day moving average price of C$164.89 and a 200 day moving average price of C$152.06. The stock has a market capitalization of C$69.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.49, a PEG ratio of 7.14 and a beta of 1.13. Get National Bank of Canada alerts: National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The financial services provider reported C$2.82 EPS for the quarter. National Bank of Canada had a return on equity of 15.43% and a net margin of 19.69%.The company had revenue of C$3.70 billion for the quarter. Research analysts forecast that National Bank of Canada will post 10.8360791 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. National Bank of Canada Company Profile National Bank of Canada is the sixth-largest Canadian bank. The bank offers integrated financial services, primarily in the province of Quebec as well as the city of Toronto. Operational segments include personal and commercial banking, wealth management, and a financial markets group. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for National Bank of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Bank of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Voya Investment Management LLC reduced its holdings in shares of Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN Free Report) by 22.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 71,910 shares of the companys stock after selling 20,893 shares during the period. Voya Investment Management LLCs holdings in Tyson Foods were worth $3,905,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. NewSquare Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Tyson Foods by 175.3% during the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 512 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 326 shares during the period. Matrix Trust Co lifted its position in Tyson Foods by 28,200.0% during the second quarter. Matrix Trust Co now owns 566 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 564 shares in the last quarter. First Command Advisory Services Inc. grew its holdings in Tyson Foods by 389.8% during the second quarter. First Command Advisory Services Inc. now owns 578 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 460 shares during the period. MTM Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Tyson Foods in the second quarter worth about $36,000. Finally, Beacon Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Tyson Foods in the second quarter worth about $37,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.00% of the companys stock. Get Tyson Foods alerts: Insider Transactions at Tyson Foods In other news, CFO Curt Calaway sold 6,539 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.19, for a total transaction of $373,965.41. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 31,833 shares in the company, valued at $1,820,529.27. This trade represents a 17.04% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Chairman John H. Tyson sold 100,301 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.05, for a total value of $5,822,473.05. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman owned 2,989,415 shares in the company, valued at $173,535,540.75. This represents a 3.25% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 2.11% of the companys stock. Tyson Foods Trading Up 0.6% Shares of TSN opened at $58.60 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $20.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 44.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 1.55 and a quick ratio of 0.66. Tyson Foods, Inc. has a 1 year low of $50.56 and a 1 year high of $64.36. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $55.29 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $55.05. Tyson Foods (NYSE:TSN Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported $1.15 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.85 by $0.30. Tyson Foods had a net margin of 0.87% and a return on equity of 7.95%. The firm had revenue of $13.86 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.08 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.92 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that Tyson Foods, Inc. will post 3.8 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Tyson Foods Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be issued a dividend of $0.51 per share. This is a boost from Tyson Foodss previous quarterly dividend of $0.50. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.5%. Tyson Foodss payout ratio is currently 153.38%. Analyst Ratings Changes TSN has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Piper Sandler lifted their price objective on Tyson Foods from $58.00 to $61.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of Tyson Foods from $59.00 to $58.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on shares of Tyson Foods from $53.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Tyson Foods from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Tyson Foods in a research note on Monday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and fifteen have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $61.00. View Our Latest Stock Report on Tyson Foods Tyson Foods Profile (Free Report) Tyson Foods, Inc (NYSE: TSN) is a multinational food company primarily engaged in the production, processing and marketing of protein-based and prepared food products. Founded in 1935 and headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company is one of the worlds largest processors of chicken, beef and pork. Its operations span live animal procurement and farming relationships through slaughter, further processing and distribution, supplying raw protein and value-added prepared foods to retail, foodservice and industrial customers. The companys product portfolio covers fresh and frozen meats, branded and private-label prepared foods, and a range of value-added items such as ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meals, snack and sandwich meats. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Tyson Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tyson Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. World Investment Advisors boosted its stake in Williams Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:WMB Free Report) by 185.6% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 43,069 shares of the pipeline companys stock after purchasing an additional 27,987 shares during the period. World Investment Advisors holdings in Williams Companies were worth $2,728,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Flaharty Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Williams Companies in the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. Hartford Funds Management Co LLC bought a new position in Williams Companies in the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. Private Wealth Management Group LLC increased its stake in shares of Williams Companies by 104.8% in the second quarter. Private Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 469 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 240 shares during the period. Saudi Central Bank bought a new stake in shares of Williams Companies during the first quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp acquired a new position in shares of Williams Companies during the second quarter worth approximately $32,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.44% of the companys stock. Get Williams Companies alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms recently commented on WMB. UBS Group raised their target price on Williams Companies from $74.00 to $78.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on Williams Companies from $72.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Williams Companies from $70.00 to $83.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Williams Companies from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Williams Companies from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, October 4th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $68.21. Williams Companies Trading Up 0.1% Shares of WMB stock opened at $59.53 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $59.72 and a 200 day simple moving average of $59.63. The stock has a market capitalization of $72.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.68, a P/E/G ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 0.62. Williams Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $51.58 and a fifty-two week high of $65.55. The company has a quick ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73. Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The pipeline company reported $0.49 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $2.92 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.87 billion. Williams Companies had a net margin of 20.61% and a return on equity of 16.74%. Williams Companiess revenue was up 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.43 earnings per share. Williams Companies has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.010-2.190 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Williams Companies, Inc. will post 2.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Williams Companies Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be given a $0.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 12th. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.4%. Williams Companiess payout ratio is 103.09%. Insider Transactions at Williams Companies In other Williams Companies news, SVP Terrance Lane Wilson sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.53, for a total value of $242,120.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 302,645 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,319,101.85. This represents a 1.30% 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 0.44% of the companys stock. About Williams Companies (Free Report) Williams Companies, Inc (NYSE: WMB) is a U.S.-based energy infrastructure company focused on the midstream segment of the natural gas value chain. The company develops, owns and operates assets that gather, process, transport and store natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs). Its operations support the movement of gas from production areas to end users including utilities, power generators, industrial customers and export facilities. Williamss product and service offering includes interstate and intrastate pipeline transmission, gas-gathering systems, processing facilities that remove impurities and separate NGLs, storage services and fractionation and transportation of NGL products. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Williams Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:WMB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Williams Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Williams Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SelectQuote (NYSE:SLQT Get Free Report) and Ageas (OTCMKTS:AGESY Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, valuation, analyst recommendations, profitability, earnings, dividends and risk. Profitability This table compares SelectQuote and Ageas net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get SelectQuote alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets SelectQuote 3.95% 10.41% 2.76% Ageas N/A N/A N/A Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings for SelectQuote and Ageas, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score SelectQuote 1 3 0 1 2.20 Ageas 0 1 1 0 2.50 Insider & Institutional Ownership SelectQuote currently has a consensus price target of $3.88, suggesting a potential upside of 181.82%. Given SelectQuotes higher probable upside, equities research analysts clearly believe SelectQuote is more favorable than Ageas. 34.6% of SelectQuote shares are held by institutional investors. 13.1% of SelectQuote shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Earnings and Valuation This table compares SelectQuote and Ageass top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio SelectQuote $1.53 billion 0.16 $47.58 million $0.05 27.50 Ageas $14.68 billion 0.95 $1.21 billion N/A N/A Ageas has higher revenue and earnings than SelectQuote. Volatility and Risk SelectQuote has a beta of 1.2, meaning that its stock price is 20% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Ageas has a beta of 0.45, meaning that its stock price is 55% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary SelectQuote beats Ageas on 8 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About SelectQuote (Get Free Report) SelectQuote, Inc. operates a technology-enabled, direct-to-consumer distribution platform that sells a range of insurance products and healthcare services in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Senior; Life; and Auto & Home. It distributes senior health policies, such as medicare advantage, medicare supplement, medicare part D, and other ancillary senior health insurance related products, including prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing plans; life insurance products, such as term life, final expense, and other ancillary products, including critical illness, accidental death, and juvenile insurance; homeowners, auto, dwelling fire, and other ancillary insurance products; and non-commercial auto and home property, and casualty policies. The company also provides SelectRx, an accredited patient-centered pharmacy home pharmacy, which offers essential prescription medications, OTC medications, customized medication packaging, medication therapy management, and long-term pharmacy care; and population health that helps members understand the benefits available under their health plans, and contracts with insurance carriers. SelectQuote, Inc. was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas. About Ageas (Get Free Report) ageas SA/NV, together with its subsidiaries, engages in insurance business. It operates in five segments: Belgium, Europe, Asia, Reinsurance, and General Account. The company offers property, casualty, and life insurance products, as well as pension products; and reinsurance products. It provides life insurance products include risks related to the life and death of individuals; and non-life insurance products comprise accident and health, motor, fire, and other property insurance products, as well as insurance services for other damages to property. The company serves private individuals, as well as small, medium-sized, and large companies through independent brokers and the bank channels. ageas SA/NV was founded in 1824 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. Receive News & Ratings for SelectQuote Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SelectQuote and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ACCESS Newswire Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:ACCS Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 1,804 shares, a drop of 49.2% from the November 30th total of 3,548 shares. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 15,693 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 15,693 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the company are sold short. ACCESS Newswire Stock Performance NYSEAMERICAN ACCS traded down $0.30 on Friday, reaching $8.58. The stock had a trading volume of 6,014 shares, compared to its average volume of 12,895. The firm has a market capitalization of $33.20 million, a PE ratio of -6.17 and a beta of 0.78. ACCESS Newswire has a 12-month low of $7.72 and a 12-month high of $13.35. The companys 50-day moving average is $8.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 0.83. Get ACCESS Newswire alerts: ACCESS Newswire (NYSEAMERICAN:ACCS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $5.72 million for the quarter. ACCESS Newswire had a negative net margin of 23.53% and a positive return on equity of 5.58%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that ACCESS Newswire will post 0.56 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On ACCESS Newswire ACCESS Newswire Company Profile A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in ACCESS Newswire in the 2nd quarter valued at about $163,000. Mink Brook Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of ACCESS Newswire in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $219,000. Geode Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of ACCESS Newswire in the second quarter valued at approximately $362,000. Herald Investment Management Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of ACCESS Newswire during the third quarter worth approximately $956,000. Finally, Bard Associates Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of ACCESS Newswire by 1.9% during the third quarter. Bard Associates Inc. now owns 134,452 shares of the companys stock worth $1,443,000 after purchasing an additional 2,511 shares during the period. 50.02% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. (Get Free Report) Issuer Direct Corporation operates as a communications and compliance company, provides solutions for both public relations and investor relations professionals in the United States and internationally. The company provides press release distribution, media databases, media monitoring, and newsrooms through media advantage platform; ACCESSWIRE, a news dissemination and media outreach service; and Webcaster Platform, a cloud-based webcast, webinar, and virtual meeting platform that delivers live and on-demand streaming of events to audiences of various sizes, as well as allows customers to create, produce, and deliver events. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for ACCESS Newswire Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ACCESS Newswire and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kansai Electric Power (OTCMKTS:KAEPY Get Free Report) and Northland Power (OTCMKTS:NPIFF Get Free Report) are both utilities companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, risk, profitability, dividends, valuation, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent recommendations for Kansai Electric Power and Northland Power, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get Kansai Electric Power alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Kansai Electric Power 0 0 0 0 0.00 Northland Power 0 3 5 0 2.63 Valuation and Earnings This table compares Kansai Electric Power and Northland Powers revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Kansai Electric Power N/A N/A N/A ($61.46) -0.13 Northland Power $1.71 billion 2.00 $198.38 million ($0.81) -16.19 Northland Power has higher revenue and earnings than Kansai Electric Power. Northland Power is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Kansai Electric Power, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Kansai Electric Power and Northland Powers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Kansai Electric Power N/A N/A N/A Northland Power -11.70% 8.60% 2.78% Summary Northland Power beats Kansai Electric Power on 6 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Kansai Electric Power (Get Free Report) The Kansai Electric Power Company, Incorporated engages in electricity, gas and heat supply, and telecommunication businesses in Japan. It operates through four segments: Energy Business, Power Transmission and Distribution Business, Information and Communication Business, and Life and Business Solution Business. The company generates power from thermal, hydropower, wind, biomass, and nuclear power generation plants. It is also involved in the power transmission and distribution business; provision of information and communication services for homes and businesses under the eo Hikari brand; mobile business under the mineo business; corporate solution business; and real estate leasing, sale, and management activities; and leisure, leasing, call center management, medical and health care, and home security businesses. In addition, the company engages in the designing, construction, operation, maintenance, and management of power generation, power distribution, electrical, and information communication facilities, and information and communication equipment; telephone pole advertisement; manufacture, supply, and sale of gas; manufacture and sale of power distribution equipment, such as overhead wire hardware, insulators/bushings, steel pipe poles, concrete poles, etc.; housing equipment sales; remodeling work; and passenger/freight transportation. Further, it is involved in the survey and research on safety technology for nuclear power generation, survey/design /construction supervision related to civil engineering, etc.; acceptance/ storage/vaporization /delivery of LNG; condominium high-voltage batch power reception service business; fuel trading and transportation; and provision of survey, analysis, consulting, and construction services related to the environment, civil engineering, and architecture, as well as public relations and engineering services. The Kansai Electric Power Company, Incorporated was incorporated in 1951 and is headquartered in Osaka, Japan. About Northland Power (Get Free Report) Northland Power Inc., an independent power producer, develops, builds, owns, and operates clean and green power projects in Canada, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Colombia, and internationally. The company produces electricity from renewable resources, such as wind and solar, as well as natural gas for sale under power purchase agreements and other revenue arrangements. It owned or had an economic interest 3.4 gigawatts of operating generating capacity. The company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for Kansai Electric Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kansai Electric Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ProShares UltraShort Gold (NYSEARCA:GLL Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 253,550 shares, a decrease of 51.6% from the November 30th total of 524,216 shares. Currently, 8.5% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 1,236,794 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Based on an average trading volume of 1,236,794 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Currently, 8.5% of the shares of the stock are sold short. ProShares UltraShort Gold Trading Down 2.4% GLL stock traded down $0.59 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $23.69. 1,968,113 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 891,475. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $28.00 and a 200 day moving average price of $35.87. ProShares UltraShort Gold has a 12 month low of $23.44 and a 12 month high of $71.96. Get ProShares UltraShort Gold alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. purchased a new stake in ProShares UltraShort Gold in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $55,000. Signaturefd LLC bought a new position in shares of ProShares UltraShort Gold during the second quarter valued at approximately $56,000. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its stake in ProShares UltraShort Gold by 55,280.0% in the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 8,307 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $185,000 after acquiring an additional 8,292 shares during the period. Two Sigma Securities LLC bought a new stake in ProShares UltraShort Gold in the second quarter valued at $336,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets purchased a new position in ProShares UltraShort Gold during the 2nd quarter valued at $809,000. About ProShares UltraShort Gold ProShares UltraShort Gold (the Fund) seeks daily investment results that correspond to twice (200%) the inverse (opposite) of the daily performance of gold bullion as measured by the United States dollar p.m. fixing price for delivery in London. The Fund will not directly or physically hold the underlying gold, but instead, will seek exposure to gold through the use of financial instruments, whose value is based on the underlying price of gold to pursue their investment objective. The benchmark price of gold will be the United States dollar price of gold bullion as measured by the London afternoon fixing price per troy ounce of unallocated gold bullion for delivery in London through a member of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) authorized to effect such delivery. Read More Receive News & Ratings for ProShares UltraShort Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ProShares UltraShort Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chevy Chase came "back from the dead after suffering heart failure. Chevy Chase 'back from the dead' after heart failure The 82-year-old comedian spent five weeks in hospital due to heart issues during the COVID-19 pandemic and the extent of his health problems have now been revealed for the first time. Speaking in new documentary Im Chevy Chase and Youre Not, his daughter Caley Chase explained: He has basically come back from the dead. He had heart failure. His wife Jayni Chase added: Something was wrong, and he couldnt explain to me what was wrong. So, we go to the ER. His heart stops. During those years he was drinking, he got cardiomyopathy; when the heart muscles get weaker, and they cant pump as much blood out with each beat. Chevys friend, Peter Aaron revealed Chevys loved ones were told to prepare for the worst as he battled heart failure, which can be caused by cardiomyopathy. He said: They decided to put him into a coma for maybe eight days. Thats pretty rough on the body. Caley said: The doctor had warned us: We might not get him back. We dont know how present hell be. Prepare yourselves for the worst. He woke up, all he could do was use his voice. But Caley knew her comedian dad was on the mend when he started cracking jokes with a nurse who came in to rearrange some medical equipment: Caley explained: She said, Im going to have to put this in here. And he said, Thats what she said.' However, it wasnt an easy recovery and Peter revealed Chevy had some cognitive disability and it took a while for him to reorient himself after the coma. He went on: I feel like his memory gaps come from that incident. Chevy agreed, saying: According to the doctors, my memory would be shot from it. Thats whats happened here. Heart failure is what it is. Im fine now. Its just that it affects your memory, the doctors have told me that. So, I have to be reminded of things. HNI Corporation (NYSE:HNI Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 2,827,875 shares, a decline of 53.9% from the November 30th total of 6,139,043 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,372,926 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.1 days. Currently, 6.4% of the companys stock are sold short. Currently, 6.4% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,372,926 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.1 days. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in HNI by 2.0% in the 2nd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 10,537 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $518,000 after purchasing an additional 205 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in shares of HNI by 44.1% during the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 774 shares of the business services providers stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 237 shares in the last quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of HNI by 4.2% during the 1st quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 8,033 shares of the business services providers stock worth $356,000 after purchasing an additional 325 shares in the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers grew its holdings in shares of HNI by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 134,220 shares of the business services providers stock worth $6,601,000 after purchasing an additional 512 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Triumph Capital Management acquired a new position in HNI in the third quarter valued at about $28,000. Institutional investors own 75.26% of the companys stock. Get HNI alerts: HNI Trading Down 0.1% Shares of NYSE:HNI traded down $0.02 during trading on Friday, hitting $42.31. 320,044 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,165,652. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $41.46 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $45.16. The company has a current ratio of 1.33, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The firm has a market cap of $1.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.20, a PEG ratio of 0.60 and a beta of 0.93. HNI has a 1-year low of $38.03 and a 1-year high of $53.29. HNI Dividend Announcement HNI ( NYSE:HNI Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The business services provider reported $1.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.07 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $683.80 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $688.64 million. HNI had a return on equity of 20.33% and a net margin of 5.46%.The companys revenue was up 1.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.03 earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that HNI will post 3.6 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th were paid a $0.34 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 17th. This represents a $1.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.2%. HNIs payout ratio is presently 45.64%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have weighed in on HNI shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of HNI in a research report on Monday. Benchmark reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of HNI in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded HNI from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $75.00. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on HNI HNI Company Profile (Get Free Report) HNI Corporation, founded in 1944 as the Heating & Novelty Company and headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa, is a leading manufacturer of office furniture and hearth products. Over its history, the company has evolved from producing gas heaters into two primary business segments: Office Furniture and Hearth & Home. HNIs Office Furniture division operates under well-known brands such as The HON Company, Allsteel, Gunlocke and Kimball, offering a comprehensive portfolio of workstations, seating, tables, storage solutions and acoustic products tailored for corporate, education, healthcare and government markets. In its Hearth & Home segment, HNI designs, manufactures and distributes fireplaces, stoves, fireplace inserts, logs and related accessories. Read More Receive News & Ratings for HNI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HNI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swiss Life Holding AG (OTCMKTS:SZLMY Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 1,382 shares, a decline of 70.6% from the November 30th total of 4,699 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 15,601 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average trading volume of 15,601 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Swiss Life Stock Performance Shares of SZLMY traded up $0.70 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $59.48. The stock had a trading volume of 4,254 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,048. Swiss Life has a 1-year low of $37.85 and a 1-year high of $59.75. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $55.17 and a 200-day simple moving average of $53.56. Get Swiss Life alerts: About Swiss Life (Get Free Report) Swiss Life is a leading provider of comprehensive life insurance, pension solutions and wealth management services. Founded in 1857 and headquartered in Zurich, the company has grown from its origins as Schweizerische Rentenanstalt into a diversified financial services group serving both private individuals and corporate clients. Its core offerings include life and health insurance policies, retirement planning products and tailored savings strategies designed to secure long-term financial well-being. In addition to its traditional insurance business, Swiss Life operates an asset management arm that oversees a broad portfolio of investments ranging from equities and fixed income to real estate. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Swiss Life Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Swiss Life and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hugoton Royalty Trust (OTCMKTS:HGTXU Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 3,585 shares, a growth of 269.2% from the November 30th total of 971 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 96,174 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 96,174 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Hugoton Royalty Trust Trading Down 3.4% Shares of OTCMKTS HGTXU traded down $0.01 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $0.30. 7,468 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 34,015. Hugoton Royalty Trust has a twelve month low of $0.11 and a twelve month high of $0.63. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $0.31 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $0.35. Get Hugoton Royalty Trust alerts: About Hugoton Royalty Trust (Get Free Report) Hugoton Royalty Trust (OTCMKTS:HGTXU) is a passive oil and gas royalty trust that holds specified overriding royalty interests in producing properties within the Hugoton natural gas field, one of North Americas largest conventional gas accumulations. The trust itself does not conduct exploration or development activities; instead, it collects and distributes a fixed percentage of production revenue generated by third?party operators on its interest acreage. The primary assets of the trust cover acreage in the Hugoton Field spanning southwestern Kansas, the Texas Panhandle, and adjacent areas of Oklahoma. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hugoton Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hugoton Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Standard Bank Group Limited (OTCMKTS:SGBLY Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 72,902 shares, an increase of 206.3% from the November 30th total of 23,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 47,238 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.5 days. Based on an average daily volume of 47,238 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.5 days. Standard Bank Group Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS SGBLY traded down $0.01 during trading on Friday, reaching $17.39. 20,503 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 38,184. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $15.75 and a 200-day simple moving average of $14.33. Standard Bank Group has a 52-week low of $10.55 and a 52-week high of $17.85. Get Standard Bank Group alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Standard Bank Group in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a neutral rating for the company. Investec raised Standard Bank Group from a sell rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Standard Bank Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Standard Bank Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Standard Bank Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Standard Bank Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Raiffeisen Bank International AG (OTCMKTS:RAIFF 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 59,820 shares, an increase of 92.7% from the November 30th total of 31,051 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently ? days. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently ? days. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Citigroup lowered Raiffeisen Bank International to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, December 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Raiffeisen Bank International alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on RAIFF Raiffeisen Bank International Price Performance About Raiffeisen Bank International Shares of OTCMKTS RAIFF remained flat at $42.94 during midday trading on Friday. Raiffeisen Bank International has a fifty-two week low of $27.79 and a fifty-two week high of $42.94. The company has a 50-day moving average of $36.90 and a 200-day moving average of $32.65. (Get Free Report) Raiffeisen Bank International (OTCMKTS:RAIFF) is an Austrian banking group headquartered in Vienna, serving as the central and eastern European platform of the Raiffeisen Banking Group. The bank offers a comprehensive suite of financial services to retail, corporate and institutional clients, leveraging its strong regional presence to facilitate trade, investment and day-to-day banking needs. In its corporate and investment banking division, Raiffeisen Bank International provides lending, trade finance, project financing, cash management and capital markets services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Raiffeisen Bank International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Raiffeisen Bank International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Metropolitan Bank & Trust (OTCMKTS:MTPOF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 3,920 shares, a drop 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 currently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 22,674 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Price Performance MTPOF traded up $0.10 during trading on Friday, hitting $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 twelve month low of $0.76 and a twelve month high of $1.58. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $1.15 and its 200-day moving average price is $1.23. Get Metropolitan Bank & Trust alerts: Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company Profile (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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Metropolitan Bank & Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Metropolitan Bank & Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IP Group Plc (OTCMKTS:IPZYF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 102,591 shares, a drop of 78.3% from the November 30th total of 472,771 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 54,727 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.9 days. Based on an average trading volume of 54,727 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.9 days. IP Group Stock Performance OTCMKTS IPZYF remained flat at $0.79 on Friday. IP Group has a 12 month low of $0.76 and a 12 month high of $0.81. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $0.73 and its 200-day simple moving average is $0.69. Get IP Group alerts: About IP Group (Get Free Report) IP Group plc is a UK?based intellectual property commercialization company that partners with leading universities and research institutions to identify, develop and invest in technology?based businesses. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in London, the company supports the full life cycle of spin-out creationfrom early?stage research through to growth capital and exit. In addition to its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, its American Depositary Shares trade in the United States under the ticker IPZYF on the OTC Markets. The firms core activities include sourcing promising technologies from academic research, providing seed and venture funding, and offering strategic guidance on licensing, governance and business development. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for IP Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IP Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. On December 19, USA Today published an article titled "Guns marketed for personal safety fuel public health crisis in Black communities." The byline of the "article" is "Fred Clasen-Kelly and Daniel Chang, KFF Health News." Most people will not look at the byline. Fewer still will look into KFF Health News (formerly Kaiser Health News). Even if someone did a quick fact check, they'd find that, in searches, both Google and ChatGPT refer to KFF Health News as an "independent" source of journalism. Specifically, Google says KFF Health News is "a nonprofit, editorially independent national newsroom." Wikipedia says KFF "conducts its own research, polling, and journalism. Its website has been praised for having the 'most up-to-date and accurate information on health policy' .'" So, like The New York Times, KFF is an approved member of the mainstream or legacy media. In today's too often politically charged media climate, that isn't always a good thing. But most of USA Today's 250,000 daily print and digital subscribers likely didn't look that far; instead, most readers probably scrolled down on their phones and digested some or all of this carefully crafted approximately 2,500-word propaganda piece written to make people believe guns cause crimes. They likely weren't aware that KFF Health News is endowed by the Kaiser Family Foundation. This San Francisco-based foundation is currently worth about $800 million. It spends around $80 million annually. This "center-Left" foundation focuses on health-related issues. Here's the aftermath to more holiday week violence and the local quotient of killing continuing to rise at the end of the year . . . Check-it: Homicide 3900 blk of St. John This morning, just before 2:00 AM, officers were dispatched to the 3900 block of St. John Avenue on a reported shooting. As officers arrived they located an adult male victim on the sidewalk, suffering from a gunshot wound. They began performing life saving measures as KCFD EMS arrived on scene. Medics transported the victim to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. Just before 3:00 AM, the victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital. This is being investigated as a homicide. The preliminary investigation revealed there was an interaction between several individuals just prior to the shots being fired and the victim being struck. Investigators are canvassing the area for witnesses, surveillance footage, and 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 early morning homicide in Kansas City, Missouri Police said there was an interaction between several people before shots were fired. Victim of shooting in Kansas City's Historic Northeast neighborhood dies in hospital The shooting happened around 2 a.m. in the 3900 block of St. John Avenue. Developing . . . Tonight we have a few more things to consider as we notice the predictable uptick in violent crime at the end of the year and before winter takes hold. Check TKC news gathering . . . Law enforcement agencies around KC metro increasing patrol through New Year's Day holiday Local police departments are stepping up their patrol efforts to reduce drunken driving through the rest of the holiday season. Lee's Summit man out on bond after allegedly scamming elderly widows out of nearly $95K A Lee's Summit man is out on bond after he allegedly scammed elderly widows out of nearly $95,000. Three-year-old girl's death under investigation, two in custody: Police The Higginsville Police Department is investigating the death of a three-year-old girl on Friday. Court records: Kansas City man smashes restaurant windows over condiment charge Court records showed that a Kansas City man smashed restaurant windows over a condiment charge. Man Laughs As He Watches House He Allegedly Set Fire To Burn With 4 People Inside Tylor A. Burgoff allegedly set fire to a home in Independence, Missouri, with four people inside and laughed as it burned. Missouri Man Charged for Online Threats Against Governor Kehoe and Family A 42-year-old St. Charles man has been charged after investigators say he posted online threats targeting Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and members of the governor's family. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says threats were posted on Facebook between December 1 and December 18 under the name "Danny Mertz." Authorities identified Daniel N. Missouri woman admits to selling 2 lbs. of meth monthly after gas station arrest A Missouri woman has admitted to selling 2 lbs. of meth monthly after her gas station arrest. Missouri AG, prosecutor secure grand jury indictment against troubled Kansas City funeral home The Jackson County Prosecutor's Office has secured a grand jury indictment against a troubled Kansas City funeral home. Standoff ends with Kansas City man in custody after alleged robbery of his roommates A standoff ended with a Kansas City man in custody after he allegedly robbed one of them at gunpoint. Jackson County Sheriff's deputy out of hospital after being struck by vehicle in Grain Valley A Jackson County Sheriff's deputy has been released from the hospital after he was struck by a vehicle in Grain Valley on Dec. 17, according to Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forte. 12-year-old boy home alone just before Christmas stops burglar who broke in The boy hopped out a window and called police, who arrived minutes later to arrest the suspect. Standing Watch When It Matters Most: A Thank You to Our First Responders - Northeast News As the holiday season settles in, many of us look forward to time with family, warm homes, and a brief pause from the demands of daily life. Developing . . . Just like a broken-down Santa, we're trying to recharge following the big day . . . But still we wanted to share this quick jaunt by way of pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . After Christmas Burnout Fire damages 2-story carriage house in Kansas City Kansas City Fire Department extinguishes carriage house blaze; no injuries reported. Fans Find Meaning?!? Why the Chiefs' Christmas game against the Broncos still mattered Andy Reid, Chris Jones, and Travis Kelce discussed the importance of the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 17 game with the Denver Broncos. Crafting Political Pottery A Kansas City artist crafts fashion - and guns - out of ceramic. Her provocative career gets a new look Linda Lighton's ceramic sculptures speak to some of the thorniest social issues of our time, like sex, feminism and gun control. A new retrospective at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in Overland Park explores her work. Startup Gambling Advice Retirement savings as startup capital? Little-known legal move is helping some Kansas Citians don the founder hat Russell Luttrall estimated he needed $90,000 to open Heartland Automotive Services as he envisioned. That included equipment, signage, shop preparation and enough runway to avoid immediate cash-flow pressure. "I didn't want to start small again," he said. "If you start small, you stay small." Taste Of Local Good Life Kansas City master sommelier Doug Frost brings you wine recs for the holiday season Every year during the holiday season, Kansas City's own Doug Frost joins Up To Date to discuss the state of the alcohol industry, recommend delicious options for the holidays and taste several wines. 2025 Emo Revival Cont'd 'Emo Cowgirl' Megan Moroney on Taking Creative Risks And Her 'Happier' New Music By fearlessly following her impulses and branding savvy, Billboard's Women in Music Rulebreaker is climbing the country charts - and finding common ground with the top pop girls. MAGA Displays Surprising Unity Ahead Of Midterms 'Loyalty over all': Trump was once known for constantly switching out his staff. Not anymore President's professed satisfaction with his cabinet may be a reflection of how difficult it would be to get a replacement confirmed Progressive Political Flexing JB Pritzker Promises Democrats Will Hold ICE Agents Accountable Illinois Governor JB Pritzker vows that when Democrats win, ICE agents will be held accountable for their actions. The statement underscores the party's focus on immigration reform and protecting human rights. Patriotic Party Time Ahead Times Square ball goes red, white and blue for America's 250th birthday The 2026 Times Square ball drop will shine in red, white and blue to kick off celebrations for America's 250th birthday, with a rare second ball drop planned for July 3. Latest Attack ALMOST Explained What to know about the militants targeted by US airstrikes in northwest Nigeria The United States airstrikes targeting militants affiliated with the Islamic State group in northwestern Nigeria are a major escalation of an offensive that Nigeria's overstretched military has struggled with for years. European On Hope?!? Trump tempers Zelensky's optimism on peace plan President Trump downplayed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's optimism about the Ukraine leader's 20-point peace plan in an interview published Friday. "He doesn't have anything until ... Holy Land Hot Mess Cont'd Two killed in suspected Palestinian ramming and knife attack in Israel Police say the attacker, from the occupied West Bank, ran over at least one person before stabbing another victim several miles away. Cinematic Reflection . . . Martin Scorsese remembers Rob Reiner, calls his murder 'an obscenity' Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese penned an essay in The New York Times on Thursday remembering his late friends Rob and Michele Reiner. Right-Wing Podcast Circus Hits Enjoys Anti-Climax Alex Jones Calls Out Candace Owens Over Kirk Conspiracies: 'Maybe You Were Always a Demon' "I'm pointing the way, and I'm going to now-just because you don't like it-everything she says and does, I'm gonna rip it to pieces." Paying For Good Company Sex Workers Are Sharing The Non-Sexual Favors People Have Paid For, And It's Actually Really Sweet "We ended up watching March of the Penguins , cried together during the movie, then went downstairs to the buffet." Community Makes Bread Overnight proof? Boujee Baker KC rising after decades in the ooey-gooey making When Joyce Watts was a youngster, she would pretend to bake, making mud pies outside, and "hosting" a cooking show. But she left the cooking to a sibling and her mother. It wasn't until she picked up a church cookbook that she delved into cooking for her growing family. Winter Still Coming . . . Warm start to weekend before a big change Temperatures will be in the 60s today but a big change arrives on Sunday Lady Gaga in Harlequin Live: One Night Only is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. On December 26, TURKPA Chairman-in-Office, Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerlan Koshanov received TURKPA Secretary General Ambassador Ramil Hasan in Astana, Kazakhstan, Trend reports via TURKPA. During the meeting, Secretary General Ramil Hasan provided Koshanov with comprehensive information on the activities carried out by TURKPA within a short period of time, including the work undertaken by the International Secretariat of TURKPA. He briefed the Chairman-in-Office on the official visits conducted to Turkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, Uzbekistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), as well as on the bilateral meetings with the Heads of Parliaments and Ministers of Foreign Affairs during these visits. Secretary General also informed Koshanov about the participation in the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held in Geneva, including his address on the activities of TURKPA, and the bilateral meeting with the IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong, during which potential areas for future cooperation were discussed. Furthermore, he highlighted the active participation of TURKPA in the 23rd Autumn Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly held in Istanbul, the coordination meeting of the member states delegations, and the discussions on the draft Roadmap adopted during this meeting, as well as on the development of mechanisms for joint action among national delegations in the future. Secretary General Hasan noted that the TURKPA International Secretariat has prepared the draft Working Plan for 2026, which has been circulated to the parties for consideration and discussion. He also emphasized that submitting an official application, on behalf of the Chairman-in-Office, concerning the obtaining observer status of TURKPA in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly would be appropriate, and stated that the Secretariat is awaiting the necessary instructions in this regard. During the meeting, it was also brought to the attention of Koshanov that organizing an international conference by TURKPA in 2026 on the topic New Cooperation in Eurasia: The Role of TURKPA in Developing Strategic Relations Parliamentary Diplomacy would be highly beneficial. In addition, the Secretary General referred to the matter of holding meetings of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security, and Health committees of the member parliaments within the framework of TURKPA during the first half of the year under Kazakhstans Chairmanship, which the Chairman supported. The Secretary General further informed the Chairman-in-Office about the planned meetings of permanent commissions for the coming year, as well as the recent official visits to Hungary and Uzbekistan, during which issues related to Uzbekistans accession to TURKPA as a full member were extensively discussed. In his remarks, Yerlan Koshanov expressed his great pleasure with the effective and productive work accomplished within such a short period of time and conveyed his deep appreciation to Secretary General Ramil Hasan and his team. He noted that an official visit to Azerbaijan is expected in the first half of next year and stated that he would be pleased to visit the TURKPA International Secretariat during this visit. Emphasizing his support for the issues raised during the meeting, Koshanov reaffirmed Kazakhstans continued and full support for TURKPA and its activities. A wide range of organizational matters and issues concerning the future activities of TURKPA were also discussed from various perspectives during the meeting. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev and Chairperson of the Committee on International Affairs, Defense and Security of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aigul Kuspan. During the visit, Secretary General was accompanied by Deputy Secretary General Talgat Aduov and Chief of Protocol Yadigar Mammadov. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. The Baku Convention Center has hosted the annual traditional Jirtdan mega-show for children in need of special care, organized at the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, Trend reports. The show was presented under the title Jirtdan: Journey Through Time. The first performance was organized for children living in orphanages, boarding schools, and special boarding institutions. In total, 948 children from 17 childcare institutions attended the show. IDEA volunteers also presented gifts to the children. Held on the eve of the New Year, the colorful and engaging performance created unforgettable moments for young viewers, filling them with a festive spirit. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. On December 27, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Alena Aliyeva visited the DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity in Baku, Trend reports. During the visit, Anar Aliyev, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, highlighted the activities of the Centerinitiated by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyevato foster the creative talents of those with disabilities, members of martyr families, children deprived of parental care, and individuals from vulnerable backgrounds. It was noted that since its opening in 2021, the Center has become the South Caucasus's premier inclusive space, serving over 900 people through diverse vocational trainings in fine arts, pottery, music, tailoring, carpet weaving, artistic carving, culinary arts, and stage performance. Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva presented gifts to the beneficiaries of the DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity. They also viewed an exhibition of handicrafts by beneficiaries at the Center. Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva were also presented with unique gifts created at the Center and its various regional branches. The DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Center, achieved international acclaim this year through its successful representation at the Osaka Kansai World Expo 2025 in Japan, with the Center also hosting more than 150 inclusive events throughout the year. Then, a concert program dedicated to December 31 - the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year was arranged, featuring performances by residents of social service institution No. 2 for persons with disabilities under age 18, alongside Center trainers and beneficiaries, accompanied by the Centers Inclusive Chamber Orchestra and Inclusive Ensemble. People's Artists Zulfiya Khanbabayeva and Natig Shirinov also shared the stage, performing in collaboration with the talented individuals from vulnerable groups. Afterwards, the guests were briefed on a pilot project involving a new portal designed for the sale of handicrafts made at the Center. The platform aims to introduce the creative works of vulnerable groups to a broader audience. Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva engaged in sincere conversations with the trainers and beneficiaries and took photos with them. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. Azerbaijan exported 803,400 tons of oil and bitumen-derived petroleum products worth $430.7 million to Portugal from January through November 2025. Data obtained by Trend from the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee shows that compared to the same period last year, the export value decreased by $200.5 million, or 31.8%, and the export volume by 201,600 tons, or 20.1%. During the reporting period, Portugal ranked 6th among the top importers of Azerbaijani oil and petroleum products. Overall, Azerbaijan exported 22.1 million tons of crude oil and bitumen-derived petroleum products to 21 countries, totaling $11.5 billion. Compared to the same period in 2024, this represents a decrease of $1.8 billion, or 13.5%, in value, while volume increased by 576,000 tons, or 2.7%. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. The Turkic Investment Fund (TIF) plans to increase its capital over the next five years, General Director of the Fund Ramil Babayev told Trend in an exclusive interview. Babaev indicated that the present sanctioned capital of the fund stands at $600 million. "Over the next five years, following the establishment of a solid project pipeline, we expect to increase our capital through share capital increases and access to international capital markets. With stronger resources, we will co-finance larger strategic projects and create more opportunities to bring in new investors. With the expected increase in our capital base, our capacity to lend and invest will grow significantly," he said. Babaev added that over the next ten years, the fund expects growth in cross-border trade, increased investment volumes, and improved connectivity across the Turkic region. He also emphasized that the Turkic Investment Fund will actively participate in these processes by mobilizing international partners, financing larger projects, and helping member states strengthen their global competitiveness. "We are building partnerships with international financial institutions, governments, and private investors. Our aim is to use our capital to bring in more funding for the same projects, reduce risks for partners, and attract new investment into priority areas," he concluded. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. The Azerbaijani-Russian joint commission for sharing water resources of the transboundary Samur river has held its 28th meeting in Yarag-Gazmalar village of Magaramkent district, Dagestan, Russia, Trend reports via Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency. The meeting was presided over by co-chairman of the commission from the Azerbaijani side, deputy chairman of the Land Reclamation and Water Management OJSC under the State Water Resources Agency Zakir Guliyev, and co-chairman of the commission from the Russian side, deputy head of the Federal Water Resources Agency Vadim Nikonorov. Representatives of the joint-stock company, the Foreign Ministry and State Border Service of Azerbaijan took part in the meeting. The meeting discussed concerns such as water resource allocation and monitoring on the Samur river between the two countries, collaborative operation of the Samur hydrosystem, and other relevant issues, and signed a protocol outlining intended steps. The commission was established in accordance with the Agreement between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Russia on cooperation in the field of rational use and protection of water resources of the Samur river. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. A new digital library will be launched in Azerbaijan as part of ongoing efforts to modernize library and bibliographic services, the Ministry of Culture told Trend. The Ministry of Culture oversees the National Library of Azerbaijan, the F. Kocharli Republican Childrens Library, the J. Jabbarli Republican Youth Library, the Republican Library for the Visually Impaired, as well as 75 centralized library systems. In response to the inquiry, the ministry said that the total holdings of libraries operating under its system exceed 19 million books. The ministry noted that in order to renew library collections and support the activities of publishing industry entities, it organizes the Publications Purchase competition every year. Based on decisions by a relevant commission composed of experts, books with high artistic, aesthetic, and content quality are selected and purchased. This process, which has already become a tradition, has been further expanded in recent years. In 2023, 546 titles in 41,098 copies were purchased; in 2024, 572 titles in 49,105 copies; and in 2025, 534 titles in 65,450 copies. Overall, during the past three years, a total of 1,652 titles in 155,653 copies have been acquired, the ministry said. As part of the digitalization of library and bibliographic processes, the KOHA Automated Library Management System (KOHA) was introduced in centralized library systems in 2025. According to the ministry, within the framework of this process, bibliographic data for more than 850,000 books have been entered into the electronic catalog. Work is currently underway to make a mobile electronic library application integrated with the KOHA system available for public use, the ministry added. The ministry also provided details on book purchasing procedures and the criteria applied. It stated that the Commission for the Preparation of the Publishing Plan and the Purchase of Publishing Products has been established to prepare the publishing plan for the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and to organize the Publications Purchase competition. The commission is formed from specialists in the fields of culture, science, literature, education, and other relevant areas. When foreign publications are purchased, other experts in the library and publishing sectors may participate in commission meetings with an advisory vote and submit proposals. Every January, based on manuscripts submitted over the previous year and planned state orders, the commission prepares the publishing plan for the current year, the ministry said. The priority topics and areas for the publishing plan include publications intended to meet state needs; works reflecting the results of scientific research in the field of culture; literary works with high artistic value; works on national customs and traditions, holidays, historical symbols, and toponyms; studies on Azerbaijani ethnography and folklore; works related to national cultural heritage and national cuisine; research on damage inflicted on the cultural sphere as a result of Armenias aggression against Azerbaijan and acts of vandalism committed in Karabakh; high-quality works dedicated to the Patriotic War; textbooks, methodological manuals, and other publications for childrens music, art, and painting schools; works by prominent literary, artistic, and public figures, as well as studies, monographs, and memoirs about them; and new-content works covering various aspects of cultural assets. It was noted that the inclusion of manuscripts in the publishing plan is considered based on applications submitted to the ministry. Each February, the commission organizes the Publications Purchase competition. An announcement about the competition is published on the ministrys official website and in other mass media, specifying the conditions for participation. Publications must be submitted to the commission within 30 days of the announcement date. Publications submitted after the deadline are not accepted. Publications that are deficient in content or printing quality, or have a total print run of less than 300 copies, including cases where each volume of multi-volume works has a print run of less than 300 copies, are not eligible for purchase, the ministry said. Special attention is paid to the number of copies, copyright issues, and quality when purchasing manuscripts. Publishing houses, journal editorial offices, printing enterprises engaged in publishing activities, other legal entities, and authors (copyright holders) operating and/or located in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan may participate in the competition. Authors wishing to participate must have a taxpayer identification number or submit their publications through the publishing houses where their works were printed, the ministry emphasized. The ministry also clarified the issue of author remuneration, noting that royalties are paid only for works prepared by order of the ministry. No royalties are provided for manuscripts published with the support of the ministry, the statement concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. Azerbaijan welcomes the efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to de-escalate the ongoing tensions and to promote security and stability in the Republic of Yemen, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry wrote on its page on X, Trend reports. "The current situation in Yemen underscores the necessity to exercise restraint and to prioritize collective work, dialogue and peaceful solutions. Azerbaijan reaffirms its support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Yemen, and commends all endeavors aimed at safeguarding the interests of the Yemeni people with a view to achieving lasting peace, prosperity and development in the country," the statement said. AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, December 27. Another phase of the resettlement process to Vangli village in Azerbaijans Aghdara district was carried out on December 27, the Public Relations Department of the Restoration, Construction and Management Service in Khankendi city, as well as the Aghdara and Khojaly districts, told Trend. According to the department, ten families, totaling 44 people, were relocated to the village during this stage. Upon arrival, residents were welcomed and presented with the keys to newly restored private homes by representatives of the Restoration, Construction, and Management Service. To note, the restoration and reconstruction works in Vangli village are being implemented in stages, with all necessary infrastructure created to ensure comfortable and safe living conditions for residents. The resettlement process is expected to continue in subsequent phases. 12:17 Another group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) has been sent to Vangli village in Azerbaijan's Aghdara district within the framework of the Great Return to the liberated territories in accordance with the instructions of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. At this stage, the return of 10 families (44 people) to Vangli has been provided. These are families who had temporarily settled in various parts of the country, mainly in hostels, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings. Thus, the total number of families returning to the village of Vangli has been gradually increased to 137 families (532 people). Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, December 27. The New Year agricultural fair "From village to city" is being held in Khankendi city, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agrarian Procurement and Supply OJSC under the ministry, the Restoration, Construction and Management Service in Khankendi city, Aghdara and Khojaly districts, told Trend. The fair aims to bolster the sale of locally produced goods, while also offering the public high-quality agricultural products at more competitive prices. Farmers participating in the event showcased a wide array of natural and premium products directly from their farms. These offerings were priced below market rates, drawing significant interest from consumers. The lively atmosphere throughout the day highlighted the positive reception of the initiative among local residents. Held on familiar ground, the fair fostered a festive ambiance, benefiting both producers and consumers alike, and underscoring the success of the initiative in strengthening community ties. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. Projects aimed at exporting green energy from Azerbaijan to Turkiye are currently being evaluated, while broader efforts continue to expand trade, investment, and technological cooperation between the two countries, Tamerlan Taghiyev, Azerbaijans Trade Representative in Turkiye, said in an interview with Trend. Taghiyev noted that opening Azerbaijan Trade Houses in Turkiye could also be considered if there is sufficient interest, noting that Turkish businesspeople themselves must take the initiative in this direction. Recalling that the Trade Representation of Azerbaijan in Turkiye has been operating since 2023, Taghiyev stressed that one of the main priorities is to attract Turkish entrepreneurs and investors to Azerbaijan. Our primary task is to encourage Turkish businesspeople and investors to come to Azerbaijan, establish businesses, and invest here. The second key area is ensuring the use of appropriate services to promote and sell Azerbaijani goods and services in Turkiye. Another important issue is facilitating technological transfer between the two countries and building cooperation in this field. Of course, whenever possible, we also work toward joint activities by companies or entrepreneurs from both countries in third markets, he said. According to Taghiyev, more than 30 visits by Turkish business delegations to Azerbaijan have been organized so far. Within these missions, more than 200 businesspeople have visited Azerbaijan. Some of them have already started operations in the country in various sectors, while others are working on their business plans, either with local partners or independently. We believe they will begin operations in the near future. For example, a Turkish company that came to Azerbaijan through our facilitation recently established a Turkish-invested company here and plans to provide innovative services, he noted. At the same time, the Trade Representation actively visits different regions of Turkiye. To date, delegations have traveled to more than 20 regions, holding meetings with businesspeople in cooperation with local chambers of commerce and industry. During these meetings, Azerbaijani investment opportunities, state incentive mechanisms, and other advantages are presented. Particular emphasis is placed on the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions, where Turkish entrepreneurs are informed about the conditions created and incentives offered in these areas. Taghiyev emphasized that Azerbaijan not only offers incentives but also provides concrete financial and partnership mechanisms. Relevant institutions operating in Azerbaijan, such as the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund (ABDF), offer both concessional loans and partnership mechanisms. This always attracts the attention of Turkish businesspeople, and there are already those who are benefiting or considering benefiting from these opportunities. Currently, every Turkish company that comes to Azerbaijan through us holds meetings with the ABDF, he said. The Trade Representative also highlighted that Turkish entrepreneurs are being informed about incentives and mechanisms available in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. We explain that Azerbaijan has free trade agreements with ten countries, providing access to a large market with a population of 280 million. At the same time, Azerbaijan has Preferential Trade Agreements with both Turkiye and Pakistan. Under these agreements, entrepreneurs can access those markets for products specified in the agreements. In other words, entrepreneurs who manufacture products in Azerbaijan can export their goods and services to these large markets without customs duties or taxes, Taghiyev explained. He did not rule out the possibility of expanding the scope of the Preferential Trade Agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkiye. The scope of the Preferential Trade Agreement can be expanded, and new products can be added. The list of products in the document was compiled based on the priorities of each country and can be reviewed and broadened. I would also like to note that negotiations are underway between Turkiye and Azerbaijan on a Free Trade Agreement, and we hope this agreement will be concluded, he added. Taghiyev also spoke about cooperation in renewable energy and energy exports between the two countries. During COP29, significant achievements were made in the field of green energy, and Turkish businesspeople highly appreciated Azerbaijans role in this event. It is also known that COP31 will be held in Turkiye, where important discussions on the transition to green energy will take place. There are many companies in Turkiye operating in this area. Several companies have approached us with proposals to produce renewable energy in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and export it to Turkiye and other markets. These projects are currently under evaluation. There are also companies interested in implementing similar projects in the Karabakh region, he said. A target has been set to increase mutual trade between Azerbaijan and Turkiye to $15 billion. Taghiyev emphasized that the Trade Representation of Azerbaijan in Turkiye is actively fulfilling its responsibilities toward achieving this goal. Assessing the Turkish market as highly developed and competitive, Taghiyev noted that certain Azerbaijani products could successfully compete there, especially those included in the Preferential Trade Agreement. Because these products can enter the Turkish market duty-free, they have strong competitive potential. That is why we mainly invite entrepreneurs whose products are included in the agreement to Azerbaijan. At the same time, we have organized buyer missions from Turkiye. These visitors are Turkish businesspeople who supply goods to large retail chains in their country or are interested in opening Azerbaijan Trade Houses in Turkiye. If there is sufficient interest, opening Azerbaijan Trade Houses in Turkiye is possible, but Turkish entrepreneurs must take the initiative. We are doing everything we can to stimulate this interest, he said. Taghiyev also commented on the expected impact of the Zangezur corridor on bilateral trade relations. Once the Zangezur corridor is opened and becomes operational, the distance between Azerbaijan and Turkiye will be significantly reduced. This is extremely important because logistics play a major role in trade. Time, convenience, and cost are all critical factors. Logistics costs directly affect product prices and competitiveness. After the corridor opens, there will be much greater momentum in trade. We are already informing Turkish businesspeople about this and encouraging them to take advantage of these opportunities now. We also point out that the Aghdam Industrial Park, which started operating just a few years ago, is already 70% occupied. This shows that opportunities should be seized without delay, he said. Speaking about goals for the coming year, Taghiyev noted that the Trade Representation is evaluating its activities and identifying priority areas. Turkiyes regions are highly diverse in terms of both production and trade. Next year, we aim to visit additional regions of Turkiye and promote the opportunities Azerbaijan offers. Organizing visits of Turkish businesspeople to Azerbaijan remains our main responsibility. We plan to further expand cooperation with chambers of industry and commerce in Turkiye and to meet more frequently with companies that have export potential, as we do now. At the same time, expanding cooperation in technological solutions and implementing other supportive measures are also planned, he concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, December 27. In 2025, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, two resolutions were unanimously adopted by the United Nations (UN): the "United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035)" and "The Key Role of Reliable and Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Ensuring Sustainable Development", Trend reports via the Government of Turkmenistan. This was announced on December 26 by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Security Council. The resolutions were adopted during the 64th plenary session of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. In the outgoing year, 44 meetings of the Cabinet of Ministers, 11 meetings of the State Security Council, and 24 various state-level meetings on key issues of Turkmenistan's domestic and foreign policy were held. On December 2, 2024, during the 43rd plenary meeting of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Turkmenistan, on behalf of the Central Asian States, introduced a resolution titled "Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia," which was subsequently adopted. In the aftermath of this pivotal meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone and the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL), marking a significant step towards regional nuclear disarmament. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, December 27. The Ministry of Health and Pharmaceutical Industry of Turkmenistan signed a contract for the supply of serums and pharmaceutical products with Turkiyes Turk Ilac ve Serum Sanayi A.S., Trend reports via the Public Disclosure Platform of Turkiye. The total value of the contract amounts to $5 million. The official purchase order has already been received, while payment and shipment of the products are scheduled to be completed by February 2026. Earlier, in September, A delegation from Turkmenistans Arkadag Medisina Klasteri Management visited the Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency to gain a detailed overview of the operations at Tashkent Pharma Park. During the meeting, the parties discussed ongoing projects in the pharmaceutical sector, the implementation of international quality standards, and the development of biotechnology. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 27. An eco-technology plant that generates electricity by processing solid household waste was launched today at the Bishkek municipal landfill, Trend reports, citing the press service of the President of Kyrgyzstan. President Sadyr Zhaparov attended the opening ceremony, noting that the facility is the first of its kind in Central Asia. The plant is designed to process up to 365,000 tons of waste per year and generate 30 MW of electricity, helping to address long-standing waste management and energy challenges in the capital. The project was implemented under an investment agreement signed in 2024 with Junxin Huanbao Key Zhi Invest LLC, with total investments amounting to $95 million. At the initial stage, the plant will process around 1,000 tons of waste per day, with capacity set to increase gradually. According to the President, the facility will significantly improve Bishkeks environmental situation, reduce landfill volumes, and contribute to electricity supply. If successful, similar waste-to-energy plants are planned in Osh, Balykchy, and Karakol. Iran's non-oil exports to Kyrgyzstan shift down in 8M2025 Irans non-oil exports to Kyrgyzstan dropped by 2.5% to 39,400 tons worth $72.6 million during the first eight months of 2025. Total trade turnover reached $77 million (42,000 tons), up 0.3% in value but down 1% in volume. Key exports included petrochemicals ($38.5 million), agricultural goods ($20.2 million), and industrial products ($13.9 million). Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Iran's product imports from Kyrgyzstan jump up in 8M2025 Iran's imports from Kyrgyzstan rose by 92%, totaling $4.4 million for 2,720 tons. Key imports included 1,500 tons of agricultural products ($2.2 million) and 700 tons of phosphoric acid ($1.1 million). Total trade turnover with Kyrgyzstan was $77 million (42,000 tons), up 0.3% in value but down 1% in weight. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Azerbaijan's oil exports to Bulgaria surge in 11M2025 From January through November this year, Azerbaijan exported 169,500 tons of crude oil and petroleum products worth $92.3 million to Bulgaria. This marks a $46.3 million growth in value, despite an 88,600-ton drop in volume compared to 2024. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Azerbaijan pulls back curtain on oil export to Denmark for 11M2025 From January through November 2025, Azerbaijan exported 88,200 tons of crude oil and bitumen-derived petroleum products worth $49.7 million to Denmark. Meanwhile, there were no Azerbaijani oil exports to Denmark in the same period last year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 27. As of November 1, 2025, the population of Astana reached 1.622 million people, having increased by 93,542 since the beginning of the year, Astana Mayor Zhenis Kassymbek said during a city administration meeting, Trend reports via the Kazakh government. He highlighted that of the total population increase, 17,265 individuals were attributed to natural growth, while 76,277 resulted from positive migration. This brings the capitals population growth rate to 6.12 percent, with net annual migration inflows nearing 100,000 individuals. Kassymbek emphasized that this sustained population growth is exerting significant pressure on critical sectors such as healthcare, education, employment, and social services, necessitating careful urban planning and a comprehensive approach to development. First Vice Minister of Health, Timur Sultangaziyev, also addressed the meeting, noting that Astana is home to 277 medical institutions. While the condition of medical facilities shows a wear and tear rate of 14.7%, the availability of equipment stands at 82.4%. Despite these positive indicators, Sultangaziyev pointed out a persisting shortage of medical personnel. With the capitals population expanding, particular attention is needed for maternity hospitals and perinatal centers, especially given that over the past decade, the number of births in the city has surged by 45%. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. Irans population could fall to fewer than 40 million by 2101 if current demographic trends continue, Irans Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said on December 27 at an event held in Tehran, Trend reports. This could be considered the greatest tragedy for the country, Momeni stated. He warned that population decline represents one of the most serious crises facing Iran, stressing the need for immediate intervention to slow the process. According to the minister, the National Organization for Civil Registration (NOCR) should cooperate with university research centers to conduct accurate analyses and identify effective measures to prevent this major crisis. To note, Irans current population exceeds 86 million. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed two decrees enacting decisions of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine on synchronizing sanctions with the United Kingdom, as well as on applying restrictions in accordance with resolutions of the UN Security Council. According to Ukrinform, the press service of the President stated this on its website. The first NSDC decision, enacted by Decree No. 997/2025, concerns the synchronization of sanctions with the United Kingdom. Restrictions were imposed on eight individuals and 40 legal entities. These include citizens of Russia, Azerbaijan, Singapore, and New Zealand who are linked to the forced deportation and re-education of Ukrainian children, as well as to the supply to Russia of electronics and dual-use components used in the production of missiles and drones with which Russia strikes Ukrainian cities and communities. The list of legal entities includes companies from Russia, Hong Kong, the UAE, Thailand, Turkey, India, and Singapore that, among other things, help Russia circumvent international sanctions and supply industrial machine tools, aviation equipment, components for Shahed type drones, computer chips, and other microelectronics for Russia's military-industrial complex. Some of these companies are also involved in activities of Russia's energy sector, the import of Russian oil, and the operation of the so-called shadow fleet. Overall, Ukraine has synchronized 14 packages of partner sanctions this year: two packages each from the United States and the United Kingdom, eight from the European Union, and one each from Canada and Japan. Read also: Sweden releases sanctioned Russian ship after customs inspection The second NSDC decision, enacted by Decree No. 998/2025, concerns support for proposals submitted by the Cabinet of Ministers and the introduction of sanctions in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the decision and regulation of the Council of the European Union regarding the situation in South Sudan. Sanctions were imposed on eight individuals from the military leadership of South Sudan. They are implicated not only in the continuation of hostilities and obstruction of peace talks, but also in acts of violence, including against women and children, such as killings, torture, rape, abductions, and attacks on hospitals, schools, and churches. Among them are the commander of the Defense Forces, the head of the Presidential Guard, and the Chief of the General Staff. As Ukrinform previously reported, on December 22 President Volodymyr Zelensky said that by the end of the year Ukraine would adopt several more sanctions decisions against Russian entities, as well as individuals who facilitate the aggression. The sanctions lists will include not only Russian citizens, but also citizens of other states, including China. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home 'Heroic': Makkah Haram Security Guard hailed for saving pilgrim's life The Grand Mosque Security Guard, Rayan bin Saeed bin Yahya Al-Ahmad, is receiving unprecedented praise for his heroic to save a pilgrim who jumped from the first floor of the Makkah Haram in an attempt to end his life Makkah al Mukarramah: The Grand Mosque Security Guard, Rayan bin Saeed bin Yahya Al-Ahmad, is receiving unprecedented praise for his heroic to save a pilgrim who jumped from the first floor of the Makkah Haram in an attempt to end his life. In a video which is now viral, Rayan bin Saeed bin Yahya Al-Ahmad is seen catching a pilgrim who jumped from the first floor in an attempt to commit suicide. Al-Ahmad sustained multiple injuries while trying to break the mans fall and prevent him hitting the ground. Medical teams quickly reached the site and after preliminary check-ups rushed both men to hospital for treatment. In a statement shared on X, the Emirate of the Makkah Region said the Special Force for the Security of the Grand Mosque reacted immediately after the man attempted to leap from the upper floors. It added that the injured officer suffered fractures and that all necessary legal steps were completed in accordance with applicable regulations. Far more than routine duty Saudi Interior Minister Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz called Rayan bin Saeed bin Yahya Al-Ahmad on phone to inquire about his recovery after he suffered injuries in the line of duty at the Grand Mosque. Prince Faisal commended Al-Ahmads bravery, commitment, and heightened awareness during the incident, qualities that demonstrate his dedication to his security mission. He told the officer that his response exemplifies the high principles security forces uphold while serving the religion and the country. The minister characterized the intervention as far more than routine duty describing it as a selfless humanitarian act embodying supreme sacrifice and reflecting the exceptional preparedness and professional capability required to manage critical situations at Islams holiest site. The minister highlighted the unwavering support and care security personnel receive from the Saudi leadership in appreciation of their contributions and sacrifices in safeguarding the Grand Mosque and the pilgrims. "This backing provides essential encouragement for maintaining distinguished performance in security operations", Prince Faisal said. Watch Video As social media filled with the heroic story, Saeed Al-Qahtani, a social media user, praised the life-saving attempt saying: Is it a military vigilance or a human spirit inhabiting that uniform? "Between one heartbeat and the next, and in the heart of reassurance, the security man rescues a desperate soul; transforming the disaster into a heroic rescue story and a smart reading of the features of breakdown before its too late. You are not a guardian of a place, you are a guardian of lives", Al Qahtani wrote. Meanwhile, The President of the General Presidency of The Two Holy Mosques, Abdur Rahman As Sudais, later spoke about the incident, calling on pilgrims to honour the sanctity of the holy mosque, follow its rules and focus on worship. He stressed that protecting life is the core of Islamic teachings, referencing the Quranic verse, "And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands." Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic It was Christmas Eve 2005, and the health plan was closing at 3 p.m. By 4 p.m., the nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and support staff who handled utilization management for HIP Health Plan were already on their way home. My usual role at the health insurance company involved creating quality profiles for physicians caring for our roughly 1 million members. But that afternoon, I was covering hospital admissions so colleagues could take the day off. A somewhat frantic operator called to ask if I could take a pharmacy review. I picked up and asked the caller to wait a moment. I raced around the office looking for anyone from pharmacy staff or any of my physician colleagues as I had never performed this type of review and had no access to the pharmacy system. I was alone in the office. I returned to the call. A pharmacist was seeking prior approval for an expensive medication, one that would allow the patient, currently in the hospital, to go home for Christmas. The pharmacist did not have the clinical details but gave me the doctors phone number. I was able to reach the physician who then gave me the information. I looked up the FDA label for the medication. An approval was clearly indicated, and with the medication, the patient would be able to safely go home that day. Gleefully I called the pharmacist and said, Yes! Home for Christmas. There was a pause. Then the pharmacist asked for an authorization number. I explained that I did not have access to the pharmacy system and that we could reconcile payment the next business day. He said he could not release the medication without confirmed payment. I reminded him that I worked for a multibillion-dollar not-for-profit company that has served New Yorkers for decades and we will be open after the holiday. His response was apologetic but firm: The pharmacy computer system would not allow the release of such an expensive medication unless payment was assured. So, I read him the 15 digits on my American Express card. The patient went home. It had taken 90 minutes to get to yes. The pharmacists had a good laugh the next business day and they called to cancel my credit card charges and provided formal payment authorization. The complexity of coverage Over 95 percent of requests for prior approval are approved, but because of the high cost of some medications neither the health plan nor the pharmacy wants to approve and dispense the drug without a formal review and authorization of payment. The health plan is concerned with inappropriate or off-label use and the pharmacist is concerned with nonpayment. A similar dynamic applies to high-cost radiology services and other vendor-supplied care. Neither the pharmacist nor the radiologist has the clinical detail available necessary to support approval. As a result, a complex, three-way exchange of information among the treating physician, the health plan, and the vendor must be carefully coordinated. This multiparty process creates many opportunities for error. As a result, delays are abundant. All too often the consequence is that patients do not go home for Christmas, or worse. Not all prior-authorization requests are as straightforward as the case described above. In many instances, the requested medication or procedure is experimental, emerging, or supported by evidence that has only recently demonstrated effectiveness for a patients specific clinical circumstances. This raises a fundamental question: What constitutes the authoritative source of truth for coverage decisions made by health insurers? The FDA-approved label defines on-label use for medications, yet many widely accepted therapies are prescribed off-label. Some of the most egregious cases of complications of prior authorization come from cancer treatment. Many new and expensive drugs have dramatically improved survival for cancer patients, but the cost engendered even greater scrutiny. The source of truth By 2017, my understanding of utilization management had increased, and I was confident that I was consistently making the correct decisions. I had just denied one of those costly specialty medications because treatment for that patients cancer was not on the list of covered conditions. The list was provided by the health plan vendor for specialty medications. A call came in from a well-known oncologist. He asked me if I was familiar with NCCN, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. We talked me through a lookup on their website and found the patients specific diagnosis and clinical stage. The guideline had been recently updated to include his patients diagnosis. In oncology, the most authoritative reference is the NCCN, a nonprofit alliance of leading academic cancer centers that produces the widely used NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. The guidelines provided by the vendor were months out of date. Well, that was humbling. I shared my experience with my colleagues so we could try to get a larger fraction of our cases right the first time. Unfortunately, well-accepted and transparent guidelines are not available for most medical services. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issues national and local coverage and payment policies, but many procedures, drugs, and services fall outside explicit CMS guidance. In these cases, health insurers develop their own clinical policies or license guideline intellectual property from third-party vendors to inform coverage determinations. These guidelines are often converted into structured checklists that are embedded in computerized systems to support efficient review. The patients medical record is central to the coverage determination process and provides the clinical context needed to assess medical necessity. Initial reviews are typically performed by nurses and, increasingly, by AI-assisted tools that help identify cases that clearly meet established criteria and can be approved without delay. Requests that cannot be readily approved are escalated to a medical director for physician review. The burden of denial Under current federal and state regulations, a medical director must make an independent determination of medical necessity for each case and provide a detailed denial rationale. In many cases, a peer-to-peer conversation is required, allowing the ordering physician and the health plans medical director to discuss the clinical details directly. In my own experience, a large percentage of denials were overturned after the treating physicians provided information that had not been included in the initial submission. These cases make health insurers look bad. I cannot count the number of times I called a physicians office to request a missing page or a clarifying note that would have supported approval from the outset. My strong preference has always been to get the decision right the first time, rather than deny care and reverse the decision on appeal. Not every case is appealed so statistics on overturns do not reflect the full reality of prior authorization. When a denial is upheld on appeal, there is often the opportunity for an external review or additional appeal. Not all cases go to external appeal but from the patients perspective, delays caused by avoidable denials are deeply distressing. Days or even weeks can pass without knowing whether a recommended treatment will be covered. A Health Affairs article reported that 46 percent of appealed denials are overturned on independent external review. While some reversals may reflect genuine differences in clinical judgment, I suspect that most occur because the original review lacked a complete medical record. The obvious question is whether we can do better. The prior-authorization process has become one of the most visible and controversial features of health insurance coverage, particularly in the wake of the killing of Brian Thompson, a UnitedHealth executive, one year ago. In response to growing public and governmental scrutiny, major insurers have pledged to reduce the number of services requiring prior authorization, expand near-real-time electronic decision-making, and increase transparency around denials. Several health plans have announced the elimination of entire categories of prior authorization. These initiatives are intended to move prior authorization away from the current flawed processes toward faster, more standardized, and more predictable workflows. Meaningful change will take time. A radical solution ADVERTISEMENT After 20 years experience with utilization management at various for-profit and not-for-profit plans, it is now my opinion that prior approval can be eliminated. Thats right, eliminated. We, in managed care, have been punishing the class for the behavior of a few. Gold carding of providers with good track records can be effective if supported by strong audits after the treatment is concluded. Fiscal accountability for consistent deviations from well-established guidelines is essential. This will become easier as the current trend toward value-based payment continues. A tiny fraction of physicians commit fraud, but for the most part, they are retained by managed care companies who feel that they must have these doctors to market a robust network to their commercial customers and to avoid costly litigation. If you want to eliminate prior approval, a stronger approach to managing outliers is required. Lets stop punishing the class and potentially harming patients by ending prior authorization right now. Lets make sure that anyone who can go home for Christmas, will. Edward Anselm is a board-certified internist with a long-standing focus on public health, tobacco control, and preventive care. He earned his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University and completed his internal medicine residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. Over the past three decades, Dr. Anselm has served in senior leadership roles across clinical, corporate, and managed-care settings, including chief medical officer positions at HIP Health Plan of New York, FidelisCare, and Health Republic Insurance of New York. Recently retired from his role as medical director at Aetna, Dr. Anselm continues to teach at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai as a clinical assistant professor. His current work focuses on strengthening reimbursement pathways for tobacco cessation and preventive services, helping clinicians integrate evidence-based care that improves patient outcomes while supporting practice sustainability. His research has been published in the American Journal of Accountable Care, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, AJPM Focus, and Health Affairs Forefront, including articles on tobacco control in accountable care, underbilling of cessation services, and the financial and quality benefits of treating tobacco use as a clinical priority. Dr. Anselms educational and policy work is shared through EdwardAnselmMD.com and The Anselm Nicotine Prescription, with professional updates available on LinkedIn. The news headlines and the online chatter are full of chest-thumping claims from both political parties about saving democracy, scandalous finger-pointing at the other guys, battles over sound bites, and circus antics to grab the attention of the media. It is easy to get distracted by all the political drama and lose sight of important facts. When it comes to health outcomes, the U.S. is leading the world in the amount of money spent on health care services but not getting the best health outcomes. We have shorter life expectancies than people in other industrialized countries. We have higher rates of obesity and chronic diseases compared to other wealthy nations. We also have more mental health diagnoses than other high-income countries, the highest rate of drug use disorders in North, Central, and South America, and the highest suicide rate in the world. While Americans do an excellent job training doctors in the management of medical problems, when it comes to preventing diseases and injuries, we are failing to implement strategies that will save lives and reduce costs. For example, we know that the home environment, and in particular relationships with the people who take care of us, are critical to developing our ability to speak, communicate, and empathize with the experiences of others. When parents are unreliable, distracted by mental health problems and substance abuse, prone to anger and violence, then this increases the likelihood that childrens brains will be wired around fear and their bodies will be mired in stress such that they will have higher rates of obesity, chronic diseases, mental health and substance use problems, and suicide. Given what we know, it would be logical to weigh the odds in favor of healthy homes so that children are more likely to grow up without physical and mental health problems. This would mean investing in families through evidence-based programs and policies. For example, nurse-home visiting programs improve mother and child outcomes and reduce costs for child protection, public education, health care, and criminal justice. In many countries, nurse-home visiting programs are universally provided to new parents, but in the U.S. these programs are offered to a limited number of families if at all. Similarly, access to primary care reduces chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes, and access to mental health care reduces the severity and impact of mental health and substance use problems. However, the U.S. does not offer universal health care and has significant shortages in both primary care and mental health workforces. My own specialty of preventive medicine and public health physicians could play a significant role in facilitating adoption of evidence-based clinical and community policy recommendations, and yet we are less than 1 percent of physicians in this country and we struggle to obtain funding for training since our focus is on prevention and not hospital-based care. So why arent we investing in programs and policies that will lead to better health outcomes? My answer is politics which is tied up in a knot with American culture. In the continuum between making decisions that benefit individuals versus making decisions that benefit communities, American culture is skewed toward individualism. We believe in superhero stories that focus on individual strength, talent, or willpower, and overlook important facts about families, communities, and public policies that are needed for individual success. This shows up in many ways. In my own work, I have experienced the difficulties of shifting pediatric practice from a narrow focus on the individual child to one that addresses the family and community context, such as through partnerships with nurse-home visiting and community health worker programs. Calls to shift pediatric practice to a more family-centered model began over 100 years ago, and yet we are still struggling with barriers that include physician training, billing, and funding of community partnerships. Another aspect of our culture is us versus them thinking. The American pursuit of justice for all has made important detours, like the genocide of native peoples, the enslavement of dark-skinned people, and discrimination against each new group of immigrants. This history matters because us versus them thinking continues to get in the way of improving outcomes. For example, rather than being willing to recognize that mental health and substance use problems affect all people, community initiatives often focus on the the poor who are often assumed to be people of color, i.e., them. However, the data is clear that no one group has a monopoly on mental health problems, and we would be more successful at getting to real solutions if we recognized our common need to learn how to manage stress and promote healthy relationships. Arguably, belief in the American dream and that it should be accessible to all has at times allowed us to overcome aspects of our culture that separate and divide us. However, at this point in history, when the gap between rich and poor is widening while our political system is making it harder for the voices of the majority to be heard, at this point it is critical that we recognize that individualism and us versus them thinking are being exploited by politicians who are keeping us thumping our chests and fighting against each other while failing to deliver better outcomes. The science is clear: investing in programs and policies that nurture human development is good medicine. The critical question is, when will we choose to let go of simplistic stories about superheroes and bad guys so that we can start working together to get the outcomes that we want? Ariane Marie-Mitchell is a preventive medicine physician. Italy reinstates national holiday on 4 October with effect from 2026. Italy will have 12 national public holidays from 2026 after the Italian parliament voted to reinstate a day off in honour of one of the country's two patron saints, Francis of Assisi. The restored national holiday, which the Italian state abolished in 1977 for economic reasons, coincides with the feast day of San Francesco on 4 October. In addition to school and office closures, Italy will organise cultural initiatives dedicated to Francis and the values he embodied: peace, fraternity, inclusion and environmental protection. The date falls on a Sunday this year, meaning that workers and students won't see any tangible difference until 2027 when there will be a long weekend in honour of St Francis. The move, designed to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis, brings to 12 the number of national public holidays in Italy. Alongside the usual holidays for Christmas, New Year and Easter, Italy marks the Epiphany (La Befana) on 6 January; Festa della Liberazione on 25 April; Labour Day on 1 May; Festa della Repubblica on 2 June; Ferragosto on 15 August; All Saints' on 1 November; and the Immaculate Conception on 8 December. Photo credit: Diego Mariottini / Shutterstock.com. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has officially launched the second National Farmed Animal Biosecurity Strategy (2025-2030). The strategy outlines the importance of farmed animal biosecurity in Ireland, as well as ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are aware of their role and responsibilities in practicing effective biosecurity. The strategy has six key objectives: Investigate and use novel methods to distribute information on biosecurity and expand the availability of biosecurity information online. Continue work on developing and publishing Codes of Practice for farm biosecurity. Identify and address barriers to the implementation of effective and consistent biosecurity measures through research, including department and other stakeholder funded research. Collaborate with farm organisations, educational and advisory service providers, veterinary practitioners, and other stakeholders to promote effective, sustained biosecurity practices through evidence-based behavioural change strategies. Increase awareness amongst stakeholders of the legislative obligations and biosecurity related provisions in both national and EU legislation. Continue engagement and collaboration between the Competent Authorities in Ireland and Northern Ireland in relation to an all-island approach to disease prevention and control. Launching the new strategy, Minister Heydon said: I am delighted to launch the second National Farmed Animal Biosecurity Strategy, a strategic plan for biosecurity over the next five years. "The strategy has been launched at a particularly important time with the recent outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and the arrival of Bluetongue in Northern Ireland. Effective, consistent biosecurity practices protect and strengthen animal health and welfare, while also contributing to the improvement of animal production and quality. Preventing disease and maintaining good herd and flock health is essential to facilitating export market access and maintaining our reputation with trading partners. The success of the first biosecurity strategy demonstrates effective planning, hard work, and good collaboration between all stakeholders, and gives a solid foundation for this new strategy to build on. The first National Farmed Animal Biosecurity Strategy was launched in 2021 and its key highlights included: The number of farmers availing of Targeted Advisory Service on Animal Health (TASAH) biosecurity reviews for pigs and poultry increased by 105% from 2021 to 2024, meaning that biosecurity is being more efficiently monitored on Irish farms. The introduction of Bioscore Dairy, this tool facilitates the identification of deficits in biosecurity management practices and comparison between dairy farms and benchmarking nationally. There have been 1,388 reviews completed to date in 2025. Biosecurity Codes of Practice have been developed and published for indoor commercial pigs, poultry, and dairy cattle. Development of Biosecuriity.ie website in conjunction with Animal Health Ireland. Increased collaboration between competent authorities in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Commenting on emerging biosecurity threats, Minister Heydon added: Geographically, Ireland holds a unique advantage in terms of biosecurity, particularly in protection against exotic animal diseases. "However, with recent outbreaks of exotic diseases and the increased threat of other disease incursions, it is important not to become complacent. "In 2025, we saw Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks in three countries in the EU, a wave of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza across Europe, including four in Ireland and the recent Bluetongue outbreak in Northern Ireland. This highlights the ongoing threats we face. Therefore, it is important that we all work together and practice effective biosecurity measures on our farms to mitigate the risk of diseases spreading in Ireland. I look forward to engaging with stakeholders in the months ahead to ensure this new strategy delivers upon its objectives. The strategy will complement the forthcoming Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy and biosecurity measures in place in the aquaculture sector, as well as reinforce other department and agency strategies and regulatory frameworks such as the Climate Action Plan 2025. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will continue to engage and work closely with The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on an all-island approach to exotic disease prevention and control. A copy of the second National Farmed Animal Biosecurity Strategy (2025-2030) can be found on the Departments website. The South East Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign are hosting a New Year's Eve Vigil at 2pm at the Plunkett Station Roundabout, Waterford. Since the ceasefire came into effect in October 2025, Israeli Defense Forces have killed more than four hundred Palestinians. In Gaza, children are freezing to death. Families are attempting to shelter in deplorable conditions in tents, many of which are water-logged and winter storms have destroyed hundreds of tents. In recent days, more than 40 emergency shelters in Khan Younis and Gaza City were destroyed by severe flooding and storms, according to the UN. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor reports that Israel has destroyed more than 85% of homes in Gaza. Israel continues to restrict aid and the entry of caravans and construction materials. The UN reports that their supplies face logistical and security obstacles, despite a so-called ceasefire. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Palestinians continue to face violence, threats, and displacement as illegal settlements expand and Israels government calls for annexation. Mary Lyng chairperson of the SE-IPSC says: The humanitarian situation is horrendous. We call on the Irish and European governments to sanction Israel, to end the European-Israeli trade agreement, to enact the Occupied Territories Bill for goods and services. We condemn Israels restriction of humanitarian aid and commercial goods into and across Gaza. "On my trip to the West Bank in September this year, I heard first-hand about the injustices faced by Palestinians living there. Waterford is twinned with Ramallah and we call on the people of Waterford to gather in unity and continue to show their solidarity and to join the IPSC in our call for justice. Waterfords fishing industry is set to face a tumultuous 2026 following a European Union agreement on fishing quotas that will see Irelands Total Allowable Catch (TAC) plummet. The proposals, which will be effective from January, will see a drop in the TACs for mackerel (70% for the six months of 2026), blue whiting (41%) and boarfish (22%). Seafood Ireland Alliance said the new quota means 57,000 tonnes of fish will be lost, with around 2,300 jobs and 200 million at stake across the wider industry. Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation Chief Executive John Lynch told Waterford News & Star: Job losses can be expected on both sides, on the sea and fishing side and on the shore side and the processing. The impact in Waterford is that we have very little fish to catch next year, so vessels wont be able to spend as much time at sea. According to the Irish Fleet Register, there were 70 trawlers registered across Waterford, as of December 2025. Quota disparity Waterford will be expected to escape relatively unscathed from sharp decreases in the mackerel quota. Stagnating quotas for Whitefish like sole will likely act as the true flashpoint. Waterford Sinn Fein TD Conor McGuinness decried the disparity in sole quotas between other EU member states while speaking at the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs. Belgium secured 450 tonnes of sole while the entire Irish fleet was left with just 28 tonnes. Belgium has less than half the coastline of Waterford alone, Deputy McGuinness said. Overfishing by EU and non-EU operators has devastated Atlantic stocks. There is insufficient fish to sustain current EU-wide fishing effort. However, there is enough to sustain the Irish fleet while meeting conservation objectives. This is not a conservation crisis. It is a sovereignty and fair access crisis. Jimmy Byrne worked as a skipper on trawlers for 36 years across Dunmore East and Kilmore Quay, having left school early to begin working at sea as a 15-year-old. Mr Byrne retired from the fishing industry last year, citing fluctuating quotas that now make the industry unviable for many small operators. He is now studying for a diploma in water management. The drama that comes with fishing now, it really makes you depressed. It gets to you mentally. It's a physical job, but now you're mentally tired of it, Mr Byrne told Waterford News & Star. The lads on the [trawler] deck have children going to school, the pressures they're under, its expensive. You're trying to do the best you can, but you're not allowed to. According to the EU, you have no quotathat's heartbreaking." Mr Byrne previously had run-ins against the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority while protesting EU fishing quotas. In 2012, Mr Byrne handed out roughly 10,000 of over-quota monkfish for free in Kilmore Harbour, rather than releasing them back into the sea as EU regulation demands. Hague Preference One element of the deal that has raised particular controversy has been the role, or lack thereof, of the Hague Preference. The Hague Preference is an insurance policy that can be invoked by Ireland when quotas have suffered a drastic downturn. The condition would allow Ireland to take back control of certain stock when the TAC falls below a certain threshold. Irelands ability to invoke the Hague Preference for 2026 was blocked by France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Denmark and Latvia. The majority of the take from the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone is comprised of British, Norwegian, Dutch, Spanish and French fishers. The preferences blockage, along with other policies viewed as excessively bureaucratic, has led to a Eurosceptic sentiment among Irelands fishing industry. I think we should be out of the EU said Sean Doherty, an inland fisher based in Cheekpoint. Existential threats Mr Doherty (61) has worked as an inland fisher for all of his adult life. His family has been involved in the trade for five generations. Mr Doherty said in the face of reduced quotas, the profession has begun to fizzle out. The small-scale fisheries that were the essence of these villagesthat's all been taken away with bureaucracy. The bottom line is, there's a sense of hopelessness there. No fisherman, say full-time, would advise their son or daughter to go into the job. If they can't pass down their traditions, they're going to die off. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaUS politics JD Vance is now the undisputed heir to the MAGA throne but at what price? Michael Koziol December 27, 2025 6:30am 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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? Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Loading 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 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. As it curves, cuts and carves its way down the West Mayo coastline, its easy to understand why this section of the Wild Atlantic Way has become one of the countys finest and most precious tourism jewels. The ragged and indented stretch of meandering coastline embodies everything that is good for the soul and wellbeing. The relatively new tourism concept, first launched in 2014 by then Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Mayos Michael Ring TD, now spans the whole western seaboard. Stretching from Donegals Inishowen Peninsula to Kinsale in County Cork, the whole road network covers a total distance of 2,500km enriching the lives of all those who wish to embrace it. Its impact is undeniable. By connecting visitors to Irelands stunning coastline and vibrant local culture, it has brought new life to rural communities and opened countless opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed. Its idyllic route is peppered with hundreds of small and large sandy beaches, undulating hills, which skirt the periphery of the vast Atlantic Ocean. Those of us who are fortunate to have our roots anchored in this little slice of heavenly beauty may count ourselves blessed. The reason for this observation is quite simple. Last July we decided to take a short three-day break to leisurely sample the West Mayo coastline section settling ourselves in the most welcoming and hospitable Achill View farmhouse bed and breakfast nestled in the picturesque village of Lecanvey in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, looking onto nearby Clew Bay. From the get-go our hostess Margaret greeted us with a broad welcoming smile and a firm and warm handshake while her granddaughter, Maeve, showed us to our room with equal aplomb and courtesy. Our meals, accommodation and the warmth shown to us were unrivalled. Some time ago we had sampled the scenic delights of the North Mayo trail from Belderrig to Blacksod to Ballycroy, stopping off at Doohoma and finishing in Achill. Each individual location bearing its own distinctive geographical style and character. Its myriad small inlets possess a plethora of gleaming, well maintained and safe beaches in all sizes and shapes with many frequented only by small numbers of visitors and locals who are aware of their existence, thus giving them an allure of privacy and comfort. On our travels to West Mayo last July, we visited Old Head Beach about a ten minutes drive from our base in Lecanvey. Its a sandy sheltered beach overlooked by rocky cliffs in the shadow of Croagh Patrick. A well maintained car park is located a few yards from the beach. The day we were there a heavy mist shrouded the sheltered sandy beach but it didnt take from the enjoyment of all present. This was followed by a trip to Bertra Beach in Murrisk a short distance away. Exposed and facing Clew Bay, it is a popular destination for visitors to nearby Westport and very popular with walkers and kite surfers when weather conditions prevail. The 2km beach is sandy with some rocky stretches depending on tidal times. During our visit we experienced the two facets but thoroughly enjoyed the walk and scenery. The following day we visited the beautiful Carrownisky strand a few miles west of Louisburgh where only a handful of swimmers and board surfers enjoyed the blissful surroundings and warm sunshine. When ideal weather conditions prevail Im told it is a surfers paradise. Another interesting aspect is that Carrownisky was very famous for its beach races where local farmers had the opportunity to put their Connemara ponies and horses through their paces. In times past, races were held on several South and West Mayo beaches because the firm strands made perfect race tracks. Of course, this very popular event is still going strong at Doolough Strand in North Mayo where it attracts huge crowds each August. As a precautionary note, the 2km entrance road to Carrownisky is narrow with many twists and turns demanding slow and cautious driving. On our third day we travelled to Silver Strand, 20km south of Louisburgh, which is a magical but concealed sandy enclave near the mouth of Killary Fjord deep in the southwest corner of the county. Viewing northwards one can see Inishturk and Inisbofin and further north Clare Island. Its an extraordinary and exceptional hidden sanctuary where a timeless sense of serenity and tranquility abound. I believe its remoteness is the very essence of its mystique and uniqueness where its clear blue sea waters and views of nearby Mweelrea Mountains are breathtaking and awesome. It is to be hoped that these sandy coves and secluded seaside gems, which also serve as precious ecological and environmental treasures, will remain unspoiled and widely appreciated and enjoyed by each and every one of us for many generations to come. We will return. Sean Diddy Combs son visited him in prison on Christmas Day (25.12.25). Diddy's family Christmas prison visit Justin, 31, visited Combs - who was convicted on two prostitution-related charges earlier this year and sentenced to 50 months incarceration - at Fort Dix Prison in New Jersey, where the pair had a heart-to-heart. Combs representative Juda Engelmayer, told PEOPLE in a statement: Justin visited him. They talked and caught up on life with each other. They talked about dealing with the hard times now and reflecting on the past and learning from it and how to do better in the future. "It meant a great deal [to Diddy], particularly on Christmas, to have family close. Justins visit lasted approximately 90 minutes. Justin who Diddy shares with stylist Misa Hylton attended Combs sentencing hearing with five of his siblings in October, where he asked the judge to give his father a second chance. According to CNN, he asked the judge for: a second chance at life, a second chance to right his wrongs, a second chance to be the man he truly is. Justin added that his 56-year-old father is a superhero who has changed for the better. He went on: I believe my father still has so much more to give the world and, more importantly, so much more to give his children. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate records viewed by PEOPLE in November, Diddys release date is now scheduled for June 4, 2028. Armed men stand near holy Muslim Quran books and broken glass following an explosion inside Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Syrian city of Homs on December 26, 2025. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close On Monday, resident doctors in the National Health Service (NHS) in England ended their fourteenth round of strike action since March 2023 with the Labour government of Keir Starmer refusing to concede the central demands of full pay restoration and job security. Tens of thousands of British Medical Association (BMA) members took part in the five-day strike, underscoring the depth of opposition to the continued real-terms pay and job crisis. Health Secretary Wes Streetings eleventh-hour proposals to avert the strike was rejected by an 83 percent majority in an on-line ballot organised by the BMA. They provided nothing of substance. Instead, they were based only on a pledge to ensure consistent implementation of existing contractual entitlements; funding of Royal College membership, portfolio and exam fees, a bogus expansion of training posts through the relabelling of existing locally employed doctor (LED) roles; and divisive emergency measures pitting UK graduates against international medical graduates (IMGs). This was overwhelmingly rejected. Striking resident doctors outside Leeds General Infirmary That the BMA leadership even put this offer exposed its readiness to comply with Streetings ultimatum. On the picket lines resident doctors described the offer as an insulting and cynical ploy and pushed back against Streetings attempt to scapegoat them for the winter flu crisis, explaining the NHS confronted a crisis all year round because of cuts. The BMA Resident Doctors Committee (RDC), led by Dr Jack Fletcher, has repeatedly signalled its willingness to work with Streeting to find a credible offer. This relationship was laid bare in Streetings recent letter to the BMA declaring, I am keen to hit the reset button on my relationship with Jack and the RDC if we can end this dispute. Resident doctors are balloting on a mandate to extend the strike action for six months. Streeting launched another venomous attack on resident doctors during the recent walk-out which he denounced as self-indulgent, irresponsible and dangerous. Despite this, Fletcher claimed a change in tone and a constructive approach at the last-minute talks with Streeting which failed to avert the stoppage. After resident doctors threw out the proposals, he repeated that Starmer government was finally understanding the frustrations of resident doctors. In a letter to Streeting he promised to work in a constructive spirit to find a solution which would take strike action off the table for years to come. This is consistent with the BMAs recordfrom accepting Jeremy Hunts 2016 inferior junior doctors contract to agreeing in 2024 to a Labour deal that fell far short of full pay restoration after months of strikes. Systematic isolation of resident doctors It is time to end the isolation of resident doctors by the RDC. Only 16 official picket sites were authorised across roughly 700 hospitals in England, deliberately minimising visibility and participation. BMA guidance explicitly forbids doctors from attending other pickets, insisting that you may only picket your own place of work. No effort has been made to unify struggles of resident doctors across the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, nor to mount a joint fight with consultants, who remain around 26 percent behind in pay. Welsh resident doctors were instead channelled into a separate contract referendum modelled on the concessions of the 2016 sell-out in England. The RDC has also worked to sever resident doctors struggle from that of all NHS workers, whose pay and conditions have also been eroded over decades. Its guidance explicitly bars non-disputing staff from joining picket lines, policing solidarity: hospital staff who are not included in the dispute should not join or form any part of an official picket line. On IMGs, the BMA leadership has echoed the governments promotion of nationalism. Proposals to prioritise UK graduates over IMGs serve to spread division while maintaining the scarcity of specialty places. When Streeting says the barriers have been legal ones, he means such drastic legislation would require overruling laws that protect migrants rights. The BMA has never considered defending these doctors against this. The same divide-and-rule logic is applied to physician assistants (PAs), who were introduced by the Conservatives as a low-cost substitute for doctors amid chronic staff shortages. PAsmany experienced clinicianswere expanded without proper regulation or safe integration, as exposed by the Leng review. Today they face job insecurity while being targeted by the BMA, which has fuelled resentment rather than uniting them with doctors around shared demands for training, pay progression and safe staffing. The issues at stake are fundamental: Pay erosion - Resident doctors are around 21 percent worse off in real terms than in 2008; full pay restoration requires an uplift of around 26 percent. The governments offerlimited to a 1 percent increaseis a slap in the face to doctors working rotas that routinely breach legal limits on hours and rest. Specialty training bottlenecksunder mounting public pressure to address the workforce crisis, the Conservative government expanded medical school places but failed to create a corresponding number of specialty training posts. The result is a severe bottleneck, with thousands of graduates competing for a shrinking pool of jobs. Applications for specialty training rose by 174 percent between 2016 and 2024, while training posts increased by just 6.4 percent. Streetings pledge of 4,000 new training posts simply reshuffles existing LED positions, delivering net zero jobs for the 20,000 doctors without a training post this year alone. Labours 10-Year Health Plan deepens the crisis, speeds up privatisation while imposing annual 2 percent productivity targets. This is an agenda of dismantling the NHS: fewer staff, higher workloads, and worsening standards of care. The NHS is under-doctored, with 3.23.3 doctors per 1,000 people compared to an EU average of 3.94.0. Yet by next year, some 50,000 fully qualified doctors will be ready to work with no jobs available. Tens of thousands are blocked from progression and pushed into insecure locum work, emigration, or the private sector, while the NHS lacks the doctors, consultants and GPs required to reduce the 7.4 million-strong waiting list. Expanding training alone will not resolve this; the bottleneck merely shifts upstream. The Lancet warns that up to 11,000 consultant posts could be unfilled by 2048a reality the BMA refuses to confront. This is not mismanagement but strategy: to intensify competition, drive down conditions, and extract more labour from fewer staff. Less-qualified workers will be pushed beyond their competencies, undermining patient safety. The Starmer government is outsourcing 2.5 billion to private providers and reviving Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) schemes that funnel public funds into private profit. The National Audit Office estimates that nearly 200 billion in PFI and PF2 liabilities remain, extending into the 2040s. Doctors routinely work to the Working Time Directive limit, often performing unpaid overtime, with some registrars enduring 72-hour stretches. Corridor care is routine, with more than 1,700 patients a day waiting over 12 hours in emergency departments. Structural attacks are accelerating: the announced abolition of NHS England with 12,000 jobs cut, and a further 18,000 eliminated across Integrated Care Boards, with over 100,000 cuts anticipated, all met with silence from the health unions. The Starmer-Streeting government, backed by the union apparatus, is enforcing an agenda on behalf of the oligarchy: austerity, market expansion and hikes in military spending. Starmers denunciation of resident doctors strikes as reckless lays the groundwork for authoritarian measures against all industrial action to be used against every worker. The way forward The BMA leadership is clinging to its failed strategy of collaboration with Streeting. The lesson is clear: the BMA defends its bureaucratic ties to the state, not the interests of doctors, healthcare workers or patients. The crisis can be resolved only through the independent organisation of the rank and file: Build democratically elected rank-and-file committees in every hospital Unite resident doctors with consultants, nurses, allied professionals and support staff Oppose anti-migrant and divisive legislation Link nationally and internationally through NHS FightBack and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees Only a new industrial and political strategy to mobilise the working class against the Starmer government can take the struggle forwarduniting the fight for pay and jobs with the defence of the NHS as a universal public service against the governments pro-market offensive. If you are ready to organise, form a rank-and-file committee in your workplace and contact NHS FightBack. The future of the NHS depends on building democratic working-class power now. Blue Moon, Richard Linklaters new film, uses the evening of the premiere of Oklahoma, the first of the famed musical collaborations between composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, to depict the closing chapter in the life of Lorenz Hart, Rodgers previous partner. Ethan Hawke in Blue Moon Rodgers and Hart were the team behind 26 Broadway musicals over a period of some 20 years. Their partnership began when Rodgers, born in 1902, was not yet out of his teens, and Hart was in his mid-20s. In the 1920s and 30s Rodgers and Hart, in Broadway shows like Babes in Arms and The Boys from Syracuse, created such timeless standards as My Funny Valentine, Manhattan, The Lady Is a Tramp, With a Song in My Heart, Bewitched and Blue Moon, the song that gives the current film its title. Blue Moon opens as a drunken Larry Hart (Ethan Hawke) collapses on a rain-soaked Manhattan street. He died of pneumonia four days later. The film then shifts to a flashback for the rest of the story. It takes place about eight months earlier, on the opening night of Oklahoma, on March 31, 1943. For that show Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott) had decided, in the face of Harts increasingly erratic work habits, alcoholism and emotional instability, to work with the well-known Hammerstein. While Hart attended the opening night of Oklahoma and left the performance early, as depicted on screen, much of the rest of the screenplay (written by Robert Kaplow) is embellished or imagined. Hart is shown going to Sardis, the famous restaurant in New Yorks theater district, to await an after-party. He exchanges jokes with the bartender, Eddie (Bobby Cannavale), who is trying to keep Hart from going off the wagon after a period in which he has stayed sober. Hart also banters with Morty (Jonah Lees), a young pianist at Sardis. As the evening drags on, noted writer E. B. White (Patrick Kennedy) makes an appearance and engages Hart in conversation. Rodgers and Hammerstein (Simon Delaney) eventually show up after the premiere. Its clear that the audience went wild for the musical, and the critics are equally enthusiastic. As Hart attempts to engage Rodgers in conversation, they are continually interrupted by a press agent reading yet another ecstatic review in the local newspapers. Rodgers tries to encourage his former partner with the suggestion that Hart work on five new songs for a revival of their 1927 show, A Connecticut Yankee. Hart cannot disguise his increasingly depressed state, which finds expression in a mixture of cynicism, envy, insecurity and bitterness. He has earlier made clear his low opinion of Oklahoma, mocking its seriousness and lack of sophistication. He congratulates Rodgers and Hammerstein, and the viewer knows that he doesnt mean a word of it. As the after-party begins upstairs, Hart remains below, eagerly if not frantically awaiting the appearance of Elizabeth Weiland (Margaret Qualley), a 20-year-old art student about whom he has been fantasizing the whole night. (There is no evidence that Hart met Weiland on the night in question, but Blue Moon is said to have been inspired by a correspondence the two carried out during this period). In answer to Eddies somewhat incredulous suggestion that Hart could not possibly be interested in Elizabeth because his primary sexual interest is men, the lyricist responds that he is omnisexual. There is much ribald conversation along these lines. Finally, Elizabeth arrives. The two repair to the cloakroom where, amid conversation and confidences, the evening comes to a sad and deflated end. Margaret Qualley and Ethan Hawke n Blue Moon Certain choices made by the filmmaker have resulted in disappointing and unsatisfactory results. First and foremost is the decision to focus the movie almost entirely on the very end of Harts life, and the alcoholism and depression that led to his death. These are legitimate subjects to explore, of course, but there is little else to this film except 100 minutes of talk about the professional problems and emotional emptiness in Harts life. This makes for interminable dialogue that does not add up to an illuminating and interesting cinematic experience. With almost no exceptions, the entire audience for Blue Moon will have lived their whole lives after Harts death. The youngest viewers of this story were born more than a century after Hart. They will come away from this film knowing how he died but will see little of how he lived and what he achieved in his 48 years. It is true that the credits for the film include a total of 41 songs, ten of them by Rodgers and Hart themselves, but also many by others, including Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Hoagy Carmichael, Harold Arlen, Dorothy Fields, Jerome Kern and many more. All of this forms just a small part of the immense flowering of popular music, known as the Great American Songbook, embodied in the greatest popular songs and jazz standards from the 1920s to the 1960s. This was also a time of great achievements in the field of American classical music, of such figures as George Gershwin and somewhat later of Aaron Copland, whose work was influenced by jazz and other popular trends. The several dozen numbers in Blue Moon are part of the moviebut just barely. They are present as brief excerpts, and most of them only in piano version. By the end of the film, most will have passed by only as background. The narrative overwhelms the music. All the attention is focused on talk, almost none on what makes Lorenz Hart important in the first place. The viewer will get only the vaguest idea of the music of that era, and of the immense contribution made by Hart as a lyricist. The acting in Blue Moon is for the most part adequate but not much more. Cannavale is effective as a kind of imagined foil for Hart. Qualley does not succeed in bringing her fictionalized Elizabeth to life, but the script may be largely to blame for that. Some actors, like Delaney as Hammerstein, have very little to do. The film as conceived and produced is primarily a vehicle for Ethan Hawke, who has worked with Linklater in many movies (Boyhood, the Before trilogy, Newton Boys) over many years. Another issue that gets mostly overlooked in Blue Moon, aside from one or two references, is the historical period of the Rodgers and Hart collaboration, and how this external world found its reflection in their songs. This is not a simple matter, but it bears some examination. Rodgers and Hart first found fame, in such shows as The Garrick Gaieties from 1925, at the height of what is sometimes called the Jazz Age, or the Roaring 20s. It was a time of growing crisis. This was the period of Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby and of Dreisers An American Tragedy, both published a century ago. The increasingly speculative boom ended in the crash of 1929. Harts lyrics, in the 20s as well as during the Depression decade of the 1930s, reflected an urban sophistication that was part of this post-World War I era. The Rodgers and Hart musicals expressed the moods of a prosperous urban middle class, a layer seeking a good time and at times living for the moment. The songs also reflected a precariousness, however, the feeling that the good times would not last or, by the 1930s, that they would not return. There is a sadness in many of Harts lyrics. Barely five feet tall, he may have been thinking of his own melancholy, including his lack of romantic fulfillment and his conviction that no one could love him, but the songs also touched a chord for many who wondered what the future had in store for them. By the time of Oklahoma Rodgers had had enough of Harts erratic behavior, but he was also, in the midst of the war that was waged in the name of the fight against fascism, being pulled in another direction. Both during the war, in Oklahoma, and in the postwar period of continued collaboration with Hammerstein (Carousel, The King and I, South Pacific, The Sound of Music), Rodgers and Hammerstein fashioned a new kind of musical, an integrated narrative, one with greater social ambitions. Ethan Hawke and Patrick Kennedy in Blue Moon These are classics that are revived generations later. But they also exhibit some sentimentality, a somewhat smug celebration of liberal values in an America that had achieved global hegemony. They captured the spirit of an age of US dominance, first in the wartime alliance and then in the period of the postwar boom and the anticommunist Cold War against the USSR. While the Rodgers and Hammerstein shows were projecting an optimism and a tone of social harmony, the CIA was busily carrying out the most brutal operations on behalf of American imperialism. This was the period of McCarthyism, the Red Scare that intimidated artists and influenced the more uncontroversial themes of Rodgers and Hammersteins work. Hammerstein, who had worked with composer Jerome Kern on the epochal musical Showboat back in 1927, was a talented lyricist. Showboat, with its theme of racial equality, however, had a more subversive and oppositional character than the postwar musicals. Hammersteins lyrics shifted to some extent from a gritty and realistic depiction of racism and suffering, as in Showboat, to a didactic if not conformist approach, one emphasizing a view of America as the standard bearer of democracy. In contrast to this, a pointed critique of the status quo can be discerned behind many of Lorenz Harts lyrics, composed alongside Rodgers music in the interwar years. Babes in Arms, for instance, the show that contains such standards as The Lady is a Tramp and My Funny Valentine, deals with young people encountering racism and discussing communism, themes which were later removed in postwar revivals. Among other Rodgers and Hart musicals were Face the Music, from 1932, about struggles during the Depression, a show that some called Bolshevik propaganda, and Id Rather Be Right, which went so far as to satirize Franklin D. Roosevelt in the year after he had won a landslide second-term victory. The music that Rodgers composed with Hammerstein had a different quality, a broader appeal, compared to his earlier work with Hart. The teams worked differently. With Hart, Rodgers composed first and then waited for Hart to come up with the lyrics, while with Hammerstein the lyrics came first. This could partly explain how Rodgers music changed, in tune with Hammersteins lyrics, which had less satire and sophistication, and were directed toward broader layers of the population. These are some of the issues that are raised in considering the career of Larry Hart. Linklater has made a film that deals, as noted above, primarily with Harts death and not with his life. There is some similarity between his approach and that of Bradley Cooper, the director of the Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro (2023). In both cases the focus remains on questions of the inner life, of psychology and identity, whether gender, sexual or racial, and not on the actual careers and the legacies of the musical figures themselves. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player The eight hunger strikers: From top left to right; Qesser Zuhrah, Amu Gib, Heba Muraisi, Jon Cink (bottom left to right) Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed, Lewie Chiaramello, Umer Khalid [Photo: Prisoners for Palestine] Four young pro-Palestinian political prisoners remain in acute danger of starving to death in jail at the hands of Britains Labour government as they continue a near two-month hunger strike. Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi, Teuta Hoxha and Lewie Chiaramello, remain on hunger strike after three othersAmu Gib (49 days), Qesser Zuhrah (48 days) and Jon Cink (38 days)paused theirs on December 23. Umer Khalid, the other of the eight original hunger strikers ended his action after 13 days. On Christmas Day, Heba Muraisi completed 53 days without food, Teuta Hoxha 47 days, Kamran Ahmed 46 and Chiaramello 32. Death usually occurs between 60 to 70 days without food but could come sooner depending on the health of the individual and their circumstances. On Friday, a group of United Nations 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, intervened to denounce Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmers treatment of the protesters. Their statement declared, 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. They added, Preventable deaths in custody are never acceptable. The state bears full responsibility for the lives and wellbeing of those it detains... Urgent action is required now. The Labour government is spearheading a global campaign of state repression against opposition to Israels genocide in Gaza. None of the protesterswho are on remandhas been found guilty of anything. They have all suffered ill treatment and unjustified blocks on communication with the outside world, due to the courts arbitrary and unjust claim that charges against individuals arrested for Palestine Action (PA) protests have a terrorist connection. In breach of the standard pre-trial custody limit of six months, all the hunger strikers have been held on remand for over a yearwith Qesser Zuhrah held for 16 months. They are demanding immediate bail, the right to a fair trial, an end to censorship of their communications, the de-proscription of Palestine Action and the closing of all UK sites run by Israels biggest weapons manufacturer Elbit. Justice Minister David Lammy has refused all pleas by the groups lawyers and family representative to even meet them. The hunger strikers are on remand ahead of trials as part of the Filton 24 case for alleged involvement in an August 2024 Palestine Action protest of Elbitin Filton, near Bristol. Some are also accused of involvement in a June 2025 protest at the Brize Norton Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire, where two military supply planes were daubed with red paint. Over the past 26 months the criminalisation of opposition to the Gaza genocide has escalated in Britain as the major imperialist powers have allowed Israel a free hand to commit some of the worst war crimes of this century. Over 2,700 people have been arrested in just four months under the Terrorism Act 2000 for peacefully protesting the banning of Palestine Action. Anti-genocide protests have been subjected to strict conditions, and denounced as hate marches. Such measures are replicated in country after country, including campus raids with students being arrested in the United States and elsewhere. A study issued in October by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)focussing on the UK, the US, France and Germanynoted that protests in these countries were powerful indicators of a growing global awareness of ongoing genocide and systematic violations of international law, and of the critical need for citizen action where governments remain complicit or inert. The FIDH added, Yet, as this report demonstrates, such expressions of solidarity are being met with widespread repression, not only under authoritarian regimes, but also in liberal democracies that have long claimed to uphold human rights. It noted that all four countries had weaponised counter-terrorism legislation to crack down on legitimate protest against Israels onslaught in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The brutal treatment by Britains Labour government of the hunger strikers is a step change in this lurch to authoritarianism and dictatorship. The government made clear from the outset that it would not consider any of the legitimate democratic demands of the political prisoners. Instead, Starmer, Lammy and Health Secretary Wes Streeting all refused to intervene to prevent the deaths of the hunger strikers. More than two weeks ago (December 10), lawyers for several of the hunger strikers put the matter sharply in a letter to Lammy: should this situation be allowed to continue without resolution, there is the real and increasingly likely potential that young British citizens will die in prison, having never even been convicted of an offence. But not even the repeated hospitalisation of the hunger strikers and the December 22 threat of High Court legal action by lawyers challenging Lammys refusal to meet their representatives has forced a retreat from Downing Street. Instead, ministers and MPs deserted Westminster for Parliaments Christmas recess on December 18, not to return until January 5. This is under conditions in which one of the remaining hunger strikers, Kamran Ahmed isas reported by his sisteris losing up to half a kilogram a day. Hunger striker Qesser said they are up against a government who think its appropriate to break for Christmas while 8 of its citizens starve in their cells, while Gaza starves all because of the British governments persistent and nauseating commitment to the most unjust Zionist project. Starmers barbaric actions mirror those of Margaret Thatchers Conservative government, which allowed the starving to death of 10 Irish Republicansmost famously Bobby Sandsduring the 1981 hunger strike at Long Kesh prison. The hunger strike was to protest the British governments revocation of Special Category Status for political prisoners of war. Sands was starved to death even as he was elected to the House of Commons, along with two other Republican prisoners (one hunger striker) to the Dail Eireann. There is barely any opposition to Labours historic crime within the Labour Party or parliament more generally. Just 62 MPs, less than a tenth of the 650 in Parliament, have signed an Early Day Motion calling on Lammy to intervene urgently to ensure their [hunger strikers] treatment is humane and their human rights are upheld. Among these just 31 (7 percent) are numbered among Labours 404 MPs. Workers and youth in Britain and internationally must mobilise in opposition to the most concerted attack on democratic rights in history. The basis for this political fightback was explained in an analysis by Socialist Equality Party (UK) National Chairman Chris Marsden this July. The transformation of a party which arose out of the fight for workers democratic rights to organise and strike against their employers into the spearhead of the worst attack on democratic rights in British history cannot be attributed to a few bad leaders. Rather Starmer, a former human rights lawyer turned right-wing zealot, and his government are the end product of a fundamental shift within the very foundations of world capitalism Capitalism is being driven into an existential crisis by its inherent contradictions, between an interconnected system of production and the division of the world into antagonistic nation states based on upholding private ownership of the means of production. To maintain its rule and immense privileges, the bourgeoisie in every imperialist country must wage trade and military war abroad and class war at home to ensure national competitiveness against their rivals. This agenda is incompatible with the preservation of democratic rights. They are being torn up, spearheaded by the attacks on anti-genocide protests and on migrants. Starmers Labour government is proof that Trumps drive towards dictatorship in the United States is only the most advanced expression of a forced march to far-right authoritarianism under way internationally. Workers and young people in Britain and internationally must demand the immediate release of the hunger strikers and all those held without charge for peaceful protest and the withdrawal of the proscription on Palestine Action. Bitter experience the world over demonstrates that protests limited to placing pressure on imperialist governments complicit in all the crimes of the fascistic Netanyahu regime are not enough. A new anti-war movement must be built on socialist, internationalist foundations and based on the working classthe great revolutionary force in societyacting independently of every faction of the ruling elite. This lecture will deal with relatively new material which has been published regarding FBI investigation and infiltration of the SWP, and the additional light it shines on the findings of Security and the Fourth International. Specifically: Donna Haverty-Stackes Trotskyists on Trial: Free Speech and Political Persecution Since the Age of FDR, which was published in 2016 and which informed and was expanded upon by Eric Londons 2016 essay, The Smith Act trial and government infiltration of the Trotskyist movementthe first chapter of the book Agents. The Smith Act Trial The central political event in this lecture is the 1941 Minneapolis or Smith Act Trial of members of the Socialist Workers Party. The Smith Act itself was enacted in June 1940 and made it illegal to advocate the forcible overthrow of the United States governmentpunishable by a jail sentence of up to 20 years. It was, significantly given the events of today, coupled with a sweeping attack on migrantsits official title was the Alien Registration Act. As Eric explains in his essay: Its sections relating to immigration required the immediate registration of 5 million immigrants, 900,000 of whom were soon after categorized as enemy aliens subject to internment and/or immediate deportation. This same law used to target socialists and communists was also used to intern 120,000 Japanese-Americans on the West Coast during the war. This attack followed in the footsteps of the laws implemented during the Red Scare which immediately followed the Russian Revolution and was animated by the same concerns, amplified by the rising social and geopolitical tensions of the time. A quote from the New York Times, which you can find on the Wikipedia page for the Smith Act, is very revealing, and again has considerable resonance with our own times: The Alien Registration Act was merely one of many laws hastily passed in the first spasm of fear engendered by the success of fifth columns in less fortunate countries. Suddenly the European war seemed almost at our doors, and who could tell what secret agents were already at work in America? A year after the law was passed, 29 members of the Socialist Workers Party were charged, breaking down into a group of the partys national leaders based in the SWPs headquarters in New York City, and a group of SWP members in Minneapolis, Minnesota who occupied positions of leadership in the regions Teamsters union, Local 544many of whom had personally led the victorious 1934 general truckers strike and fought to recruit 200,000 members to the union across the Midwestern states. The two charges brought against them were unlawful conspiracy from and before July 18, 1938 to date of the indictment [June 23, 1941] to destroy by force the government of the United States and that the defendants advised insubordination in the armed forces with intent and distributed literature to the same effect, and knowingly and willfully would, and they did, advocate, abet, advise and teach the duty, necessity, desirability and propriety of overthrowing and destroying the government of the United States by force and violence. Making such a high-profile move against the American Trotskyists under this legislation was a highly politically conscious act on the part of the Roosevelt administration and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. The decision to prosecute came one day after the German invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941, which prompted the Communist Party of the USA to swing 180 degrees to a position of full support for US intervention. As Eric writes, With the CPUSA reversing its previous stance to become a pro-war party, the SWP became the most significant socialist anti-war party in the United States. The Roosevelt administration was concerned that the movements principled opposition to imperialist war would make it a pole of attraction for anti-war sentiment in the American working class. Significantly on this score, Hoover sent a letter to the Assistant Attorney General after the Smith Act Trial, in 1943, drawing his attention to a picket organised by the SWP of a showing of the pro-Stalinist propaganda film Mission to Moscow in Times Square. The CPUSA, of course, enthusiastically backed, with all the lies and viciousness of the Moscow Trials, the prosecution of the SWPs members, whom they called a fascist fifth column. Of special concern to the US government were the SWPs proletarian military policy and the proposal for a Union Defense Guard. Comrades know the proletarian military policy was developed out of a series of discussions with the SWP leadership led by Trotsky in the final months of his life; it was aimed at developing a series of transitional demands through which the SWP could cut a path to the working class, and develop its independence from the bourgeoisie, under conditions of a mass mobilisation for war. The proposal for a Union Defense Guard was initiated, again by Trotsky, for the purposes of defending workers and socialists from attacks by fascist paramilitary organizations. You can find Cannons elaboration of both in the record of the court proceedings Socialism on Trial. The crucial point to understand is the centrality of the figure of Leon Trotsky, not only in a general political sense, but to the specific claims of conspiracy that the US government was trying to prove. In the prosecutions case, Trotsky was the architect, the ideas man if you like, behind the plot to overthrow the US government; and his residence in Coyoacan was an organising centre. Trotsky himself was actually listed as a co-conspirator by the grand jury which brought the indictment, despite having been murdered a year earlier. In their opening arguments at trial, US attorneys declared that the SWP was, and forgive the tortured language: an instrumentality framed by a man who departed this life in August 1940, by the name of Leon Trotsky, who at the time of his departure, I believe, was in exile in the Republic of Mexico, and that this party was the Trotsky Party, or the party was dedicated to carry into effect the ideas and the plans and the views of Leon Trotsky [T]he defendants, or a large number of them, with the knowledge of all these defendants here on trial, made trips to Leon Trotsky in Mexico for the purpose of receiving his counsel and guidance and direction from time to time contributing to Leon Trotsky and his activities while he was at the outskirts of Mexico City, in Mexico, until the time of his assassination [T]hese ideas of Leon Trotskys are the ideas of the Socialist Workers Party, and so far as the evidence in this case will show, the affirmative and positive ideas of all the defendants upon trial. Now if you imagine youre prosecuting this case, and there is an individual who is now in the United States, in the leadership of the SWP, and who served not only as a member of Trotskys guard but as Trotskys personal secretary for three years, then that individual is clearly going to be vital to your case. You are going to want to question them on the nature of their conversations with Trotsky, on the correspondence they oversaw, on the visitors from the United States that Trotsky received. Well, that individual existed, and his name was Joseph Hansen. And yet, not only was Hansen not indicted with other members of the SWP under the Smith Act, he was not even subpoenaed. At particular points in the trial, his absence from the list of defendants was quite glaring. As Eric notes, In the course of his argument, US Attorney Anderson asserted defendant Albert Goldmans guilt on the grounds that he was a member of the Editorial Board of the Fourth International [Magazine], with James P. Cannon, with Felix Morrow, with Joe HansenSecretary for Leon Trotskyand others And there is some significance, again as Eric points out, that the familiar name Joe, by which he was not known publicly through the party press, is used in Hansens case. To underscore this point: among the pieces of evidence put forward by the prosecution to establish their allegations of a conspiracy were: A March 1939 photograph showing James Bartlett, defendant Harry DeBoer and their wives posing with Trotsky in Mexico. Testimony that defendant Farrell Dobbs told Minneapolis SWP members in early 1938 that guards were needed to defend Trotsky in Mexico City, and the Dobbs had visited Trotsky in Mexico City. And a reference in Cannons memorial address after Trotskys assassination in which he notes visiting Mexico to help strengthen Trotskys guard. If that was the bar for attracting the interests of the American government, then Hansens activities should have seen him sail clean over it and into the dock. The FBIs investigation We next have to put the fact that Hansen was not prosecuted, despite his credentials as a potential star defendant, in the context of the infiltration of the SWP which we know was underway at that time. Haverty-Stackes book gives the history. Surveillance of the Trotskyist movement began in the mid-1930s, reaching into the SWPs activities in New York and Minneapolis by 1939-1940. However, at this stage, the operation was fairly rudimentary: at the level of paying a janitor to sift through rubbish bins to find information about delegates to an SWP congress. Having decided the party was a significant threat, the FBI worked hard to increase its penetration of the organisation, with a particular focus on recruiting informants within the SWP leadership. As an example, FBI agents approached one of the co-founders of the SWP Carl Skoglund, who would go on to be a defendant at the Smith act trial, in early 1941. Skoglund, who had been forced to leave his native Sweden after being blacklisted for union organising and leading a protest movement among soldiers, was living in the US without the required papers. The FBI offered him permanent residence and impunity if he provided information on his comrades. He refused. The important thing to keep in mind from this example is the offer of impunity, which well come back to. Although it had no luck with Skoglund, the FBI evidently succeeded elsewhere, with its lead investigator into the SWP, Roy Noonan, testifying that the Bureau obtained a major new source in the autumn of 1940. At that time, he explained at trial, more specifically around November 1940, the FBI began to receive significant new information on several of the SWP defendants. He added that surveillance was intensified in February and March of this year [1941]. It was this information which ultimately set in motion the decision to prosecute. Haverty-Stacke writes that, for a long time, the scholarly literature accepted that Roosevelt moved against the SWP essentially as a favour to Teamsters President Dan Tobin, with whom the Trotskyists were in fierce political conflict in their union work in Minnesota, and who had written to Roosevelt in on June 12, 1941. This was also the SWPs claim at trial, and subsequently. But Haverty-Stacke concludes based on her research that ultimately the Roosevelt administration made the move in this case largely because of the intelligence he received from the FBI. She writes that By the spring of 1941, the FBIs investigation had broadened out beyond the Teamsters in Minneapolis to mesh with the existing investigations of national SWP leaders in New York. The SWPs two most active branches [Minneapolis and New York] remained under heavy FBI surveillance, riddled with well-placed informants. And The FBI watched the SWPs national headquarters in New York in particular very closely. Demonstrating that fact, and quoting again from Erics essay: The FBI had full schedules of the national speaking tours before they were publicly announced, as well as minutes from Political Committee meetings. It was aware of who was elected to serve on what national board, including the Control Commission. The FBI had also acquired substantial information about foreign affiliates to the Fourth International All indicating a high degree of infiltration of the New York headquarters. Putting a rough start date on this dramatically increased FBI attention, Haverty-Stacke explains, echoing Noonan, that the Department of Justice had already been seriously considering such prosecution as early as April 1941, based on the independent investigation of the FBI dating back to the fall of 1940 [italics added]. The dates line up extremely closely with what was revealed of Hansens meetings with the FBI by the investigations of Security and the Fourth International. This material has been explained in detail by previous lectures so I will review only the most essential facts to establish the timeline. Hansen met repeatedly with officials at the US embassy in Mexico during August and September 1940. On September 25, 1940, George P. Shaw, a high-ranking state department diplomat, sent a letter to Raymond E. Murphy, also of the US State Department, which read: I am resorting again to a personal letter in order to acquaint you with a desire of Mr. Joseph Hansen, secretary to the late Mr. Trotsky, to establish confidential means by which he may be able to communicate with you and through you to this office from New York City. Hansen, Shaw wrote, believes it possible that certain information may become available to him in which the Department will be interested For this reason he wishes to be put in touch with someone in your confidence located in New York to whom confidential information could be imparted with impunity [italics added]. On September 30, Hansen was informed that his intermediary in New York would be B.E. Sackett, the agent in charge of the New York District of the FBI. On October 23, Hansen wrote to Shaw that he would visit Sackett shortly. As Eric writes in his essay, The public record of the communications between Hansen and the FBI stops after the October 23, 1940 note. This indicates that after Hansen returned to New York, the relationship took on a higher level of confidentiality and was subject to more stringent classification rules, which have hidden the communications from public view. We do know, however, that Hoover personally directed that Should Hansen call at the New York Office, he should be handled tactfully. Two key facts jump out from this record. Firstly, the development of relations between Hansen and the FBI at precisely the time it was able to escalate its operation against the SWP. Secondly, the language used regarding impunity. As weve noted, this was part of the offer made to Skoglund. It was part of the offer routinely made by the FBI in exchange for imparting significant information. What it does not fit with is Hansens explanation for his actions, such as it was, that he was trying to advance the investigation into Trotskys assassination. What need would there be for impunity, in that case? As Eric writes, Hansens request for personal legal protection had a purely individual character. He would not have made such a request if he had been contacting the FBI with the approval of the SWP. And this is of course underscored by the secrecy with which he conducted these relations, as was established by Security and the Fourth International, in interviews and at trial, through questioning of the former and current leaders of the SWP. An additional proof is given, as Eric points out in his essay, by the fact that the SWP did not raise these meetings at the Smith Act Trial, as it surely would have if they had been known ofit would have been a powerful blow against the governments case that it had apparently been cooperating with the leadership it now accused of conspiring against the government. The most obvious and immediate impunity one can point to in Hansens life, after that point, is his escaping prosecution in the Smith Act Trial. Ongoing infiltration of the SWP What happened following the trial confirms that the FBI retained well-placed sources within the SWP throughout the 1940s and beyond. Weve heard in previous lectures how the partys leadership came to be replaced, under Hansen, by the Carleton 12, and about the role that leadership played. The final section of this lecture will make clear that this was the product of a prolonged campaign of infiltration which would have given the FBI faction of the SWP a great advantage in its semi-political, semi-police manoeuvres against the principled Trotskyists. The scale of the FBIs operation was quite extraordinary. As Haverty-Stacke explains, in July 1945, the Bureau went after the SWP with a vengeance [Hoover] continued to gather reports on the party from agents stationed around the country, who worked closely with well-placed informants. He kept up a steady flow of memos to the attorney general highlighting the possible dangers and alleged criminal activity of the party and of individual members found in the agents reports that he also forwarded to the Justice Department on a regular basis. Among those who were the subject of these extensive surveillance reports were leading members, imprisoned under the Smith Act, like Cannon, Vincent Dunne, Grace Carlson and Farrell Dobbs. The SWP was compromised at the very highest level. The FBI appears to have had access to all correspondence that passed through the headquarters and branch leaderships. Of course, given the position of the SWP within the international movement, the implications of this went far beyond the United States, with the US government getting access to reports of Trotskyist activity all over the world, including in the Eastern bloc and in countries run by military dictatorships. In terms of the SWP political activity which the FBI had eyes on, its reports include details of every major party plenum and conference, and full reports of Political Committee meetings. A 1948 memo from Hoover to the Attorney General requests: At the present time an extensive investigation is being conducted of the Socialist Workers Party and the coverage of this National Convention is believed desirable. It is requested, therefore, that you authorize the use of technical equipment in connection with our surveillance work of the national Convention of the Socialist Workers Party. More broadly, the FBI had intimate knowledge of the work of the SWPs branches, as far afield as Omaha, Kansas City, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Seattle, Los Angeles, Mississippi, New York and New Jersey. They had transcripts of branch meetings, full subscription lists to the party press, figures for the money raised by each branch and full meeting schedules. Some of these reports were as long as 80 pages. The details included members home addresses, the ages of their children, their places of employment, their places of birth, their citizenship status and details regarding personal relationships and affairs. They also included the political positions taken by members in discussions. This was a determined effort on the part of the US ruling class against what it clearly, and correctly, regarded as a major political threat. It should be remembered that the second half of the 1940s was characterised by an enormous upsurge of the class struggle in the United States. More than five million workers went on strike in the year following the end of the Second World War alone. The repressive Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 was passed in response to this strike wave. In such a context, the potential for the SWP to win broad layers to Trotskyism was recognised and acted against. Agents were crucial to this effort. A lower-level rung of informers was in place everywhere the party carried out activity. Even more significantly, the records show at least 20 Confidential Informants in direct and regular communication with FBI officials, several of whom, given the information they were able to provide, clearly occupied key roles in the SWP leadership. They were considered so valuable to the FBI that the Bureau listed them as not in a position to testify if the government were ever to bring a prosecution. They were too useful, or their exposure too embarrassing, to be deployed at trial. And the FBI was successful; its agents were able to carry out their activities without detection. In fact, as we know, the FBIs networks remained in place within the SWP well into the following decades. Haverty-Stacke notes that Hoovers continued requests for surveillance were granted by the Justice Department through 1948 and beyond. She goes on: as the Cold War heated up, Hoovers pursuit of the SWP took on added intensity. The investigation of the party expanded with the growth of anti-communist sentiment and the new mechanisms created to facilitate such sentiment during the early 1950s that became hallmarks of the Second Red Scare. Looking further forward, the COINTELPRO revelations brought to light that fully 1,300 informants had been active within the party between 1961 and 1973. All of this was concurrent with Hansens rise into a leading position in the SWPbecoming editor of International Socialist Review and then the Militant from the mid-1950sand with the political degeneration of the organisation, for which he provided the major theoretical justifications. In the early 50s, Hansens writings on McCarthyism adapted heavily to American liberalism. In the mid-50s, he championed the use of federal troops to enforce civil rights as a revolutionary bourgeois demand. He then played a major role in advocating reunification with the Pabloites and extending a hand to the Stalinists, sowing illusions in the self-reform of the bureaucracy in the Soviet Union. Of course, we do not take the view that the SWP was doomed by the FBI operation from the 1940s onwards. As we know, the majority of its leadership led by Cannon went on to play the critical role in the defence of the world Trotskyist movement with the publication of Cannons open letter in 1953. There was a fierce struggle between the pressures and the direct agents of world imperialism, and Stalinism, and the forces of Trotskyism. We also do not take the view that the SWPs ultimate capitulation to Pabloism was purely the result of the work of agents. But nor do we erect an artificial barrier between the two, which in fact shared a symbiotic relationship. Security in the revolutionary movement involves all manner of practical steps. However, its foundation is fundamentally political. It is a culture of political seriousness, consistency and thorough, open and honest discussion which helps to expose those operating with a concealed agenda. It is close attention to the development of cadre, politically informed awareness of the threats posed by ones opponentsin the state and in other political tendenciesand above all an attitude which takes deadly seriously the necessity of a revolutionary Trotskyist party which creates an appropriate atmosphere of vigilance; which does not allow attacks on the organization, let alone the murder of Trotsky, to pass without forensic investigation. The ongoing adaptation to Pabloism in the SWP meant a retreat on all these fronts, giving agents the freedom to carry out their work, including at the highest levels of the organisation. And that work drove out or isolated the principled elements within the party and strengthened the most disruptive forces, those most willing to adapt their politics to US and world imperialism and to its political agency in Stalinism. Both processes were combined in the figure of Joseph Hansen. On December 24 around 11:00 a.m., Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents opened fire in Glen Burnie, Maryland, nearly killing a man. Tiago Alexandre Sousa-Martins, an immigrant from Portugal, was shot by ICE agents after he allegedly attempted to flee a targeted kidnapping operation. A photo shared by the DHS showing a crashed van after ICE agents shot the driver multiple times in Glen Burnie, Maryland, December 24, 2025. [Photo: DHS] The shooting took place in a residential suburb, while children were home for the holiday. According to the Baltimore Banner, ICE claimed that Sousa-Martins tried to drive away instead of submitting to custody. ICE alleged that he drove into agency vehicles attempting to box him in and that officers were in the pathway of the van. An ICE spokesperson claimed agents defensively fired their service weapons, striking the driver. After he was shot, Sousa-Martins van veered off the road and struck a tree, injuring a passenger. Sousa-Martins and his passenger, who was injured in the crash, are both recovering at a local hospital. A Glen Burnie resident and eyewitness, James Hick, told the Banner reporters, Shot him three times. I see him laid out. He added, Guy didnt deserve to be killed, but he shouldnt have tried to run them over. Another neighbor, who did not wish to be identified, told the Banner she saw ICE agents shooting at Sousa-Martins from inside their own vehicles. No video has been released to corroborate any ICE statements. No claims issued by ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or any agency under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should be accepted at face value. Agents and their leadership routinely lie, including in court. Last month, in an injunction restricting federal immigration agents use of force in Illinois, US District Judge Sara Ellis rejected false testimony from CBP commander Gregory Bovino, writing, I do not find the defendants version of events credible. She further noted, Bovino admitted that he lied about claims that agents were struck by rocks. He also denied using force on a man when video showed him obviously tackling that person to the ground. Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino walks with border patrol agents through a neighborhood in Kenner, Louisiana, on Friday, December 5, 2025. [AP Photo/Gerald Herbert] This is at least the ninth time this year and the second time in less than a week federal immigration agents have shot at someone. On December 22, ICE agents in St. Paul, Minnesota, fired their weapons during another attempted kidnapping operation. In that incident the targeted individual, Juan Carlos Rodrigues Romero, was not struck, but the response again involved lethal force by federal immigration police. In response to the Maryland shooting, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller declared on social media that Vehicle attacks on ICE officers are domestic terrorism. Millers statement reflects the strategy by the Trump administration and the ruling class as a whole to brand all opposition to mass deportations and police repression as terrorism. This language is being used to justify the expansion of unchecked state violence against immigrants and the working class more broadly. The facts expose the fraudulent character of these claims. No ICE agents have been killed in the line of duty this year or in any year. By contrast, immigration police have shot multiple people in 2025, including US citizens. In September, ICE agents shot and killed Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, a father and worker in Franklin Park, Illinois. At least 32 detainees have also died in ICE custody so far this year under conditions of systematic medical neglect, overcrowding and abuse. Under these deadly conditions, the Washington Post reported on December 24 that ICE is planning a massive expansion of detention capacity. The Trump administration intends to increase its ability to cage human beings by more than 80,000 by renovating industrial warehouses into mass holding centers. According to documents reviewed by the Post, ICE plans to create what it calls a deliberate feeder system. Immigrants and other targets of the federal government would be funneled into seven large-scale warehouses holding between 5,000 and 10,000 people each, where they would be staged for deportation. An additional 16 smaller facilities would hold up to 1,500 people each. The parallels to the concentration camp system constructed by the Nazis are unmistakable. Just as extermination camps were built along railway lines to enable rapid transport of Jews and other undesirables, the Post reports that these new warehouses would be located close to major logistics hubs in Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, Georgia and Missouri. The larger facilities are slated for Stafford, Virginia; Hutchins, Texas; Hammond, Louisiana; Baytown, Texas; Glendale, Arizona; Social Circle, Georgia and Kansas City, Missouri. Smaller facilities are planned for Chester, New York; El Paso, Texas; Hagerstown, Maryland; Highland Park, Michigan; Jefferson, Georgia; Jupiter, Florida; Los Fresnos, Texas; Merrillville, Indiana; Merrimack, New Hampshire; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Port Allen, Louisiana; Roxbury, New Jersey; Salt Lake City, Utah; San Antonio, Texas; Tremont, Pennsylvania and Woodbury, Minnesota. The construction of these warehouses would more than double the current ICE detention capacity in the United States. Latest figures indicate nearly 66,000 people are currently in ICE custody. The vast majority, 74 percent, over 48,300 people, have no criminal convictions. Among the more than 17,600 detainees located in Texas, the most of any state, is Dulce Consuelo Diaz Morales, a 22-year-old mother who has been held since December 14 after she was taken by immigration Gestapo after picking up some Taco Bell with her sister in Baltimore, Maryland. According to her attorneys, Diaz Morales is a US citizen born in Maryland. Her lawyer Victoria Slatton provided a Maryland birth certificate to the Washington Post and to the Department of Homeland Security. Nevertheless, DHS continues to claim she is subject to deportation and refuses to release her from custody. DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin asserted in an email that Diaz Morales real name is Dulce Consuelo Madrigal Diaz and described her as an illegal alien from Mexico. McLaughlin refused to address the documentation submitted by the family or explain the alleged name discrepancy. Slatton responded that the difference in last names is fully explained by her clients parents having two different surnames and that discrepancies of this nature are common among non-English speakers and do not negate citizenship. As of this writing, Slatton and other attorneys in her firm have still not been permitted to speak directly with Diaz Morales. They only learned that she had been transferred from Louisiana to a detention facility in Texas earlier this week. In one of the few instances where the Supreme Court has ruled against the Trump administration, on Tuesday several conservatives joined the liberal minority and ruled that the administration could not deploy 300 National Guard troops to Illinois under 10 U.S.C. 12406(3). The Court held that the statute permits Guard deployment only when the federal government is unable to execute the laws with regular military forces. Since the US military has not been deployed domestically in Illinois under the Posse Comitatus Act, the attempted Guard mobilization was ruled unconstitutional. The majority opinion included Chief Justice John Roberts Justice Amy Coney Barrett and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, along with the three moderate liberal justices, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elena Kagan and Sonya Sotomayor. Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas dissented, effectively backing unlimited presidential authority to deploy National Guard troops. While the Court blocked the Illinois deployment, National Guard troops are being sent to New Orleans through Mardi Gras in February 2026. This deployment of 350 Guardsmen is being carried out with the backing of Louisianas Republican Governor Jeff Landry, underscoring that the drive to establish a dictatorship is not the result of Trump alone but a concerted effort by the entire ruling class. In addition to New Orleans, Guardsmen remain deployed in Memphis, Tennessee and Washington D.C. National Guard patrol near the Lincoln Memorial, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Rahmat Gul] The branding of resistance as terrorism, the construction of mass detention warehouses and the creeping deployment of National Guard troops are all components of the expanding police-immigration apparatus aimed not only at immigrants but at the entire working class. The trickle of information from the police regarding the Bondi Beach shootings continues to raise more questions than it answers. It leaves huge gaps not only in what happened in the immediate weeks preceding the terrorist attack but in the background of the two alleged gunmenSajid Akram, 50, and his son, Naveed Akram, 24. Sajid and Naveed Akram during firearms training in October 2025 [Photo: NSW Local Court] On Sunday December 14, the Akrams armed with two shotguns and a rifle allegedly opened fire on hundreds of people attending a Chanukah by the Sea event at Sydneys Bondi Beach marking the start of the Jewish Hanukkah festival. Fourteen people were killed on the spot while another later died in hospital and another 40 were injured. Police shot and killed Sajid Akram. His son was shot in the stomach and survived in a critical condition. He was charged last week on 59 counts, including 15 of murder, 40 of attempted murder and one of committing a terrorist act, and has been transferred to Sydneys Long Bay jail. A court this week released a redacted version of police documents related to the formal charging of Naveed Akram which had been placed under an interim suppression order last week. The new order was only made after an application backed by several media outlets. While the detail provided is limited, the police documents make it clear that the terrorist shootings were planned at least two months in advance. Yet the police and intelligence agencies claim that they had no knowledge of what was about to unfold on December 14, even though the domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, had in 201920 carried out a six-month investigation of Naveed Akrams associations with groups influenced by the terrorist Islamic State (IS) organisation. Naveeds iPhone, seized by police after the attack, contained videos taken in October of him and his father armed with shotguns carrying out that the police describe as firearms training in a countryside location, suspected to be in NSW. A video shows them firing shotguns and moving in a tactical manner. Father and son lived in the family home in the western Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg. However, on October 20, they rented a room in Campsie through Airbnb from December 2 to 21, which the police describe as a staging post closer to Bondi Beach to prepare the attack. Police subsequently raided the premises where they found various items, including a rifle, a shotgun, numerous firearm parts, a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and bomb-making equipment. When the Akrams moved into the room in Campsie is not stated. They had reportedly told the family that they were going on a fishing trip. Late on the night of December 12 they conducted a reconnoitre of the Bondi Beach areas, including the footbridge from which they fired on the Jewish gathering two days later. The police documents establish that the two men loaded their car in the early hours of December 14 then travelled to Bondi Beach in the afternoon. However, little detail is provided of the actual shootings, including the number of police on duty at the event, what actions they took, when other police arrived and which police shot the Akrams. New South Wales (NSW) state Premier Chris Minns has stated that just three police were on duty, despite the fact that Minns himself and the media and political establishment have been denouncing the so-called growth of antisemitism in a bid to vilify and outlaw sustained protests against the Israeli regimes genocide in Gaza. Two police were among the wounded. The Akrams threw several IEDs toward the gathering, which failed to explode, then opened fire using a Beretta rifle and two shotguns. The lack of police on the spot left it to the courageous acts of unarmed civilians to try to prevent the killings. Sajid Akram was disarmed twiceonce by an elderly couple who were shot dead, and a second time by a local business owner. Two Islamic State flags were displayed on Naveed Akrams car where the police also seized two iPhones and a large IED. The fact that the terrorist attack was motivated by the reactionary ideology of Islamic State was reportedly confirmed by a video found on Naveeds phone, along with that of their training in rural area. Neither video has been released and it has not been explained why they have been withheld. The police document states that the video explaining their attack was recorded in October, showing the two men sitting in front of an image of an IS flag and with four long-arm firearms and ammunition in the background. After Naveed Akram recites a passage from the Quran in Arabic, the two men speak in English, about their motivation for the Bondi attack and condemning the acts of Zionists. In this video, the Accused and S.AKRAM recite their political and religious views and appear to summarise their justification for the Bondi terrorist attack, the document states, but no detail is provided. Even though they are responsible for licensing firearms, the NSW police have provided no explanation as to why Sajid Akram was given a gun licence after his son had come under ASIO investigation in 2019. Sajid Akram was also reportedly questioned by ASIO. The application for the licence was made in 2020, but only granted in 2023 and used to purchase six weapons. The number of weapons and type should also have raised suspicion, given the owner lived in suburban Sydney. Moreover, three of the six were the same type and model of shotgun purchasesa clear indication that the guns were not simply for personal use. Both the shotguns and the Beretta rifle, while not automatic or semi-automatic weapons, were capable of relatively rapid fire. Also unexplained is a report in the Daily Telegraph that Naveed Akram was given a Class 1 Security Licence in August 2024, enabling him to work as an unarmed security guard and to monitor security systems. Less than a year later, in June 2025, the licence was revoked. The police, who issue the licences, have not explained why. Premier Minns has promised a state-based royal commission into the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. Far from establishing the truth, such a royal commission will simply give a judicial imprimatur to the cover-up that is well underway into the responsibility of the NSW police for what took place at Bondi Beach on December 14. The federal Labor government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is also under pressure to hold a royal commission into the shootings. Albanese, who is under fire from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the opposition Liberal-National Coalition and the media, for his supposed weak response and failure to crack down on antisemitism, has so far refused to call such an inquiry. Rather than weakness, Albaneses opposition is likely motivated by other considerations. A federal royal commission, unlike a state-based one, would be compelled to examine the role of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), ASIO and the foreign intelligence agency, ASIS, in relation to the Bondi Beach attack. While hearings would almost certainly be held behind closed doors, a royal commission could uncover unwelcome facts about what the police and intelligence agencies knew about the Akrams prior to December 14. All these agencies have been greatly expanded over the past two decades as part of the bogus war on terror. It is simply not credible that the AFP, ASIO and ASIS knew nothing about the evolution of Naveed Akram from a 19- or 20-year-old youth in 2019, associated with two men convicted of terrorism offences stemming from their support for Islamic State, into a terrorist capable of gunning down innocent people in the name of its reactionary ideology. If nothing else, the trip in November made by the Akrams to Davao City on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, known for the activities of Islamist extremists, including those associated with Islamic State, is an obvious red flag. In 2017, armed Islamists took over the city of Marawi and fought a bloody five-month battle before Philippine armed forces finally recaptured it. While an unnamed senior counter-intelligence official told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that the Akrams received militant training in Mindanao, no details were provided. Both the Philippine and Australian police and intelligence agencies are determined to keep a lid on the activities of the two alleged Bondi Beach gunmen. Philippine national security adviser Eduardo Ano claims that the Akrams never left Davao nor received military-style training in the country. Philippine immigration officials have confirmed that the Akrams were in the Philippines from November 1 to 28 and visited Davao. The only other information has been provided by various journalists who have travelled to Mindanao. The Akrams stayed in the cheap GV Hotel where staff said they spent most of their time in their room. Visits included to a gun shop, where nothing was bought, an Islamic centre, an ATM and a beachside resort, according to a police source cited by the ABC. A unnamed senior police investigator told the ABC that the pair may have travelled out of the city, citing the fact that a cell phone they used was detected twice in other areas, including Mlang in North Cotabato that border areas where Islamic extremists are still thought to be operating. While too brief to receive militant training, the most likely explanation for a month-long stay in a dingy hotel room was to receive Islamic State blessing for the planned terrorist attack. Whether to receive militant training or obtain formal IS approval, Naveed and Sajid Akram must have had connections prior to leaving for the Philippines. Levi West, an Australian National University research fellow, told the ABC: You cant just go to the southern Philippines and show up at an IS-run training camp and ask; theres a level of connectivity and a set of relationships that you would need to have in place. That leads back to Australia, as neither of the Akrams had previously travelled to the Philippines. How could the two have established connections to an affiliated IS organisation in Mindanao without organised assistance in Sydney? That only puts a big question mark above ASIOs claim that after the 2019 investigation Naveed Akram was not considered to pose a security threat. The official narrative is fundamentally flawed. A cover-up is underway to shield the police and intelligence agencies. Any deficiencies exposed in official investigations will be exploited to justify a further major boost to the state security apparatus. IYSSE spokesperson Tamino Dreisam in an interview with RT, December 23, 2025 [Photo: RT] The reintroduction of conscription passed by Germanys federal parliament, the Bundestag, marks a decisive escalation of Berlins pro-war policy. Under the pretext of an alleged Russian threat, an entire generation of young people is being prepared for a new imperialist war, while the ruling class is pushing through the largest rearmament offensive since the founding of the Federal Republic following the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. In an interview with broadcaster RT, Tamino Dreisam, spokesperson of the International Youth and Students for Socialist Equality (IYSSE) in Germany, sharply condemns this development and links the spontaneous outrage of young people with a conscious socialist and internationalist perspective. At the centre of the new legislation was a model of military service that is officially marketed as a modernised and voluntary solution. In reality, however, the law provided for a needs-based conscription, which can be activated if recruitment targets are not met. All 18-year-old men are to be registered, medically examined and drawn into a tightly meshed military selection process. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (Social Democratic Party, SPD) presented this as a contribution to the defence of freedom and democracy in a cynical propaganda offensive aimed at securing cannon fodder for NATOs strategies. From the outset, Dreisam placed this development in a broader historical and international context. The reintroduction of conscription is part of a wider militarisation, he explained, pointing out that Germany was currently carrying out the greatest militarisation in the history of the Federal Republic. The federal government has openly formulated the goal of being able, within three years, to defeat Russia, a nuclear power, in a war, a statement Dreisam unambiguously described as truly insane. In doing so, he made clear that the ruling class is not pursuing a defensive policy, but an offensive great-power strategy that objectively points toward the danger of a Third World War. Contrary to the official narrative that rearmament serves defence, the rule of law or alleged human rights, Dreisam identified the real motives of the ruling class. All the reasons behind this militarisation do not lie in the fight for freedom and democracy. They were clearly the same interests as in the last two world wars: profits and economic interests, as well as the protection of trade routes. The unconditional support of the German government for Israels genocide in Gaza demonstrated that the talk of democracy and human rights is pure hypocrisy. While Berlin helped secure the destruction of the Palestinian population militarily and diplomatically, a police state was being built up at home against opponents of war, and the state apparatus was being armed for new imperialist adventures. Asked why not only Germany but also France, Poland, Britain and Italy are massively expanding their armies, Dreisam referred to the fundamental contradictions of the capitalist world system. What is currently happening is the global collapse of capitalism, he explained. It is the same contradictions of capitalism that in the past led to two world wars: the struggle for profits and the rivalry of nation states. By linking current war policy to the experiences of 1914 and 1939, Dreisam made clear that this is not a national aberration or the mistakes of individual politicians, but a historical phase in which the insolubility of the capitalist crisis is driving ruling classes worldwide toward war and reaction. Our perspective is an international perspective, Dreisam emphasised. The IYSSE is an international movement and fights to mobilise young people and students not only in Germany against militarism, but throughout the worldin the United States, France, and also in Ukraine and Russiain order to build a united movement against war. In conscious opposition to all pseudo-left tendencies that tied themselves to the course being pursued by NATO or defend a national military strategy, he made clear that the working class in all countries has a common enemy: the capitalist system and its governments, whether in Berlin, Moscow, Washington or Kiev. An important focus of the interview was the mass protests of December 5. On that day, around 55,000 school pupils took part in a nationwide school strike in more than 90 cities, protesting against the conscription law and rearmament. Dreisam rejected the claim that opinion polls show growing support for voluntary military service. There is mass opposition in the German population and among German youth to militarism, he explained. The school strike demonstrated how broad and deep-rooted this opposition is among young people. Everyone in Germany knows its history, where the country has already once tried to grasp for global power, he said, directly linking the deep rejection of militarism to the historical experiences of German imperialism. This opposition was not confined to youth alone but reflected a broader mood within the working class. Dreisam reported that this rejection is evident not only in classrooms, but also in conversations with ordinary workers on the street. He explicitly warned against trusting opinion polls and government propaganda that seek to create the impression of approval and emphasised that the real mood is expressed in strikes, demonstrations and growing discontent. The protests of December 5 were, in this assessment, only the beginning of a broader social resistance. As spokesperson of the IYSSE in Germany, Dreisam describes the mood among young people as unmistakable: The mood is deeply anti-militarist, especially among young people. There was an awareness that We do not want to die for the interests of the rich, for profit interests. We do not want to give our lives for that. This simple formulation clearly expresses the class line of the conflict: on the one side, a small wealthy elite that profits from wars, on the other, millions of young people who are supposed to pay the price of the crisis as soldiers, workers and unemployed. Dreisam described the task of the IYSSE and the Trotskyist movement associated with it, not merely in reflecting the anger that already exists, but in politically clarifying and orienting it. Our movement is fighting to link this deeply rooted anti-militarist opposition with a real understanding of what is happeningthat it is not just the stupid ideas of a few politicians, but objective processes in the collapse of capitalism worldwide. In particular, he rejected the notion of reducing the problem to changes in political personnel, the coalition government of the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats, or individual wrong decisions. Instead, stressing that the struggle against war must be consciously linked with the struggle against the capitalist system and for a socialist social order. In the final part of the interview, Dreisam turned to the perspectives for the coming months and years. Militarisation was proceeding together with mass layoffs in industry ... every week thousands of workers are being laid off, anger is growing. Indeed, it was becoming clearer by the day that the costs of rearmament and the pro-war policy are being paid for through social cuts, plant closures and a massive redistribution of social wealth upwards. The central question, he emphasised, is whether the working class will understand that these issues are connected with militarism, with social cuts and mass layoffs, that they are connected with class rule, with capitalism. Dreisam summarised this perspective in a clear conclusion: We are heading into major class battles, and the outcome will be decided in this struggle, in the building of a conscious socialist movement. This succinctly captures the line developed by the World Socialist Web Site since the beginning of the new war offensive: preventing a third world war, rejecting the reintroduction of conscription and defending democratic and social rights are inseparably linked with building an international revolutionary leadership in the working class. The central task consists in transforming the spontaneous outrage of youth and workers against war and social cuts into a conscious, organised movement for the seizure of power by the working class and the socialist reorganisation of society. Nigeria police, Anti-Bomb squad, secure the scene of a US airstrike in Northwest, Jabo, Nigeria, Friday, December 26, 2025. [AP Photo/Tunde Omolehin] On Christmas Day, the US military launched multiple cruise missile strikes against targets in northwest Nigeria, which the White House claims killed several ISIS militants and were conducted at the request of the Nigerian government. Trump administration and Nigerian officials have publicly framed the operation as a joint counterterror mission. News media reported that the operation included missiles launched from at least one US Navy vessel positioned in the Gulf of Guinea against targets in Sokoto State, in Nigerias northwest. A US military source told the New York Times that over a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired, striking two ISIS camps, while US Africa Command (AFRICOM) described airstrikes that killed multiple ISIS terrorists. The US source stressed that the strikes were carried out with Tomahawk cruise missiles, ship-launched long-range precision weapons repeatedly used by US imperialism in its attacks on Iraq, Syria, Libya and other countries. Media and Pentagon accounts also refer more generally to airstrikes, implying the additional likely use of carrier- or land-based aircraft, though details remain classified. US officials indicated that the strikes involved US Navy Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles launched from a surface vessel, almost certainly a Block IV/V Tactical Tomahawk-type weapon. These are long-range, subsonic, GPS-guided missiles designed for deep land-attack missions, capable of being retargeted in flight and delivering a 1,000-lb-class high-explosive unitary warhead with high accuracy against fixed ground targets, such as the camps hit in Sokoto State. The Pentagon released video of at least one missile launching from a US Navy vessel after the Nigeria operation, and US defense officials told the press that the strike was conducted from a ship in the region, pointing to standard Tomahawk ship-launched profiles. Details about the number of people killed in the strikes remain unknown at the time of this writing. AFRICOMs initial assessment only says the operation killed multiple ISIS militants/terrorists, without further information. A post by AFRICOM on X corroborated media reports, saying the targets were described as Islamic State or ISIL/ISIS militants in rural parts of Sokoto, an area where various armed groups operate amid the social crisis produced by decades of imperialist-imposed underdevelopment. President Trump boasted that the terrorists really got hit hard, declaring the strikes to be numerous and deadly, while refusing to provide basic details on targets or casualties. Civilian casualty numbers remain contested as AFRICOMs statement speaks only of killing multiple ISIS terrorists, while US broadcast reports note that the administration did not offer additional details like what was specifically targeted or the number of casualties. AFRICOMs official communication stated that it had launched the strikes at the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State, killing multiple ISIS terrorists, presenting the attack as a seamless exercise in joint counterterrorism. The command framed the mission as a success, while omitting any reference to civilian harm or the broader destabilizing impact of US militarization in the Sahel and West Africa. The official US justification for the operation is that it is part of the war on ISIS, targeting militants allegedly responsible for attacks on Christians in northern Nigeria. Trump had spent weeks publicly accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians and, according to coverage by National Public Radio (NPR), portrayed the December 25 attack as a long-overdue response to an existential threat to Christianity in the country. In a WABC radio interview, Trump hailed the attack, boasting that the ISIS terrorists really got hit hard yesterday and that they had received a very bad Christmas present. On Truth Social, Trump wrote that under my leadership, our country will not permit Radical Islamic Terrorism to thrive, and that ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria had been targeting and brutally murdering innocent Christians at unprecedented levels, not seen in many years, even centuries. Along with this declaration, Trump said that there will be many more dead terrorists if their attacks on Christians persist, effectively promising an open-ended campaign of US imperialist attacks on Nigeria and anyone else the fascist president designates. The claim that a Christian genocide is unfolding in Nigeria is a hoax, no different in substance from Washingtons claims about narco-terrorism in Venezuela or white genocide in South Africa. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), an independent and widely cited violence monitor, directly contradicts this narrative. ACLED records show that Islamist and other armed groups operating in northern Nigeria have attacked both churches and mosques, and have killed both Christians and Muslims. These attacks are not driven by religious hatred but by the brutal social crisis produced by decades of imperialist looting, state corruption, and militarization. Nigerias population of roughly 220 million is nearly evenly divided between Christians and Muslims, with Muslims forming a majority in the north. While ACLED data indicates that attacks on churches have increased over the last six years, it also shows that mosques were attacked more frequently than churches in 2015 and 2017. The victims of armed violence in Nigeria are not a single religious group, but working people of all faiths and ethnicities. The current hoax gained momentum in September when pro-Democrat television host Bill Maher described what was happening in northern Nigeria as a genocide, as a way of justifying the US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza. Referring to the Islamist Boko Haram group, he said they have killed over 100,000 since 2009, theyve burned 18,000 churches. He added, This is so much more of a genocide attempt than what is going on in Gaza. They are literally attempting to wipe out the Christian population of an entire country. This narrative was rapidly seized by the Republican party, with Texas Senator Ted Cruz claiming on X that over 50,000 Christians had been massacred. The essential purpose of this campaign is to assert the White Houses claimed right to fire cruise missiles into any country on the basis of fabricated humanitarian pretexts, and to prepare the expansion of US military operations globally. The assault on Nigeria is part of the Trump administrations drive to reassert US imperialist dominance over Africa, a continent that holds roughly 30 percent of the worlds proven critical mineral reserves and vast untapped rare earth deposits. Nigerias importance to Washington lies not primarily in immediate energy dependence, but in its geopolitical weight. With approximately 37 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, Nigeria remains Africas largest oil producer and a central arena in the intensifying struggle between the United States, China, and other powers for influence on the continent. US energy giants such as Chevron and ExxonMobil retain major investments, even as overall US imports of Nigerian crude have declined. Domestically, the strikes also serve Trumps reactionary political needs. By invoking the specter of a Christian genocide, Trump seeks to shore up support among his right-wing evangelical base severely eroded amid the Epstein crisis. The Christmas Day missile strikes must be understood within the broader context of an accelerating US drive to militarily dominate Africa. Within days, Washington launched major attacks on Islamic State targets in Syria and opened a direct military front in West Africa, confirming that the so-called war on terror is a permanent global framework for imperialist violence. The operation also followed Nigerias rapid intervention in early December, acting as a proxy for US and French imperialism, to foil an attempted coup in Benin on December 7, 2025. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have expelled French and US forces and developed closer relations with Russia, prompting Washington and Paris to rely increasingly on Nigeria to defend their strategic interests in the region. Reports indicate that French intelligence provided real-time surveillance during the Benin operation, while Washington supplied strategic intelligence support. This imperialist interference is deeply unpopular among workers across Nigeria and the wider region and is unfolding amid a mounting wave of class struggle. Throughout 2025, Nigeria has been shaken by strikes and mass protests involving hundreds of thousands of workers, expressing growing resistance to the IMF austerity program of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that have slashed fuel subsidies, driven up food and transport prices, and intensified mass impoverishment. A nationwide oil workers strike at the end of September, involving an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 workers, threatened fuel supplies. This was followed in November by an indefinite nationwide strike by health workers, drawing in well over 200,000 healthcare workers, paralyzing public hospitals across the country. In early December, the Nigeria Labour Congress organized nationwide protests and threatened a general strike, mobilizing tens of thousands in the streets and claiming the backing of millions of unionized workers across multiple sectors. Under these conditions of intensifying class struggle, the Nigerian national bourgeoisie is increasingly relying on its partnership with Washington to strengthen its repressive apparatus. By publicly insisting that the US missile strikes were a joint operation that fully respected Nigerian sovereignty, the government is deepening the countrys dependence on foreign military power and inviting further interventions under the pretext of counterterrorism. From the standpoint of the international working class, the military strikes on Nigeria are a serious warning. They demonstrate that the crisis-ridden American ruling class, led by the corrupt and criminal elements within the Trump administration, is prepared to expand and multiply wars across the globe, fusing religious demagogy, lies about human rights and the fight against terrorism with the ruthless pursuit of strategic and economic interests. Barron Trump has been spotted after weeks of public invisibility following his outing as an acolyte of the misogynistic Tate brothers. Earlier this month, Barron, 19, was revealed by The New York Times to have a close friendship with James Waller, manosphere influencer and the so-called third brother of Andrew and Tristan Tate. Popping up in the background of footage shared by guests of the Christmas Day dinner hosted at Mar-a-Lago, Trumps Palm Beach home and resort, Barron can be seen talking to attendees. Barron Trump is spotted in the background of footage taken at the Mar-a-Lago Christmas Day dinner. / Instagram Seated beside his father and across from his older brother, Don Jr., Barron is seen laughing with someone who appears to be his nephew, Donald John Trump III. Advertisement Advertisement In separate footage, Barron can be seen trailing his father as they enter the Mar-a-Lago Club exterior courtyard, where functions are often held. The pair approach their table as guests stand and applaud. Barron in footage from Mar-a-Lago. / Instagram The footage appears to have been captured by Florida-based Russian model and influencer Valeria Sokolova, who shared the video, as did Moroccan model and influencer Abla Sofy. Both women appeared to be in attendance at the Mar-a-Lago get-together on Dec. 25, according to their social media posts. A Christmas to remember , Sokolova, 38, captioned her post in which Barron can be seen. Merry Christmas , Sofy wrote in a post sharing the same clip. In the article revealing the depth of Barrons connection to the right-wing influencers, Waller claimed he frequents Mar-a-Lago and advises the 19-year-old on personal matters such as dating. Advertisement Advertisement Waller added that he and Barron spoke with Tate over Zoom while the teenager was visiting Wallers tailor. He claimed that they both agreed that sex trafficking and rape charges brought against the Tate brothers by Romanian authorities are purely political. Andrew and Tristan Tate were released from detention in Bucharest, Romania, in 2024. / DANIEL MIHAILESCU / AFP via Getty Images The Tate brothers have been arrested several times in Romania, first in December 2022, when they faced charges of human trafficking and rape. The brothers are at the center of six investigations, including two civil complaints, in Romania and the U.K., as well as a criminal investigation in Florida. Andrew Tate formerly taught a class in Pimping Hoes at his online Hustlers University. He was banned from Twitter in 2017 for saying that women bare [sic] some responsibility for rape. With millions of online followers, the elder Tate brother, 39, has become a figurehead for a misogynistic online culture that encourages young men to treat women as sexual objects to be subjugated and exploited. Advertisement Advertisement It has also been alleged that he is a key ally of President Donald Trump, whom he has long praised. Andrew and Tristan Tate during their legal case in Romania. / Inquam Photos/Octav Ganea via Reuters Paul Ingrassia, the Tates former lawyer and publicist, was hired as White House liaison to the DHS where he has served since February, until being nominated by Trump to serve as the General Services Administration deputy general counsel last month. Ingrassia, 30, described Andrew Tate, 39, as an extraordinary human being who offers a dying West some hope for renewal. In February, the White House allegedly intervened directly to stop the Department of Homeland Security from seizing devices belonging to Andrew when he and Tristan landed in Florida for a visit, according to documents seen by ProPublica. Advertisement Advertisement This followed the alleged influence the White House exerted on Romania to lift the travel ban imposed on the siblings, although such intervention was denied by the Tates lawyer, Joseph McBride. I know nothing about that, Trump said when asked about it at the time. Barron has previously been credited with pushing his father toward manosphere influencers like Tate and Joe Rogan, on whose podcast the 79-year-old appeared during the 2024 presidential campaign. Barron next to his mother, Melania, and his father, Donald Trump, during the 2025 inauguration. / Christopher Furlong / Getty Images Having completed his freshman year at New York Universitys Manhattan campus while commuting from Trump Tower, Barron is now in his second year, which he is reportedly completing at NYUs D.C. campus. Barron has rarely appeared in public since beginning his university education, with his mother, Melania, reportedly keeping a constant watch on him. Brad Pitt asked a judge to toss all claims accusing him of embezzlement as part of his bitter court battle over a French winery, Chateau Miraval, with his ex-wife Angelina Jolie, Us Weekly can exclusively report. On Monday, December 22, Pitt, 62, filed court docs that addressed the claims he and his business improperly used Miravals money for vanity projects, including $8 million spent on a home on the estate and building a swimming pool. Pitt told the court that any expenses made by Miraval were disclosed and never kept a secret. Advertisement Advertisement He also addressed a message he sent his associates, as part of a conversation about Miraval building a music studio, that read, I believe we should no longer send [Jolie] reports as she is trying to shop her shares. He said his message is not evidence of a crime or embezzlement. Pitt noted, The message is framed as a personal view or observation, not an instruction, and reflects no intent to advance or facilitate any unlawful conduct. He said there has been no suggestion that he was under any obligation to share the report in question with Jolie, 50. Everything to Know About Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolies Winery Lawsuit: The Allegations Explained His lawyer continued, Nor does the message indicate any attempt or intent by [Pitt] to conceal stolen property from Jolie. Such a claim is nonsensical, given the public nature of the music studio and its association with [Miraval]. Advertisement Advertisement Pitt argued that the alleged embezzlement claims filed against him should be heard in France, not California, since the alleged conduct happened in France. The F1 actor is demanding that all claims against him be thrown out of court. As Us previously reported, Pitt and Jolie purchased Miraval in 2008. After their breakup, Jolie said she wanted out of the business. They tried to work out a deal, with Pitt offering $55 million, but talks fell apart. Jolie ended up selling her shares to an alcohol company named Stoli. Pitt sued his ex to void the deal, claiming she needed his approval, which she denied. Stoli joined the lawsuit and filed a countersuit against Pitt in 2024. The company claimed that Pitt and his team, instead of paying out Miravals profits to them, diverted the money to fund side businesses and used them to fund a series of wasteful vanity projects that benefited him personally. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images Mirvals profits grew to around $15 million in 2022, the suit said. Advertisement Advertisement Stoli claimed not a penny of the trends of millions of euros that Miraval has earned over the years has ever been used to repay its loans. Instead, Pitt uses the companys funds as his own personal pocket money to indulge his wasteful spending and to benefit his business ventures. The company said that over the years, Jolie had loaned Miraval $20 million to fund improvements. Pitt has caused Chateau Miraval to spend tens of millions of dollars on vanity projects that have little, if any, business justification, Stolis lawyer argued. Following the divorce filing, only Pitt has stayed at the manor house owned by Chateau Miraval and enjoyed the benefits of a personal lease on the property Jolie never returned there. Stoli said after Pitt and Jolie split, Pitt took over control of Miraval. Brad Pitt Accused of Misusing Winery as His Personal Piggy Bank in New Countersuit Advertisement Advertisement The suit added, Chateau Miraval has never distributed any of the business profits to its shareholders. Never. Stoli said Jolie noticed that Miraval was spending large sums of money on projects that did not appear to have a legitimate business purpose. She began to insist on receiving information about Chateau Miravals finances and sought to exercise greater supervision over its business, the countersuit alleged. Pitt frequently resisted her requests and, over time, shut her out of the business, and deprived her of information about Chateau Miravals finances. Brad Pitt Accused of Looting Assets, Acting Like Petulant Child in Angelina Jolie Winery Lawsuit Advertisement Advertisement Stoli claimed Pitt approved spending and budgets without Jolies approval. To support this claim, the company pointed to the alleged message Pitt sent in June 2021, which read, I believe we should no longer send AJ reports as she is trying to shop her shares. A source tells Us, "Its not surprising that after another favorable decision for Brad, these parties would proceed with another frivolous filing. Unfortunately, this is to be expected from the types of people she chose to go into business with." As Us previously reported, Pitt scored a recent win with the court ordering Jolie to produce emails she had initially refused. (A second countersuit was filed against Pitt for $100 million. That case was filed by Nouvel, the company that held Jolie shares and that was sold to Stoli. Pitt denied all allegations of wrongdoing. The second countersuit remains ongoing.) Pitt and Jolie started dating in 2004 and got married in 2014. The exes split in 2016 following an incident on board a private plane. The actors share six children: Maddox, 24, Pax, 22, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 19, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 17. In December 2024, Jolie and Pitt settled their divorce after eight years of back and forth. Jolie did not receive spousal support in the agreement. Originally appeared on E! Online Nepotism is nothing new as far as show business is concerned. It certainly shouldn't have been a surprise when young actors with the surnames Apatow, Depp and Kravitz turned out to be the kids of famous people. But then the Internet descended on the likes of Taylor Dearden, Eve Hewson and Margaret Qualley. "Shes very independent, Bryan Cranston told GQ in 2023 of The Pitt actress Taylor, his only child with wife Robin Dearden, and very conscientious of not having any association or hint thereof of nepotism." Advertisement Advertisement As for Bad Sisters actress Eve, whose dad is Paul Hewson (aka Bono), she told Net-a-Porter's Porter in 2024 that, when it came to being accused of capitalizing on her father's fame, "The only thing you can do is crack a joke and move on." And Margaret, one of Andie MacDowell and ex-husband Paul Qualley's three children, has tried to roll with it. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement "You can call me a nepo baby," the star of The Substance told Happy Sad Confused host Josh Horowitz in January. Whether or not she's truly been able to make her own name, she admitted, "I'm not sure. I think I just so desperately want to be good and want to deserve to be in the room that Im in." Amy Sussman/Getty Images, Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic, John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images To be fair, the seeds of this conversation were planted more than a century ago (enter the O.G. Barrymore siblings, lighting up the silver screen since 1913). But the topic went very, very viral in recent years as the realization that seemingly everyone was related to somebody spread like wildfire. And, thanks to TikTok, everything old is new again. So, watch out, brother. And sister. And daughter, etc. The "nepo baby" conversation is on and, with more and more Hollywood progeny getting their SAG cards or otherwise going into the family business, it isn't going away. But as Tom Hanks pointed out after son Truman Hanks played his character's younger self in 2022's A Man Called Otto, they're more or less like a plumbing dynasty. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images "It's the family business," the two-time Oscar winner told Reuters. "This is what we've been doing forever. It's what all of our kids grew up in. We have four kids...and if we were a plumbing supply business or if we ran the florists shop down the street, the whole family would be putting in time at some point even if it was just inventory at the end of the year." Advertisement Advertisement Zoe Kravitz concurs that it's "completely normal for people to be in the family business," telling GQ in 2022, "It's literally where last names came from. You were a blacksmith if your family was, like, the Black family." And there's really nowhere to hide for celebrity scions like Zoe or Brooklyn Beckham. "I mean, I can't help how I was born," the 26-year-old, who has pushed back at reports that his family ties have frayed a bit, told InStyle in 2024. "I couldn't ask for better parents and I'm just trying to work my ass off and trying to make a name for myself. That's all I can say, really." And as Lily-Rose Deppdaughter of Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Deppnoted in a 2022 Elle interview, you don't book jobs if you're not any good, regardless of who your parents are. Advertisement Advertisement Naturally, the Internet diagnosed that she was suffering from a lack of self-awareness because she dared write a check that banked on her own talent. So began the clamor for stars like Lily-Rose to just admit that they were lucky. And the 26-year-old Nosferatu actress told i-D months later that she was being a lot more careful when it came to discussing the topic. "I feel like my parents did the best job that they possibly could at giving me the most normal childhood' that they could," she said. "And obviously, that still was not a normal childhood. I'm super aware of the fact that my childhood did not look like everybody's." Read on to see what celebrities of all ages, be they parent or child (or both!), have saidor worn about Hollywood nepotism and all the "nepo babies" in their midst: Advertisement Advertisement Dakota Johnson "When that first started, I found it to be incredibly annoying and boring," the daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson said on the Feb. 7, 2024 episode of Today about the "Nepo Baby" debate. Calling the issue "lame," the Fifty Shades of Grey star added, "So the opportunity to make fun of it, I jumped at"referring to an SNL sketch poking fun at the controversy that she took part the previous month while hosting the show. Emma Roberts A reminder that this conversation has been going on for awhile, Emma was early in pushing back against the notion that being Julia Roberts' niece (and Eric Roberts' daughter) was the key to her career. "A lot of people think that," the Scream 4 actress, then 20, told PopEater in 2011, "and they talk about nepotism which I think is so ridiculous considering it's obviously not truebecause I've auditioned for so many things and never gotten the part. Also it's like, you know, maybe someone can get you one part, but they can't really get you 10 parts." Kate Hudson Goldie Hawn's daughter doesn't bother to get the knives out when talk turns to nepotism. "I don't really care," Kate, who was also raised by Goldie's longtime partner Kurt Russell, told The Independent in December 2022. I look at my kids and we're a storytelling family. Its definitely in our blood. People can call it whatever they want, but its not going to change it." The mom to sons Ryder and Bingham (with Chris Robinson and Matthew Bellamy, respectively) and daughter Rani (with current partner Danny Fujikawa) explained, "I actually think there are other industries where it's [more common]. Maybe modeling? I see it in business way more than I see it in Hollywood. Sometimes I've been in business meetings where Im like, 'Wait, whose child is this? Like, this person knows nothing!'" Ultimately, she added, "If you work hard and you kill it, it doesn't matter." Kaia Gerber "I won't deny the privilege that I have," the model daughter of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber told Elle for a January 2023 article. "Even if it's just the fact that I have a really great source of information and someone to give me great advice, that alone I feel very fortunate for." But when it came to making movies, the Bottoms actress said, "No artist is going to sacrifice their vision for someone's kid. That just isn't how art is made, and what I'm interested in is art." Moreover, she added, "No one wants to work with someone who's annoying, and not easy to work with, and not kind. Yes, nepotism is prevalent, but I think if it actually was what people make it out to be, we'd see even more of it." Advertisement Advertisement Elizabeth Olsen Carving out her own cinematic universe, Elizabeth is proof that, sometimes, it just takes one. "I guess I understood what nepotism was like inherently as a 10-year-old," Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's little sister, who once considered using Elizabeth Chase as her professional name, told Glamour UK in 2021. "I dont know if I knew the word, but there is some sort of association of not earning something that I think bothered me at a very young age. It had to do with my own insecurities, but I was 10." Ben Stiller The son of showbiz fixtures Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller believes that a foot in the door will only get you so far. Responding to a nepotism dig at Hopper (Sean's son) Penn, who had been cast in a short film being directed by Destry (Steven's daughter) Spielberg and written by Owen (Stephen's son) King, Stiller tweeted in 2021, "Just speaking from experience, and I don't know any of them, I would bet they all have faced challenges. Different than those with no access to the industry. Show biz as we all know is pretty rough, and ultimately is a meritocracy." Agreeing during the exchange that Hollywood wasn't a fair playing field for a number of reasons, the Meet the Parents star clarified, "I'm saying that untalented people don't really last if they get a break because of who they are or know or are related to." Though he got his two cents in early, the trending topic still came for Ben in February 2023 when Steve Martin called him a "nepo baby" in a teaser for their respective Pepsi Super Bowl commercials. Jerry O'Connell The former cohost of The Talk will be sure to stand by his and wife Rebecca Romijn's twin daughters Charlie and Dolly, even prepping them ahead of future criticism they may face. Theyre going to call you a nepo baby," he recounted to Us Weekly the advice he gave. "Its coming. The nepo baby is coming. He added, You have to work for this. Theres no shortcuts. Its going to be even harder for you! But he is, of course, willing to help out his daughters. I can sit down with my daughter whos auditioning for a high school play at a diner, and I can say, This is how you should say this line. This is how you should say this line. This is how you should say this line, he shared. And its the only thing that I can impart on my children. Hopper Penn and Dylan Penn I can see being really pissed that I got this role, as someone else," Dylan told W after dad Sean Penn directed her in the 2021 drama Flag Day. At the same time, she added, as a working actress "I've been auditioning forever. I've been rejected forever." Regarding the kerfuffle over her brother starring in a Spielberg-daughter-directed short, Dylan stressed, "This is the business. It is about who you know. Always. Whether you're the son of Sean Penn or not." Hopper, who made his movie debut in Sean's film The Last Face, told E! News in February that the nepo baby conversation didn't really affect him. "I'm like, 'If you like it, cool. If you don't, great,'" he explained, having just made Devil's Peak with mom Robin Wright. "And if you think that there's nepotism going on, I really don't care because I'm gonna do the work just as professional as everybody else, and I'm not gonna come there and do it half-ass because I'm working with my dad, I'm working with my mom.'" Working with his father, Hopper noted, was the same "great nightmare" for him as it was for all the other actors who weren't related to the director. And on any project, he added, "if I messed up on the film the first day, I'd be fired just like everyone else. Or, if I was terrible, I'll be terrible. And I have been terrible." Advertisement Advertisement Zoe Kravitz "People would always assume that if I got a job, it was because of that," the High Fidelity star told Elle in February 2022 of having Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz for parents. "That was hard," Zoe continued. "But I was incredibly privileged. I got an agent easily. I'm not going to pretend like it didn't help me get into the room. But I had to remember that I work hard, and as a child, I was putting on performances in my grandparents' house. And it had nothing to do with who my family was. It was because I loved it." After the subject blew up, the actress told GQ months later it was "completely normal for people to be in the family business." Furthermore, she added, "It's literally where last names came from. You were a blacksmith if your family was, like, the Black family." Lily-Rose Depp "People are going to have preconceived ideas about you or how you got there," the daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis told Elle in a November 2022 interview, "and I can definitely say that nothing is going to get you the part except for being right for the part." Fair enough, but The Idol star's comment on the resurgent hot topic promptly launched a thousand other comments. "I'm so careful about these conversations now," Lily-Rose told i-D a few months later. "I feel like my parents did the best job that they possibly could at giving me the most normal childhood' that they could. And obviously, that still was not a normal childhood. I'm super aware of the fact that my childhood did not look like everybody's." Ireland Baldwin Responding to the discourse triggered by Lily-Rose, Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin's daughter agreed that the kids of celebs will ultimately rise and fall on the strength of their own work. But the first rise is usually achieved thanks to a major boost. "I wouldn't be where I am, I wouldn't have gotten where I am and been able to do what I can do if it weren't for my parents, and I think really where you go wrong is denying that," Ireland said in a November 2022 TikTok. She got that "either you're talented, either you're capable or you're not." But "things could be a lot more simple and understandable and relatable if you just are honest about what you have and why you have what you have." Gwyneth Paltrow "As the child of someone, you get access other people don't have, so the playing field is not level in that way," the daughter of Blythe Danner and the late Bruce Paltrow said in July 2022 on Hailey Bieber's YouTube series Who's in My Bathroom?. "However, I really do feel that once your foot is in the door, which you unfairly got in, then you almost have to work twice as hard and be twice as good." Bruce opened the door, directing Gwyneth in the 1989 TV movie High, her acting debut, and Steven Spielberg sprinkled pixie dust on it, casting his 14-year-old goddaughter in the 1991 Peter Pan fantasy Hook. And that was before the debate was raging. "Now theres this whole 'nepo baby' culture and judgment that exists around kids of famous people," Gwyneth told Bustle in October 2023, calling the term "kind of an ugly moniker." Advertisement Advertisement Stellan Skarsgard The Dune actorwho is dad to actors Alexander Skarsgard and Bill Skarsgardaddressed the concept of nepo babies while sharing his youngest son Kolbjorn was facing criticism in school for having a famous dad. When his pals at school call him nepo baby, he gets so sad," he told Vulture. "He doesnt have any friends at school. He gets isolated. Cruel kidsor cruel and ignorant. They love it on the internet. "But it is such a bulls--t thing," Stellan continued, "because nobody would hire you, at least not for anything good, if youre not good enough." Jane Fonda Growing up with a national treasure-level star for a father, the actress and activist was acutely aware that her childhood was not normal. "When I was 10, we moved to the East Coast, and suddenly I realized, because of how I was treated, that there was something special about me," Jane told Harvard Business Review in 2018. "It made me a little self-conscious. Some people wanted to be my friend because my father was Henry Fonda; some people didnt like me because my father was Henry Fonda. There was both good and bad." "When I became an actress," the two-time Oscar winner continued, "the fact that my father was a movie star was an advantageno questionbecause people paid more attention to me than they would have if I were just another actress. Also, internally, I wanted to be sure that I wasnt getting parts because I was Henry Fondas daughter, so I worked harder. Instead of taking one class a week, I would take four, so no one could say I was a dilettante." Bryce Dallas Howard "It is an amazing privilege to be a child of someone who works in an industry that you are interested in and eventually work in," the Jurassic World starwhose first role was "Redheaded Audience Girl" in dad Ron Howard's Parenthoodtold The Daily Beast in 2020. "It's a privilege for that person to have success in their own right. But there was no greater privilege than the fact that my dad was supportive of me, empowered me, and showed me respectreal respectfrom day one." Naturally, Bryce continued, "insecurities can creep up or you'll hear somebody say, like, 'Oh, she only got that because of X, Y, or Z.' But that's very small." Maya Hawke and Ethan Hawke "Put simply, Im a nepo dad!" Ethan, who shares Maya with ex-wife Uma Thurman, cracked to Variety in September about jumping at the chance to direct his daughter in Wildcat. "And I'm not embarrassed about it." Maya, who plays writer Flannery O'Connor in the film, said, "I had moments of insecurity about it while we were shooting the movie. But the internet doesnt have a lot of nuances. My dad has been a massive teacher for me, and we want to work together. We like being with each other." The 25-year-old had previously noted that she could only go so far as her parents' kid. "I think I'll get a couple chances on their name and then if I suck, I'll get kicked out of the kingdom," Maya told People in 2021. "And that's what should happen. So I'm just going to try not to suck." Advertisement Advertisement Jamie Lee Curtis Not long before she won her first Oscar for her supporting turn in Everything Everywhere All At Once, the daughter of late screen legends Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh was happy to crack a joke at the zeitgeist's expense. "My parents were actors and I married an actor," Jamie Lee, whose husband is Christopher Guest, said while accepting her SAG Award in February 2023. "I know you'll look at me and think, 'Well, nepo baby. That's why she's there' and I totally get it. But the truth of the matter is, I'm 64 years old and this is just amazing." Colin Hanks "When I was starting off, I was sort of lovingly naive, thinking that it wasn't as big a deal as it is, that I would get the benefit of the doubt that I was my own person," Colin said of being Tom Hanks' kid on Armchair Expert in 2018. "And that doesn't happen." The 46-year-old, whose first movie role was "Male Page" in his dad's 1996 directorial debut That Thing You Do!, said on Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend in October 2022 that he does "credit the old man" for advising him to only go into acting if he really wanted to. Tom advised him, "'If you don't really want this, then come up with something else, 'cause you will be miserable.'" Tom Hanks Asked about the renewed focus on actors' actor kids, Tomdad to Colin and daughter Elizabeth with late ex-wife Samantha Lewes and sons Chet and Truman with current spouse Rita Wilsondescribed showbiz as simply "the family business." "This is what we've been doing forever," Tom told Reuters in January 2023. "It's what all of our kids grew up in. We have four kids, they're all very creative, they're all involved in some brand of storytelling." He also acknowledged it wasn't a stretch for director Marc Forster to cast Truman as Tom's younger self in A Man Called Otto. "But the final analysis," the Oscar winner told ET at the film's premiere, "is the person has to show up on the day and hit the marks and tell the truth. Only he can make that decision. It was totally up to him." Drew Barrymore A scion of one of the most storied Hollywood dynasties, Drew couldn't escape her famous last name. But while being screen legend John Barrymore's granddaughter carried some weight, the Never Been Kissed star put it this way on her talk show in January 2023: "If you came from a family of lawyers, and someone said, 'Oh, well, her dad runs the firm,' it's like, 'Well, she still took the bar and got here of her own volition.' So as long as were not catty about it and celebratory of it, thats the tone I want." Leni Klum Heidi Klum's eldest child is perfectly fine that she's in thanks to her supermodel mom and dad Seal. But it's up to her to stay in. "It's just a fact," Leni, 19, told People in October 2022. "My parents are famous. I did get help starting off, and I know that people would dream to start off with what I had...But I am doing the work and putting in the time. Now I'm working on my own, traveling alone, going to school. My mom and I just have the same love for the same thing." Maude Apatow Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann's firstborn daughter was admittedly saddened by the nepo baby tag, but she was trying not to let it get to her. "A lot of people [in similar situations] have proven themselves over the years, so I've got to keep going and make good work," the Euphoria star told Net-a-Porter for a September 2022 article. "It's so early in my career, I don't have much to show yet, but hopefully one day I'll be really proud of the stuff I've done by myself." Lily Allen "The nepo babies y'all should be worrying about are the ones working for legal firms, the ones working for banks, and the ones working in politics, If were talking about real world consequences and robbing people of opportunity," Allen, standing up for how hard she'd worked to get where she was, tweeted in December 2022. "BUT thats none of my business." In response to the inevitable backlash reminding the singerwhose parents are actor Keith Allen and film producer Alison Owenthat TikTok was focusing on entertainment nepo babies, thankyouverymuch, Lily acknowledged that was a valid conversation, too. "It is quite clear that there is a severe lack of representation in the industry where class and race are concerned," she wrote on X, then known as Twitter. "Everyone loses as a result...I do feel that nepo babies are being somewhat scapegoated here though, there is a wider, societal conversation to be had about wealth inequality, about lack of programs and funding." Meghan McCain The daughter of late Sen. John McCain and Cindy McCain is of the view that there's no shame in having accomplished parents. But you gotta own it. "To my fellow 'Nepo babies'just acknowledge your privilege, the opportunities your last name has gotten you and move on," she offered on Instagram Stories in December 2022. "At some point talent and grit comes into play but let's stop acting like this is in anyway a rational burden that people know who [our] parents areyou sound like a--holes." For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Friday that she is expecting her second child next spring. "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 can't wait to watch our son become a big brother," she wrote. "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." Advertisement Advertisement Leavitt also said in the post that she was grateful for President Trump and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles for their support "and for fostering a pro-family environment in the White House." Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their first child, also named Nicholas, in July 2024. In an interview with "The Washington Post," she said she went back to work three days after giving birth in response to the attempted assassination of Mr. Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. Leavitt, 28, is the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary and previously served as the press secretary for Mr. Trump's 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to incumbent Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. New poll shows how Americans' sentiments on Trump changed in 2025 Eye Opener: Zelenskyy and Trump set to meet over peace plan Boy goes viral after sharing his bird mimicking talent with the world Karoline Leavitt and her husband Nicholas Riccio are expecting a baby girl in the new year. The White House Press Secretary, 28, and the real estate developer, 60, made the announcement on Fox News. My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and cant wait to watch our son become a big brother, Leavitt said. 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. Karoline Leavitt and her husband Nicholas Riccio arrive at the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 21. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Their first child, Niko, was born in July 2024, six months before they got married ahead of President Donald Trumps second inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Leavitt said she was extremely grateful to Trump and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for their support, and for fostering a pro-family environment in the White House. 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. Leavitt is due in May 2026. She wrote in an Instagram post that the baby is the greatest Christmas gift she and Riccio could ask for. The post was accompanied by images of her rubbing her belly, an ultrasound next to a onesie that reads Baby Sis, and her son Niko carrying a teddy bear that says Im the big brother. Advertisement Advertisement I am so excited to be a girl mom! Leavitt wrote. The couple began dating in 2022 when Leavitt was 25 and running for the congressional seat in New Hampshires first district, which she ultimately lost to Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt with parents, Erin Leavitt and Bob Leavitt. / Karoline Leavitt/Instagram Leavitt has admitted that their eyebrow-raising 32-year age gap was tricky to navigate with her parents. Its definitely a challenging conversation to have at first, she told Miranda Devines Pod Force One podcast. Once they got to know him and saw who he is as a man and his character and how much he adores me, I think it became quite easy for them, and now were all friends. Advertisement Advertisement Riccio also hails from New Hampshire, where he battled bouts of financial insecurity to become a major player in Hampton Beachs real estate scene. Riccio, Leavitt and their son. / Karoline Leavitt/Instagram Leavitt acknowledged on The Megyn Kelly Show in March that their love story is atypical, but hailed her husband as her greatest supporter, best friend, and rock. The youngest press secretary in history regularly fights off a firestorm of criticism as Trumps mouthpiece. Earlier this month, Leavitt drew attention when Vanity Fair photographed her with what appeared to be filler injection sites across her upper lip. Leavitt was seen up close and personal in Vanity Fair's new issue. / Christopher Anderson/Vanity Fair The Food and Drug Administration cautions that the safety of dermal fillers is unknown when used during pregnancy. As we head into the final weekend of 2025, whether you're still coming down from Christmas or already decorating and getting your dancing shoes ready for the ball drop, put these three excellent Netflix documentaries on standby for when you want to relax this weekend. On tap for this weekend is a fascinating look back at one of the most important and energetic eras in cinematic history, a currently-relevant 2020 docuseries that focuses on those who survived Jeffrey Epstein, and a stunning Netflix-BBC docuseries about the universe and its Earthly connections. Happy New Year! Breakdown: 1975 If you're a movie lover or a fan of cinema and its history, you're going to absolutely love this new Netflix documentary feature that explores what Academy Award-winning director Morgan Neville (Won't You Be My Neighbor), along with a call sheet of Hollywood elites, argues is one of the most important years ever in film. Advertisement Advertisement Narrated by Jodie Foster, Breakdown: 1975's opening sets the stage"New Year's, 1975. Crime was up, tensions were higher, paranoia was rampant. There were gurus and good times, and there was one question on everyone's mind: 'What the f--k is going on?' America was having a nervous breakdown." Over its 90-minute runtime, Breakdown: 1975 explores how the movies and filmmakers of the erafrom Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg to Sidney Lumet and Milos Formannot only captured the feverish temperature of the time in a way that has rarely happened since, but created work that had a personal point of view and didn't pander to trend. "Filmmakers wanted to help people understand what society was so f---ed up," says producer Peter Bart. The Breakdown: 1975 is chock-full of clips from the era's best films that illustrate this point, including Jaws, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Nashville, Chinatown, and Dog Day Afternoon. It also brings in a who's-who of talking heads to share their thoughts, such as Josh Brolin, Patton Oswalt, Seth Rogen, Spielberg, Scorsese, Oliver Stone, Ellen Burstyn, and many more. Even though this doc has seen split reviews, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 64%, I think it's a fascinating exploration of an iconic year for film with some excellent interviews and footage that film buffs are sure to love. Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich I was conflicted about adding this four-part Netflix docuseries from 2020 to my list this week, but with the current relevancy of the topic looming large in the media due to the release of the controversial files, this powerful survivor-focused series serves as a twisted reminder of how power ultimately protects predators. Advertisement Advertisement Directed by Lisa Bryant and adapted from James Pattersons book of the same name, Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Richkeeps the focus where it belongs, on the victims. The series gives space to several of themincluding Virginia Giuffre, Maria Farmer, and Annie Farmerwho share their stories on how Epstein groomed and abused them. Not for the faint of heart, each hour-long episode maps the sordid timeline, examining Epstein's network of co-conspirators and enablers, the details of his Palm Beach mansion and private island, how he was able to silence those who could expose him, and the institutional failures that allowed it to go on for years. The doc also features interviews with those involved in the case, including Palm Beach police chief Michael Reiter and others, who shed light on the law enforcement side of the story. Most importantly, Filthy Rich does a compelling job at connecting all this personal testimony to the failures of a system that allows things like wealth, celebrity elitism, and loopholes in the legal system to silence victims. If you find yourself following the current news cycle, Filthy Rich is an adept and sobering refresher. Our Universe And now for the palate cleanser. As we head towards the fresh start of a new year, what better way to wipe the slate clean than with a docuseries that takes a look at the origin story of the universe and how the shaping of the galaxies was done by the same forces that shaped life here on planet Earth. Oh, and its six 45-minute episodes are also narrated by God himself, the one and only Morgan Freeman. Advertisement Advertisement Stitching together gorgeous BBC Studios wildlife footage with some stunning CGI animated cosmic reenactments from deep space, Our Universe's episodes each take a cosmic concept and pair it with an animal story for some clever context. Standout episodes include Chasing Starlight, which explores the sun's energy and how it affects the life of a cheetah on the Serengeti; Turning Seasons follows an Alaskan brown bear as it survives at the whim of the planet's season changes; and Elemental, which gets philosophical about how stardust elements that constitute every living thing on Earth, from billions of years ago, are still being recycled by beings like sea turtles, passing them down in the cycle of life. If you're looking for a visual feast that's calming, beautiful, and totally mind-expanding to reset your mood for the coming year, Our Universe is a soothing watch you can devour in a weekend or put on in the background as you prep the hors d'oeuvres for your New Year's party. As we head into a new year, if you're craving something beyond the fiction of the standard Netflix fare, nothing quite beats the stories that only real life can produce. From visual stunners that open your mind to shocking true stories you can't quite believe are real, there's a documentary for that. Happy New Year, everyone. Christmas came early for Jelly Roll! On Thursday, December 18, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee honored Jelly Rolls hard-fought, life-changing pivot from drugs, robbery, and prison to songwriting and advocacy for redemption by pardoning the 41-year-old country star for his criminal past in the state. The move comes as part of the governors habit of issuing clemency decisions around the Christmas season. Jelly Roll (formally known as Jason DeFord) was one of 33 people to receive pardons. When Whiskey Riff shared the heartfelt breaking news with its followers, Jelly Roll fans were quick to comment. This is one guy you just know is truly sorry for their sins and grateful for the second chance. Hes not always my style of Country, but Im sure rooting for him, one Instagrammer exclaimed. Amen..and A Very Merry Christmas To Yo, someone else wrote. [President Trump] Youre up next. Take a consideration for our boy Jelly Roll, another fan remarked. Matt Winkelmeyer - Getty Images Given that Jelly Rolls crimes were committed on a state level, the governors pardon actually holds the most influence, as it mitigates the consequences of his past crimes. While some people see the decision as an underhanded ploy to serve the rich, others recognize that Jelly has truly turned it all around, as is evident not only by his ongoing charitable contributions and advocacy work but also by his testimony before the U.S. Senate in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement "I was a part of the problem," he admitted before the lawmakers at the time. "I am here now standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution." You Might Also Like When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Henry Rolins: SGranitz/WireImage, Corey Taylor: Mick Hutson/Redferns, Lemmy: Robert Knight Archive/Redferns (Getty Images) The spirit of punk rock has always been at its best when fighting against oppression or supporting society's outcasts. Never has this been truer than in 2002, when a stellar cast of musicians from the world of punk, metal and rock joined forces to protest an appalling miscarriage of justice, using the songs of one of hardcores most legendary artists to raise funds to help put it right. The project featured members of Slayer, Motorhead, Slipknot, Queens of the Stone Age, The Stooges, Public Enemy and many more, all singing the rebellious anthems of Black Flag to shine a light on the plight of three teenage metalheads, christened The West Memphis Three, who were facing life imprisonment and the death penalty between them after a miscarriage of justice that infuriated the rock community. Advertisement Advertisement It was called Rise Above: 24 Black Flag Songs to Benefit the West Memphis Three. Remarkably, it played a part in getting the three young men's verdict overturned. On May 5, 1993, three eight-year-old boys, Michael Moore, Steve Branch and Christopher Byers, were murdered in West Memphis, Arkansas, in what was reported as a Satanic ritual. A year later, despite a shocking lack of evidence or DNA testing, Damien Echols, Jessie Miskelley Jr. and Jason Baldwin were found guilty of the crimes. Much of the reasoning for the verdict was due to the trio's reputation as outsiders in their community and their well-known love of heavy music and violent movies. Baldwin and Misskelley were sentenced to life imprisonment, Echols was given the death penalty. The case and its various flaws were soon picked up by the media, bolstered by a pair of documentaries, Paradise Lost in 1996 and Paradise Lost 2 in 2000, both directed by future Some Kind of Monster duo Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky. Advertisement Advertisement Many rock and metal musicians were quick to empathise and lend their voice to support the West Memphis Three; Metallica even allowed their music to be used in Paradise Lost 2 for free, marking the first time in their career that they had licensed their music for a film. And it was around this time that the whole story reached Henry Rollins. Rollins described the case as the perfect tragedy, adding in a statement on his own website: In the West Memphis Three, a lot of people saw themselves. Heavy metal albums found in their rooms, antisocial behavior the very stuff of youth were used in court. In lieu of any physical evidence placing them at the crime scene, this evidence showed that these three were definitely the ones that did it. Rollins was angry enough to get involved and arranged a benefit gig on March 8 2002 at the Troubadour in LA, with all proceeds going to the appeal case. In his statement announcing the show, he explained: Its simple for me. I dont know who killed those three little boys. I just know its not the West Memphis Three. So what can I do? Raise some money and hopefully some awareness. Damien Echols faces lethal injection for a crime he didnt commit. Jason and Jesse face life in prison. It might as well be you or me. After the benefit on March 8, I will get in my car and drive to my house. That, in itself, is kind of obscene seeing what these three are dealing with. Henry Rollins: a man of action | Credit: SGranitz/WireImage via Getty Images MC5S Wayne Kramer were amongst the musicians to join him that night, but straight after the show, Rollins decided that it was, in his words, nice, but a gesture at best. Thus, he decided that greater action was necessary, and Rise Above... took real shape. Advertisement Advertisement I decided to do a benefit album, he said on his blog. With the help of my bandmates, road manager Mike Curtis, Heidi May, Cherokee Studios and many others, we set to work. Soon my phone was ringing off the hook. Those doing the ringing were other musicians and artists that had been shocked and appalled by the case of The West Memphis Three and were keen to lend a hand. I thought it best to call in some of the great forces of the universe. Henry Rollins I thought it best to call in some of the great forces of the universe, Rollins continued. We reached out and were amazed to find how many people in the music world were either fully up to speed on the case or, upon hearing the details, immediately ready to contribute. It was incredible. Keith Morris, Chuck Dukowski, Kira Roessler, Chuck D, Lemmy, Ween, Iggy, Mike Patton, Queens of the Stone Age, Ice T, Hank III and Tom Araya to name but a few, stepped up and knocked it out of the park. Soon we had an album done. That album was released on October 8, 2002. Rise Above: 24 Black Flag Songs to Benefit the West Memphis Three certainly doesnt try to hide why it exists, but once you actually pressed play, it revealed one of the greatest ensemble albums in rock history. Advertisement Advertisement As soon as Public Enemys Chuck Ds drawl of West Memphis, Arkansas, get ready to go worldwide! opens the album on the title track, Rise Above... is a riot. With a set of bulletproof, classic anthems from one of punk rocks most important artists to pick from, all of the guest vocalists involved step up admirably. That said, special mention needs to go to Clutchs Neil Fallon for his bug-eyed preacher take on American Waste, possibly the angriest vocal performance in Tom Arayas career as the Slayer man screams his way through Revenge, a typically deranged Mike Patton gurning through a warp-speed Six Pack and both Slipknots Corey Taylor and Poison the Wells Jeff Moreiras brutal, metallic updates of Room 13 and Ive Heard it Before. If were picking a man of the match, however, no one could top Lemmy. The Mooorhead leader was given the song Thirsty and Miserable, turning it from a thrash punk ode to the worst aspects of alcohol dependency into a greasy, shit-kicking, rock and roll stormer. The album served as a fantastic tribute to the genius of Black Flags music, a much-needed introduction to an illustrious band in a pre-streaming era when getting hold of those early punk and hardcore records was seriously challenging. Most importantly of all, though, it was a record that gave all of its proceeds to the legal fees of the West Memphis Three. Advertisement Advertisement A lot of it, confirmed Rollins, went towards paying for the DNA testing of the crime scene evidence, which Arkansas wouldnt pay for. Rollins continued to campaign for the trio; a tour was booked to raise further funds, with both he and Morris fronting the Rollins Band and playing songs from the album. Despite everyone's best efforts, the West Memphis Three remained imprisoned for a further nine years, until August 19, 2011, when newly produced DNA evidence and potential juror misconduct meant Echols, Miskelley and Baldwin were freed on a plea bargain. Not an entirely satisfactory result, but one that at least ended their long and unwarranted punishment. I walked the streets in a state of shock. Henry Rollins I walked the streets in a state of shock, Rollins said, reacting to the news on his blog. To all the people who sent in $20 bills they could not afford to part with, to the lawyers who worked for free, to all the bands all over the world who did benefit shows, to all the people who wore the T-shirts, signed the meditations, wrote letters and never let this thing go quiet, I am awed by you. Your dedication, your belief and your incredible persistence helped mount a defense that obviously was too much for the state of Arkansas to handle. Because of you, three men are free. You did that. He signed off with a reminder that the story was not over: Justice, however, is still left wanting. We'll get there. Sadly, 14 years later, the West Memphis Three are still waiting for true justice. But for those that say music cannot challenge power and enact real societal change, hand them a copy of Rise Above... Los Tigres del Norte are coming to Springfield for a surprising collaboration with The Simpsons. The storied regional Mexican music band will appear Sunday (Dec. 28) in an episode of the iconic animated series, performing a new song titled El Corrido de Pedro y Homero, the show and the band announced jointly on Friday (Dec. 26). A legendary band. An original song. A very Simpsons twist, reads a shared post on Instagram, which includes two images of the animated version of the members of Los Tigres onstage wearing their signature outfits. In one of them, they are accompanied by Homer Simpson wearing a charro hat, and Bumblebee Man, who in an episode titled Team Homer, is referred to as Pedro. More from Billboard Advertisement Advertisement Titled The Fall Guy-Yi-Yi, the episode, which centers around Bumblebee Man, is a love letter of sorts to our Latin American fans, and to Mexican culture specifically, Cesar Mazariegos, co-executive producer of The Simpsons, said in a statement, noting that it also features Mexican talent behind the mic, including Academy Award-winning director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and the voice of Latin American Homer, Humberto Velez. So when it came to adding a musical touch to the episode, we wanted to aim for the moon. We thought a corrido, or folkloric ballad, retelling the story of the episode would be an awesome way to close it out, and who better than los Jefes de Jefes themselves, los Tigres del Norte, Mazariegos said. The alliance between Los Tigres del Norte and The Simpsons isnt far fetched. Now in its 37th season, Foxs animated series has addressed timeless themes such as social classes and societal issues, and hasnt shied away from political and current topics. Los Tigres del Norte, meanwhile, has been known for over half a century for raising their voices in support of immigrants and speaking out on various social causes. Songs such as La Reina del Sur, La Loteria, Pedro y Pablo and of course Jefe de Jefes are part of the bands extensive repertoire. Sundays episode of The Simpsons will air on Fox and stream on Disney+. Check out the announcement of the collaboration below. Billboard VIP Pass Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. After nearly a decade, the final episode of Netflix's "Stranger Things" will release on New Year's Eve. The first four episodes of the show's final season released on Nov. 26. Three more episodes of the fifth season released on Christmas Day. The two-hour finale episode will be screened in movie theaters in Connecticut and across the U.S. on Dec. 31. It will begin streaming on Netflix at 8 p.m. Wednesday as well. Advertisement Advertisement The show, which first began streaming on Netflix in 2016, is centered on the fictional town of Hawkins, Ind., and the "secret experiments" and "terrifying supernatural forces" that exist there, according to its description on Netflix. Connecticut native Gaten Matarazzo plays Dustin Henderson, one of the sci-fi horror show's main characters. Matarazzo was born at New London's Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in 2002 and lived in Mystic for only two months of his life before moving to Little Egg Harbor Township, N.J., according to previous reporting. Matarazzo has been a main character on "Stranger Things" since 2016 and has starred in all five seasons. Aside from "Stranger Things," Matarazzo has also been featured on Broadway in shows like "Les Miserables" and "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert." During his tenure as Gavroche in the touring company of "Les Miserables," Matarazzo returned to Connecticut with performances of "Les Miserables" at New Haven's Shubert Theater in 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Matarazzo isn't the only Connecticut connection to "Stranger Things." Director and executive producer Shawn Levy graduated from Yale University in 1989 at the age of 20. Earlier this year, Levy returned to his alma mater when he joined actor Ryan Reynolds at the Yale Schwarzman Center's Woolsey Hall during a sold-out show. This article originally published at 'Stranger Things' finale to air on New Year's Eve. Here are CT's connections to the show. New York has some of the most stringent exotic pet laws in the country, and those laws got even stricter this year with the passing of Senate Bill 252, which redefines exotic animal and wild animal and adds more exotic animals to the states ban list. On top of that, exotic animal bans are even more far-reaching in the Big Apple, as some animals that might be permissible in the more rural and suburban areas of the state cannot live comfortably or safely within the densely populated confines of New York City. So, if you have always dreamed of having a unique and unexpected critter of your own, you may want to check out our list of 10 Exotic pets that are legal to own in New York State first. That way, you can find out if the cute animal you want to get is allowed or not. After all, if youre an exotic pet lover who lives in New York or you are planning on moving there, the states ever-evolving stance on exotic animals can leave your head spinning. Fortunately, as strict as these laws are, you do have a little more leeway than you might expect. And since some of the information surrounding these laws can be difficult to find, we you'll love our highlighted roundup that features everything from birds to reptiles. Besides proving information on 10 exotic animals that you can legally own in New York State, we also included a few exotic animals that are illegal in NYC as well! You may be surprised by which ones are included. 10 Exotic Pets Legal in New York City As far as the law is concerned, the following exotic animals are perfectly legal to own in New York City, and by extension, throughout New York State as well. However, landlords and property managers may impose their own restrictions on exotic pet ownership, so just because the law says you can have a certain pet doesnt necessarily mean youll be allowed to bring it home to your apartment. Before adopting any animal (even a domesticated cat or dog), make sure you know what pets are permitted in your rental agreement. Cockatiels A cockatiel sitting on an office chair is legal to have in NYC.Image via Getty Images/Maryna Terletska (Image via Getty Images/Maryna Terletska) Bird lovers will be pleased to know that many popular pet birds are in the clearcockatiels included. Cockatiels, with their affectionate, social personalities and boundless musicality, are an excellent choice for an apartment-friendly bird, especially for first-time bird owners. Theyre fairly small, they can get along well with multiple people (not just one favorite person), and because theyre not quite as long-lived as some larger parrot species, theyre not necessarily a lifetime commitment for inexperienced bird parents (for better or worse). Still, even beginners should remember that their cockatiel will need a sizable cage and plenty of daily playtime outside of their cage to remain a happy bird! Bearded Dragons A bearded dragon is illegal to own in New York. Though ownership of many reptiles is banned in New York City, a few small reptiles are allowed as companion animals, including the lovable bearded dragon. Fearsome though their name may be, bearded dragons are very cute, and many people even consider them to be much more affectionate than the average pet reptile. Bearded dragons really seem to love their owners, and many of them even enjoy gentle handling. Make sure that you can house your bearded dragon comfortably, though: an adult bearded dragons tank should ideally be at least 75 gallons, and no smaller than 55 gallons at a bare minimum. Chinchillas A sleepy chinchilla. Another exotic pet you cna own in NYC? Chinchillas! They are a small species of rodent native to the Andes Mountains, and while technically considered an exotic pet, they are permissible as small companion animals under New York City guidelines. Chinchillas are adapted to life in cold, arid environments, so much so that instead of bathing in water, they take dust baths! Advertisement Advertisement As pets, they are active (particularly in the evening and early morning), intelligent, and adorableand it doesnt hurt that their fur is as soft as a cotton candy cloud. Potential chin parents should be aware of two things, though. First, chinchillas are independent and shy animals, so dont expect them to be particularly cuddly (though of course, there are always exceptions). Secondly, while chinchillas are fastidiously clean and low-shed, they poop a lotoften as much as 250 times a day! Chickens Chickens on a farm in New York. Urban farmers rejoice! We bet you probably didnt see chickens coming on this list, but they are indeed permissible pets under New York City law, as they have been since time immemorial. However, this comes with a bit of a caveat: roosters are not permitted, since they cause noise disturbances with their constant crowing. The upside is that theres no limit to how many hens you can have, so long as you have a coop big enough to house them all comfortably. That means fresh eggs on the reg without ever having to step down to the grocery storeand with egg prices the way they are these days, having a few extra freebies to share is a great way to get on your neighbors good side! Rats A pair of pet rats playing with their owners in NYC. With NYCs ongoing war against the city's rat population, youd think that rats as pets would be banned outright. However, fancy rats, aka domesticated rats, are perfectly fine to own, so as long as you got your pet rat from a breeder or a pet store and not the sewer, you should be good to go. And despite the negative press that wild rats get as vermin, domesticated rats make great small pets for first-time pet owners. Theyre extremely intelligent, active, docile, clean and very affectionate with their owners! If you want a pint-sized pal with surprising smarts and a passion for playtime, youd be hard-pressed to find a better pet than a rat. Leopard Geckos A leopard gecko and their owner in New York. Like the bearded dragon, the leopard gecko is another NYC-friendly pet reptile. With their plump tails, colorful speckled bodies, and permanent sly grins, leopard geckos are as cute as they come, and they can learn to enjoy handling with calm and consistent socialization. Never pick them up by their tails, thoughleopard geckos can drop their tails as a defense mechanism! Budgies Two pet budgies sharing a smooch in NYC. Advertisement Advertisement Budgerigars, or budgies for short, are another NYC-approved bird species thats fairly beginner-friendly (at least as far as pet birds are concerned). Budgies are cute little chatterboxes, and while they may not be able to amass as large a vocabulary as certain other parrots (especially the brainy African Grey), they can still pick up a lot of their favorite songs and phrases. Like any other pet bird, though, your budgie will need a sizable cage, plenty of outside playtime (outside of their cage, that is), and lots of daily socialization and enrichment! Guinea Pigs A cute guinea pig getting pet by its New York owner. It might seem strange to classify an animal as commonplace as the guinea pig as an exotic pet, but they are broadly considered to be exotic animals, largely because they require specialized small animal care from veterinarians. They are very social, generally docile and easy-going, and because theyre diurnal (daytime) animals, they wont keep you up at night! Guinea pigs are larger than most other pet rodents, though, so youll want to provide them with a fairly large enclosure. An enclosure size of at least 7.5 square feet is recommended for a single adult guinea pig, but bigger is always ideal. Lovebirds Two lovebirds kissing. Whats not to love about lovebirds? These singsongy sweeties are cute, colorful, and oh so charismatic. Lovebirds do demand a lot of attention, though, and they tend to get stuck on one specific person rather than befriending everyone in the household. However, lovebirds mate for life, and if you can successfully find a mate for them, theyll be able to fulfill some of their social needs with each other. Even so, you should still let your lovebirds out for exercise and enrichment time every day! Honeybees Honeybees making honey. Were wrapping this list off with one heck of a curveball! Though nearly all venomous insects are banned as pets in New York City, honeybees (of the non-aggressive variety) are a very notable exception. However, NYC beekeepers do need to fill out a notice with the city Health Department containing such information as their name, address, emergency contact info, and the hives location. They will also need to adhere to appropriate beekeeping practices and place their hives where the bees will not pose a public nuisance. Most exotic pet enthusiasts might not be interested in building a beehive off the bat, but if youre interested in apiculture, dont let a move to the Big Apple stop you from pursuing it! Curious About a Pet Not On This List? A pretty fennec fox. Advertisement Advertisement If theres a specific animal youre wondering about that wasnt covered on our list, you can check the official NYC website for a current list of legal and illegal pet animals. And if youre curious about what pets you can have in New York State proper, you can reach out to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for up-to-date information on exotic pet laws. Pets Banned in New York (State and City) A capybara and her baby. Now, lets go over the some animals that are illegal to own in New York. The states ban list of wild and exotic animals includes (but isnt limited to): Macropodidae (Australian/New Guinean marsupials such as kangaroos, quokkas, wallaroos, and wallabies) Large carnivores, including bears, wolves, and big cats like lions, leopards, tigers, and cheetahs Cetacea (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) Pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses) Alligators, crocodiles, and caimans Hyenas Elephants, rhinos, and similar non-native exotic species Certain species of turtles and tortoises Venomous reptiles Capybaras If you live in New York City, you can check Article 161 of the NYC Health Code for a comprehensive list of banned animals. Youll notice that their list also includes a lot of small native non-domesticated wildlife, such as squirrels, deer, skunks, and the like. Some exotic pet species that are legal to own in the rest of the state are on there, too, such as ball pythons, fennec foxes, and hedgehogs. Advertisement Advertisement Now, it is technically possible to acquire an exotic pet license to own one of these banned animals. However, rarely are these permits given to private owners. Instead, theyre primarily given to zoos and aquariums, animal sanctuaries, and research or educational institutions. Your best bet is to ignore any of the species outlined under the restrictions and try your luck with one of these species instead. This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Dec 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Exotic Pets section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Though we lost countless dining institutions in 2025, South Florida restaurants, like hope, spring eternal. Yes, the 36-year-old Fort Lauderdale icon Tom Jenkins Bar-B-Q is gone, but in short order well have a smoked-meat smorgasbord in Drinking Pig BBQ in Delray Beach and the West Palm Cowboy Club, two places were eagerly anticipating. We said goodbye to Char-Hut Pembroke Pines, another stone-cold classic, but its hard to sulk knowing that Charm City Burger Co., coming this winter to Boca Raton, also crafts an exceptional patty. Are they true-blue successors? No, but its heartening to know these MVPs are coming. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Consider other reasons the state of our restaurant union remains strong: Mangos, the bygone tropical Las Olas lounge, and Pelican Landing, the beloved dockside bar at Pier Sixty-Six, both are making long-awaited comebacks. Fancy doughnut slinger Mojo Donuts is expanding. So call us optimistic about South Floridas new crop of 2026 restaurants, which are all vying to survive and thrive long enough to be called classics. Below are the 10 new eateries were anticipating in the new year. Note on projected openings: These are hot-take projections based on what owners and developers expect at the time of publication, not gospel, so dont be surprised if they open ahead or behind schedule. BROWARD COUNTY Sweetwaters 32 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; HuizengaPark.org/thingstodo OPENING: Fall Advertisement Advertisement The centerpiece of the multimillion-dollar revival of Fort Lauderdales Huizenga Park, this enormous sit-down (6,140 square feet, plus a 3,500-square-foot riverfront patio) comes from Specialty Restaurants Corp., operators of Miami icon Rusty Pelican. So we have high hopes for this two-story, glass-walled restaurant that broke ground in November after a two-year delay even without any announced menu. The 291-seater is destined to become the big draw of Huizenga Parks revival, along with a renovated park fountain, a dog run, new public seating and restrooms. Ember & Vine 5920 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs; EmberandVineFl.com OPENING: Summer Since the COVID-19 pandemic, power couple Eddie and Christina Pozzuoli have shaken up the west Broward burbs with neighborhood sit-downs that radiate cozy comforts, from hand-rolled pasta under candlelight at Eddie & Vinnys in Coral Springs to soul-warming brisket poboys at sporty Parkland pub Dear Olivia. That trend will continue with this Napa Valley-esque restaurant from P Hospitality Group, inspired by a recent birthday outing in California wine country. When we went to Napa, we were like, How cool would it be to transport this feeling home, but without making it feel pretentious? Eddie Pozzuoli explains. Their answer, for now, is this rough-draft menu under chef Jeff Tunks, offering coffee and pastries by day and Mediterranean-leaning entrees cooked over an open hearth by night. Picture everything from wood-roasted oysters, diver scallops and garlic prawns to grilled Wagyu picanha, Roman-style pinsa and lamb chops, paired with uncommon California, French and Italian varietals. The Pozzuolis say Ember will repurpose the existing bar-adjacent open hearth left behind by Angelo Elia Pizza, Bar & Tapas, which closed here in early December. Mojo Donuts 2810 N. University Drive, Coral Springs; MojoDonuts.com OPENING: Spring Advertisement Advertisement Yes, Broward is cluttered with more fancy doughnut rivals than when this tasty pastry pioneer opened its Pembroke Pines flagship in 2013. But owner Shawn Neifeld has always kept his head above the powdered-sugar fray, outlasting most with trays of accolades, among them appearances on Food Networks Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (for the short-lived but delicious Miami mashup Mojo Donuts & Fried Chicken) and a No. 4 ranking on Yelps Top 100 U.S. Donut Shops 2022 list. After some growing pains, Mojo will rise at The Walk of Coral Springs with a raft of sinful flavors, including decadent Cuatro Leches, Guavecito, Oreo Speedragon, Salty Caramel Cheese and Log Cabin Bacon. Be still, my arteries. Pelican Landing 2301 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale; PierSixtySix.com OPENING: Spring/summer We get it: Pier Top, with its lavish rotating lounge and stylish brunch, is reason enough to explore the $1 billion makeover of Pier Sixty-Six, the sprawling resort icon that reopened in January. But arguably the most beloved and relaxing of Pier Sixty-Sixs nine new restaurants (!) is the dockside Pelican Landing, a jewel of a bar on the Intracoastal Waterway framed by megayachts where carousers kick back with fruity tipples, conch fritters and PBR against a majestic fading sun. Its a piece of quintessential Old Fort Lauderdale that were glad to see coming back. Signor Sassi 1006 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., SanCarlo.co.uk OPENING: This winter Advertisement Advertisement Never mind that Signor Sassis website calls this new location Signor Sassi Miami out-of-towners mislabel our region so often its practically tradition but this high-end London staple and celebrity magnet will actually occupy Hallandale Beachs buzzy Atlantic Village district. No menu is available yet for this first U.S. location, but if its anything like the 41-year-old flagship, this Italian sit-down will offer a swanky see-and-be-scene, with no less than four black truffle dishes, occasional pop-ins from famous faces (Rihanna, The Rolling Stones and Mary J. Blige have all rolled through), creamy housemade ravioli, ossobuco with risotto and an unmissable tiramisu. Mangos 9 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Opening: Late summer South Floridians of a certain vintage that is, anyone who remembers Las Olas pre-pandemic may recall this beloved locals lounge with tropical motifs, live bands and cozy bar food that reigned for a quarter-century until closing in 2017. (They may also recall the short-lived, oddball Euro-Italian revival that replaced it a year later under the same name.) Now The Restaurant Peoples Tim Petrillo (S3, Nube, YOLO, Java & Jam), longtime landlord of the Mangos building, tells the Sun Sentinel hes rebooting it himself. Details are slim for now, but after a recent teardown at 904 E. Las Olas Blvd., Petrillo says the new Mangos will retain the loungy vibes while adding a menu of health-conscious, Mediterranean-Asian cuisine. PALM BEACH COUNTY West Palm Cowboy Club 200 Clematis St., West Palm Beach; WestPalmCowboyClub.com OPENING: This winter Advertisement Advertisement A country-western-themed restaurant and nightclub with live music programmed by South Floridas own DJ Diplo? If anyone can make the transition from dubstep to the Texas two-step, its Grammy-winning producer Thomas Wesley, who as musical director (the venues term) will preside over a two-story venue where beer, barbecue and basslines collide, as hyped in a news statement. (Translation: Hell be in charge of live-music bookings, karaoke nights and special events.) The cowboy clubs other VIP is Adrian Ricouz (owner of Miamis Slab Daddy BBQ, ex-chef of Allapattahs Hometown BBQ), wholl present a Latin-accented BBQ menu of brisket, ribs and pulled pork, plus dishes including cornbread and caviar, barbecue-inspired pizza and Southern-style brunch. Charm City Burger Co. 201 NW First Ave., Boca Raton; CharmCityBurgerCo.com OPENING: This winter Evan David and Mike Sapersteins 17-year-old joint is royalty in South Floridas burgerdom, lauded for winning countless patty brawls (Riverwalk Burger Battle and Boca Burger Battle come to mind) and for the savory simplicity of its crowning handheld: The Emperor. Each one is made with ultrarich, perfectly salty American Wagyu, heaped with aged Gruyere, arugula and truffle aioli on brioche toast. And each burger is sourced from Sunshine Provisions, the high-end meat wholesaler that David and Saperstein run in Hallandale Beach. So it came as little surprise that, when the duo said theyd send their Deerfield Beach flagship north to Boca Raton back in August 2023, it stirred a carnivorous frenzy online. An opening date is finally imminent for its larger shop (2,200 square feet), for which they signed a five-year lease. It will carry a similar menu of deep-fried Oreos, sinful milkshakes and less-fancy-still-delicious burgers like the Good Ole (a juicy chuck-brisket-short rib-blend on a sesame bun). Their Deerfield Beach original, meanwhile, will be rebranded Charm City Sandwich Co. and specialize in smash burgers and hot and cold-cut subs. Del Mar 1015 N. Railroad Ave., West Palm Beach; DelMarMediterranean.com When: Summer Advertisement Advertisement Ohio restaurateur Cameron Mitchell and his massive eponymous hospitality outfit are fairly untested in South Floridas market. It has two Fort Lauderdale restaurants surf-and-turf sit-down Ocean Prime debuted in April and Del Mar, inside the luxe Auberge Beach Residences, opened a month ago. But already were intrigued by its clout (Tampa oyster room The Pearl is Michelin-recommended) and by its sprawling menu of Mediterranean coastal delights, spanning lobster spaghetti with Calabrian chili, veal chops, lamb sausage Turkish flatbreads, swordfish and sea bass with tomato broth and fennel confit. Del Mar, when it opens this summer, should become an attention-grabbing draw in West Palm Beachs rising NORA District. Drinking Pig BBQ 22 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; DrinkingPigBBQ.com OPENING: Fall South Florida isnt a barbecue town yet but the truest expression of cue in our region may just be Raheem Sealey and Mark Wints marriage of oak-smoked meats, Caribbean jerk and Asian spices. Born a pandemic pop-up, Drinking Pig BBQ brought Caribbean-kissed Texas brisket, mac-and-cheese casserole and spare ribs to the locked-down masses with his Instagram-famous stand at the end of a North Miami cul-de-sac. Now, after the November debut of their first permanent location in Coconut Grove, the chefs are Delray-bound, shuffling into the 7-acre Sundy Village project. Though its new neighbors include Philly coffeehouse-sushi izakaya Double Knot and New York-based French hotspot Maman, Drinking Pig judging from its Grove successes so far is poised to be Sundys hottest new property. Trump 2.0. Tariff wars. Hot wars between India and Pakistan, Israel and Iran. Looming defeat for the Collective West in Ukraine. Revolutionary events in Serbia, Indonesia, Nepal, Morocco, and Madagascar. General strikes in Greece, France, Belgium, and Portugal. Two internationalist, anti-imperialist general strikes for Gaza in Italy, and the crumbling of the authority of the traditional tools of capitalist rule. 2025 has been quite a year The bourgeoisie are steeped in despair. Occasionally, they show a glimmer of understanding that these are symptoms of their dying system. As the Financial Times commented on the growing numbers of British voters with no economic prospects and no stake in the system: What happens to liberal democracy and the capitalist model when rising numbers question if they will ever have that stake?. Millions are looking for answers, and they will look in vain in the capitalist press. Its no coincidence that this year, marxist.com has seen a record 35 percent increase in our daily readership. Over the year, we have published thousands of articles, seeking to address all of the key questions of the day, and to leave the reader with the sense that they hold the general thread of events in their hands. Our purpose is to arm revolutionaries worldwide with the ideas they need to clearly understand the march of events and to grow and educate the ranks of a powerful revolutionary communist movement. This year, we have had hundreds of thousands of visitors from nearly every country on the planet. We have compiled below just a handful of our best-performing articles and videos. Top 10 articles of 2025 [Article links are in the titles] This document, adopted by the First World Congress of the Revolutionary Communist International over the summer, is a communist analysis of the changed world situation, inaugurated by Trumps return to power. Its no wonder this is our most-read article of the year. It explores the rise of Trump; the changed balance of forces between the imperialist powers; the race towards militarism; austerity; and the rising tide of the class struggle, and more. Even though it feels like decades have happened since it was published in June, it is just as relevant as when it was written. The growth of a colossal AI bubble is enormously distorting the US economy, and the world economy as a whole. Trillions and trillions of dollars are being thrown into a frenzy of speculative activity. Already, the absurd valuations are totally out of proportion to the profits that can be made. And underneath the frothing stock markets, the real economy is sliding into a recession. Eventually, the bubble will burst, with enormous implications for world capitalism when it does so. This article, which exposes what lies behind the AI hype, proved extremely popular on various online discussion forums. Its not hard to see why. Written as the preface to the new Chinese translation of China: From Permanent Revolution to Counter-Revolution, this article analyses Chinas economic and political development since 2016, when the book was first published. The relative decline of US imperialism and the rise of China as an imperialist rival is one of the defining features of world relations today. It is therefore imperative that revolutionaries understand its history, how China went from a deformed workers state to the imperialist world power that we know today. Donald Trumps second stint in the White House has certainly been a stormy one so far. When he was re-elected just over a year ago, the liberals and so-called left alike descended into a state of chaos. A chorus of cries of fascism, bonapartism, and dictatorship filled the air, as well as accusations that the American working class had, overnight, become rabid racists and reactionaries by voting for Trump in their millions. In this article, Alan Woods provides a clear, Marxist analysis of Trumpism, where it has come from, and what that means for communists today. Far from being simply a reactionary phenomenon, Alan explains that Trump has given an albeit distorted expression to enormous class anger. He predicts that when Trump disappoints, the MAGA base will begin to crack, and the basis will be laid for new, powerful shifts to the left. We are beginning to see this confirmed before our very eyes. This article, prepared for the First Congress of the Revolutionary Communist International over the summer, analyses the degeneration and collapse of the Fourth International. After Trotsky was assassinated in 1940, the leadership of the International proved to be woefully incapable of analysing the new balance of forces following the end of the Second World War, which demanded a new analysis. Ted Grant who founded our organisation was alone in preserving the genuine method of Marxism in incredibly unfavourable conditions. This document lays out our own origins as an organisation, and finally sets the record straight on the history of the Fourth International. 2025 saw a dramatic escalation of the situation in the Middle East. In June, the Israeli Air Force with US backing and assistance launched an unprecedented strike on Iran, leading to the so-called 12 Day War between the two countries. The attacks left over 1,000 dead, and several thousand injured. In this article, written during the conflict, Alan Woods exposes the brutality and the hypocrisy of both the Israeli and US ruling classes, analysing the cruel imperialist logic that led to the attacks. In Britain, this years announcement of a new left-wing party by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was met with great enthusiasm by a wide layer of workers and youth. In the midst of a massive political vacuum, with the establishment parties hated more than ever, the potential for such a project was immense. The emergence of mass left-reformist outfits like the Corbyn-Sultana party are inevitable in the coming period. In this article, Alan Woods sets out how communists must approach such phenomena, welcoming each step forward by the reformists, whilst criticising the limits of the reformist programme, limits which have been exposed a number of times over recent history, from Corbyns period in the leadership of the Labour Party, to Podemos in Spain and Syriza in Greece. An immense movement rocked Indonesia earlier this year. What began as relatively isolated demonstrations escalated into a revolutionary uprising that swept the country. The masses came out in their millions, burning down police stations and government buildings, and threatening to bring down the entire regime. This article provided an initial assessment of the incredible movement and succinctly poses the tasks that the masses faced at the time. The US economy has, on paper, been booming. But in reality, this growth is all sound and fury. It is pinned to the speculative boom in the stock market and, in particular, the gigantic AI bubble. Meanwhile, in the real economy, things are souring. This article explains the dynamite that lies underneath the so-called bull market. The other side of the coin of the fact that huge profits are being made, that stock market valuations are at record highs, is that productive investment is at all time low, US companies are unable to resolve problems of chronic overcapacity, and therefore speculation takes the place of real investment that can deliver serious growth. Over the last three years, weve seen a sweep of revolutionary movements hopping from one country to the next: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya and, this year alone, Serbia, Indonesia, Nepal, Morocco, and Madagascar. All of these have had strikingly similar themes. They have all demonstrated the unstoppable power of the masses in motion. In each case, weve seen inspiring images of a tide of fed-up people storming and burning parliaments, the houses of the rich, police stations, and symbols of the regime. But these revolutions have also had in common the fact that they have lacked leadership and a clear programme. As a result, for all the power and sacrifice of the masses, a banker governs Bangladesh, the army governs Madagascar, and a supreme court judge governs Nepal. Underneath, the regime and the structure of society capitalism remains unchanged. This article draws out all these lessons from the inspiring Gen Z wave and points the revolutionary way forward. Top 10: from the archives Alongside analysing current affairs, marxist.com consistently publishes theoretical material on the essentials of Marxism. These are timeless articles, dedicated to history, economics, philosophy and much more, intended for readers to come back to again and again. Each year, this material is often among our most popular content. Here is a list of this years 10 most popular articles available on marxist.com, which were published before 2025. The launch of the Revolutionary Communist International (RCI) in June 2024 was a rallying cry for communists around the world to get organised in the fight against capitalism and imperialism. This document, approved unanimously at the RCIs founding conference, is the Internationals founding manifesto, providing a bold communist analysis of the turbulent period we are living through. The Manifesto has been read over 48,000 times in English on this website alone, translated into more than 30 languages and reproduced widely online and in print. Dialectical materialism is the philosophical foundation of Marxism. While many who are new to communism may be intimidated by the need for a serious study of philosophy, a subject that very few people have any training in these days, Rob Sewells engaging introduction to dialectical materialism provides an extremely accessible starting point. We are confident you will come away with a grasp of the key ideas and a desire to delve deeper! Despite its origins in the fringes of a few universities, the amorphous philosophical trend of postmodernism has gained a substantial grip on the minds of many in academia today. Postmodernism is a clear expression of the dead-end of bourgeois thought in this era of capitalist crisis. As this article explains, postmodernisms rejection of objective truth (of so-called meta-narratives) ultimately leads to a defence and justification of the status quo, and is utterly antithetical to the struggle to advance the position of the oppressed and exploited. This document, approved unanimously at the World Congress of our International in 2018, aims to clarify the differences between the genuine method and ideas of Marxism and the confused mixture of petty-bourgeois ideologies known as Identity Politics. This document is a call to arms for serious communists to defend truly revolutionary ideas from the deceptive postmodernist trends that seek to blur the lines of the class struggle, to divide the working class, and under the guise of fighting oppression, to pit different sections of the oppressed against one another. There are many theories and schools in academia that take on the garb of being progressive, liberatory, or even left-wing, but which actually disguise an extremely reactionary content. One key example of this is Queer Theory, which emerged in the 1990s as an attempt to explain modern society as a product of narratives relating to individual identity, primarily sexuality and gender. This article takes up the core arguments of Queer Theory, challenges their common philosophical basis and counterposes them to the real struggle to end all kinds of oppression. The materialist study of history is one of the central elements of the Marxist method. Once we have a firm grasp of the laws and processes that lie under the surface of seemingly random historical events, we are better placed to play a part in the class struggle. Alan Woods marvellous introduction to these ideas is a must-read for those who wish to take a serious attitude to the fight for communism today. Marx explained that every social system is subject to its own laws: objective dynamics, forces, and pressures that govern its motion and development. In this article, Adam Booth examines the early decades of the Soviet Union, from the first decrees passed by the Bolsheviks after seizing power in November 1917, through the retreat to the New Economic Policy, to the first Five Year Plans under Stalin, which showed the enormous potential of economic planning but also the suffocating limits of Stalinist, bureaucratic methods. By taking this valuable historical example, Adam draws out concrete lessons for our understanding of the economic laws which impose themselves in the transition towards socialism. Money seems to be the simplest, most common, everyday thing. On the other hand, it appears as something very strange indeed. The banks seem to be able to summon it out of nowhere. Central bankers fret endlessly about money supplies. We have new, bizarre theories of money from the advocates of crypto. The ruling class and their analysts need it, they use it, but they do not understand it. In this article, Adam Booth traces the real development of money through history and provides a clear analysis of its role under capitalism today. The history of Bolshevism from the very early days right up to the Russian revolution contains a wealth of lessons on how it is the class struggle that provides the final answer to the womens question. In this article Marie Frederiksen looks at the approach of the Bolshevik Party to the womens question from its early days, right through to the revolution and after taking power. The oppression of women and the origins of the family as we know it remain key issues facing anyone who wishes to fight for a better world today. This article by Fred Weston looks at the writings of Marx and Engels on the question of women' s oppression in particular Engels, whose book The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State gives a materialist explanation of the origins of womens oppression. Only by understanding its origins and roots in society, can we eradicate it. Top 10 videos and podcasts Alongside our written material, 2025 has been a very important year for audio and video content on marxist.com. The Spectre of Communism podcast which provides in-depth analysis of questions of theory, history, revolutionary strategy and much more has gone from strength to strength this year, and has contributed much of our most popular video content in 2025. The same can be said of the RCIs weekly current affairs podcast Against the Stream, which has continued to offer a sharp Marxist analysis of the years events, as they happened. Perhaps the RCIs crowning audiovisual achievement of 2025, however, was The Communists Are Coming A Visual Manifesto, a feature-length documentary following the founding year of the Revolutionary Communist International, up to its inaugural conference in June 2024. The documentary is overwhelmingly our most popular video of the year, and is still attracting new viewers. Here is a list of the 10 most popular videos produced by the RCI this year. With the exception of The Communists Are Coming, all of these are also available as podcasts. The Communists Are Coming A Visual Manifesto The TRUTH about World War 2: Marxist historian sets the record straight The truth about Mao and the Chinese Revolution A Marxist analysis of the impending stock market crash Stalinism on trial Communist replies to right-wing lies: Musk, Peterson & Shapiro Who was Karl Marx REALLY? A reply to CrashCourse China humiliates the West, revolution in Indonesia, French regime in crisis 2025: Where is the world going? A Marxist analysis The history of fascism: lessons for today If youve ever tried to deep clean your house, you know that housecleaning is a profession that takes specialized knowledge, attention to detail and physical strength to tackle high or difficult spots. Its also a profession that does not get enough respect for how hard it can be. A significant number of domestic workers in the U.S., including housecleaners, are paid under the table in informal arrangements, working without federal anti-discrimination and health and safety protections. And on TikTok, cleaners have been sharing some of the misconceptions about and boundaries they have around their work with hashtags like #thingsiwontdo #housecleaner. Finds: Cleaning Is Hard For Me. Here Are The Items That Make It Way Easier. To separate general fact from fiction, we grabbed a few of these videos and also turned to the experts and asked other housecleaners about what they wont or wouldnt do after years of experience in the field: 1. Expect A Cleaner To Do A Pile Of Dishes Or Clean Up After A Pet Douglas Sacha via Getty Images Cleaning litter boxes or cleaning up after pets who have accidents. Ive had people expect that, and that is just something I cant do. Ive been in houses where youre constantly stepping in urine and I just have to walk away from that type of situation. Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to feces or anything, thats where it hits off-limits. Its not super common, but I have run into it where people think that is a thing, and Im just saying, Thats your pet, thats your baby, Ill leave that to you, and then Ill take care of everything else for you. Home: 21 Little Tidying Tasks Professional Organizers Do Every Single Day Dishes are a big one, too. I dont mind at all doing them for clients who need them done once in a while. But there have been people who try to take advantage and theyll leave you a huge pile of dishes and expect you to do them, which is time-consuming and not something normal housecleaners usually do. Its more housekeeping instead of housecleaning. Amber Elise, owner of Bubbles and Buckets in Otsego, Minnesota 2. Hover In The House While A Housecleaner Is Working PonyWang via Getty Images I would not stay at home while they are cleaning. A lot of my clients think they need to stay at home and help me clean. This couldnt be further from the truth, and it is very frustrating. Housecleaners do not need your help. Ive said this until I am blue in the face. You hire us for a service, and most of us are very good at what we do, so get out of the way and let us do our jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Most of us clean two, three houses a day and are on a tight schedule. Clients that want to help usually slow us down. I cannot clean the kitchen while you are trying to rearrange your Tupperware. Home: Are You A Leave It In The Sink Or 'Clean Right Away' Person? Heres What It Says About You. I understand the trust issue, and if you have a new cleaning crew come in, or if you cant physically leave, by all means, stay at home. Just seclude yourself in one part of the house, like a bedroom, so they can clean the rest of the house. When it is time to clean that room, move on to another part of the house they have already done. Once you build trust with your cleaners, you can give them a key or stash it outside somewhere. The best jobs that I go to are the ones where I know no one will be home. I can zip through the job while I crank my Beastie Boys Pandora. I cant do that with my little old ladies at home. Sara San Angelo, The Cleaning Lady in Charleston, South Carolina 3. Leave The Thermostat Cranked High, Regardless Of A Housecleaners Comfort Housecleaner Sharel Moore posted a TikTok saying clients should turn down the thermostat for housecleaners. Were HOT!!! her caption said. Advertisement Advertisement A critic in the comments replied, Their house, their temperature choice. You dont have to work there. Home: House Cleaners Reveal The 3 Things People Never Clean Enough You are right! Moore shot back in a reply. Being my own boss I choose to work for people that treat me like a human! And not just hired help. 4. Befriend A Client JuFagundes via Getty Images After being a housecleaner, the main thing that I would not do is cross the line from treating a client like friends or even family. I have had some really bad experiences before that. Because they treated me like family or friends, they felt that they were entitled to certain benefits, almost as if my work was no longer valued the same because I had to give them a deal. Home: The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Doing Laundry Also respect was no longer there, which led to several occasions where because those boundaries were crossed ... there was no clear line of This is the list of things I do and no more, it was like Can you also do ... ? Etc. The list can go on and on. I feel that it can be like this in many jobs, but I feel more so in a housecleaner situation as it is very personal as you are in their home. Ileana Cabrera, a Los Angeles-based housecleaner 5. Have Blinds And Carpeted Stairs Lisa Sosa of Clean Happy Company posted a TikTok explaining what she would not want in her own home after working as a professional cleaner for nine years: Advertisement Advertisement I am not going to have blinds in my future home. Those things just collect dust and they are a pain in the *** to wipe, so Im going either to have the Roman shades or no blinds at all, just really good curtains, she said, adding later that carpeted stairs are her other big no-no because they are a pain in the butt. 6. Use Chemical Or Strongly Scented Cleaners I wont use strongly scented cleaning products, even if they are marketed as natural, because they give me headaches for two or three days after the job. Gail, a New York City-based housecleaner and member of We Dream in Black, an initiative of the National Domestic Workers Alliance that centers the voices of Black, Afro-Latina and Afro-descendant domestic workers After working as a housecleaner for so many years, the main thing I do not do anymore is use cleaners with chemicals in my own home. Many of my clients insists on using toxic cleaners in their homes and as I get older, I am getting very concerned about breathing all those chemicals in as well as them absorbing through my skin. I now wear gloves at those clients houses if I use anything with bleach in it or other harsh ingredients, and make sure to use them in a ventilated area. Advertisement Advertisement In my own home, I basically make my own cleaners using vinegar, baking soda and maybe a little Dawn dish detergent. You really dont need cleaners that can take the chrome off a bumper to keep your house clean. San Angelo 7. Stay At A Privately Owned Vacation Rental Like Airbnb Tiffany Williams, a Granger, Indiana-based housecleaner, said on TikTok that one of the biggest things she will not do after working as a housecleaner is to stay at a privately owned vacation rental, like an Airbnb. Ive been in a lot of Airbnbs over my sixteen years of doing this. Ive seen a lot of neglected Airbnbs, Ive seen a lot of mold in dishwashers, coated ceiling fans, vent fans barely functioning, gross stuff on walls, boogers on bed skirts, Williams said. Ive seen it all, and I personally would never stay at a vacation rental. 8. Have Grout With Small Tiles In The Backsplash Of My Kitchen Housecleaner Alyssa, who works in the Oakland, California, and Macomb County, Michigan, area, shared that after working as a housecleaner, she would not have many small tiles with a lot of grout in her ideal kitchen backsplash, because of how hard they are to clean. Advertisement Advertisement Grout is annoying, it requires maintenance, and its in your kitchen. Its going to get a lot of buildup and grease, Alyssa said, I would opt for a slab ... Theres no grout and you could match it with your countertops. Thats what I would opt for. 9. Get Paid Unfairly Jorg Greuel via Getty Images I wont accept a job without agreeing on a minimum of five hours per cleaning and receiving a clear agreement of the clients housecleaning needs in order to quote a fair hourly rate. I wont work for less than $25 per hour. Gail 10. Get Paid Later Instead Of Upfront Ive had people say, I get paid on Friday, so Ill pay you on Friday. And thats just not how it works. When your cleaner gets there, have the payment ready to go. It baffles me because I know I wouldnt be able to tell a cleaner, Hey, Ill pay you when I get paid in two weeks, and Ive experienced that, and thats not the way it works when youre cleaning someones house. Especially when you are self-employed and you might need that money by the end of the week for a certain bill. Elise 11. Assume That Housecleaners Do Their Job Because They Have No Other Choice GoodLifeStudio via Getty Images If I were to ever hire a housecleaner I would 100% make sure I treat them with the utmost respect and never assume that they do not speak English or that they do not have an education. Advertisement Advertisement I have a Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics and speak perfect English and if I am cleaning houses, it is not because I have no other choice. It is because it is my choice. I earn more now than I ever did working in any office job I ever had, but never had the flexibility I now have and need for my family. Cabrera Some answers were edited for clarity and length. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Were as much the products of the books we read as we are of the times we live in. The 20 books in the list below certainly shaped me: I owe them my career as a classicist, and the seven books Ive written so far. While writers of fiction are praised for capturing the essence of their age, historians are normally expected to resurrect the past as it was, without allowing their view to be coloured by the present. Most will tell you that this is impossible. Some books in this list are, like their authors, products of their time, but theyre still worthy in my estimation of their place. Its no easy feat for one author to rank, in order, the books of 20 others. Many of these writers are still alive, too. Think of me at the next Classics conference 20. Intimations of Christianity among the Ancient Greeks (1957) by Simone Weil Advertisement Advertisement b' ' We dont tend to associate Simone Weil with classical antiquity, but the French philosopher read Greek fluently, and brought a unique perspective to the sources. In this slim volume, she translated passages from Homer, Sophocles, Plato and others, and used them as the basis for an unusual, subtle commentary on the connections between paganism and Christianity. Buy the book 19. Pax Romana (2016) by Adrian Goldsworthy b' ' They create a desert and call it peace, said a Caledonian chieftain of the Romans. But the latter were not, according to Adrian Goldsworthy, inherently expansionist. Goldsworthy may not be the flashiest ancient historian working today, but hes quietly prolific: he has written on Greece, Persia, Carthage and Hadrians Wall. His book on the Pax Romana, the two centuries of imperial stability that began with Augustuss rule, is his most wide-ranging. He surveys the impact of Romes policy on its troublesome territories, and shows that pax was sometimes, but not always, a euphemism for imperial conquest. Advertisement Advertisement Buy the book 18. Prolegomena to the Study of Greek Religion (1903) by Jane Harrison b' ' Dont be put off by the title (prolegomena is Greek for a preface or introduction); this book is highly readable and frequently witty. A pioneering Cambridge classicist, Jane Harrison was fascinated by religious experience in ancient Greece. The Homeric epics, the oldest surviving works of literature in the Western world, struck her as decidedly modern. She believed that if we wish to understand ancient religion, we need to delve deeper through history and archaeology. And thats precisely what she does across the 700 pages of this book, which she referred to, affectionately, as her fat and comely one. Buy the book 17. The Ancient Near East c3000300 BC (1995) by Amelie Kuhrt Advertisement Advertisement b' ' This two-volume work is a staple for those seeking to learn about the ancient world beyond the borders of Greece and Rome. An introduction and a source-book to the histories of Turkey and Egypt, Mesopotamia and the Levant what scholars used to call the Near East, though that label has become archaic its the sort of guide into which you can dip over the years, or pull out for reference, without feeling guilty for not reading it cover-to-cover. Buy the book 16. The Ancient Economy (1973) by Moses Finley b' ' Moses Finley relocated to England from America in 1954 after he was accused of being a Communist. But he returned in 1972 to deliver a lecture series at Berkeley on the subject of the ancient economy, and those lectures formed the basis of this book. Finleys theory was that while our word economics derives from ancient Greek, there was no real concept of the economy in antiquity. He argued that commerce was instead status-driven and focused on self-sufficiency. His Marxist leanings may be obvious, but Finley unwittingly laid down the gauntlet: practically everything that has since been written about the ancient economy leads back to this book. Buy the book 15. Primitivism and Related Ideas in Antiquity (1935) by Arthur O Lovejoy and George Boas Advertisement Advertisement b' ' I bought a copy of this book as a student and read it obsessively. It examines how ideas of primitivism were rejected or idealised by the ancients in their endless quest for a golden age or lost paradise. Its as much a book about civilisation and progress as it is a history written by the ancients. Some of the language is now dated there are plenty of savage peoples but the book is still fascinating. Buy the book 14. New Men in the Roman Senate (1971) by TP Wiseman b' ' TP Wiseman, professor emeritus at Exeter, was once rumoured to have been the inspiration for his former student JK Rowlings Dumbledore an association he has denied. Either way, hes one of the most daring classicists in the academy today. Aged 85, he continues to take leaps that few of his juniors would countenance. The result has been a series of electrifying and absorbing works of scholarship. In New Men in the Roman Senate, Wiseman uses his characteristic sleuthing to identify and explore the novi homines men who entered the Senate without the aid of nepotism across the first century BC and beyond. Some prior knowledge of Romes political system is required. Advertisement Advertisement Buy the book 13. Millennium (2008) by Tom Holland b' ' Tom Hollands Rubicon, about the death of the Roman Republic, was published in 2003, when I was a teenager. I devoured it. By the time Millennium came out five years later, I was at university, and so laden with Classics reading lists that the prospect of a book covering the period post-AD 500 was immediately enticing. As wed just entered a new millennium of our own, the fears of those who approached the year 1000 were familiar. Would the world end or would it expand? Was the end of religion nigh? Im admittedly stretching the limits of ancient history with this book, but Ill allow it on the grounds that the legacy of Rome and its fall is central to its argument. Advertisement Advertisement Buy the book 12. In Search of the Trojan War (1985) by Michael Wood b' ' One of the first documentary series I remember watching as a child was Michael Woods seminal exploration of the truth behind the Trojan War. (It must have been a repeat: the original aired in 1985, before I was born.) When I discovered the accompanying book, some years later, I was delighted to find that it was far more than a mere tie-in. Wood writes so engagingly that you feel as though youre excavating with him. Hes encouraged by the various bits of archaeological evidence for a real war slingshots, arrowheads, burned masonry and he interrogates the timelines enthusiastically without stretching the facts. Advertisement Advertisement Buy the book 11. Alexander the Great (1973) by Robin Lane Fox b' ' Oliver Stones 2004 film Alexander was inspired in part by this book, a fact that contributed to Lane Foxs legendary status at Oxford in the 2000s. A copy of the revised paperback landed in my Christmas stocking in 2004; I must since have read it thrice over. The narrative leads you through the life of the ambitious Macedonian leader with immediacy and vim. The passages on the burning of Xerxess palace at Persepolis are imprinted on my memory. Buy the book 10. SPQR (2015) by Mary Beard b' ' This was an instant classic, earning a place in the bestseller lists and on thousands of readers shelves. What makes SPQR such a compelling read is its enormous scope and Mary Beards no-nonsense style. Running from the legendary early kings to the height of the empire, she covers the key stages in Romes development without being tediously exhaustive. Catiline, who conspired to overthrow the Roman government in 63 BC, casts a long shadow. Was he, Beard asks, a far-sighted radical, or an unprincipled terrorist? The question is still asked of rebels and protesters today. Advertisement Advertisement Buy the book 9. Nero: The End of a Dynasty (1984) by Miriam Griffin b' ' If you really want to understand the perils and pitfalls of ancient history, study Nero, and ideally through the eyes of Miriam Griffin. The late Oxford scholar adopted a rigorous but open-minded approach to the most maligned of Roman emperors. The sources of Tacitus, Suetonius and other classical historians can leave you with the impression that Nero was nothing short of a sadist; reading Griffins biography will teach you how to interrogate the ancient material and form a fair judgement for yourself. Nero wasnt all bad is my stock response to visitors who eye my shelf-long collection of Nero books with suspicion. Griffins has always been my favourite. Advertisement Advertisement Buy the book 8. The Spartans (2002) by Paul Cartledge b' ' Paul Cartledge is the undisputed king of Greek history, and the foremost expert on ancient Sparta. If the only thing you know about its people is that they were merciless fighters who flung disabled babies off cliffs, you will be astonished by their less-discussed ways of life and the extraordinary combination of superstition and logic that shaped their outlook. Cartledge tackles what he calls the Spartan myth, which has brought them enduring fame and sometimes misplaced glory. Its a brilliantly readable and deeply penetrating account. Buy the book 7. The Greeks and the Irrational (1951) by ER Dodds b' ' In 1936, Eric Robertson Dodds found himself the most hated man in Oxford as a result of being appointed Regius Professor of Greek over his rival Maurice Bowra. Dodds had, until then, written principally on obscure ancient philosophers. With this book, he finally revealed himself to be one of the most sophisticated thinkers of the 20th century. In probing their often bizarre spiritual and religious beliefs, he revealed the Greeks to be much less logical and judicious than was formerly supposed. I re-read the book in 2020 while writing a book about classicists in inter-war Oxford, and was struck by the clear-headedness with which Dodds moves from one complex thought to the next. Buy the book 6. Courtesans and Fishcakes (1997) by James Davidson b' ' This is one of the first books I remember my late father, a sculptor, reading when I was a child. I liked the cover, which shows a mosaic of a floor strewn with fishbones, and the title, which remains one of the most amusing on my shelves. James Davidson, today professor of classics and ancient history at Warwick, scrutinises sexual and alimentary lust with a rare lightness of touch. The Greeks, he well illustrates, were opsomanes (fish-mad), and rather too fond of the kineterion (the brothel). The book helped to establish the market for popular ancient history, and set a high bar, not least for debuts. Buy the book 5. From the Gracchi to Nero (1959) by HH Scullard b' ' Ive recommended this book to more people than I can remember. Its one of the best places to start if youre seeking to understand why the Roman Republic ended, and the foundations of empire were laid. The late HH Scullard, reader at New College London, explains the motivations of the revolutionary Gracchi brothers, who were assassinated at the instigation of the Senate for their radical land reform bills, and charts the deepening senatorial divisions that made long-term conflict inevitable. Buy the book 4. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1776-89) by Edward Gibbon b' ' I doubt I would be forgiven for omitting Gibbons classic from this list. That isnt my reason for including it I learned from Achilles to fear no wrath but the cult status of this work does count for something. Id wager that its largely because of Gibbon that modern men reportedly think about the Roman Empire several times a day. He established the parameters by which we still measure the greatness that enabled Romes longevity, and the flaws that shaped its downfall. While viewing decay as a natural consequence of immoderate greatness, he drew attention to Romes excessive prosperity and waning values during the rise of Christianity. Theres much we can learn from Gibbon and his diagnostics. Buy the book 3. Tiberius: The Politician (1976) by Barbara Levick b' ' Barbara Levick, who died aged 92 in 2023, was another of the greats. I just missed her at my Oxford college, but she returned to lecture and later read the manuscript of one of my books, providing much encouragement. She found her voice in a pre-jargon age in which readability was, for academics, deemed a virtue. I could recommend any of her biographies she profiled Claudius, Augustus, Vespasian and many others but her Tiberius grabbed me from the moment a friend gave me a copy. Romes second emperor was, like its fifth, Nero, a complicated man with a complicated legacy; but in Levicks hands, hes a full-blooded human, not a caricature. Buy the book 2. The Roman Revolution (1939) by Ronald Syme b' ' Ronald Syme, a New Zealand-born classicist, produced an almost impossible quantity of academic papers and books. He taught largely at Oxford, and counted Barbara Levick and Miriam Griffin among his doctoral students. This book on the political crisis that surrounded the assassination of Julius Caesar earned him fame in his own time not least because he provoked controversy by presenting Augustus in terms that evoked contemporary European fascists. You need not agree with him on every point to find The Roman Revolution a masterly and scintillating read. Buy the book 1. The History of Rome (1854-6) by Theodor Mommsen b' ' This book, which fills three (later five) volumes, earned Theodor Mommsen the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1902. His subject is the Roman Republic and its death; his style is one of life and pace. The German historian didnt counter claims that aspects of his account were coloured by the politics of his own times. His admiration of Julius Caesar as a civilising force, for example, clearly reflected his despair with German liberalism. Over 170 years later, Mommsens scope, fluidity and insight continue to inspire awe. Buy the book Daisy Dunns books include The Missing Thread: A Womens History of the Ancient World 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. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Exciting menus are ready for you. | Credit: Fly View Productions / Getty Images These restaurants know how to transport. Some bring the flavors of far-flung locales like the Caribbean and Indonesia; others welcome with homey dishes in nourishing settings. Heres where to eat this winter. Amba, Cleveland A meal at Amba is a feast for the senses, with low lighting, a lively soundtrack, and a menu built for sharing, said Eater Chicago . The menu leans heavily on North Indian dishes, including local paneer with curry leaves and mustard seeds. But theres wandering, too, as evidenced by Turkish fried eggs, wok-fried green beans with gai choy, and popcorn chicken with Thai basil. Coquine, Portland, Oregon Coquine is the perfect little restaurant, unfailingly, 10 years running, said Karen Brooks at Portland Monthly . The restaurant , with miraculous food from chef-owner Katy Millard, is somehow both precise and nonchalant. You could go all out with a five-course tasting menu, dine a la carte or pop next door to Katy Janes for a few rounds of oysters. Choosing your own adventure has never been more delicious. Fallow Kin, Cambridge, Massachusetts This brand-new restaurant has strong connections to both local farms and the community, showcasing a zero-waste menu section and donating a portion of its food to neighborhood food insecurity programs. Vegetables, such as parsnips with pickled pear and miso, as well as potatoes with bonito-flavored mayonnaise and trout roe, are the centerpiece of the menu at Fallow Kin but not its sole offering. Kabawa, New York City The Caribbean gets short shrift in fine-dining restaurants across the U.S. That has been shifting over the last few years, and Kabawa is a luminous addition to the sea change. Chef Paul Carmichael is at the helm, and he island-hops for inspiration, snatching influences from countries including Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad for Kabawas prix-fixe menu. Advertisement Advertisement The 9 restaurants to eat at this very moment Appetites now: 2025 in food trends Why a Michelin star can spell danger for restaurants Duck sausage is jerked with Jamaican spicings. A fillet of black bass is sauced with a Trinidad-evoking curry. In keeping with the Caribbean spirit, a meal at Kabawa can be a rambunctious good time. You need only clue the staff into your readiness to have a whole lot of fun. Lems, Chicago Once you have tried Lems, you cant help but develop a particular craving for it whenever you want barbecue, said Chicago magazine . Because nowhere else in town does it quite as well. The citys oldest Black-owned barbecue business, Lems specializes in rib tips and hot links. Who said you need to be in the South to eat good cue? Mabel Gray, Detroit Long live the longstanding! Restaurant culture, by its nature, is obsessed with newness. Mabel Gray celebrated 10 years in September of this year, and the restaurant is a look into the creative minds of people who have seen the world, said Danny Palumbo at Hour Detroit . The menu changes constantly; you can experience it a la carte or as part of a $92 tasting menu. Recent dishes include fluke with whole-grain-mustard beurre blanc, dirty rice arancini, and wilted spinach with smoky whipped tofu. Mabel Gray is always evolving, forever sublime. Rice and Sambal, Philadelphia Put yourself in the kitchens hands at Rice and Sambal , and you will experience the wide-ranging flavors of great Indonesian cooking. Come for brunch on Sundays to have an omelet with shallot, tomato and sweet soy sauce, or the coconut jam-slicked srikaya toast topped with, yes, chocolate sprinkles. For dinner, the menu is set, at either five courses on Thursdays and Fridays or the blowout Liwetan feast served in a communal bamboo basket only on Saturdays. Zao Bakery and Cafe, St. Paul, Minnesota Trader Joe's offers some of the best condiments out there, ranging from ketchups and mustards to chimichurri sauces and various spreads. If you dive a little deeper into the world of TJ's condiments, you'll find an entire subsection of hot sauces, including familiar staples, like sriracha, and more unique options, like sweet potato habanero hot sauce. No matter what heat level you prefer, or whether you like your sauce vinegary or sweet, fermented or fresh, smooth or chunky, Trader Joe's has options for just about any hot sauce lover. But that begs the question: which Trader Joe's hot sauces are any good? To answer that, I set out to sample a selection of TJ's hot sauces, hoping to identify the best of the bunch. As someone who is no stranger to a good hot sauce (just check out my Cholula hot sauce ranking and Tabasco hot sauce ranking), I eagerly put nine of Trader Joe's hot sauces to the taste test. When sampling these sauces to determine which comes out on top, the perfect balance of heat and flavor was the most important factor in my judgment. But there were other factors at play as well, like the sauce's complexity or whether it had a particularly interesting flavor or consistency. Ultimately, it was fairly difficult to determine the lowest-ranked sauce, but first place was a clear-cut winner that stood out above the rest. Read more: 8 Frozen Foods To Buy At Aldi And 8 To Skip 9. Sriracha Sauce Trader Joe's sriracha hot sauce bottle next to tortilla chip on plate with drizzle of sauce - Julia Duda/Tasting Table It wasn't easy to rank Trader Joe's sriracha hot sauce in last place, but hear me out. I am a bona fide sriracha lover, and can attest that not all srirachas taste the same. In the case of TJ's version, it falls a bit short of hitting those staple spicy and fermented flavor notes. Advertisement Advertisement Upon first tasting the sriracha, which I paired with a tortilla chip, I immediately noticed that it was a bit sweeter than my go-to brand, Huy Fong. I don't mind a little sweetness to balance out the heat and funky flavors, but I didn't love that it was the first thing I noticed. It took too much away from any spicy edge the sauce had to offer, and muted the tangy, fermented notes that typify sriracha. That said, I certainly can't deny that this is a tasty sauce, and it's ultimately not a bad take on sriracha. However, one sauce had to come in last place, and this stood out to me as the weakest link in TJ's lineup. On a positive note, it just goes to show that Trader Joe's has some real winners in terms of its hot sauces, since none of those I tasted were objectively bad. 8. Habanero Hot Sauce Trader Joe's habanero hot sauce bottle next to tortilla chip on plate - Julia Duda/Tasting Table It's common knowledge that a hot sauce's heat comes down to the spice level of the chili peppers in its base (and the quantity of those peppers). Many hot sauces have a jalapeno base, which means that while they're going to be reasonably spicy, the heat isn't too extreme. Then there's something like the Carolina Reaper, an extremely spicy chili pepper that results in a "knock-your-socks-off" hot sauce. Habanero peppers fall somewhere in between, but they can definitely pack a punch, as is evident in Trader Joe's Habanero Hot Sauce. I tend to find habanero hot sauces especially spicy in general, but this one had my lips tingling and my eyes watering. I did enjoy the flavor, which was nice and sharp, and slightly acidic, but perhaps a little too sweet. I just wished there was an extra element that would have tempered the heat a bit, like a fruity flavor that could help counter the habanero madness. I could see this sauce being more enjoyable if it were used sparingly, like a small drizzle on an al pastor taco. As-is, however, the spice was too overwhelming, so I could only rank Trader Joe's Habanero Hot Sauce so high. However, lovers of extra-spicy hot sauces may disagree with my evaluation. 7. Jalapeno Sauce Trader Joe's jalapeno sauce bottle next to tortilla chip on plate with drizzle of sauce - Julia Duda/Tasting Table Right off the bat, I found Trader Joe's Jalapeno Sauce the most intriguing due to its appearance. Why does this sauce look so creamy? Why does it appear like it would be cooling, despite clearly stating that it's a spicy sauce right on the bottle? While I remain dumbfounded as to how this sauce manages to achieve such a creamy consistency especially considering that it's suitable for vegans I can at least confirm, based on my taste test, that it does not have a cooling effect. But I wouldn't say that it raises the heat much, either. Advertisement Advertisement My biggest disappointment with this jalapeno sauce was that it just wasn't very hot. This isn't inherently a bad thing, especially for those who prefer a milder hot sauce, but personally I was hoping for more spice. I could still appreciate the jalapeno-forward flavor that the sauce had to offer, and I also quite enjoyed its consistency it earned points for originality, as I don't think I've ever had a hot sauce that was so texturally creamy. Overall, I didn't hate this hot sauce, but it needed to be bolder in the spice department to earn a higher ranking. 6. Chunky Garlic & Jalapeno Hot Sauce Trader Joe's chunky garlic jalapeno hot sauce bottle next to tortilla chip on plate with hot sauce drizzle - Julia Duda/Tasting Table I've ranked Trader Joe's jarred salsas in the past, and I have to say, its Chunky Garlic & Jalapeno Hot Sauce almost seems better suited for that lineup than this one. This stuff certainly delivered on the "chunky" front, which is no bad thing out of all the sauces reviewed, I felt it paired best with the tortilla chip. It also packed in a good amount of spice; however, the garlic bordered on overwhelming. I'm not usually one to complain about a garlic overload, but I found myself wishing there was a touch less of it in this hot sauce. Or, at the very least, that there was more spicy jalapeno flavor to back it up. Overall, this was a solid hot sauce (figuratively and literally), albeit a slightly overly-garlicky one, and I'm sure some people will adore the chunky texture. Personally, I could take or leave the chunks, and in the grand scheme of things, this Trader Joe's sauce felt like a very middle-ground option. It was inoffensive and tasty enough, but not something I'd necessarily return to. 5. Bird's Eye Chile Hot Sauce Trader Joe's bird's eye chile hot sauce bottle next to tortilla chip on small plate with drizzle of hot sauce - Julia Duda/Tasting Table I wasn't quite sure what to expect before trying Trader Joe's Bird's Eye Chile Hot Sauce, largely because I'd never tasted a sauce that showcases this specific pepper. However, I have tried bird's eye chilis (also known as Thai chilis), so I was expecting a pretty intense level of heat. Much to my surprise, this sauce wasn't overwhelmingly spicy. It was hot, sure, but the overall profile was much more balanced than I anticipated. Advertisement Advertisement The first tasting note I picked up on was a very bright, slightly acidic one, but that quickly gave way to the spice from the pickled chilis. I think the pickling really helped give this sauce the unique, tangy flavor profile that made it stand out. It was also a bit sweet, and a little garlicky. A solid hot sauce all around, I appreciated how well its flavors were balanced with its heat, and felt it could prove highly versatile. 4. Sweet Potato Habanero Hot Sauce Trader Joe's sweet potato habanero hot sauce bottle next to tortilla chip on small plate with drizzle of sauce - Julia Duda/Tasting Table The Sweet Potato Habanero Hot Sauce is perhaps the most controversial entry on this list. I can't say that I've ever tasted a sweet potato hot sauce before, nor has it been something I could have even fathomed wanting to try. But I love sweet potatoes, and I love hot sauce, so I hoped the two would work well together in some capacity. Sure enough, sweet potatoes and hot sauce do go together (at least in my humble opinion). I'm not going to lie this was a slightly weird hot sauce. It boasted a prominent sweet potato flavor, but also tasted very strongly of fall spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg. As strange as it was encountering those flavors in a hot sauce, they worked well, providing a warmth that paired well with the actual spiciness from the habaneros. Remember how I said earlier that I wished Trader Joe's Habanero Hot Sauce had some other element to balance the spice? This has it. The extra sweetness and baking spice notes upgrade the sauce from one that simply tastes "spicy." I could see it being a bit polarizing for some, but it's a uniquely delicious sauce that any sweet potato fan will probably enjoy. 3. Peri-Peri Sauce Trader Joe's peri-peri sauce bottle next to tortilla chip on small plate with drizzle of sauce - Julia Duda/Tasting Table Peri-peri (or piri-piri) sauce has a unique flavor, offering up some surprisingly tangy and aromatic notes to accompany the expected heat. Trader Joe's Peri-Peri Sauce is a great example of the style, providing a nice level of spice to go along with the slightly sour funk of the fermented chilis. Peri-peri is traditionally made with African bird's eye chilies, and according to Trader Joe's, the company sources its sauce directly from South Africa. That means this stuff is the real deal, which is crucial when it comes to providing a quality, region-specific hot sauce. Advertisement Advertisement My favorite aspects of this sauce were its complexity and the remarkable balance of flavors. While the spice dominated, there was also a touch of sweetness that worked with the tangy notes to temper the heat before it became too overwhelming. There was also something about it that reminded me of a wing sauce, which makes sense considering peri-peri is typically paired with chicken. However, a sauce this good could be paired with far more dishes, and I could see myself drizzling it over pizza, eggs, or even roasted veggies. 2. Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce Trader Joe's Italian bomba sauce jar next to tortilla chip on small plate with sauce on it - Julia Duda/Tasting Table Who says that all hot sauces have to be liquid? Trader Joe's Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce proves that not only can a hot sauce be thick and paste-like, but that it can taste darn good while doing so, especially based on how much I wanted to keep going back for more bites of this stuff. Fermented Calabrian peppers are the ingredient that makes bomba sauce unique, and the chilis added a lot of depth that helped balance the spice while offering a bit of funkiness at the same time. Many of the sauces on this list feature fermented chiles as the base, and it's no wonder that they're such a popular hot sauce ingredient. While this chunky, salsa-style sauce tasted great on a tortilla chip, I could see it being an amazing addition to a simple red pasta sauce, providing an immediate flavor boost. I could also see myself blending some into homemade salsa, mixing it into a breakfast scramble, or spreading it on a slice of pepperoni pizza. I love a versatile sauce, and this one definitely delivers on that front without falling into the trap of tasting too neutral or boring. 1. Green Dragon Hot Sauce Trader Joe's green dragon hot sauce bottle next to tortilla chip with sauce on it - Julia Duda/Tasting Table Some of the best hot sauces are those that keep things incredibly simple, featuring some sort of chili, vinegar, and not much else. However, there are also those that pack quite a few ingredients into a single bottle, resulting in a truly interesting and complex condiment. The potential pitfall of the latter is that ingredient-overload can lead to an unnuanced character that lacks cohesion, but that's certainly not true for Trader Joe's Green Dragon Hot Sauce. Advertisement Advertisement This sauce managed to strike gold with its flavor profile, which is remarkably complex and works incredibly well. The jalapeno and tomatillo base alone makes it more complex than many hot sauces out there, but it goes further by incorporating other flavors like garlic, lime juice, and even cilantro puree. I was initially worried that the cilantro would overpower the entire sauce, but this wasn't the case at all. Instead, it adds a unique, grassy herbaceous note that helps brighten the entire sauce. There's also just the right amount of spice here enough to make your tongue tingle without assaulting your taste buds. If you're a fan of more complicated condiments, you'll love Trader Joe's Green Dragon sauce. Methodology Various Trader Joe's hot sauces on countertop - Julia Duda/Tasting Table One of the main factors to consider when ranking hot sauces is the spice level, but that doesn't mean the hottest sauce wins by default. The complexity and balance of flavors are incredibly important, so I also looked for these when assessing Trader Joe's hot sauces. In terms of complexity, I tended to favor sauces that brought more than just spice to the table, be it sweetness, fermented funkiness, tartness, baking spice notes, or perhaps even an herbaceous edge. I considered a sauce well balanced if it wasn't overpoweringly spicy, and if its additional flavor aspects were complementary. I should note that I didn't dislike any of these sauces, and they were all pretty tasty in their own right, so ranking them ultimately came down to separating those that really stood out from those that made less of an impression. I conducted the tasting by sampling each hot sauce on a plain, salted tortilla chip. This has been my go-to method for conducting hot sauce rankings because the chip provides a neutral base, allowing me to fully experience the flavor profile of each sauce without having to drink them straight up. Given the wide variation in spice levels and textures, I didn't use a standardized sample size, but followed my personal judgment to ensure the quantity would be enough to fully taste each sauce. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Tasting Table. Known indigenously as Rapa Nui, Easter Island has an irresistible magnetism for many travelers, if not for its giant, uncanny moai statues, then for its sheer remoteness. It's often ranked among the most mysterious places around the globe that leave more questions than answers: How did its first inhabitants even get there, and how did they adapt to such an isolated environment? What's the purpose of the moai, and how were these heavy statues moved, considering the largest weighs nearly 86 tons? Beyond its historical mysteries, the island is simply stunning, with dramatic volcanic terrain, a crater lush with fruit, and shores of pitch-black basalt lapped by the Pacific. For anyone who wants to add the beautiful Polynesian island to their bucket list, they should know it will take some work to get there (though, no doubt, at a great reward). The closest continental land, Chile, is around 2,300 miles away from Easter Island, so visiting this secluded destination is difficult travel time is long, flights can be harder to come by, and the costs for travel and accommodations can be exorbitant. Since it's home to such significant archaeological sites, there are strict rules in place to protect Easter Island from overtourism. Stays on the island are limited to 30 days maximum, they require authorization from Chile's National Tourism Service, and some areas are off-limits without a professional tour guide. Nonetheless, once you've understood the rules and gotten the proper permissions, it's totally feasible to visit Easter Island and marvel at its wonders. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Seemingly Normal Behaviors That TSA Will Watch You Like A Hawk For At The Airport What to know about flying to and staying on Easter Island Airplane at the Easter Island airport with moai sculpture - Ampueroleonardo/Getty Images The first step of planning a trip to Easter Island is booking a flight, which itself is difficult. Tahiti once offered direct flights to Easter Island, but COVID-19 changed that. Now, the island's sole airport, Mataveri International Airport, only has flights from Santiago, Chile, offered by just one airline: LATAM, which, to be fair, has a convenient and classy reputation in the airline industry. Luckily, per Google Flights, travel between Santiago and Easter Island is offered daily, with round-trip costs ranging anywhere from $300 to $800 it's a good idea to check regularly, as the prices fluctuate a lot. The fastest flights take about five or six hours. Before you get to the airport, make sure to fill out a Single Entry Form, one of the requirements for entry, and don't bring any honey products (they're prohibited on the island to protect its ecosystem). With a flight booked, you'll also have to find proper accommodations. In order to travel to the island, you need to have proof that you've booked accommodations that are registered with the National Tourism Service (SERNATUR), typically in the form of a confirmation email. The good news is that it's required for local lodgings to register with SERNATUR, so it should be an automatic feature for reputable places. Travel blogger Worldly Adventurer recommends the campsite-hostel hybrid Tipanie Moana, which offers tent stays and bedroom rentals, starting around $60 to $80 per night. For a luxury stay, the blogger suggested Hare Nua Hotel Boutique, which has a more chic resort-like feel. You can find room rates starting around $300 to $400 a night. How to explore Easter Island's parks and landmarks The ancient moai of Ahu Togariki, on Easter Island of Chile at sunrise - f11photo/Shutterstock There's a good chance that the top item on your Easter Island itinerary is seeing the moai, statues with particularly massive heads carved up to a thousand years ago by the Rapa Nui people out of lava tuff. These statues are located in the UNESCO-protected Rapa Nui National Park. The park is open to visitors under a few conditions: You have to enter with an accredited guide, you need to get a ticket in advance (about $100 each, as of this writing), and you need to stick to demarcated boundaries. Advertisement Advertisement The park encompasses about 40% of the island, so you'll want to set aside plenty of time for sightseeing. The moai are scattered around different sites, with many clustered together on an ahu, a type of ceremonial platform. Beyond the moai, the park also contains the remains of several ancient villages and the quarry, located in a volcanic crater, where most of the statues were excavated from. When you want to venture out to the island's other landmarks without having to follow a guide, one of the most beautiful spots you can enter guide-free is Anakena Beach, the biggest sand beach on the island. The beach is watched over by towering, restored moai, and encircled by a hilly, basalt-strewn volcanic landscape. Another outing you don't need a ticket or guide for is the hike up Mount Terevaka. It's one of the island's three volcanoes and its highest peak. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. "Queer Eye" star Bobby Berk is best known for transforming the lives of men in desperate need of a lifestyle overhaulbut he is now turning his expert eye to another, much more niche project: tackling the overwhelming world of junk hoarding. The topic takes center stage in Berk's new HGTV series "Junk or Jackpot?" that premieres Dec. 26and will see the reality star working with so-called collectors whose obsession with stockpiling different items has spiraled out of control, taking, in some cases, a dire toll on their lives. For Berk, 44, who splits his time between Palm Desert, CA, and Portugal, the show was a very "emotional" experience, bringing in many of the same difficult personal topics that he regularly approached in "Queer Eye." Advertisement Advertisement In the show, Berk meets with homeowners whose spaces are filled with collections, whether that be superhero figurines, Disney memorabilia, video games, vinyl records, or dolls. Sometimes the collections are valuable and well-organized, sometimes not. But they all have one thing in common: The collection has taken over. On the surface, the show is about helping homeowners whose collections have reached uncontrollable extremes to offload any items that can be classified as junk or as a valuable asset for sale. But beneath the glossy exterior, Berk says the show has so many more layersnoting that his transformation of these properties was less about creating a picture-perfect aesthetic and more about "changing people's lives." "I wanted to make sure it wasn't just about going out and designing a pretty home because you can," Berk tells Realtor.com. "This show is about changing people's lives and really helping them create healthy boundaries with collecting." "Queer Eye" star Bobby Berk is best known for transforming the lives of men in desperate need of a lifestyle overhaulbut he is now turning his expert eye to another, much more niche project: tackling the overwhelming world of junk hoarding. (HGTV) The "emotional component" that sits at the very heart of the homeowners' collections is something that Berk was eager to showcase, noting that many of these hoarding tendencies were born out of a much more personal place than simply wanting to amass things. Advertisement Advertisement "[Collecting] was their passion, but because they went overboard, it actually became a source of stress and anxiety and in some cases, it literally broke marriages," Berk says of his clients on the show. The designer enlists help from experts who can help sell parts of the collections, freeing up once-crowded spaces in their properties. The newfound square footage is an instant improvementand the earnings help pay for Berk's elegant home improvements. The TV star says these transformations are meaningful for his clients on the show, but also for viewers who may be looking around, wondering if their stuff is worth anything. Berk enlists experts who can appraise items and the show then follows homeowners as they take their items to auction or sell online. This process can serve as inspiration for people who are ready to reducebut are hoping for a return on their investments. Advertisement Advertisement Plus, Berk's new show includes valuable lessons on decluttering and minimizing, which the designer says many people try and fail at. "I think one of the reasons why we fail when trying to organize our house is we try to bite off more than we can chew," he says. "We try to say, OK, I'm going to clean out the garage today. I'm going to organize that. And it's too much. We don't have time for it, or it's overwhelming. And so we give up halfway through." For Berk, 44, who splits his time between Palm Desert, CA, and Portugal, the show was a very "emotional" experience, bringing in many of the same difficult personal topics that he regularly approached in "Queer Eye." (HGTV) But he says that if you start out small, cleaning out just one corner of the garage or a junk drawer, "We get those endorphins of accomplishment. And it'll encourage you to get that closet next time. And then work your way up to the big spaces." Advertisement Advertisement He adds that pairing down and organizing shouldn't be done alone. And while Berk can't come into everyone's home, he suggests a valuable stand-in: family members. "Make it a teachable moment with the kids, with the spouse, with the friend. Have some friends over," he says, suggesting inviting loved ones to have cocktails while you clean out the garage together. "If your friends really love you, they'll be there for you for that because they know you'll do the same for them," he says. And at the end of the day, Berk says "Junk or Jackpot?" isn't about throwing everything away. He talks clients through what to sell, what to put in storage, and what to display. He helps collectors create displays and special closets, so they can show off their favorite items to "friends and family who are now willing to come overbecause there's space to come over." Advertisement Advertisement "And the great thing about that is, every season or so you can rotate the items out," he says. "And that way when friends come over, there's something new to talk about." Berk says organizing and pairing down can lead to better relationships and a better home life. Plus, you never know when you're going to open a box and get a surprise. "In one of our episodes, our collector had a box of things that she had bought at an estate sale for like 500 bucks a decade ago. And we found multiple items worth 10, 20, 30, $40,000 in there," Berk says. "So I think that was a really, really great moment for both her and for the show." Unlike Alaska's more famous tourist stops, such as Juneau or Anchorage, Sitka offers a slower, more intimate experience of the state's untamed beauty. Sitka is a small coastal city tucked between snow-capped peaks and the Pacific Ocean, where forest trails meet rugged shorelines. Aside from the beautiful landscape, this city is one of the best places for spotting rare wildlife up close. The lesser-known city is located on Baranof Island in the Southeast Alaska Panhandle and is accessible only by plane or boat. There are no highways connecting it to the mainland. The Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT) welcomes daily flights from Seattle, Juneau, and Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. If you'd rather travel by sea, hop aboard the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry, which connects Sitka to nearby island towns. Sitka is the ancestral home of the Tlingit people, who have lived in the area for over 10,000 years. The city later became the capital of Russian America in 1799 before Alaska became part of the United States in 1867. You still find traces of Russian architecture and traditional totem poles from the Tlingit culture. Read more: Pilots Hate Flying Into These U.S. Airports Wildlife Viewing in Sitka A female sea otter, Enhydra lutris, calls out to locate its pup in Sitka, Alaska. - Mystic Stock Photography/Shutterstock Few places in Alaska offer wildlife encounters as diverse as Sitka. Actually, wildlife viewing is one of the adventurous reasons why Alaska should be your next bucket list destination. Travelers can start their wildlife-viewing escapades with whale watching. The city has opportunities to lock eyes with puffins, humpback whales, and sea otters. Whale watching tours depart daily from the harbor, or you can kayak to discover the hidden inlets and coves. Another great place to see whales is at Whale Park, about 6 miles from downtown Sitka. Between September and January, you can spot humpback Whales and sea lions from the overlooks. Companies, such as A Whale's Song Expeditions, offer accredited marine life tours with expert guides. You can also capture Instagram-worthy moments on the tours with the guidance of photographers. Advertisement Advertisement Your next wildlife-viewing highlight in the underrated city should be the Alaska Raptor Center, a renowned wildlife rehabilitation center that rescues injured bald eagles, hawks, and falcons. Stroll through the center to watch eagles stretch their wings before they're released. You can also learn about the different species of eagles. For bear sightings, visit the Fortress of the Bear, a sanctuary for orphaned black and brown bears that can't return to the wild. You can also learn some tips about caring for bears and get an up close view of the wildlife in their habitat. For a front perspective of different sea creatures, the Sitka Sound Science Center doesn't disappoint. This Science Center has a huge aquarium with mini-versions of various marine ecosystems in Southeast Alaska. The 60-foot deep saltwater tank in the aquarium replicates the marine life deep in the ocean, and you can easily see rockfish and sculpins. Beyond wildlife viewing in Sitka The Russian Bishop's House in Sitka, Alaska - Vendi Saputra/Shutterstock Downtown Sitka is full of life and vibrant with various art galleries, gift shops, and bookstores. It's ideal for those looking to take a literary piece of Alaska back home. You can get the town's map at the Visitor Information Center and learn more about the area's culture as you stroll the streets at your own pace. Some of the highlights on the map include the Russian Bishop's House, one of the few traces of the Russian Colonial-era buildings in the U.S. Built in 1842, it housed the bishop of the Orthodox Church and served as the Church's decision-making center from California to Siberian Kamchatka (a peninsula in Russia). The iconic structure has been restored into a museum with exhibits about Russian history in Alaska. You can also visit St. Michael's Cathedral to dive into Russian history and culture. This cathedral houses all the church treasures, religious objects, and Orthodox art. You can also learn about the history of the cathedral, which was built from 1844 to 1848. Your visit to Sitka is incomplete if you don't spend some hours at one of the best historical sites to visit in America, the Sitka National Historic Park. While it's Alaska's smallest national historical park, covering only 113 acres, it packs a lot of history. The park shows the history of the Russian and Tlingit it was where the Tlingit lost to the Russians. Traiblazers can follow the Totem Trail, which passes through western hemlock trees and has 18 Totem Poles. Another stop is the Baranof Castle State Historic Site, the stronghold of the Tlingit. They built a fortification on Castle Hill that now provides panoramic views of Sitka downtown. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Explore. As you approach the historic center of Ericeira, Portugal, the narrow cobbled streets and alleys weave through a town far older than the surf culture that has come to define it today. In some ways it reminds me of home in Encinitas, in others, it stands truly unique to anything we have in California. At the Wavegliders Surf Shop, a vibe pervades that is beyond anything beholden to any one country or place, it is the spirit of an international tribe passionate about, well, wave gliding. Thanks to friendships forged at Gliding Barnacles, the shop staff played host to our crew consisting of the creative duo that is TJ Thran, founder of CVRRENT, and Emma Limburg, who both work magic behind the lenses of their cameras, surfboard shaper, Josh Peterson, of Peterson Surf Craft, and Julia Cataldo, of Peppy Collective, clothing designer and vintage collector. We met up for a surf at a quiet spot outside of town. From the cliff, the waves looked fun, playful even. Down on the beach, I could see that the head-high waves rose up quickly and broke with force eventually slamming into the giant cliffs with a thunderous crash. The ocean was glassy, reflecting the bright sunlight yet still showing off it's unique green-blue color distinctly different from the Pacific hues back home. The cold water, lack of crowd, and beautiful views made for a baptism-like experience that left us each a full of gratitude for this life that connects us with like-minded seekers across the world. It was likely around this time that I found myself thinking, 'I could really dig getting to know this wave.' Emma Limburg (Emma Limburg) Apres-surf it was back into town where we hung at Wavegliders and learned more about the waves and history of the town. Manager and Ericeira native, Joao Pereira says, If you look back at the historical photos from the area, you can see just how much it is has changed over the years. When I was a child it was all fields surrounding the town, now we have many more people and growth. At its core, Ericeira is a traditional Portuguese fishing village. Its now also one of the main hubs for surf tourism in the country. Shot on Leica M3 Chris Dodds (Chris Dodds) For surf shops, schools, hotels, and cafes, the growth enables business and a significant relevance in the international surf scene. For user-friendly waves, well, that means there's quite the crowd. The crown jewel being Ribeira das Ihlas, a right-hand reef break just north of town that plays host to a Challenger Series event in the fall. I found the wave to be not unlike Swamis in Encinitasonly with more consistent punch thanks to full exposure to North Atlantic swells that bring in steady surf throughout the year. Advertisement Advertisement While Portugal certainly resembles California in many ways, the strength of the sea, and temperature of the water, makes that comparison particular to the conditions found in Northern California. Unlike anything you would find in California though, adjacent to the beach in Riberia, there is a newly-built bar and restaurant that looks far more like something you would find in a hip neighborhood of LA, than you would find near any surf break. Downstairs at Wavegliders there is an additional space for used surfboards and a lounge filled with an impressive collection of old Surfer Magazines with a rotating gallery of local art adorning the walls. In the wintertime they host movie nights to gather the tribe despite the cold, long evenings, and keep the proverbial fire alive. Yes, of course, they surf as much as they can, but wintertime blues can be a real thing especially when going out to surf feels more like a survival mission than a joyful pastime. Upstairs, the cozy space is well-curated with gear from brands like Db Journey, Carhartt WIP, Patagonia, Roark, and a selection of a new brand from the Canary Islands that is quickly turning heads and gaining fans, Latitud Fuego. Next to the cash register is an espresso machine, in part for customers who need a little pick me upkeeping with the European tradition that coffee is best served as a potent shotin part serving as an inspiration station for the staff and friends to help fuel whatever adventure or creative endeavor theyll embark on next. Behind the register you'll find an impressive selection of fins, wax, trinkets and, of course, an espresso machine. Shot on Leica M3 Chris Dodds (Chris Dodds) On the window display, a hand-written sign reads, Be financially irresponsible, buy a new surfboard! Advertisement Advertisement Amen. Related: Love Is Everywhere: The Living Art of Gliding Barnacles This story was originally published by Surfer on Dec 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Surf Culture section. Add Surfer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Cold Noses, The Florida Times-Union's weekly pet column, features dogs and cats available for adoption at area government-run animal shelters. Clay County Animal Services, 3984 W. Florida 16, Green Cove Springs. Call (904) 269-6342 or email clayadoptions@claycountygov.com. To view available animals, go to claycountygov.com/community/animal-services or facebook.com/ClayCtyAnimals. Banana Man Jack is a 2-year-old, 56-pound male mixed-breed dog (ID No. A0059564222). He is a playful, energetic stuffed toy-loving goofball with a big personality. He loves play, walks and enrichment. He can be hyper around other dogs. Banana Man Jack Henry is a 4-year-old, 12-pound male domestic shorthair cat (ID No. A0059619832). He is shy, a big softy who needs a little time to warm up. Introductions are best with tasty treats and patience. He'd be a wonderful addition to a home with space for him. Advertisement Advertisement St. Johns County Pet Center, 130 N. Stratton Road, St. Augustine. Call (904) 209-6190 or go to sjcfl.us/departments/animal-control. To view available animals, go to petfinder.com/member/us/fl/st-augustine/st-johns-county-animal-control-pet-center-fl751. Friends of the St. Johns County Pet Center has shelter cats available for adoption Saturdays at PetSmart, 1779 S. U.S. 1 in St. Augustine, facebook.com/fosjcpc. Mars is a 3-year-old male beagle mix dog (ID No. 81569). He is sweet, curious, playful and loyal. He loves to explore and make new friends. He shares a special bond with Jupiter, his shelter mate, showing his ability to connect and socialize. Jupiter is a 5-year-old female terrier mix dog (ID No. 81568). She is sweet, loving, curious and friendly. She enjoys exploring new environments and is eager to learn new tricks. She's well-behaved and has a gentle nature. Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services, 2020 Forest St. Call (904) 630-2489 or email jaxpets@coj.net. To view available animals, go to coj.net/pets or facebook.com/jaxanimalcare. Interested adopters can also check out the animals using the shelter's new PawFinder App at jacksonville.gov/categories/mobile-apps/jaxpawfinder. Advertisement Advertisement Ice Cube is a 3-year-old, 45-pound male mixed-breed dog (ID No. A1464284). He is social, affectionate and eager to please. He walks well on a leash and does great on car rides. He loves exploring, stuffed toys and playtime, but might be too much for tiny tots. Goku is a 2-year-old, 12-pound male domestic shorthair cat (ID No. A1474393). He is calm, curious and loves attention. He has mastered the art of napping, particularly in a box or shelf where he can catch a ray of sunshine. Goku Nassau County Animal Services, 86078 License Road, Fernandina Beach. Call (904) 530-6150. To view available animals, go to nassaucountyfl.com/845/Animal-Services or facebook.com/NassauCountyAnimalServices. Kittens are available for adoption at Petco stores at 463713 Florida 200 in Yulee and 11900 Atlantic Blvd. in Jacksonville; Tractor Supply Co., 463184 Florida 200 in Yulee; and Pet Supplies Plus, 6500 Georgia 40, St. Marys, Ga. Whalen is a 2-year-old, 58-pound male mixed-breed dog (ID No. 57943799). He is sweet and needs a medical foster to help him through heartworm treatment medication, monthly flea and heartworm prevention and a test every six months until hes heartwormfree. The shelter covers all medical expenses; the foster provides a loving, safe place for him to heal and thrive. Advertisement Advertisement Fairy is a 3-year-old, 42-pound female mixed-breed dog (ID No. 59928782). Shes sweet, gentle, healthy and full of life. She is curious about people and other dogs. She is ready to meet new friends: Adopt or take her out for a day trip or a sleepover. Adoptable animals are also available at Putnam County Animal Services, which recently moved into a new location at 122 Orie Griffin Blvd., Palatka. Call (386) 329-0396 option #1. To view available animals, go to putnampals.com, bit.ly/2EKoICq or bit.ly/34NqoGB. Adoptable cats are also available at PetSense at 113 Town and Country Drive in Palatka. bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109 This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: These cats and dogs are yearning to be adopted in Jacksonville area While TV can be a nice escape from the pressures of daily life, it can also help us understand the world through other peoples perspectives fictional or not. That includes thinking about the financial lives of sitcom characters and hypothesizing about how their traits align with spending, saving and investing habits. In doing so, we might see ourselves in some of these characters and make some course corrections for our own finances. Sitcoms like Frasier are great testing grounds for this. With 11 original seasons from 1993 to 2004, followed by two reboot seasons in 2023 and 2024 (a third season is in question after the reboot was cancelled by Paramount+), theres plenty of Frasier material to analyze. Based on what happens in the show, heres what retirement might look like for some of the main characters of Frasier, according to Zina Kumok, financial advisor at C.H. Douglas & Gray Wealth Management and Frasier superfan: Frasier Crane The title character, spun off from his role in the sitcom Cheers, makes a good living as a radio psychotherapist. Still, a high income doesnt always align with a secure financial future, unless you have a way to keep the money flowing or take steps to set money aside. Advertisement Advertisement Even though Frasier spends money like a drunken sailor, hes managed to squirrel away money for retirement, as well as a trust fund for his son, Frederick, hypothesized Kumok. He plans to keep working even in retirement, which is good news for his wallet. This ensures he still has some money coming in to help fund his antique hobby, five-star dinners and box seats at the opera. Explore More: This Boring Investment Could Be the Secret To Never Running Out of Retirement Income Consider This: 5 Clever Ways Retirees Are Earning Up To $1K per Month From Home Niles Crane Frasiers brother, Niles, shares similarities professionally and personally with his sibling, but the real source of financial future could come down to who he decided to settle down with. Advertisement Advertisement With Daphne at his side, Niles has finally started setting money aside for retirement, said Kumok. However, he wants to keep working even in his old age. He still keeps a few clients in retirement, just to get him out of the house and out of Daphnes hair. Roz Doyle Frasiers producer and friend, Roz, may be a bit of a free spirit, but recognizing that in herself could enable her to enjoy a secure retirement. As a single mom, Roz has struggled to put away money consistently for retirement, Kumok speculated. Getting promoted to station manager has given her more money to invest. As someone who isnt interested in handling money herself, she finds a reputable financial advisor who helps her be responsible. Martin Crane Frasiers dad may not have the income of his sons, but his story likely shows the value of solid workplace and government retirement benefits. Advertisement Advertisement As a former cop, Martins pension provides for an adequate life. He also receives survivors benefits from his first wife, presumed Kumok. Sometimes he has to budget for something he really wants, like prime season tickets for the Seahawks. Daphne Moon Niles and Daphne partnering up seems like a good move romantically and financially, but it helps that Daphne has a good head on her shoulders independently, too. Even married to Niles, Daphne is committed to saving for retirement on her own, Kumok concluded. She has also learned more about long-term investing, and has learned not to chase quick returns a habit she briefly picked up from Niles before they were dating. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What Retirement Might Look Like for the Characters of Frasier On December 25, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that American forces carried out what he described as powerful and deadly airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Nigeria, citing the militants alleged targeting and killing of Christians. The announcement was made via a Christmas evening social media post, without details on casualties or damage. The strikes, according to a US Defense Department official, were conducted with the approval and cooperation of the Nigerian government, involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination in line with international law. Nigerias Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the collaboration, stressing respect for sovereignty and a shared commitment to regional and global security. The operation follows weeks of sharp criticism from Trump, who has accused Nigerias authorities of failing to curb violence against Christians. However, Nigerian officials and security analysts have reiterated that the countrys prolonged security crisis affects both Christians and Muslims, driven by a mix of extremist insurgency, communal clashes, banditry and weak state presence in affected regions. Analysts suggest the strikes may have targeted the Lakurawa group, an Islamic State-linked faction operating in northwestern states such as Sokoto and Kebbi, which has grown increasingly lethal over the past year. Nigeria is also battling the Islamic State West Africa Province, an offshoot of Boko Haram, in the northeast. The US action builds on earlier measures, including visa restrictions announced by the State Department against Nigerians implicated in religious violence and Nigerias recent designation as a country of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act. The White House maintains that the strikes reflect a firm stance against extremist violence, while Nigeria continues to emphasise that terrorism in any form remains a threat to all communities. Source : NEED TO KNOW U.S. News revealed their list of best vacation destinations for 2026 Rome was listed as the best place to visit globally next year, along with Tokyo, Prague, the Swiss Alps and Mauritius In the U.S., lots of National Parks were listed as must-visit destinations throughout the country Pack your bags and grab your passport U.S. News' best vacations for 2026 are here. According to a press release, the publication listed Rome as the best place to visit in the world next year. Advertisement Advertisement Following Rome, in order, the top five locations were Tokyo, Prague, the Swiss Alps and Mauritius. Maui, Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park were the only U.S. locations among the top 30 vacation spots listed. Some of the must-do activities in Rome, per the outlet, include visiting the Colosseum, touring the Vatican, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain and indulging in pizza with a spritz. Getty Tokyo, Japan Tokyo, Japan For those looking for a vacation that won't require traveling outside of the U.S., Grand Canyon National Park was ranked the no. 1 place to travel next year in the country. Travelers can take scenic drives, hike, and take in the unbelievable vistas. There are plenty of ways to experience the destination. Advertisement Advertisement Other national parks that made the ranking are Glacier National Park, Zion National Park, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Getty Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park Travelers who are looking for a new city to explore, meanwhile, can pick from a few more metropolitan locations. Savannah, Washington, D.C., New York City, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle and Charleston are several of their suggested options. Charleston and Savannah are packed with history and Southern charm, while cities like New York or San Francisco are bustling melting pots with countless restaurants and museums. Getty San Francisco, California San Francisco, California U.S. News also recommends a list of affordable destinations throughout the country and many of them feature the great outdoors. Grand Teton National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park are in the top five for most affordable. Advertisement Advertisement Moab, Utah; Gulf Shores, Ala.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Ashville, N.C. were also mentioned as budget-friendly trips. For something quaint and nature-adjacent, U.S. News recommends the Finger Lakes in upstate New York, along with Bar Harbor, Maine. Washington, D.C. also made the list thanks to many of its museums offering free admission, along with outdoor monuments for the public to visit. Getty Santorini, Greece Santorini, Greece For those in search of a romantic getaway or looking for a magical place to fall in love with, U.S. News has them covered too. The best honeymoon destinations for 2026 offer options to get off the grid, such as the top three trips: Saint Lucia, Bora Bora and the Maldives. For a European adventure, the Amalfi Coast in Italy; Santorini, Greece; Madeira, Portugal, and Paris are all listed. Advertisement Advertisement For something different, Tanzania's wide-open terrain, safaris and all-inclusive camps will make for the trip of a lifetime. Meanwhile, a Ko Samui getaway in Thailand is an incredibly romantic setting with clear beaches and jungles. Getty Paris, France Paris, France 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. See the full list of U.S. News's World's Best Places to Visit for 2026. Read the original article on People Seattle, Washington has become one of the most desirable and expensive cities in the United States. Known for its top-tier dining scene, thriving arts and culture, and picturesque water views, the Emerald City offers a wide range of neighborhoods and lifestyles, from dense urban hubs such as Belltown to serene, retiree-friendly suburbs like Clyde Hill. As of 2024, Seattle was home to more than 54,200 millionaires. In 2025, the city placed 12th globally on the Cost of Living Index and Forbes reported that 13 of the world's billionaires live in Seattle. But they're not living in towering penthouses with a view of the Sound and the Space Needle. Instead, they've gravitated towards a small, somewhat unlikely enclave just outside the city. Over the SR 520 Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, tucked along a pristine stretch of waterfront, lies the quiet city of Medina (pronounced me-DIE-na). With a population of just 3,000, Medina functions almost as a hideaway prized for its privacy and discretion rather than visibility or prestige. Despite its low profile, Medina is or has been home to some of the world's wealthiest individuals, including Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. Much of the region's affluence can be traced to the tech industry. The Puget Sound area is anchored by some of the world's most powerful companies: Microsoft is headquartered in nearby Redmond, Boeing has a massive operational presence in the region, and Amazon now an e-commerce giant worth more than $2 trillion began in Jeff Bezo's garage in Bellevue, a city directly across Lake Washington that has since evolved into a luxury shopping and residential hub. These companies have helped turn the greater Seattle area into a magnet for high-paying jobs and massive wealth. But Medina has attracted some of the wealthiest and most public-facing Seattleites of all. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 5 Ways 1970s Air Travel Was A Totally Different Experience Than Today Medina contains mostly private residences Bill Gates' primary residence, Xanadau 2.0, in Medina, Washington - Omni Home Ideas / YouTube Incorporated in 1955 on the banks of Lake Washington between Seattle and Bellevue, Medina is a small city known for its highly coveted waterfront. Essentially a peninsula accessed by a floating bridge, Medina itself spans about one mile, composed primarily of residences from sprawling multi-lot compounds to single-family homes. There's no "downtown," just a small grocery and deli, post office, nursery, several parks, a small public beach, an abundance of little free libraries, and a handful of highly rated schools, part of the Bellevue School District. Dining and nightlife require a trip into Seattle or Bellevue. As Seattle's tech boom expanded the area's wealth radius, Medina became a refuge for ultra-wealthy residents. Bill Gates set the tone in 1988, purchasing waterfront property for $2 million and expanding a tech-forward compound, Xanadu 2.0, his primary residence now valued at roughly $130 million. He also acquired a Medina midcentury modern home which he sold in 2024 for $5 million. Other notable residents followed, including Charles Simonyi, former Microsoft executive and former longtime partner of Martha Stewart. He reportedly leveled several homes to build his mega-mansion, Villa Simonyi also known as the Windows 2000 House one of Medina's most distinctive properties. Its Modernist design includes art galleries, a swimming pool, a rotating bed, and advanced voice-activated systems. Jeff Bezos arrived in 1998, assembling multiple waterfront properties into a residential compound. In 2019, he bought an additional Medina mansion with 300 feet of shoreline for $37.5 million. In 2023, Bezos announced a move to Miami, and in 2025, sold his Medina property for $63 million, the most expensive real estate sale in Washington State history, as of this writing. Those individuals may be the only household names, but Medina's real estate price tags prove it attracts more than just famous buyers. The community prioritizes security Aerial view of waterfront mansions in Media, Washington - Markhatfield/Getty Images In a community that houses multiple billionaires and other ultra-wealthy residents, it's unsurprising that Medina places a high priority on security. While many of these fortunes were built through technology, they are now also protected by it, and though it's not a gated community, Medina offers a strong sense of insulation from the outside world, reinforced by both geography and technology. Cameras and motion sensors are common in private homes and public spaces, and the community is notably vigilant: A sign as you enter warns, "You are entering a 24-hour video surveillance area." Many of Medina's most prominent residents, including Jeff Bezos, further shield their homes behind tall hedges, gates, and layered security measures a strategy Bezos also employed at his Beverly Hills residence. When a Business Insider reporter visited Medina in 2018, he noted that he'd only been in the city for only about 15 minutes before a police officer approached him, explaining that a neighbor had reported a stranger. Advertisement Advertisement Medina's location adds another layer of privacy. The city sits on a narrow peninsula along Lake Washington, with its most direct connection to Seattle running across the SR 520 Evergreen Point Floating Bridge a toll road. While Medina can also be accessed through neighboring Eastside communities, these routes are limited and indirect, reinforcing its exclusion. Even the shoreline offers little public access: Much of the waterfront is privately owned, with homes featuring private docks and beaches. There are, however, limited ways for outsiders to glimpse the community. Some private lake tours advertise architectural views of Medina's waterfront estates from the water, offering a distant perspective without entering the neighborhood itself. And because Medina is not gated, visitors can technically drive through though, as past reporting suggests, unfamiliar vehicles may attract attention. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. A 26-year-old Franklin Township woman was found dead Saturday morning in Monroe Township. Her vehicle was discovered submerged in a small pond at West Malaga Road and Bracken Drive. The crash was discovered by a passing motorist who called police. Monroe police responded to the scene in Gloucester County at 9:10 a.m. Saturday. Police found a Kia SUV submerged with the driver still inside. An investigation showed the vehicle was traveling east on W. Malaga Road when it slid and rotated on icy pavement before leaving the road and overturning, police said Saturday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle came to rest upside down in a small body of water, according to the statement. The time of the accident has not been determined, police said. The woman was the sole occupant of the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Monroe Township Police Department was assisted at the scene by Williamstown Fire Department, Cecil Fire Department, Malaga Fire Department, Gloucester County EMS, Inspira Medical Center ALS and the Gloucester County Medical Examiners Office. The collision is being investigated by Patrolman Nick Racobaldo of the Traffic Safety Bureau. Any witnesses are asked to contact Racobaldo at 856-728-9800 ext. 549 or by email at nracobaldo@monroetwppd.org More New Jersey news Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Two men with multiple gunshot wounds were taken to an area hospital following a shooting in East Baltimore on Friday night, according to Baltimore Police. Officers found a 57-year-old man and a 34-year-old man on the 1400 block of E. Madison St. in East Baltimores Gay Street neighborhood at about 8:50 p.m. while responding to calls for a shooting. Hospital staff later pronounced the 34-year-old man dead. The 57-year-old man remains in critical condition, police said in a news release. Anyone with information is asked to contact Baltimore Police homicide detectives at 410-396-2100. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP or through the Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland website. https://homicides.news.baltimoresun.com/ Have a news tip? Contact Racquel Bazos at rbazos@baltsun.com, 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks. Two people are dead, and another person was injured after a police pursuit ended in a crash in Ohio on Friday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] State troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) were initially dispatched to a reported crash around 7 p.m. on U.S. 23 in Pike County, according to our news partner WBNS in Columbus. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The Chillicothe Police Department was chasing a Ford Fusion on U.S. 23, according to an OSHP spokesperson. The Ford Fusion ran a red light and hit a Ford Escape that was going westbound on North Market Street, WBNS said. State troopers said both drivers died at the scene. Davina Arthur, 46, has been identified as the driver of the Ford Fusion. William Gildow, 63, drove the Ford Escape, OSHP told WBNS. Medics transported a passenger from Arthurs vehicle to an area hospital. State troopers continue to investigate the crash. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Education in Utah in 2025 proved a consistent headline grabber with high-interest stories ranging from higher education budget reallocations, Education Department disruptions, the sound of cellphone silence in K-12 classrooms, and the shocking news of the murder of Charlie Kirk on an Orem campus. Heres a look back at how Utah schools were impacted by a defining year in education and what changes may await Utah education in 2026. Launching Utah HB265: Higher educations massive reinvestment plan Students walk through the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo In an effort to better meet the needs of Utah college students and local industry, the Utah Legislature passed House Bill 265 the so-called Higher Education Strategic Reinvestment plan requiring the states eight public colleges and universities to reallocate millions of budget dollars to programs determined to be of highest value. Advertisement Advertisement Proponents of HB265 argued the reallocations were essential to serve Utah students and the local economy while also responding to higher education costs and high-demand industries in todays high-tech world. Opponents, meanwhile, countered that the bill jeopardized the humanities while weakening the reputations of Utahs public colleges and universities. This years reallocation efforts at each institution prompted the creation of hundreds of new employee positions on Utah campuses. But hundreds were also eliminated. Meanwhile, academic programs and course offerings are being dramatically altered across Utahs higher education institutions, with aggressive reinvestment happening in health care, STEM and artificial intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement A Forbes magazine story suggested Utahs HB265 could become a model for other state legislatures seeking ways to reshape academic programs. Universities might not like it because major restructuring always carries both expected and unanticipated costs, and it will force difficult choices by campus leaders, the Forbes article noted. Still, the bill represents a relatively calibrated attempt to influence academic priorities that may find support across the political spectrum. Claiming a bachelors degree in 3 years Beyond budget reallocations, HB265 also limits bachelors degrees at Utahs public degree-granting institutions to no more than 120 credit hours with allowances if programs require additional credit hours if they require accreditation or licensing. Advertisement Advertisement This year, Utah became the first public higher education system in the country to offer three-year bachelors degrees to help students complete degrees faster and save tuition money. The Utah Board of Higher Education approved accelerated degree programs at Weber State University and Utah Valley University. Charlie Kirk murder: Tragedy and panic at Utah Valley University Pastor Brendon Scoggin, of the First Baptist Church of Provo, hands a card of encouragement to Max Dunlop, a sophomore at Utah Valley University studying construction management, in the courtyard on the campus of UVU in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, as students return to campus following the shooting death of Charlie Kirk in the courtyard a week prior. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News A Utah school became the unwanted focus of global attention in the moments, days and months following the Sept. 10 murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk was shot during an outdoor gathering at Utah Valley University, prompting scores of students to scatter in fear. Tyler Robinson, 22, of Washington, Washington County, is accused of shooting and killing Kirk. Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and, if convicted, could face the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Following the Kirk assassination, the Utah Board of Higher Education set plans in motion to establish a task force on campus safety. The new task force will evaluate campus safety at the states 16 public higher education institutions which includes eight degree-granting schools and eight technical colleges. It will then make recommendations to the UBHE for system-wide policies and practices. K-12 schools: Silencing cellphones An eighth grader uses their cellphone after school at Evergreen Junior High School in Millcreek on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Utah lawmakers in 2025 also passed a law, Senate Bill 178, prohibiting cellphone use during class time at the states public schools. The new directive allows individual schools or districts to opt for a different policy but there have been no reports of any exercising that option. Advertisement Advertisement Things are going great, SB178s sponsor, Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, told the Deseret News shortly after the 2025-2026 school year began. Its been socially and academically beneficial and Ive heard that from teachers, as well as students. Teachers like having the support of a law to back them when they know that cellphones are a distraction. Look for the Legislature in 2026 to perhaps expand the school cellphone prohibition beyond simply class time. Several lawmakers have echoed Utah Gov. Spencer Coxs call for a so-called bell-to-bell cellphone ban in Utah public grade schools. Advertisement Advertisement Every piece of evidence shows that we must pass a full-day ban or risk damaging our kids more, wrote Cox in a social media post in August. Getting the classroom ban was a nice step forward, but it was a huge mistake not to pass a full day (bell-to-bell) ban in Utah. Every piece of evidence shows that we must pass a full-day ban or risk damaging our kids more and falling behind states like Texas and Florida. https://t.co/bxEjSiyY4M Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) August 25, 2025 For hire: Utah college presidents There were several presidential job movements at Utahs higher education institutions in 2025. In February, Utah State University President Elizabeth Cantwell resigned after being selected as president of Washington State University. A survey presented to the legislative auditor general in August revealed several risks at the school regarding past oversight and spending practices at the Presidents Office. Brad Mortensen was appointed USUs 18th president in October. Brad Mortensen is pictured at Utah State University in Logan on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. Mortensen is the new Utah State University president. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Mortensen had served as president of Weber State for several years. A search is now underway for Mortensens successor at WSU. Advertisement Advertisement Utah Tech University also welcomed a new president in 2025 Shane Smeed. Headquartered in St. George, UT has experienced historic growth in recent years. During the 2000s, the school originally known as the St. George Stake Academy went from being Dixie State College to Dixie State University and now, since 2022, Utah Tech University. And in September, veteran Westminster University President Beth Dobkin announced her upcoming retirement. The private university plans to have Dobkins replacement hired by next spring. Trump administration disrupts Education Department President Donald Trump has long expressed disdain for the Department of Education, calling it a big con job and seeking its closure. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Cox and some members of Utahs congressional delegation have also voiced support for abolishing the DOE, arguing education is best managed across the board at the state level. But others worry students from vulnerable communities and schools could be harmed by the DOEs seemingly eventual demise. Under the direction of Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the department also laid off a sizable percentage of its staff in 2025. And last month, the DOE announced the formation of a half-dozen interagency agreements shifting several of the departments critical functions across four other federal agencies: the Departments of Labor, Interior, Health and Human Services, and State. Advertisement Advertisement The new agreements are expected to move billions of dollars in grant programs to sister agencies and, according to the DOE, break up the federal education bureaucracy, ensure efficient delivery of funded programs and move closer to fulfilling (Trumps) promise to return education to the states. Perhaps most notable are administrative modifications of several key K-12 education programs, including Title I money for K-12 schools in low-income communities, from the DOE to the Department of Labor. Utahs new K-12 education chief Molly Hart, state superintendent of public instruction, answers interview questions in her new office at the Utah State Board of Education in Salt Lake City on Monday, June 23, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Last June, the Utah State Board of Education appointed Molly Hart as the state school superintendent of public instruction. A veteran educator and former board member, Hart assumed her new position even as changes in Utah classrooms are happening in rapid, real time. While optimistic about the emerging opportunities for Utahs schoolkids, Hart is also tasked with helping to remedy challenges such as classroom misbehavior, chronic absenteeism and determining how to meet the diverse needs of the states K-12 student body. Reading proficiencies dip in Utah and beyond First lady Abby Cox reads to children at Kearns Library after a press conference discussing the fiscal year 2026-27 budget rollout in Kearns on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News In 2026, Hart and her associates will also be focusing increased attention on boosting reading proficiencies across the state. The most recent Nations Report Card reveals Beehive State students performed significantly higher in math than the national public average for both fourth and eighth grades in 2024. And Utahs fourth and eighth graders also outperformed their national counterparts, on average, in reading. But the average reading score for eighth grade students in Utah was lower than their average in 2022. When the 2024 results revealed declining reading scores for eighth graders earlier this year, the Utah State Board of Education signaled their commitment to identifying the causes of declining reading scores while implementing targeted efforts and proven strategies. If all goes according to NASAs plans, 2026 will finally be the year that astronauts once again launch to the moon. In a matter of months, four astronauts are poised to fly around the moon on a roughly 10-day mission the closest humans will have gotten in more than half a century. The flight, known as Artemis II, could lift off as early as February and would be a long-awaited jump start to Americas lagging return-to-the-moon program. The mission will serve as a crucial test of NASAs next-generation Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, which have been in development for more than a decade and faced years of setbacks and severe budget overruns. The system has never carried a crew before. Advertisement Advertisement Returning to the moon has been a priority for President Donald Trump since his first term, and the current administration has placed renewed emphasis on dominating the intensifying space race between the U.S. and China. Chinese officials have pledged to land their own astronauts on the lunar surface by 2030. Beyond the geopolitical implications, the Artemis II mission is designed to usher in a new era of space exploration, with the goal of eventually establishing bases for long-duration stays on the moon before astronauts someday venture on to Mars. Within the next three years, we are going to land American astronauts again on the moon, but this time with the infrastructure to stay, Jared Isaacman, NASAs new administrator, told NBC News in an interview last week after he was sworn in. For some scientists, the excitement around returning to the moon stems from the prospect of investigating enduring mysteries about the moons formation and evolution such as violent collisions in the nascent solar system that created it and where its water originated which came into focus during the Apollo program in the 1960s and 1970s. Advertisement Advertisement As you can imagine, lunar scientists have had a lot of pent up questions for decades, said Brett Denevi, a planetary scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. Answering some of those questions could shed light on similar processes that occurred during our planets formation, according to Denevi. Earth is kind of a terrible record-keeper, she said. With plate tectonics, weather these things have just totally erased its very earliest history. But on the moon, you have this terrain that formed about 4.5 billion years ago, and its just sitting there on the surface for us to explore. Although the Artemis II mission wont land on the lunar surface, it will test various technologies, docking maneuvers and life-support systems first in Earth orbit and then in orbit around the moon that will be essential for future missions. Advertisement Advertisement NASA previously launched the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule on an uncrewed test flight around the moon the Artemis I mission for 3 1/2 weeks in 2022. NASA's Artemis I Space Launch System rocket, with the Orion capsule attached, launches toward the moon in 2022 from Kennedy Space Center. (Red Huber / Getty Images) (Red Huber) The space agency had hoped to launch Artemis II in 2024, but costly delays repeatedly pushed it and subsequent missions back. Theres a lot riding on this, both good and bad, said Casey Dreier, chief of space policy for The Planetary Society, a nonprofit organization that conducts research, advocacy and outreach to promote space exploration. Everything seems to be coming together, but this is the first time with humans on this rocket, and weve never tested this life-support system in space before. No launch date has been announced, but it is expected between February and April. The crew on board will be NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Advertisement Advertisement The foursome was selected for the mission in 2023. Wiseman, Glover and Koch will make their second trips to space, while Hansen will be making his spaceflight debut. Last weekend, the astronauts completed a key launch-day rehearsal, which involved donning their flight suits, boarding the Orion spacecraft and running through the countdown sequence to the point just before liftoff. The Artemis program was established under the first Trump administration in 2019, and it salvaged the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule from prior stalled or canceled projects at NASA. The space agency had been working on a next-generation booster since 2010, a year before it retired the space shuttles. The Orion spacecraft, meanwhile, was originally designed for the Constellation Program, which was established by President George W. Bush to conduct crewed flights to the moon and Mars. Last week, Trump doubled down on his return-to-the-moon agenda in an executive order that directed NASA to prioritize expanding human reach and American presence in space by landing astronauts on the lunar surface by 2028. Advertisement Advertisement This is the culmination of what is now almost a 15-year effort, Dreier said. Assuming it works, itll be seen as a major win for the administration. But if this doesnt work, or if something calamitous happens, that will really reset everything. The Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft sit on the launch pad ahead of liftoff in November 2022 at Kennedy Space Center. (Red Huber / Getty Images) (Red Huber) Artemis II is intended to pave the way for the Artemis III mission in 2027, which is expected to land four astronauts near the moons south pole, a region vastly different from where the Apollo astronauts left their bootprints. Whereas the Apollo moon landings occurred within a narrow band around the moons equator, the south polar region is a more challenging place to land because the terrain is pockmarked with craters. These permanently shadowed basins are thought to house abundant water ice, a precious resource for establishing a long-term presence on the moon and for future crewed missions deeper in the solar system. Apollo gave us the framework to understand the moon, Denevi said, and now we have the foundation to ask different questions. Advertisement Advertisement Denevi leads the geology team for the Artemis III flight, a role that involves deciding where the crew members will roam after they land, what types of fieldwork they will conduct and which samples they will collect to bring home. She is particularly interested in samples from the moons shadowed craters, which are among the coldest places in the solar system. When I first started studying the moon, I thought Id spend my whole career studying historical data, she said. Now to have the opportunity to be involved in going to collect new samples that can provide new pieces to this puzzle, instead of trying to rearrange all of the old pieces, thats going to be a huge step forward. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A $400,000 load of lobster bound for Costco locations in the Midwest vanished just days before Christmas after being picked up in Taunton, Massachusetts. The Rexing Companies shipment was destined for Costco locations in Minnesota and Illinois when it disappeared, according to Dylan Rexing, the CEO of the Indiana-based freight brokerage. Rexing warned that this was the second major seafood theft in Taunton this month, raising concerns about repeat targeting and organized crime. Advertisement Advertisement This theft wasnt random. It followed a pattern were seeing more and more, where criminals impersonate legitimate carriers using spoofed emails and burner phones to hijack high-value freight while its in transit, Rexing said in a statement. Rexing noted that this recent theft could contribute to driving up prices for consumers, calling it a major blow to his business. For a mid-sized brokerage like ours, a $400,000 loss is significant. It forces tough decisions and ultimately drives up costs across the supply chain costs consumers ultimately end up paying," Rexing said. Rexing is now pushing for stronger safeguards to combat cargo theft nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Brokers are on the front lines of this problem, but we need federal agencies to have modern enforcement tools to keep pace with organized criminal networks. Until that happens, these thefts will continue to disrupt businesses and impact everyday prices, Rexing explained. While Rexing said his company is working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a spokesperson for the law enforcement agency told Boston 25, In keeping with long-standing Department of Justice policy, the FBI cant confirm or deny the existence of an investigation. As of late Saturday morning, there was no word on any arrests in this case. Additional details werent immediately available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW DEKALB COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) Two people were transported to the hospital following a Christmas Eve crash that involved a truck hitting a vehicle attempting to pull on to U.S. Highway 36 west of Osborn, Missouri. The two-vehicle crash occurred on Wednesday just before 7 p.m. after a 2017 Ford F-150 traveling northbound on Missouri Route 33 pulled in front of a 2001 Ford F-150 heading east on U.S. Highway 36, roughly three miles west of Osborn, Missouri. The 2017 Ford, driven by a 46-year-old man from Stewartsville, was struck on the driver's side by the other truck, causing both vehicles to travel off the roadway and into the median. Both vehicles eventually came to rest on their wheels facing north. Advertisement Advertisement The 46-year-old man was transported by Dekalb County EMS to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with moderate injuries, while the driver of the 2001 Ford, a 50-year-old man from Stewartsville, Missouri, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the incident. The Dekalb County Sheriff's Office also assisted in the investigation. An ex-Tampa prosecutor became the nations top law enforcement official. The governor carried out a surge in executions. A cheating scandal rocked one of the states largest law enforcement agencies. From cops to courts to the Department of Corrections, some of the years biggest stories grew from the Sunshine State. Here is a roundup of five Florida law and criminal justice stories that mattered in 2025. Pam Bondi becomes US attorney general Tampas own Pam Bondi ascended into the political stratosphere in January when President Donald Trump made her the U.S. attorney general. Advertisement Advertisement Bondi, who got her start prosecuting street crimes in Hillsborough County and later served two terms as Floridas attorney general, drew immediate scrutiny over whether she would resist pressure from Trump to punish his enemies. The months since have seen praise from Republicans for her loyalty to Trump, while Democrats have accused her of politicizing the Justice Department. She has used the departments power to further Trumps agenda on immigration while pursuing charges against people who have in the past prosecuted or investigated Trump. She fired government lawyers. Locally, Bondi approved the firing of Michael Gordon, a Tampa-based federal prosecutor who was involved in some high-profile cases against the Jan. 6 Capitol rioters. Gordon filed a lawsuit challenging his dismissal, which remains pending. Advertisement Advertisement In June, a coalition of 70 lawyers, law professors and two former Florida Supreme Court justices signed onto an ethics complaint against Bondi filed with the Florida Bar. The complaint accused her of serious misconduct that threatens the rule of law and the administration of justice. The Bar quickly dismissed the complaint, saying it does not investigate sitting U.S. constitutional officers. Scandal rocks the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office Four of Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronisters top commanders resigned and two others were fired after revelations that someone else had completed academic work for them. It started with Anthony Collins, who had been promoted to chief deputy in April and whom many saw as Chronisters potential successor. His resignation just four months later struck many as a surprise. Advertisement Advertisement The Tampa Bay Times first reported that Collins wife had accused him of enlisting a former Pasco County man named Robert Roush to write papers for him while attending the prestigious FBI National Academy. The sheriff said Collins confirmed to him that Roush, who is not a law enforcement officer, wrote about half his papers. Further reporting by the Times revealed that two colonels and three captains also got help from Roush with academic and professional assignments that they submitted as their own. Chronister, who a year ago turned away from an opportunity to run the Drug Enforcement Administration, said the scandal left him heartbroken and livid. Alligator Alcatraz becomes a symbol As immigration dominated national headlines in 2025, the Florida facility known as Alligator Alcatraz became a symbol of the myriad controversies arising from the federal governments aggressive push to remove undocumented people. Advertisement Advertisement Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced in June plans to convert an old airport in the Everglades into an immigration detention center capable of holding up to 3,000 people. Tents and trailers went up on the isolated airstrip within days. Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noempraised the project, which supporters touted as an effective tool in exacting the presidents deportation agenda. Despite being branded as a place to house deranged psychopaths, many of the immigrants detained in Alligator Alcatraz had no criminal record. Lawyers for some detainees also said their clients had not been issued removal orders. Then came the lawsuits. Some detainees in the facility said they were unlawfully denied access to legal counsel. Lawyers complained of being unable to locate or reach their clients. One case challenged the states authority to run the facility, as immigration is considered a federal matter. Advertisement Advertisement Human rights advocates drew comparisons to concentration camps. Environmental advocates raised concerns that the facility opened without a required review. Less than two months after the facility opened, a federal judge ordered the state to shut it down. That order was paused as the state appealed. Florida sees surge in executions Florida saw more state prisoners executed in 2025 than in any other year in the modern era of capital punishment. From February to December, Gov. Ron DeSantis authorized 19 executions. The governor previously went years without carrying out any executions. Asked recently about the reason for the surge, DeSantis said it comes down to the victims families. Advertisement Advertisement I kind of felt like I may have been letting some of them down, he said. Death penalty opponents have decried the surge. Some cases have seen men executed despite claims of intellectual disability and mental illness, which federal law prohibits. A recent court case accused the state of using expired drugs to conduct at least four lethal injections. James Uthmeier takes hold as Floridas attorney general James Uthmeier was little known to most Floridians before 2025. Now, hes one of the states most high-profile public figures. DeSantis appointed Uthmeier to be the states attorney general in February, replacing Ashley Moody, who left to occupy Floridas vacant U.S. Senate seat. Uthmeier previously served as DeSantis chief of staff and ran the governors ill-fated presidential campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Uthmeier quickly placed a decidedly conservative stamp on the office, vocally touting some court rulings while openly defying others. After a state appeals court struck down a law banning the open carrying of firearms, Uthmeier declared open carry the law of the state. When the same court invited him to weigh in on the constitutionality of a law allowing minors to seek abortions without their parents consent, Uthemeier opined that the law violated parents rights. When a federal judge blocked a law that made people who enter Florida illegally subject to criminal prosecution, Uthmeier told law enforcement he couldnt prevent them fromusing the law to make arrests. His defiance led the judge to hold him in contempt of court. At the same time, Uthmeier sits at the center of the Hope Florida scandal that has dogged DeSantis and spurred a criminal investigation. As he runs to keep the office in 2026, Uthmeier has become a fixture in news conferences on local criminal justice matters. He snagged Trumps endorsement and has raised over $4 million, campaign finance records show. Whether voters embrace his approach remains to be seen. Tanzanias Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) confirmed on Thursday, 25 December that five people died when a helicopter crashed at Barafu Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro on 24 December. The victims included two Czech tourists, a Zimbabwean pilot, a Tanzanian medical doctor, and a Tanzanian mountain guide. The Airbus H125, operated by a Tanzanian company, was on a rescue mission to evacuate the tourists after they experienced health issues. Authorities have launched an official investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africas highest peak, remains a popular destination for climbers and tourists worldwide. CHEYENNE Loneliness is rising among Americans age 45 and older, with adults in their mid-40s to late-50s reporting the highest levels of isolation as work demands, caregiving responsibilities and major life transitions leave little time for meaningful social connection, according to a new AARP study. The nonprofit organization for people 50 and older that focuses on improving their lives through advocacy, information and benefits, surveyed 3,276 U.S. residents aged 45 and older earlier this year. The study, released earlier this month, examines some reasons why loneliness among the middle-aged generation is on the rise. Heather Nawrocki, AARP vice president of fun and fulfillment, told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle that AARP has done this study twice before, in 2010 and 2018. Advertisement Advertisement We wanted to do this study because enough time had passed since 2018, Nawrocki said. (There have been) a lot of changes in the world with the pandemic, and everything that we all went through. So we really wanted to go and redo the study, and see how things have stayed the same and how things have changed. According to AARPs December study, 40% of U.S. adults age 45 and older report being lonely, which is an increase from 35% in both 2010 and 2018. Nawrocki said key predictors of loneliness among this age group include what their working life is like, and whether they have children in the home or are caring for aging parents. Whats happening is that their time is just stretched so thin, Nawrocki said. Theyre saying, I just dont have time to really connect meaningfully with my closest friends. So while they may be surrounded with people, they can still feel lonely and a little disconnected. Advertisement Advertisement Older generations are less lonely These are also the factors that reflect why those age 60 and older feel less lonely at 35%, Nawrocki said, because those in that age group are typically beginning their transition into retirement. I think they have more time, Nawrocki said. ... If theyre retired, maybe theyre not caregiving children and elders. However, Nawrocki said this isnt true for all people 60 and older, because many are starting to deal with their own health problems at that age, as well as go through a time of transition when children are moving away from home, and a change in daily routine. Advertisement Advertisement I think its really important that as we think about our overall health, (we) think about our social health, as well as our mental health and our physical health, no matter what age you are, Nawrocki said. And if you are going through a life transition, think about how thats going to impact your social circle, your social network, and what youre going to do to ensure that you have those close connections. Male loneliness is on the rise The study also shows that men reported higher rates of loneliness than women at 42% to 37%, respectively, and that men are more likely than women to report having no close friends, with 17% versus 13%, respectively. To find this data, Nawrocki said AARP asked those surveyed how many friends they have compared to how many they had five years ago, as well as identify how many times they have volunteered in their community, and what socials or religious groups they are a part of. Advertisement Advertisement When we look at these factors, were seeing that men are just not joining at the same rate as women do, Nawrocki said. Theyre not participating in as many clubs, groups, organizations. Theyre not volunteering, and theyre more likely to say they have less friends than they had five years ago. According to the study, 45% of people who are lonely reported having fewer friends now than they did five years ago, compared to 29% of adults age 45 and older overall. The effect of technology, AI The study also examines how technology can be used to bridge and widen gaps between people. Fifty-seven percent of adults age 45 and older said they rely on technology to stay connected with friends and family. Among this group, people have more close friends, on average, than those who do not rely on tech to stay connected, according to the study. Additionally, they are more likely to have volunteered in the past year and be part of a local community group or club. Advertisement Advertisement But while technology enhances connections for some people, it can also make feelings of isolation for those who lack existing in-person networks. Twenty-four percent of lonely adults say technology leads to fewer close friendships. At the same time, 23% of lonely adults are interested in AI technologies for companionship and conversation, versus 15% of adults aged 45 and older. Its really interesting that technology can have an amplifying effect, it seems, Nawrocki said. To those people who have lots of friends, this is a wonderful tool for them. For those who maybe have fewer friends, theyre like, You know what? I think thats a reason why I have fewer friends. How to battle feelings of loneliness Advertisement Advertisement Nawrocki said AARP suggests anyone feeling lonely should focus on the little things, such as rekindling an old relationship, volunteering or interacting with more people in everyday life. We can all feel more connected to each other just by interacting in our everyday life, Nawrocki said. So even when youre out in the grocery store, youre in the coffee line, look up from your phone. Notice whos around you, say hello to the person standing next to you, have a little chit chat. Because even if you arent lonely in that moment, that person might be, and thats a little boost of joy that youre giving them. And youre going to feel good about it, too. CNNs Abby Phillip caught Scott Jennings a bit off-guard on Fridays CNN NewsNight, after the Republican strategist defended President Donald Trumps renaming of the Kennedy Center for himself. Last week, Trump announced that the board of the Kennedy Center, which he chairs and has stocked with loyalists such as his Attorney General Pam Bondi, his Chief-of-Staff Susie Wiles, and Fox News host Laura Ingraham, had voted to rename the cultural venue to the Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, or the Trump-Kennedy Center for brevitys sake. The day after the announcement, Trumps name was put on the building. On NewsNight, Phillip asked Jennings about the precedent that the renaming sets: PHILLIP: What happens when the next Democratic president just decides, you know, Were gonna call it the Obama-Lincoln Memorial? Were just gonna slap, you know, Bill Clintons name on something, anything arbitrarily. Are you guys gonna be cool with that? JENNINGS: So youre saying a Democrat would put Obamas name on a statue that isnt of him? That would make them look like the stupidest person that ever lived. PHILLIP: Well, Im glad you said that, because the Kennedy Center is literally a congressionally-named memorial. JENNINGS: Its not a statue. PHILLIP: Its not a statue, but it is a memorial to President John F. Kennedy in the same way that the Lincoln Memorial is a memorial to President Lincoln, Phillip responded. JENNINGS: But its a statue. It has a likeness. PHILLIP: So are you ready for a Democratic president to slap their name JENNINGS: Yep, I am. PHILLIP: arbitrarily on any. JENNINGS: Im ready for Democrats to misname every statue in America. I think, to prove your point, I think that would be great for their party. Change all the names on the statues. In 1964, Congress named the center for JFK, who was assassinated the previous year. The congressional resolution that did so said that the living memorial to be named in his honor by this joint resolution shall be the sole national monument to his memory within the city of Washington and its environs. Advertisement Advertisement This month, Trump also announced a new class of battleships that will be named for him. The president said he will even be involved in their design because Im a very aesthetic person. Watch above via CNN. The post Abby Phillip Turns the Tables After Scott Jennings Defends Trump Renaming Kennedy Center for Himself: Im Glad You Said That, Because first appeared on Mediaite. Dec. 26A shooter died and two victims were hospitalized after a shooting Friday in Wallace, Idaho, according to KHQ. The shooter was reported at about 2:40 p.m. at the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office, according to a Kootenai County Sheriff's Office news release. Multiple agencies responded, and as of 5 p.m., law enforcement "neutralized the threat," the release said. There was no ongoing danger to the community, but the public was advised to avoid the area as police investigate. Advertisement Advertisement The Mineral County Sheriff's Office in Montana, located adjacent to Shoshone, wrote on Facebook that it was sending reinforcements to assist. Shoshone County Sheriff William Eddy and Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris will hold a press conference at 6:30 p.m. No other details are available. On December 13, a joint US-Syrian patrol was ambushed by a member of Syrias own security forces near Palmyra, a city in central Syria once controlled by the ISIL (ISIS) group. Two US soldiers and an interpreter were shot dead, and four people were wounded, before Syrian forces killed the gunman. In the aftermath of the attack, US and Syrian officials linked the attacker to ISIL, which once controlled vast swaths of Syria and Iraq, and promised to retaliate. Advertisement Advertisement The incident highlights the growing cooperation between the United States and Syria against ISIL, particularly after Damascus joined the US-backed coalition against the group in November. While it is still unclear if the attacker was a member of ISIL or another group opposed to US-Syrian relations, analysts say that cooperation between the two countries is strong and growing stronger. The Syrian government is responding very robustly to fighting ISIL following US requests to do so, and it is worth noting that HTS [Hayat Tahrir al-Sham], before it was in government, had a long-term policy of fighting ISIL, Rob Geist Pinfold, a scholar of international security at Kings College London, told Al Jazeera, referring to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaas former group. It [HTS] did it in Idlib, and cracked down on insurgents and cells, and this is more a continuation of that policy. Advertisement Advertisement Syrias Minister of Interior spokesman, Noureddine al-Baba, told Syrias Al-Ikhbariah TV that there was no direct chain of command to the gunman within Syrias internal security forces, and that he was not part of the force tasked with escorting the US forces. Investigations are under way, he added, to determine whether he had direct ties to ISIL or adopted violent ideology. ISIL attacks down In May 2015, ISIL took over the city of Palmyra from the former Syrian government. Famous for its Greco-Roman ruins, the city bounced back and forth between regime forces and ISIL until the group was expelled in 2017. In May 2017, the US-led coalition also forced the group out of Raqqa, which ISIL had declared the capital of its so-called caliphate three years earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Many surviving ISIL fighters were imprisoned in the al-Hol and Roj camps in northeast Syria, controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Others escaped into the Syrian desert around Palmyra, from where they have occasionally launched attacks. When the regime of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fell on December 8, 2024, analysts said ISIL fighters used the ensuing chaos to go into various cities across the country. In June, initial reports claimed the group had launched an attack on a church in Damascus that killed at least 25 people. A group called Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah later claimed the attack though some media reports speculated the group could be affiliated with or work ISIL. Samy Akil, a fellow at the Tahrir Institute, said recent estimates put ISILs manpower in Iraq and Syria at between 3,000 and 5,000 fighters. Advertisement Advertisement But experts told Al Jazeera that the coordination between Damascus and Washington has improved over the last year, and pointed to the fact that Syrias security forces have thwarted several ISIL attacks due to US-provided intelligence. Ahmed al-Sharaas new government is committed to fighting the group and, in contrast to the Assad era, al-Sharaas government gets regular tip-offs from US intelligence, and probably other forms of US support as well. Thats a pretty powerful combination, Aron Lund, a research fellow at Century International, focusing on Syria, told Al Jazeera. This collaboration has seen a decrease in ISIL attacks in Syria, according to a report by consulting firm Karam Shaar Advisory. ISIL launched an average of 63 attacks a month in 2024, while in 2025, that number dropped to 10, according to the report. Since HTS arrived in Damascus, collaboration [with the US] has become much easier, Jerome Drevon, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, told Al Jazeera. Structural flaws After the fall of the Assad regime, there were questions over how security would be enforced. The few thousand HTS members who had previously only controlled Idlib in northwest Syria would not be enough to enforce security across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Syrias security forces undertook a serious recruitment drive, bringing in tens of thousands of new recruits to add to many of the existing former opposition battalions that were incorporated under the states new security apparatus. With such a huge recruitment campaign, analysts said, vetting was a difficult task. The Palmyra attack points to structural flaws rather than a mere one-off event. Integration of former faction fighters and rapid new recruitment have produced uneven vetting and oversight, compounded by a permissive environment for radical views, allowing infiltration to persist, Nanar Hawash, International Crisis Groups senior Syria analyst, told Al Jazeera. Together, these factors blur early warning signs and create space for hidden threats, raising the risk of repeat attacks. Analysts said they expect Syrian security forces to improve the vetting process with time. Meanwhile, another attack like December 13s was possible and could dent the USs faith that al-Sharaas government can provide security in Syria. Advertisement Advertisement It could happen again due to the sheer numbers [of new recruits], but over time, the government will improve its game and be more thorough to prevent that from happening again, because it will have consequences, Drevon said. We should be careful over generalising based on one attack, which can be a one-off. But if it happens again, it might change the perception of the Syrian government. What does ISIL want? As for ISIL, analysts said the groups priorities have changed since the fall of al-Assad. What were seeing now is ISIL is trying to test boundaries and conduct attacks knowing it cannot gain territorial control, Akil said. Advertisement Advertisement It aims at destabilising and staying relevant. ISIS cannot hold cities or topple governments. But it doesnt need to. Its strength lies in destabilisation, Hawach said. The Palmyra attack showed that one operative with the right access can kill three US personnel and shake a bilateral relationship. Analysts said ISIL could destabilise Syria by targeting state security forces, religious minorities like it did in the Damascus church attack in June or any foreigner on Syrian soil, from US soldiers to humanitarian or United Nations workers. The group could also look to capitalise on tensions between the SDF and Damascus over disagreements on how to integrate the former into the states security apparatus. Advertisement Advertisement The SDF also manages the al-Hol and Roj prison camps in northeast Syria, where many of ISILs most battle-hardened fighters and commanders are held. This could prove to be a key target for ISIL in Syria. ISIL thrives in those vacuums, Hawach said. Its a guerrilla insurgency, not a caliphate, but in a fragile state, thats enough to cause serious damage. What has the California Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom done well, and what could be done differently? CBS News California Investigates correspondent Julie Watts asked each of the candidates running for California governor. For this series, Watts interviewed more than a dozen gubernatorial candidates, pressing them on more than a several issues that matter to voters. Read on to see what each candidate thinks Newsom has done right and to learn what they'd do differently. Advertisement Advertisement Xavier Becerra Watch Becerra's response here. Xavier Becerra, a former California attorney general who served as Health and Human Services secretary in the Biden administration, is another Democrat looking to replace Gov. Newsom in 2026. Becerra said Newsom deserves more credit for strengthening the state's economy and explained why California's redistricting effort is necessary. On what he'd do differently, Becerra said he would have acted more quickly than Newsom on addressing issues like with California's high-speed rail project and the statewide housing crisis. Watch Becerra's response here. Chad Bianco Watch Bianco's response here. Sheriff Chad Bianco of Riverside County is one of the Republicans running for California governor in 2026. Bianco said the only thing he believes Newsom has done well is "acting like a Republican" in what he says is the governor's bid for the White House. Bianco added that he couldn't think of a single thing the state Legislature has done right during his seven years as sheriff. Watch Bianco's response here. Advertisement Advertisement Ian Calderon Watch Calderon's response here. Ian Calderon, a business owner and former state Assembly majority leader, is running as a Democrat in California's 2026 gubernatorial race. Calderon praised Newsom for his efforts to address California's housing crisis and the legislature for focusing on addressing online safety for children. Calderon said he does believe the State of California has "lost the plot," meaning that state leaders should focus more on California issues rather than what's going on in Washington, D.C. Watch Calderon's response here. Steve Hilton Watch Hilton's response here. Public policy expert Steve Hilton is one of the Republicans running for California governor. Hilton said the thing he most agrees with Newsom on is limiting smartphone use in schools. If elected, Hilton said he would work to improve California's rising housing costs, which he said he believes is the top reason why residents are leaving the state. Watch Hilton's response here. Advertisement Advertisement Katie Porter Watch Porter's response here. Consumer protection attorney and law professor Katie Porter is among the long list of Democrats running to replace Gov. Newsom next year. Porter praised Newsom for making school lunches free through the governor's universal meals program. Porter said, if she were governor, she would work to bring down housing costs statewide. Watch Porter's response here. Tom Steyer Democrat Tom Steyer, a climate activist and philanthropist, was one of the later additions to the candidate pool in California's 2026 gubernatorial race. Steyer praised Gov. Newsom for what he describes as "masterfully" mocking the president in their public exchanges to "show the insanity of Donald Trump." Steyer also offered some criticism directed at how the governor handled a recent budget surplus. Advertisement Advertisement Eric Swalwell Democratic candidate Eric Swalwell's jump into the governor's race followed the bowing out of fellow Democratic candidate Stephen Cloobeck. Here's why Swalwell, a current U.S. congressman and former prosecutor, said he's running for governor: "My promise is this: if you work hard, you should do better for yourself and dream bigger for your kids." Tony Thurmond Watch Thurmond's response here. California's Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said he is running for governor because "California is at a critical inflection point" that could lead to prosperity or further decline. Thurmond, a Democrat, lauded Gov. Newsom for being a creative thinker and for his investments in public education. Thurmond said, if elected, he would work to improve California's insurance crisis and create more affordable housing. Watch Thurmond's response here. Advertisement Advertisement Antonio Villaraigosa Watch Villaraigosa's response here. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat, said he is running for California governor to give the state a leader who is "a proven problem solver." Villaraigosa criticized Newsom's decision to keep kids out of schools for as long as he did during the COVID-19 pandemic. Villaraigosa said two things Newsom and the state Legislature got right were health care and child care. Watch Villaraigosa's response here. Butch Ware Watch Ware's response here. The only Green Party candidate running for governor is University of California professor Butch Ware. Ware said two of his biggest critiques of the Newsom administration are the governor's response to immigration raids across the state and his failure to address the homeless crisis. Ware said he doesn't agree with Newsom's use of social media to challenge the Trump administration, but appreciated the governor's effort to fight back. Watch Ware's response here. Advertisement Advertisement Betty Yee Watch Yee's response here. Former State Controller Betty Yee is another Democrat running for California governor. Yee commended Gov. Newsom's ability to be present during key issues like the COVID-19 pandemic. On how she would improve upon Newsom's time as governor, Yee said she would improve California's fiscal accountability. Watch Yee's response here. Leo Zacky Watch Zacky's response here. Business owner Leo Zacky is one of the few Republicans in California's gubernatorial race. Zacky said he's running for governor to "bring common sense solutions to save my home state." Zacy said there hasn't been a single thing Gov. Newsom or the state Legislature has done well over the last seven years. Zacky specifically criticized California for raising the minimum wage for fast food workers. Watch Zacky's response here. Advertisement Advertisement Toni Atkins Watch Atkins' response here. Former California State Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins was one of the high-profile Democrats running to replace Gov. Newsom when he terms out in 2026. On September 29, Atkins announced she was dropping out of the race, saying that "there is no viable path forward" despite the support she has received. In her sit-down with Watts, the San Diego resident praised Newsom's effort to go "toe-to-toe" with the Trump administration and Texas by redrawing California's congressional districts. Atkins also said that, if elected, one of her biggest priorities would be addressing health care. Watch Atkins' response here. Stephen J. Cloobeck Watch Cloobeck's full response here. Another Democrat looking to replace Gov. Newsom in 2026 is business executive Stephen J. Cloobeck. Cloobeck said what he believes Newsom has done well as governor is be active in the public and communities. On why he's in the gubernatorial race, Cloobeck said he's "sick and tired" of the Trump administration "making us look silly." Watch Cloobeck's response here. Watch the forum here. CBS News California Investigates correspondent Julie Watts moderated a recent gubernatorial education forum, hosted by Asian Pacific American Public Affairs and Sacramento State University. You can watch the forum here. Advertisement Advertisement 2026 California governor candidates | Accountability Interview Series CLICK TO WATCH: 2026 California Governor Candidates | Accountability Interview Series This ongoing political accountability series lets viewers compare the top-polling candidates for California governor side by side through a variety of issue-specific segments. CBS News California Investigates sat down with the 12 top-polling candidates to discuss more than a dozen issues that matter to voters. The topic-specific segments allow viewers to select the issues that matter most to them individually. The accountability-focused format pushes beyond campaign talking points to reveal how candidates respond to nuanced follow-up questions and opposing viewpoints. The first issue-specific segment, where candidates discussed California's controversial Prop 50 redistricting measure, led to a viral Katie Porter interview clip and impacted the trajectory of the governor's race. Porter's response stood out not just because of what she said, but also because the unique interview format revealed how it dramatically differed from those of the other candidates. Advertisement Advertisement The "One Question" segments introduce voters to each candidate and provide unique insight into how they might govern, as they explain what they think the current governor and legislature did right, and what they would have done differently. The "side-by-side" issue-specific segments allow viewers to compare the candidates' differing viewpoints and plans, focusing specifically on the issues that matter most to them. The initial topics include redistricting, reaching voters across the aisle, principle vs. politics, sanctuary state polices, health care for undocumented immigrants, and transgender athletes in school sports. Upcoming segments will feature issues related to crime & criminal justice reform, the impact of environmental laws on California gas prices, homelessness, housing affordability, high-speed rail, and more. Watch the full series on this CBS News California Investigates YouTube playlist. ISIS-inspired New Year's Eve terror attack in North Carolina was prevented, officials say High school softball coach recruited ex-player in murder plot, prosecutors say Mamdani signs executive orders undoing some of Eric Adams' orders Before their arrest, their actions in Givot Bar were reportedly carried out in response to police raids in the nearby village of Tarabin. Police arrested three suspects for being involved in the infiltration and vandalism in the Givot Bar community in the Negev on Friday, authorities announced on Saturday. The suspects were arrested within hours after they infiltrated the community on Friday night, smashing the windows of parked vehicles and setting many of them on fire, Israel Police said. Advertisement Advertisement Prior to this incident, officers from the Rahat station and members of the Sahar Brigade had raided criminal targets in the nearby Bedouin village of Tarabin, arresting five suspects, Israeli media reported. One officer was lightly injured during the operation, according to police. Following the raid on Tarabin and allegedly in response to it, two suspects, who are residents of the village, carried out what authorities described as revenge attacks, causing damage to dozens of vehicles. Shin Bet working with Israel Police in investigation The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) is also involved in the investigation into the incident alongside the police, according to Ynet. View of an Israel Police vehicle. (credit: Via Maariv) Police have said that operational activity in Tarabin is continuing in the wake of these incidents, and that suspects have been arrested for disorderly conduct and involvement in violent incidents, and forces are conducting raids on additional criminal targets. During the infiltration into Givot Bar, one resident told Walla that the men invaded the settlement after cutting a hole in the security fence. Yanir Yagna contributed to this report. Two Mammoth Mountain Ski patrollers were injured while performing avalanche mitigation work after a recent storm dropped an abundance of snow on the resort. The incident occurred at around 7:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26, at the resort in Northern California, according to Mammoth Mountain officials. More: All major SoCal ski resorts now open, including Big Bear and Mt. High Two Mammoth Mountain Ski patrollers were injured on Dec. 26, 2025, while performing avalanche mitigation work after a recent storm dropped an abundance of snow on the resort. Before ski area operations were open, patrollers were performing avalanche mitigation work when the avalanche occurred on Lincoln Mountain. Advertisement Advertisement The patrollers who were caught in the slide were immediately taken to Mammoth Hospital. One patroller sustained serious injuries and is being transported out of the area for further care, the second patroller is being evaluated with possible broken bones, Mammoth officials stated. Mitigation operations began after Mammoth Mountain had received over 5 feet of snow since Dec. 23. The ski area will be closed for the remainder of the day due to avalanche danger. Mammoth Mountain currently faces extreme winter conditions, with a 44-inch base of snow and more snowfall in the forecast. Nearly 2 feet of additional snow, strong wind, and fog are expected through Friday, with temperatures ranging from the 30s to 10 degrees, the National Weather Service reported. Advertisement Advertisement Regarding reopening the ski resort, Mammoth Mountain spokesperson Mike Imes told SFGATE that they will reassess as conditions allow. Stephanie Parker of Victorville told the Daily Press she was planning a ski trip to Mammoth Mountain but decided to stay home after they heard about the incident. February tragedy at Mammoth Mountain In February, two patrol staff members in Mammoth Mountain were injured, with one later dying, after they were caught in an avalanche while performing mitigation work after a strong snowstorm. Mammoth Mountain Ski Patroller, Claire Murphy, who was hospitalized after the incident, died as a result of her injuries, officials stated. Advertisement Advertisement The slide on Lincoln Mountain occurred during avalanche mitigation work in an area called The Avy Chutes, following a significant Sierra snowstorm, where approximately 6 feet of snow fell in 36 hours. Numerous Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrollers were on site immediately to assist with rescue efforts, using beacon technology to locate the patrollers. One patroller was recovered at the scene uninjured, while patroller Murphy was transported to Mammoth Hospital with serious injuries and later flown out of the area for further care. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Avalanche at Mammoth Mountain ski resort injures two NEED TO KNOW An Indiana babysitter is accused of slapping a 7-month-old baby boy across the face, causing a brain bleed Emily Duran, 27, has been charged with felony neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury and battery with serious bodily injury to a person under 14 She was arrested on Dec. 19 An Indiana babysitter is accused of slapping a 7-month-old baby boy across the face "as hard as you would slap an adult." According to the Fort Wayne Police Department and court records obtained by local outlet WPTA, officers were called to a local Indiana hospital on Dec. 11 after being contacted by the Department of Children's Services about an infant who had sustained "serious injuries." Advertisement Advertisement The baby boy's parents told investigators that they had left him in the care of 27-year-old Emily Duran at around 6:50 a.m. local time that day. When they arrived home just after 5 p.m., the parents claimed that Duran left quickly, and one parent noticed bruising on the baby's face, per the court documents obtained by WPTA. Duran later texted one of the parents and said the victim had fallen, court documents state. The boy's parents then called Duran and recorded their conversation with her. Authorities said she allegedly claimed that the baby fell off a bench while they were at a park, per WPTA. Allen County Sheriff's Department Emily Duran Emily Duran Police reviewed photos of the 7-month-old, according to the court documents, and officers said he had "deep purple bruising" on both sides of his face from his jaw to his hairline. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. One trauma surgeon at the hospital told police the child had a brain bleed, and another doctor said the baby's injuries were "inflicted" and "non-accidental." Advertisement Advertisement "There is no explanation other than child abuse," the doctor told police, per WPTA. Google Maps The 100 block of W. Superior Street in Fort Wayne, where police say the incident took place. The 100 block of W. Superior Street in Fort Wayne, where police say the incident took place. Police interviewed Duran on Dec. 19. During the interview, she allegedly admitted to slapping the baby across the face, then backhanding him across the other side of his face, WPTA reported, citing court records. Duran allegedly admitted that she "slapped him as hard as you would slap an adult." She was arrested the same day and taken to the Allen County Jail. Court records show that she has been charged with felony neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury and battery with serious bodily injury to a person under 14 years old. She is next set to appear in court on Jan. 12. Advertisement Advertisement If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People Flu is surging across the United States amid a busy holiday travel time. The state of New York is among those most heavily hit. For the week ending Dec. 20, the state reported its highest number of positive flu cases (71,123) ever recorded in a single week, according to the New York State Department of Health. That represented an increase of 38% over the previous week, the department said. New York is one of 14 states that reported high or very high activity of outpatient visits to health care providers for influenza-like illnesses for the week ending Dec. 13, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The District of Columbia, New York City and Puerto Rico have also registered high or very high flu-like cases, the agency says. Advertisement Advertisement As of Dec. 16, flu infections were on the rise, or likely growing, in 47 states, with cases only declining in Hawaii, the CDC projected. The increase in seasonal flu activity across the United States is similar to several past seasons, the CDC says. But it comes along with a new flu strain subclade K, a variation of the influenza A(H3N2) virus responsible for flu outbreaks in Japan, the United Kingdom and Canada. Health officials have been concerned the current flu vaccine may be a mismatch to the new variant, but they are confident it has protection against serious illness. Health officials aren't yet sure if the new flu strain is leading to more infections or more severe cases, "but what is clear is that cases are increasing, and we're seeing a lot of influenza cases increasing across the country, and that's a trend that we [are] sure will continue into the new year," said Andrew Pekosz, the co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center of Excellence in influenza research and response, in a Dec. 16 video health briefing. Flu in Tennessee: Flu cases near state 'epidemic' baseline Fewer Americans getting flu shots this season Also potentially contributing to an increase in flu: a decline in Americans getting flu shots. While more than 47.6 million flu vaccinations have been given at retail pharmacies and physician medical offices so far in the 2025-2026 season, that's down about 3 million flu shots from last season, according to the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement The government shutdown, which ran from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, also likely meant a decrease in flu activity data, which could have affected vaccination rates, said Jennifer Nuzzo, professor of epidemiology and director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University School of Public Health, in a flu report published Dec. 19 by the Journal of the American Medical Association. Were potentially heading into a flu season that could be quite a doozy, and we know were starting it with fewer data and, more crucially, fewer vaccinations, she said. Weather woes: Brace for bad weather. 2025 ends with a chaotic forecast. Flu has led to 1,900 deaths so far, CDC says The CDC estimates that there have been at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths from flu so far this season. During the week ending Dec. 13, there were two pediatric deaths reported to the CDC, bringing flu-related pediatric deaths so far this season to three, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement In Colorado, where the CDC said flu-like activity was "very high," emergency department visits with a flu diagnosis increased 7% for the week ending Dec. 20, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Influenza accounted for 7% of emergency department visits in Louisiana, up from about 6% the previous week, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. All respiratory illnesses including flu, COVID-19 and RSV made up nearly 9% of emergency visits, the department said. In New York City, visits to hospital emergency rooms with a flu diagnosis increased to 8.75% for the week ending Dec. 20, up from 6.76% the previous week, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Kris Stablein, R.N., gives a dose of flu vaccine to Mike Walls, 66, of Erie, during the Flu Kickoff and Wellness Event on Aug. 29 at Zem Zem Shrine in Erie, Pennsylvania. Flu cases on rise in Massachusetts: How to stay healthy this season These states have high or very high flu activity The CDC's FluView Interactive Map is based on outpatient visits to health care providers for influenza-like illness within a state or territory. These states and territories had high or very high levels: Advertisement Advertisement Colorado (Very high) Connecticut (High) District of Columbia (High) Georgia (High) Idaho (High) Louisiana (Very high) Maryland (High) Massachusetts (High) Michigan (High) New Hampshire (High) New Jersey (High) New Mexico (High) New York (Very High) North Carolina (High) Puerto Rico (High) South Carolina (High) What are the latest flu symptoms? Symptoms associated with H3N2 are similar to those of other influenza viruses and include: Fever Cough Runny nose Fatigue Muscle aches and chills Flu in South Carolina: Prisma Health to enforce visitor restrictions due to surging flu cases How to protect yourself from the flu It's not too late to get a flu vaccination. The CDC, World Health Organization and other leading medical institutions consider it the most effective way to prevent serious illness from the flu. Everyone 6 months and older is eligible for the flu vaccine unless they have a specified medical condition, such as an allergy to its ingredients or a previous severe reaction to the shot. Advertisement Advertisement To help stop the spread of influenza, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, notes the New York state health department. Other tips to prevent the spread of the flu include: Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Stay home if you are sick. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Flu cases on rise across US. New York hits weekly case record There was some big snake news in 2025. Taylor Stanberry, a Naples native, was the 2025 Florida Python Challenge winner and the first woman to ever win the competition. She captured 60 of the invasive Burmese pythons, including finding 30 hatchlings in a single nest during one night of the challenge that was held for 10 days in July. Stanberry told The Naples Daily News that although shes been python hunting with her husband, Rhett, for years (she has more than a decade of experience), this was her first time participating in the challenge held by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District. Advertisement Advertisement The biggest python Stanberry caught in this years challenge was between 9.5 and 10 feet long, more than double her height at 4-feet, 11-inches. Dont worry, shes aware that her height is one of the most recognizable things about her. Shes known to her almost 69,000 Instagram followers as @taylor2short. Stanberry said that she also caught a 12-footer the day before the challenge kicked off, which obviously did not count toward her total of 60, since it was before the official start of the challenge. I have been catching pythons for over 10 years. Its all about knowing what areas to hunt, what habitat to look for and just putting in the time, Stanberry said. Some nights I go out and wont find a single python, then other nights, Ill find a nest of 60 babies (hatchlings)! I would tell newbie hunters to just put in the time. Ive heard from some that theyve hunted for a few hours and caught nothing. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Who captured the most snakes in the 2025 Florida python challenge? Somalias senior leaders, officials and independent observers have hailed the countrys local elections held on December 25, 2025, as a historic milestone signalling a new era of democracy. After casting his vote in Mogadishus Warta Nabadda district, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described the polls as a turning point, saying Somalia had opened a new chapter as a peaceful, democratic nation choosing its leadership through the ballot. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre echoed the sentiment, calling the elections a long-awaited achievement after nearly six decades without direct voting. He said Somalis were writing history in a peaceful, orderly and dignified manner, restoring citizens honour and right to freely elect their leaders. Other senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, said the vote marked a decisive step in reclaiming democratic rights and national ownership of governance. Independent observers also reported a positive start to the process. Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists, said polling opened on time, media access was guaranteed and the atmosphere remained calm and inclusive. Collectively, leaders and observers described the elections as a symbol of renewal and hope, underscoring Somalias determination to move forward under the will of its people. In early 2021, James Blair sat before a panel of top Republican operatives including then-Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel and then-RNC chief of staff Richard Walters interviewing for one of the partys most powerful behind-the-scenes roles: political director of the RNC for the 2022 midterms. The verdict came quickly. Blair did not have relationships with the 168 members of the RNC, according to two people involved in the hiring decision, granted anonymity to discuss it. The job went to Elliott Echols, a long-time RNC hand. Advertisement Advertisement Just four years later, Blair is running the White House political operation and responsible for President Donald Trumps 2026 midterm strategy, the most consequential assignment of his career. The outcome will not only shape Trumps final two years in office, but also Blairs reputation ahead of a potential 2028 JD Vance presidential campaign. The wunderkinds meteoric rise, which has engendered doubters every step of the way, is owed in large part to a couple big bets he made last year while he was political director of Trumps campaign, which, while criticized at the time, helped propel Trump back into the White House. He pushed the campaign to primarily target low- and mid-propensity voters, and made the decision to outsource much of the get-out-the-vote operation to outside groups rather than run it in-house. Advertisement Advertisement He sold us on the strategy to focus on low- and mid- propensity voters, chief of staff Susie Wiles told POLITICO. Some in the campaign were traditionalists but eventually agreed. And his plan worked in spades. He delivered. Wiles was one of several in Trumps immediate orbit who reached out unsolicited to praise Blair for this story, a mark of the loyalty and goodwill he enjoys in Trump world. Blairs move to outsource the partys get-out-the-vote program in 2024 was also second-guessed by Republican strategists across the country, but it ultimately saved the campaign millions of dollars in staffing and overhead, freeing up money for advertising. He was viciously criticized for the decision, and it was 1,000 percent the right move, said one Trump ally, granted anonymity to discuss the stark contrast on how Blairs decision was received. He was totally vindicated. A year later, Blair, now 36 years old, is again being second guessed as some Republicans wonder why the White House expended energy targeting Republicans like Reps. Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene instead of focusing time and attention on vulnerable members or getting behind those who have a chance at knocking off a Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement People are pissed at him and the White House, said one Republican strategist also granted anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations. We know this environment is not good for us, so how do you save the House, the strategist asked. One thing you do is give strong candidates a chance to campaign and raise money in the 13 Republican-leaning districts Trump won that are still held by Democrats. Why are these endorsements taking so long? A White House official, granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, rejected the criticism that the White House has not focused enough on vulnerable members or pick-up opportunities. Trump, the official said, has endorsed 162 House Republicans and 15 senators and two Senate candidates running in open seats. The president also endorsed Mike Rogers in Michigan and the White House helped recruit John E. Sununu in New Hampshire for the states open Senate seat. Advertisement Advertisement The midterm landscape is never easy for the presidents party and 2026 is not expected to be an exception. Trump suffered a redistricting setback in Indiana , there is persistent voter anxiety over the cost-of-living, and lingering fallout from the drip-drip release of the Epstein files an issue that has consumed Trumps MAGA base. But Blair retains the presidents trust. There is a reason that President Trump calls his White House Deputy Chief of Staff Brilliant James, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. Blair is one of the most shrewd operatives in politics, and hes played an integral role in helping execute the most successful start to a presidency in modern American history. Trump at first had his doubts, in part, because Blair was so quiet. Blair was tentative in interactions with Trump, according to someone close to the president, granted anonymity to discuss closed-door dynamics. I dont know what it was maybe he was intimidated by the office of the president, Trump earlier this month during a White House holiday reception. Advertisement Advertisement Still, others vouched for his abilities. Id hear from other people hes a total political genius, Trump said during the holiday reception. But I didnt see it. And you know what? Hes not quiet. Hes incredible the job youve done, thank you, James. Walters told POLITICO that even in 2021 Blair was more than qualified to be political director of a national campaign. When he interviewed for RNC political director that year, he did not have strong relationships with the 168 members who make up the governing body of the party, which was necessary for this particular position, Walters said. Advertisement Advertisement Blairs rise has been swift and largely out of public view. A Florida native, he cut his teeth in Tallahassee politics, serving as an aide to thenFlorida House Speaker Richard Corcoran. He was also the political director of the Florida Republican partys statehouse arm ahead of the 2016 election and served as deputy chief of staff to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. When Wiles ran Trumps Florida operation in 2020, she brought Blair onto the team. After losing out on the RNC job, Blair worked on several campaigns as well as with Wiles on Trumps post-presidential political operation. He served as lead strategist for Tudor Dixons unsuccessful Michigan gubernatorial bid in 2022, and worked on Rep. Max Millers (R-Ohio) 2022 campaign. And, crucially, he worked with Trump allies on races that helped build his credibility within Trumpworld. Advertisement Advertisement He worked with Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz on Rep. Anna Paulina Lunas (R-Fla.) first two campaigns and worked on Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) super PAC, which he helped launch in 2019. He also collaborated with Andy Surabian, a Republican strategist and spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr., on Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) PAC and the successful effort to oust then-Rep. Liz Cheney, deepening relationships that would later anchor his influence. Blair has also maintained strong relationships with Vance and those in his orbit, including Surabian and pollster Tony Fabrizio. I have worked with thousands and very few show the willingness to make tough calls, take calculated risks and speak truth to power like James does, Fabrizio wrote in an unsolicited email to POLITICO. Unlike many other key characters in Trumps administration, Blair rarely seeks the spotlight. People who work with him describe him as cerebral, budget-oriented and relentlessly focused on data. Advertisement Advertisement Blairs reputation grew quickly inside the Trump campaign and on Capitol Hill, and he moved from MAGA Inc., Trumps super PAC, where was a senior adviser, to the campaign in late 2023. When Brian Jack the campaign official who managed Trumps relationships on Capitol Hill left to run for Congress in March 2024, Blair inherited that portfolio, expanding his reach among lawmakers. He played a major role in stitching together support for Trumps marquee legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill, including showing congressional Republicans polling on the most popular aspects of the bill and urging them to highlight how the Medicaid changes would remove illegal immigrants and the deceased from the rolls and enact work requirements. According to Wiles, James was not only the chief strategist but also the chief lobbyist. Advertisement Advertisement Working closely with the president and the team, he helped deliver the biggest legislative package in decades, maybe the largest ever, Wiles said. Blair also co-led the Big 6 Tax negotiations with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett and helped lead negotiations for some of the stickiest pieces of the bill like the state-and-local-tax deduction changes. He really didnt have a lot of national experience before joining the campaign, but hes taken Washington by storm, said Bruesewitz, who first started working with Blair in 2020. Hes very revered and respected on the Hill not just by GOP leadership but also by rank and file. Everybody wants a relationship with James Blair. GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala (AP) An intermunicipal bus veered off a road in Guatemala and fell into a deep ravine, killing 15 passengers and injuring at least 15 others, authorities said Saturday, and declared three days of national mourning. The accident happened Friday night outside the town of Totonicapan along a route known as the Interamerican Road. Officials said it took rescue workers more than two hours to recover the corpses from the crash site and rescue injured passengers. Fifteen people were still being treated for injuries at local hospitals. I profoundly regret the tragedy which happened along the Interamerican Route, President Bernardo Arevalo said in a social media statement. We are coordinating all necessary actions to assist those who have been affected. Advertisement Advertisement Road accidents are common in Guatemala, a mountainous country where transportation regulations are loosely enforced and where many towns and cities are connected by narrow, two lane roads. In October, the National Transportation Safety Obervatory, a government agency, said that 446 public transportation vehicles in the country had been involved in accidents in 2025. Those accidents resulted in 111 deaths and more than 600 people injured through October. (This December 26 story has been repeated without any changes to the text.) By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Dec 26 (Reuters) - California has dropped a lawsuit challenging the decision by the administration of President Donald Trump to cancel more than $4 billion in federal grants for the state's high-speed rail project, the state said late on Friday. The California High-Speed Rail Authority, which filed the lawsuit in July, said the decision to abandon it reflected the state's "assessment that the federal government is not a reliable, constructive, or trustworthy partner in advancing high-speed rail in California." Advertisement Advertisement The agency said it plans to move forward without federal funding, adding that only 18% of program expenditures for the long-delayed project have come from federal funds. A judge this month rejected a bid to dismiss the lawsuit. The Federal Railroad Administration issued a 315-page report in June finding the project was plagued by missed deadlines, budget shortfalls and questionable ridership projections. The U.S. Transportation Department said on Saturday that the FRA investigation demonstrated that after more than 15 years, the California high-speed rail authority "would be unable to deliver on their high speed rail promises on time or on budget." The department added, "American tax dollars will be spared from being wasted on this train to nowhere and will instead support real projects that improve the lives of rail passengers, local drivers, and pedestrians." Advertisement Advertisement PROJECT HAS BEEN PLAGUED BY DELAYS, COST OVERRUNS California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said in July that termination of the grants by the administration of Republican President Donald Trump amounted to "petty, political retribution, motivated by President Trump's personal animus toward California and the high-speed rail project, not the facts on the ground." The funding cuts are the latest hurdle in the 16-year effort to link Los Angeles and San Francisco by a three-hour train ride, a project that would deliver the fastest passenger rail service in the United States. Originally planned for completion by 2020 at a cost of $33 billion, the project is now forecast to cost between $89 billion and $128 billion, with service now expected to start by 2033. Advertisement Advertisement The rail system, whose first bond issue was approved by California voters in 2008, has built more than 50 major railway structures, including bridges, overpasses, undercrossings and viaducts, and completed nearly 80 miles (130 km) of guideway for the project. The Transportation Department in August canceled another $175 million for four projects that are part of the high-speed rail program, following the cancellation of $4 billion in federal grants. The California agency said this week it was beginning a process to attract private investors and developers by summer 2026. The agency said on Friday that the loss of federal funding will not derail the project or construction, adding that it was making progress. "Rather than continuing to spend time and money challenging the termination, the state is moving forward without them," the agency said, noting legislation signed in September secures $1 billion for the program annually through 2045. Advertisement Advertisement During his first term, Trump revoked $929 million in federal grants, a move challenged by the state, leading to a settlement in 2021 under Democratic President Joe Biden restoring the full amount. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis) California's minimum wage is set to increase at the start of the year, going up 40 cents from $16.50 to $16.90, according to the California Department of Industrial Relations. Starting Jan. 1, fast-food employees at qualifying companies still have a $20 minimum, with no plan to raise the rate on Jan. 1. Certain health care professionals also have a higher minimum. Salaried employees were getting $68,640 per year. California's hourly minimum wage remains more than double the federal wage and will be the fourth highest in the country, behind Connecticut at $16.94 and New York at $17. Advertisement Advertisement The minimum annual salary for exempt employees will rise to $70,304 per year in California, or about $2,700 per paycheck before deductions. Some California cities and counties have ordinances that have raised their minimum above the state's, according to the agency. The University of California, Berkeley maintains the list; to see if your city or county has a higher minimum, visit UC Berkeley's website. More: California's road rules are changing in 2026; what drivers need to know Who are exempt employees in California? In California, exempt employees earn a full-time salary of at least twice the state minimum wage and perform duties in specific categories such as executive, administrative or professional roles, according to the state's Department of Industrial Relations. Advertisement Advertisement Exempt status generally means these employees are not eligible for overtime pay or certain labor protections that apply to hourly workers. Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com, 805-437-0224 or @ecentenoaraujo on Instagram and X. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Californias minimum wage increase takes effect Jan. 1. What to know Chicago police are issuing a community alert to the Humboldt Park neighborhood after a woman was sexually assaulted on Christmas Eve. The crime happened at about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 4600 block of West North Avenue, CPD said. Police say a man pushed the victim into her car and tried to remove her clothes. He drove off in a white SUV with a sunroof and an Illinois license plate. The suspect was wearing a white shirt, jeans and a black leather jacket, is between 5'07"- 5'09" and weighs 200-210 lbs. No arrests have been made as Chicago police continue to investigate. INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood BEIJING, Dec 27 (Reuters) - China passed a revised law that for the first time formally regulates unmanned aircraft, a move set to reshape the country's fast-growing drone and low-altitude economy sectors, according to state media on Saturday. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress approved the changes under the Civil Aviation Law on December 27, adding provision on airworthiness certification for drones that plugs a key regulatory gap. The overhaul comes as China's low-altitude economy - a national strategic initiative focusing on commercial activities below 3,000 meters - is forecast to grow to more than 2 trillion yuan ($280 billion) by 2030, from a 1.5 trillion yuan in 2025, according to estimates from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Peking University and China's Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC). Advertisement Advertisement Under the new rules, effective on July 1 next year, all entities involved in the design, production, import, maintenance and operation of drones must obtain airworthiness certification. Drone manufacturers will be required to assign a unique product identification code to each unit, in accordance with relevant national regulations. China has implemented "interim regulations" for unmanned aircraft starting from 2024, which stipulate that civil unmanned aircraft must be registered under real names. The regulations also specify that micro, light, and small civil unmanned aircraft do not require airworthiness certification, while medium and large ones must apply to CAAC for airworthiness certification. As China's drone market has rapidly expanded, oversight has lagged. In recent years, several cities have reported flight delays caused by illegal drone operations, prompting fines and other penalties. Advertisement Advertisement The tighter requirements will affect manufacturers such as DJI, the world's largest consumer drone maker, and EHang, which produces passenger drones. Drone logistics have become an important driver of China's low-altitude economy, with 2.7 million packages containing everything from hamburger lunches to life-saving medicine delivered throughout 2024, according to transport ministry data. E-commerce and food delivery leaders like JD.com and Meituan have long talked about investing in drone logistics to improve supply chain efficiency. JD Logistics has tested drone delivery networks in Jiangsu, Shaanxi, and Sichuan, and has said drones can reduce shipping times for rural customers by up to 70%. (Reporting by Sophie Yu, Casey HallEditing by Shri Navaratnam) China has imposed sanctions against 20 US defence-related companies and 10 executives, a week after Washington announced large-scale arms sales to Taiwan. According to the Chinese foreign ministry, the sanctions entail freezing the companies assets in China and banning individuals and organisations from dealing with them. 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 ChinaUS relations, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement 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. FILE - A Switchblade 600 loitering missile drone manufactured by AeroVironment is displayed at the Eurosatory arms show in Villepinte, north of Paris, on June 14, 2022. - Michel Euler/Copyright 2022 The AP. All rights reserved The companies include Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3Harris Maritime Services and Boeing in St. Louis, while defence firm Anduril Industries founder Palmer Luckey is one of the executives sanctioned, who can no longer do business in China and is barred from entering the country. Their Chinese assets have also been frozen. US arms sale to Taiwan worth 8.6 billion The announcement of the US arms-sale package, valued at more than $10 billion (8.6 billion), has drawn an angry response from China, which claims Taiwan as its own and says it must come under its control. Advertisement Advertisement If approved by the American Congress, it would be the largest-ever US weapons package to the self-ruled territory. Related The US is obligated to assist Taiwan with its self-defence under federal law, a point that has become increasingly contentious with China. Beijing already has strained ties with Washington over trade, technology and human rights issues. Chinas military has increased its presence in Taiwans skies and waters in the past few years, holding drills with its warships and fighter jets on a near-daily basis near the island. Earlier in December, podcaster Joe Rogan suggested that Jesus Christ might return in the form of an artificial intelligence. While this moment garnered attention online and in the press, its actually just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the effect that AI is having on religious belief in highly online corners of American society. In the viral Rogan clip, the host says Jesus was born out of a virgin mother. Whats more virgin than a computer? If Jesus does return, you dont think he could return as artificial intelligence? AI could absolutely return as Jesus. The response to the clip online was largely mockery or criticism of Rogan for his cozy relationship with tech oligarchs, like billionaires Elon Musk and Peter Thiel. But the notion of an AI Jesus is not as fringe as it might seem. Advertisement Advertisement Robert Geraci, a professor of religious studies at Knox College who has authored multiple books on technology and religion, told Salon in an interview that religious beliefs that incorporate AI are becoming increasingly mainstream. The apocalyptic AI mindset is now present in our culture in a way that someone who might be currently or formerly religious can now rely on that as a kind of groundwork for putting their thoughts together, for putting a worldview together, Geraci said. On one level, AI Jesuses there are many are already here. There is no shortage of websites or apps that offer access to a large language model that offers some sort of spiritual advice based on Christian teachings. Even the Catholic Church has experimented with AI Jesus, with a Swiss church in Lucerne experimenting with a Jesus-like chatbot that was set up to speak with churchgoers in a confessional-style setting. The project, dubbed Deus in Machina, was an experiment aimed at seeing how people responded to the interaction with the chatbot, which was trained on biblical texts, and to explore critical questions about ethics, spirituality, humanity, and personhood in the era of AI, according to the researchers report on the experiment. Advertisement Advertisement The collision of AI and religious belief has, however, gone far beyond experiments with chatbots and AI renderings of Jesus. Beliefs around the AI singularity, loosely defined as the point at which AI is capable of improving itself, have reached a fever pitch, with predictions often mirroring apocalyptic predictions and which are sometimes directly inspired by The Book of Revelation. Official religions that worship AI date as far back as 2017. In Geracis analysis, religious beliefs about a coming AI superintelligence have broken Silicon Valley containment and while they might have originated in the tech world, theyve been able to graft themselves onto a preexisting apocalypticism in American culture and American Christianity in particular. This has been helped along by the fact that there are swaths of Americans who consider themselves Christians, but who dont interface with traditional authority figures when it comes to faith. A recent survey from the American Bible Society found that while 64% of Americans say they are Christian, only 55% of them attend Church. Although many of these self-identified Christians may be engaging with their religious traditions in a more casual way, others have turned to online spaces for religious community and guidance. Geraci said that this is a phenomenon that has been on the rise for decades, but has been supercharged by AI. Its still the case that just about anybody can get online and tell you whatever they happen to think about authentic Catholic doctrine, or what it means to be a true Muslim, or whatever else, right?, Geraci said. Thats all over the internet, but people have also kind of accommodated the idea that they may not constitute an authority. Now with the rise of AI, were having to kind of re-argue where authority comes from. Advertisement Advertisement Some of these arguments are going on in academic spaces while others occur in the context of mass media, especially that with a conservative slant. For example, conservative pundit Tucker Carlson recently asked OpenAI founder Sam Altman about his own spiritual and religious convictions and how Altman and OpenAI decide on which ethical values to give preference to in ChatGPT. The episode title, Sam Altmans Dystopian Vision to Replace God With AI, hints at Carlsons own attitude towards the topic, which strikes a stark contrast with Rogan. Despite the hostility to AIs influence on religion among people like Carlson , its also clear that millions are still seeking religious advice from chatbots, with the New York Times reporting in September that just one app, Bible Chat, racked up more than 30 million downloads. Paul Hoffman, a pastor and professor of biblical studies at Samford University, told Salon that while chatbots might be able to provide information about religious texts, he doesnt think theyre able to provide the wisdom that traditional authoritative voices on spirituality might be able to. What we want in life isnt just information. We want wisdom, and for me, wisdom is applied knowledge. It is something that transcends the moment, and its something thats handed down. Information is Whats the weather? Hows the stock market? Wisdom is What is the best way to live? How do I handle this difficult situation? Hoffman said. Advertisement Advertisement Hoffman added that, as a pastor and theologian, he was concerned by not just the religious questions people ask AI, but also by the sorts of beliefs that Christians might be forming about AI. Hoffman specifically addressed the notion that AI might become godlike and the idea floated by Rogan, that Jesus might return as AI. Christianity is deeply predicated on the idea that the one we worship and the one we revere lived a fully human life, a fully embodied life, and so now we have people that are delving back into an ancient heresy that was called Gnosticism, that divides body and spirit, Hoffman said. In Hoffmans view, the ability for beliefs that are traditionally regarded as heretical to spread among self-identified Christians is deeply tied to two phenomena. The first is the dechurching of self-identified Christians (the trend identified in the American Bible Society), in which people identify as Christians but do not attend church. Dechurching has been trending upward for more than two decades in the U.S. and the COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated things. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. The second is that, traditionally religious identities like evangelical Christian, for example, have, for some, become cultural signifiers for some segment of the population. Hoffman explained that theres an ongoing debate about how to make sense of self-identified Christians who dont engage in regular practice and are not part of a religious community, like a church. Advertisement Advertisement The question of whether podcasts or similar content are replacing churches has also been open for more than a decade. And though its clear that podcasts havent led to the wholesale abandonment of churches in the United States, its also clear that, for some, listening to podcasts has in effect replaced listening to a sermon on Sundays, with one key difference being that they dont foster the same type of community that a physical church does and may not have the same sort of authority figures as a traditional religious community. In Geracis view, the orientation of some believers towards podcasts and other niche online communities is a key part of the rise of novel religious beliefs, including those that concern AI. The technology does give people new ways to look at the world, and that gives them new opportunities, religiously, to build new kinds of community, and the internet allows them to find that community, Geraci said. If you have an idea thats close to unique and you get on Reddit and start talking about it, pretty soon, youre gonna find the other eight people who have that idea and maybe a few other people join. Before you know it, you have a small community of like-minded believers around whatever that thing is. The post Christianity grapples with the rise of an AI Jesus appeared first on Salon.com. The deadline for submitting items for church briefs to be published in our print edition is 2 p.m. Monday because of the upcoming holiday. To have an item listed, email Trish Choate at tchoate@USAToday.com. Please limit announcements to special events, meetings or special guests. Church brief items cannot be taken over the phone. Weekly church briefs Christ Church Anglican, West Campus Annex, 3801 Louis J Rodriguez Drive, Burns Chapel at MSU Texas: Christ Church is a new, warm, welcoming and dynamic evangelical church in the Anglican tradition. It is a place where there is Rest for the Weary, Love for the Unloved and Christ at the Center. All are welcome here to find rest, love and a wonderful, merciful Savior in Jesus no exceptions! Sleep this Sunday morning and join us for evening worship at 6 p.m. in Burns Chapel at MSU Texas, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Visit our website here to learn more about us. If you need or want prayer, call us at 940-263-0824. Advertisement Advertisement Emmanuel Baptist Church Wichita Falls, 220 Loop 11: Our vision at Emmanuel Baptist Church is to be a beacon of hope and love in our community where all are welcomed, embraced and empowered to grow in their faith and serve others. We strive to be a place where lives are transformed, relationships are strengthened and Gods kingdom is advanced through our worship, discipleship and outreach efforts. Together, we are committed to spreading the message of Christs love and grace to all who seek it and to making a positive impact in the world around us. Come and join us! Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m., and Worship Service is at 10:45 a.m. Life Groups begin on Jan. 29, and New Believer's and Discipleship classes begin on Jan. 26. All ages welcome! Children's Church (through fifth grade) and Nursery are available. Faith Episcopal Church, 1437 Southwest Parkway: The Faith Episcopal Church, formerly the Episcopal Church in Wichita Falls, shares the building with Faith Lutheran Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, at 1437 Southwest Parkway. Advertisement Advertisement With the ELCA in full communion with the Episcopal Church, Pastor Ernie Barr celebrates the Episcopal Eucharist at 8:45 a.m. and presides at the Lutheran Holy Communion at 10:45 a.m. every Sunday. All fifth Sundays are a joint service of the two churches with communion rotating between the Episcopal tradition and the Lutheran tradition, followed by a joint potluck. As the only remaining Episcopal Church in Wichita Falls recognized as a member of the larger Worldwide Anglican Communion, ALL are welcome. Come join us! Contact information: email: ecwftx@gmail.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/EpisChWF/; and website: www.faithluthapalian.com/. First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls: The church now offers six service times and locations between our three campuses each Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Our downtown campus, 1200 Ninth St., invites you to either our Blended Service with Choir and Orchestra at 9:30 a.m. in our Worship Center or one of two Contemporary Services at 11 a.m. full band in our Worship Center and Acoustic Worship in our 11 East Service in our East Sanctuary. Our West Campus location, 4317 Barnett Road, offers two Contemporary Services at either 9:45 a.m. or 11 a.m. Our Church at Sheppard campus, 2101 Puckett Road, hosts a Contemporary Service at 11 a.m. Sunday mornings. Family nights have returned! Join us at the downtown campus, meal at 5 p.m. and classes at 6:30 p.m.; church @Sheppard meal at 5:15 p.m. and classes at 6 p.m.; and West Campus meal at 5:15 p.m. and classes at 6 p.m. LIFE Groups are available for every age group. Special activities are held throughout the year. More information is available by going to www.fbcwf.org or by calling (940) 723-2764. Advertisement Advertisement Sunday morning services are broadcast live over CFNT, cable channel 10 or over the air on 20.1 or 24.1 each Sunday at 8:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. services are also streamed over our website as well as our Facebook page. First Christian Church, 3701 Taft Boulevard, across the street from the MSU Texas campus: We offer two services every Sunday morning. The 8:40 a.m. service meets in our chapel and is accessible by the Church Street entrance, and the 10:45 a.m. service meets in the sanctuary, which is accessible via the Kirk Street entrance. Additionally, there are several Sunday school classes to choose from that begin at 9:30 a.m. Children's church is conducted in coordination with the 10:45 a.m. service. First Presbyterian Church, 3601 Taft Blvd.: Worship service begins at 10:45 a.m. Sunday. The service is also streamed on the church's YouTube channel. Advertisement Advertisement The church has a public prayer list that will be updated monthly. Those with a prayer need may contact the church office or a member of the church staff. The undercroft will be open during the Sunday school hour for youth in student ministry classes. Children from pre-K through fifth grade will not meet for Sunday school until Jan. 11. Sunday morning Christian education for all others will begin at 9:30 a.m. All those in need of prayer or pastoral care are invited to contact the church office. The church office can be reached by telephone at 940-767-2547. Mount Pleasant Baptist Church: All members are asked to use the Harding Street entrance, face masks are optional. If you can't make the service, the deacons will be available on the Bailey Street side of the church 30 minutes after service if you would like to contribute to the tithes, offering and receive the Lord's Supper. You may also use the Givelify app. If you have any questions, you may email mountpleasantbcwf@gmail.com. Advertisement Advertisement New Hope Presbyterian Church, 1701 Enterprise. Worship is at 10 a.m. every Sunday with Christian education classes directly after the service. New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1420 Borton Lane: New Jerusalem offers meals for shut-ins, food distribution through the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank Mobile Pantry, clothing and health checks on the fourth Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact the church at 940-767-2067. For more information about immunizations, contact Mary Ann Merriex at 940-322-5728. Trinity Baptist Church, 4016 Old Jacksboro Highway: Trinity is a family-centered church that loves people and desires to see Jesus glorified in every persons life. To Win, To Disciple, To Equip, To Win. The church offers childrens ministry, including nursery for infants through 3 years; childrens church for ages 4-year-old kindergarten-fourth grade; and Connect 412 Sunday school for teenagers. Advertisement Advertisement Trinity also offers adult Sunday school classes for young adults, Coffee With Jesus: Loving Jesus, Good Humor and Coffee Bible class, and for all adults, Lets Talk About It Bible Class: Discussion-based Bible class involving all topics and Biblical Wisdom Bible Class: A lecture-based Bible study exploring the truth of the Bible. Weekly services include the following: Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Sunday school, 10:30 a.m. morning worship and 6 p.m. Sunday night Bible study Tuesday 9:30 a.m. prayer meeting Wednesday: 6 p.m. ladies Bible study, 7 p.m. worship and prayer and Pioneer Kids first-sixth grade. Saturday: 10 a.m. Flea Market Witnessing and 7 p.m. Starfish Ministries Trinity United Methodist Church, 5800 Southwest Parkway across from Memorial Stadium: All are welcome! Worship with us Sunday morning: Sunday school for all ages begins at 9 a.m. Morning worship is in person at 10 a.m. or live on Facebook at facebook.com/trinitywf/. Call 940-692-9995 for more information. Advertisement Advertisement Wichita Falls Metropolitan Community Church, 1401 Travis at 14th Street: As always, all are welcome. Visit us Sundays at 10:15 a.m. for study, 11 a.m. for adoration services . . . just late enough to get to sleep in! Casual comfort to finer dress embraced; no-negative-judgment zone. We mask up, check temperatures, sanitize in and out, social distance and care for our neighbors' health. Ours is a safe and affirming environment. We are also LGBTQ+ affirming. Children and youth welcome and included in service. Nursery available. Networking and lunch connections following (Dutch treat). 940-322-4100, wfmccav@gmail.com. Join online at bit.ly/WFMCCWorship. Trish Choate is the executive editor for the Wichita Falls Times Record News, San Angelo Standard-Times and Abilene Reporter-News. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Read her recent work here. Her X handle is @Trishapedia. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Church information for Dec. 27 This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com A Cle Elum-area resident nearly lost $700,000 to a wire fraud scam. The resident, who was trying to complete a legitimate real estate purchase, was targeted by scammers, the Kittitas County Sheriffs Office reported via a Facebook post Monday. The resident got an email that appeared to be from his title company and contained wire instructions to make a large payment. The resident followed the directions and sent the money. Advertisement Advertisement He then followed up with a phone call to his title company, which told him the email address which used the name of the company but had @gmail.com was a scam. The resident was able to contact his bank in time to stop the payment, which authorities noted would have likely gone overseas and been unrecoverable. Company may have been compromised by phishing email Detectives determined the title company could have been breached by a phishing email scam. In phishing scams, employees are lured to click on malicious links that give scammers access to information later used for fraud. Authorities stated the company identified other customers whose information may have been compromised and is in contact with them. Advertisement Advertisement Tragically, scam and fraud is a high-stakes international industry in the modern world, the sheriffs office wrote. Though this is the first time weve learned about this particular fraud happening in our county, financial corporations have confirmed its happening nationwide. Safety tips for transferring money When transferring funds, law enforcement recommends verifying the address by calling published numbers, being wary of email-only instructions, and treating urgency as a red flag. Those with questions about a pending transaction, or anyone who thinks they have been a victim of fraud, are urged to call the sheriffs office at 509-962-7525. Follow Julia Dallas on X. Read her stories here. Submit news tips here. Miles Teller got his wife Keleigh Tellers wedding dress remade after the original was lost in the California wildfires. Keleigh Teller and her replica wedding dress / TikTok The 33-year-old actress - who wished she had thought to take the white dress when the couple evacuated their home in Pacific Palisades in January - was stunned when she pulled out the garment bag from a large red box on Christmas Day (25.12.25). In a TikTok video shared to her account on Friday (26.12.25), Keleigh asked Miles: "Is this my wedding dress?" After the Fantastic Four star, 38, confirmed it was her wedding dress, Keleigh teared up and said: "Oh, my God. Oh, my God." In January, the couple - who got married in a chic Hawaiian ceremony at a Catholic church on Maui, Hawaii, in September 2019 - were heartbroken that they lost their house in the Pacific Palisades after a blaze ripped through the area. And Miles and Keleigh were saddened that there was not enough time for them to grab all of their belongings - including her wedding dress - before they had to evacuate. In an Instagram post at the time, Keleigh explained: "If youre in the LA area PLEASE get out if you can. I wish I grabbed my wedding dress ... Wish I did a lot different but it doesnt matter, stay safe, get out. There are no words ... THANK YOU to the first responders fighting. (sic)" She later added: "To everyone reaching out I cant thank you enough, your kind hearts have meant the world, Ill never forget them. "Community has come out stronger than I could imagine, Pacific Palisades I love you beyond measure; you are a little slice of heaven, we will come back stronger than ever. (sic)" Miles later revealed that he and Keleigh took "very little" keepsakes - including his late grandfather's watch - while they were evacuating. Appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in February, the Eternity actor said: "[My wife and I] never thought [the fire] was going to come where we were, its very residential. We werent surrounded by any brush or anything. "Fire is scary. I grew up on the East Coast, and hurricanes, a lot of the time, in Florida, usually a lot of the time, theyre kind of scaring you for like a week. You have a heads up. But the fire, man, it moved fast." Miles and Keleigh were also grateful for all the help that was offered to them amid the California wildfires - which devastated thousands of homes and businesses in Los Angeles, and killed hundreds of people. And this included fans sending him T-shirts featuring his favourite band, Grateful Dead. In February, Miles told E! News: "Many people have reached out, just either letting us know that theyre there emotionally, or people are offering us their place. "Im a Deadhead [Grateful Dead fan], and so Ive had a lot of people reach out to Keleigh like: I want to send Miles a Grateful Dead shirt'. "Little stuff just means a lot, so its been very heartwarming." The Top Gun: Maverick cast member added of the disaster: "When everything goes, and you have each other, it's very emotional ... [The grief] comes in waves .. "You lose your home, you're part of a club nobody wants to be a part of ... "We know it's not an immediate sense of relief," he added. "And so, we're just there for one another." Zambias Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has honoured Detective Sergeant Ruth Nyambe for rejecting a $50,000 bribe from a bulk cash-smuggling suspect at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka. The incident occurred on February 5, 2025, when Nyambe, attached to the Airports Division, allegedly discovered a suspect in possession of $2.3 million in cash and seven suspected gold bars during routine screening. According to the ACC, the unnamed suspect initially offered Nyambe $5,000, later increasing the bribe to $50,000 in an attempt to proceed with the journey. Nyambe refused both offers and reported the matter to the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), leading to the suspects arrest. In recognition of what it described as exceptional integrity, the ACC honoured her on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, during its Chief Executive Officers Forum in Lusaka, where she received the Commissions Integrity Award. Following the recognition, Zambias Inspector-General of Police Graphel Musamba promoted Nyambe to the rank of Inspector of Police. On the same day, Wednesday, another officer, Sergeant Samuel Mbewe, was also promoted after refusing a 20,000-kwacha ($890) bribe on February 5, 2025, while a third official from the agriculture ministry was honoured for rejecting a 160,000-kwacha ($7,100) bribe linked to unsafe wheat imports, underscoring Zambias broader anti-corruption drive. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com. While the weather has calmed, temperatures are only expected to drop in western Washington ahead of the New Year. Heading into the weekend, highs in Seattle are expected to reach the lower to mid-40s, with winds tapering off to just 10-15 mph. Rain is not expected in Seattle until Wednesday. In northwest King County outside of Seattle, cities like Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, and Issaquah are expected to receive rain throughout Friday, totaling approximately a tenth to a quarter of an inch before Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Rain is expected to clear out until New Years Eve, a trend for most of western Washington. The next chance of rain doesnt really return until maybe New Years Eve, or New Years Day, meteorologist Scott Sistek wrote. Chances of snow further north According to Sistek, cooler air coming in behind the current cold front will combine with an expected Puget Sound Convergence Zone Friday evening, creating the chance of an hour or two of a rain/snow mix in southern Snohomish County and northern King County. A Puget Sound Convergence Zone occurs when southern winds collide with northwestern coastal winds, forcing air upward and creating a cloud- and rain-making convection process. Advertisement Advertisement Whatcom County is another region with elevation that may see a brief wet/snow mix. A Winter Weather Advisory in the mountains is in effect through 10 p.m. Friday. Places near sea level likely just stay rainy throughout, Sistek wrote. More rain in southern King County, Pierce County In the lowlands of Pierce and southern King Counties, a chance of rain will stretch from late in the morning to the early afternoon, and then once more before evening. Rainfall should only accumulate roughly a tenth to a quarter of an inch before the weekend. Wind gusts are expected to reach 25 mph in these areas. Kitsap County In eastern Kitsap County, including the cities of Bremerton, Silverdale, and Port Orchard, only about a tenth of an inch of rain is expected Friday. Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here. Columbus is facing an affordability crisis Re "Columbus shouldn't use my money to make housing 'affordable,'" Dec. 18: As someone who has worked with rental properties in Columbus for their whole life, I can tell you firsthand that Michael Osers assertion that Columbus should not be involved in providing affordable housing solutions is not only empirically unsound but also economically counterproductive. The housing market in Columbus faces a fundamental crisis concerning affordability. Skyrocketing housing costs combined with stagnant wages push the local workforce out of the very city that needs them. This poses a threat to the well-being of all residents, not just those priced out of Columbus. Advertisement Advertisement The essential jobs that these residents fill are not serviceable from Chillicothe, Xenia or Ada, and the removal of these workers is at the expense of the safety and economic efficiency that define the city. The Mercedes you want isnt vital to the health of Columbus economy, but affordable housing is. To borrow Osers Rolling Stones quote: You cant always get what you want you get what you need. Right now, what Columbus needs is a commitment to affordable housing. Letters: Move to Xenia if you can't afford Columbus. My taxes shouldn't be use on housing Drew Alaudini, Columbus Ungifted amateur hour During World War II, German Army Chief of Staff General Ludwig Beck made the following statement, according to "The German Army 1933-1945" by Matthew Cooper: Advertisement Advertisement The possibility of a repetition of the absolute command by one ungifted amateur, surrounded by weaklings, must be prevented for all time to come. Do we now have an ungifted amateur in the White House held in place by Republican weaklings? History does repeat itself. John Wolock, Worthington Trump is no Kennedy President Donald Trump fired staff at the Kennedy Center, then replaced them with sycophants, then claimed he was "surprised" and "honored" when they chose to put his name on the building built to honor the slain president, like putting his name on Kennedy's gravestone, some say. To have EARNED such an honor, wouldn't he have to be a widely beloved president, AND slain in office? No thanks; then we'd have JD Vance, a pretty good life insurance policy.Samantha Willow, Westerville This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Why Columbus must tackle affordable housing crisis. | Letters Dec. 26MORGANTOWN If you're looking for proof that persistence does, on occasion, pay off, consider Alpine Street. Located off Riddle Avenue between the top of the hill and West Run Road, Alpine Street is in the North Hills neighborhood, which falls within the county's West Run Planning District. The portion of Alpine Street that put it on the Monongalia County Commission's radar is the lower section from its split with Headlee Avenue to Bergamont Street. Advertisement Advertisement It was a known issue in September 2021, when the commission created the Orphan Road Grant Program to help residents address roads that were either built by developers and forgotten, having never been recognized by the West Virginia Division of Highways, or so far down the DOH's priority list that they've essentially been abandoned by the state. While the extended section of Alpine Street met that definition, it presented a challenge to the commission in that it would cost so much to ultimately aid so few. Previous projects funded through the program included $67, 000 from the county to assist 49 households on Bridge Road. Those households brought $47, 000 to the table. The commission also put up $44, 000 to address Pinecrest /Farmview Road, which provides access to hundreds of homes and apartments. Citizens in that area raised just over $43, 000 as part of the funding package. Advertisement Advertisement There are 10 households on the section of Alpine Street in question. It was estimated the needed repairs to underlying drainage issues and resurfacing work would require at least $82, 000 from the county. But Alpine Street resident Derek Jackson was undeterred. During one of his appearances before the commission, Jackson told the the body in June 2023, "As it stands, certain vehicles can't get through at any time of the year, but in the winter, it's virtually impassable by any vehicle four-wheel drive truck, car, it doesn't matter." He explained that access for first responders, mail service and trash collection was being impacted by the road's condition, noting it wasn't uncommon in winter for residents to park their cars and walk to their homes. Advertisement Advertisement In September 2024, the commission relented, agreeing to provide up to $82, 400 in grant funding to be coupled with at least $9, 500 from Alpine Street residents. Jackson had already paid for preliminary engineering services. Earlier this week, the commission approved an $82, 000 payout for the work, which, thus far, includes a new base layer of asphalt. "I appreciate the persistence of the citizens to follow the process of the opportunities that are available to address these types of situations, specifically Derek Jackson. He was relentless, " Commissioner Sean Sikora said. "I appreciate his persistence, and the commission's persistence in working with him to address that situation, because that's why the funding exists." Sikora continued. Advertisement Advertisement "And contrary to popular belief, when we put that program in place, it was thought that we were going to be overrun with requests. Really, this makes the third [project ] over almost a four-year process. It's helpful, and it's a tool for our citizens, and it's been successful, " he said. Going forward, repairs and maintenance for that section of Alpine Street will fall under the North Hills Neighborhood Association. (WAVY) The holidays are here, and no matter what you celebrate, families will spend more time together. With kids out of school and many parents off work, the most wonderful time of the year can be the most terrifying for some. As many people look forward to time off ahead of the new year, it can be a dangerous time for some. Domestic violence can increase during times where stress tends to increase, or people are home more, said Olivia Smithberger, HER Shelter CEO. So while we can experience an increase in people experiencing violence, we also are really trying to make sure that theyre able to still celebrate and have a good time during the holidays. Advertisement Advertisement The HER shelter, which serves Portsmouth and Chesapeake, is accepting donations through Amazon for families. Similar to Thanksgiving, we provide Christmas or whatever holiday experience somebody wants, whether theyre in a shelter or have been in a shelter for the past 12 months, Smithberger said. So we take donations, we have wish lists that go up online. All of it is confidential and fake names, but people are able to adopt real people that are either currently in our facilities or have been in a shelter prior. Domestic and sexual violence is a year-round issue Riverside Health in Newport News is taking a different approach with its mobile forensic nursing program. The nurses travel from Gloucester, Williamsburg, Hampton, and soon-to-be-Smithfield to be available 24/7 for any victim of violence. Advertisement Advertisement I do think violence is on the rise, Smithberger said. We have an in to maybe help more than maybe some other health systems. Riversides forensic nursing team reports that its highest volume of patients were just last year. Were able to see as many patients as possible, Smithberger said. Last year, we saw our highest volume of over 1,300 patients, and upwards of half of that is our domestic violence population in the community. The YWCA of South Hampton Roads is also working to address ongoing violence through several initiatives. Men in the mission is bringing together men who are, intimately and intentionally engaged in helping to raise up the profile of women and girls in their communities, those that are willing to be allies and advocates, voices for those who whose voices are sometimes silenced and want to see, healthy, a whole and vibrant community where women are uplifted and men are standing right alongside them and everyones voices being raised, said Miclelle Ellis Young, YWCA CEO, because we believe in the power of community and collective impact together to solve this hard problem and make a difference right here in our backyard. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. A Dallas police lieutenant was arrested for driving while intoxicated on Christmas Eve, according to a department press release. Lieutenant Jeremy Carter, badge No. 9550, was taken into custody by the Midlothian Police Department on December 24. Carter has served with the Dallas Police Department since August 2008 and is currently assigned to the Operational Technology Unit. Department officials said Carter was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. The 17-year veteran now faces criminal charges in Midlothian. Advertisement Advertisement This incident is the latest in a slew of misconduct allegations that have plagued the DPD this year, many of which have led to officer terminations following disciplinary hearings: The 17 DPD employees terminated so far in 2025 due to alleged misconduct include: In addition, eight other DPD employees were arrested, though no terminations have been reported in these cases: A winter storm barreling toward the Northeast caused delays and cancellations to pile up at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Friday. The major winter storm is expected to bring several inches of snow across the Northeast, from Philadelphia to Boston. New York and New Jersey are under states of emergency ahead of the winter storm. That storm is also causing major headaches at airports, including at RDU. Advertisement Advertisement According to data from FlightAware, RDU saw more than 114 delays and 35 cancellations as of Friday night. Many of those cancellations included flights to the three New York area airports -- JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark -- as well as cancellations for flights to Philadelphia and Boston. Some travelers at RDU breathed a sigh of relief. ABC11 spoke with travelers who arrived from the New York area, beating the storm before it grounded their flights. "We were watching the weather, so we were pretty comfortable getting out, and everything went on time. So we're happy," said Kathy Laino from Long Island, New York. Advertisement Advertisement Molly Vaughters said her flight to RDU from Newark had a lot of turbulence. "It was just bumpy. I heard some people in line before we were leaving, like going through security and stuff, saying anything before 6 will probably be OK. But after that, it might start getting delayed. And our flight left at 4:37," she said. Ryan Phillips said the pilot on his flight from Newark notified them that they would fly lower than normal because of the storm. "They made an announcement that we had to fly lower than usual, and it did," he said. "You could see it was kind of low. We were lucky to get off the ground without any problems." Advertisement Advertisement Bryan Vandemark traveled to RDU from Newark as well, and says he's just happy they left when they did. "Anybody who's leaving after us, I think they were in the danger zone, but we got out just in time," he said. Make sure to check the status of any flights at RDU before heading to the airport. Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App Democratic lawmakers are battling among themselves over whether they need to review the lessons of the disastrous 2024 election as they hope to win back the House and possibly the Senate in next years midterm elections. Some Democrats on Capitol Hill arent happy about Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martins decision not to release an autopsy report on what went wrong for the Democratic Party in 2024. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), who has locked down the votes to become Senate Democratic whip in 2027, and who is viewed as a front-runner to some day become Democratic leader, questioned Martins decision not to release the autopsy on 2024. Advertisement Advertisement I believe the DNC should release the report because 1) thats what they said they were going to do 2) this is going to be a thing 3) if theres good analysis we should see it, Schatz posted on social media, responding to the DNCs decision. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) declined to touch on the explosive issue when asked about it. Im not commenting on that, he told The Hill. A Democratic senator who requested anonymity to discuss internal disagreements over party strategy pledged to ask Martin or his senior advisers directly why they dont want to publicize the analysis of the last election. Advertisement Advertisement I always think its instructive to do a postmortem, learn from it. You obviously cant learn from it if you dont make it public, the senator said. Some senior Democrats, however, are applauding Martins decision as the right move. These Democrats want to stay on the offensive and keep the publics focus on President Trump, rising health care costs, slowing job growth and other elements of Trumps first year in office, a strategy that has allowed Democrats to stay unified in opposition to the GOP agenda. They worry that delving into a review of 2024 could reignite Democrat-on-Democrat spats over strategy and policy priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said that launching into a review of the mistakes of the 2024 election cycle would be a stupid topic change away from the reality of Trumps catastrophic economic performance. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said Democrats should focus on the future and not the disastrous 2024 election in which Vice President Kamala Harris lost handily to Trump, losing all seven battleground states and the Electoral College by more than 100 votes. Democrats also lost four Senate seats when three long-term incumbents lost reelection, giving Republicans control of the upper chamber and a three-seat majority. I think our focus ought to be on 2026. Looking backward at this point may serve no purpose at all, just create more division, Blumenthal said. Advertisement Advertisement We have learned a lot without necessarily doing a quote, unquote autopsy. I think we are now forward looking. We have a message thats impacting and resonating and we seem to be on a good trajectory right now, he said. Democrats have found more political success this year by focusing on bread-and-butter economic issues, such as affordability, and largely downplaying culturally divisive issues, such as immigration; police reform; diversity, equity and inclusion; and transgender rights. Democrats won the off-year New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial elections by large margins last month and have flipped more than 20 state House and Senate seats around the country. Thats a shift from what Democrats were saying immediately after last years election, when many Democrats on Capitol Hill called for a deep dive into what some lawmakers called the partys fundamental failure to connect with voters. Advertisement Advertisement I think weve got to work hard on the answers to the fundamental issues that were before us. Some of those answers were not positive or convincing to the voters and we paid a price for it, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.) told reporters a week after Democrats lost their Senate majority. The divisions over how to move the party forward are playing out in Senate primaries in Maine, Minnesota, Michigan and Texas, where liberals in Congress are backing challengers who dont necessarily fit the centrist mold that the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has traditionally backed. A group of liberal senators, including Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), have privately questioned some of the candidate-recruiting decisions of Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Chair Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.). Liberal Democratic lawmakers suspect the DSCC is quietly favoring more moderate candidates such as Reps. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) in their respective primaries. Advertisement Advertisement Immigration and U.S. relations with Israel two issues that divide Democrats are becoming key issues in those primaries. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a progressive who is running for the Senate Democratic nomination in Minnesota, has hit Craig for voting with Republicans to pass the Laken Riley Act earlier this year, arguing that the legislation will strip due process from immigrants. U.S. support for Israel amid ongoing conflicts in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip could emerge as another defining issue in the campaign, as Flanagan is largely aligned with J Street, a more left-leaning Israel advocacy group, while Craig is an ally of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a group that has drawn criticism from liberals. Whether Democrats were out of step with voters on immigration or the war in Gaza are two questions that could be examined in an autopsy of the 2024 election and could help guide how candidates handle those issues in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Liberal activist David Hogg, who stepped down as DNC vice chair in June after pushing a plan to promote primary challengers in 2026, last week criticized the decision to shelve the postmortem of 2024. If party leaders wont take the steps required to rebuild ourselves into a winning coalition, we will take it into our own hands. Thats why [Leaders We Deserve] is working to elect young, progressive candidates, he said, referring to his group that plans to support a younger generation of Democratic insurgent candidates. 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. Abd el-Fattah, 44, has become Egypt's most prominent political prisoner after spending much of his adult life in and out of detention due to his activism. High-profile activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, who was released from prison after an Egyptian presidential pardon in September, has arrived in Britain, the Egyptian-British campaigner's family and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Friday. Abd el-Fattah, 44, has become Egypt's most prominent political prisoner after spending much of his adult life in and out of detention due to his activism, and is a rare symbol of opposition to a far-reaching crackdown under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Advertisement Advertisement The lengthy imprisonment of Abd el-Fattah, who obtained British citizenship through his mother, Laila Soueif, in 2021, and his repeated hunger strikes alongside hers prompted widespread international pleas for his release. She confirmed his return on Facebook: "Praise be to Allah, Alaa reached London safely." Abd el-Fattah returns to London In a longer statement, his family said he flew to Britain on Friday from Cairo after his travel ban was lifted by Egyptian authorities on December 20. The statement said he would shortly be reunited with his 14-year-old son Khaled, who lives in Brighton in southern England with his mother. Prominent British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, who was released from prison after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a presidential pardon for him, greets family and friends at their home in Giza, Egypt, September 23, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED ABD EL GHANY) "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," UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on social media platform X. Advertisement Advertisement "I want to pay tribute to Alaas family, and to all those who have worked and campaigned for this moment." Despite campaigns calling for Abd el-Fattah's release, notably during the COP27 climate summit that Egypt hosted in 2022, Sisi pardoned him in September this year, having ordered authorities to study his possible pardon. Abd el-Fattah's name had been removed from Egypt's "terrorism" list months earlier. On Friday, Starmer also thanked the president for his decision to grant the pardon. ELWOOD The Elwood Police Department is investigating an incident of domestic violence on Christmas Day that left two people hospitalized. The Elwood Police Department responded at 7:35 p.m. Thursday to the 1500 block of North B Street on a report that a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and reports of gunfire in the area. According to a press release, a 19-year-old male became suicidal and began arguing with his 50-year-old mother. Advertisement Advertisement Police said the male struck his mother with his vehicle and afterwards suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Both people were transported to Elwood Mercy Hospital and later transported to an Indianapolis hospital. There conditions were unknown Friday morning; the investigation is ongoing. Elwood police were assisted by the Elwood Fire Department, Madison County Sheriffs Department and the Alexandria Police Department. Dec. 27EAST GRAND FORKS Some government and business leaders are split on what to think about the new Paid Family and Medical Leave program going into effect Jan. 1 in Minnesota. Some believe the policy could lead to worker retention and positive mental and physical health outcomes for employees, while others are concerned the policy could exacerbate a regional workforce shortage and add a financial burden for small businesses. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed bill HF 2, Paid Medical and Family Leave (PFML), into law in 2023. The program offers employees 12 weeks of paid medical leave and 12 weeks of paid family leave, capped at 20 weeks annually, with job protection. Greg Norfleet, a director at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), said the program is not for "somebody getting the cold," but for someone experiencing a serious health event. "Our program covers serious health care conditions and life events that employees will need time off in order to deal with," Norfleet said. "The program is really about moments in a person's life where they need to be present. ... In the vast majority of cases, it's not a question of if this person was going to work through it, it's if they were going to get paid while they're away." Advertisement Advertisement PFML is funded by a combination of surplus dollars and payroll taxes split between the employer and employee. For most businesses, the tax rate will be 0.88%, with a default split between employer and employee at 0.44% each. For small businesses businesses with fewer than 30 employees and with the average employee earning less than 150% of the statewide average weekly wage the tax rate is 0.66%, split at 0.44% for employees and 0.22% for employers. With these funds, employees who take family or medical leave will be paid between 55% and 90% of their wages. Minnesota Sen. Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, said that while the program sounds good "in concept," the Minnesota government will not be as effective as the existing third-party market that's already available. "We're going to build a 400-person bureaucracy. We're going to give the most generous benefits across the nation. We are going to try to do this in the most cumbersome way possible. ... (Democrats) are wreaking havoc on this whole concept," he said. "It's another disincentive for businesses for anything to be on the Minnesota side (of the border), especially in a community like ours, where we are right on the border." Nancy Miller, owner of Vinna Human Resources, an HR consulting firm that represents more than 85 businesses across the state, has concerns about the costs of PFML to small businesses. She believes it will cost more than expected, not only in payroll taxes but also in administration costs as small businesses have to learn to manage workers' leave. Advertisement Advertisement "I think 20 weeks is excessive. I think 12 weeks would have been fine," she said. "And I also think that they're being very generous with their percentage payment. ... Why would somebody be in a hurry to get back to work if they're making 75%, 80%, 95% of their wage?" Penny Stai, owner of River Cinema in East Grand Forks, has a different perspective and says the cost of the program does not concern her. For her business, she pays approximately $1 million in payroll annually, so the program would cost around $8,800 a year, split evenly between her and employees. "It's not that much money. ... As long as it's a good thing for the staff and for our community, that's fine with me. I'll do the extra work, or whatever I need to do. It's just part of being an owner and part of the business," she said. "It's a wonderful thing. ... That's a good thing to help them as families." While Stai feels positive about what the program offers her employees and does not have many concerns about the cost, she did note that the program could create staffing shortages that disproportionately harm small businesses. Advertisement Advertisement "The hardest part is just going to be for small-staffed places to be able to fill those positions for a month or three months until they return," she said. "You have to hire someone to fill in a part-time position, train them it takes extra time and energy to train someone and then also they have to find someone willing to come in and work for a month or two months or three months." Ryan Wall, vice president of administration for American Crystal Sugar, expressed similar workforce concerns for America Crystal's three locations in eastern Minnesota. "Our company has already been providing a short-term disability benefit at no cost to employees, and it is on par with the self-medical portion of the state's plan," Wall said. "We also anticipate the program will lead to increased staff shortages, requiring greater overtime costs and additional staff to ensure operations across all three locations are not at risk." To alleviate staffing concerns for small businesses, the Minnesota government is offering Small Employer Assistance Grants to help cover costs when an employee takes leave. The program covers $3,000 per leave and up to $6,000 per employee annually. Advertisement Advertisement Norfleet said for an employee to take medical leave under PFML, they must have a "qualifying condition," that lasts at least seven days and is certified by a health care professional. The qualifications for family leave are "broader," he said. "It includes time off to welcome a new child into your home, whether that's birth, foster care or adoption. Time to care for a family member that has their own serious health care condition, as well as providing support to our military members on active duty deployment, whether domestically or abroad, and providing support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault," he said. He said the United States is one of only a few countries without a federal paid family and medical leave program, and that "in the absence of a federal program," Minnesota will be the 13th state to create one of their own. Norfleet said states have seen a number of positive outcomes when they invest in a PFML program, including positive health outcomes for employees and their families, and benefits to the business. "In the 20 years since they launched that program, 87% of employers have said that they see no increased costs as a reduction as a result of the program; 89% report positive or neutral productivity increases, and 99% say they have a positive or neutral effect on the ground," Norfleet said. "The big cost savings here is in retention. Our program sees a massive increase in retention rates for small employers. And for employers, the cost of replacing an individual is significantly higher." Advertisement Advertisement East Grand Forks Economic Development Director Maggie Brockling said local businesses are split on what impact they predict the program will have on staffing. "Some felt that it was an added benefit to their staff, and that it could be seen as something, as a retention tool or an incentive to come work on this side of the state border," she said. "And then others felt like it was an added burden or cost that they might not be ready to include in their bottom lines." The PFML program will be going into effect in the new year, despite differing views across the state. It will be administered by a new state agency within DEED, which Norfleet said is prioritizing "transparency and actionable information" with the creation of the leave administrator portal, an online system for employers to keep track of leave requests and coordinate with state agencies. All businesses in Minnesota, excluding self-employed or independent contractors, tribal nations and federal government positions, will be enrolled. Residents of Krishna Nagar in Parel say they have waited 16 years for a promised redevelopment that never began. With elections approaching and no legal assurance in sight, they have issued an ultimatum: Intervene immediately or they will boycott the BMC elections. The 120-year-old building, home to 630 families and nearly 2,500 residents, has become a symbol of stalled promises. Despite repeated assurances, the redevelopment has remained stuck in limbo, leaving residents anxious about safety and their future. Mahesh Bhosle (55), a long-time resident and member of the Krishna Nagar Punarvikas Samiti, said the project was first proposed in 2008 by RR Chaturvedi, chairman of the Shreepati Group, then the developer and now the owner of the building. The project falls under the Cluster Development Scheme and spans 6,522 square metres. Residents say the available area exceeds 2,500sqm, making it eligible under the norms. Consent was given in good faith, Bhosle said, with families hoping for safer and more dignified living conditions. Initially, the plan included Krishna Nagar and its parallel structure, covering nearly 13,000sqm. However, residents allege the developer later attempted to expand the project from Laxmi Cottage to Gaurishankar, a move that eventually failed. Residents believe that had Krishna Nagar been redeveloped, other buildings along the stretch would have followed. Instead, the prolonged delay has made neighbouring residents reluctant to associate with the project. Recently, the Runwal Groups Subodh Runwal entered into a joint venture with the Shreepati Group. Given the Runwal Groups reputation, residents once again gave their consent, despite the absence of a completed JV agreement. The first generation is already gone. We fear the next will grow old before a single brick is laid, Bhosle said. Although technical and legal formalities between the developers remain incomplete, residents agreed out of desperation. A meeting with the developer on November 29 yielded no clear roadmap, further fuelling frustration. Residents insist they are not opposing redevelopment or targeting the developer; their grievance is the complete lack of progress despite years of discussions. During the recent Winter Session of the Maharashtra legislature, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde spoke about issues related to the Pagdi system, prompting residents to seek his intervention. They met his officer on special duty but were not allowed to meet Shinde directly, despite the matter falling under his portfolios of urban development, housing and public works. We are being denied even a hearing, Bhosle said. After a 79A notice (old, dangerous cessed buildings) was issued, residents sent three reminder letters to the developer and MHADA but received no response. A subsequent hearing at BJP leader Rahul Narwekars office, attended by MHADA officials and the developers engineers, also failed to provide clarity. A new committee, including two retired judges, was recently formed. The developer presented his case on December 7, and residents on December 20. Authorities have sought 15 days to submit a final proposal. However, residents allege the developer is now demanding 100 per cent consent, even though the law requires only 70 per cent. With 100 per cent consent, the developer stands to gain more financially. This is unfair, Bhosle said. Meanwhile, fears over safety are mounting. What if the building collapses while the developer keeps seeking extensions? Bhosle asked. Despite the redevelopment status, residents continue to pay for repairs themselves. Satish Patankar, another committee member, said funds allegedly allocated through MLAs or MHADA for repairs are recovered from residents instead of being provided as aid. We continue to pay electricity bills and cleaning staff with no relief from either the developer or the state, he said. Tensions escalated after residents put up a board expressing their frustration. Patankar said Election Commission officials asked them to remove it, visiting the site repeatedly over the past two days. We were told to delete lines from the board. If we erase everything, what is the point of displaying it? he asked. Patankar alleged the developer was pressuring residents through police complaints and official channels. He maintained that the model code of conduct applies to political parties and officials, not voters. We are not campaigning. We are expressing our anger. If the government ignores us, we will not vote, he said. Ajay Arondekar (35), the youngest committee member, said residents have grown up without basic amenities such as private toilets. Sanitation and dignity are necessities, not luxuries. Redevelopment should mean permanent, decent housing, he said. Requests for redevelopment date back to 2009. Governments have changed, but Krishna Nagars situation has not. Residents are now demanding transparency, guaranteed homes, and immediate government intervention. They also want a high-powered committee to assess the buildings physical condition, not just paperwork. Their message is clear: No assurance before January 15 means no votes in the BMC elections. For Krishna Nagar residents, they say, this is no longer about politics, but survival and dignity. "Affordability has become the dominant theme in politics across the nation, including here in Wisconsin. Rising costs for housing, food, healthcare, utility bills and taxes are on the top of voters minds, while politicians of every stripe echo the language of affordability. However, our political leaders are failing to target the policies that actually drive-up costs and lack a willingness to stop supporting measures that make life more expensive. As property tax bills arrive in mailboxes throughout Wisconsin, homeowners are reminded that the state ranks among the highest in the nation for property taxes, placing 10th overall. Whats often overlooked in this statewide debate is that these high property taxes are not accidental. They are a direct consequence of policy choices made in both Madison and by local governments. When policymakers and the courts weaken cost-saving reforms, loosen fiscal guardrails or encourage local governments to look to taxpayers first rather than living within their budgets; higher property tax bills are inevitable. If policymakers are truly serious about making Wisconsin affordable, they must first acknowledge that state-level decisions have local-level consequences. And in the end, it is homeowners who are the ones left holding the bag. Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: You'll pay more in property taxes. Thank Wisconsin lawmakers. Repeal of Act 10 would damage affordability in Wisconsin Perhaps the most unserious proposal being floated is the potential repeal of Act 10. If allowed to go through, no single state action would do more to damage affordability in Wisconsin. Since its passage in 2011, Act 10 has saved Wisconsin taxpayers an estimated $35 billion by requiring public employees to contribute modestly toward their pensions and health insurance premiums. It also gives school districts and local government the flexibility they need to manage their budgets without being hamstrung by broad union bargaining powers. Now, the law is threatened and currently faces a legal challenge from unions that could go to the State Supreme Court. Several Democratic candidates for governor have also pledged to repeal the law if Democrats take full control in Madison in 2026. Ending Act 10 would immediately reverse these savings and transfer those costs back onto taxpayers. Research by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty estimates that repealing Act 10 would blow an estimated $2 billion dollar hole into the budgets of school districts and local governments. Advertisement Advertisement Letters: Here's what potential Brewers' development plans miss Wisconsin taxpayers cannot afford to add this burden right now. What this means for homeowners is even more alarming. For a median valued home in Milwaukee, property tax bills could rise by almost $1,000 as a result of the repeal. School referendums drive higher property taxes High property taxes are often driven by school district spending. In fact, property taxes for schools often account for about half a homeowners property tax bill. That figure is projected to rise in future years after Gov. Tony Evers used his partial veto powers to allow school districts to raise their per-pupil spending limits by $325 annually for the next 400 years. Despite Evers measure, school districts across the state have increasingly turned to voters for permission to exceed revenue limitssometimes for building projects, other times simply for ongoing operations. Every yes vote on a referendum means higher property taxes. Just this spring, voters in 53 districts passed referenda at a cost of more than $953 million. For homeowners especially seniors on fixed incomes that burden grows heavier each year. Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: I'm a Wisconsin union leader. We back data centers done right. Even worse is the reality that when large districts, like Milwaukee, pass a major spending referenda, it creates a domino effect across the state. For instance, last year, a $252 million referendum by Milwaukee Public Schools was projected by the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau to reduce state aid for 357 of the states 421 school districts, forcing property tax increases in those communities. Perhaps this continual use of referenda would be more acceptable if school funding in Wisconsin was extremely low, but that is not the case. According to the most recent data from DPI, districts had $18,592 on average per student during the 2023-24 school year. In a classroom of 20 students, that represents more than $370,000 of taxpayer value. Adding to the concern, districts at the same time have gone on a hiring spree, even as enrollment has decreased. Between 2016-17 until 2023-24, Wisconsin districts hired approximately 3,330 additional staff, despite enrollment decreasing by over 50,000 students over the same period. There is little justification for districts to demand more funds through referenda, which unnecessarily burdens both local and statewide taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Voters are right to demand affordability. But achieving it requires discipline and a willingness to say no to policies that sound good politically, but cost taxpayers dearly. A serious affordability agenda would preserve Act 10 and ensure that local governments and school districts live within its means. This must be coupled with a push for broader reforms in other areas such zoning for lower housing costs, free market energy solutions, and hospital price transparency. These are all ideas that Democrats and Republicans fall short on. In this election cycle, politicians will say all the right words, but voters should press them on actual solutions. Because the real test is whether they advocate for real reform or simply parrot the talking points of their special interest backers. Will Flanders, PhD is the Research Director at the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: High WI property taxes our biggest threat to affordability | Opinion The New York Post Included among the thousands of documents the Department of Justice has released related to convicted child sex predator Jeffrey Epstein are more than 1,000 Amazon receipts that give a glimpse into the late billionaires world. Among the DOJ documents released thus far, 1,006 Amazon receipts from 2014-2019 for Epstein are included and they include everything from school girl uniforms to books about President Donald Trump to junk food. Advertisement Advertisement Epstein ordered a number of school girl uniforms from the uniform company Cherokee in 2018 and similar purchases include a girls uniform skirt from Tommy Hilfiger and fully body dresses. Also purchased in 2018 was a Sonic prostate massager for $61.50. The billionaire had a thing for binoculars, ordering a total of seven to his Manhattan home in five years. Another odd item among his clothing purchases was a mock prison uniform, ordered in 2018 just 10 months before Epstein was taken into police custody. Epstein was a registered sex offender who died of an apparent suicide in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges. The DOJ has said it has more than one million documents still to release following Congress voting in favor of releasing the files. The Amazon receipts also revealed a sweet tooth and some particular reading habits. The late billionaire regularly ordered food items like Ring Dings, Devils Dogs, Twinkies, etc. Advertisement Advertisement His reading list from 2014-2019 showed he had a significant interest in two subjects: himself and Trump. Epsteins most ordered book was Filthy Rich, a 2016 James Patterson book centered on Epstein and his sex crimes. Epstein ordered the book five times. Epstein was more interested in reading about his former friend Trump, ordering six books centered on him and his jump into politics, including Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by Michael Wolff and Unhinged: An Insiders Account of the Trump White House by Omarosa Manigault Newman. The post Epstein Files Reveal Bizarre Amazon Purchases Including School Girl Uniforms and Lots of Trump first appeared on Mediaite. Its been a year for the history books in the House of Representatives. Lawmakers broke the record for longest floor speech and longest vote, and presided over the lengthiest government shutdown. They also spent plenty of time seeking to reprimand each other by passing censures, as the Houses formal mechanism for discipline is known. A search on Congress.gov reveals at least 17 attempts since the start of the year to condemn another lawmaker, in the form of a censure or a less formal disapproval resolution. If a censure resolution is approved by a majority of the chamber, the targeted lawmaker must stand before the House dais as the speaker informs them that they have been punished for their bad behavior. Thats as far as the consequences go they keep their seat and their right to vote, but perhaps not their reputation. Advertisement Advertisement Though almost none of these passed, the flurry grew so intense that by the end of the year, a bipartisan group of lawmakers proposed changing the rules to make it more difficult for censures to succeed. How about we stop the circular firing squad in the House? asked Republican Don Bacon, one of the bills sponsors. Heres a look back at the alleged misdeeds at the center of the censure spree: Calling Musk a dick Republican congresswoman Nancy Mace introduced the first censure attempt of the year in February against Democrat Robert Garcia. Maces measure accuses Garcia of inciting violence against a special government employee meaning Elon Musk, who was then in Trumps best graces as the leader of the department of government efficiency. The measure cites an instance in which Garcia in a rather roundabout fashion called Musk a dick at a committee hearing, and a comment he made to CNN about how his fellow Democrats should bring actual weapons to this bar fight against Musk. The House did not end up voting on it. Yelling at the president The newly re-elected Donald Trump appeared to be at the height of his powers when he addressed a joint session of Congress in early March. But Democrat Al Green was not having it. Pumping a walking cane in the air, Green interrupted Trump, shouting he has no mandate. The House speaker, Mike Johnson, had Green forcibly removed, and three Republicans introduced censure resolutions targeting him. Two days after the speech, the House passed Washington congressman Dan Newhouses measure, with 10 Democrats voting in favor, along with all Republicans. Democratic lawmakers surrounded Green and sang We Shall Overcome as Johnson read the censure. Advertisement Advertisement (In response to that scene, Republican congressman Eli Crane proposed, unsuccessfully, another resolution that would have thrown Green off the financial services committee). Newhouses resolution remains the only censure to actually win approval in 2025, but the wave of acrimony was far from finished. Wallowing in racial stereotypes Four days after Green was censured, Democratic congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan proposed censuring Republican congresswoman Lauren Boebert, who said the following about Green in an interview with a rightwing broadcaster: For him to go and shake his pimp cane at President Trump was absolutely abhorrent. The resolution accused Boebert of using language that is disparaging, derogatory, and racist toward another colleague, but was not considered on the House floor. Making light of the Texas governors wheelchair In March, Republican congressman Randy Weber of Texas proposed censuring Democratic fellow Texan Jasmine Crockett for calling Greg Abbott the states Republican governor who has used a wheelchair for decades after being paralyzed by a falling tree Governor Hot Wheels and a hot ass mess. This also did not come up for a vote. Confronting ICE Republicans filed two censure resolutions against New Jersey Democrat LaMonica McIver after she was arrested and charged with felonies following an altercation outside an ICE detention facility in Newark. The resolution introduced by Republican Clay Higgins was brought up in the House, only for Democrats and a handful of Republicans to collaborate in killing it. This would be the first of several instances this year in which small groups of lawmakers crossed party lines to put down a censure attempt. More racism Tennessee Republican Andy Ogles was the target of two censure resolutions over the summer, for discriminatory comments made about the incoming New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani and other Democrats of color. Democrat Shri Thanedar proposed Ogless censure in June for social media posts in which he dubbed Mamdani little muhammad and called for him to be deported. The following month, Democrat Ritchie Torres introduced a censure resolution after Ogles called Hakeem Jeffries, the African American House minority leader, Discount Dollar Store Obama. Neither resolution was put up for a vote. Questioning the deeds of Charlie Kirk One of only two Muslim women in Congress and the only Somali American, Democrat Ilhan Omar is a perpetual target of Trump and his Republican allies. In the aftermath of Charlie Kirks murder, Mace proposed censuring Omar and booting her off two committees for comments in which she disparaged his character as well as those who mourned the conservative activists death, according to her resolution. Democrats succeeded in killing it thanks to help from, again, a small group of Republicans. Jeff Hurd, one of four GOP lawmakers to vote the motion down, called Omars comments ghoulish and evil but said: The right response to reprehensible speech like this isnt silencing: its more speech. Thats what Charlie Kirk believed and practiced, and I agree. Undermining the process of a free and fair election The censure wave peaked in November, when, in the midst of a pivotal vote to end the government shutdown, Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez went to the House floor and alleged that fellow Democrat Chuy Garcia orchestrated his retirement in such a way to guarantee that his chief of staff would be elected to replace him. The resolution disapproves of [his] behavior for undermining the process of a free and fair election, but was not technically a censure. It sparked outrage from some in Perezs party but ended up passing, with most Republicans and 23 Democrats voting in support. Texting Jeffrey Epstein As the bill to compel the release of government-held files related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was nearing passage, the Washington Post reported that Democrat Stacey Plaskett, the non-voting delegate from the US Virgin Islands, had texted with Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing. The GOP saw a moment to make Democrats who had for months pressed for release of the Epstein files practice what they preached, and Congressman Ralph Norman proposed censuring Plaskett. His resolution failed thanks to united Democratic opposition and the votes of three Republicans. A wide range of alleged misdeeds Florida Republican Cory Mills was the target of three separate censure resolutions this year that wound up sparking allegations of party leaders scheming to kill competing censure attempts. In response to the attempt to censure McIver, Democrat Yvette Clarke introduced the first resolution in September, which said that Mills had on several occasions conducted himself in a manner that reflects discredit on the House, citing reports the congressman abused romantic partners, committed financial misconduct and misrepresented his military service. The congressman denied wrongdoing, and Clarkes resolution wound up being withdrawn at the same time that a few Republicans joined with Democrats to block the censure of Omar. Advertisement Advertisement Clarke filed a substantially similar measure on the same day as the Epstein files vote in November, and the following day, Mace introduced her own censure resolution against Mills. The Florida congressman made a motion to refer Maces proposal to the ethics committee rather than bring it up for a vote, which succeeded with the support of many Democrats. That prompted some Republican women to allege that House leaders brokered a deal to protect Mills in exchange for voting down the censure of Plaskett. This backroom deal shit is swampy, wrong and always deserves to be called out, Florida Republican Kat Cammack later said. On Texas beaches, experts are concerned after increased sightings of an invasive marine creature washed up on the shore. What's happening? Beachgoers in Texas are seeing increasing numbers of invasive jellyfish lying on the sand, according to My San Antonio. The Australian white-spotted jellyfish have a large, bell-shaped head covered in small, white spots and frilly legs. They're quite large, with an average diameter of 20 inches. Advertisement Advertisement Native to Australia and its surrounding waters, the jellyfish likely hitched a ride through ships' ballast water. Ships take in water in the ballast tanks or empty cargo holds in order to maintain stability. This water, drawn directly from the open ocean or harbors and docks, can contain bacteria, plankton, eggs, and all sorts of organisms. Ballast water is a common way for invasive marine species to spread. For example, an invasive seaweed spread throughout Spain and Sicily after being introduced through ballast water. While gorgeous, these jellyfish are a long way from home. "They are beautiful, but don't belong here," Jace Tunnell, community engagement editor at the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, told My San Antonio. Why is the species' presence concerning? Invasive species can wreak havoc on their new environment. Invasive plants and animals outcompete other species for resources and reduce biodiversity. Advertisement Advertisement Along with habitat loss, invasive species are one of the leading drivers of extinction. This jellyfish specifically puts plankton-eating marine life, like shrimp, at risk. How concerned are you about the plastic waste in our oceans? Extremely I'm pretty concerned A little Not much Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The Australian white-spotted jellyfish's venom isn't strong enough to kill prey, so they mainly feast on plankton. However, their ravenous appetite for zooplankton poses a significant threat to local species, which are now experiencing tougher competition and food shortages. What's being done to remove the jellyfish? Removing the jellyfish will be difficult, but not impossible. Because invasive species reproduce so rapidly, the faster the jellyfish are removed, the better. Researchers are noting where the jellyfish are washing ashore to track their spread. The best way to handle invasive species is to prevent them from becoming invasive in the first place. For ships, this means better ballast water management, like flushing water in the open ocean far from shore. Better safe than sorry. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. A man was taken to the hospital after being shot during a family argument late Thursday night in southeast Atlanta. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police say the shooting happened around 10:15 p.m. at a home on Links Drive SE. Officers arriving at the scene found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics with Grady EMS rushed him to the hospital for treatment. His condition has not been released. Advertisement Advertisement According to investigators, the man had just returned home with his spouse when he was confronted by his son. What began as a verbal argument quickly escalated. TRENDING STORIES: Police say the son pulled out a gun and shot his father once. Officers were able to detain the suspect at the scene. The departments Domestic Violence Unit has been notified and is continuing to investigate. Charges are pending. Their identities have not been released. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A federal judge has blocked California from enforcing school policies that require keeping a students gender identity from parents, setting up a high-stakes legal fight as state officials move to appeal. A ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez in San Diego declared Californias so-called parental exclusion or gender secrecy policies unconstitutional and imposed a statewide injunction barring their enforcement in public schools. The decision, handed down on December 22, applies across California and requires immediate changes to school district practices. The case, Mirabelli v. Olson, was brought by two public school teachers, Elizabeth Mirabelli and Lori West, who challenged policies that required educators to conceal a students gender identity or social transition from parents without the students consent. Advertisement Advertisement Judge Benitez ruled that forcing teachers to withhold such information violates parents fundamental rights to direct the upbringing of their children and infringes on teachers First Amendment rights to free speech and religious exercise. Parents have a right to receive gender information and teachers have a right to provide to parents accurate information about a childs gender identity, the judge wrote. According to the court, compelling teachers to actively conceal information from parents is not a neutral act but affirmative state interference in the parent-child relationship. The injunction bars state officials from enforcing laws or policies that mislead parents or conceal a students gender incongruence. The judge said, The teachers successfully make out a First Amendment freedom of speech claim when they are compelled to speak in violation of the law or to deliberately convey an illegal message. Advertisement Advertisement State officials quickly moved to challenge the ruling. On December 22, the California Attorney General, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and State Board of Education filed an emergency request seeking to stay the injunction pending appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In the filing, state attorneys argued that the ruling will create chaos and confusion among students, parents, teachers, and staff and abruptly halts protections for transgender and gender-nonconforming students. The states lawyers contended that the decision raises serious questions on the merits, citing conflicts with other federal appellate rulings and warning of irreparable harm if student gender information is disclosed without consent. The filing also argued that once such information is shared, the information cannot be un-disclosed. Advertisement Advertisement Advocacy groups supporting the plaintiffs hailed the ruling as a landmark victory. Greg Burt of the California Family Council said, This ruling vindicates what parents rights advocates have been saying all along children do not belong to the government, parents have the right to know whats happening with their own kids, and teachers should never be forced to lie or stay silent to keep their jobs, ABC 7 KATV reported. Paul Jonna of the Thomas More Society, which represented the teachers, called the decision a permanent end to Californias dangerous and unconstitutional regime of gender secrecy policies in schools. The Attorney Generals office said it has filed an application to stay the injunction and believes the ruling misapplied the law and will ultimately be reversed on appeal, according to a statement provided to ABC 7. Two firefighters were injured, at least one boat sank, and several buildings were damaged in a raging fire that tore through the historic Old Port waterfront in Portland, Maine, a day after Christmas. Flames and smoke consumed Custom House Wharf before 6 p.m. Friday, prompting a massive emergency response from multiple nearby communities, according to the Portland Fire Department. The fire department shared photos from the scene, noting a Casco Bay Ferry spotted the inferno at the centuries-old hub for Portlands fishing industry and alerted authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City residents were urged to avoid the area as firefighters deployed a fire boat to douse the blaze with water from the harbor due to problems with frozen hydrants. The two injured firefighters didnt have to be transported to the hospital, the department noted. Multiple boats tied to the wharf were damaged, with at least one boat sinking in the harbor. Video shared on the Old Port Facebook page captured the intensity of the fire. Multiple restaurants located near the wharf reacted to the fire on social media. Praying everyone in the Old Port and area is safe right now, The Thirsty Pig wrote in a Facebook post. The Porthole Restaurant wrote in an update on Saturday, Our hearts are with everyone impacted by last nights fire at Custom House Wharf. Were grateful for the first responders and for the safety of our neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement The Maine State Fire Marshals Office is assisting local authorities with an investigation into the cause of the fire. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Firefighters saved several people and two dogs from a fire in Northern Ohio on Christmas night. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Firefighters responded before 11 p.m. to a reported duplex fire in Canton, according to CBS affiliate WOIO in Cleveland. The Canton Firefighters IAFF Local 249 posted three photos on social media. Third shift battling a late Christmas shift fire! they wrote. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The photos show heavy fire coming out of one of the windows. A woman had already evacuated, according to the Canton Fire Department. Firefighters also removed a man and a woman from a next-door unit, WOIO said. They also rescued two dogs. Firefighters said the unit where the fire started sustained heavy damage. A firefighter suffered minor injuries, but remained on duty, WOIO reported. The fire caused an estimated $70,000 in estimated damages. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The endangered flat-headed cat, once considered "possibly extinct," was recently rediscovered in Southern Thailand for the first time in three decades. Called "one of the world's rarest wild felines," the flat-headed cat's existence was confirmed with remote camera trap images. Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) and Panthera Thailand, a global wild cat conservation organization announced the rediscovery. Remote cameras detected the flat-headed cat thirteen times in 2024 and sixteen in 2025 in what was the largest-ever survey of the species, Panthera said. That marks the first time it's been seen since 1995. Advertisement Advertisement In one instance, scientists recorded a female flat-headed cat with her cub, showing that there is ongoing reproduction in the area. Why are flat-headed cats so hard to find? Because of its small size, limited numbers and nocturnal behavior, scientists said the species has an "elusive nature" that makes it "exceptionally difficult to observe." In addition, litters typically only produce one cub. There are an estimated 2,500 adult flat-headed cats in the world. It is currently classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is deemed "possibly extinct" in Thailand. Athapol Charoenshunsa, Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation in Thailand, called the cat sightings a "landmark moment for Thailand and a powerful reflection of our long-standing commitment to conservation." He attributed them to sustained protection, strong scientific partnerships and community stewardship. DNP/Panthera Thailand DNP/Panthera Thailand DNP/Panthera Thailand DNP/Panthera Thailand DNP/Panthera Thailand "The flat-headed cat's resurgence is a well-timed reminder that when we safeguard our natural heritage, we safeguard our nation's wild habitats and future," Charoenshunsa said in a statement. What is the flat-headed cat? The flat-headed cat gets its name from what scientists say is a "distinctive flattened forehead and elongated skull." They are the smallest wild cats in Southeast Asia and typically weigh less than half as much as typical domestic cats. They are thought to be closely related to leopard cats and fishing cats. Advertisement Advertisement Even with its small size, the flat-headed cat's webbed toes help it be the apex predator in wetland and peat swamp ecosystems. Flat-headed cats have been threatened by "human-induced habitat loss from land conversion, fishing, agricultural encroachment, hunting, pollution of waterways and the spread of disease from domestic animals," according to Panthera. To combat this, DNP and Panthera are working to train park rangers to focus on camp raid tactics, arrest report writing and SMART patrol training. In addition, local Muslim communities help conserve the species by not hunting wildlife for consumption or trade, but instead, depending on fishing and collecting forest products. The post Flat-headed cat once seen as possibly extinct' seen for first time in years appeared first on Straight Arrow News. Related Links In the high-stakes election battle for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the road to the ballot box leads through the bathroom. As part of the new verification process for candidates in the fray, civic officials are entering their homes to check for functioning toilets and clicking photos a bizarre procedure that has left the candidates miffed. The bone of contention is Point 14 on the 2026 election commission checklist, which requires an NOC from the Solid Waste Management (SWM) department certifying the candidates access to a toilet. While the policy aims to support the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and ensure leaders lead by example against open defecation, the ground-level checking has left many red-faced. Extremely unwanted: Candidates speak out Tilak Chaudhary, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate from Ward 23 (Kandivali East), who was among the first to declare his candidacy, described the experience as painstaking and absurd. I fought the 2017 elections too, but this time the process is very difficult, Chaudhary told Mumbai Mirror. A BMC worker came to my home, which is in a proper building, and took a picture of the toilet along with me. I dont understand the need for this. It is extremely unnecessary and unwanted. Chaudhary pointed out the irony of the BMCs laser focus on private bathrooms while public facilities rot. Poisar, from where I am contesting elections, has many public toilets that are broken or have no doors. If the BMC is so concerned, they should ensure every Mumbaikar has decent sanitary facilities. People still use railway tracks because they have no choice. The BMC and big parties should provide basic facilities first. Vinod Mishra, former corporator from Ward 43 (Malad), shared a similar awkward encounter. BMC officials took my photo in my home with the toilet in the background. I live in a housing society where every flat has a toilet. BMC can verify this through the building proposal plans. Why take a photo? It looks very awkward. The safety clause The BMC administration, however, claims the photo-op is a shield for its own staff. An Assistant Municipal Commissioner, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that while a self-declaration is technically sufficient, the ground-level workers are taking photos for their own safety. The worker who goes to check the toilets takes a photo with the candidate so that in the future, if someone raises a query or files a complaint, there is visual proof, the official explained. The red tape nightmare Beyond the bathroom selfies, candidates are struggling with a mountain of paperwork. The checklist requires individual NOCs for: property tax and water tax, police clearance, a specific NOC from the Masjid Bunder office proving the candidate is not a BMC contractor. Officials at the Masjid Bunder office noted a massive surge in applications this year, leading to delays. They also revealed a spike in complaints from rival camps, with citizens and parties requesting the cancellation of candidatures by claiming certain individuals are secretly BMC contractors. When informed of the toilet photoshoot trend, Jagdish More, Assistant Commissioner of the State Election Commission and spokesperson, seemed surprised. He said, There is no need for taking photos of toilets with candidates; it is not required, More stated. However, I will check the ground reality and update on this. NEED TO KNOW Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted in November for allegedly stealing millions in disaster-relief funds and using the money for personal purchases, including a $100,000 ring After the congresswoman shared a portrait of herself on Christmas, social media users noticed that the ring had been edited out of the image, which had been shared previously In a statement, a rep for Cherfilus-McCormick said that the decision to edit the photo "was not directed, approved or authorized" by the politician After a Florida congresswoman shared a portrait of herself in a holiday greeting, social media users were quick to notice that a ring which was allegedly paid for using funds stolen from relief funds had been edited out. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat who represents Floridas 20th congressional district, shared the message on X on Friday, Dec. 25, posting a portrait of herself and a message that read: From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, safe holiday season. . Advertisement Advertisement In response, X users pointed out that a previously publicized version of the image showed a ring on one of the congresswomans fingers. "What happened to your ring?" and "Where is the ring you bought with stolen funds?" were some of the responses sent to Cherfilus-McCormick. Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted last month on charges that she stole millions in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster-relief funds, according to CBS 12 and The Miami New Times. Among the items allegedly purchased was the $100,000 jewelry piece. Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick/X Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick's Christmas 2025 post Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick's Christmas 2025 post Cherfilus-McCormicks chief of staff, Naomie Pierre-Louis, told CBS 12 in a statement after the new photo was released, "This action was not directed, approved or authorized by the Congresswoman." "It was a staff-level decision made by well-intentioned individuals seeking to protect the Members reputation. It was unauthorized and should not have occurred," she continued. "The image is the Congresswomans official portrait, and she has no intention of altering or editing it now or in the future." Advertisement Advertisement Pierre-Louis did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Saturday, Dec. 27. United States House of Representatives Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick's official portrait Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick's official portrait In November, a federal grand jury indicted Cherfilus-McCormick on charges that she stole federal disaster money. The politician allegedly used a $109,000 cashiers check to purchase the 3.14-carat yellow diamond ring in New York City in September 2021, according to The Miami New Times, which cited the indictment. The outlet also consulted with a Tiffany & Co. client advisor, who identified the sparkler as two of the luxury jewelers rings based on a photo. This appears to be the Tiffany Fancy Yellow Single Row Soleste, and the Victoria Band ring, the advisor told The Miami New Times. 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. Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in January 2025 Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in January 2025 The federal indictment accuses Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother of misappropriating $5 million in FEMA relief funds that were meant for COVID-19 response, according to CBS 12. Advertisement Advertisement The indictment alleges that the funds which were accidentally overpaid to their family-owned company in 2021 were laundered through several accounts and then funneled toward her 2022 congressional campaign, as well as personal spending, including the ring, per CBS 12 and The Miami New Times. Cherfilus-McCormick is charged with theft of government funds, false tax statements, conspiracy and more, CBS 12 reported, citing court records. She is facing 15 federal counts in total and, if convicted, could face up to 53 years behind bars, according to the outlet. The congresswoman, who surrendered to authorities in Miami on Nov. 25 and was subsequently released on bond, has pleaded not guilty, per CBS 12. She is scheduled to appear in court for her arraignment on Monday, Dec. 29. Read the original article on People A Salvation Army bell ringer has been arrested after attempting to impale a Publix manager with his kettle tripod, according to sheriffs deputies. Steven Pavlik, 63, was arrested after a troubling incident while working as a Salvation Army bell ringer at the Publix on Kanner Highway. Pavlik was hired to collect donations during the holiday season but instead created a disturbance outside the store. Witnesses reported that he was intoxicated while on duty, confronting and disturbing customers who passed by. Advertisement Advertisement The situation escalated when the Publix manager approached Pavlik to address his behavior. In a violent outburst, Pavlik attempted to assault and impale the manager with a donation kettle tripod, fortunately missing his target and not causing injury. After fleeing the scene, deputies later found Pavlik at his residence. He was taken into custody without further incident and subsequently transported to the Martin County Jail. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A new judge will be sworn in to the Montgomery County Municipal Court. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Nicole Amrhein will be sworn into office during a ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 31, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Amrhein served as an Assistant Montgomery County Prosecuting Attorney from August 2013 to October 2023. After leaving the prosecutors office, she became an Assistant Ohio Attorney General, returning to the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office in April 2025. She will take the seat vacated by retiring Judge Cynthia Heck, the wife of Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. For years, I have known Nicole as someone who fought for justice with passion, integrity, and a deep respect for victims and the community, said Heck. As the next Vandalia Municipal Court judge, I know that our justice system remains in steady, capable, and fair hands. The oath of office ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. on New Years Eve. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A man who used to work at University of Illinois Chicago Hospital was sentenced after video shows him showing a gun to a patient. Glenn Rhymes pleaded guilty on Christmas Eve to carrying a concealed firearm in a hospital. He was sentenced to four months of court supervision. The alarming altercation and Rhymes' arrest were all captured on video. Security video shows Rhymes, while on the job at the time, apparently threatening a patient, while showing a fully loaded gun inside a UI Health hospital lobby. Advertisement Advertisement The video in the player above is from a previous report. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Video shows former UIC hospital contractor showing patient gun in facility lobby There is also police body camera video that shows his arrest a short time later. The body camera video shows as officers tracked down Rhymes on July 21, after, moments before, he allegedly brandished a gun during an altercation with a patient inside a packed hospital lobby. After police retrieved a fully loaded gun from Rhymes, he then pleaded his case. Rhymes was heard on the video saying he did show that he had a gun. In the wake of this security scare, a University of Illinois Chicago spokesperson said in a statement, "During the incident, no shots were fired, and no injuries occurred. The hospital has implemented new and enhanced security protocols." Aramark, the third-party food service contractor Rhymes worked for at the time of the incident, confirmed he is no longer with the company. Germany's largest trade union, IG Metall, says industry must work closely with politicians and employees to overcome what it describes as a profound crisis facing the country's industrial base. Pointing to US tariffs, China's technological race to catch-up and high energy prices resulting from the war in Ukraine, union head Christiane Benner recently warned: "These are already extreme challenges for the German economy. The export model is in danger." Benner called for targeted European investment in digitalization and future technologies such as battery production. Advertisement Advertisement She also welcomed moves to soften the planned phase-out of combustion engines by 2035, saying this would give key industries more room to develop better solutions and safeguard industrial core sectors. "There is a great deal at stake," Benner said. "Without industry, Germany is a poor country. And if prosperity disappears, we jeopardize our democracy." Combustion-engine phase-out needs time Despite recent decisions in Brussels, the automotive industry's long-term direction remains electric, Benner stressed. However, IG Metall supports greater flexibility in drive systems, noting that the use of green steel and renewable fuels could also deliver climate benefits. Advertisement Advertisement "This would buy us time, especially in the supplier sector," Benner said. "We need that time to retrain workers and manage the transformation in a socially responsible way. There are no more excuses for companies now. Job security must be the top priority." The union leader warned against losing skilled workers to early retirement or unemployment. Instead, employees should be retrained for sectors experiencing growth and labour shortages, including aircraft manufacturing, medical technology and the energy transition. "I'm not only thinking of defence," she added. Germany's largest trade union, IG Metall, says industry must work closely with politicians and employees to overcome what it describes as a profound crisis facing the country's industrial base. Pointing to US tariffs, China's technological race to catch-up and high energy prices resulting from the war in Ukraine, union head Christiane Benner recently warned: "These are already extreme challenges for the German economy. The export model is in danger." Benner called for targeted European investment in digitalization and future technologies such as battery production. Advertisement Advertisement She also welcomed moves to soften the planned phase-out of combustion engines by 2035, saying this would give key industries more room to develop better solutions and safeguard industrial core sectors. "There is a great deal at stake," Benner said. "Without industry, Germany is a poor country. And if prosperity disappears, we jeopardize our democracy." Combustion-engine phase-out needs time Despite recent decisions in Brussels, the automotive industry's long-term direction remains electric, Benner stressed. However, IG Metall supports greater flexibility in drive systems, noting that the use of green steel and renewable fuels could also deliver climate benefits. Advertisement Advertisement "This would buy us time, especially in the supplier sector," Benner said. "We need that time to retrain workers and manage the transformation in a socially responsible way. There are no more excuses for companies now. Job security must be the top priority." The union leader warned against losing skilled workers to early retirement or unemployment. Instead, employees should be retrained for sectors experiencing growth and labour shortages, including aircraft manufacturing, medical technology and the energy transition. "I'm not only thinking of defence," she added. Many companies lack a strategy Benner also called for faster and more decisive management within companies. Advertisement Advertisement "Little has changed in many cases," she said. "Our works councils report that around half of companies have no strategy for the future. What we need are real crisis managers. Instead of strategies, there is too much whining about the welfare state." She urged companies and business associations to stop repeatedly criticizing Germany's social system, arguing that politicians had already delivered relief measures, including on energy costs, incentives for electromobility and improved depreciation rules. "Yes, there is still a lot to do," Benner acknowledged. "But these signals are not being sufficiently appreciated." Demands for further social cuts, she said, were effectively directed against employees. "All social cutbacks and remarks about workers being too lazy or too sick are perceived as attacks on people themselves." Warning over unfair competition from China Benner also warned that competition with China is not fair. Europe, she said, should learn from the US by insisting on local value creation when attracting non-European companies. Advertisement Advertisement "We need clear local-content rules," she said, citing Deutsche Bahn, which receives billions of euros in public funding. "It must not end up ordering buses from BYD," she said referring to recent reports that Germany's state-run railway plans to buy a small fleet of electric buses from the Chinese manufacturer BYD. Europe, she concluded, must defend itself against unfair competition. Gilbert police announced that the 16-year-old boy who was shot Dec. 13 has died from his injuries. Officials said the teen passed away Dec. 24. As a result, charges against the suspect, 21-year-old Rael Sanchez, have been upgraded from attempted second-degree murder to first-degree premeditated murder, according to police. The shooting occurred just before 8 p.m. on Dec. 13 at a home near Warner and Recker roads. Officers responded and found the victim with life-threatening injuries, police said. Advertisement Advertisement He was taken to a hospital in critical condition, according to police. Officers learned that Sanchez, a relative of one of the homeowners, was visiting the home at the same time the teen was there to see his girlfriend, police said. Witnesses reported that Sanchez had been acting erratically and was armed with a firearm prior to the shooting, according to police. Police said Sanchez fled the scene immediately after the shooting. "Efforts to locate Sanchez immediately began as detectives pursued all available leads," police said in a statement. Just before 10 a.m. on Dec. 14, Phoenix police located Sanchez through his involvement in an unrelated incident, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Sanchez was arrested and booked into the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, according to police. "We strongly condemn all forms of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the victim's family and loved ones during this difficult time," read a statement from the Gilbert Police Department. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Police upgrade charges in shooting death of Gilbert teen Tucker Carlson is facing backlash from conservative critics after he said he feels sorry for people who view radical Islam as a bigger threat than OnlyFans and more. In a Friday interview with The American Conservative, Carlson was asked about a Turning Point USA poll out of the recent AmericaFest where Carlson spoke that showed respondents believe radical Islam is the biggest threat to the United States. Carlson claimed he doesnt know anyone in the United States in the last 24 years whos been killed by radical Islam. Advertisement Advertisement He argued: I believe in measuring reality a little more empirically. And I dont know anyone in the United States in the last 24 years whos been killed by radical Islam. I do know a lot of people who have killed themselves. I know people whove died of drug ODs, more than a few. I know people who cant get jobs. None of the boys in my daughters class can get jobs, none of those white boys can get jobs. Theyre being destroyed by Adderall and video games and porn. There have actually been a number of politically-motivated instances of violence tied to radical Islamism since September 11, 2001, as some critics were quick to point out on social media. Carlson claimed platforms like OnlyFans are a greater threat to Americans. He said: I see millions of Americans being destroyed, and none of it is at the hands of radical Islam. Is radical Islam more dangerous than OnlyFans? Its not even close. Turning some huge percentage of American women into prostitutes. Thats not radical Islam doing that, actually. So anyone who believes that lie, I feel sorry for. But it doesnt reflect the lived reality of anyone Ive ever met in the United States. And I observe this for a living. It doesnt mean Im right, but it means Im not a casual observer. Im a close observer because thats my job. And I just think that thats insane. Carlson, who recently revealed hes buying a home in Qatar, has been facing backlash from fellow conservatives like Ben Shapiro who have condemned him as a conspiracy theorist. His latest comments on radical Islam only brought out more criticism on the right for the former Fox News host. Were like 3 months away from Tucker Carlson telling everyone youre a warmonger neocon if you dont convert to Islam, Meghan McCain wrote on X on Saturday morning. Save this tweet: Were like 3 months away from Tucker Carlson telling everyone youre a warmonger neocon if you dont convert to Islam. Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) December 27, 2025 Tucker in new interview: I dont know anyone in the USA in the last 24 years who has been killed by radical Islam Lets remind Tucker of the 111 people killed in 9 Islamist terror attacks since 2009: 1. 2009 Little Rock recruiting office shooting: One person killed by pic.twitter.com/4e2lD5D7yI Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) December 26, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement While Tucker Carlson tries to GASLIGHT America that radical Islam "isn't a threat" Here is Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard for 5 minutes straight explaining how "The greatest threat we face is radical Islam" Don't let them lie to you. pic.twitter.com/kCONdqUqte J (@JayTC53) December 27, 2025 Every time I want to ignore Tucker He requires a good mackerel thwack. Muslim hate is an Israeli op + "I don't know anyone in the United States in the last 24 years whos been killed by radical Islam." Jew hate is a brain mushing disease. pic.twitter.com/a5TAAZwjxs Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) December 27, 2025 Tucker Carlson is now trying to sell us that Islam is not dangerous. Smart folks know its the most evil thing in the world. Islam is about riding of infidels (you) via jihad. The question: is he getting paid boatloads or has he gone insane?pic.twitter.com/sfCXfNKPTN Dennis Michael Lynch (@TrustDML) December 26, 2025 I don't know anyone in the United States in the last 24 years whos been killed by radical Islam. Why would Tucker care about the common Americans killed by Islamic terror? It's so far from his cushy retreat in New England & his vacation home in Qatar. Coward. https://t.co/dvNIuLDsgH pic.twitter.com/zOqxLACsNN Tony Kinnett (@TheTonus) December 26, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Carlson claimed that the threat of radical Islam is overblown to more closely tie the fates of the United States and Israel. If youve convinced a bunch of kids who literally cant get jobs and buy houses or find wives or husbands, whose parents are divorced, who are posting on OnlyFans, who are playing video games all day, if you convince them that radical Islam was their number one problem then you are the most effective propagandist in history, he said. The post Has He Gone Insane? Tucker Carlson Ignites Right Wing Fury for Calling Radical Islam Less of a Threat Than OnlyFans first appeared on Mediaite. Gov. Josh Greenwho began his Hawaii medical career as a rural Hawaii island emergency room physicianon Friday mourned the death of Hilo Benioff Medical Center emergency room Dr. Judy FitzGerald, 74, who was killed by a suspected drunk driver on Christmas Eve. Green continued to work Big Island emergency room shifts as lieutenant governor until he was elected governor and prohibited by state law from having outside employment. We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Dr. Judith Judy FitzGerald, a beloved emergency physician who dedicated her life to caring for the people of Hawai i, he told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in a statement Friday. Advertisement Advertisement FitzGeralds death represents a devastating reminder that we have now reached 128 traffic fatalities statewide this year128 lives lost, 128 families forever changed, Green told the Star-Advertiser. We all have a responsibility to do better on our roads by slowing down, driving sober, staying focused and looking out for one another. Thats how we honor Dr. Fitz Geralds legacy and protect the lives of those we love. Police believe speed, alcohol and /or drugs and reckless driving were primary factors in the Christmas Eve crash near the 13-mile marker on Daniel K. Inouye Highway. Hawaii County police said that a 34-year-old Hilo woman sustained minor injuries and was later arrested on charges of first-degree negligent homicide, driving under the influence of an intoxicant, and reckless driving. She was released from custody on Thursday at 7 :55 p.m. pending further investigation. An outpouring of messages was posted in comments on Hilo Benioffs Facebook page, speaking highly of FitzGerald and her work as a well-known emergency room physician. She was called a great mentor and friend, and an amazing physician, colleague and person. Advertisement Advertisement Lisa Rantz, executive director at Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation, wrote that FitzGerald worked every holiday so that others could be home with their families. She made the drive between Kona and Hilo for more than 20 years without incident, wrote Rantz. My heart breaks for all of us that know and love her. Fitz will be deeply missed across Hawaii Island and beyond. Her impact and passion for caring for our community will live on through her colleagues who will continue her legacy of care. Sending healing thoughts and prayers to all that knew and cared for Fitz. Hilo Benioff spokesperson Elena Cabatu said, she was such a big part of our community and that she had spunk, and the kind of energy needed to train others on advanced life support. A biography said Fitz Gerald received her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University-College of Osteopathic Medicine and had been in practice for more than 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Hilo Benioff Medical Center CEO Dan Brinkman said, One of our HBMC family has passed. We are all sad. Our sincere condolences to her family and friends. She will be missed. According to police, the driver of a 2020 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck was traveling Hilo-bound when it crossed the center line and struck a 2025 Mazda two-door convertible head-on as it was traveling Kona-bound. The driver of the Mazda was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at around 8 p.m. Hilo Benioff Medical Center announced Thursday that FitzGerald, of Kailua-Kona, was involved in a tragic motor vehicle accident (Wednesday ) night that was not survivable. Advertisement Advertisement In the hospitals social media post, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kathleen Katt said, Dr. FitzGerald was a long-time emergency physician and physician leader whose impact on our organization and our region cannot be overstated. From Kea au to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, this loss is deeply felt. She was an integral part of our Emergency Department and Urgent Care teams and played a vital role in ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ) training throughout the region. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at 808-961-2339 or email Johnathan.Rapoza @hawaiipolice.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.Star-Advetiser reporter Nina Wu contributed to this story. ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) Late Friday afternoon, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency for 36 counties including most of Central New York. The counties included in the declaration are; Albany, Bronx, Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Fulton, Greene, Herkimer, Kings, Madison, Montgomery, Nassau, New York, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Rensselaer, Suffolk, Ulster, Wayne, Westchester and contiguous counties. The storm is expected to have the heaviest impact downstate. Snowfall rates downstate could be two inches per hour. Advertisement Advertisement The governor also announced Code Blue in the counties within the State of Emergency. Under state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever the temperature and wind chill equal less than 32 degrees. Local social services districts are legally required to take necessary steps to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and that shelter hours are extended. A Snow Emergency is in effect in the cities of Utica, Oneonta, and Little Falls, as well as the villages of Ilion, New York Mills and Whitesboro. 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. A month after publicly distancing herself from her immediate family, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadavs daughter Rohini Acharya brought into the open a question that sits uncomfortably inside nearly every Indian household: can a woman live safely and with dignity in her parental home? After leaving her fathers house, Rohini said the tensions were not new but had existed for years, intensifying over time. She alleged that she had been pressured into leaving by her younger brother, Tejashwi Yadav, his aide, Rameez Khan, and RJD MP Sanjay Yadav. She spoke of being sidelined within her own family and of the absence of effective institutional protection for women who remain in, return to, or seek to live independently within their parental homes as adults. By calling upon the Bihar government to ensure that every woman can live safely in her parental home, Rohini shifted the issue from a private grievance to a public responsibility. Her intervention has reopened a question Indian law has never clearly answered, and society has rarely acknowledged: why do daughters become guests in their parents house, while sons are treated as permanent residents? And do daughters have an equal, legally enforceable right to live in their parental homes? When women encounter the not welcome sign For Kruttika Laxmikant Shintri (nee Namrata Desai) from Maharashtras Sindhudurg district, the question has played out in courtrooms and police complaints. Shintri has been documenting her legal battle against her family on social media, as they have denied her the right to reside in her parental home in Degve village. She has alleged repeated violence since initiating the case, including an attempt on her life. In one post, she described being shot in the leg. Everything being done to me has a single objective: to bar my stay at my parental home, she wrote. The dispute began when Shintri sought to live in her parents house which was locked and unoccupied with her husband. Her husband later died by suicide. For most women, however, such conflicts never reach courts or social media. They remain unspoken, enforced through emotional pressure rather than legal notices. Sheela, 49, an unmarried resident of Colaba in Mumbai, lives in a joint family in an ancestral flat and contributes to household expenses. No one has asked her to leave outright. Yet the atmosphere has shifted. Relatives increasingly talk about giving her a financial share and expect her to move out. Nothing is said directly, she says, but the message is clear. Why should I leave only because I am a daughter? The emotional toll is constant. Much of her energy goes into navigating this unease. She increasingly feels that owning a home of her own may be more peaceful than living in permanent negotiation over her right to stay. Devika, 25, who is planning to get married, is encountering these assumptions early. She questions why marriage should automatically mean leaving her parental home. She wants to move only when she and her partner are financially ready. When she asked whether her husband could move in with her parents, the response was telling. It might have been considered, she was told, if she were an only child. Because there is a son, the house is seen as his. She is expected to leave and return as a guest. Im still processing this mindset, she says. I dont want to fight over my rights yet, but we need to start asking who decides these customs. Rohini Acharya and Kruttika Shintri are rare in publicly challenging discrimination over residence in natal homes. Most women choose silence, wary of being labelled demanding. A widespread misconception that daughters already enjoy double property rights in both parental and marital homes further weakens their claims. Census 2011 data shows women constitute nearly two-thirds of Indians who are divorced or living separately, not because women divorce more, but because they are more likely to remain separated and visible in official records. Men often remarry sooner or continue to be counted as married despite an informal separation. Studies on post-divorce housing insecurity show that around 86% of divorced women leave marital homes with children and lack secure housing of their own. For many, the parental home is not a refuge. What law actually says Legal experts emphasise that Indian law does not deny women the right to reside in their parental homes. What denies them this right is social practice. According to Bina Agarwal, professor of Development Economics and Environment at the University of Manchester, a daughters right to reside in her parental home is equal to that of a son if the property is coparcenary joint family property. Coparcenary property refers to ancestral property passed down through generations of a Hindu joint family, where children acquire a legal share by birth. In such cases, daughters have ownership rights and, by extension, the right to reside there, regardless of marital status. If the parental home is self-acquired property of the parents, then residence depends on their consent, Agarwal explains. But even then, the law makes no distinction between sons and daughters. Section 6 of the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005, explicitly grants daughters the same rights in coparcenary property as sons. This applies to all daughters by birth married or unmarried, Agarwal says. It is not linked to marital status. Agarwal, who led the civil society campaign that resulted in the 2005 amendment, argues that the gap lies not in law but in legitimacy. The law has moved far ahead of social acceptance. Supreme Court judgments under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, have also strengthened womens right to residence. In Satish Chander Ahuja v Sneha Ahuja (2020), the Court held that a womans right to reside in a shared household does not depend on ownership. In Prabha Tyagi v Kamlesh Devi (2022), it ruled that a woman cannot be evicted from a shared household except through due process, even without proving violence. However, these protections are reactive. They arise after domestic conflict and focus on the marital home, not the parental one. Why society hasnt caught up Some legal professionals argue that marriage marks a social and administrative shift that weakens a womans claim to her parental home. Advocate Uday Warunjikar, former vice-chairman of the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa, points to changes in lineage and official records after marriage. According to Agarwal, resistance is strongest when daughters are married. Unmarried daughters living at home are socially accepted. Married daughters are seen as belonging elsewhere. The idea of the married daughter as a guest is not legalit is cultural. Women most affected are those who are divorced, separated or widowed, and lack economic support. Greenville police said Tuesday afternoon that they have made an arrest of a suspect in a Monday assault and death investigation. According to GPD, on Monday at 5 p.m., the department received a call reporting an assault at a residence in the 1100 block of Commerce Drive. Upon arrival, officers located an elderly male victim with obvious injuries to his head. The victim was transported to the hospital and is being treated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Officers conducted a check of the residence for additional victims and located a deceased male inside the home. A warrant for aggravated assault has been issued for 19-year-old Avery Jaiden Wood. Police have not released the name of the deceased victim. Contact Det. Bobby Wooldridge at (903) 457-2909 if you have information regarding the incident. This story has been updated with new information. A woman reported to the FBI that she had been sex trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein from a yacht based near Muskegon in the summer of 1984 when she was 13 years old and pregnant. The 2020 report, submitted as an online tip, is included in the trove of Epstein files released by the U.S. Department of Justice this month. It is among at least two files alleging Epsteins sex trafficking of young girls extended to Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear whether the FBI followed up on the tip. Photo of Jeffrey Epstein from a Federal Bureau of Prisons document related to a Possible Suicide Attempt incident from July 23, 2019 released by the Department of Justice as part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. In the Aug. 3, 2020, online tip to the FBIs National Threat Operations Center, the woman said she was sex trafficked on yachts in Lake Michigan by her uncle and Jeffrey Epstein from May to September of 1984. The woman said she was 13 and pregnant at the time. According to the report, she told the FBI she gave birth to a baby girl, and her uncle killed and disposed of the body in Lake Michigan. The woman said Epstein was orchestrating a deal along with her uncle, where different men, and a few women and girls, would come to a variety of boats and yachts and pay money to force me to do (redacted) with them when I was 13 and pregnant. According to the file, the trafficking happened "mostly from a yacht in Lake Michigan originating from Mona Lake." Mona Lake is a small inland lake near Muskegon that is connected to Lake Michigan by a recreational channel, according to michiganwatertrails.org. Advertisement Advertisement The file is one of thousands released to the Epstein Library on the DOJ's website this month. The files include photos, videos, records of FBI reports by victims and more. Not every file is verified. The files are a record of potential evidence in the case. Some files are fake, according to the DOJ. One example is a letter that appears to be from Epstein to Larry Nassar, who was convicted of sexually abusing young athletes on the U.S. Olympic team and at Michigan State University. In an X post on Tuesday, Dec. 23, the DOJ said it had determined the letter was fake based on the handwriting, postmark and lack of inmate number required for prisoners to send mail. About the tip According to the FBI intake record from Aug. 3, 2020, the woman with a Los Lunas, New Mexico, address said she has submitted the same tip several weeks earlier using an alias and was contacted by a detective from the New York Police Department sex trafficking task force. In the second report, she said she was using her real name but all the other information was the same. She said she was trying to get the detective's name and phone number to find out if there had been any followup. Both the woman's alias and real name are redacted from the FBI file. Woman names Trump as a witness In the report, the woman names President Donald Trump as a witness, saying she knows him because he participated regularly in paying money to force me to (redacted) with him and he was present when my uncle murdered my newborn child and disposed of the body in Lake Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement The latest batch of material in the Epstein files included dozens of video clips and other documents, many redacted. On Dec. 23, the U.S. Department of Justice posted on X about Trump's name being included in some files. "Some of these documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims made against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election," according to the X post. "To be clear: the claims are unfounded and false, and if they had a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already." Another Michigan connection Epstein is also tied to Michigan in a lawsuit filed in January 2020 and released by the Justice Department this month. According to the lawsuit, Epstein met his first known victim in 1994 at Interlochen, an international known arts school in Grand Traverse County. The victim, a Florida resident, was a student in the voice program at an Interlochen Center for the Arts summer camp when she was first approached by Epstein and his aide and former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell while sitting alone on a bench between classes in summer 1994, according to the DOJ file. Advertisement Advertisement Epstein and Maxwell approached the girl, probed her at length about her background, and asked for her mothers phone number, according to the DOJ document of the lawsuit. After the girl returned home to Florida, Epstein called the victims home and told her mother he mentors young kids and provides scholarships. The lawsuit alleges Epstein and Maxwell continued to "groom" the girl and eventually she was subjected to sexual abuse and rape by Epstein at his properties. The lawsuit also alleges Epstein took the girl to Mar-a-Lago and introduced her to Trump as a 14-year-old. Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Allegations against Epstein, Trump made in FBI tip from victim in 2020 Minnesotas political leaders have faced another round of fresh criticism as Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan appeared in a hijab while praising the states Somali community during a visit to the Karmel Somali Market. The Somali community is part of the fabric of the state of Minnesotathe Somali community has always been a part of my Minnesota, Flanagan said in a video clip reposted by the Senate Republicans. Her speech comes as federal immigration agents have stepped up arrests of illegal aliens connected to heavy crimes around the Twin Cities, while ongoing fraud investigations in Minnesota previously spotlighted by The Dallas Express continue to reveal problems linked to Somali-led organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Flanagan, who has previously said on her campaign website that she is a Catholic, also told the Somalians in Minnesota, Weve got your back things are scary right now, and just know that there are more people who are looking out for you than you know. However, issues connected to Somali leaders and fraud rings tied to those leaders in Minnesota have not gone unnoticed by President Donald Trump. Trump has called Minnesota a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity and even revoked Temporary Protected Status for certain Somali nationals as a response citing those billions of dollars in mysteriously missing funds tied to Somali groups, as well as an influx of new gang activity. Nine Billion Dollars was STOLEN FROM THE STATE OF MINNESOTA by Illegal Somalian Criminals. They must pay a big price, NOW!!!, Trump wrote in a post to Truth Social on December 19. Advertisement Advertisement In a previous post on November 21, Trump also said, Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. Its OVER! The timing of Flanagans remarks on support for the community overlaps with the Immigration and Customs Enforcements Operation Metro Surge, launched earlier this month. ICE officials have reported over 400 arrests in Minnesota tied to the operation, targeting criminal illegal aliens described as the worst of the worst, including pedophiles, rapists, gang members, and drug traffickers. Tim Walz and Jacob Frey failed to protect the people of Minnesota. They let these monsters and child predators roam free, said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Advertisement Advertisement Many of those 400 arrested were allegedly illegal aliens from Somalia. However, ICE has stressed to the public that the focus of these crackdowns is on those with criminal records not just those without citizenship. Protests have continued to pop up across Minnesota in response to the arrests, with clashes between activists and ICE agents going viral on social media. Now, Flanagans My Minnesota speech could not have come at a worse time for the state. As previously reported by DX on December 1, a voter fraud case involving approximately 600 fake voter registrations has ties to Somali organizations in Rep. Ilhan Omars district, obviously raising some big election integrity questions. That report also covered welfare fraud exceeding $1 billion in Minnesota alone, including the Feeding Our Future scandal, which prosecutors say is the largest COVID-era fraud scheme in the country, with dozens of convictions as of press time, mainly among Somali community members. Advertisement Advertisement House Republicans, including Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, have now launched their own investigations into the billion-dollar fraud schemes that took place under Gov. Tim Walzs administration. The investigation accuses state officials of ignoring whistleblowers and even retaliating against them to avoid further political fallout for Walz and Company. GOP Rep. Tom Emmer has called the Walz team incompetent and unwilling to tackle the issues. The Committee has serious concerns about how you as the Governor, and the Democrat-controlled administration, allowed millions of dollars to be stolen. The Committee also has concerns that you and your administration were fully aware of this fraud and chose not to act for fear of political retaliation, Emmer wrote in a letter to Walz. Honduras on Wednesday declared President Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura the winner of the presidential election, ending a weeks-long vote count that sparked international concern. The conservative National Party candidate won the Nov. 30 election with 40.27 percent of the vote, beating out conservative Liberal Party candidate Salvador Nasralla, who received 39.53 percent of the vote, according to the countrys election officials. The results were also a rebuke of the current leftist governing democratic socialist Liberty and Re-foundation Party, or LIBRE, whose candidate finished in a distant third with 19.19 percent of the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Trump endorsed Asfura just days before the election, saying the former mayor of the capital city of Tegucigalpa was the only candidate his administration would work with. Asfura pitched himself as a pragmatic leader during the campaign, touting infrastructure projects he accomplished as mayor. The State Department issued a statement Wednesday congratulating Asfura on his clear electoral victory and encouraging a peaceful transfer of power. We look forward to working with his incoming administration to advance our bilateral and regional security cooperation, end illegal immigration to the United States, and strengthen the economic ties between our two countries, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in the statement. The United States urges all parties to respect the confirmed results so that Honduran authorities may swiftly ensure a peaceful transition of authority to President-Elect Nasry Asfura. Advertisement Advertisement Nasralla has maintained that Trumps last-minute endorsement swung the election in Asfuras favor, claiming it was an act of electoral interference. On Wednesday, he claimed the election was fraudulent and said election officials who announced the results betrayed the Honduran people. He addressed the U.S. president in a social media post Tuesday night, saying, Mr. President, your endorsed candidate in Honduras is complicit in silencing the votes of our citizens. If he is truly worthy of your backing, if his hands are clean, if he has nothing to fear, then why doesnt he allow for every vote to be counted? The Associated Press contributed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The terror organization's leader additionally decried US involvement in the region and urged his followers to remain in a state of constant vigilance, with a high jihadist spirit." The head of the Houthi terror organization, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, warned of potential future escalation with Israel during a speech broadcast on Houthi-owned news channel, Al-Masirah TV, on Friday evening. Al-Houthi alleged that Israel, with American support, was preparing for further action against the terror organization, claiming that upcoming rounds are certain. Advertisement Advertisement The terror head cited US and Israeli efforts to disarm the Houthis and other terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, as acts of major aggression and a conspiracy to deprive terrorists of their legitimate rights. Al-Houthi additionally described the US and Israel as satanic, oppressive, criminal forces, urging his followers to remain in a state of constant vigilance, with a high jihadist spirit in response to the perceived military step-up. This is a developing story. An Oklahoma nonprofit museum dedicated to preserving important weather artifacts is in danger of being forced to close its doors due to a lack of funds. The National Weather Museum and Science Center said it lost a major funding source from the city of Norman and might have to shut down within several months. Executive Director Ross Forsyth told The Oklahoman that the museum gets private donations, but has relied on public funding from the city of Norman. Those funds have traditionally flowed through partner organizations, like the Norman Economic Development Coalition, which was rebranded this year as the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition. Advertisement Advertisement "The city council has decided to not renew some of those agreements with those partners, and that has left us without funding," Forsyth said. "I'm sure there's more behind the scenes, but at the end of the day it does feel like the city council doesn't value us and makes decisions without knowing the full implications of what they're doing." In December, the Norman City Council cut funding ties with the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition (CCEDC). In a statement, Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman recently told KFOR that CCEDC is to be funded by the county government. "The museum serves the entire county, and state for that matter, and it is unfortunate that its funding would be removed by the CCEDC due to a lack of agreement with the City of Norman, which is not affiliated with the museum," Holman said. CCEDC could not be reached for comment. The original Doppler radar for Norman, Oklahoma, is on display at the National Weather Museum and Science Center. 'It's really way more than a museum' The nearly decade-old museum houses weather historical weather instruments, including the original Doppler radar that served Norman, a T-28 Trojan aircraft designed to fly through thunderstorms to make observations and a sample Mesonet station. It's the only museum in the country solely dedicated to meteorology. Advertisement Advertisement "It's really way more than a museum and uses history to teach where we've been and where we're going, and then the science and safety underneath that," Forsyth said. Leasing and operating the building, located at 1200 W Rock Creek Road in Norman, costs about $50,000 a year, he said. It has a volunteer staff, but Forsyth pays local meteorology students to serve as museum docents. Cutting that pay is on the table, he said. The National Weather Museum and Science Center first opened in 2016 by Ross Forsyth's father Doug, who was a retired National Severe Storms Laboratory meteorologist. In the 1990s, Doug Forsyth and his colleagues talked about ways to preserve weather artifacts. Those discussions led to a weather committee of the Norman Chamber of Commerce. An original goal was for the museum to build its own freestanding building to house its collections and exhibits. Advertisement Advertisement "In the back of my mind, we kind of always wonder if we're ever going to make that jump to anything more," Ross Forsyth told The Oklahoman. The National Weather Museum and Science Center is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for military and children get in for $3. Children under 3 get in free. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: National Weather Museum in Norman OK may have to close its doors The locations attacked included a combat training ground and warehouses of weaponry and terrorist infrastructure. The IDF launched an attack on several Hezbollah sites in Lebanon, the IDF Spokespersons Unit announced on Friday. A combat training ground used to plan terrorist attacks against the IDF and Israel was among the locations targeted, the army said. Several warehouses containing weaponry and terrorist infrastructure were also attacked, as well as structures used by Hezbollah to advance terrorism goals within Lebanon. An F-35 Adir from the 140th squadron takes part in an Israeli air force air show during the graduation ceremony for soldiers who have completed the IAF Flight Course, at the Hatzerim Air Base in the Negev desert, June 29, 2023. (credit: OFER ZIDON/FLASH90) Israel's recent Lebanon assassinations This attack is the latest in a series of operations the IDF has conducted in Lebanon recently. On Thursday, Israel assassinated senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Hasin Mahmoud Marshad al-Jawahiri, the commander of the Quds Forces intelligence 840 Unit. Earlier that day, the IDF confirmed it had killed an additional Hezbollah terrorist working toward restoring the groups terrorism network in southern Lebanon. This is a developing story. In separate incidents, three suspects were arrested in the Kifl Haris and Deir Istiya areas for throwing rocks at a main route. The IDF conducted operations in the West Bank overnight, detaining multiple suspects involved in terrorism-related activities, including the planning of a terror attack, the IDF announced on Thursday morning. The four individuals who were planning the attack were apprehended in the Jayus area, near Kalkilya, the IDF said. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, in separate incidents, the military stated that three suspects were arrested in the Kifl Haris and Deir Istiya areas for throwing rocks at a main route. All detained suspects transferred to Shin Bet All detainees were transferred to the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) for further questioning. "The security forces continue operating to thwart terrorism in the area and against anyone who harms or attempts to harm Israeli civilians and the security forces," the IDF concluded. Buried over 700 feet beneath a sprawling and luxurious resort in the hills of West Virginia lies a vast bunker, designed to hold and protect every single member of Congress in the event of nuclear armageddon. The underground stronghold lies on the grounds of the 11,000-acre property at the Greenbrier, in the remote Allegheny Mountains, and contains all the necessary facilities for federal lawmakers to continue to carry out their duties should the worst happen all from behind 25-ton blast doors. Built during the height of the Cold War, when fears of nuclear catastrophe reached fever pitch, the bunkers existence was common knowledge to residents, many of whom worked at the Greenbrier in other capacities, despite being a tightly kept government secret. Buried over 700 feet beneath a sprawling and luxurious resort in the hills of West Virginia lies a vast bunker, designed to hold and protect every single member of Congress in the event of a nuclear war (The Greenbrier) The underground stronghold lies under the grounds of the 11,000 acre property at Greenbrier, in the remote Allegheny Mountains (Getty Images) Its existence was officially revealed to the world in 1992 in an expose written by journalist Ted Gup and published in the Washington Post, ending more than five decades of mystery and speculation. Advertisement Advertisement Today, the dystopian facility has been the subject of multiple books and documentaries, and is even open to the public for tours. Building the Bunker The Greenbrier, located around five hours' drive south-west of Washington D.C., was used by the federal government during the later years of the Second World War as an internment facility for Japanese, Italian and German diplomats. In 1942, the entire resort was purchased by the U.S. Army, and it was converted into a 2,200-bed military hospital. Construction on the bunker code-named Project Greek Island began in 1959 a year after being authorized by Congress, when fear of a Soviet nuclear attack was at the forefront of minds of both politicians and ordinary citizens alike (The Greenbrier) In 1949, ten years before ground was broken on the bunker, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson met at the Greenbrier with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the secretaries of the Army, Air Force and Navy for what a history of the resort called a "top-secret discussion of postwar military strategy, according to Gups article. Advertisement Advertisement Construction on the bunker code-named Project Greek Island began in 1959, a year after being authorized by Congress, when fear of a Soviet nuclear attack was at the forefront of the minds of both politicians and ordinary citizens. Installation of the blast door at the west portal of the Greenbrier bunker in 1961. The project was finished in 1962, the same year as The Cuban Missile Crisis (The Greenbrier) Two-and-a-half years and around 50,000 tonnes of concrete later, the project was completed as John F Kennedy Jr and Nikita Khrushchev squared off over the Cuban Missile Crisis and the country scrambled to build its own backyard bomb shelters. One Nation Underground According to Gup, the bunker was custom-designed to meet the needs of a Congress-in-hiding, complete with a chamber for the Senate, a chamber for the House and a massive hall for joint sessions. Two separate auditoriums, fitted with green corduroy-covered chairs and a red carpet leading to the stage, were designed to hold congressional sessions (Getty Images) Two separate auditoriums, fitted with green corduroy-covered chairs and a red carpet leading to the stage, were designed to hold congressional sessions. The larger of the two has a capacity of around 470, enough to accommodate the 435-member House of Representatives. The smaller auditorium holds around 130, enough to serve as a temporary Senate chamber. A separate Exhibit Hall was meant for use in joint sessions of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere, a television studio stands, which legislators would have used to address what remained of the country, should nuclear warheads have touched down on U.S. soil. There is also a radio and communications room as well as specially soundproofed phone booths, fitted with cryptographic machines. The bunker also contained a television studio, which legislators would have used to address what remained of the country, should nuclear warheads have touched down on U.S. soil. There is also a radio and communications room as well as specially soundproofed phone booths, fitted with cryptographic machines (Getty Images) As well as working facilities, lawmakers who would have been rushed to the bunker needed somewhere to stay potentially for the long haul. The subterranean hideout boasts more than 1,000 bunk beds (The Greenbrier) As well as working facilities, lawmakers who would have been rushed to the bunker needed somewhere to stay potentially for the long haul. The subterranean hideout boasts more than 1,000 bunk beds, a 400-seat cafeteria, a full kitchen, and numerous offices. Workers reported seeing over 100 urinals being transported into the construction site, which also held showers, storage rooms and enormous water tanks. There was also a huge trash incinerator that could serve, morbidly, as a crematorium. Advertisement Advertisement Once the blast doors were sealed, no one could enter or leave until the crisis had passed, Gup noted. An infirmary was also set up as well as a huge trash incinerator that could serve as a crematorium (Getty Images) The Doors Standing in the way of congressional members and nuclear evaporation are four enormous doors, each weighing between 18 and 30 tonnes. The blast doors were built by Mosler Safe Co., an Ohio-based manufacturer renowned for its vaults and safes, which was contracted by the government during the period to build multiple relocation centers and bunkers. Two of the four doors known as GH 1 and GH 3 were big enough to drive vehicles through, according to Gups report. GH 1 measured 12 feet 3 inches wide and 15 feet high and weighed more than 28 tons. GH 3, which weighed more than 20 tons. Both doors were 19.5 inches thick and hung with two hinges that weighed 1.5 tons by themselves, according to Mosler order reports. The bunker contained a personnel door which was 7 feet wide by 8 feet high, and another hatch-like door which was 3 feet by 3.5 feet (Getty Images) The two other doors were much smaller, with one, a hatch-like door, measuring 3 feet by 3.5 feet, and a "personnel door" which was 7 feet wide by 8 feet high. Advertisement Advertisement Mosler claimed its doors could survive the impact of an atomic bomb blast, having conducted successful tests on a vault door at the government's Nevada Test Site in 1957. The doors were moved from Moslers plant in Hamilton, Ohio, to West Virginia by train, though they were so big that they could not be laid in an ordinary freight car. They had to be transported either standing, tilted at an angle or in a special car that was low enough for them not to collide with tunnels or other obstacles along the way. The other doors, large enough to drive vehicles through, weighed between 18 and 30 tonnes. Their maker, Mosler, claimed the doors could survive the impact of an atomic bomb blast, having conducted successful tests on a vault door at the government's Nevada Test Site in 1957 (AFP via Getty Images) A Regrettable Revelation The Greenbrier was different in that it relied more on the element of secrecy than on any mountain of rock to shield it from incoming bombs, Gup wrote in his article, which was published in The Posts magazine on May 31, 1992. Yet despite the discretion of the resort staff, the existence of some kind of hidden government installation there was widely known. Advertisement Advertisement It was perhaps for this reason that the piece angered not just government officials, but the locals themselves, who considered it a point of pride to have a secret that the rest of the country did not know about, according to lifelong Greenbrier resident Trish Parker. When someone who they considered an outsider came in and revealed it, they felt very betrayed, Parker told Smithsonian Magazine. Even though they knew of the bunkers existence, many were still surprised to learn of its real purpose and that it was large enough to hold 1,100 of the countrys most important and high-profile people. Gups expose also revealed that of all the employees at Greenbrier, it was the seven-man strong team at Forsythe Associates ostensibly in charge of repairing the resorts electrical equipment that oversaw the upkeep of the vault. One of the three outside entrances of a former government relocation facility, also know as "the bunker," is seen during a media tour at Greenbrier Resort July 14, 2006 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia (Getty Images) In a statement released at the time, Congressional leaders expressed regret at The Posts decision to publish Gups pieces. Advertisement Advertisement It was always clear that if the secret of the facilitys location were to be compromised, the effectiveness and security of the program would be jeopardized, if not terminated, the statement read. Tours and Pricing The Greenbrier bunker was declassified shortly after its existence was made public, and the vault has featured in a number of articles and documentaries. Tours have run since 1995, both regular and private. Nowadays, regular admission prices for adults are $52 per person, while youth admission (from ages 10 to 17) is $24. For private tours, which can accommodate up to 25 guests, prices vary depending on time. Before 5:00 p.m.. a large private tour costs $1,205.20, increasing to $1,766 before 6.30 p.m. and going up to $1,815 before 8 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Bunker tours depart from the Trellis Lobby near the lobby bar, with guests advised to allow ample time for parking, arrive 15 minutes before their allotted time, and wear comfortable shoes. The bunker will be closed to the public from March 9 to 12, 2026, according to the official website. (This story has been updated to add new information.) More overnight closures are planned on northbound Interstate 35. Iowa Department of Transportation crews need to finish removing the barrier rail. Crews also will be closing the inside lane of southbound I-35 so a barrier rail can be installed in the median. The upcoming closures follow three nights of work over the past month. When will Iowa DOT close northbound I-35? Northbound I-35 will be closed from Northeast 126th Avenue outside of Ankeny north to Highway 30 in Ames from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 29. Another closure is planned Tuesday night. This work has been delayed one day due to a winter storm on Sunday, Dec. 28 that also shut down parts of I-35. Advertisement Advertisement Stay on top of the news: Sign up for our News Alerts. Where is the detour for northbound I-35? When the roadway is closed, drivers will follow a marked detour around the work zone using varying exits depending on where the contractor is working. Traffic will be on Highway 69 and Highway 30 while using Northeast 36th Street, 126th Avenue, and the Iowa 210 interchanges. Changes could be made to the detour routes. Please visit 511ia.org for current detour route information before traveling through the construction zone and pay attention to detour signing and messages boards while driving. Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: When Iowa DOT is closing Interstate 35 between Ankeny and Ames This years Christmas in Mumbai was marked not by kitsch or consumer spectacle, but by a reminder of something deeper. In his first Christmas address as Archbishop of Bombay, John Rodrigues offered two lessons that deserve our attention far beyond the walls of cathedrals and chapels. The first was simple: To give glory to God not merely through liturgical words, but through acts of kindness, generosity and solidarity. As he explained, the angels song at the Nativity Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace must resonate in our daily lives by visiting the grieving, supporting the needy, and bringing joy to the poor and suffering. The second was what Pope Francis calls a revolution of tenderness: A radical openness to love and vulnerability, modelled not in power but in the frailty of a newborn child. These teachings are not abstractions. They are instructions for how to live, especially now. Rodriguess ascent as Archbishop was, in many ways, a homecoming. Born in Bandra to an East Indian family, he began his vocation at St Michaels in Mahim, studied and taught at St Pius X College, and rose through the Churchs ranks with humility and dedication. He succeeded Cardinal Oswald Gracias, who stepped down earlier this year after decades of leading the archdiocese as a symbol of tolerance, togetherness and a lived syncretism that defined this city. At his elevation, Archbishop Rodrigues drew on six themes from Scripture and Church teaching: the Church as mother, the law of love, hope in suffering, the family as domestic church, acknowledging imperfection, and the call to spiritual growth. Of these, the law of love, hope in suffering, and acknowledging imperfection felt especially urgent in a moment when fear and anger threaten the social fabric. That urgency was underscored not just here but across the country during the Christmas season. In Assam, activists associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal entered a school and vandalised Christmas decorations. In Uttar Pradesh, others from the same two outfits decided the best way to celebrate the multicultural heritage of our country was by singing the Hanuman Chalisa and raising slogans of Jai Shri Ram outside Saint Alphonsus Cathedral Church in Bareilly. And in Madhya Pradeshs Jabalpur, a BJP district vice-president, Anju Bhargav, was captured on video verbally and physically abusing a visually impaired Christian woman at a Christmas event at a church, telling her that her blindness was due to past sins all in full view of onlookers and police officials. These incidents, occurring even as millions across India sought to mark a season of peace and goodwill, underscore the reality that intolerance has become disturbingly commonplace. Yet amid this climate of hostility, the message from Mumbais Church was refreshingly different. Auxiliary Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes, in response to reports of attacks, urged Christians to not be afraid, nor let fear harden hearts or evoke anger. He reminded the faithful that such violent acts were the work of a small few and did not represent the spirit of our nation nor the kindness of the majority of Hindu brothers and sisters. This was not political spin. It was moral clarity rooted in lived experience. In Mumbai, Christmas is celebrated with remarkable energy. Santa hats are handed out at traffic lights; Bandra is draped in lights; lakhs make their way to Mount Mary. But the celebrations have never been purely aesthetic. They reflect a sense of coexistence: Hindu and Muslim neighbours sharing in the festivities, Christians and non-Christians alike exchanging greetings, music ringing from churches and markets alike, and countless everyday acts of generosity. In a nation that is increasingly riven by suspicion and division, the teachings from Mumbais Christmas are profoundly countercultural, and profoundly necessary. The law of love reminds us that allegiance to one another must trump allegiance to ideology. Hope in suffering reminds us that even pain can deepen empathy rather than embitter it. Acknowledging imperfection calls us to humility rather than hubris. What Mumbai can offer, in this moment, is not complacent celebration but a public demonstration that tenderness is not weakness. It is a strength that allows a city and a nation to hold contradiction and commitment in the same heart. Anish Gawande is a writer and translator Iran has carried out its most executions for at least 20 years as it cracks down on suspected spies, new data shows. The Iranian regime has killed 1,922 people this year more than twice as many as last year, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has found. Executions spiked following the 12-day war in June when Israel struck various targets inside Iran rising from just over 100 executions per month to more than 300 in November, the organisation said in its annual report. Advertisement Advertisement Kamran Dalir, a spokesman for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), described internal unrest in the country as a powder keg that could erupt at any point. The 12-day war revealed the Iranian regimes weaknesses so the government has turned to more repression internally, he said. That is why they keep having to increase the number of people they are executing month after month. b' 2712 Number of executions over the last 11 years ' Other human rights groups claim the true number of executions in Iran a country that executes the most people per capita of any nation in the world could be even higher. Iran previously conducted large-scale executions in the 1980s and early 1990s following the 1979 Islamic Revolution and during the Iran-Iraq War. Advertisement Advertisement However, activists say the country now uses capital punishment more intensely than at any other time in the past three decades following its conflict with Israel. In August, the Islamic Republics judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei said the regime will deal decisively and legally with suspected spies, hours after the execution of a nuclear scientist accused of spying for Israel. Since then, it has carried out a spate of executions against those accused of working for Mossad, Israels national intelligence agency. On Dec 20, Aghil Keshavarz, a 27-year-old architecture student, was executed after allegedly confessing to spying for Israel while being tortured, the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights group reported. Aghil Keshavarz, a 27-year-old student, was executed by the Islamic Regime after confessing under duress to spying for Israel - Mizan News Agency/WANA/Reuters A family member of another death row inmate told The Telegraph that over the past two years, their relative had been repeatedly tortured, beaten and subjected to prolonged periods of solitary confinement and threats of sexual assault. Advertisement Advertisement Vahid Bani-Amerian, 33, was sentenced to death in October 2024 after a two-hour trial with no access to a lawyer, his family member said. Since he was first arrested in 2022, the electrical engineer has allegedly been beaten, threatened with sexual assault, deprived of medicine, had glass smashed into his eyes and threatened at gunpoint with immediate execution. It was horrible. For two months we knew nothing. Then they told us he was arrested. It was extremely painful, said a relative, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisals. He has done nothing violent. His only crime is advocacy, social awareness and supporting democratic change in Iran, they added. Advertisement Advertisement For the same actions they first gave him five years, then ten, and now a death sentence. The regime is handing out harsher sentences to make people afraid to speak out. How can he be sentenced to death for seeking freedom? During Mr Bani-Amerians confinement, his family has held protests calling for his release, leading to threats from the authorities that they too could be arrested. The crackdown comes amid widespread scenes of political unrest that are sweeping the country. The Iranian currency hit a record low in December each US dollar priced at about 1.36 million rials amid pressure from sanctions and regional tensions. Advertisement Advertisement Irans dire economic performance has been compounded by Donald Trumps maximum pressure campaign, including fresh oil sanctions, combined with the reimposition of European snapback sanctions in September and continued uncertainty over stalled nuclear talks with the US. Demonstrators took to the streets to protest against the governments handling of an acute drought and severe air pollution in Tehran - AFP Tensions were heightened in November by an acute drought that saw protesters take to the streets after officials warned that a major dam supplying drinking water to Tehran and a neighbouring province could run dry within days. Severe air pollution, exacerbated by drought, forced school closures across several Iranian cities, with Tehran ranked as the most polluted capital city in the world earlier this month. Experts say Iran uses regional conflicts as a cover to intensify executions for domestic repression and instil fear. The period from October to December was the bloodiest three months for executions in more than 30 years, with more than 900 people killed - Martin Lelievre/AFP Ninety-five per cent of executions are carried out in secret, according to the HRANA. Most are hangings in prisons, though occasional public hangings take place. Advertisement Advertisement The executions target various offences, including drug-related crimes, murder and political activities deemed threatening to state security. From October to December, more than 900 people were executed by the regime, according to the NCRI, marking the bloodiest three-month period since 1988, when 30,000 political prisoners were massacred by the regime. Zahra Tabari, 67, faces execution after she was convicted of being a member of a banned opposition group during a trial which lasted less than 10 minutes - X One prisoner, Zahra Tabari, a 67-year-old electrical engineer, was accused of collaborating with a banned opposition group, the Peoples Mujahideen Organisation of Iran, according to her family. In October, she was convicted of armed rebellion by an Islamic Revolutionary Court in Rasht after a trial via video link that lasted less than 10 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Currently, 17 political prisoners aged 22 to 66 face imminent execution, having been charged with being members of opposition groups. Families of the political prisoners on death row have called for the annulment of executions as a coalition of former ambassadors, MPs and senior religious leaders wrote a letter urging the United Nations to intervene over what they called a massacre unfolding in plain sight in Iran. Maryam Rajavi, the president of the NCRI, said: The scale of these criminal executions, especially in the 21st century when most countries have abolished the death penalty, wounds the conscience of contemporary humanity. With this unprecedented bloodshed and the creation of an atmosphere of terror, Khamenei is futilely trying to prevent the formation of a popular uprising. 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. TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday his country is in a full-scale war with the U.S., Israel and Europe ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu s meeting Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump. Pezeshkian said in an interview published on the website of the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday that the war is worse than Iran's deadly war with Iraq in the 1980s. We are in a full-scale war with the U.S., Israel and Europe; they dont want our country to remain stable, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Pezeshkian said the West's war against Iran is more complicated and more difficult compared to the 1980-1988 war with Iraq that left more than 1 million casualties on both sides. The remarks came two days before a planned meeting between Trump and Netanyahu during Netanyahu's visit to the U.S. Iran is expected to be a key topic in the talks. Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran that came during a 12-day air war in June killed nearly 1,100 Iranians including senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. Retaliatory missile barrages by Iran killed 28 in Israel. TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Iran seized a foreign oil tanker as it traveled the strategic Strait of Hormuz, state media said Friday. Mojtaba Ghahramani, a provincial chief of the justice department, said the oil tanker was carrying some 4 million liters, or 25,000 barrels, of smuggled fuel when the Revolutionary Guard naval forces seized the vessel, the official IRNA news agency reported. Ghahramani said the forces also detained 16 foreign crew members of the tanker, adding that the seizure was a remarkable blow to smugglers. He did not disclose the nationality of the crew or the flag of the tanker. Advertisement Advertisement Iran occasionally seizes oil-carrying vessels over similar charges in the region. In November, Iran seized a ship as it traveled through the narrow Strait of Hormuz over what it said were violations, including carrying an illegal consignment. The West has blamed Iran for a series of limpet mine attacks on vessels that damaged tankers in 2019, as well as for a drone attack on an Israeli-linked oil tanker that killed two European crew members in 2021. Those attacks began after U.S. President Donald Trump, in his first term in office, unilaterally withdrew from Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Iran also seized the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship MSC Aries in April 2024. Following years of tensions between Iran and the West, coupled with the situation in the Gaza Strip, Iran saw a full-scale 12-day war in June with Israel, whose strikes led to the deaths of senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. Irans retaliatory missile barrage killed 28 in Israel. Tehran has long threatened to close off the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all traded oil passes. The U.S. Navy has long patrolled the Mideast through its Bahrain-based 5th Fleet to keep the waterways open. Israeli forces have fatally shot a Palestinian man east of Gaza City as they continue their ceasefire violations and carry out sweeping raids across the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian news service Wafa reported on Friday that Israeli forces opened fire on Uday al-Maqadma while he was sitting near the entrance of a school in Gaza. He was taken to hospital in critical condition and died of his injuries at the hospital. Israel has been waging deadly attacks and placing severe restrictions on aid in Gaza, where at least 411 Palestinians have been killed and 1,112 injured, since the beginning of the truce agreement in October. Advertisement Advertisement Wafa reported earlier this week that two Palestinians were shot and killed by Israeli soldiers, also east of Gaza City in the Shujayea neighbourhood. Israeli restrictions on vital humanitarian aid have also persisted in defiance of the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas, denying displaced Palestinians essential goods and temporary housing during a period of harsh winter storms. The Gaza Government Media Office said earlier this week that an average of just 244 aid trucks are entering the strip per day, well below the daily rate of 600 mandated by the truce agreement. Attacks by Israeli settlers and raids by Israeli soldiers have intensified in the occupied West Bank, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Wafa reported that a Palestinian municipal worker was injured after being attacked by a group of settlers outside of Nablus on Friday, while Palestinian farmers trying to work on their land were detained by Israeli forces east of Tubas. Several Palestinians were also detained during Israeli raids targeting the communities of Yatta and Beit Ummar near Hebron, including a woman, four children, and an elderly man, who Palestinian activists say was arrested after settlers damaged the fence around his home. Israeli authorities almost never hold settlers accountable for acts of violence against Palestinian communities. Two people were also killed in northern Israel, where police and emergency authorities say that a Palestinian man from the occupied West Bank rammed his car into a crowd of people in the city of Beit Shean. The attack comes one day after footage emerged of an Israeli settler running over a Palestinian man praying on the side of the road in the occupied West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally to the violence against Palestinians, Israel has also been carrying our near daily attacks in Lebanon in violation of the ceasefire there. United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on Friday that they again came under heavy machinegun fire from Israeli positions in southern Lebanon. The UN forces said that live ammunition and a grenade made impact close to a patrol inspecting a roadblock in the village of Bastara. UNIFIL had informed the [Israeli military] about the activities in those areas in advance, following usual practice for patrols in sensitive areas near the Blue Line, the UN forces said in a statement. Attacks on or near peacekeepers are serious violations of Security Council resolution 1701. We reiterate call to the [Israeli military] to cease aggressive behaviour and attacks on or near peacekeepers working for peace and stability along the Blue Line. Joe Rogan has criticized President Donald Trump's recent behavior amid growing concerns about the politician's health. The famous podcaster described Trump's actions as "nutty" and suggested that the president may need a trusted right-hand man to help rein in some of his more extreme tendencies. The White House recently released a statement claiming that the president was in good health. However, concerns about Donald Trump's health were renewed following his December 18 presidential address. Joe Rogan Claims Donald Trump's 'Nutty' Behavior Is Due To His Age In Shocking Criticism Of The President CNP / MEGA In a recent episode of his podcast, Joe Rogan hosted fellow comedian Tom Segura, and together, the two discussed several decisions the president has made in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement During the conversation, Segura suggested that some of Trump's recent actions, including the renaming of the Kennedy Center after himself, indicate that the president may be "losing it." Rogan responded by agreeing with Segura's assessment while also suggesting that Trump's "nutty" behavior could be attributed to his advanced age. "I think everybody does when you get to a certain age," Rogan said about Trump, who turned 79 this year, per the Daily Mail. The podcaster went on to blast Trump's new "wall of fame" of past presidents, in which he trolled his predecessor on a plaque as "Sleepy Joe Biden" and "by far, the worst President in American History." Advertisement Advertisement "There's nothing nuttier than the plaques underneath the president's names," Rogan said of the gesture. He asked further, "How is this real? How are you allowed to do that?" Joe Rogan Believes The President Needs A 'Right-Hand Man' To Help Ground Him Pool Photo from Consolidated News Photos / MEGA Looking ahead, Rogan said he believes Trump needs a trusted "right-hand man" who would advise him and help curb his more reckless tendencies. To further his point, Rogan said it is even more necessary given everything Trump has faced in recent years. This includes past accusations that Russia sought to meddle in the 2016 election to help Trump, a notion Trump has repeatedly referred to as the "Russian hoax." Rogan also referenced the assassination attempt on Trump that occurred prior to his second-term election victory. Advertisement Advertisement "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 sh-t," said Rogan. "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," he added. The White House Previously Stated That Donald Trump Is In Good Health ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Earlier in the month, the White House attempted to clarify rumors about Trump's health in a statement to reporters. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, shared that the president's MRI was "perfectly normal," his major organs "appear very healthy and well perfused," and that he "remains in excellent overall health. Advertisement Advertisement "Everything evaluated is functioning within normal limits with no acute or chronic concerns," Leavitt said, per Politico. "In summary, this level of detailed assessment is standard for an executive physical at President Trump's age." Leavitt also mentioned that the tests, which were carried out in October, were meant to determine whether the president had any issues. However, none were found, and the information is now being shared in a bid for transparency. "I think that's quite a bit of detail in the effort of transparency," Leavitt said at the time. "The president promised it and we have it delivered." The Politician's Health Came Under Renewed Scrutiny After His Presidential Address Aaron Schwartz - Pool via CNP / MEGA The concerns about Trump's health were further renewed after his presidential address on Wednesday night, December 17. Advertisement Advertisement During the speech, the president took aim at his predecessor while also boasting about the success of his administration. However, Dr. Jonathan Reiner, the former cardiologist of the late Vice President Dick Cheney, claimed that Trump's manner of speaking during the address showed that there were some issues with his health. "The pace of this address is manic," the veteran doctor wrote on X, which he followed with another tweet saying, "I'm seriously concerned about the health of the president." He later wrote, "No one should be happy to see the president like this. He looks unwell." Netizens Are Divided On The State Of Donald Trump's Health MEGA Netizens also supported Dr. Reiner's concerns about Trump's health in the comment section of his post. Advertisement Advertisement "His behavior has grown even more erratic. In my view, the entire world should be concerned. No one in the industry could keep their job behaving this way," a user remarked. "Slurring his words, unable to read, leaning onto the podium and clutching it with his left hand so he doesn't fall," another netizen wrote, adding, "Trump is not well." However, some criticized Dr. Reiner's comments, accusing him of being more critical of Trump than his predecessor, former President Joe Biden. A person wrote, "It's funny how unconcerned you were with Biden's health until the country was slapped in the face with it during the debate, and your only concern was possible sleep apnea? Go away." Officials at the Erie International Airport announced in December two new flights that will be nonstop to and from Chicago. With the addition of United Airlines coming to Erie in 2026, and American Airlines adding Chicago flights, that brings the number of direct flight destination stops to four options flying to and from Erie with airports in Orlando, Florida; Tampa, Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Chicago, Illinois. Heres some helpful information regarding the Erie International Airport at 4411 W. 12th St. before you hop aboard a flight in 2026. Which airlines fly with Erie? Up to several flights run through the Erie International Airport daily in 2025. Those flights include: Advertisement Advertisement American Airlines offering multiple daily nonstop service from Erie International Airport to Charlotte Douglas International Airport; Breeze Airways offering nonstop flights from Erie to Tampa International Airport on Wednesdays and Saturdays; and Breeze Airways offering nonstop flights from Erie to Orlando International Airport on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Coming in 2026, the flights will include two new nonstop services to Chicago from American Airlines beginning May 21 running once daily and from United Airlines beginning June 1 running three flights daily. Careful packing: TSA says these items aren't for checked luggage Where do I track my flight at the Erie International Airport? Using the live flight monitor on the Erie International Airport's website, travelers can monitor their flights and check for delays or cancelations. How can I purchase an airline ticket at the Erie International Airport? Tickets are available in person at the ticket counter of the airport or online at erieairport.org/flights. Ticket prices vary by airline and availability. How much does it cost to park at the Erie International Airport? At the Erie International Airport, you have two options when it comes to parking. Theres the short-term parking which ranges from $1 for up to 20 minutes to a daily maximum of 24 hours for $17. The amount varies by the timing of parking as up to an hour costs $4 and each additional hour is an extra $2. Advertisement Advertisement The other option is the long-term parking. This parking ranges from $5 for 21 minutes to an hour with $2 every additional hour, to a daily maximum of $15 and a weekly maximum of $90. With the weekly maximum the seventh day is free. More information can be found at Erieairport.org/transportation/parking. Once I get to the airport, when do I check in? According to the airports website, the airport is open about 2 hours before the first flight departure of the day and closes 45 minutes after the last flight arrival. It is recommended by TSA that you arrive two hours prior to your flight in order to get through security screening and the ticket counter. The airline ticket counter closes 45 minutes prior to flight departure and TSA will not accept bags after the ticket counter closes. Do I need a REAL ID to travel at the Erie International Airport? Yes, since May of 2025, all U.S. travelers must have a federally accepted form of identification, including a REAL ID, U.S. Passport or military ID to board domestic flights. Learn more about the REAL ID requirements on www.tsa.gov/realid. Advertisement Advertisement Westward ho!: Erie-Chicago air service on horizon for 2026 How do I contact the airport if I need assistance? To reach the Erie International Airport, call 814-833-4258 or head to the airport at 4411 W. 12th St. You can also check out its website at erieairport.org. Nicholas Sorensen can be contacted at Nsorensen@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie International Airport frequently asked questions answered A Groveland man was arrested Friday night after troopers said he caused a crash that killed two people. Seenarine Hardeo, 50, faces two counts of DUI manslaughter. He was being held in jail on no bond. Troopers said Hardeo was driving southbound on State Road 33 north of Swamp Drive when he veered into the northbound lane, crashing his Mini Cooper into a semi-truck. That caused the semi to veer into the southbound lane, hitting a pickup truck driving behind Hardeo. Advertisement Advertisement They said the driver and the passenger of the pickup, a 22-year-old Polk County man and an 18-year-old Tallahassee woman, both died at the scene. The driver of the semi was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Court records show Hardeo has been arrested for DUI three times before: twice in New York State from 2003 to 2004, and once in Lake County in 2007. In his 2007 arrest, a Clermont Police officer wrote Hardeo blew a .218 and had two small children in the back seat. Records show he took a plea deal and was sentenced to less than one year in jail, DUI school and three years of probation that was terminated early. His deal also revoked his license for 10 years, though records show he had regained it by 2016. Hardeo is due back in court for his arraignment on January 20. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Editor's note: This holiday season, The Register-Guard is introducing you to the people behind the scenes who keep things running. They work the late shift, the holidays, and respond when no one else will. You'll get to know some of the faces you might only see in an emergency, and some you might only see at the grocery store, but whose work deserves our appreciation. When there's something strange in your neighborhood, who are you going to call? 911 dispatchers, most likely. Nikki Martin, 32, is a six-year veteran dispatcher at the Lane County Sheriff's Office and one of several people who keep emergency services up and running over the holidays. Out of a small room on the first floor of the Lane County Public Service building, dispatchers sit at their desks, their faces illuminated by bright monitors as they receive and address calls on their headsets. Strings of Christmas lights and garland pinned along the walls illuminate the dim workspace. A crime drama plays on the TV. Advertisement Advertisement The Lane County Sheriff's Office's new mental health and wellness K9, Cpl. Carlton roams the area, greeting visitors and dispatchers as they work at their desks. "We dispatch for the sheriff's office, Junction City Police Department, Coburg Police Department, Oakridge Police Department, Oakridge Fire Department and Lane County Mobile Crisis," Martin told The Register-Guard. At all times, the dispatch office has one person working as the dedicated call taker and two other people handling radio traffic for all the units working in the field. Though Christmas Eve just so happened to fall on her weekend, Martin worked Christmas Day. "It's hard. Sometimes my family is doing their own thing, and I don't get to be a part of it, but a lot of times, we're able to celebrate a different day," Martin said. Advertisement Advertisement On Christmas, those who are working usually plan a potluck and some community organizations donate food to the sheriff's office to keep staff well fed during their shifts. What's it like being a dispatcher? Special Deputy Cpl. Carlton, left, joins Lane County Sheriff Dispatcher Nikki Martin during her evening shift during the holidays. Having been born and raised in Eugene, Martin said she's always wanted a job that could help her make a difference. "I was out of college looking for a big girl job. I always wanted a job where I knew I could make a difference and have an impact on my community. I wasn't really sure where that was going to be for a long time," Martin said. She received a bachelor's degree in general social sciences from the University of Oregon. Six years ago, she applied to several open dispatch positions within the county and eventually landed at the sheriff's office. She's learned a lot about herself since then and considers dispatching her career. Advertisement Advertisement "I learned that I am actually pretty good in a crisis. It can be a really hard job and we deal with a lot of hard things, but I think that it's just been really rewarding to be able to be there in those moments and help people through them and really make a difference and that makes it all worth it," Martin said. She recalled the first time she gave CPR instructions over the phone. Since then, Martin said she's only given CPR instruction four times over her career and each patient wound up dying. "Those always stick with me," Martin said. "Nothing ever really prepares you for that first time." Another memorable incident happened in early December when the Lane County Sheriff's Office responded to a dispute with reports of shots fired at McCredie Hot Springs, 10 miles east of Oakridge. Advertisement Advertisement Martin said the "holidays don't always bring out the best in people." Though summertime is usually when they're the busiest, calls regarding disputes tend to spike over the holidays. On Dec. 9 at 2 a.m., deputies arrested a 44-year-old man who has since been charged in court on several counts of felony firearm possession, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, fleeing a police officer and unlawful possession of a machine gun. She says she dispatched the call. "Our radios, when we go that direction, don't work super great and they switch to an outer channel. All of the units in the valley can't hear what's happening because they're on another channel; only we can hear," Martin said. Therefore, the call taker had to relay information to the radio traffic coordinator regarding what was happening. Advertisement Advertisement The deputies were talking to the 911 caller in person when the suspect, who was wanted on suspicion of firing a gun multiple times, drove by. The deputies went into pursuit. She said the connection with deputies was really spotty, and it was hard to make out the information they were relaying over the radio. "They end up turning down a dead-end road and are in this confrontation," Martin said. "One of our deputies came on the radio and said they have two at gunpoint, uncooperative and they didn't have portable, so they could only use the radios in their cars to talk to us." Martin said about five minutes went by before they received notice the deputies were OK. Advertisement Advertisement "I was scared for them. I didn't know if they were OK. We assumed that these people had firearms because it was reported there were gunshots. We don't know if shots had been fired, if our deputies had been shot or if they shot somebody," Martin said. Outside of work, Martin said she finds solace in spending time with her husband and snuggling with their German shepherd, Fitz. She also enjoys reading and crocheting. What does it take to become a dispatcher? Martin said training to become a dispatcher took about a year. "You have to be really good at multitasking," Martin said. "You get pulled in a hundred different directions at the same time." Advertisement Advertisement "You have to be patient and calm. You're talking to people on the worst day of their lives and they're not always nice. A lot of times, they're going through a trauma and you have to navigate that to keep them safe and keep the responders who are going to the call safe," Martin said. She explained it's important for dispatchers to have empathy and learn to keep cool and calm under high-stress situations. Working as a cashier at Fred Meyer helped her learn the customer service skills she needed to succeed at the job. "I'm not sure I learned a lot in college that helped prepare me for this job," Martin said. If she could give any advice to someone wanting to become a dispatcher, Martin recommended applying to participate in a ride-along with the sheriff's office. Advertisement Advertisement Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at HKochanski@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: 911 dispatchers keep communication flowing through holidays At least 15 people have been killed and 19 injured after a passenger bus plunged into a ravine on the Inter-American Highway in western Guatemala, local authorities say. The deaths included 11 men, three women and a minor, according to Leandro Amado, a spokesperson for local firefighters. Amado told reporters on Saturday that some 19 injured people were taken to hospitals near the scene of the accident. Advertisement Advertisement The crash occurred in the Solola Department between kilometres 172 and 174, in an area nicknamed Alaska Peak because of its rugged terrain, in the department of Totonicapan (western Guatemala). The dense fog in that area often reduces visibility for drivers taking the route in question. Reason unknown The bus, which was travelling between Guatemala City and the department of San Marcos, on the border with Mexico, fell into a ravine almost 75 metres (250ft) deep for unknown reasons, Amado added. Images shared by the fire department on social media early on Saturday showed the wrecked bus in the ravine as firefighters worked at the scene to rescue the wounded and recover the bodies of the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Relatives of the passengers arrived at the scene of the accident as well as the hospitals around the area searching for their loved ones, local media reports said. Early in 2025, more than 50 people died and many others were injured in another major bus crash in the country, when the vehicle plunged into a polluted ravine outside Guatemala City. The mainstream cultural calendar often feels like a sequence of loud, high-gloss franchises. However, on December 28, a different kind of energy takes hold as the Indie Comix Fest (ICF) pauses here as part of its nine-city circuit. At the heart of this movement is founder Bharath Murthy, 46, a resident of Bengaluru. Murthy, an educator at Srishti Manipal and author of The Vanished Path, describes the festival as a response to a simple dual need. We, as comic creators, wanted to find an audience, and we, as comic readers, were curious what else was out there, he says. Since its 2017 debut, this volunteer-led initiative has matured into a critical sanctuary for the graphic narrative, prioritising the raw, unpolished world of self-published zines and independent storytelling. For those building comics outside the mainstream, this distinction matters because for the architect of the independent comic, the hurdle to entry is often financial. Affordable access Nikhil Gulati, 42, a resident of Goa, and author of The People of the Indusa sophisticated graphic history exploring the archaeology of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daronotes the necessity of affordable tables. Mainstream conventions are so expensive that youd probably have to sell not a kidney but a liver, a heart, and your soul as well, he says. Gulati credits the festival with his evolution as a creator. I would not be a comic book creator if it wasnt for ICF. It allowed me to see how readers react to my work, which not only inspired me to continue working on them but also helped me make connections. Risks and roots The lack of corporate polish permits a level of creative audacity absent from commercial publishing. Aditi Mali, 28, a resident of Pune, whose self-published work Shampoo and Daddy! explores the absurdities of everyday life, finds that the environment fosters experimentation. ICF gives me the confidence to be more experimental with my work, she says. I can take more risks that feel encouraged at ICF. Beyond the art, the social aspect remains paramount. The conversations with readers, new and old, is what makes any fest worthwhile for me. Anand Shenoy, 29, a resident of Pune, known for his surreal, human-centric anthology Zoo, agrees that the festival provides a vital push for productivity. I like that Indie Comix Fest offers cheaper tabling costs and a less corporate, laid back feel, he says. The festival gives a boost to finishing the project Ive been sitting on for a while, as it promises eyeballs, sales, critique. The focus also shifts toward the cultural periphery. Anupama Pain, 41, a resident of Navi Mumbai, represents Chabutra, a collective that tells stories from Indias heartland through comics and graphic narratives, and sees the festival as a way to reach new readers. Indie Comix Fest is a vibrant space that offers the opportunity to connect with enthusiastic, courageous and young readers, she says. Mulund-based Riya Thakkar, 26, co-founder of Urban Tales Company, finds the freedom of the floor liberating. The most important thing that a fest like Indie Comix Fest offers is creative freedom, she says. There are no barriers on the stories we want to tell. A mature medium The evolution of the Indian graphic novel requires spaces where the craft can be the sole focus. Ashwitha Jayakumar, 36, and Angshuman Chakraborty, 48, both residents of New Delhi, suggest that a specialised comic-only space is vital for the medium to mature. Their work with Indian Summer Press emphasises high-quality, story-led narratives. While larger and more general festivals will always be valuable as arenas of discovery and introduction, the focus of a specialised comics-only fest is vital to the evolution and maturing of the comics medium in India, they note. With partnerships from the Goethe-Institut and Pothi.com, the festival remains low-budget, creator-funded, and community-driven. On December 28, Mumbai becomes one of the last stops for this seasons stories, proving Murthys original philosophy: that creators and readers can meet on equal ground, one affordable table at a time. From raw chicken in a cement mixer to a warm freezer, health inspectors in Kansas found numerous violations at Kansas City-area restaurants last week. Dining establishments like sit-down restaurants, drive-thrus, gas stations and grocery stores are required to get food inspections, and governments have to release those inspections to the public. In Kansas City, the citys health department enforces the food code, while in Kansas, the states Department of Agriculture handles inspections. The lower the number of violations, the better. Advertisement Advertisement Most restaurants correct violations at the time of the original inspection or shortly after. The full inspections show how each establishment has corrected or is working to correct any remaining violations. They are available for Kansas City at inspectionsonline.us/foodsafety/mousakansascity/search.htm and Johnson and Wyandotte counties at agriculture.ks.gov. Here are the restaurants in Johnson County that received seven or more priority and priority foundation violations from Dec. 14 to 20. No restaurants in Kansas City, Independence or Wyandotte County met the threshold this week. El Principe (Don Chuys Fresh Mex and Cantina on Google) 8725 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park 13 priority and priority foundation violations for the first operational inspection after licensing Dec. 16 Two buckets of raw oysters in the fridge had shrank down and dried up, clouded over and smelly at this Overland Park Mexican restaurant. Beans and salsa sat in the fridge for longer than a week, and three hand sinks had items in the basins. Advertisement Advertisement The scheduled follow-up inspection has not yet occurred. Read the full report for Don Chuys by searching for the restaurant on the Kansas inspection lookup. Touch of Asia Indian Cuisine 6860 W. 105th St., Overland Park 7 priority and priority foundation violations for a Dec. 17 modified complaint inspection The inspector found more than 10 cockroaches inside this Indian restaurant off of Metcalf. This includes a live roach on its back, legs moving, in the basin of the food prep sink. An unwrapped block of paneer sat on wire shelving and has physical debris/filth stuck to it. Staff had to throw away the contents of the walk-in freezer because it was not cold enough. Advertisement Advertisement The scheduled follow-up inspection has not yet occurred. Read the full report for Touch of Asia by searching for the restaurant on the Kansas inspection lookup. Hen House, College Boulevard 11930 College Blvd., Overland Park 7 priority and priority foundation violations for a Dec. 16 routine inspection The inspector found black growth on a bag of sandwich rolls in the deli section of this grocery store near Johnson County Community College. The salad bar did not keep food cold enough. The scheduled follow-up inspection has not yet occurred. Read the full report for Hen House by searching for the restaurant on the Kansas inspection lookup. Joy Wok 12631 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park 7 priority and priority foundation violations for a Dec. 16 follow-up to administrative order Advertisement Advertisement Paint chipped in the basin of a cement mixer used to tumble raw chicken at this Overland Park Chinese buffet. Staff werent recording the exact time food is placed on the buffet. The restaurant corrected all violations, according to the Dec. 17 follow-up inspection. Read the full report for Joy Wok by searching for the restaurant on the Kansas inspection lookup. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A man who is accused of punching two strangers on public transportation in separate incidents appeared in a Multnomah County court on Friday, pleading not guilty to several charges. Sincere William Alexander Hunter is facing charges that include multiple counts of fourth-degree assault and interfering with public transportation, according to court documents. Hunter, who had multiple warrants at the time, was arrested on Dec. 10 by a dual-badge Multnomah County Sheriffs Office deputy and Transit Police Officer. Advertisement Advertisement RFK Jr. declares public health emergency for WA floods On the day of the arrest, Hunter had allegedly punched a man in the face at the Parkrose Transit Center TriMet MAX platform. The victim told the responding deputy that an unknown man donning a pacifier and a grey hoodie followed him off the TriMet bus, then confronted and punched him in the face. He had visible swelling on his left eye and said he had trouble opening and closing his eye due to pain, which he rated as a seven or eight out of 10, court documents say. The deputy reviewed surveillance footage, and the victim confirmed that the person in the video was the same one who attacked him. After taking note of the direction he was headed from the surveillance footage, the deputy later located and arrested Hunter along Northeast Sandy Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement According to the deputy, Hunter claimed he followed the victim off the bus because of a comment he made. This all comes after a similar incident on Nov. 17 in which a different deputy/transit officer responded to a report of a cold assault at the intersection of Northeast 82nd Avenue and Northeast Halsey Street, court documents say. The victim told the deputy that he was standing on a TriMet MAX train when a man who was not known to him punched him in the face for no apparent reason. The man sustained a bloody lip and swelling in his eye. Volunteers show shelter pets they can be loved The deputy reviewed surveillance footage, taking note that the victim had his back turned to the suspect leading up to the assault. The victim took a closed-fist punch to the face, falling onto a seat, before the suspect fled the train. Advertisement Advertisement The deputy took a screen grab of the surveillance footage, creating a flyer of the suspect that was distributed to other law enforcement officers. The flyer was later cited by the deputy in the Dec. 10 incident as helping him to identify the suspect. For the Nov. 17 incident, Hunter has pleaded not guilty to charges that include fourth-degree assault and two counts of interfering with public transportation. For the Dec. 10 incident, Hunter also pleaded not guilty to fourth-degree assault, harassment and interfering with public transportation. Hunters bail has been set to $5,000 for each case and he has been ordered to not make contact with the victims or go on TriMet property without a valid fare. Another hearing is set for January 9. 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 KOIN.com. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested 36-year-old William Travis Yerby in connection with a shooting that resulted in the death of George Christopher Cummings, 45, in Poulan, Ga. Yerby faces charges of felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was arrested Dec. 25. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police said the shooting happened at about 8 p.m. on Dec. 24 at a residence in the 200 block of Melanie Lane. Cummings was shot and was pronounced dead after being taken to a local hospital. Advertisement Advertisement The GBI took Yerby into custody. The Worth County Sheriffs Office booked him into the Dougherty County Jail. The investigation was initiated at the request of the Poulan Police Department. TRENDING: The GBI Central Lab will conduct an autopsy for Cummings as part of the investigation process. Those with more information about the shooting are encouraged to contact the GBIs Regional Investigative Office in Sylvester at 229-777-2080 or the Poulan Police Department at 229-776-4096. Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app. Once the investigation is complete, the Tift Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office will receive the case for prosecution. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A Manchester man was fined more than 1,000 ($1,333) for illegally dumping a large pile of construction waste on public property. According to the BBC, Stephen Cawley, 36, pleaded guilty to the illegal waste-disposal incident that happened more than two years ago. On April 17, 2023, a massive pile of household and construction waste was found on the land next to a footpath on Altrincham Road the same road that Cawley lives on. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators traced the mysterious pile of trash to a nearby property undergoing renovations, which investigators learned was a job contracted to Cawley's building company, Builder Boys Ltd. "So he dumped it on his own f****** road?" one commenter asked in disbelief under a Reddit post that shared the BBC report. Using public roads to improperly dispose of commercial or household waste is not only illegal and an eyesore, but it also costs taxpayers money. The city has to dispatch a cleanup crew to remove the trash from the roads so they are safe to use again. Many Reddit commenters took issue with the fact that Cawley, who had generated the massive pile of waste and debris through his building business, pushed the government to foot the bill. Advertisement Advertisement He left the trash uncovered and unaddressed, which could have sent loose debris into waterways, polluting our oceans, or into nearby animal habitats. Cawley was ordered to pay 320 to the Manchester Magistrates' Court, as well as 750 for the cost of illegal dumping. The court also imposed an additional 128 victim surcharge. "Flytipping remains a selfish and disgusting crime which impacts our communities and environment," said councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, per BBC. Protecting public spaces and the environment from illegal waste dumps ensures that everyone has the chance to experience the natural world as it should be. Advertisement Advertisement Another Reddit commenter grumbled about the punishment issued. "Joke of a fine," they said. "Still seems cheaper than getting rid of it properly," another Reddit user added. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. A man is in the hospital after the Orange County Sheriffs Office says he shot towards them, striking a deputys vehicle. Sheriff John Mina says deputies arrived at Buchanan Bay Apartments near Holden Avenue and South Texas Avenue around 9:40 p.m. Friday, attempting to locate a homicide suspect connected to the Christmas Eve shooting of 17-year-old Jamar Jerome. The teen was shot and killed at the Greens Condominiums near the intersection of PGA Boulevard and Oak Ridge Road. Advertisement Advertisement According to Sheriff Mina, deputies were seeking to obtain a DNA sample from the 19-year-old suspect in the case. Sheriff Mina said a man in his early 20s who was with the homicide suspect fired towards deputies, striking a deputys vehicle. One deputy returned fire, hitting the armed man. The man was shot multiple times and was transported to a hospital, where he is undergoing surgery, Mina said. All deputies are okay, Mina said. Investigators confirmed the 19-year-old homicide suspect did not fire a weapon during the incident but was armed at the time. He was taken into custody and is currently being questioned by detectives. Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Mina says that body-worn camera footage from the incident will be released within 30 days, in accordance with department policy. The investigation remains ongoing.the Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The Pima County Sheriff's Department is seeking help from the public in identifying a person of interest and a stolen vehicle connected to a shooting at a Goodwill location in the southern Tucson area that left two employees in critical condition. Detectives are seeking information about a Caucasian or Hispanic male, approximately 6 feet tall and weighing about 200 pounds, driving a stolen white 2012 Volvo XC 90, with Arizona license plate number C4A8Z4. If you have any information about this case, you are asked to call 911 or 88-Crime to remain anonymous, but officials are warning to not approach the person or vehicle. The Pima County Sheriffs Department is seeking the publics help in locating a person of interest connected to a shooting that occurred on Dec. 26, 2025, at 7650 E. Valencia Road in the Tucson area. The person of interest is a Caucasian or Hispanic male, about 6 feet tall and weighing about 200 pounds. The Pima County Sheriffs Department is seeking the publics help in locating a stolen vehicle connected to a double shooting that occurred on Dec. 26, 2025, at 7650 E. Valencia Road in the Tucson area. The stolen vehicle is a white 2012 Volvo XC 90, with Arizona license plate number C4A8Z4. About 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 26, the Pima County Sheriffs Department received a call reporting the shooting at 7650 E. Valencia Road, the location of a Goodwill Donation Center. Advertisement Advertisement When the deputies arrived, they found two employees suffering from gunshot wounds, and both were taken to a local hospital. One female employee suffered multiple gunshot wounds and remained in serious condition, according to the Sheriffs Department. A male employee was shot once and is in life-threatening condition. Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona posted this statement to social media after the shooting: With heavy hearts, our thoughts and prayers are with our employees and their loved ones in the wake of the terrible event that took place at our Valencia Donation Center this morning," the Goodwill statement read, adding that the case remained an active investigation and the nonprofit is cooperating. Advertisement Advertisement "Goodwill would like to thank the first responders and healthcare personnel for their quick and professional response in a time of crisis, the statement read. What we know: Tucson is hiking taxes. The mayor says revenue's down because of Trump This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man opens fire at Tucson-area Goodwill store, wounding 2 workers Chicago police are investigating a deadly shooting on the city's North Side. The shooting happened at about 4 a.m. in the 5100-block of N. Sheridan Road in the Uptown neighborhood near Edgewater, Chicago police said. Officers responded to a call of a person shot in the area and found a 23-year-old man outside. The victim had a gunshot wound to the head; police said he died at the scene. SEE ALSO | Man found shot to death inside Greater Grand Crossing home, Chicago police say Advertisement Advertisement A witness told police they saw a vehicle fleeing from the scene of the shooting. Nobody is in custody. Chicago police are investigating. INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood Phoenix police said a man was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing a north Phoenix street late Dec. 26, and impairment may have been a factor. Officers responded just before 11 p.m. to reports of a pedestrian struck near 36th and Northern avenues, according to Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez, a spokesperson for the Phoenix Police Department. When officers arrived, they found an unidentified adult man in critical condition. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Phoenix Fire Department, Fernandez said. Advertisement Advertisement An adult male driver remained at the scene and was taken to a nearby police station, where he was processed for DUI, according to Fernandez. Detectives with the Phoenix Police Departments Vehicular Crimes Unit are investigating the crash. Preliminary information indicates the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk when he attempted to cross Northern Avenue and was struck by the vehicle. An investigation into the crash and subsequent death remained ongoing. Rey Covarrubias Jr. covers grocery shopping, business and breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@azcentral.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: DUI suspected after man hit, killed in north Phoenix A dangerous fugitive wanted for attempted murder in Tennessee was arrested Friday night following a high-speed chase through Gordon County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] At 8:15 p.m., Gordon County deputies were called in to help Calhoun police with tracking down a suspect who was driving a truck at reckless speeds on State Route 156 at Red Bud Road. Officials say the chase began in the city of Calhoun, and the suspect, identified as a wanted man from Tennessee, was traveling at speeds over 90 miles per hour, weaving in and out of oncoming traffic. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The chase came to an end when a Gordon County deputy executed a PIT maneuver. This forced the suspects truck off the road and down an embankment. The fugitive was quickly arrested and taken into custody. Officials say there are no other suspects involved in the case. The investigation is now being led by the Calhoun Police Department, working in collaboration with Tennessee authorities. His identity was not released. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Sheriff Mitch Ralston praised the quick response and coordination between local and state law enforcement that led to the successful capture of the wanted man. The teamwork and professionalism of all officers involved ensured a dangerous situation was resolved safely, said Ralston. Marco Rubio is using real censorship to fight fake censorship The U.S. government just banned five people from entering the country because it doesnt like their speech. This ban, according to the State Department, is necessary to protect free speech. If that sounds insane to you, congratulations on your reading comprehension. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubios State Department announced the Announcement of Actions to Combat the Global Censorship-Industrial Complex, which will take decisive action against five individuals who have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to censor, demonetize, and suppress American viewpoints they oppose. The five former European Union Commissioner Thierry Breton, Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) CEO Imran Ahmed, Global Disinformation Index (GDI) cofounder Clare Melford and HateAid leaders Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon are now blocked from getting U.S. visas. Never mind that the abuse was prevented. Never mind that the system self-corrected. The State Department wants to punish him again for his speech. That theory relies almost entirely on fabricated or grossly misrepresented evidence. When subjected to actual scrutiny including three years of litigation in Murthy v. Missouri and congressional investigations it collapsed. Courts found no evidence of coercion. Platform executives testified under oath that they never felt compelled to moderate based on government requests. The whole thing was nonsense, but has become gospel in MAGA circles. Advertisement Advertisement Ive been a longtime critic of the EUs Digital Services Act a sweeping attempt to regulate social media that relies on vague definitions and subjective determinations. Ive also specifically called out both Breton for trying to twist the DSA to claim authority over platform speech he never had, and Ahmed for producing shoddy research that overstates social media risks. But the U.S. government is now punishing them for their speech, which is precisely the kind of government suppression of speech that the First Amendment exists to prevent. Former European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton attends the funeral of the late French journalist Philippe Labro at the Saint-Germain-des-Pres church in Paris on June 13, 2025. Thomas Samson / Thomas Samson/AFP via Getty Images The most instructive case here is Breton himself. He did, in fact, try to abuse the DSA to suppress speech. In August 2024, he sent Elon Musk a threatening letter suggesting that Musks planned livestreamed interview with then-candidate Donald Trump could violate the DSA. It was a blatant attempt at censorship. And heres what happened: The EU rejected him. Completely. EU officials went on record condemning the letter, his fellow commissioners distanced themselves from his threats, and within weeks he resigned to avoid being fired. As EU free speech experts noted in a recent open letter: Politically, the EUs checks and balances worked. The U.S. governments response to this? Ban him from the country for trying to suppress speech. Never mind that he was already punished for it. Never mind that the abuse was prevented. Never mind that the system self-corrected. The State Department wants to punish him again for his speech. Advertisement Advertisement The justification for all this is even worse. Under Secretary Sarah Rogers claims these five Europeans engaged in Murthy-style speech suppression. Rogers is referring to the Murthy v. Missouri case mentioned above, where two states and a collection of angry social media influencers sued the Biden administration, claiming social media platforms censored content at the governments direction. The Supreme Court rejected those claims 6-3, with Justice Amy Coney Barretts opinion finding the plaintiffs had no standing because there was no evidence the government suppressed anyones speech. The platforms, Barrett noted, were simply enforcing their own rules. Even worse, in a damning footnote, Justice Barrett highlighted that the lower courts finding that there was censorship was based on a clearly erroneous reading of the evidence. So the State Department is citing a case that disproved government censorship as evidence of government censorship. Thats not even creative lying its just citing your own loss as precedent. Advertisement Advertisement Besides Breton, none of the other four people being sanctioned even held government positions that would allow them to suppress speech. CCDH uses its speech admittedly often inaccurately and misleadingly to call for companies to change their content moderation policies. Thats advocacy. Thats their own free speech, attempting to persuade companies to make different decisions. HateAids leaders were sanctioned for being trusted flaggers under the DSA, which sounds sinister until you understand what it means: They can report content to social media platforms, just like anyone else can. The trusted part just means platforms review their reports first because they tend to be more accurate than random reports. Platforms still decide for themselves whether to remove anything. Its the same content moderation process that the Supreme Court, in Murthy, found was not government censorship. So heres where we are: The U.S. government is blocking people from entering the country because those people advocated for content moderation policies the government doesnt like. Its defending this by citing a Supreme Court case that rejected claims of government censorship. And its doing this in the name of protecting free speech. Advertisement Advertisement The only actual government suppression of speech here is coming from Marco Rubios State Department. Everything else all the censorship they claim to be fighting is either private companies making their own decisions, or has already been rejected and punished by the systems it supposedly threatened. If you want to be vigilant against government suppression of speech, you dont ban people from your country for their opinions about content moderation. You especially dont do it while pretending youre the one protecting free speech. The post Marco Rubio is using real censorship to fight fake censorship appeared first on MS NOW. This article was originally published on ms.now NEW YORK Before he leaves office in less than a week, Mayor Eric Adams is likely to veto a bevy of City Council bills that carry significant policy implications for issues ranging from housing development and street vending to immigration and police accountability, sources with knowledge of the matter tell The New York Daily News. Adams, who ceases being mayor at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, is anticipated to veto around 20 bills in his final days, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. One of the sources said Friday that several vetoes may not be issued until New Years Eve. The same source also cautioned the list of bills set to be vetoed is still being finalized. Advertisement Advertisement But a large number of vetoes are expected, with the sources referencing 19 bills in particular that are likely to be targeted, all of them passed by the Council during its final 2025 meeting on Dec. 18. Among the measures the mayor is seen as likely to veto is a bill that would prohibit federal immigration authorities from maintaining offices for any purposes on city Department of Correction property, an issue that has become especially fraught amid the Trump administrations hardline crackdown on undocumented New Yorkers. Other bills facing likely vetoes include ones that would: Grant more street vending licenses Advertisement Advertisement Prohibit for-hire vehicle companies like Uber from deactivating drivers without cause Secure minimum pay standards for security guards in the city Create new ethics rules aimed at rooting out corruption in the citys municipal contracting processes Mandate that landlords provide tenants with cooling systems Require the New York Police Department to provide the Civilian Complaint Review Board with access to all of the departments body-cam footage Additionally, the mayor is expected to veto a slate of bills passed Dec. 18 that would put local nonprofit groups at the front of the line for certain building sales, deepen affordability requirements in city-financed housing developments and require that more two- and three-bedroom units be included in building projects subsidized by the city. Advertisement Advertisement The mayors office signaled he was likely to veto the housing-related bills immediately after they passed, issuing a statement lambasting the measures as misguided. Adams successor, incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani, has also voiced skepticism about some of those bills. The expected new vetoes come after the mayor late on Christmas Eve vetoed a bill that, if enacted, would open up an 18-month window for victims of gender-based violence to sue their perpetrators, even if statutes of limitations on their claims have expired. Incoming City Council Speaker Julie Menin responded to the Christmas Eve veto by declaring the Council will promptly vote to override Adams when the chamber reconvenes in early January. Two-thirds of the Councils 51 members need to support an override for it to be successful. Asked about the additional vetoes the mayor is considering issuing, Menin told The News the Council will take a close look at them as we determine our next steps on each. She also took a shot at the outgoing mayor for what she characterized as his refusal to work with the Council in good faith. Advertisement Advertisement It is unfortunate that instead of working with the Council to shape legislation on the front end, the mayor is opting for a more acrimonious approach in his final days in office, Menin said. The last few years have been marked by a disregard for the legislative process, whereby (agency) commissioners would routinely skip hearings, the most rudimentary agency data would not be provided to the Council and bill negotiations would often be delayed until the last minute. Asked about this report after web publication, Adams didnt deny hes about to issue a blast of new vetoes. I think the response to that article is Happy New Years and have a good time, Adams said late Friday afternoon at the end of an unrelated news conference at Gracie Mansion. Earlier in the day, spokespeople for the mayor, whose first and only term was marred by his corruption indictment and other scandals, also did not deny that more vetoes are forthcoming, but declined to comment directly on any particular bill. Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the mayors office referred to a statement Fabien Levy, Adams top spokesman, issued about the housing development-related bills after they were first passed last week. Irresponsible actions like these demonstrate the importance of Mayor Adams efforts to modernize the housing approval process through the ballot measures that passed this November, Levys statement said. Fortunately, Mayor Adams is in office until December 31 and we will be reviewing our next steps regarding the bills passed. CELINA Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman is recuperating after donating a kidney to a complete stranger earlier this month. Timmerman, 53, not only donated a kidney to Joy Wagner of Newark, but that selfless act of kindness set off a chain of events that led to four other transplant recipients also receiving similar donations. According to a story in the (Celina) Daily Standard, Wagner received a kidney from Timmerman on Dec. 12. The surgery took place at Ohio State Universitys Wexner Medical Center. That surgery set off a chain reaction that benefited four other organ recipients. Starting with Timmerman, five people donated their kidneys, and five others received them, during two days of surgeries. Dr. Amer Rajab, a physician at Ohio State, told a Columbus media outlet that its rare to have such a large chain of donations. Rajab told the Columbus station he considers Timmerman a hero for starting the chain. Advertisement Advertisement One of the other donors in the chain was Wagners husband. Both had surgery the same day, but he was not a match for his wife. Joy Wagner had been on a waiting list for a new kidney since July. The girl that my husband donated to, shed been on (a waiting list) for two years, Joy Wagner told a Columbus television station. It would be a miracle that she would get a kidney, and she happened to match with my husband. Timmerman, a first-term sheriff, said he viewed his kidney donation as an opportunity to pay forward his own good fortune. I dont know if I was just in the right place at the right time with running into the right people, but Ive had a lot of good things happen to me, people helping me out, a still recuperating Timmerman told The Daily Standard. Im blessed with the family Ive got, the friends Ive got, the coworkers Ive got that made this possible, and I just feel like this is paying back a little of all the good things that have happened to me over my life. Attempts by The Lima News to contact the sheriff Friday were unsuccessful. MIAMI, Okla. The Miami Public School Board is asking voters to approve a no-tax-increase bond issue for a second time. The school is seeking a $15.7 million bond issue to build a new lower elementary school, which houses first through third grade, at the current Will Rogers Middle School site. Upgrades are also slated for the Nichols Elementary campus and the renovation of the Miami Innovation Center. In an earlier interview, Jill Douthit, Miami Schools Superintendent outlined why passing the bond was important saying, this is an investment in the future. Advertisement Advertisement This bond will provide a state-of-the-art facility with a safe room at the new lower elementary and new exterior walls for Nichols Upper Elementary, replacing the windowed walls in all classrooms. After the Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, Oklahoma, was destroyed in the 2013 tornado, which killed seven students, more schools have increased childrens safety in the past decade by adding storm shelters. Three EF1 tornadoes hit Delaware County on the morning of April 29, affecting Grove, Jay, and Turkey Ford school campuses. Grove High School students were quickly ushered into a storm shelter, while other children at the other Grove campuses were corralled into bathrooms. Miami Public Schools Bond Information website TIMELINE Begin Project at Nichols: Summer 2026 Complete Nichols Project: August 2026 Begin Project at Will Rogers: Fall 2026 Begin Miami Innovation Center (MIC) Project: Winter 2027 Completion of Projects (Will Rogers & MIC): Summer 2027 Previous Bond Issue In October, the $14.7 million school bond issue was defeated by two votes. Advertisement Advertisement In the special election, 438 registered voters voted for the no-tax increase proposal, while 294 voters cast an opposing vote. Although there were more yes votes, the proposal fell short by 0.16 percent of the required 60 percent. 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Officials with the United Kingdom's Royal Navy are in hot water for pressuring a government agency to conceal information about radioactive pollution. What's happening? Investigative news outlet The Ferret obtained emails in which naval officials urged the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to keep details of the pollution secret. The Ferret made Freedom of Information Act requests in 2019, 2023, and 2024 for files regarding radioactive problems at two naval bases in Scotland. SEPA kept most of the files secret after consulting the Ministry of Defence, which cited national security concerns. The decision was reconsidered when The Ferret took the matter to the Scottish Information Commissioner. In June, SEPA was ordered to release the files by July 28. In response, naval and MOD officials engaged in correspondence with SEPA and the commissioner, sending around 130 emails over nine days in an attempt to reverse the decision. Advertisement Advertisement The Ferret made further FOIA requests to obtain the emails. They showed that naval officials went as far as to threaten legal action against SEPA if the files were released, though what kind is unclear. The MOD was flagged for the matter and called it "deeply uncomfortable" but added, "We have objections but we won't appeal further." Why is public information important? The cover-up was an effort to conceal information about radioactive pollution in Loch Long on the River Clyde in Scotland. When SEPA finally released the files in August, they revealed that the Royal Navy had failed to properly maintain a network of pipes at the Royal Naval Armaments Depot at Coulport, resulting in "unnecessary radioactive waste." Keeping such information from the public is dangerous, especially when it comes to health. Loch Long is a popular site for water sports, but tourists might think twice about going for a swim if they knew what lurked beneath the surface. What's being done about the release of public information? Information on radioactive waste in Scotland's Loch Long is now available thanks to The Ferret's investigative journalists. News outlets must continue to push for answers, even when public officials try to conceal the truth. Only with education can we find our way to a cleaner future for all. How concerned are you about the plastic waste in our oceans? Extremely I'm pretty concerned A little Not much 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. By Lulu Jaeckel Minnesota has relocated its emergency operations center from downtown St. Paul to Blaine, expanding space and adding modern energy systems to strengthen statewide disaster response. The new 36,650-square-foot center replaces its predecessor at 445 Minnesota St. with upgrades in safety, resilience and energy performance, said Kat Barrett, communications specialist for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Advertisement Advertisement The old St. Paul facility was getting worn out, was limited by where it was located and wasnt designed to handle the stronger, more modern systems needed for todays emergency management, Barrett said. The new facility also houses the departments Homeland Security and Emergency Management division headquarters. Storm-worthy, energy efficient Designed and built by Wold Architects and Engineers, a national architecture and engineering firm, the new center features an exterior built to withstand 165 mph winds and power systems that can keep it operating for up to 72 hours during an outage. The center also uses a geothermal heating and cooling system and a large solar array, which help regulate the buildings temperature and provide renewable power for computer systems, communication systems and lighting. This reduces energy costs and minimizes environmental impact. Advertisement Advertisement During an emergency, reliable power isnt just helpful, its critical to keeping Minnesotans safe, said Riley Slimmer, project manager for the new building. Thats why the new state EOC was built to stay running no matter what, using smart, sustainable energy systems that protect both people and resources. The Legislature appropriated $29,545,000 in 2020 and $11,392,000 in 2023 for this project, Barrett said. The center officially opened on Aug. 22. Activated for worst days The previous Emergency Operations Center in St. Paul was activated for 459 consecutive days during the COVID-19 pandemic, Barrett said. State EOCs activate for natural disasters, severe weather, public-health emergencies and major infrastructure failures. Advertisement Advertisement When the EOC is not active, its always in watch status, Barrett said. During watch status, they track power outages, watch weather-related events and train staff, state agencies and local jurisdictions to prepare them for when the EOC becomes active. When communities need more support than local resources can provide, were ready to roll up our sleeves and help our neighbors through some of their toughest moments, said Allison Farole, director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This new facility ensures we have the tools to keep Minnesotans safe today and into the future. Related Articles The new EOC in Blaine has 70 employees, five more than the old EOC in St. Paul. Advertisement Advertisement Wold designed the center to ensure uninterrupted operations during crisis, regardless of outdoor conditions, Barrett said. In times of crisis, one of the best resources we have to protect Minnesotans is our dedicated team of emergency managers who coordinate with local, county and federal partners, said Gov. Tim Walz, in the press release. The new State Emergency Operations Center will be the hub for state agencies and their partners to come together and prepare for and handle any emergencies that come our way. This is an investment in the safety of every community across the state. The Mojave River began rising in the High Desert after water was released from Silverwood Lake during recent storm activity in the state, according to the California Department of Water Resources. The water release began on Wednesday, December 24, with water from the Mojave River seen flowing in Hesperia, Apple Valley and Victorville. The Mojave River began rising in the High Desert after water was released from Silverwood Lake during the recent storm, according to the California Department of Water Resources. Barstow resident Bryan Hartwick on Friday took photos of a rare sight the Mojave River steadily flowing in the Helendale/Silver Lakes area. Advertisement Advertisement The Mojave River could flow from Helendale to Barstow, about a 20-mile stretch, with additional rainfall or further release of water from Silverwood Lake. The Mojave River is mostly hidden underground during its hundred-mile course from the San Bernardino Mountains to Soda Lake, in the middle of the Mojave Desert, according to the California Department of Water Resources. The Mojave River flows near the Helendale/Silver Lakes area on Dec. 26, 2025, after water was released from Silverwood Lake during the recent storm. Outflows from Silverwood Lake come through the inlet within the Mojave River Dam, sometimes called the Forks Dam, where the Deep Creek and West Fork tributaries converge. The Christmas Eve storm brought flooding and forced road closures across the High Desert and region, prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to issue a regional "state of emergency." Advertisement Advertisement The downpour of rain on Wednesday, Dec. 24, flooded out streets and roadways, and prompted evacuation warnings and "shelter in place" orders in some hardest-hit communities, the Daily Press reported. The rising Mojave River In January 2023, a woman was pulled to safety out of the swift-moving and rising Mojave River by a San Bernardino County Fire rescue team. The water rescue occurred near the Mojave Riverwalk, east of Victor Valley College in Victorville, according to the Daily Press. In March 2023, a series of storms helped the Mojave River flow above ground past the Harvey House in Barstow. In February 2019, heavy rains allowed surface water in the Mojave River to flow through Barstow for the first time in eight years, the Daily Press reported. The Mojave River began rising in the High Desert after water was released from Silverwood Lake during the recent storm, according to the California Department of Water Resources. Pyramid Dam The California Department of Water Resources also made releases before Christmas through the gated spillway at Pyramid Dam in Los Angeles County into Piru Creek to manage reservoir levels. Advertisement Advertisement The public should avoid recreating near Piru Creek during this time, as flow levels may vary and create swift water conditions. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: River rises across High Desert after Silverwood Lake water released A young mom is speaking out after she says she was asked to leave a Blue Ridge restaurant while breastfeeding her baby. The interaction, which she partially captured on video, has been circulating online and gaining a lot of attention. In that cell phone video, recorded last month by Aris Kopiec, you hear her ask a man behind the counter, Because you dont allow women to breastfeed in here? The man replies, No, Im sorry, maam. You breastfed right next to a table, so get on out of here. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Kopiec told Channel 2s Brittany Kleinpeter that she, her husband, and their three daughters were enjoying their time at Toccoa Riverside Restaurant in Blue Ridge, where they were vacationing. Advertisement Advertisement They seated us at a corner tableand it was actually overlooking the river, and it was very nice, said Kopiec. Toward the end of the meal, her 4-month-old daughter became fussy, and Kopiec needed to feed her. My husband handed her to me, and I immediately latched her on. Then my husband handed me our blanket, and I threw it on, said Kopiec. She says their enjoyable dining experience quickly changed. When I stood up, I either bumped into a chair or a person and I stood up to say, Oh, Im sorry, I didnt mean to, and I was still holding my infant, still covered. When I turned around to apologize, it was the owner, and he said, You cant do that here, explained Kopiec. Advertisement Advertisement She said she tried to explain that she was no longer breastfeeding but was just holding her baby under the blanket. He kept yelling, You have to go to the corner and he just kept saying, Im trying to protect my restaurant. I said, Im just trying to go outside, and youre blocking the side exit, and he just kept saying, Go on, get, added Kopiec. TRENDING STORIES: Kopiec says she went out to the river behind the restaurant with her older children while her husband paid the bill, then returned to gather their belongings. Thats when she says she exited the restaurant and ran into the owner again, at which point she began recording. Advertisement Advertisement I just walked up to say, Breastfeeding is legally protected. If you want to protect your restaurant, you should follow the law because you really might lose your restaurant. That is all I wanted to tell him, said Kopiec. A manager at the restaurant, who didnt want to go on camera but spoke on behalf of the owner, says the customer was asked to move to a more private area after another diner complained. He added that Kopiec was only asked to leave after she began recording because the owner felt she was unnecessarily escalating the situation. In Georgia, women are allowed to breastfeed in public, including in restaurants. Staff at the Blue Ridge restaurant say breastfeeding has been allowed there for more than 30 years. Channel 2 Action News previously reported on the restaurant in 2023 following backlash over a menu surcharge referencing poor parenting. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The terrorist, Abdul Muttalib Al-Qaisi, worked as a humanitarian aid truck driver. Jordan received the body of the terrorist who killed two IDF soldiers at the Allenby Crossing in September, the terrorist's family told CNN Arabic in a report published on Thursday. The terrorist, Abdul Muttalib al-Qaisi, was working as a humanitarian aid truck driver when he killed two soldiers, Lieutenant-Colonel (res.) Yitzhak Harosh, 68, from Jerusalem, and Sergeant Oran Hershko, 20, from Tel Mond. Advertisement Advertisement According to the security establishment, the assailant was en route to delivering aid to Gaza. As soon as he entered the Israeli side of the crossing, he began the attack. He opened fire on checkpoint personnel before reaching the inspection area, first exiting his truck, firing at all the people in the area, and then stabbing them. He was killed by an Allenby Crossing security guard shortly after arriving at the scene. Israeli forces at the scene of an attack at the Allenby Crossing at the Jordan border, September 18, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) The family of the terrorist told CNN Arabic that the body was received and that his burial would be held in the Jordanian capital of Amman. "We bid farewell and prayed for him; the family spirits have calmed down," said a representative of the family, while it added that they "waited for three months and 10 days for the return of the body." Allenby Crossing attack halts aid entry The September attack halted all entry of humanitarian aid from the Allenby Crossing, which was, until then, one of the main roads to send aid to Gaza from Jordan. Advertisement Advertisement On December 9, the government announced the reopening of the crossing for the transfer of goods between Jordan and both the West Bank and Gaza. This came after the necessary security upgrades at the crossing were completed on both the Israeli and Jordanian sides. Additional security measures have been implemented for Jordanian drivers and their trucks, and extra security forces have been deployed. Darcie Grunblatt, Yonah Jeremy Bob, and Fraidy Moser contributed to this report. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. An illustration of concentrated dark matter at the heart of a spiral galaxy . | Credit: Robert Lea (created with Canva) This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Space.com's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights . If you look across space with a telescope, you'll see countless galaxies, most of which host large central black holes , billions of stars and their attendant planets. The universe teems with huge, spectacular objects, and it might seem like these massive objects should hold most of the universe's matter. Advertisement Advertisement But the Big Bang theory predicts that about 5% of the universe's contents should be atoms made of protons, neutrons and electrons. Most of those atoms cannot be found in stars and galaxies a discrepancy that has puzzled astronomers. If not in visible stars and galaxies, the most likely hiding place for the matter is in the dark space between galaxies. While space is often referred to as a vacuum, it isn't completely empty. Individual particles and atoms are dispersed throughout the space between stars and galaxies, forming a dark, filamentary network called the " cosmic web ." Throughout my career as an astronomer , I've studied this cosmic web, and I know how difficult it is to account for the matter spread throughout space. In a study published in June 2025, a team of scientists used a unique radio technique to complete the census of normal matter in the universe. The census of normal matter The most obvious place to look for normal matter is in the form of stars. Gravity gathers stars together into galaxies , and astronomers can count galaxies throughout the observable universe. Advertisement Advertisement The census comes to several hundred billion galaxies, each made of several hundred billion stars. The numbers are uncertain because many stars lurk outside of galaxies . That's an estimated 1023 stars in the universe, or hundreds of times more than the number of sand grains on all of Earth's beaches. There are an estimated 10 82 atoms in the universe . However, this prodigious number falls far short of accounting for all the matter predicted by the Big Bang. Careful accounting indicates that stars contain only 0.5% of the matter in the universe. Ten times more atoms are presumably floating freely in space. Just 0.03% of the matter is elements other than hydrogen and helium , including carbon and all the building blocks of life. The cosmic web is an underpinning structure to our universe. | Credit: RubinObs/NOIRLab/SLAC/NSF/DOE/AURA/J. Pinto, CC BY 4.0 Looking between galaxies The intergalactic medium the space between galaxies is near-total vacuum, with a density of one atom per cubic meter, or one atom every 35 cubic feet. That's less than a billionth of a billionth of the density of air on Earth. Even at this very low density, this diffuse medium adds up to a lot of matter, given the enormous, 92-billion-light-year diameter of the universe . The intergalactic medium is very hot , with a temperature of millions of degrees. That makes it difficult to observe except with X-ray telescopes , since very hot gas radiates out through the universe at very short X-ray wavelengths . X-ray telescopes have limited sensitivity because they are smaller than most optical telescopes. Deploying a new tool Astronomers recently used a new tool to solve this missing matter problem. Fast radio bursts are intense blasts of radio waves that can put out as much energy in a millisecond as the Sun puts out in three days. First discovered in 2007, scientists found that the bursts are caused by compact stellar remnants in distant galaxies. Their energy peters out as the bursts travel through space, and by the time that energy reaches the Earth, it is a thousand times weaker than a mobile phone signal would be if emitted on the moon, then detected on Earth. Advertisement Advertisement Research from early 2025 suggests the source of the bursts is the highly magnetic region around an ultra-compact neutron star. Neutron stars are incredibly dense remnants of massive stars that have collapsed under their own gravity after a supernova explosion. The particular type of neutron star that emits radio bursts is called a magnetar , with a magnetic field a thousand trillion times stronger than the Earth's. Even though astronomers don't fully understand fast radio bursts, they can use them to probe the spaces between galaxies. As the bursts travel through space, interactions with electrons in the hot intergalactic gas preferentially slow down longer wavelengths. The radio signal is spread out, analogous to the way a prism turns sunlight into a rainbow. Astronomers use the amount of spreading to calculate how much gas the burst has passed through on its way to Earth. Puzzle solved In the new study , published in June 2025, a team of astronomers from Caltech and the Harvard Center for Astrophysics studied 69 fast radio bursts using an array of 110 radio telescopes in California. The team found that 76% of the universe's normal matter lies in the space between galaxies, with another 15% in galaxy halos the area surrounding the visible stars in a galaxy and the remaining 9% in stars and cold gas within galaxies. The complete accounting of normal matter in the universe provides a strong affirmation of the Big Bang theory. The theory predicts the abundance of normal matter formed in the first few minutes of the universe, so by recovering the predicted 5%, the theory passes a critical test. Advertisement Advertisement Several thousand fast radio bursts have already been observed, and an upcoming array of radio telescopes will likely increase the discovery rate to 10,000 per year. Such a large sample will let fast radio bursts become powerful tools for cosmology . Cosmology is the study of the size, shape and evolution of the universe. Radio bursts could go beyond counting atoms to mapping the three-dimensional structure of the cosmic web. A pie chart showing the universe's matter-energy budget | Credit: Robert Lea (created with Canva) Pie chart of the universe Scientists may now have the complete picture of where normal matter is distributed, but most of the universe is still made up of stuff they don't fully understand. The most abundant ingredients in the universe are dark matter and dark energy, both of which are poorly understood. Dark energy is causing the accelerating expansion of the universe , and dark matter is the invisible glue that holds galaxies and the universe together. Dark matter is probably a previously unstudied type of fundamental particle that is not part of the standard model of particle physics. Physicists haven't been able to detect this novel particle yet, but we know it exists because, according to general relativity , mass bends light, and far more gravitational lensing is seen than can be explained by visible matter. With gravitational lensing, a cluster of galaxies bends and magnifies light in a way that's analogous to an optical lens . Dark matter outweighs conventional matter by more than a factor of five. One mystery may be solved, but a larger mystery remains. While dark matter is still enigmatic, we now know a lot about the normal atoms making up us as humans, and the world around us. Mudslides buried cars and homes up to their windows in a California mountain town as a powerful storm system brought the wettest Christmas in decades to the southern part of the state. As much as 12in of rain fell across the area on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service, triggering flooding and washing out roads. Local authorities issued an evacuation warning for Wrightwood, California, a town of just under 5,000 people around 80 miles (130km) north-east of Los Angeles, as images showed mud and debris engulfing homes and vehicles. The San Bernardino county fire department on Thursday night stated that one person was injured in the slide, but that weather conditions were expected to improve and there was no ongoing safety threat. Advertisement Advertisement The town remained under an evacuation warning on Friday morning with some surrounding roads closed, according to the countys emergency service system. There was still a risk of more flash flooding and mudslides on Friday around Los Angeles, the National Weather Service warned, even as the rain began to ease up. Still not quite out of the woods, but for the most part, the worst is over, said Mike Wofford, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Los Angeles. Firefighters rescued more than 100 people Thursday in Los Angeles county, with one helicopter pulling 21 people from stranded cars, officials said. LA police also responded to more than 350 traffic collisions, the mayors office said. Advertisement Advertisement The storms, a result of atmospheric rivers carrying plumes of moisture from the tropics, hit during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. The immense rainfall was also a stark shift from last winter, when an exceedingly dry year created conditions for the rapid spread of devastating wildfires across the region. The system brought the wettest Christmas season to downtown Los Angeles in 54 years, the National Weather Service said. At least three people have been killed since the storms began earlier this week. A motorist was killed in the northern California city of Redding after becoming trapped in their vehicle during a flood. Farther south, a Sacramento sheriffs deputy died in what appeared to be a weather-related crash. And in San Diego, a man was reportedly killed by a falling tree. In Wrightwood, the storm knocked out power and left a gas station and coffee shop that ran on generators to serve as a hub for residents and visitors. Advertisement Advertisement 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 almost evacuated the previous day, when water washed away a chunk of their backyard, but they decided to stay and still celebrated the holiday. Lopiccolo got a new snowboard and an e-bike. We just played card games all night with candles and flashlights, he said. Related: One dead in California floods as state braces for brutal week of Christmas storms Davey Schneider hiked a mile and a half (2.4km) through rain and flood water up to his shins from his Wrightwood residence on Wednesday to rescue cats from his grandfathers house. Advertisement Advertisement I wanted to help them out because I wasnt confident that they were going to live, Schneider said on Thursday. Fortunately, they all lived. Theyre all OK just a little bit scared. 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 Shawn Millerick, San Bernardino county fire department spokesperson. Were ready, he said. Its all hands on deck at this point. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Southern California typically gets half an inch to 1 inch (1.3-2.5cm) of rain this time of year, but this week many areas could see 4-8in, with even more in the mountains, National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford said. More wind and heavy snow was expected in the Sierra Nevada, where gusts created near white-out conditions and made mountain pass travel treacherous. Elsewhere across the US, millions of additional residents were bracing for extreme weather. Forecasters said that a weekend storm could bring New York Citys biggest snowfall in three years. Freezing rain was falling Friday in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and in New York, an emergency was declared for much of the state before widespread snowfall expected on Friday night into Saturday morning. In Connecticut, people were encouraged to avoid travel as a winter storm approached the north-east on Friday. This article was amended on 26 December 2025. A mile and a half is equal to 2.4km, not 1.6km, as an earlier version stated. Sonora, CA The California legislature kicks off a new session next month, and Mother Lode Republican Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil has released a list of budget priorities for the New Year. They include fully funding Proposition 36 (passed by voters in 2024 to reduce crime), investing in wildfire prevention and mitigation, supporting distressed hospitals, expanding tax breaks for renters, reducing government-imposed unemployment debt for job creators, and investing in more water storage. Related to Prop 36, she says that law enforcement and mental health providers estimate it will cost $350 million annually to fully implement the November 2024 ballot measure. The current 2025-26 budget only provides $80 million. For wildfires, Alvarado-Gil proposes a minimum $2 billion annual commitment to fire prevention, including utilizing year-round firefighters, and prioritizing CAL FIRE grants to areas with the highest concentration of FAIR Plan members. To reduce the risk of hospital closures due to Medi-Cal underpayments, she would like to see the Distressed Hospital Loan Program (funded at $300 million back in 2023-24) at least be restored to that level. She also hopes to see the states renters tax credit expanded to help provide relief from rising housing costs. She says the priorities reflect the needs of families in District 4 and across the state. California has the resources to address our most pressing challenges, but only if we prioritize fiscal responsibility, accountability, and real results over wasteful spending, said Senator Alvarado-Gil. The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that an EF-0 tornado touched down in Boyle Heights on Christmas Day, leaving behind damaged roofs, broken windows and debris. A team of experts was sent to the area to tour the damage and view surveillance video. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined the NWS in the area where the strong winds hit. The tornado came through at 10:10 a.m., with winds up to 80 mph. The NWS said the tornado's path was about a quarter-mile long and had a width of 30 yards. Advertisement Advertisement The EF-0 rating was based on damage to power poles, roof damage and multiple signs across the area. No injuries were reported. Cameras on Whittier Boulevard near Lorena Street show violent winds sending debris flying. Two windows were blown out at a Mexican restaurant in a strip mall. Signs were torn from buildings, and portions of rooftops were seen flying through the air. "Enhanced Fujita Scale level 0, 80 mph winds, path length quarter-mile, path width 30 yards," said Dr. Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist with the NWS. "Relative to many tornadoes in Oklahoma, it was one of the lowest ratings, but still impactful." Advertisement Advertisement Tornado Warnings were issued in the area during the storm. Eyewitness News spoke to neighbors who watched as a roof in the neighborhood was blown off. From mud to flooded streets, a Christmas week storm caused hundreds of traffic accidents and severe damage, even ripping off the roof of a home. "It blew like, if it was a tornado coming through our neighborhood," neighbor Carlos said. Video captured the dramatic moments when the roof blew off the home, sending debris spiraling through the air. It was an unwelcome surprise on Christmas morning. "We were inside the house, and we were just watching movies, and we hear this big gust of wind, like hitting our window. And then all of a sudden, we look outside, and the roof of the neighbor's is just flying all over the place," Mauricio Mendez said. Tornadoes are ranked on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale, ranking them from EF-0 to EF-5 based on estimated wind speeds and damage. You've got to hand it to the authorities in Richmond, Virginia. Not only did they come up with a catchy name for a crackdown on vape shops, but they're also backing it up. The Richmonder reported on the rollout of the city's serious Operation Vaporize initiative to curb illegal activities in the vaping industry. The program has already shut down 18 of the 30 inspected vape shops, citing issues like lack of city permissions, building code violations, and the presence of illegal drugs and firearms. Advertisement Advertisement Previously, Richmond's City Council unveiled a restrictive ordinance that made opening new vape shops very challenging. Still, "grandfathered in" shops are drawing the ire of law enforcement and local residents. The businesses are proving to be a worthy target. The Richmond Police Department guessed there are around 90 of them in the city, and many are merely masquerading as that. Their real business is selling drugs like marijuana and other illegal products. The businesses are thus attracting their own related crime, including commercial robberies that have rankled locals. So far in Operation Vaporize, police have discovered illegal firearms, large quantities of marijuana, and over $60,000 in illicit currency through search warrants. Even for the compliant vape shops, their business presents its own public health and environmental concerns. Advertisement Advertisement The rise of disposable vapes has significant environmental implications, contributing to increased single-use plastics and e-waste, including improperly discarded lithium batteries. That can create an eyesore when litter piles up and a fire hazard when they are disposed of incorrectly. Health impacts are also a concern, especially for young people. The vaping industry is teeming with flavored products often marketed toward children. Vapes can get teens hooked on nicotine or exposed to opioids and other hidden additives. In Richmond, there remains an uphill battle to not just temporarily shutter these illegal businesses, but to put them down for good. Advertisement Advertisement "We have had our SWAT teams kicking in doors at these places, we're arresting the clerks and the business is back open the next day," explained Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards. Edwards said legal business owners back the city's efforts, and they want Operation Vaporize to clean up the city. Using Virginia's "drug blight" powers is another level Edwards is pushing. "I've got to believe holding the owners of the structures accountable for what happens on their property is going to be a long-term solution," concluded Edwards. 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. Although the United States didn't have an official federal presence at a November United Nations summit in Belem, Brazil, California Gov. Gavin Newsom attended on behalf of his state. In fact, as a state governor, Newsom was the highest-ranking American representative to attend the United Nations' Conference of the Parties (COP30). On Dec. 20, the Guardian profiled Newsom's five days in Brazil, during which he vocally decried the American federal government's aggressive rescission of a vast range of clean energy policies, subsidies, and initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement As Newsom frequently asserts, California is now the world's fourth-largest economy, and his remarks throughout the conference made a compelling case for states' power to facilitate the adoption and deployment of clean energy, regardless of national policy shifts. During the event, Newsom announced that California's economy was powered by clean energy for an astonishing "nine out of 10 days" in 2025. "Outside of China, there's only one other jurisdiction in the world California that has as much battery storage implemented," he added. In addition to utility-scale battery backups, home solar paired with sufficient storage keeps the lights on during widespread power outages. According to The Guardian, California's stunning clean energy evolution did not happen spontaneously; the state has invested "heavily in solar, wind, and battery storage" to meet its "ambitious targets." Advertisement Advertisement Installing solar panels is the ultimate home energy hack, in part because battery storage makes homes more resilient. They're becoming increasingly sought after as electric bills continue to soar, because solar panels can bring monthly costs down to $0 or even less. TCD's Solar Explorer connects the clean energy-curious with vetted local techs, curates competitive bids, and can save new customers up to $10,000 on new installations. California offers significant subsidies for solar power, which is undoubtedly a factor in the state's impressive growth in clean energy in 2025. Solar panels can involve upfront costs, but Solar Explorer also offers $0 down subscription options, like Palmetto's LightReach. Programs like Palmetto's LightReach allow customers to lock in lower rates, but Solar Explorer has options for nearly every home and budget. Advertisement Advertisement As the Guardian observed, renewables like solar are "booming worldwide," and the International Energy Agency projected more new projects in the coming five years than in the previous four decades. In the U.S., California isn't just leading the way; it's providing a scalable, replicable state-level model to bring affordable clean energy to American homes. According to the outlet, California's energy commission described the switch as the "biggest transformation of its power grid in a century," adding that the state was close to eliminating the use of coal entirely. 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. (The Center Square) - Weeks after the federal government lowered the borrowing limit for student loans for graduate degrees in nursing, professionals and elected officials are sounding off on the impact. U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman, D-Burbank, said the proposed federal rules could affect the number of people who can enter the profession and hurt nursing students in her district. The rules will make it more difficult to attract nursing students at a time when that's already a challenge, the California congresswoman told The Center Square in a phone interview Friday. This is a real insult, because they are re-classifying [nurses] from being a profession. This sends a terrible signal to people who are studying for years to get these degrees so they can serve the public in a medical setting. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Education in November proposed new limits on the amount of money a student can borrow. The department said the new rules will take effect in July if a department committee approves the changes. The new restrictions include a $200,000 limit for loans to students seeking medical, law and other professional degrees. Nursing, however, was not included among the professional degrees. Students pursuing a master's degree or doctorate in nursing will be limited to $100,000 in total borrowing costs, much like students pursuing degrees in liberal arts and other areas not categorized as professional. The proposed changes also stipulate that graduate students such as those studying nursing can only borrow $20,500 a school year. But professional students going to medical or law school could receive $50,000 a school year. Advertisement Advertisement This will benefit borrowers who will no longer be pushed into insurmountable debt to finance degrees that do not pay off, said Nicholas Kent, the U.S. undersecretary of education in a news release issued right after the new rules were formulated. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Education were unavailable for comment on Friday. National Nurses United, the biggest union of registered nurses in the U.S., condemned the U.S. Department of Education's proposed changes. This is an attack on the nursing profession, National Nurses United said in a news release. Shutting down nurses access to resources to seek higher education will only further contribute to forces driving nurses away from the bedside. Advertisement Advertisement According to a poll by nurse.com, 59% of nurses said they would not consider pursuing a graduate degree in the field knowing the proposed rules. Respondents said the policy change signals a negative message about the value of the profession. They added they are worried fewer people will pursue careers in nursing. About 20% said they were concerned about a reduced ability to take out the student loans required to get through nursing school and that they would have a higher personal debt. Estimates from the Congressional Budget Office project the federal government would save roughly $284 billion over the next eight years by cutting federal student loan borrowing. However, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Congress passed in July, the federal budget deficit would swell to $3.4 trillion in those same eight years, the office estimated. Republicans and Democrats who sit on education and health committees in the California Assembly and Senate were not available for comment on Friday. Officials with the University of California and California State University, which offer nursing degrees, were also unavailable. An Oklahoma bill would prohibit state agencies from using the term "West Bank" to refer to the Palestinian territory in the Middle East that's long been envisioned as a site of a future Palestinian state. Senate Bill 1208, authored by Republican Sen. Julie McIntosh, denotes the landlocked state as "Judea and Samaria," a reference to a biblical region and name given by the Israeli government to the West Bank. An opponent of the bill and advocate for Muslims in Oklahoma said the bill has little material impact on improving the lives of Oklahomans and further marginalizes the Palestinian community. What is the West Bank? The West Bank is home to an estimated three million Palestinians, according to reporting by the BBC. Palestinians have always opposed Israel's presence in the region and want the West Bank, along with East Jerusalem and Gaza, to be part of a future independent state. Advertisement Advertisement Israel currently has control of the West Bank. However, since the 1990s, the Palestinian National Authority has run most of its towns and cities, as reported by the BBC. Sen. Julie McIntosh, R-Porter, authored a the "Judea and Samaria Act" that would prohibit state agencies from using the term "West Bank" to refer to the Palestinian territory in the Middle East. McIntosh, from Porter in northeast Oklahoma, told The Oklahoman that SB 1208 does not attempt to resolve questions of sovereignty and foreign policy. Instead, she said it would ensure that Oklahomas official communications reflect "historically grounded terminology." "By promoting accuracy and context in official references, SB 1208 supports educational integrity and reaffirms Oklahomas longstanding support for our ally Israel, while remaining mindful of the complex and contested nature of the regions modern political history," McIntosh said. SB 1208 would delegitimize the Palestinian liberation effort, advocate says Similar bills have been introduced in Congress and other state legislatures, including in Florida and Arkansas. Such legislation has only become law in Arkansas, which was passed in April as Act 797. Advertisement Advertisement Veronica Laizure, executive director of Oklahoma's chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations, said if SB 1208 moves forward, it would be an indication of state lawmakers putting allegiance with Israel over the lives of struggling Oklahoma families. She added that it would also delegitimize and dehumanize the cause of Palestinian liberation. "I know we at CAIR Oklahoma and many of our Palestinian and Arab colleagues would be incredibly disappointed should the Oklahoma Legislature signal that kind of intent," Laizure said. "We sincerely hope that it does not move forward and that it stays as it currently is, which is just a public statement of posture that has no real impact on the lives of the Oklahoma community that we serve." What is Judea and Samaria? McIntosh said the West Bank has been known historically as Judea and Samaria, adding that SB 1208 focuses on educational clarity, historical context and consistency in how Oklahoma's state agencies reference historically significant regions. A legislative policy memo from CAIR's national organization states that renaming the West Bank as "Judea and Samaria" is not about accuracy or heritage. The memo points to the United Nations' 1947 partition plan that designated the West Bank and Gaza as parts of a future Arab state, acknowledging Palestinians and Indigenous people with political and territorial rights. Advertisement Advertisement The memo claims the later Israeli narrative claiming "Judea and Samaria" was invented to overwrite this consensus and "disguise colonization as restoration." The memo states the term "Judea and Samaria" invokes biblical claims that have no standing in modern law. Advocate calls on the Oklahoma Legislature to recognize Palestinian deaths Laizure said she'd love to see legislation that recognizes the violence that Palestinians have been subjected to over the past two years. "Any acknowledgement that something is going on that is not right would be incredibly powerful to our community," she said. In June, the number of Palestinians reportedly killed in the Israel-Hamas war crossed the 60,000 threshold. Many have also been displaced and malnourished. In September, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israeli officials incited genocide in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement "We would love to see in the next session a little bit more of a recognition that Palestinian Americans exist in Oklahoma," Laizure said. "Palestinian Oklahomans are your constituents and deserve to be honored and recognized for the struggle that their families are going through." Recently enacted legislation defines antisemitism in public education The Legislature passed two measures last year that target antisemitism in public schools and universities, including SB 942, which requires public schools and colleges to integrate the definition of antisemitism into their codes of conduct and include antisemitism awareness in training programs for students and staff. In addition, SB 991 adopts the working definition of antisemitism established by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. That definition has drawn criticism by free speech advocates for conflating antisemitism with claiming that the existence of the State of Israel is a racist endeavor, comparing contemporary Israeli policy to that of Nazi Germany and holding Israel to "double standards" not expected of other nations. Critics have said that the language suggests antisemitism could manifest as hostility to Israel and Zionism. Laizure said Oklahoma's Muslim community stands with its Jewish neighbors who are experiencing antisemitism and an increase in anti-Jewish sentiment and discrimination. But she said she's concerned those bills could curtail the free speech rights of people who are calling for justice in the Palestinian territories. Advertisement Advertisement Laizure added that Palestinian Oklahomans are seeing branches of their family wiped off the map, and that hasn't been equitably addressed by the Legislature. "We will always stand with our Jewish neighbors against antisemitism," she said. "But calling for justice and anti-genocide is not, in our view, that." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma bill would ban use of term 'West Bank' in state agencies Dec. 27GRAND FORKS A year after he was selected as Grand Forks' new police chief and 11 months since being sworn in, Jason Freedman says there are two main concerns at the Grand Forks Police Department: recruitment and retention, and being present at community events to deter threats. "Recruitment and retention is an enormous challenge for us right now," Freedman said. "It's a challenge for law enforcement agencies across the country." Freedman said that, as of Nov. 24, the department had 90 sworn officers of the 101 it's authorized to employ, and "filling 11 spots is extremely difficult." Advertisement Advertisement "The biggest challenge is just not getting enough applicants who meet all of the criteria," he said. Ten years ago, there would be 20 or 30 applicants per open position. Now, Freedman estimates the department has received only slightly more applications than that total across all open positions. Within that small pool, many applicants fail to pass written, physical or background checks. Some also accept jobs elsewhere. It's difficult to recruit and retain highly qualified officers, because other agencies offer incentives and benefits that surpass those offered by the GFPD, Freedman said. His agency is trying to find ways to become more competitive. Being understaffed can cause many issues, he said, including a diminished ability to provide adequate service; proactive policing; maintain officers' health, wellness and morale. It also hinders the department's ability to send officers away for training. Advertisement Advertisement One of the pillars of the GFPD's strategic plan, required every four years for accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (known as CALEA), is recruitment and retention. A working group is gathering data to find out what officers value that can be addressed within the agency, and additional conversations are underway with city officials to determine how to make the GFPD's patrol positions more competitive. Freedman said they've identified some ideas, but will need time to flesh them out and put more data behind them before making any requests for financial support from the city. "We understand that we need to be competitive, but we also understand that the city's budget is finite, and there are other agencies and entities that are running short and have needs as well," he said. Though the agency is understaffed, Freedman feels progress has been made. The city supported three COPS grant-funded patrol positions; an evidence technician was added, which Freedman said was desperately needed; and some civilian employees have been reclassified, allowing for additional career growth. Advertisement Advertisement "From a personnel standpoint, we've had great success this year," he said. Freedman was named the GFPD's new police chief on Nov. 22, 2024, and was sworn in late January. Coming from the Madison (Wisconsin) Police Department, he said he's been impressed in his first year with how progressive the agency is despite its small size. While attending events, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference in October, Freedman said he was pleased that many of the recommendations made at health and wellness classes are things already in practice at his agency. Examples include critical incident debriefs, yearly mental health checks and gym access. Advertisement Advertisement Freedman said there have been no major policy changes yet during his time as chief. He feels there's still much more for him to learn about the community, but he has been involved in some areas where he feels well-informed, such as issues regarding the homeless population. "It just so happened that I had a fair amount of experience in the homeless arena," he said. "I wish the community wasn't grappling with it, but it certainly felt like I could speak cogently on that." Freedman has spoken publicly about ordinances that have since been improved and implemented, like the ability to issue no-trespass orders for city property and to cite people for unlawful camping. Advertisement Advertisement He said he's a big believer in having a large toolbox to ensure officers are prepared for all types of situations. Freedman's other main concern at the agency so far is its ability to be present at community events. Doing so, he said, helps keep attendees safe and deters any possible crime. Freedman said his agency still has work to do, but a larger police presence has been added to outdoor events in particular, such as HollyDazzle, which took place downtown in late November. "We had the streets department move heavy vehicles to block some of our streets, because one of the big takeaways at these outdoor events is wooden barricades, and even police cars and police officers, won't stop a motivated suspect in a vehicle," he said. It's important to get the message out that there will be more police at events, because the GFPD wants people to know they are safe the increased presence is a proactive measure, not a result of any specific incident and suspects to know public events are not a soft target, Freedman said. He expects the change will be fully implemented in 2026. We are the free world now. Those words from Raphael Glucksmann, a French socialist member of the European Parliament, captured the pearl-clutching outrage of Europeans after the Trump administration did what no prior administration has ever done stand up to Europe to defend the freedom of speech. This week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio barred five figures closely associated with European censorship efforts from traveling to the U.S. This includes Thierry Breton, the former European Union commissioner responsible for digital policy. In a post on X, Rubio declared that the U.S. will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship and will target leading figures of the global censorship-industrial complex from entering the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Breton achieved infamy as one of the architects of the massive EU censorship system, which is now being globalized. Armed with the notorious Digital Service Act, Breton and others threatened American companies and officials that they would have to yield to European standards of free speech. After Breton learned that Musk was planning to interview Trump before the last presidential election, he even warned the X owner that he would be monitored and potentially subject to EU fines. Socialist Glucksmann is now irate at this scandalous sanction against Thierry Breton. We are Europeans, he declared. We must defend our laws, our principles, our interests. In other words, this is a war over whether Europe or the U.S. Constitution will dictate the scope of free speech for American companies and citizens. Breton and his colleagues are finally being treated as what they are: a clear and present danger to the indispensable right that defines all Americans. Advertisement Advertisement The EU has been enlisted by anti-free speech figures in the U.S. to force companies like X and Facebook to restore censorship of Americans. After Musk bought Twitter with a pledge to restore free-speech protections, Hillary Clinton called upon European officials to force him to censor under Europes Digital Services Act. Nina Jankowicz, the former head of Bidens infamous Disinformation Governance Board, appeared before the European Parliament. She called upon the 27 EU countries to fight against the U.S., which she described as a global threat. The E.U. enthusiastically took up the challenge. This year, I spoke in Berlin at the World Forum, which boosted the slogan, A New World Order with European Values. Bill and Hillary Clinton and other Americans cheered on the European efforts. The Digital Services Act bars speech that is viewed as disinformation or incitement. When it was passed over the condemnations of many of us in the free speech community, European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager celebrated by declaring that it is not a slogan anymore that what is illegal offline should also be seen and dealt with as illegal online. Now it is a real thing. Democracys back. Advertisement Advertisement It is indeed a real thing. In my forthcoming book, Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution, I discuss the challenges facing our republic in the 21st century, including the EU and its transnational governance model. Many on the left are supporting the erosion of national laws and values in favor of standards set by global experts and elites. This cadre of American enablers has been increasingly vocal in Europe. Notably, late-night ABC host Jimmy Kimmel delivered a Christmas Eve address in Great Britain denouncing the U.S. as a global threat. He declared that from a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year. Tyranny is booming over here. It was crushingly ironic. Many of us have been writing for years about how free speech has been eviscerated in the United Kingdom, where people are being prosecuted for toxic ideologies and an ever-lengthening list of unacceptable political viewpoints. Justice Amy Coney Barrett issued a warning this week about the collapse of free speech in the United Kingdom. Yet that is where a comedian, who is paid millions and attacks Trump nightly, went to complain about the threat to free speech in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Both Vice President JD Vance and Secretary Rubio have delivered major speeches warning the EU about its effort to export censorship systems, particularly targeting American citizens and companies. After years of encouragement and enabling from the Obama and Biden administrations, the U.S. government is finally in this fight. That is why Europe is up in arms, denouncing the move to bar these officials as an attack on its own sovereignty. In other words, an effort to defend our own free speech values is a threat to the proclaimed New World Order with European Values. In reality, I do not like travel bans. I prefer that these figures come to this country and face free-speech advocates. Yet despite our calls for Congress to get into this fight, it has done nothing due to opposition from Democratic members. We cannot wait as the EU weaponizes and globalizes censorship. Glucksmann is right about one thing. This is a fight over who today can be rightfully called the free world. In the U.S., we continue to cling to the quaint notion that the free world should be based on well, freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law at George Washington University. He is the author of the forthcoming Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. 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. A sulfuric acid leak at an industrial plant in east Harris County sent two people to the hospital and led to over 40 people being treated, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said the incident began around 2 a.m. on Saturday at the BWC Terminals facility when a catwalk structure collapsed onto a 6-inch sulfuric acid supply line at the industrial plant near Channelview. The Channelview Fire District, which led the hazmat response, said crews were sent to the 16300 block of Jacintoport Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff's office said two people with breathing problems were taken to the hospital, and people from two ships docked at the San Jacinto Port were checked at the scene. SkyEye was over the scene, surveying the facility, when ABC13's Don Armstrong pointed out what appeared to be the damaged scaffolding that officials said caused the leak. In an update later that morning, Judge Lina Hidalgo said environmental monitoring was underway after about 1 million gallons of sulfuric acid stored in a tank were released, with some leaking into the Houston Ship Channel. BWC Terminals later clarified in a statement that the affected tank was carrying 1 million gallons, but most of it was released into the facility's designated containment area. The company added that an unknown amount of product entered the water of the Houston Ship Channel and that there were no reported impacts on marine life. Advertisement Advertisement Hidalgo also said that the two people sent to the hospital had already been released, and that 44 others were treated at the scene. The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office said it was also on the scene and monitoring air quality after several reports of people feeling sick and having trouble breathing. The sheriff's office said there was no danger to the public because the leak was limited to the industrial area, so a shelter-in-place order was not needed. Deputies said the Houston Ship Channel remained open, but some nearby roads were closed to let emergency vehicles get through. Investigators said chemical spills like this are rare, but the companies involved have "some of the best" hazmat teams to handle such situations. Advertisement Advertisement Deputies told Eyewitness News the leak was stopped a little after 6 a.m. Judge Lina Hidalgo said an investigation into the leak is underway. For news updates, follow Brianna Willis on Facebook, x and Instagram. Pete Hegseths bomb-first, question-later approach to alleged narcoterrorists is reportedly helping those same terrorists get off scot-free. A Hegseth-directed bombing on a boat allegedly carrying drugs from Ecuador destroyed the evidence that was crucial to the prosecution of the survivors, according to a damning Washington Post report. Andres Fernando Tufino Chila, a 42-year-old Ecuadorian native with a drug-trafficking record, was one of two survivors of an Oct. 16 U.S. strike on a submarine that the Pentagon alleges was carrying drugs overseas. Two others were killed in the strike, and the fourth was extradited to Colombia. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. military captured Chila, then sent him back to Ecuador to be prosecuted. However, the U.S. provided the Ecuadorian government with no evidence that could lead to Chilas arrest. Any evidence proving that Chila was committing a crime on that boat, such as seized drugs, GPS records, or cell phones, was blasted to the bottom of the sea. The Ecuadorian government was forced to let Chila go, according to the Washington Post. Andres Fernando Tufino Chila was let go by the Ecuadorian government, as the U.S. destroyed any evidence that could have supported he committed a crime. / Ministerio del interior de Ecuador The failure to even apprehend an alleged narcoterrorist is at extreme odds with the 45-year-old Defense Secretarys tough-on-narcoterrorism rhetoric. If these people were drug traffickers and deserving of death, how is it that you would pick them up and just let them go? Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), a member of the House intelligence and foreign affairs committees, told the Post. Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Hegseth staked his reputation and his job on the effectiveness of the boat strikes. / Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images We have consistently said that our intelligence did indeed confirm these boats were trafficking narcotics destined for America. That same intelligence also confirms that the individuals involved in these drug operations are/were narco-terrorists, and we stand by that assessment, the Pentagon stated in a statement to The Post. Hegseth has staked his reputation and potentially his job on the effectiveness of the boat strikes. Hegseth recently landed in hot water for an alleged kill them all order on a Venezuelan drug boat, killing survivors of an initial September 2 strike that critics have labeled a potential war crime. Hegseth has racked up controversies and embarrassments in one year as Secretary of Defense. / Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images When reports of the order surfaced in late November, Hegseth boasted, Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them. Advertisement Advertisement The double tap incident was Hegseths most serious controversy in a year full of embarrassments, leading to speculation he would soon face the axe. President Trump, 79, dumped responsibility for the attack on Hegseth, saying, I didnt know about the second strike. I didnt know anything about people. I wasnt involved. However, he has also vocally supported Hegseth through the ordeal. Poland closed two airports overnight for safety reasons due to heavy Russian air strikes on Ukraine, aviation authorities said early on Saturday. "Due to the need to ensure freedom of operation of military aviation, the airports in Rzeszow and Lublin temporarily suspended air operations," the national air traffic control agency PANSA posted on X. Both cities are located close to the Ukrainian border. Advertisement Advertisement The Polish military had previously announced that its fighter jets had taken off together with those of NATO allies to protect Poland's airspace. However, there were no airspace violations. The military reported the end of the mission at around 8 am (0700 GMT). Poland routinely scrambles fighter jets when Russia launches aerial attacks on Ukrainian regions close to the border. However, this does not usually result in Polish airports being simultaneously closed. San Andreas, CA Lieutenant Greg Stark, a well-known community leader, has retired following a 31-year career with the Calaveras County Sheriffs Office. In addition to various other roles, most recently, he has been serving as the departments Public Information Officer, helping to connect the sheriffs office with the community. Lieutenant Stark began his career in 1994 as a Correctional Officer, following in the footsteps of his father, John, who had a distinguished career in law enforcement with the Calaveras County Sheriffs Office and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Lieutenant Stark advanced through the ranks, gaining experience in custody operations, patrol, investigations, specialized teams, and administration. The Sheriffs Office reports that early in his career, Lieutenant Stark served as a Correctional Officer and Field Training Officer before moving into Patrol as a Deputy in 1998. He was promoted to Corporal in 2003 and to Patrol Sergeant in 2005, supervising assignments that included Off-Highway Vehicle enforcement, Bailiff operations, and patrol at Lake Camanche. He continued in that role until 2014. From 2014 to 2017, he served as a Sergeant in the Marine Safety Division, then as Criminal Investigations Sergeant from 2017 to 2019. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2021. He served in the Operations Division and, most recently, as Administration Lieutenant from October 2022 until his retirement. Throughout his career, Lieutenant Stark was very involved in specialized teams and programs. He spent 25 years in Search and Rescue, 14 years as a Dive Team member and leader, and 12 years on the Sheriffs SWAT team, eventually serving as SWAT Commander. He also worked with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, coordinated Law Enforcement Mutual Aid, led the Rural Crimes program, and oversaw Neighborhood Watch. Lieutenant Stark also supervised the K-9 program, led the Crowd Control team, served on the Sheriffs Bike Team for eight years, and represented law enforcement on the CAL FIRE Type 1 Incident Management Team. He also hosted the Calaveras Behind the Badge podcast. Lieutenant Stark earned three Medals of Merit, two Unit Citations, five Campaign Ribbons, and was named Deputy of the Year in 2006. A pregnant small business owner in Fresno known for her popular homemade Mexican candy recently had all of her professional belongings stolen and is seeking the communitys help through GoFundMe to recover her equipment. About 12 p.m. December 4, Kayla Delgado saw someone had smashed her cars windows and stole all of her business equipment, including a portable heater, portable charger, lights, drill-bit system, batteries, containers and all her candy. Delgado, owner of Highly Addictive Candy, estimated that the total cost of the stolen items was about $1,800, not including the candy she also lost, according to a police report. Advertisement Advertisement My things normally dont stay in my car but because Im pregnant, its difficult for me to take everything to my storage unit and I dont have any help after events. My employee goes home, she said. Delgado is expecting a baby girl. The theft has disrupted the plans she had made for her maternity leave. Financially, this has been devastating. I was counting on working this last month before maternity leave to support myself without working for a couple of months, but losing everything I worked years to build makes it incredibly hard to keep going, she said. Fresno police examined her car for fingerprints and other evidence, but both Delgado and authorities said they were unable to link the crime to a suspect. As a result, she is relying on the donations she has received so far through her GoFundMe page to help replace some of her belongings. Advertisement Advertisement I cried for the first few days because the outpouring of donations was overwhelming, Delgado said. Fellow vendors understood how difficult and costly it is to replace equipment that people assume is easy to buy, but actually takes a large part of our income. Delgado first started her business in 2020 while she was in college, balancing school, student loans, tuition, books, and rent, while working as a manager at a pizzeria and not making enough to make ends meet. Her first customers were students at her apartment complex. Students told me, These are really good, why dont you sell this at a market and go mainstream? If it werent for them, I wouldnt have thought to, she said. Her business offers gummy-based candy with about 25 different options. She makes the candy powder and chamoy in-house. Her products include chamoy apples, cucumber wraps, pickle wraps, and watermelon pops. Delgado is currently offering homemade platters for the holidays and plans to resume her presence at Tuesday farmers markets in February after she delivers her daughter. Dec. 27GRAND FORKS A proposed roundabout at the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and Airport Drive has been met with support from some and disapproval from others, with those against it saying it will increase accidents and create confusion for drivers. Similar concerns were raised by some community members of Deer Park, Washington, about nine years ago, when a roundabout was first suggested by the Washington State Department of Transportation for a dangerous intersection outside of town. Advertisement Advertisement "There was a lot of animosity toward it," Deer Park Mayor Tim Verzal told the Grand Forks Herald, adding that during the planning process for the project, community members were invited to open-house, informational meetings to share their thoughts. "It was not promoted very well by the public." The roundabout was completed in 2018. Verzal said there was a learning curve as residents got used to it; comments now have been positive, and the animosity has mostly faded away. The intersection of U.S. Highway 395 and Crawford Road/Monroe Street near Dear Park was the site of a high number of accidents over the years, to the point that Verzal said the intersection used to be referred to as "Coffin Corner." According to an article from 2017, when the roundabout was initially approved, there had been more than 80 crashes on Highway 395 near Deer Park between 2010 and 2017. In January 2016, seven months before the WSDOT proposed changing the intersection, a crash there seriously injured five people, two of them aged 10 and 6. Advertisement Advertisement West of Grand Forks, the intersection of Highway 2 and Airport Drive also has seen its share of traffic accidents; between 2014 and 2024, there were 41 accidents at the intersection, according to past Herald reports. It has led community members to question what can be done to reduce the rate of accidents there. Earlier this month, Grand Forks County commissioners formally backed a proposed two-lane roundabout design for the intersection, and discussed other safety measures that potentially could be added to the roundabout. Commissioners voted unanimously to endorse the design and alert the Grand Forks City Council and state Department of Transportation of their decision to support the roundabout. Since the roundabout in Deer Park was installed, Verzal said there have been zero fatalities at the intersection. To his knowledge, there were as many as five to seven deaths at the location previously. The two intersections do have some differences; Grand Forks would be changing from a signaled intersection to a two-lane roundabout, while Deer Park's intersection originally had through traffic on the highway with stop signs to the north and south, before it was changed to a one-lane roundabout. Advertisement Advertisement But both intersections involve a high-traffic highway. Verzal said the roundabout also helped with larger trucks that struggled to quickly reach the highway's speed limit after being stopped on one of the north-south roads. Verzal added there are three other roundabouts within his city's limits, and though those also received complaints at first, community members have come to accept them. "You have a steady flow of traffic rather than a stop at a stoplight or a stop sign," he said. "You still have to yield, but it's a lot faster. Traffic moves in a roundabout." The first meteor shower of 2026 is nearly here. The Quadrantids are expected to peak overnight Jan. 3-4, 2026, with about 10 meteors per hour, traveling at 25 miles per second, according to NASA. The meteor shower began after Christmas on Dec. 26 and will continue into mid-January. However, the wolf moon, peaking Jan. 3, could make viewing difficult because of the supermoon's brightness. Here's what to know about upcoming meteor showers. When can you see the Quadrantid meteor shower? The Quadrantid meteor shower is active from Dec. 26 to Jan. 16, 2026, and will peak Jan. 3-4, 2026, though viewing will be made difficult by the full moon peaking Jan. 3, 2026, according to NASA. The Quadrantids could bring less than 10 meteors per hour at up to 25 miles per second. How to watch the Quadrantids in Michigan The Quadrantids are best viewed at night and predawn, according to NASA. Advertisement Advertisement The Quadrantids are named after the constellation Quadrans Muralis because the meteors seem to emerge or radiate from the same area in the sky as the constellation, NASA said. However, NASA advises stargazers to also look elsewhere to get the best views. The Quadrantids should be visible across the night sky. Where can I see the Quadrantids in Michigan? Look for a clear, open area and bring your telescope to view the meteors in Michigan's night sky. Michigan is home to six dark sky state parks, three international dark sky parks and an international dark sky sanctuary. What should I do to ensure I see the meteors? Here are some general viewing tips from the space agency: Advertisement Advertisement Find an area well away from street lights and the light pollution of cities. Come prepared for winter temperatures with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair. Lie flat on your back with your feet facing the northeast and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. It should take less than 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt so that you can see streaking meteors. But be patient, NASA warns: the show will last until dawn. What causes the Quadrantid meteor shower? Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through dusty debris trails left by space objects orbiting the sun. While most meteor showers originate with comets, the Quadrantids comes from an asteroid. The debris small rocks known as meteoroids collides with Earth's atmosphere at high speed and disintegrates, creating fiery and colorful streaks in the sky, according to NASA. Advertisement Advertisement Those resulting fireballs, better known as "shooting stars," are meteors. If meteoroids survive their trip to Earth without burning up in the atmosphere, they are called meteorites, per NASA. The pieces of space debris that interact with our atmosphere to create the Leonids originate from Asteroid 3200 Phaethon. The small asteroid is named for the Greek mythology character who drove the Sun god Helios' chariot because of the asteroid's close approach to the Sun, according to NASA. When is the next meteor shower? The Lyrids will peak April 22, 2026. Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Quadrantid meteor shower is ahead. What to know Republican senators have joined Democrats to issue a pointed message to Donald Trump as he prepares to meet with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky, 47, will travel to Mar-a-Lago on Sunday to discuss a possible peace agreement to end Russias war in Ukraine with Trump, 79, who previously tried to bully Ukraine into accepting a U.S.-brokered deal favorable to Vladimir Putin. After Putin, 73, hit Ukraine with hundreds of drones and missiles over Christmas, GOP senators Thom Tillis, Jerry Moran, and John Barrasso, along with Democratic colleagues, offered a reminder that Putin, 73, is a ruthless murderer. President Donald Trump, whose approval rating has plummeted in recent months, has been accused of playing into Russian President Vladimir Putins hands while being hostile towards Ukraine and other traditional allies. / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images 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, reads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee release. Advertisement Advertisement The senators added, 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. Tillis, 65, a senator from North Carolina, Moran, 71, a senator from Kansas, and Barrasso, 73, a senator from Wyoming, were joined by Democratic Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Jacky Rosen, Chris Coons, Jeff Merkley, and Chris Van Hollen, as well as Angus King, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats. The message was not joined by more MAGA-friendly members of the committee, including its Republican chairman Jim Risch and Texas Ted Cruz. Three GOP senators joined Democrats in the release: Thom Tillis, 65, a retiring senator from North Carolina, Jerry Moran, 71, a senator from Kansas, and John Barrasso, 73, a senator from Wyoming. / Bill Clark/Getty Images Once firmly in control of congressional Republicans, Trumps influence has weakened in recent months as his approval rating has plummeted and the GOP has lost in contests across the country. Advertisement Advertisement The defeats suggest a path for Democrats to reclaim at least partial control of Congress in the 2026 midterms by flipping the House and even the Senate, leaving Trump to serve the remainder of his second term as a lame-duck president. Moreover, the trio of Republican senators is largely free from electoral pressure: Tillis is retiring in 2027, Moran faces reelection in 2028, and Barrasso in 2030. Donald Trumps approval ratings have been sliding since he re-entered office. / Gallup Critics have long accused Trump of playing into Putins hands while being hostile towards Ukraine and other traditional allies. In recent months, he launched a diplomatic push to end the war, which began with Russias full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022, but his proposed peace plan initially reflected many of Putins demands, blindsiding Zelensky and European allies. Advertisement Advertisement The demands included limitations on Ukraines military and, crucially, the surrender of territory to Russia. Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that the 20-point plan under discussion is about 90% ready. But he cautioned, Russia constantly looks for reasons not to agree. / Artur Widak/Getty Images Last month, Trump melted down at Ukraine on Truth Social, claiming that Zelensky had shown ZERO GRATITUDE in a message echoing his tantrum at their contentious Oval Office meeting in February. Zelensky responded by thanking Trump again. The Ukrainian leader announced Thursday that hed had a good conversation with Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner. A view of damage at the site of a Russian drone attack in Kyiv on December 23, 2025. / Danylo Antoniuk/Anadolu via Getty Images He told reporters Friday that he plans to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine with Trump on Sunday, as well as the sensitive issue of possible territorial concessions. While Zelesnky said the 20-point plan under discussion is about 90% ready, he cautioned, Russia constantly looks for reasons not to agree. Some may see it as creating a new era of international competition in the Horn of Africa - but the real issue is it may appear more of a strategic chessboard than it is. Following Israels recognition of the state of Somaliland, there has been much discussion surrounding why the recognition is taking place now and to what end. Given that Somaliland is situated in the Horn of Africa, with neighbors such as Ethiopia and Djibouti, the Israeli recognition is, above all, raising eyebrows regarding what is nearby the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Advertisement Advertisement The Bab al-Mandab Strait separates these two bodies of water. This is an economic choke point for shipping heading from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean. As such, this is globally considered to be a vitally important trade zone. The Iranian-backed Houthis have terrorized shipping for the last several years in this area. They claimed to do so due to the war in Gaza. Decades ago, moreover, Somali pirates routinely attacked ships off East Africas coast. A new era of international competition in the Horn of Africa This area is now in the spotlight amid Israels recognition of Somaliland. Some may see the move as marking the beginning of a new era of international competition in this part of Africa. Many countries are already involved. Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea in this photo released November 20, 2023. (credit: Houthi Military Media/Handout via REUTERS) Turkey, for instance, has been involved in Somalia and Sudan. The UAE invested in a port in Somaliland. European powers have bases and forces in Djibouti. Advertisement Advertisement However, many of the states in the region are weak or have internal conflicts. Sudan has been engaged in civil war for years. Somalia largely fell apart as a country in the early 1990s, forcing international intervention that peaked with the 1993 Black Hawk Down incident, where US forces were killed. Eritrea has long been a third-world, suffering country. Ethiopia has also had internal unrest. Across the water in Yemen, the country has also been in civil war for years. Saudi Arabia and the UAE intervened in 2015 to prevent the Houthis from taking control of Aden. Yemen has been divided for much of the last century into North and South Yemen. Egypt intervened in the 1960s, with Yemen divided again today between the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council and the Saudi-backed Yemen government. Advertisement Advertisement Many commentators see Israels move as strategic. It ostensibly puts Israel and the UAE on one side, sharing interests in this region. Meanwhile, states such as Turkey are situated on the other side. However, nothing is that simplistic. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have agreed on Yemen. Egypt is unlikely to favor changes in the Horn of Africa and already has deep concerns about the Rapid Support Forces increased presence in Sudan and about a new dam in Egypt. Qatar and many countries oppose Israels move. There's a good reason the Horn of Africa is weak The issues in the Horn of Africa appear to revolve mostly around strategic questions. While it is true that having naval forces in this area or military assets seems important, the Houthis attacks on ships have shown that with relatively simple and cheap drones and missiles, shipping can be terrorized. Somali pirates used to hijack boats by overwhelming them with mere skiffs and AK-47 automatic rifles. Advertisement Advertisement The Horn of Africa is resource-poor, and there is a good reason many of its countries are weak states. As such, from a grand-strategic perspective, Israeli recognition may be less than the sum of its parts in this region. It is true that many countries have interests in this area, including France and the US, Turkey and Iran, and the UAE and Saudi Arabia. However, these interests have so far translated into only limited engagement. There are bigger fish to fry, as most countries already know. A reform-minded mayor is taking charge of New York City at a time when the largest police department in the country is finding its stride in its stability, touting a drop in gun violence and homicides while its current leadership stays intact. New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch is staying at the helm under progressive Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, providing nearly 35,000 uniformed members sustained leadership after she became the fourth police commissioner to serve in the scandal-scarred Adams administration. Since Tisch took over, questionable promotions and transfers were stopped altogether while former NYPD executives with good reputations came back to fill out her executive staff. Despite the moves, questions still remain about key operational tools, such as the future of the Strategic Response Group a specialized unit within the NYPD used for crowd control and major events and the use of the gang database, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Tisch and her team have been briefing the new Mamdani administration on how the NYPD has been running and how theyve been able to achieve a drop in crime, including in the transit system, which has been the setting of multiple high-profile murders and assaults over the previous four years. Ive had a number of great conversations, both with the mayor-elect and his team, and were doing briefings on different topics, and what I can tell you is both the mayor-elect and his team are committed to public safety and are very pleased with the results that theyre seeing, both in the subway below ground and above ground as well, Tisch said at a briefing in December related to subway safety. The commissioner on Tuesday highlighted this years unprecendented reduction in violent crime, noting in a post on X that as of Christmas Eve the NYPD has 1,000 fewer shootings than it did four years ago. Mamdani, in the past a harsh critic of the NYPD, has signaled a softening in his stance by virtue of keeping Tisch on the job, a police executive who is not ideologically in lock step with him but has the support of business leaders, law enforcement, and political power players, among others. Among his goals is creating a new civilian agency known as the Department of Community Safety, which would use community-based prevention strategies to tackle homelessness and mental illness. Advertisement Advertisement I have admired her work cracking down on corruption in the upper echelons of the police department, driving down crime in New York City, and standing up for New Yorkers in the face of authoritarianism, Mamdani said in a statement regarding her appointment, adding that both will work together to make sure police focus on serious and violent crime. Together, we will deliver a city where rank-and-file police officers and the communities they serve alike are safe, represented, and proud to call New York their home. Shootings, homicides decline A drop in the number of shootings stands out in the NYPDs statistics near year-end, coinciding with a drop nationally from a peak in 2021, according to statistics compiled by the Gun Violence Archive. As of December 21, there were 674 shootings for the year, down almost 24% from 886 during the same time period last year, statistics show. There were also 841 shooting victims, down almost 22% from 1,077 during the same time last year, records show. The first 11 months of the year were the lowest number of shooting incidents and victims since the NYPD started keeping statistics, beating records set in 2018, police said in a news release. An NYPD crime scene investigator collects a shell casing where a shooting occurred in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, on August 17. - James Carbone/Newsday RM via Getty Images NYPD executives attribute the drop in shootings to their summer violence reduction plan, where up to 2,300 uniformed officers were deployed to areas that had the most crime and shootings. The officers did nightly foot posts near precincts, public housing and the subway system, 72 zones covering 59 communities. Advertisement Advertisement Homicides are also down almost 21%, with 297 so far this year, compared to 375 in 2024, the statistics show. Other major crime categories, such as robbery, burglary, grand larceny and grand larceny auto are also down when compared to the same time period in 2024, the statistics show. Despite these drops in some crime categories, rape is up almost 16%, with 1,999 incidents this year, compared to 1,728 last year, the statistics show. Felony assault is up slightly, the stats show. For the first 11 months of the year, New York City had the lowest number of shooting incidents and victims in recorded history, Tisch said Tuesday in a statement. These historic gains are the result of our precision policing strategy and officers executing that strategy with the discipline and dedication that defines this noble work. Our plan is working, and the progress is real. NYPD Chief of Department Michael LiPetri credits the drop in violence to data collection, collaboration and deployment of extra cops. What obviously, really has affected our overall violent street crime is a data mining tool that looks at density-based clustering of violent incidents in New York City, LiPetri told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement The granular data looks at where violent crimes, like homicides, shootings, assaults and robberies, were taking place, while divisions such as narcotics, or gun violence suppression, shared intelligence and collaborated with each other, LiPetri said. They would then deploy more officers to those trouble spots on the weekends, when most violent crimes would happen, LiPetri said. We now have 2,000 officers on foot during those days, where in the past, it was basically half, LiPetri said. In August, the NYPD rolled out its Quality of Life Division, responding to more than 530,000 311 calls, which they say reduced nonemergency response times by 20 minutes. Critics have pointed to the Quality of Life teams as the return of broken windows policing, whose hallmark was cracking down on lower-level crimes so that larger-scale crimes were less likely to happen. They are there to respond to calls for service, from the community. That is what theyre doing, LiPetri said in defense of the program. When it takes you two hours to go to a 311 call of a large disorderly group, drinking and throwing dice, thats a problem. Now, weve done so much better. More officers join, but they leave, too Newly commissioned New York City police officers attend a New York City Police Academy graduation ceremony at Madison Square Garden on August 6. - Anthony Behar/Sipa USA via AP While strategies are taking aim at reducing crime, the NYPD hired over 4,000 new police officers in 2025, the its largest number of new officers hired in the NYPDs history, bringing their head count to 34,700. Advertisement Advertisement Despite this, officials for the Police Benevolent Association, the union that represents rank-and-file members, say the number of retiring officers offsets some of the total number of new hires. More than 3,400 members have quit or filed for retirement over the past 12 months, PBA statistics show. Meanwhile, law enforcement organizations from small town police units to a massive federal agency are trying to poach NYPD officers using Mamdani as part of their latest sales pitch. The overture relies heavily on what political opponents and critics argue would be hallmarks of Mamdanis tenure as mayor: apparent disorder, lawlessness and a lack of support for police officers. Mamdani, when asked, has said he plans to support police and will enforce the law. He called the NYPD racist, anti-queer, corrupt and said he would defund them, said Houston Police Officers Union President Douglas Griffith, who has been spearheading an initiative on social media to poach New York City cops. We know from experience that you dont want to work for somebody that doesnt respect you and wants to call me (police) a racist. Its pretty obvious that he never worked with NYPD before he wanted to run for mayor and has pretty harsh feelings about them. Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the mayoral campaign, Mamdani distanced himself from some of his most controversial statements about the NYPD, which included his call to defund the police, calling them racist and wicked. In June 2020, Mamdani posted on X: We dont need an investigation to know that the NYPD is racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety. What we need is to #DefundTheNYPD. Since Mamdani won the mayoral election in November, hes said he plans on supporting the police and has continued to distance himself from those statements. Mamdani visited the police memorial in lower Manhattan a short time after his office announced the move to keep Tisch. Were trying to exploit a situation Griffith said the idea to try and sway officers to his department using Mamdani really started about a year ago when he was at a police union conference and spoke to NYPD officers about the idea of working under Mamdani, who was still running for the position he would eventually win. Advertisement Advertisement Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood said hes been trying for years to get not just NYPD officers but cops from major cities to come to his Florida sheriffs office. Chitwood said the NYPD is the best trained and usually is at the forefront of innovative policing strategies. If you believe the rhetoric, if you believe everything hes posted in his public career, its kind of hard to believe defunding the police and handcuffing them is not going to happen, Chitwood said. If (Mamdani) wants to do his plans, those folks wont have a job in six months. Chitwood, who now oversees 538 sworn officers, said he has received lots of calls from parents of current NYPD officers, asking him to speak to their son or daughter in hopes of persuading them to leave. Chitwood said its so far fallen on deaf ears. Were trying to exploit a situation, Chitwood said. Were looking for folks who want to start a new life and are going to get support from the administration (me) and the elected officials. Advertisement Advertisement Its not just local police units. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made a very public push to recruit NYPD officers. ICE previously posted a recruitment message to social media calling on police officers to Defend the Homeland and work for a President and a Secretary who support and defend law enforcementnot defund or demonize it. Mamdani has been a vocal critic of ICE, telling CNN he would not allow the NYPD to engage or cooperate with ICE on civil immigration enforcement. Smaller police departments have routinely recruited from the NYPD because it has the best trained police officers, said Kirk Burkhalter, a retired NYPD detective and current professor at New York Law School. Youre getting a product thats already proven and trained, and you dont have to invest a lot of money into training, Burkhalter said. New York police officers have seen the full gamut of situations. Advertisement Advertisement Burkhalter, who runs his universitys 21st Century Policing Project, which works with police departments and municipalities to develop police reforms alongside the communities they serve, called the poaching strategies fear-mongering. The elephant in the room here is a tremendous amount of Islamophobia, Burkhalter said. Law enforcement serves the public, he said. To think or imply that a police officer cant do their duty based on who the elected official is perpetuates an us-versus-them mentality. A steadying hand as top cop NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch departs a press conference in Manhattan on July 28. "Our plan is working, and the progress is real, she says. - Bing Guan/Reuters Meanwhile, Tisch staying has not only seemed to quell the fears of business leaders and security analysts, but also provided some stability to the NYPD. Tisch, heiress to the Loews family fortune, is a career public servant who previously served as commissioner for the sanitation department and the citys chief technology officer. She is highly regarded in government circles and was appointed to the job following a string of high-profile corruption scandals that rocked the department under former Mayor Eric Adams. Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said the morale for rank-and-file officers has been low for many years. While Tisch staying has helped officers feel more supported, its the nature of the job that makes other agencies, like police departments on neighboring Long Island or others out of state, seem enticing, Hendry said. In December, Tisch sent out a message to rank-and-file members, asking them for feedback on how to modernize the department, telling them that the NYPD will be conducting focus groups and sending out surveys, all in hopes of analyzing everything from police work to paperwork, according to a copy of the message. Mamdani and Tisch meet with NYPD officers during their visit to the New York City Police Memorial on November 19. - Richard Drew/Pool/Getty Images The police commissioner has stabilized by staying, but were still in a low period where morale is not high, Hendry said. They worry about the Civilian Complaint Review Board. They worry about all the oversights that we have. Statistics compiled by the PBA so far do not point to an actual exodus by rank-and-file members. Hendry said the current political climate of New York isnt forcing police officers to uproot their lives. Thats more due to quality of life issues, which range from pay to the grind of being part of the NYPD, which Hendry argues has been understaffed for years. I dont believe at this point theyre making the decision whether to stay or go based on whos coming into mayor. I think theyre making those decisions based on their family situations and whats better for them, Hendry said. No police officer wants to be on the front page of the paper. They want to go out to be able to do their job on a daily basis without getting over scrutinized when theyre following the rules that theyre asked to go out and do. CNNs Jeff Winter and Gloria Pazmino contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com TALLAHASSEE, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has fought Big Tech before. But his latest battle against artificial intelligence puts him at odds with a rapidly growing industry and the leader of his party. As President Donald Trump and top Republicans in Washington push hard to give companies wide latitude, DeSantis has emerged as a leading AI skeptic. He wants to spend his last year as Florida governor beating back the advancement of artificial intelligence, even as it creeps into more facets of everyday life. Lets not try to act like some type of fake videos or fake songs are going to deliver us to some kind of utopia, the governor said Dec. 18 during an event in Sebring. Advertisement Advertisement Unlike many of DeSantis high-profile fights, his opposition to AI has little to do with cultural grievances or woke ideology and far more to do with economic disruption, labor displacement and the scale of the technology itself. He notably has taken aim at data centers sprouting up across the country by attempting to slow their growth in Florida, siding with local communities opposing the massive developments. And DeSantis frequently raises fears of how AI could ultimately upend the economy by displacing countless workers. The Republican rails against what he calls the mindless slop AI creates and warns deepfakes and manipulation could pose a potential existential crisis for self-government. The idea of this transhumanist strain, that somehow this is going to supplant humans and this other stuff, we have to reject that with every fiber of our being, DeSantis said Dec. 15 during an AI event in Jupiter. We as individual human beings are the ones that were endowed by God with certain inalienable rights. That's what our country was founded upon they did not endow machines or these computers for this. The standoff places DeSantis on a collision course not only with tech companies, but with Trumps effort to position himself as the partys chief arbiter of AI policy. Advertisement Advertisement While the president has embraced the technology as a strategic and economic imperative to be managed at the federal level, DeSantis is arguing unchecked growth particularly data centers and automation threatens workers, communities and democratic norms. The divide exposes a deeper tension in the GOP over whether AI should be accelerated, constrained or fundamentally rethought. Im not concerned Florida in 2026 is poised to join many other states considering new AI policies and attempting to implement guardrails. For the term-limited DeSantis, passing AI protections is a top priority heading into his final regular legislative session as governor starting in January. DeSantis introduced a slate of recommendations for Florida lawmakers, calling on them to require companies to notify consumers when they are interacting with AI, prohibit the use of therapy or mental health counseling through AI and give parents more controls over how their children use the technology. At the same time, DeSantis wants to restrict the growth of data centers that fuel AI efforts by stopping any state subsidies to tech companies and curbing such facilities from drying up local water resources. But the governors bill of rights and other AI ideas still must pass the Legislature and could face opposition from Big Tech companies. The state House laid the groundwork for pursuing new laws by holding more than a dozen AI hearings in December, during which lawmakers spoke of striking the balance between installing safeguards and allowing continued industry growth. Advertisement Advertisement Florida, according to Michael Strain, the director of Economic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, should not try to slow down the development of AI as it considers legislation. This is a global wave of technological advancement, Strain, an economist who is working with OpenAI, told Florida House members during a Dec. 9 hearing. And I think no state or even a country will be making its citizens better off by trying to micromanage the rollout of the development of the technology. Trumps executive order looms large over Florida, where a Republican supermajority Legislature has been in lockstep with the presidents agenda on issues like immigration enforcement and even renaming the Gulf of America. Trump is threatening to sic federal government lawyers on states that pass onerous AI laws as he seeks global AI dominance through a minimally burdensome national policy framework. This could entail suing state leaders over laws that the Trump administration believes are unconstitutionally regulating interstate commerce or requiring AI models to alter their truthful outputs. Advertisement Advertisement While the move introduces some uncertainty over how states can legislate AI, DeSantis is confident his proposals will stay off the federal governments radar. Trumps order notes that states can consider policies including child safety protections and how state governments use AI issues Florida could legislate. I'm not concerned about the recent executive order because it doesn't apply against the states directly, DeSantis said Dec. 15. And I don't think we're going to be doing anything that would even give rise to a dormant Commerce Clause lawsuit from U.S. DOJ. But to the extent we did, I'm confident that we'd be able to win that because, clearly, we'd be legislating within the confines of our 10th Amendment rights as states. Data centers take center stage One of the more notable AI issues to watch in 2026 is how Florida responds to the nationwide data center boom. So far, Florida hasnt seen a large-scale data center like Georgia and Louisiana have but there are at least two major projects in development with big money at stake. Local officials recently put a 202-acre data center proposed in Palm Beach County on hold as they await potential action by the Legislature, illustrating how critical the 2026 session will be for the industry. Advertisement Advertisement The lifeblood of the growing artificial intelligence economy, data centers are seeing recent heavy opposition among communities and voters, a shift tech companies that depend on them are spending millions to counteract. Residents fear the large undertakings will bring pollution and utility rate hikes, all while producing noise and draining key water resources. To say data centers are unpopular right now is probably an understatement, to say the least, Dan Diorio, VP of state policy for Data Center Coalition, a Northern Virginia-based group that counts AWS, Google, Meta and Oracle as members, told Florida House members during a Dec. 9 hearing. The tech industry, in the face of this pushback, is touting data centers as job creators and economic drivers. And Florida, according to Diorio, has competitive advantages, such as access to water, land and clean energy, that make it an attractive option for companies seeking to expand. Advertisement Advertisement Florida should certainly position itself to continue to be a competitive marketplace and attract data center development, Diorio told state lawmakers. DeSantis, though, isnt sold. He recently remarked that Louisiana built a facility the size of Manhattan and questioned if Floridians would want to see something similar. His stance aligns with residents like the ranchers in St. Lucie County who are fighting the prospect of a $13.5 billion hyperscale data center near their agriculture land. The governors data center proposal goes as far as calling for the state to perform sound reviews to guard against noise pollution. Even Palm Beach took it down 7 [to] nothing because it takes a lot of power, DeSantis said on Dec. 18, noting the county commissions unanimous vote to postpone development on a data center dubbed Project Tango. Advertisement Advertisement One of these hyperscale centers is like a city of a half a million people just sucking off the electric grid. And so, you think to yourself, as just a residential consumer, is that going to be good for you or not? And I think most people are like, no, that's not good. Crucial session ahead With their legislative session beginning Jan. 13, Florida lawmakers have already advanced one AI bill that shows how the state is approaching the technology. The legislation targets artificial intelligence in the insurance industry by requiring that a qualified human professional must make the ultimate decision on claim denials or reductions. At the same time, the measure notes insurers could still use AI and algorithms to process claims and offer recommendations on approvals and denials. Despite California, a frequent DeSantis foil, passing a similar policy, bill sponsor state Rep. Hillary Cassel (R-Dania Beach) claimed her states legislation will be different because California really regulated the industry versus identifying that AI is a tool to be utilized. Advertisement Advertisement We want AI to be utilized for the right reason, Cassel said during a Dec. 9 bill hearing. We didn't want to draft legislation that completely curtailed the innovation of AI. For DeSantis, new AI laws are another way to crack down on Big Tech companies, which he contends havent gotten enough oversight from Congress. Florida previously passed legislation aimed at thwarting social media companies from censoring political candidates, a direct reaction to Trump getting kicked off platforms after the Jan. 6 attack at the Capitol. Additionally, the state booted minors from social media in a law prohibiting children younger than 14 from using many platforms while requiring parental approval for 14- and 15-year-olds. Florida previously tackled some aspects of AI by requiring disclaimers on political ads featuring artificial intelligence and creating state penalties for AI child pornography. Building new AI protections for consumers and families is popular policy that transcends party lines, DeSantis said. Whether that's as a utility rate payer not having to pay for a data center, or whether it's a parent knowing that there's going to be protections for children, I think a lot of people have a lot of concerns about some of the things that could be on the horizon, DeSantis said Dec. 15. A Kentucky congressman singled out by Donald Trump on Christmas as a lowlife after co-authoring a law requiring the federal government to release all of its Jeffrey Epstein files says the president attacked him for keeping a commitment to help victims. Thomas Massie then successfully sought donations for his run for another term in the 2026 midterm elections against an opponent that Trump his fellow Republican has already endorsed. The back-and-forth illustrated a deepening divide between Trump and Massie. Massie earned the presidents disdain by working to pass a bipartisan congressional bill demanding the full release of documents pertaining to Epstein, the former friend of Trump who once pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor and then evidently died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on child sex-trafficking charges. Advertisement Advertisement Related: US justice department says it may need a few more weeks to process 1m more Epstein documents for release And on Christmas, Trump posted a rant on his Truth Social platform that dismissed Congresss interest in Epstein as a scam while referring to Massie the only lawmaker named in the post as one lowlife Republican. That prompted Massie to reply on X: Imagine celebrating a blessed Christmas with your family suddenly phones alert everyone to the most powerful man in the world attacking you for fulfilling his campaign promise to help victims! Massies account cited the one lowlife Republican phrase in the posts text, highlighted it in screenshots of Trumps tirade and asked X users to please support me while providing a link to his campaign donations site. Advertisement Advertisement More than 40 people had donated nearly $3,000 within the first two hours of the fundraising plea, Massies account said in separate follow-up posts. One user replying to Massies account described having just made one of the few Republican contributions in my life. I really appreciate it, especially the day after Christmas, the congressmans account said. Massie has served in the US House since 2012. He has become a thorn in Trumps side after the presidents administration failed to deliver on his promises of complete transparency with respect to Epsteins case. He not only co-authored the Epstein Files Transparency Act that sailed through Congress in November. Massie also said all those with connections to Epstein must face the same kind of consequences as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who lost his British royal title as the Duke of York over his ties to the sex offender financier. Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, Massie at the time alluded to Peter Mandelson, the UKs ambassador to the US before his firing over his association with Epstein. Theres becoming a reckoning in Britain that needs to happen in the United States, Massie said then. A prince lost his title. The ambassador to the United States lost his job. We need to see those kind of consequences here. Trumps justice department failed to meet the Epstein Files Transparency Acts 19 December deadline in full, though it did release a number of materials that day. On Wednesday, the justice department said it had discovered more than a million more documents related to Epstein, and it could take a few more weeks to process those files for public release. Trump has endorsed a retired US Navy Seal, Ed Gallrein, to run against Massie in the Republican primary for the incumbents seat ahead of the 2026 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Massie has previously told Politico that Gallrein is a failed establishment hack whom Trump endorsed out of panic. The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. If you have something to share on this subject, you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. Advertisement Advertisement If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select Secure Messaging. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post If you can safely use the Tor network without being observed or monitored, you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform. Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us securely, and discusses the pros and cons of each. As the booming airline industry looks for ways to reduce its impact on the planet, researchers revealed that sustainable aviation fuel could be produced from municipal solid waste. The study, published in Nature Sustainability, said such a program could meet 28% of global jet fuel demand and lessen air pollution by 16%, Space Daily reported. Sustainable aviation fuel, which the outlet described as "a low-carbon alternative made from feedstocks such as used cooking oil and crops," is not the only way innovators are looking to revamp environmentally costly flights. One group is turning back the clock with a propeller design to reduce fuel burn, and another is transforming microalgae into biofuel. Advertisement Advertisement Still, less than 1% of global jet fuel use comes from sustainable fuels, Space Daily noted, adding that aviation accounts for 2.5% of worldwide pollution and that air travel will double by 2040. (Other options are plentiful.) "Unlike road transport, which is quickly shifting toward electrification, there's no silver-bullet solution for achieving carbon-neutral aviation," first author Jingran Zhang said. "Turning everyday trash into jet fuel could be an innovative but major near-term step toward cleaner aviation. By converting municipal waste into low-carbon jet fuel that already works in today's engines, we can start cutting emissions immediately, without waiting for future technology." Turning trash into fuel would have major benefits. First, it would reduce air pollution by 80-90% compared with traditional aviation fuel. It would also convert plastic, metal, and other garbage into an important product, replacing the need to store those unwanted goods in landfills or burn them. That would produce clean energy, herald the arrival of zero-waste goals, lessen pollution, and conserve land, according to Space Daily. One problem with the idea is that only one-third of the trash was converted into fuel due to "gas composition mismatches," the website pointed out. The researchers said adding carbon dioxide or green hydrogen to the mix would boost the effort. Advertisement Advertisement "Efficiency could be improved by capturing carbon dioxide or adding green hydrogen, produced with renewable power, during processing," Space Daily stated. The economic benefits would include savings for airlines that already gain from government incentives and subsidies that encourage the use of more environmentally friendly fuels. The United States and Europe have said they will greatly reduce aviation pollution by using sustainable fuels, with the latter to move from a 2% share this year to a 70% share by 2050. "Broad collaboration among governments, fuel producers, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers will be essential to increase production, lower costs, and accelerate aviation's path to net-zero emissions," lead author Michael B. McElroy said. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. Faith-based film to be shown SUGARCREEK The screening of "Light of the World" will be shown at 1 p.m. Jan. 10 at Ohio Star Theater. It is in partnership with the Faith Content Network and is the first movie from Salvation Project, a nonprofit ministry and creative studio. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children, available online at OhioStarTheater.com, by phone at 855-344-7547, and at the door. The theater is at 1387 Old Route 39 NE. Highway Patrol offers ride-along program COLUMBUS Experience what its like to be an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper. The patrols ride-along program is designed to give interested recruits a real-world look at life as a trooper. Advertisement Advertisement This opportunity is for people genuinely interested in exploring a career with the patrol. To be eligible to participate in a ride-along, you must hold a valid drivers license, be 18 to 39 years old and complete a brief interview with the post commander. For more information, visit http://alturl.com/vxezw. To apply to participate in a ride-along, contact your local Ohio State Highway Patrol post. Seven graduate law enforcement training NEW PHILADELPHIA Buckeye Career Center recently graduated Seven cadets of Buckeye Career Center's Adult Education Law Enforcement Training Academy recently graduated. They and their employers are: Advertisement Advertisement Carter Stephen Begue, New Philadelphia Police Department Martin Andrew Marcoguiseppe II, Tuscarawas County Sheriffs Office Joseph Cooter McDole, unaffiliated Angel Mae Morrow, Beach City Police Department Jonathan Henry Osborn, Carrollton Police Department Brady Kristopher Positano, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District Rhett Allyn Usternul, Wooster Police Department Scholarships available MILLERSBURG Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative is accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship program for high school seniors who have a grade point average of 3.6 or better, will be attending an accredited institution of higher learning and whose parents or guardians are members of and live in a home served by the Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative. Applications and rules are available at www.hwecoop.com. Deadline to apply is Jan. 23. Library events The Tuscarawas County Public Library System will host a walk-in passport clinic from 3 to 7 p.m. Jan 13. Participants must have all paperwork, forms, and photographs ready along with a check or money order to pay the Department of State fees. Children applying for passports are required to be present with their parents. This first-come, first-served clinic is for new passports only. For a list of required paperwork and additional fees, visit www.tusclibrary.org or call 330-364-4474. Advertisement Advertisement The Tuscarawas County Public Library System's reading challenge begins Jan. 1 and ends Dec. 31. Adults and teens can read 25 books of their choice and log on to the Beanstack reading app or a paper tracker to win a literary-themed tote bag while supplies last. For more information call 330-364-4474 Bookmobile schedule NEW PHILADELPHIA The Tuscarawas County Public Library Systems bookmobile schedule through May includes the following community stops: Mondays Warren Township Community Center, Jan. 26, Feb. 9, 23, March 9, 23, April 6, 20, May 4 and 18 from 10 to 11 a.m. Baltic Community Park, Jan. 26 through May 18, from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays Dundee Ballfield, Jan. 27; Feb. 10, 24, March 10, 24, April 7, 21, May 5 and 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. Wednesdays Stone Creek Grace Community Church, Jan. 28, Feb. 11, 25, March 11, 25, April 8, 22, May 6 and 20 from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursdays Roswell General Store, Jan. 29, Feb. 12, 26, March 12, 26, April 9, 23, May 7 and 21 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Sandy Valley Estates: Feb. 5, 19, March 5, 19, April 2, 16, 30, May 14 and 28 from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Meetings The Tuscarawas County Commissioners meeting time has been moved to 9 a.m. Dec. 29. The Dover Township Trustees will meet in special session at 8 a.m. Dec. 31, in the township hall to close business for 2025 and reorganize for 2026. Indian Valley School Board will hold a organizational meeting at 6:15 p.m. Jan. 7, at the high school followed by its regular meeting at 7 p.m. The East Central Ohio Forestry Association will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 7, at the Dover Public Library, with wildlife consultant Jacob Stutz who will talk about programs and projects available to landowners in the region. Advertisement Advertisement The Tuscarawas Valley Civil War Round Table will meet at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8, at the Dover Public Library, with award-winning author Robert Hilliard who will present Spies, Slaves and Secrets of the Civil War. A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 12, in New Philadelphia City Hall so residents can review and comment on the city's plan to permanently rezone 153 parcels to regional business district. This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Community news and events from the Dover-New Philadelphia area OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) California this week dropped a lawsuit officials filed against the Trump administration over the federal governments withdrawing of $4 billion for the states long-delayed high-speed rail project. The U.S. Transportation Department slashed funds for the bullet train aimed at connecting San Francisco to Los Angeles in July. The Trump administration has said the California High-Speed Rail Authority had no viable plan to complete a large segment of the project in the farm-rich Central Valley. The authority quickly filed a lawsuit, with Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom calling the federal governments decision a political stunt to punish California. The authority said this week that it would focus on other funding sources to complete the project, which is estimated to cost more than $100 billion. This action reflects the States assessment that the federal government is not a reliable, constructive, or trustworthy partner in advancing high-speed rail in California, an authority spokesperson said in a statement. The Transportation Department did not respond to a request for comment. President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have both previously criticized the project as a train to nowhere. The Railroad we were promised still does not exist, and never will, Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social in July. This project was Severely Overpriced, Overregulated, and NEVER DELIVERED. The authoritys decision to drop the lawsuit comes as the group seeks private investors to support the bullet train. The project recently secured $1 billion in annual funding from the states cap-and-trade program through 2045. The program sets a declining limit on total planet-warming emissions in the state from major polluters. Companies must reduce their emissions, buy allowances from the state or other businesses, or fund projects aimed at offsetting their emissions. Money the state receives from the sales funds climate-change mitigation, affordable housing and transportation projects, as well as utility bill credits for Californians. The rail authority said its shift in focus away from federal funding offers a new opportunity. Moving forward without the Trump administrations involvement allows the Authority to pursue proven global best practices used successfully by modern high-speed rail systems around the world, a spokesperson said in a statement. By SOPHIE AUSTIN Associated Press Russian forces launched another wave of missile strikes across Ukraine overnight, targeting several regions including Chernihiv, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv and Zhytomyr, the Ukrainian Air Force said on Saturday. Explosions and fires were reported in multiple locations, including the capital Kiev, where Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported several blasts on Telegram and said air defences were active. Klitschko said five people were injured in Kiev and civilian infrastructure was also damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Kiev military governor Mykola Kalashnyk also reported on Telegram that another person was injured in the region and that civilian infrastructure had been damaged. Ukrainian media reported that hypersonic Kinzhal missiles were among the weapons used, with energy infrastructure reportedly targeted. Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion since February 2022. A court in Russia on Thursday convicted a pro-war activist and critic of President Vladimir Putin of justifying terrorism and sentenced him to six years in prison. Sergei Udaltsov, the leader of the Left Front movement that opposes Putin and is affiliated with the Communist Party, was arrested last year. According to Russian independent news site Mediazona, the charges against him stem from an article Udaltsov posted online in support of another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist organization. Those activists were convicted earlier this month and handed sentences ranging from 16 to 22 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Udaltsov has rejected the charges against him as fabricated. On Thursday, he denounced the verdict as shameful and said he was going on a hunger strike, Mediazona reported. According to the court ruling, the activist will be serving his sentence in a maximum security penal colony. Udaltsov was a prominent opposition figure during the 2011-12 mass protests in Russia, triggered by reports of widespread rigging of a parliamentary election. In February 2012, he took part in a meeting that then-President Dmitry Medvedev held with various opposition figures. Russian authorities have ramped up their crackdown on dissent and free speech after the Kremlin sent troops into Ukraine, relentlessly targeting rights groups, independent media, members of civil society organizations, LGBTQ+ activists and some religious groups. Hundreds of people have been jailed and thousands of others have fled the country. Advertisement Advertisement In December 2023, a Moscow court sentenced Udaltsov to 40 hours of compulsory labor for violating procedures relating to organizing a rally after he was detained on Red Square, where he tried to unfurl a flag with the image of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, according to Russia's state news agency Tass. Udaltsov was previously imprisoned in 2014 and sentenced to 4 years on charges related to his role in organizing a 2012 demonstration against Putin that turned turbulent. He was released in 2017. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Sam Bregman is turning the screws on rival Deb Haaland over what he calls her continued refusal to debate him ahead of the June primary. Bregman unleashed a hard-hitting campaign ad Friday, which marks 100 days since he challenged Haaland to a series of policy debates. In the ad, he speaks directly to the former congresswoman and U.S. interior secretary. People deserve debates, Deb, a straight-faced Bregman says as he looks directly at the camera. You in? Advertisement Advertisement The ad is another sign of an increasingly competitive and hostile Democratic primary between Haaland and Bregman, who currently serves as the district attorney in Bernalillo County. While former longtime Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima is also seeking the Democratic nomination for governor, Haaland and Bregman have higher name recognition and fundraising that dwarfs Miyagishimas. A spokesperson for Haalands campaign said Haaland is taking her message directly to voters while also taking a swipe at Bregman over allegations sections of his 189-page policy plan were plagiarized. In the last few weeks, Deb has been to the border to talk about how Trumps tariffs are increasing prices on everything from cars to groceries. Shes talked with New Mexicans about partnering the trades with our public schools to create pathways to good paying jobs. Deb is working with educators about teaching kids to read earlier and with police chiefs about making our communities safer, Hannah Menchhoff said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Sam wants to talk to Deb about the plan he plagiarized. Deb is busy talking to New Mexicans about building a stronger future, Menchhoff added. Bregmans ad, titled Kick the Tires, compares voting for a new governor to buying a car. The ad places Bregman, who is wearing blue jeans, boots, his signature black cowboy hat and a brown jacket with the logo of the Santa Teresa International Livestock Crossing, at an automobile dealership. When youre looking for a car, you kick the tires. You do a test drive, compare and contrast it with others, Bregman says in the ad. When choosing a governor, New Mexicans deserve the same opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Bregman says hes put forward a detailed plan with real solutions for New Mexicans and then notes his debate challenge to Haaland has gone unanswered. Ive asked my opponent, Deb Haaland, to join me in a series of debates. That was months ago, he said. The ad aired on morning news programs in Albuquerque and El Paso on all three network stations and is scheduled to air on ESPN in the afternoon, also in both cities. Its a one-day buy on TV and then a week on social ads, Joanie Griffin, a spokesperson for Bregmans campaign, wrote in a text message. In a news release, Bregmans campaign said Haaland agreed to participate in a single forum in May but notes it comes just a month before the primary election after many voters will have already formed their opinions and cast early ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Voters deserve more than one carefully controlled appearance at the very end of the campaign, Bregman said in a statement. Debates are where candidates answer tough questions, challenge each others ideas, and show how they would lead. Avoiding that process sends the wrong message. The campaign also highlighted a website DaysWithoutDebate.com that tracks how long his debate challenge to Haaland has gone unanswered. She may think shes the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party in New Mexico, Bregman said. Shes not. The people decide and they deserve respect, honesty and a real conversation about the future of this state. Follow Daniel J. Chacon on Twitter @danieljchacon. The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen says it will respond to any separatist military movements that undermine de-escalation efforts in the southern region, as Riyadh doubles down on calls for the group to peacefully withdraw from recently seized eastern provinces. Saudi Arabias Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman said on X on Saturday that its time for troops from the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) to let reason prevail by withdrawing from the two provinces and doing so peacefully. Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki, the spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, said any military movements that violate these [de-escalation] efforts will be dealt with directly and immediately in order to protect civilian lives and ensure the success of restoring calm, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Al-Maliki also accused the STC separatists of serious and horrific human rights violations against civilians, without providing evidence. The statements came a day after the STC accused Saudi Arabia of launching air strikes on separatist positions in Yemens Hadramout province, and after Washington called for restraint in the rapidly escalating conflict. Earlier this month, forces aligned to the STC took over large chunks from the Saudi-backed government in the provinces of Hadramout and al-Mahra. The STC and the government have been allies for years in the fight against the Iran-allied Houthi rebels. Abdullah al-Alimi, a member of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, the governing body of the internationally recognised government, welcomed the Saudi defence ministers remarks, considering them to clearly reflect the kingdoms steadfast stance and sincere concern for Yemens security and stability, he said on X. Advertisement Advertisement Rashad al-Alimi, the head of the Presidential Leadership Council, said after an emergency meeting late on Friday that STC movements posed serious violations against civilians. The STC, which has previously received military and financial backing from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is seeking to revive the formerly independent state of South Yemen. The group warned on Friday that they were undeterred after strikes it blamed on Saudi Arabia hit their positions. Diplomacy, de-escalation? In Washington, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: We urge restraint and continued diplomacy, with a view to reaching a lasting solution. Advertisement Advertisement Azerbaijan, meanwhile, said it welcomed efforts led by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE to de-escalate ongoing tensions in Yemen. Following Fridays raids, Yemens government urged the Saudi-led coalition to support its forces in Hadramout, after separatists seized most of the countrys largest province. The government asked the coalition to take all necessary military measures to protect innocent Yemeni civilians in Hadramout province and support the armed forces, the official Yemeni news agency said. A Yemeni military official said on Friday that about 15,000 Saudi-backed fighters were amassed near the Saudi border but had not been given orders to advance on separatist-held territory. The areas where they were deployed are at the edges of territory seized in recent weeks by the STC. Advertisement Advertisement Separatist advances have added pressure on ties between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, close allies who support rival groups within Yemens government. On Friday, the UAE welcomed Saudi efforts to support security in Yemen, as the two Gulf allies sought to present a united front. Yemens government is a patchwork of groups that includes the separatists, and is held together by shared opposition to the Houthis. The Houthis pushed the government out of Yemens capital, Sanaa, in 2014, and secured control over most of the north. A security guard who was injured on Christmas Day by a patient at a Wyoming, Minn., emergency room has died, authorities said. The guard, Andrea Merrell, 43, of North Branch, died as a result of injuries sustained during the Thursday incident at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming, according to a press release from Wyoming Police Chief Neil Bauer on Saturday. A 35-year-old Chisago City man is being held at the Chisago County Jail in connection with the death, Bauer said. Advertisement Advertisement Police gave the following details about the incident: At 5:23 p.m. Thursday, the Wyoming Police Department was called to the medical center on reports that a 35-year-old man had assaulted a security guard at the hospital and had run away from the emergency department after being placed on a hold. Officers found the man in the parking lot, where he was allegedly non-compliant and physically resisted the officers for a prolonged time before he was taken into custody. The security guard was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul for treatment and later died, police said Saturday. It is with deep sadness that we confirm the hospital security guard involved in the incident, Andrea Merrell, age 43, of North Branch, Minnesota, has passed away as a result of injuries sustained during the incident, Bauer said in his statement. The Wyoming Police Department extends its sincere condolences to Andrea Merrells family, loved ones, and colleagues, as well as to the staff of M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center during this extremely difficult time. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic loss. Related Articles An IDF soldier stands guard during an evacuation of illegal West Bank outposts, December 7, 2025. (photo credit: Courtesy) Police recovered the weapon and detained the suspected gun thief. An IDF soldier was robbed of his weapon after he fell asleep during a bus ride in the Upper Galilee region of northern Israel on Friday, Israel Police announced. After waking from his nap, he discovered his gun was missing and approached the bus driver. The driver confirmed that he saw a man carrying a weapon exit the bus, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement The suspected gun thief, a resident of Maghar, was later seen walking into the city with the weapon, N12 wrote. Police recovered the weapon, which they found hidden during a search, and detained the man. Initial findings indicated that the suspect got off the bus at the Hananya Junction and fled on foot from the location where he was holding the soldier's weapon. The incident happened the same morning that 68-year-old Shimshon Mordechai and 18-year-old Aviv Maor were murdered in a series of attacks by a terrorist. Israeli security forces at the scene where a Palestinian terrorist was shot after carrying out an attack at several locations near the city of Afula, December 26, 2025. (credit: ANAT HERMONY/FLASH90) Israeli soldier falls asleep in West Bank op. The issue of soldiers falling asleep has led to security incidents over the past month. Two weeks ago, an IDF soldier was accidentally left behind during an operation last week near Kabatiya, a Palestinian town just south of Jenin in the northern West Bank, after he fell asleep. The soldier was left alone for 40 minutes before eventually connecting with a different unit. James Genn contributed to this report. A white Afrikaner thought he could seek asylum in the U.S. after President Donald Trump offered them refugee statusbut instead was detained upon arrival. Benjamin Schoonwinkel, a 59-year-old white Afrikaner, flew from Johannesburg to Atlanta in September after Trump openly embraced white South Africans he said were facing violence and offered them refugee status. But when Schoonwinkel landed in the U.S. on a tourist visa and told American border agents that he was seeking asylum, he was detained and later thrown into a federal detention facility in rural Georgia, where the Trump administration is holding immigrants who were swept up in its crackdown, according to The New York Times. Benjamin Schoonwinkel is detained at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia. / Boston Globe / Boston Globe via Getty Images I never expected this to happen, he told the outlet, which noted that he appeared and sounded unwell during a video interview from the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Rick Taylor, Schoonwinkels friend, said he had planned to welcome him to Arkansas. When I saw President Trump brought some Afrikaners to the U.S., I contacted Ben, Taylor told the Times. I said, I think this is a good time for you to come here. Ben had the money and means to get a good start and make it here. Taylor, 63, said he was shocked by his friends arrest: We thought he was doing it the right way. Schoonwinkel decided to come to the U.S. on his own rather than go through the refugee program. He told the outlet that he did not understand it to be a requirement and had gotten advice that seeking asylum would be similar to going through the refugee program. Advertisement Advertisement Schoonwinkel said in his asylum application that he was persecuted in South Africa based on his race, political opinion, and membership in a particular social group, according to the Times. But the documents supporting his claim were confiscated by U.S. authorities, including his passport. Marty Rosenbluth, Schoonwinkels lawyer, argued that his due process rights were violated. Schoonwinkel expects to get a hearing date next month. Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed in a statement to the Daily Beast that Schoonwinkel came to the U.S. on a tourist visa and claimed asylum at a port of entry. Anyone who claims asylum at a port of entry is subject to mandatory detention while the government investigates their claims, she said. If their claims are found to be valid, they will be granted relief. If they are found to not be valid, they are swiftly removed. Advertisement Advertisement In February, Trump signed an executive order directing officials to prioritize the resettlement of Afrikaners, who are descendants of Europeanmostly Dutchsettlers. Trump asserted in May that white Afrikaners were victims of a genocidea claim that has been rebuffed as nonsense by John Steenhuisen, South Africas Minister of Agriculture. Farmers are being killed. They happen to be white, Trump said earlier this year. But whether theyre white or Black makes no difference to me. But white farmers are being brutally killed, and their land is being confiscated in South Africa, and the newspapers and the media, television media, doesnt even talk about it. McLaughlin said South African refugees continue to arrive in the U.S. All admitted Afrikaner refugees have demonstrated a persecution claim and have been strictly vetted in accordance with the procedures of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Programbefore their arrival in the United States, she said. Taylor, meanwhile, told the Times that he is worried about Schoonwinkel. I believe President Trump would release him if he knew about this, he said. Lee Jae-myung is set to become the first sitting South Korean president to travel to China since 2019 with a visit scheduled for early January. Analysts said Lee was expected to engage Beijing on security issues, including North Korea's nuclear ambitions and the enforcement of international sanctions, while seeking to build on his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in October. Neither side has confirmed the visit, but preparations are under way, highlighted by a recent strategic vice-ministerial dialogue in Beijing between Park Yoon-joo, South Korea's first foreign vice-minister, and Ma Zhaoxu, China's foreign vice-minister. Advertisement Advertisement 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 South Korea's foreign ministry, the two officials discussed critical regional and international concerns and focused on stabilising the situation on the Korean peninsula and addressing maritime disputes in the Yellow Sea, known in South Korea as the West Sea, signalling a mutual effort to revitalise high-level communication channels. If the trip does go ahead, it will be roughly two months after Xi visited South Korea for the Apec summit, his first trip to the country in 11 years. Lee is likely to seek Beijing's help in bringing Pyongyang back to the negotiating table, as communication between the two Koreas remained at a standstill, according to analysts. Advertisement Advertisement Beyond addressing security, the visit is expected to restore stability to bilateral ties, benefiting South Korean businesses and the broader economy. Niu Xiaoping, a Korean peninsula specialist at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, said an exchange of visits by the two countries' leaders within just three months underscored their commitment to deepening ties. Prospects are growing for a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump around the time of the American president's planned April visit to China for talks with Xi. Trump, who last met Kim in 2019, may seek to re-engage with North Korea to secure a diplomatic victory ahead of the 2026 US midterm congressional elections. Advertisement Advertisement According to Niu, Seoul views Trump's coming visit to China as a critical moment that could shape the future trajectory of the Korean peninsula. "Seoul is eager to reach a consensus with Beijing on key issues such as the North Korean nuclear programme and sanctions, while also seeking China's support and cooperation in facilitating US-North Korea dialogue and inter-Korean talks," she added. Kang Jun-young, a professor of Chinese studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, said Lee might use his trip to press China to take action on North Korea's nuclear programme, noting that the issue was notably downplayed in Beijing's latest policy white paper and given less prominence in Washington's most recent National Security Strategy. Kim has ordered an acceleration in the production of missiles and artillery shells, calling for more factories to be built to bolster the North Korean military's arsenal. Advertisement Advertisement The directive follows Kim's visit to a shipyard where, according to North Korean state media, an 8,700-tonne nuclear-powered submarine capable of launching surface-to-air missiles is under construction. In this undated photo provided on Thursday by the North Korean government, its leader, Kim Jong-un (third from left), inspects a nuclear-powered submarine under construction at an undisclosed location in North Korea. Photo: Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP alt=In this undated photo provided on Thursday by the North Korean government, its leader, Kim Jong-un (third from left), inspects a nuclear-powered submarine under construction at an undisclosed location in North Korea. Photo: Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP> Kang said Lee could "deliver a message to China, urging it to place greater focus on the issue of denuclearisation". "However, Beijing is in a delicate position," Kang added. "Pyongyang has declared itself a nuclear weapons state. Any push from China for denuclearisation is likely to fall on deaf ears in Pyongyang. Even if China were to exert pressure, it would likely prove ineffective." Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, as has often been the case, South Korea's foreign ministry and unification ministry are at odds over their approach to North Korea. The unification ministry favours a North Korea-focused, inter-Korean bilateral strategy, while the foreign ministry prioritises an international coordination framework led by the US. The unification ministry is not taking part in the consultative talks between Seoul and Washington that started last week. According to Niu, South Korea needed to clarify the "pressing issue" of its North Korean policy priorities, "which would also enable better cooperation with China". Advertisement Advertisement She noted that by visiting China before his scheduled trip to Japan in mid-January, the South Korean leader would appear to be taking a balanced approach and avoiding the perception of favouring Tokyo. "It is possible that Lee hopes to act as a 'mediator' or 'messenger', seeking a potential breakthrough for future trilateral cooperation," Niu said. Adding to the anticipation, leaders of South Korea's major conglomerates, including a business delegation of about 200 executives, are expected to accompany Lee on his visit. This would mark the first South Korean business delegation to visit China since 2019. Liu Ziyang, a professor of global business at Kyonggi University in Suwon, South Korea, said Lee's visit to China could help solidify and institutionalise the political consensus achieved during his meeting with Xi in October. Advertisement Advertisement "One of Lee's core objectives for the China trip is to stabilise expectations in bilateral relations, so as to create a more predictable external environment for South Korea's economy and businesses," he added. In the leaders' last meeting, Xi called for bilateral cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, biopharmaceuticals, green industries and the "silver economy". Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung meet on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in October. Photo: Zuma Press Wire/dpa alt=Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung meet on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in October. Photo: Zuma Press Wire/dpa> Liu noted that cooperation in hi-tech industries could become one of the most practical breakthroughs for China and South Korea, with both countries likely to pursue "selective cooperation under limited competition". Advertisement Advertisement "South Korea and China face both competition and strong complementarities in sectors such as semiconductors, new materials, artificial intelligence and life sciences," he said. "Their industrial supply chains have been deeply intertwined for years, making a complete 'decoupling' economically and technologically unrealistic." Such hi-tech collaboration was driven by industrial efficiency, technological advancement and market demand, he added, making it a natural fit for cooperation while relying less on external conditions. "Overall, this visit should be understood as a pragmatic, risk management-oriented initiative, helping to provide a more stable and predictable framework for South Korea-China ties," Liu said. Despite renewed diplomatic momentum, disputes remain, including Seoul's US-backed plan for nuclear-powered submarines and Beijing's expanding presence in the Yellow Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Progress is being made on the nuclear-powered submarine deal, as Seoul plans to equip its submarines with reactors using low-enriched fuel. South Korea and the US have also agreed to pursue a separate agreement to formalise Seoul's right to develop nuclear-powered submarines, with working-level discussions scheduled for early next year. Meanwhile, the North Korean leader has made clear his disapproval of South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine plan. According to Pyongyang's state-run Korean Central News Agency on Thursday, Kim called Seoul's submarine plan an offensive act and a threat to North Korea, vowing to strengthen his country's own nuclear submarine strength. Kang noted that South Korea was a member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and under strict oversight from international monitoring agencies. "If Beijing takes a lenient or non-critical approach towards North Korea [regarding its nuclear-powered submarine] while directing criticism at South Korea, it would be unacceptable for Seoul," he added. Niu cautioned that if the nuclear-powered submarine and Yellow Sea disputes were not effectively communicated and managed in advance, they could strain bilateral relations. This article was first published by The Korea Times in partnership with the South China Morning Post. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. A Southern California man was sentenced to 100 years in prison for molesting two young children. Jose Zavala, 40, of Fillmore, was convicted of the crimes by a jury on Nov. 10, according to the Ventura County District Attorneys Office. The molestations took place between 2019 and 2022 and involved two young victims. One child was as young as 6 years old when the abuse started and the other was 10 years old, prosecutors said. The abuse took place regularly over several years. Zavala had access to the children through a familial relationship. Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, both victims disclosed the abuse to mandated reporters who contacted law enforcement, court documents said. On Nov. 10, he was convicted of three counts of lewd acts upon a child and one count of continuous sexual abuse. Several special allegations were also found true, including that he took advantage of a position of trust or confidence and that the victims were particularly vulnerable. On Dec. 16, he was sentenced to 100 years to life in state prison. Michael Kern, the Ventura County District Attorney who prosecuted the case, said the two young victims showed exceptional courage by testifying in open court and confronting the person who harmed them. Their strength made this verdict possible. Advertisement Advertisement Following the sentencing announcement, Kern added that, The imposition of the maximum sentence is warranted by the extreme and horrifying nature of these crimes. It further sends an unmistakable message that abuse of this kind will not be tolerated in our community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The first newly commissioned U.S. Space Force Guardians to don the branch's new service dress uniforms. . | Credit: Tech. Sgt. Savannah L. Waters On Dec. 4, 2025, proud U.S. Space Force officer trainees donned their new service dress uniforms for a class photo ahead of their Officer Training School (OTS) graduation. Arranged in formation, the officers present a unified, formal appearance, signaling the Space Force has reached a new phase of maturity, moving beyond its formative years toward a more established presence within the U.S. military. What is it? The U.S. Space Force is the newest branch of the United States military, established to organize, train, and equip forces responsible for operations in space. As satellites and space-based systems have become essential to communication, navigation, national security, and economic stability, space has evolved into a distinct operational domain, alongside land, sea, air and cyberspace. Advertisement Advertisement Since its creation, the Space Force has focused on defining not just missions and capabilities, but also identity. Traditions, ranks, culture, and symbols all play a role in shaping a service that must simultaneously honor military heritage and adapt to the technical, rapidly changing nature of space operations. One of the most visible elements of that identity is the service dress uniform. Where is it? The image was captured at Maxwell Air Force Base, in Alabama. The new class of US Space Force Guardians pose before their graduation ceremony. | Credit: Tech. Sgt. Savannah L. Waters Why is it amazing? The photograph connects long-standing military customs such as formal graduation portraits and service dress with the modern mission of space operations. This blend underscores how the Space Force draws from established military values while preparing for challenges unique to space. Service dress uniforms are worn during ceremonies, official events, and moments of public representation. Seeing Space Force officers in their own distinctive uniform reinforces the service's legitimacy and permanence, both within the Department of Defense and in the public eye. Advertisement Advertisement As these newly commissioned Guardians move on to their first assignments, the image stands as a reminder that even in the era of space-based missions and digital warfare, tradition, identity, and human commitment remain central to military service. Want to learn more? Tori Spelling has come down with a mystery illness. Tori Spelling is ill The 52-year-old actress has postponed her Sunday night (28.12.25) 90s After Dark Party in Las Vegas, Nevada, as she puts her health first. Tori penned on Instagram on Friday (26.12.25): "Hey loves. This hurts to share, but I need to be honest with you. Im sick and have to postpone our After Dark event this Sunday night in Las Vegas. "Ive been counting down the days to see you, and it truly breaks my heart to pause something I was so excited for. Right now, I have to listen to my body and choose my health. "Thank you for always showing me so much love and understanding. A new date is coming very soon - and I cant wait to see you After Dark soon. @brianaustingreen #BrianandToriAfterDarkinVegas (sic)." The star - who did not reveal details of her illness - was set to host the bash, billed as a post-concert party, with her former Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star Brian Austin Green, 52, at Voltaire, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. A description of the event on the venue's website reads: "Voltaire is kicking it old school and welcomes acclaimed television personalities Brian Austin Green and Tori Spelling to host the ultimate '90s After Dark Party. "On December 28, for one night only, fans are invited to a post-concert party and be transported back in time to the 1990s. "Along with the iconic hosts, the evening will feature a DJ playing the 'greatest hits from the '90s as well as a throwback performance from 90210 alums and R+B group, Color Me Badd. "Guests can expect an atmosphere buzzing with high-energy nostalgia, surprise moments and the kind of infectious party vibe Voltaire is known for." Tori and Brian played love interests Donna Martin and David Silver on Beverly Hills, 90210 - which ran for 10 seasons from 1990 until 2000. And the duo even briefly dated outside of the show. However, after the teen drama wrapped, they lost touch, and Tori described the feeling as though she had "gone through a divorce" because she and Brian were "so close". Brian explained to Tori on an August 2024 episode of his Oldish podcast that he tried to maintain a "connection" between them in the time that followed the ending of the show. However, by the time they next really saw each other, she had married 59-year-old actor Dean McDermott - with whom she went on to have Liam, 18, Stella, 17, Hattie, 14, Finn, 13, and Beau, eight, but split from him in 2024 - and Brian was with his now 39-year-old ex-wife, actress Megan Fox. Brian said: "What I remember is going by [your then-boyfriend and our former costar] Vincent [Young]s house to see you multiple days after we wrapped and trying to keep a connection going. "But it got to the point where I just never got that from you. And then I remember being at the 90210 DVD release party, and you were married to Dean, and I was with Megan, when we were still just dating - you guys got there, and you never said hello to me once. "I just kept missing you guys, and then you were gone. It was just this thing of like, She just doesnt want to be my friend. I genuinely felt that way. "I tried to visit you, and I would call you. When that wasnt reciprocated and so I gave up. I didnt know what was going on in your life." And Tori explained that she "shied away" from her former co-star because he did not necessarily approve of her relationship with Vincent, but insisted that she "never stopped thinking" about Brian in the years they lost touch. KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) For 10 hours a day, Rahimullah sells socks from his cart in eastern Kabul, earning about $4.5 to $6 per day. Its a pittance, but its all he has to feed his family of five. Rahimullah, who like many Afghans goes by only one name, is one of millions of Afghans who rely on humanitarian aid, both from the Afghan authorities and from international charity organizations, for survival. An estimated 22.9 million people nearly half the population required aid in 2025, the International Committee for the Red Cross said in an article on its website Monday. But severe cuts in international aid including the halting of U.S. aid to programs such as food distribution run by the United Nations World Food Program have severed this lifeline. More than 17 million people in Afghanistan now face crisis levels of hunger in the winter, the World Food Program warned last week, 3 million more than were at risk more than a year ago. The slashing in aid has come as Afghanistan is battered by a struggling economy, recurrent droughts, two deadly earthquakes and the mass influx of Afghan refugees expelled from countries such as Iran and Pakistan. The resulting multiple shocks have severely pressured resources, including of housing and food. UN appeals for help Tom Fletcher, the U.N. humanitarian chief, told the Security Council in mid-December that the situation was compounded by overlapping shocks, including the recent earthquakes and increasing restrictions on humanitarian aid access and staff. While Fletcher said nearly 22 million Afghans will need U.N. assistance in 2026, his organization will focus on 3.9 million facing the most urgent need of lifesaving help due to reduced donor contributions. Fletcher said this winter was the first in years with almost no international food distribution. As a result, only about 1 million of the most vulnerable people have received food assistance during the lean season in 2025, compared to 5.6 million last year, he said. The year has been devastating for U.N. humanitarian organizations, which have had to cut thousands of jobs and spending in the wake of aid cuts. We are grateful to all of you who have continued to support Afghanistan. But as we look towards 2026, we risk a further contraction of life-saving help at a time when food insecurity, health needs, strain on basic services, and protection risks are all rising, Fletcher said. Returning refugees The return of millions of refugees has added pressure on an already teetering system. Minister of Refugees and Repatriation Affairs Abdul Kabir said Sunday that 7.1 million Afghan refugees had returned to the country over the last four years, according to a statement on the ministry website. Rahimullah, 29, was one of them. The former Afghan Army soldier fled to neighboring Pakistan after the Taliban seized power in 2021. He was deported back to Afghanistan two years later, and initially received aid in the form of cash as well as food. The assistance was helping me a lot, he said. But without it, now I dont have enough money to live on. God forbid, if I were to face a serious illness or any other problem, it would be very difficult for me to handle because I dont have any extra money for expenses. The massive influx of former refugees has also sent rents skyrocketing. Rahimullahs landlord has nearly doubled the rent of his tiny two-room home, with walls made half of concrete and half of mud and a homemade mud stove for cooking. Instead of 4,500 afghanis (about $67), he now wants 8,000 afghanis (about $120) a sum Rahimullah cannot afford. So he, his wife, daughter and two young sons will have to move next month. They dont know where to. Before the Taliban takeover, Rahimullah had a decent salary and his wife worked as a teacher. But the new governments draconian restrictions on women and girls mean women are barred from nearly all jobs, and his wife is unemployed. Now the situation is such that even if we find money for flour, we dont have it for oil, and even if we find it for oil, we cant pay the rent. And then there is the extra electricity bill, Rahimullah said. Harsh winters compound the misery In Afghanistans northern province of Badakhshan, Sherin Gul is desperate. In 2023, her family of 12 got supplies of flour, oil, rice, beans, pulses, salt and biscuits. It was a lifesaver. But it only lasted six months. Now, there is nothing. Her husband is old and weak and cannot work, she said. With 10 children, seven girls and three boys between the ages of 7 and 27, the burden of providing for the family has fallen on her 23-year-old son the only one old enough to work. But even he only finds occasional jobs. There are 12 of us and one person working cannot cover the expenses, she said. We are in great trouble. Sometimes neighbors take pity on them and give them food. Often, they all go hungry. There have been times when we have nothing to eat at night, and my little children have fallen asleep without food, Gul said. I have only given them green tea and they have fallen asleep crying. Before the Taliban takeover, Gul worked as a cleaner, earning just about enough to feed her family. But the ban on women working has left her unemployed, and she said she developed a nervous disorder and is often sick. Compounding their misery is the harsh cold of the northern Afghan winter, when snow halts construction work where her son can sometimes find jobs. And there is the added expense of firewood and charcoal. If this situation continues like this, we may face severe hunger, Gul said. And then it will be very difficult for us to survive in this cold weather. ___ Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri at the United Nations, Jamey Keaten in Geneva and Elena Becatoros in Athens contributed to this report. By ABDUL KAHAR AFGHAN Associated Press The storm may be over, but the aftermath is just setting in. Cleanup efforts are underway across Southern California after widespread damage was left behind by days of rain, and a rare tornado in one neighborhood. In Boyle Heights, crews on Saturday were assessing the damage and starting clean-up efforts after the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-O tornado touched down in the neighborhood on Christmas Day. The NWS said the tornado's path was about a quarter-mile long and had a width of 30 yards. EF0 tornadoes have wind speeds between 65 mph and 85 mph. An EF-0 tornado touched down in Boyle Heights on Christmas Day, leaving behind damaged roofs, broken windows and debris, the National Weather Service confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Cameras on Whittier Boulevard near Lorena Street captured violent winds sending debris flying. Two windows were blown out at a Mexican restaurant in a strip mall. Signs were torn from buildings, and portions of rooftops were seen flying through the air. Eyewitness News spoke to neighbors who watched as a roof in the neighborhood was blown off. From mud to flooded streets, a Christmas week storm caused hundreds of traffic accidents and severe damage, even ripping off the roof of a home. Over in the mountain community of Wrightwood, which saw heavy rains, mudslides caused damage, and the storm also knocked out power for thousands of SoCal Edison customers. Advertisement Advertisement Video shows Oriole Road buried after a river of water sent mud, debris and charred wood down the mountain and into the homes below. Several feet of mud buried cars and left streets coated in rain-soaked sludge. Meanwhile, all evacuation orders and warnings in Los Angeles were lifted as of 6 p.m. Friday. The flood watch issued by the National Weather Service for the city was also lifted. The separate evacuation order for the Riverwood neighborhood in the Sunland-Tujunga area due to a release of water from the Tujunga Dam by county public works crews was also lifted. The Palisades Recreation Center, Rustic Canyon Recreation Center and Crestwood Hills Recreation Center are set to be reopened Saturday after being closed, Mayor Karen Bass announced. Advertisement Advertisement The 1.23 inches of rain that fell in downtown Los Angeles on Friday was a record for Dec. 26, breaking the previous record of 1.2 inches set in 1977. A record was also set at Long Beach Airport, 1.39 inches, erasing the previous record of 1.14 inches set in 2019. City News Service contributed to this report. Two young students acted quickly to save their bus driver who suffered a medical emergency while taking them to school. Catrina Thomas, 8, and her brother Charlie, 14, attend Crestview Schools in Ashland, Ohio, CNN affiliate WEWS reported. The medical emergency occurred recently when the bus driver pointed to her throat, signaling distress. Catrina noticed her distress and immediately alerted her brother and other older students on the bus to seek help. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Thomas, a student at Crestview Schools, described her bus driver as really cool; shes a good bus driver and acted swiftly when she noticed something was wrong. Advertisement Advertisement I ran up there and said, What is wrong? And she pointed at her throat and then I ran back there and got the older kids, Catrina explained, highlighting her awareness of the situation. Charlie, her older brother, observed the bus driver had stopped and raised her radio. TRENDING: Thats when I realized that something was going on, he recalled. He responded by pulling the buss parking brake. I went up there and grabbed the radio and then called the school because I knew that was the quickest way we could get help, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Reflecting on his actions, Charlie added, Yeah, like after the fact I was a little bit shaky, and once I got settled down, it was scary. I was trying to keep all the kids calm and make sure they dont get freaked out and try to get them back to the back of the bus. Their mother, Tiffany Erwin, said she was proud of her childrens quick actions during the emergency. I was very proud, overwhelmed feeling of joy. Like, I was joyful that my kids were knowledgeable enough and knew enough to know what to do. To actually help somebody. Legitimately save somebodys life, she said. Catrina expressed her feelings after the experience, saying, Proud and happy with myself and happy that we got her all better now, while Charlie added, Im glad that shes home now and that shes safe. Advertisement Advertisement Catrina noted the importance of the driver being with her family for support: ...that way they can like cheer her up and give her hugs. The bus driver is now recovering at home after her hospitalization. She indicated that she makes it a point to teach students how to use the two-way radio on the bus for emergencies just like this one. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] We all rely on the sun to supply our planet with light and warmth, but despite it being vital to our continued existence, there's a lot that scientists still don't know about it. A new study has surprised scientists at NASA by showing that the sun's activity has unexpectedly increased since 2008, despite researchers expecting it to remain at low levels. While this increased activity doesn't mean that we can expect the sun to imminently bombard us with radiation or to go out for a day or two like a typical disaster movie, the increased activity is likely to mean scientists might need to adjust their plans accordingly. The study, which was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, notes that the sun goes through longer periods of increased and decreased activity as well as following a well-known 11-year cycle. These longer periods of lower activity have been observed by scientists in the 17th century and the 19th century and usually last for several decades at a time. Between 1990 and 2008, scientists tracking the sun's activity found that several key metrics continually declined, and some suggested that this could lead to another decades-long period of low activity. However, the recently published study proves that the opposite has happened and that since 2008, the sun has actually been waking up. Scientists found gradual increases in the sun's magnetic field strength and solar wind intensity between 2008 and 2025, although they don't yet know if those activity levels will keep increasing in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 23 Bizarre Vehicles That Celebrities Actually Owned The effects of increased solar activity Rendering of the sun emitting a solar flare - Mr.alien001/Shutterstock For now, scientists aren't sure exactly what causes these long-term changes in activity levels, but they can potentially have effects both on NASA's planned missions and even on our everyday technology. Higher levels of solar activity can result in an increased chance of flares or coronal mass ejections (CME), with the latter being particularly concerning. A CME is a cloud of gas that gets ejected from the sun and is hurled into space and often but not always occurs alongside solar flares. Earth's magnetic field repels most smaller CMEs that head our way, but if a large enough CME hits Earth, it could trigger a geomagnetic storm which could damage electrical infrastructure. Hypothetically, a big enough CME hitting Earth could end our current digital age in an absolute worst-case scenario. Of course, such a world-altering event is extremely unlikely. However, smaller-scale eruptions from the sun could affect GPS satellites by damaging their internal systems or disrupting the signals they emit. Similarly, radio networks could also be affected, and some solar radiation bursts could potentially also pose a threat to the safety of any astronauts in space at the time. That's why scientists continue to keenly monitor the increasing activity levels, even if there's no major threat of the sun delivering us a fiery demise in the foreseeable future. Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashGear. The French people's confidence in President Emmanuel Macron has reached an all-time low, according to a new survey. Only 25% of respondents to a poll conducted by the research company Toluna-Harris Interactive and LCI news said they trusted the 48-year-old leader to pursue good policies for the country. According to the data, released on Friday, this is the lowest level since Macron took office in 2017. The president already reached this level once in October. Advertisement Advertisement A total of 1,099 people took part in the online survey on December 22 and 23. The so-called political confidence barometer is surveyed every month. Compared to November, Macron's popularity fell by four percentage points. His ratings have hovered below 30% for months amid growing pressure, mainly stemming from national challenges. Despite lengthy wrangling, the highly debt-burdened country still does not have a proper budget for the coming year. This week, parliament passed a stopgap solution. In September, the government collapsed due to protests over austerity measures proposed by then prime minister Francois Bayrou. Under his successor Sebastien Lecornu, a further collapse was only narrowly averted. Advertisement Advertisement Confidence in Macron peaked at the beginning of his term and during the coronavirus pandemic. According to Toluna-Harris Interactive, more than 50% of respondents expressed confidence in him at that time. The latest survey shows that Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally party, is one of the country's most popular politicians with 42% support. He is followed closely by Marine Le Pen with 39%, who is considered Bardella's political mentor. In the French government, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin enjoys the highest level of trust this month with 38%. The Pima County Sheriffs Department said Dec. 27 that a suspect remains at large and may be armed following a shooting at a Goodwill donation center in south Tucson that critically injured two employees. Authorities are asking the public to avoid contact with the suspect and to call 9-1-1 with any information about the shooting. Both victims remain hospitalized in critical condition, according to Angelica Carrillo, spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriffs Department. Advertisement Advertisement Here's what we know about the shooting. Shooting at Goodwill donation center left two injured Deputies were called at about 9:30 a.m. Dec. 26 to a reported shooting at 7650 E. Valencia Road, the location of a Goodwill Donation Center in southern Tucson. When deputies arrived, they found a man and a woman, both employees, who had been shot, authorities said. The victims were taken to a local hospital. It was not immediately clear what led up to the shooting as the investigation remained ongoing, according to PCSD. Police ask for the public's help in locating suspected shooter Detectives are seeking information about a Caucasian or Hispanic male, approximately 6 feet tall and weighing about 200 pounds, who is driving a stolen white 2012 Volvo XC90 with Arizona license plate number C4A8Z4. Advertisement Advertisement The suspect in this case is still at large and may be armed, Carrillo said. The public should avoid contact and call 9-1-1 if they have any information. The Arizona Republic's John Leos contributed to this article. Rey Covarrubias Jr. covers grocery shopping, business and breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@azcentral.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suspect missing after shooting at Goodwill in Tucson Editors Note: 2025 was a year of ups and downs for Huntsville and Walker County. Lets take a look back at the Top 10 news stories of the year. Kicking off the Top 10 list of news stories for 2025, in reverse, is the story of a young man who took the life of his then-girlfriend and wounded his child in a moment of family violence. 10. 19-year-old arrested for Capital Murder Marquel Wiley, 19, of Huntsville, was charged with Capital Murder in connection with the shooting that occurred on Essex Boulevard on Wednesday, Aug. 13. Advertisement Advertisement His bond was set at $3 million for capital murder and three counts of aggravated assault with a weapon. As of Dec. 26, Wiley has been indicted and arraigned on the charges with a pre-trial hearing set for Jan. 5, 2026, in 12th District Court Judge David Moormans court. According to Huntsville Police, responding officers to the shooting call found the young mother dead and her infant seriously injured from a gunshot wound. Wiley fled the scene on foot but was taken into custody near Farm to Market 2821. Huntsville Police Department Huntsville Police Department All of the activities took place on the first day of school in Huntsville, with an elementary, high school and several district offices nearby. Advertisement Advertisement 9. District addresses inappropriate relationship Huntsville Independent School District addressed the arrest of a high school teacher having an inappropriate relationship with a student, as reported on Friday, March 28. The press release confirmed that the high school administration received notice of an inappropriate relationship between a teacher and student on Wednesday, March 26. District administration was alerted and promptly initiated an investigation into allegations that a high school teacher had inappropriate contact with a high school student. After a thorough investigation, the district took immediate action to ensure the teacher was removed from the district and will not be returning, according to the press release. Advertisement Advertisement As a result, the high school teacher was arrested on Thursday, March 27, for an improper relationship between educator/student. The district noted that the information regarding the arrest has been widely misreported and circulated on social media. The man arrested has been working at the high school this school year. Editors note: It is the policy of CNHI, owners of the Huntsville Item, not to victimize individuals further by releasing the name of the suspect. 8. Jury delivers life sentence for continuous sexual abuse of a young child Thomas Lamb, 32, was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison by a jury in the 278th Judicial District Court Judge Tracy Sorenson. Advertisement Advertisement Thomas Aaron Lamb Thomas Aaron Lamb, 32 The trial of Lamb began on Oct. 27, 2025. He was charged with Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Under 14. The jury returned a guilty verdict and a life sentence without parole. According to the District Attorneys Office, the case originated in San Jacinto County, where the 7-year-old victim reported sexual abuse at the hands of her mothers boyfriend to a school teacher and her father. The teacher reported the allegation to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and a report was forwarded to the San Jacinto Sheriffs Office, which began an investigation. The victim was forensically interviewed and disclosed multiple instances of sexual abuse that occurred over a period of 11 months. Advertisement Advertisement It was determined that the abuse occurred in Walker County, and the case was transferred to the Walker County Sheriffs Office. Additionally, the jury heard evidence of two other cases of indecent exposure where Lamb had sexually gratified himself in front of a young mother and her child in a parking lot, and in front of a Sam Houston student who was jogging. 7. Nine inmates charged in contraband conspiracy Nine inmates were charged with their part of a conspiracy to introduce contraband into the Barry B. Telford Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. These charges are part of a larger investigation, conducted by the Office of Inspector General, which led to the arrest of seven Telford Unit staff members last week for engaging in organized activity. Advertisement Advertisement Corruption is not and will not be tolerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Eric Nichols said. We appreciate the hard work of the OIG team and our outstanding law enforcement partners in pursuing this investigation into the introduction of contraband into our state prison system. Inmates were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, bribery/money laundering and having prohibited substances and items in a correctional facility. 6. Major bridge replacement, temporary traffic changes coming to IH 45 and FM 1374 Big changes made their way to one of the major intersections of Huntsville with the continued construction of Interstate 45 on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. The Farm to Market 1374/Montgomery Road bridge was demolished and a brand-new one was built in its place. Advertisement Advertisement Interstate 45 Construction To keep traffic flowing during construction, a temporary roundabout-style traffic pattern was introduced using the newly built U-turn bridges. The main bridge that crosses IH 45 at FM 1374 was removed and replaced. While work was underway, drivers were asked to use a roundabout-style configuration to move through the intersection. This setup will rely on the recently completed U-turn bridges to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. Signage will be in place to guide drivers through the intersection. The bridge was reopened for cross traffic on Friday, Dec. 19. Look for the remaining Top 5 news stories of 2025 in the Wednesday edition of The Item on Dec. 31. Comments about the fairly new Indigent Defense Fund at a recent county commissioners work session sparked a deeper dive into what the fund is and what the county is using it for. Every person accused of a crime must have access to an attorney to aid in their defense, a right enshrined in the 6th and 14th amendments. Until 2024, Pennsylvania did not contribute any funds to that purpose, though, making it one of the only states not providing fiscal assistance. Gov. Josh Shapiro created the Indigent Defense Fund, which works by providing counties grants for indigent defense indigent meaning someone who is poor and/or in need of assistance. Alongside the money, the legislature passed language establishing an Indigent Defense Advisory Committee overseen by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), which includes public defenders from across the state, alongside judges, academics and other representatives. Advertisement Advertisement The funds are meant to support staff salaries, recruitment, training, technical assistance and data systems in public defender offices. So when the public defenders office requested that funding be used to purchase ergonomic chairs, chair mats and a floor runner, four desks, four Bluetooth headsets, conference room furniture and flooring for two conference rooms, the question was raised if the money was going toward its intended use. I struggle to figure out why they dont create grants more driven towards expenses to help indigent defense, said Commissioner Chairman Eric Henry. He brought up the election integrity grant, which has been used to purchase equipment to move voting machines more easily and a mechanic letter opener to open mail-in ballots quicker. The defense fund cannot be used on things already in the budget, so it cant support current positions, yet on its own, its not enough money to hire another attorney. The first two years, the grant to Crawford County was about $96,000 and will grow to $97,000 in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Public Defender Wes Rowden explained to The Meadville Tribune its purchase requests and how it fits into the grants purpose. All purchases must also be reviewed by the PCCD and the county must produce annual reports to show how the funds have affected client presentation. One of the biggest problems we face in the public defenders office is trying to keep people out of jail for homelessness and mental health issues, he explained. Although we have various agencies to aid people with those concerns, it was taking a lot of attorney time trying to get the get the client to the correct service provider. Now, the grant enables them to hire a litigation support coordinator. Samatha Tunstall now meets with people in jail and in the courtroom to ensure theyre connected to the proper resources whether its a mother with children or a worker who is intellectually disabled. Attorneys are able to ask Tunstall to get background information on clients and coordinate support in the community for them. Shes also spends additional time with at-risk clients, which frees up times for attorneys, making the office more efficient. Advertisement Advertisement They have also acquired contact management software the office didnt previously have to send texts to a client who may not have a permanent address to receive letters or enough minutes to take a call. Rowden said the office has noticed a reduction in missed appointment and court hearings already as a result. For the attorneys, the office purchased laptops so they can work from the courtroom or home, if needed. Most of them can be taken into conference rooms to play videos for clients. Most of our cases now have videos that clients dont have the software to play, Rowden explained. That means that we have to have more conference room time and proper equipment to review that evidence with our clients. Many cases have multiple videos. Advertisement Advertisement Part of the grant allocation he requested approval for on Wednesday was to carpet and furnish the current conference room and to convert a current storage room into a meeting room for clients. As far as the ergonomic furniture, he said almost all of their current furnishings are hand-me-downs and are all broken to some degree, so this will in his belief improve efficiencies of secretaries in the office. Next year, we intend to use the grant to continue the litigation support position and contact management system, Rowden said. We are looking into AI video software to summarize videos. They also have upgrades to the facility to make the doors secure like other courthouse doors and to purchase external hard drives to store videos and replace 15-year-old scanners. He said the office improvements are all meant to improve the experience of indigent clients in the present and future. A demonstration took place on Friday at the hospital, demanding that the terrorist not receive medical treatment. Two brothers of the terrorist were also arrested. Terrorist Ahmed Abu al-Rov, who was responsible for killing 68-year-old Shimshon Mordechai and 18-year-old Aviv Maor on Friday, was released from Emek Medical Center in Afula on Saturday, and was then taken into custody and is being investigated further. A demonstration took place on Friday at the hospital, demanding that the terrorist not receive medical treatment. The activists were affiliated with the right-wing "La Familia" group. Advertisement Advertisement "It is impossible for a terrorist who murdered civilians to receive treatment in an Israeli hospital," said one of the social media posts calling for the protest to take place. The activists aimed to enter the hospital and demand that the terrorists' hospitalization be terminated. Police and Shin Bet also announced Saturday in a joint statement that two brothers of Abu al-Rov, aged 30 and 33, were also arrested in a Friday night operation, and were also transferred for questioning. Police had also said that there were indications that the two brothers were working to conceal their location. Israeli forces raided a building near Arraba and arrested them. A 16-year-old who was wounded from Friday's attack was also treated at Emek Medical Center. He is hospitalized in the pediatric ward in light condition. He was wounded in Beit She'an after being rammed by a vehicle used by Abu al-Rov. Police apprehend terrorist who murdered two in combined terror attack, December 26, 2025. (credit: ISRAEL POLICE) In a similar incident after October 7, 2023, demonstrators from "La Familia" entered the Sheba Medical Center after rumors of Hamas terrorists being treated at the hospital. Terrorist kills two people in northern Israel Abu al-Rov's terror attack began on Friday, when he first killed Mordechai by running him over near Beit She'an. He later fled the scene by car, only stopping to stab Maor, who was on Route 71. Advertisement Advertisement The terrorist continued driving before being shot outside of Afula and was taken for treatment in moderate condition. Another man, 37, was injured and taken to Rambam Hospital in Haifa, suffering from a head injury. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir conducted a situational assessment of the incident alongside other Israeli military officials. The IDF stated that "This terrorist attack underscores the responsibility of the IDF to learn, draw lessons, and strengthen the defense of Israels civilians. "This period is characterized by lone attackers and individuals staying illegally in the area. Enforcement against those who transport and employ them must be strengthened and improved." Tzvi Jasper and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. A high-speed pursuit in Laredo on Christmas Eve ended with multiple arrests and a crash that injured four people. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers attempted to stop a Volkswagen Atlas on Interstate 35 as part of Operation Lone Star 2.0, according to Lt. Chris Olivarez, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety South Texas Region. The vehicle fled, leading to a pursuit that ended in a crash involving another vehicle and several parked cars. Christmas Eve Enforcement in Action. During interdiction patrols as part of Operation Lone Star 2.0, @TxDPS Troopers attempted to stop a Volkswagen Atlas on I-35 in Laredo. The vehicle fled, leading to a high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash involving another vehicle and pic.twitter.com/BlDMYtIPNC Chris Olivarez (@LtChrisOlivarez) December 25, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Chris Olivarez, @LtChrisOlivarez, posted on X, During interdiction patrols as part of Operation Lone Star 2.0, @TxDPS Troopers attempted to stop a Volkswagen Atlas on I-35 in Laredo. The vehicle fled, leading to a high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash involving another vehicle and several parked cars. The driver and two passengers fled on foot but were apprehended. The driver, Luis Gerardo Velazquez of Laredo (pictured wearing glasses and a gray shirt), was arrested for smuggling of persons and evading arrest. The two passengers, illegal immigrants from Mexico, were charged with evading arrest on foot. Olivarez added that all three suspects were transported to the Webb County Jail and that four others in the crashed vehicle reported injuries and were taken to a hospital. The state official shared several images of the alleged suspects and a wrecked vehicle. High-speed pursuits related to human smuggling are not uncommon along the Texas-Mexico border. A separate case earlier this year involved Jorge Alonzo Diaz Jr. of Laredo, who was arrested following a pursuit on December 17, 2025, that ended when his Lincoln Navigator crashed into a commercial vehicle. Troopers discovered 10 migrants inside the vehicle, and Diaz was charged with smuggling of persons causing serious bodily injury, evading arrest, and an accident involving serious bodily injury, according to jail records reported by Laredo Morning Times. Advertisement Advertisement Human smuggling cases have resulted in fatalities in Texas in recent years. In June 2025, two human smugglers were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for a tractor-trailer incident that killed 53 people. Federal prosecutors said the smugglers left illegal aliens in a sweltering trailer in June 2022, resulting in the deaths of 47 adults and six children, according to The Dallas Express. With regards to the latest arrests, Olivarez said, Texas DPS continues to combat human smuggling and hold offenders accountable for endangering the motoring public. Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Weeks into a vicious border war that has killed dozens of people and displaced roughly half a million, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a 72-hour cease-fire on Saturday. The countries announced in a joint statement that they would not conduct any military activities along the border, although their troops can stay there, in an effort to have a prolonged period of peace to see if the cease-fire will hold, The New York Times and Financial Times reported. The agreement comes after several days of negotiations to end renewed fighting that has plagued the border region for weeks, including Thai air strikes on Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey Province early Friday morning. The signing is not the end, but the beginning of proving sincerity through action. Thailand will proceed based on the same principles it has consistently communicated to the international community.#PeaceBeginsWithTruth#TruthFromThailand#CambodiaFiredFirst#ThailandSelfDefense pic.twitter.com/MLjLkGYqyv PR Thai Government (@prdthailand) December 27, 2025 "The signing is not the end, but the beginning of proving sincerity through action," Thailand's Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sornchaidee said in a statement posted to X. Advertisement Advertisement "Thailand will proceed based on the same principles it has consistently communicated to the international community," said Sornchaidee, who is acting as director of the joint press center and principle spokesperson on the border negotiations. The cease-fire was due to start at 12:00 p.m. local time, with all fighting and military activity halted and both sides avoiding "unprovoked firing or advancement or movement of troops toward the other side's positions," according to the agreement. The agreement requires both sides to refrain from any type of provocative actions, to avoid disseminating "false information or fake news" and to commit to efforts for both countries to better work together. Additionally, if the cease-fire holds for the full 72 hours, Thailand agreed to return 18 Cambodian soldiers -- something it initially agreed to do in October -- and both sides will start to allow civilians to return to their homes along the 500-mile border between the countries. Advertisement Advertisement The soldiers were captured in July after weeks of fighting, which also had resulted in a cease-fire and an eventual peace accord signed in October in Kuala Lumpur. That cease-fire and peace agreement rumbled in November when Thailand accused Cambodia of laying new landmines along its border -- weapons that both countries have employed -- Financial Times reported. The new agreement, which was signed at 10:30 a.m. local time on Saturday morning, follows recent overtures from the United States and China to increase diplomatic efforts and end the conflict, the New York Times reported. "The United States welcomes this announcement from Cambodia and Thailand on reaching a cease-fire that halts hostilities along their border," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. "We urge Cambodia and Thailand to immediately honor this commitment and fully implement the terms of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords." With a cease-fire agreed to after three days of negotiations, a trilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of Cambodia, Thailand and China will be held on Sunday and Monday to continue working toward a more lasting peace, Cambodian officials said. Cultural & Historical Significance Elisabetta holds significant cultural importance in Italy as both a classic and elegant name with deep religious roots. The name gained prominence during the Renaissance through noble figures like Elisabetta Gonzaga, who presided over one of the most intellectually vibrant courts in Urbno, immortalized in Baldassare Castiglione's 'The Book of the Courtier.' This established Elisabetta as a name associated with sophistication, education, and cultural patronage. Throughout Italian history, the name has maintained its connection to faith and tradition, often chosen to honor Saint Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, or to reflect family religious devotion. The name embodies Italian cultural values of family, faith, and artistic appreciation while representing feminine strength and intelligence. In modern times, Elisabetta continues to represent a connection to Italian heritage and the ideal of the cultured, accomplished woman who balances tradition with contemporary life. Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following weeks of border clashes, with the defence ministers of both countries signing a joint statement. The ceasefire covers all weapons, attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure and military targets across all areas, according to the statement, which was published on Saturday. The ministers met at a border checkpoint between Cambodia's Pailin province and Thailand's Chanthaburi province, following preparatory discussions in a joint border committee in recent days. Advertisement Advertisement Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed hope on Friday in Bangkok that the two sides would agree on a joint statement. Fighting had erupted at multiple points along the roughly 800-kilometre Thai-Cambodian border, with both countries accusing each other of shelling civilian areas, claims that each side denied. Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced on both sides of the border and more than 100 people were killed, including several dozen civilians. The hostilities stem from a decades-long territorial dispute. Heavy clashes also occurred in July, ending after a few days with a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement In October, the two sides agreed to withdraw heavy weapons from the border area and to conduct joint demining operations. However, the truce was suspended in November following a new border incident, and tensions escalated further after a border skirmish on December 7. Fighting resumed at multiple points along the frontier. Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire agreement on Saturday after weeks of deadly fighting along their border over competing territorial claims. The neighbors' long-standing border conflict reignited this month, shattering an earlier truce and killing at least 47 people, according to official counts. Around one million people have also been displaced. The agreement took effect at noon local time and calls for a halt in military movements and airspace violation for military purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Only Thailand has carried out airstrikes, hitting sites in Cambodia as recently as Saturday morning, according to the Cambodian Defense Ministry. The deal also calls for Thailand, after the ceasefire has held for 72 hours, to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers it has held as prisoners since earlier fighting in July. Their release has been a major demand of the Cambodian side. Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha, left, stands with Thai Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit, right, at the General Border Committee Meeting in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. / Credit: Agence Kampuchea Press via AP (Thai MFA via AP)) Within hours of the signing, Thailand's Foreign Ministry protested to Cambodia that a Thai soldier sustained a permanent disability when he stepped on an anti-personnel land mine it charged had been laid by Cambodian forces. Defense ministers met at the border to sign the agreement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement was signed by the countries' defense ministers, Cambodia's Tea Seiha and Thailand's Nattaphon Narkphanit, at a border checkpoint. It followed three-day lower-level talks by military officials. It declares that the sides are committed to an earlier ceasefire that ended five days of fighting in July and follow-up agreements. The original July ceasefire was brokered by Malaysia and pushed through by pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges unless Thailand and Cambodia agreed. It was formalized in more detail in October at a regional meeting in Malaysia that Trump attended. Despite those deals, the countries carried on a bitter propaganda war and minor cross-border violence continued, escalating in early December to widespread heavy fighting. Many clauses similar to those in Saturday's agreement were included in October's ceasefire document, and were open to various interpretations and generally honored only in part. These included provisions concerning land mines and the Cambodian prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement The fragility of the new agreement was underlined by Thailand's Defense Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri in a news briefing after Saturday's signing. He said that the safe return of civilians to their homes would indicate the situation had stabilized enough to allow the repatriation of the captured Cambodian soldiers. "However if the ceasefire does not materialize, this would indicate a lack of sincerity on the Cambodian side to create sure peace," he said. "Therefore, the 72-hour ceasefire beginning today is not an act of trust nor unconditional acceptance but a time frame to tangibly prove whether Cambodia can truly cease the use of weapons, provocations and threats in the area." Civilians bore the brunt of the fighting Thailand has lost 26 soldiers and one civilian as a direct result of the combat since Dec. 7, according to officials. Thailand has also reported 44 civilian deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Cambodia hasn't issued an official figure on military casualties, but says that 30 civilians have been killed and 90 injured. Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated on both sides of the border. "Today's ceasefire also paves the way for the displaced people who are living in the border areas to be able to return to their homes, work in the fields, and even allow their children to be able to return to schools and resume their studies," Cambodia's Defense Minister Tea Seiha told reporters after the signing. Each side blamed the other for initiating the fighting and claimed to be acting in self-defense. Evacuees wait to receive donation from local charity as they take refuge in Banteay Menchey provincial town, Cambodia, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, after fleeing homes following fighting between Thailand and Cambodia. / Credit: Heng Sinith / AP The agreement also calls on both sides to adhere to international agreements against deploying land mines, a major concern of Thailand. Advertisement Advertisement Thai soldiers along the border have been wounded in at least 10 incidents this year by what Thailand says were newly planted Cambodian mines. Cambodia says the mines were left over from decades of civil war that ended in the late 1990s. Following the latest injury on Saturday, Thailand's Foreign Ministry noted that the new agreement "includes key provisions on joint humanitarian demining operations to ensure the safety of military personnel and civilians in the border areas as soon as possible." Another clause says the two sides "agree to refrain from disseminating false information or fake news." The agreement calls for a resumption of previous measures to demarcate the border. The sides also agreed to cooperate in suppressing transnational crimes. That's primarily a reference to online scams perpetrated by organized crime that have bilked victims around the world of billions of dollars each year. Cambodia is a center for such criminal enterprises. Advertisement Advertisement World leaders hail the agreement Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was instrumental in putting together the original ceasefire, said the new agreement "reflects a shared recognition that restraint is required, above all in the interest of civilians." The European Union also welcomed the agreement, and called on "both sides to implement it in good faith." EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni thanked the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which both Cambodia and Thailand are members, for "playing a positive part in the result," in a social media post. "The EU stands ready to provide any support needed," El Anouni said. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement Saturday that the United States welcomed the agreement and urged the two countries to "immediately honor this commitment and fully implement the terms of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords." The office of United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk said he "welcomes news that Thailand and Cambodia have resumed a ceasefire and hopes this will pave the way for confidence building and peace." "Communities and migrants affected must receive all necessary assistance to return home safely," the office said on social media. New poll shows how Americans' sentiments on Trump changed in 2025 Saturday Sessions: Samara Joy performs "Now And Then (In Remembrance Of...)" Saturday Sessions: Samara Joy performs "Three Little Words" Screenshot Influencer Nick Shirley accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) of child-care fraud, claiming $110 million in taxpayers dollars have funded child-care centers he says are empty. In a viral 42-minute video posted to X, Shirley and his crew visit multiple Minnesota child-care centers on a weekday only to find them nonoperational, per allegations made in the segment. Theres no one here, Shirley says on camera while standing in front of one of the centers. This is a prime example of the billions of dollars in fraud happening right now in Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Shirley alleged that one of Minneapolis centers in question, called Quality Learning Center notable to Shirley because learning is misspelled on its sign appeared vacant of the approximately 99 children it is licensed for and received $1.9 million in Child Care Assistance Program funding in 2025 alone, plus millions more previously. After posting the video, Shirley took to X, holding Walz and his administration accountable. Tim Walz and the fraudsters arent escaping this one, he wrote. In one day, my crew and I uncovered over $110,000,000 in fraud. This is just the tip of the iceberg. We the people simply work too hard and pay too much in taxes to allow this to happen. They must be held accountable. He has since continued his online attacks on Walz, calling the governor an American Pirate. Advertisement Advertisement Tim is on the clock, he wrote. He will either resign and flee to avoid accountability or be dumb enough to continue his campaign for reelection. Shirleys video is making its rounds online. Elon Musk, who has been vocal in condemning Walz, shared it to his X with the caption Prosecute @GovTimWalz. Walz has also attacked Musk for his involvement in politics, saying he skipped like a dips**t at one of President Donald Trumps rallies. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN), who serves as the House majority whip, also demanded answers from Walz on the viral video. 4 million dollars of hard earned tax dollars going to an education center that cant even spell learning correctly, Emmer wrote on X. Care to explain this one, @TimWalz? The post Tim Walz and the Fraudsters Arent Escaping: Influencer Exposes $110 Million Minnesota Child-Care Scam first appeared on Mediaite. Tina Peters, the former Colorado elections clerk who has been at the center of a political fight between President Trump and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D), is asking a state appeals court to recognize the presidents pardon of her state convictions. Lawyers for Peters, who served as a clerk in Mesa County, filed a motion Tuesday that argues the Colorado appeals court no longer has jurisdiction over her case because of a Dec. 5 pardon issued by Trump, the Associated Press reported. They asked the court to release her from prison. Trump granted Peters a full pardon earlier this month, even though a president does not have the power to overturn state convictions with the pardon power. Advertisement Advertisement Peters was convicted in 2024, including on counts of attempting to influence a public servant and conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation. She had been accused of using someone elses security badge to give someone connected to My Pillow chief executive Mike Lindell access to the Mesa County election system. Trump has taken a number of steps to help those convicted of crimes related to support for his claims he did not lose the 2020 election to former President Biden, including pardoning thousands convicted of crimes related to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Trump for months has pressured Polis to free Peters, threatening harsh measures if no pardon is granted. Tina is sitting in a Colorado prison for the crime of demanding Honest Elections, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. Today I am granting Tina a full Pardon for her attempts to expose Voter Fraud in the Rigged 2020 Presidential Election! Advertisement Advertisement This lightweight Governor, who has allowed his State to go to hell (Tren de Aragua, anyone?), should be ashamed of himself, Trump wrote online earlier this month, referencing the Venezuelan gang. Trump earlier this week denied disaster aid to Colorado, which recently experiences wildfires and flooding, a decision Polis said was political. Coloradans impacted by the Elk and Lee fires and the flooding in Southwestern Colorado deserve better than the political games President Trump is playing, Polis said in the statement. 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, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The White House said there was nothing political in Trumps decision. The President responds to each request for Federal assistance under the Stafford Act with great care and consideration, ensuring American tax dollars are used appropriately and efficiently by the states to supplementnot substitute, their obligation to respond to and recover from disasters, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in an email. Jackson added that there is no politicization to the Presidents decisions on disaster relief. She said that the Trump administration also mobilized two firefighting planes to help with the response to the fires. In another move affecting Colorado, the administration this month said it would break up a climate and weather research lab in the state. Advertisement Advertisement The National Science Foundation will break up the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought said in a post on the social platform X, calling it a source of climate alarmism. That move led Colorado senators to block a prospective funding deal in December that would have kept much of the government operating through the end of September. Colorado Sens. Michael Bennet (D) and John Hickenlooper (D) objected to moving forward with the so-called minibus spending package that, if enacted into law, would result in 85 percent to 90 percent of the federal government being funding through September 2026. We need to fix this problem, Bennet said, explaining his opposition to moving forward with the spending package. Well have to work together. Well have to work together to figure out how to do this. Advertisement Advertisement Bennet said his Republican colleagues know how critical the center is to providing scientific analysis of weather patterns. Everybody on that floor knows what an excellent job [it] does, he said, pointing to the Senate floor. 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. Powerful and dependable, the Rolls-Royce Merlin aero engine was fitted to many of the most significant warplanes of the Second World Warfrom the Spitfire and Hurricane to the Lancaster. The engines melodiously throaty roar and undoubted contribution to Allied victory make it a favourite of many, as were the aircraft types it powered. Weve selected 10 fascinating types from the many Merlin-powered aircraft (wed love to do a part two later). Here are 10 Brilliant Planes That Used The Mighty Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine: 10: Fairey Fulmar Fairey Fulmar It is something of an anomaly that the Fleet Air Arms highest-scoring fighter of the war was the relatively slow and staid Fairey Fulmar, with 112 victories (more than double the total achieved by the far more potent Corsair in FAA service). Despite this, the Fulmar has never really caught the popular imagination. Advertisement Advertisement As the Second World War loomed, the Admiralty was desperate for anything approximating a modern fighter aircraft. This need was met by a modified light dive-bomber originally intended for a cancelled RAF requirement. The resulting Fulmar shared the engine and armament with the Spitfire and Hurricane, but there the similarity ended. 10: Fairey Fulmar Fairey Fulmar With a pathetic flat-out speed of 247mph and a feeble service ceiling of 16,000 feet, it was far inferior to its contemporaries. More worryingly, it was also 30mph slower than the Luftwaffe's Heinkel He 111 bombers. Fair to say that, as a fighter, it made an adequate, cancelled dive-bomber. So how did it become the top Royal Navy fighter of the war? To understand this apparent contradiction of how such a sluggish machine was the Navy's best fighter, it is necessary to look to a then-new technology: radar. The Fulmar had shown that as a naval fighter, her strengths of endurance and firepower could make up for her disadvantage in outright performance when coupled with radar. 9: Miles M.20 Miles M.20 Flying for the first time, a mere 65 days after being commissioned by the Air Ministry, the M.20s structure used wood throughout to minimise the aircrafts use of potentially scarce aluminium, and the whole nose, airscrew and Merlin engine were conveniently supplied as a single, all-in-one 'power egg unit, as it was already in production for the Bristol Beaufighter II. Advertisement Advertisement To maintain simplicity, the M.20 dispensed with a hydraulic system, and while this meant that the landing gear wasnt retractable, the weight saved allowed for a large internal fuel capacity and the unusually heavy armament of 12 machine guns with twice as much ammunition as either the Hurricane or the Spitfire. 9: Miles M20 Miles M20 Tests revealed that the M.20 was slower than the Spitfire but faster than the Hurricane, and its operating range was roughly double that of either. It also sported one of the first clear-view bubble canopies to be fitted to a military aircraft. Due to the M.20 being viewed as a panic fighter an emergency back-up if Hurricanes or Spitfires couldnt be produced in sufficient numbers production of the M.20 was deemed unnecessary, since no serious shortage occurred of either of the existing fighters. 8: de Havilland Hornet/Sea Hornet de Havilland Hornet/Sea Hornet The most qualified pilot to judge a piston-engine fighter was the test pilot Eric Winkle Brown, who deemed the single-seat Sea Hornet to be the finest aircraft he ever flew. Thanks to structural techniques developed from the Mosquito, a tiny frontal cross-section and fuselage, and buckets of power, it was joyfully overpowered. Advertisement Advertisement Combat experience was limited to Malaya, where it replaced the Spitfire and the Beaufighter in the ground attack role, flying over 4500 reconnaissance and close support sorties. Hornets also played a part in the dramatic rescue of survivors, including a six-year-old girl, of the shot-down Cathay Pacific DC-4 near Hainan Island in November 1954. 8: de Havilland Hornet/Sea Hornet de Havilland Hornet/Sea Hornet The Hornets were the first to arrive on the scene to search for survivors, followed by a Valetta, Sunderland, York and Privateer. The DC-4 was shot down by Chinese Air Force La-11s for reasons unclear, either mistakenly for a Taiwanese military aircraft, to kill a Chinese Nationalist ambassador onboard or in a failed attempt to kill former OSS Head Wild Bill Donovan. The Hornet was the zenith of the minimalist school of fighter design, which like the earlier Westland Whirlwind, mated the minimum possible wetted area with the maximum power. The Hornet was an astonishing warplane, and a quick glance over its mind-blowing performance figures - including a top speed of 475mph - will convince you of its excellence. 7: Avro Lancaster Avro Lancaster RAF Air Chief Marshal Bomber Harris declared the Lancaster bomber was the single greatest war-winning weapon of the war. It unleashed death and destruction on an epic scale, dropping over 610 million kg of bombs. Yet the famous Lancaster had a less-than-auspicious start. Advertisement Advertisement It was preceded by the terrible Avro Manchester, powered by two unreliable Vulture engines, which was introduced in November 1940, and sensibly put out to pasture in 1942. The replacement of the two troublesome Vultures with four Merlins showed the true promise of the airframe and merited a name change to Lancaster. 7: Avro Lancaster Avro Lancaster The Lancaster was more than a re-engined Manchester, but not much more. In fact, the prototype Lancaster was a conversion of the earlier twin-engined bomber and was initially known as the Manchester III. The result was spectacular, and the mediocre Manchester became the devastatingly effective Lancaster. Of a total of 7377 built, about 3249 were lost in combat. 487 were lost in accidents: Total losses roughly 3736 about 50% of all Lancasters built. That loss rate was one of the highest for any major wartime aircraft type, largely due to the sustained night area-bombing campaigns over heavily defended German targets. It should also be noted that it performed 156,000 sorties. 6: Tsunami Tsunami The astonishing Tsunami was a purpose-built racing aircraft developed in the United States during the 1980s. It was an absolute rocketship, an incredible speed, leaving even the Griffon-powered Spitfires for dust! Its goal was to break the 3 km world speed record for propeller-driven planes and compete in the Unlimited class at the Reno Air Races. Advertisement Advertisement The aircraft took six years to build, with its first flight on 17 August 1986, piloted by Steve Hinton. Initially equipped with a single-stage supercharged Merlin engine, it was later upgraded to a two-stage supercharged version to boost speed. Tsunami achieved speeds over 500mph, showcasing impressive engineering and power. 6: Tsunami Tsunami In 1989, an attempt was made to break the world speed record at Wendover, Utah. However, a landing gear collapse prevented success, forcing the team to abandon the record attempt. Despite its speed, Tsunamis racing career was modest, with only one major victory in Sherman, Texas, in 1990. The programme tragically ended in 1991 when designer and owner John Sandberg was killed in a crash. Mechanical failures, including a faulty airspeed indicator and flap system, caused the aircraft to roll during final approach to Pierre Regional Airport, South Dakota, resulting in the fatal accident. 5: I.Ae. 30 Nancu I.Ae. 30 Nancu The British minimal school of high-speed twin piston-engine fighters found its ultimate expression in an utterly unlikely place. From the brilliant mind of the Italian, Cesare Pallavicino, former chief engineer for Caproni, the Nancuwas created in Argentina. Somewhat like a metal rather than wooden Hornet, the brilliant Nancu named after a Patagonian eagle remains the fastest ever Latin American piston-engined aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Prior to the Nancu, I.Ae. had developed the I.Ae. 24 Calquin bomber, which was essentially a radial-engine Mosquito. Quite sensibly, attempts to make a follow-on single-seat escort fighter built on the experience of the Calquin, resulting in the Hornet-like Nancu. Power for the aircraft came from two Rolls-Royce Merlins. 5: I.Ae. 30 Nancu I.Ae. 30 Nancu Despite official meddling rushing development, to the point of incomplete aerodynamic testing, the Nancu proved in many ways, notably in all-out performance, to be an impressive machine. Had it arrived two or three years earlier with its planned armament of four to six 20mm cannon, it would have proved a world-beating fighter by any standards. Attempts to create jet derivatives of the Nancu were scuppered by Kurt Tanks success in Argentinawith the Pulqui I and II jets, and because of an economically and politically chaotic situation. The Nancu was brilliant in almost every way; it was just too late. The aircraft didnt amount to much, but Pallavicino would still attain immortality, through the international success of his Lambretta motor scooter. 4: North American Mustang North American Mustang In 1940, Britain was desperate for large numbers of modern fighter aircraft. The US company North American Aviation was approached and asked to build Curtiss P-40s. They believed they could create a far superior design and, in response, created the P-51. Advertisement Advertisement The resultant aircraft combined all the latest innovations in aerodynamics to create an exceptionally clean low-drag machine. Everything about was designed with low drag in mind, down to the then-novel fully retractable tailwheel. The P-51 was fast, extremely long-ranged and manoeuvrable. But its original Allison engine was less than stellar at medium and higher altitudes. 4: North American Mustang North American Mustang Pairing what was probably the most aerodynamically advanced airframe with the best aeroengine in the world, the Merlin, was a match made in heaven. An excellent low-level fighter became a superb all-round fighter. Jealous British historians may claim that using the Merlin was an entirely British idea, but several in the US had also considered this happy marriage. The North American P-51 Mustang became a war-winning weapon, able to stay and protect bombers throughout their entire mission. The superb P-51 played no small part in the Allies achieving air superiority over Western Europe from early 1944. Though the other aircraft in this list have Rolls-Royce Merlins rather than the US-built Packard V-1650 Merlins, a small number of P-51s did, allowing us to include this important aircraft in our story. 3: de Havilland Mosquito de Havilland Mosquito In trials on 16 January 1941, prototype Mosquito W4050 outpaced a Spitfire at 6000 feet, achieving 20 mph more despite its larger size. This speed, paired with its versatility, saw Mosquitos excel in bombing, reconnaissance, and precision raids - most famously the daring 1944 Amiens Prison raid. Advertisement Advertisement Its strengths included range, reliability, and high survivability compared with four-engine bombers. The Mosquito could carry up to 4000 lb (1818kg) of bombs, not the 6000 lb of a B-17, but compensated with speed and agility for hit-and-run strikes. Used by around a dozen nations, from Canada to Israel, it even flew in the Chinese Civil War. Unique for its era, no enemy type matched it. 3: de Havilland Mosquito de Havilland Mosquito Several bombers were converted into fighters during the war, though none with the success of the Mosquito. Partly, this was due to its astonishing performance, but the possibility of the aircraft being used as a fighter had, in fact, been envisaged from the very beginning of the design process. The Mosquito was famously conceived as a bomber of wooden construction, fast enough to dispense with a defensive gun armament. However, provision for an offensive armament of four cannon had been provided in the forward fuselage. This, combined with four machine guns in the nose, made for a potent armament. Most of its victories were achieved at night. 2: Hawker Hurricane Hawker Hurricane Hawker followed their series of brilliant interwar biplane fighters with the Hurricane, which first flew in 1935. Technologically, the Hurricane was a halfway house, combining many of the proven features of earlier fighters, with then-modern features, notably a monoplane configuration, enclosed cockpit and retractable undercarriage. The result was a tough, dependable fighter. Advertisement Advertisement The Hurricane was the first aircraft purpose-designed to fly with the Merlin (the very first Merlin flight taking place on a Hawker Hart testbed earlier in the same year). It had initially been developed with the Kestrel engine in mind, but it soon became apparent that the Merlin had far more potential. 2: Hawker Hurricane Hawker Hurricane Hurricanes shot down more aircraft during the Battle of Britain and made up the majority of the British fighter force at that time, but the Spitfire was better looking and effortlessly captured the public imagination. Dozens of Spitfire Funds raised money for the RAF. There was not a single equivalent Hurricane Fund. The Spitfire was also, of course, a better fighter, and the Hurricane was generally replaced by Spitfires over the course of the war. However, the Hurricane had proved vital in many campaigns when victory was far from certain, serving with distinction across the globe on land and at sea. 1: Supermarine Spitfire Supermarine Spitfire The Supermarine Spitfire, one of the most important aircraft in history, and likely the most important in British history, was a masterpiece. It combined delightful handling with excellent performance, manoeuvrability and timing. Much of its brilliance is derived from its engine, the superb Rolls-Royce Merlin. If you ask people today what a spitfire is, virtually everyone will answer an aeroplane. It is extremely unlikely that anyone would say someone with a fierce temper, despite their slightly tedious accuracy, if they did. This is the enduring legacy of the Spitfire: it has become the definition of the word originally used to name it; its success has changed the language. 1: Supermarine Spitfire Supermarine Spitfire In the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire, along with the Hurricane, proved vital in deterring the Luftwaffe. It fought around the world, almost always enjoying the upper hand. In an unforgiving technology race with the Fw 190 and Bf 109, the Spitfire more than kept up. The Merlin would eventually give way to the Griffon, but 90% of Spitfires were Merlin-powered. In Royal Air Force service alone, some sources suggest it destroyed almost 6000 enemy aircraft across the Second World War (though not all these were by Merlin-powered aircraft). Though exact figures are hotly debated, it is possible that the Spitfire shot down more aircraft than the other Allied top killers, the P-51and Hellcat; this would make the Spitfire the most deadly fighter aircraft of the Allies. In RAF service all top three scoring aircraft of the war were powered by the Merlin - and five of the top 10 were also Merlin-powered. Follow Joe Coles on Substack, Twitter X or Blue Sky. His superb Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes is available here. If you enjoyed this story, please click the Follow button above to see more like it from Autocar Photo Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en ]]> A trap meant to capture a bear that's been under an Altadena home for a month was sprung but was triggered by the wrong beast. Biologists at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife have had a bear trap set at Ken Johnson's house since Dec. 9 in an attempt to capture a 550-pound male black bear that wedged itself in the crawl space of his home a month ago. After weeks of unsuccessfully setting out caramel- and cherry-flavored bait and noisemakers in the hopes of flushing the bear out, it seemed like all of the efforts had paid off last week. Johnson heard the rattling of the metal cage from inside his home Dec. 16, but realized quickly it wasn't the right bear. Advertisement Advertisement "I knew my bear hadn't gone out because I've got enough cameras on it," Johnson said. The bear they did catch was tagged and released in a nearby suitable habitat, the department confirmed. Read more: This 550-pound unwanted tenant is the new face of Altadena's bear invasion Christmas Day made it 31 days since the bear, called Yellow 2120 by researchers, squeezed itself into a small opening underneath Johnson's home. But visits from bears are not unique in Altadena, situated at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Johnson and his neighbors constantly see bears, especially on trash day. Advertisement Advertisement In fact, a few weeks ago, a different bear poked its head down into the crawl space and was scared off by Yellow 2120, Johnson told The Times previously. "It's funny but it's not," Johnson said. He's jury-rigged a burglar alarm with foam so it makes a clattering sound loud enough for the neighbor's Ring camera to pick up, he said. He's burned CDs with hours of dog barking audio and pointed speakers into the vents, all in the hopes of flushing Yellow 2120 out. None of it has worked. "I just don't feel completely at home in my own house, as long as he's under there," Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Wild bear stealthily enters California zoo, is found visiting the bear exhibit After capturing the wrong bear, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife removed the trap after deciding Yellow 2120 wouldn't fall for the same trick twice, the department said. Based on the bear's tags, department officials recognized Yellow 2120 as a bear that was trapped in the last year near Altadena and relocated about 10 miles from Johnson's house, but returned in the last few months. It's still unsettling to hear the bear move around underneath the house even though it's been a month, Johnson said, calling the saga a "roller coaster." The bear growled at him through a vent on the floor of the living room on Tuesday, he said. "I get days where I feel that he's asleep and it's just a matter of time, other days I feel uncomfortable like he's gonna break more things under the house," Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement The department was hopeful that the rain over the holiday could wash uncomfortable human smells away from the crawl space so Yellow 2120 would feel more at ease crawling out and leaving, Johnson said, but the storm only left him agitated. "I could hear him moving around. It was like a house of horrors," Johnson said. Yellow 2120 seems to be exercising his tenants rights, too; at some point he turned on a gas line under the house, so Johnson had to turn the line off and is now living without hot water. "It's really awful," he said. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A travel agency known for booking Disney vacations has recently appeared in multiple news reports following Disney's decision to end its relationship with the company. More recent coverage has focused on allegations raised by travel agents who work with the agency. We have been monitoring broader media coverage of these developments, and the latest reporting focuses on allegations from customers of the travel agency who say they have not received their refunds. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including a recent Disney Vacation Club rental crack down and roundup of the latest policy changes. READ MORE These Disney World Hotels Get the Same Perks at a Fraction of the Price Smart Moms Travel Agency Now Facing Allegations from Customer Animal Kingdom tree of life Smart Moms Travel, a nationwide travel agency, has drawn media attention over the last few months following reports that include allegations from former and current employees regarding wrongful termination and unpaid commissions. Disney previously shared the following statement with NBC Connecticut regarding the situation: "Based on concerns we have received regarding changes to Smart Moms Travel's business practices, we have exercised our right to terminate our Authorized Disney Vacation Planner designation agreement with the agency." You can see our initial summary of this controversy here. Advertisement Advertisement After Disney released that statement, Smart Moms Travel CEO Lauralyn "LJ" Johnson spoke with NBC Connecticut during a Zoom interview. We cover that conversation with the news outlet here. Then, another NBC Connecticut report stated that current employees of Smart Moms Travel are accusing the agency of withholding their commission. Two current employees, Ashton Chinault and Kathleen Wright, told NBC Connecticut that they have not resigned, have not been terminated, and were not paid in November for previous months' commissions. According to Chinault, she is owed $3,250 for October and still currently has 145 families with future Disney trips booked. Wright claims she is owed close to $1,000 and is also still working with clients on future Disney trips. See all of those details in the separate article here. Now, a former client has now come forward with allegations that Smart Moms Travel has not issued her refund. Client Whitney Stallbaumer told NBC Connecticut that she chose to rebook her Disney trip in order to remove Smart Moms Travel's access to her reservation, citing concerns due to the recent allegations involving the company's CEO, Lauren Johnson, also known as LJ. During her interview with NBC Connecticut, Stallbaumer said, "I mean, if she gets mad at her agents and can fire them and not pay them, what can she do to our trip?" Advertisement Advertisement After Stallbaumer rebooked the trip, Disney refunded her original $200 deposit to Smart Moms Travel after her credit card information on the reservation had changed. She told NBC Connecticut that she has attempted to contact Johnson and Smart Moms Travel but has not received her refund or a response. During the interview, Stallbaumer said she reached out to the company "through Instagram, Facebook, email, and even sent a Venmo request at the recommendation of another agent." "I've sent an email. One of the other frustrating things is she is currently asking for applicants for a position and so I applied for that and was like, hey, I see that you're reading these message. Can you please send me my refund?" hollywood studios disney world READ MORE Hidden Secrets of the Disney World Hotels You Haven't Heard Of Stallbaumer told NBC Connecticut, "It's not something that I would, you know, file a police report on or be super stressed about. But I think her sitting on the vacation money of everybody else is kind of principle at this point." Advertisement Advertisement NBC Connecticut shared that they reached out to Disney for a response, but have not heard back yet, and also contacted Johnson twice over the past week to ask for a comment regarding this refund request and the allegations from her travel agents. This story was first reported here by NBC Connecticut. Don't Miss the Latest Disney News Don't miss the latest Disneyland and Disney World news from Mickey Visit. Join the FREE Mickey Visit newsletter that over 100k readers receive every single week. Mickey Visit is here to help you save money and experience more during your Disney and Universal vacation. See the Mickey Visit guide to Disneyland and the Mickey Visit guide to Disney World for tips. The post Travel Agency Disney Ended Relationship With Allegedly Not Issuing Refund appeared first on Mickey Visit - Disney News & Planning Tips. Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura won Honduras' presidential election, the country's electoral authorities said Wednesday afternoon, ending a weeks-long count. The election result has continued a swing to the right in parts of Latin America, just a week after Chile chose the far-right politician Jose Antonio Kast as its next president. Asfura, of the conservative National Party, received 40.27% of the vote in the Nov. 30, edging out four-time candidate Salvador Nasralla of the conservative Liberal Party, who finished with 39.39% of the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Asfura won in his second bid for the presidency, after he and Nasralla were neck-and-neck during a long vote count that fueled international concern over the Central American nation's fragile electoral system. Presidential candidate Nasry Asfura, of the National Party, gives a press conference in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on Dec. 1, 2025. / Credit: Moises Castillo / AP (Moises Castillo / AP) On Tuesday night, a number of electoral officials and candidates were already fighting and contesting the results of the election. Meanwhile, followers in Asfura's campaign headquarters erupted into cheers. "Honduras: I am prepared to govern," wrote Asfura, the former mayor of Honduras' capital Tegucigalpa, in a post on X shortly after the results were released. "I will not let you down." The results were a rebuke of the current leftist leader and her governing democratic socialist Liberty and Re-foundation Party, known as LIBRE, whose candidate finished in a distant third place with 19.19% of the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Asfura ran as a pragmatic politician, pointing to his popular infrastructure projects in the capital. President Trump endorsed the 67-year-old conservative just days before the vote, saying he was the only Honduran candidate the U.S. administration would work with. "If he doesn't win, the United States will not be throwing good money after bad, because a wrong Leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country, no matter which country it is," Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social. Late last month, Mr. Trump also pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez a National Party member on drug trafficking and weapons charges, allowing him to leave a U.S. federal prison. The U.S. president claimed Hernandez was "treated very harshly and unfairly," but his decision drew criticism from some members of both parties. Nasralla has alleged that the election was fraudulent and called for a recount of all the votes just hours before the official results were announced. Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday night, he addressed Mr. Trump in a post on X, writing: "Mr. President, your endorsed candidate in Honduras is complicit in silencing the votes of our citizens. If he is truly worthy of your backing, if his hands are clean, if he has nothing to fear, then why doesn't he allow for every vote to be counted?" He and others opponents of Asfura have maintained that Mr. Trump's last-minute endorsement was an act of electoral interference that ultimately swung the results of the vote. The unexpectedly tumultuous election was also marred by a sluggish vote count, which fueled even more accusations. The Central American nation was stuck in limbo for more than three weeks as vote-counting by electoral authorities lagged, and at one point was paralyzed after a special count of final vote tallies was called, fueling warnings by international leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the announcement, Organization of American States Secretary General Albert Rambin on Monday made an "urgent call" to Honduran authorities to wrap up a special count of the final votes before a deadline of Dec. 30. The Trump administration warned that any attempts to obstruct or delay the electoral count would be met with "consequences." For the incumbent, progressive President Xiomara Castro, the election marked a political reckoning. She was elected in 2021 on a promise to reduce violence and root out corruption. She was among a group of progressive leaders in Latin American who were elected on a hopeful message of change around five years ago, but are now being cast out after failing to deliver on their vision. Castro said last week that she would accept the results of the elections even after she claimed that Mr. Trump's actions in the election amounted to an "electoral coup." But Eric Olson, an independent international observer during the Honduran election with the Seattle International Foundation, and other observers said that the rejection of Castro and her party was so definitive that they had little room to contest the results. Advertisement Advertisement "Very few people, even within LIBRE, believe they won the election. What they will say is there's been fraud, that there has been intervention by Donald Trump, that we we should tear up the elections and vote again," Olson said. "But they're not saying 'we won the elections.' It's pretty clear they did not." What the newly released Epstein files say about Trump Aubrey O'Day on Sean "Diddy" Combs, and her desire to help others: "Speaking for the underdogs" 2 killed, several missing after nursing home explosion in Pennsylvania Women named Idla typically exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with deep spiritual conviction. They are often described as resilient, determined individuals who approach life's challenges with strategic thinking and unwavering faith. Their 'battle' oriented nature manifests not as aggression, but as persistent dedication to their principles and causes they believe in. Idlas tend to be protective of their loved ones and committed to justice, often serving as moral compasses in their communities. Despite their strong-willed nature, Idlas typically balance their warrior spirit with compassion and empathy. They possess excellent problem-solving skills and are often drawn to roles where they can defend the vulnerable or advocate for important causes. Their combination of strength and sensitivity makes them effective mediators and trusted advisors. The spiritual dimension of their name often translates into deep introspection and a strong sense of purpose that guides their life decisions. In relationships, Idlas are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, often becoming the 'rock' that others rely on during difficult times. They approach conflicts with a sense of fairness and are skilled at finding peaceful resolutions while standing firm on important principles. Their inherent strength is tempered by wisdom, making them both formidable and approachable in equal measure. As 181 libraries in Tennessee grapple with a directive from the Tennessee Secretary of State to audit juvenile book collections to better align with state law and an executive order on gender topics, some experts question whether the states actions are legal. Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett sent a letter to the 181 libraries in late October calling for the audits, to "identify any materials" that could be "inconsistent" with both "Tennessee age-appropriateness laws" as well as President Donald Trump's January executive order regarding "gender ideology." The Tennessee Age Appropriate Materials Act of 2022 created restrictions on materials for public school libraries, not public libraries. Trump's January "gender ideology" order defines gender as biological, binary and immutable, among other changes. Advertisement Advertisement Libraries had 60 days to comply. The scramble to complete the review caused the temporary closure of two libraries in Rutherford County. The Smyrna Public Library has a sign on the door explaining why they are currently closed, on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. Some legal experts are pushing back on the use of Trumps executive order to reshape collections in Tennessee, saying it does not have bearing on state law and does not supersede the First Amendment. There have been very important executive orders over time, said Lindsay Langholz, senior director of policy and program at the American Constitution Society. The Emancipation Proclamation and the desegregation of the U.S. military were done through executive orders. But those have to do with things that the administration actually has power over, and this certainly is not one of them. Hargett did not return a request for comment. Collapse of constitutional boundaries: Experts argue that Trumps executive order on gender ideology cannot touch TN public libraries Hargett's letter states that he wants to "do all (he) can to ensure that local decision-making for materials purchased with state and federal funds remain intact." Advertisement Advertisement "I need your help to ensure that the decisions around collection purchases are in accordance with applicable laws and the Regional Library System's Library Service Agreement," he stated. However, a number of First Amendment legal experts have weighed in on whether the laws he is referring to are actually applicable. The Tennessee Secretary of State is making an unusual and opportunistic choice by subjecting Tennessee public libraries directly to Executive Order 14168, said EveryLibrary Institute, a research institute connected to EveryLibrary, the first national political action committee for librarians, in an analysis of Hargetts order. Secretary Hargett is setting a dangerous precedent by placing Tennessees state and municipal government under the authority of any Executive Order by any president. The organizations analysis was an expansion of a letter sent to Hargett on Nov. 25, co-signed by 33 leading literary advocacy groups and book publishers decrying the audit orders. Advertisement Advertisement More: National publishers, literary groups push back on Tennessee order Langholz said that while it is likely that Trumps executive order cannot be applied to Tennessee public libraries, it is possible that state officials are eyeing one potential loophole. Executive orders do not impact state law beyond one small caveat, which is that there are often organizations, like state entities, that receive federal funding. And sometimes the federal funding is the piece that allows for the President, in executing the laws faithfully, to direct those entities to do one thing or another, she said. I don't believe that this falls under that umbrella, for what it's worth. Debbie Gentry holds protest sign Dec. 1, 2025, with message, "Tennessee protect the freedom to read ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)," in front of Murfreesboro City Hall prior to a Rutherford County Library System Board meeting. The Institute also noted this in their analysis, stating that Hargetts suggestion that funding may be impacted by noncompliance is unenforceable, as the funding is statutorily required to be sent by Congress every year under the Museum and Library Services Act. Advertisement Advertisement Federal law only provides for the suspension or termination of grants when agreements are broken or abrogated, the statement read. Any spending done under the authority of the current grant agreement is safeguarded from discrimination in the same way that libraries safeguard the First Amendment rights of readers. Langholz agreed. They can't use an executive order to create new obligations to federal funding, she said. At the end of the day, the executive order still has to be rooted in federal law, which resides with Congress, or any constitutional powers that the President is claiming none of which would be implicated here. The Institute also argued that Hargetts use of Trumps order to reshape public library collections is not legally sound because the orders cannot be applied retroactively, both according to Supreme Court rulings and even the Tennessee state constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Both constitutional doctrine and administrative law strongly disfavor retroactive rulemaking, the analysis stated. The President lacks the authority to impose new duties or penalties for past actions or reinterpret statutory obligations after the fact. It could also be argued that the Tennessee Constitution, which prohibits ex post facto laws in Article I, Section 11, constrains the Secretary as well. What powers do executive orders have? Trumps executive order referenced in Hargetts letter, titled Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, redefines gender as strictly male or female, and seeks to dissolve transgender protections by providing federal definitions for women and girls as females, and men and boys as males. It defines gender as biological, binary and immutable. More: What executive orders did Trump sign on day 1? Gulf of America, Jan. 6 pardons and more The order also aims to move phrases like gender identity and gender ideology from federal policies and communications. Advertisement Advertisement The order is facing numerous lawsuits across the country. Many of the lawsuits focus on the reach of Trumps executive orders. An executive order is a presidential statement directing how federal officials and agencies follow and implement duly passed federal law, and must derive from either an already existing statute or a constitutionally-enumerated power. While many executive orders call on the presidents Article II duty to make sure the laws be faithfully executed, orders are also often based on the presidents powers to issue pardons and commutations (like President Andrew Johnsons December 25, 1868 proclamation pardoning all individuals who participated in the Civil War), making recess appointments (like President George W. Bushs 171 recess appointments), and directing the military (like President Harry S .Trumans 1948 order to desegregate the Armed Forces). Advertisement Advertisement While the presidents powers are wide-ranging, it is generally agreed upon that executive orders are to apply to operations within the federal government. According to an analysis by the American Constitution Society, an executive order that seeks to enforce something outside the scope of an existing statute or enumerated presidential power would be a legislative act, and therefore a violation of the Separation of Powers. An executive order that purports to apply a duly passed federal law or enumerated presidential power in a manner that violates the Constitution by, for instance, infringing on First Amendment speech rightswould also be unlawful, the organization stated. In this case, while the President may have had the authority to issue an executive order, the substance of that order violates the Constitution and is therefore invalid. The USA TODAY Network - The South region's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Advertisement Advertisement Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Can a Trump executive order on gender reshape TN libraries? President Donald Trump has installed an attorney and part-time beauty salon owner to decide which foreigners are allowed to enter the United States. The State Department announced that Mora Namdar has been promoted from her post working on U.S foreign policy in the Middle East and North Africa to become assistant secretary for consular affairs, overseeing everything from passport issuance to visa approvals and revocations. Namdar, who is the daughter of Iranian immigrants, previously did the job on an interim basis during Trumps first term in 2020. Mora Namdar, center, photographed with her beauty salon team in 2017. / Facebook Namdar owns a mini-chain of beauty salons called Bam in her native Texas, with locations in the West Village in her hometown of Dallas, as well as in Fort Worth and Plano. Advertisement Advertisement The original salon, she told Voyage Dallas magazine, was intended to be gorgeous, sophisticated, and evoke dreams of a Parisian heaven in Dallas, with a 20-foot flower wall, and grew out of her friends asking her to do their makeup at their weddings. It dawned on me that there is a need for a gorgeous place that treats the styling of women like a form of art, she said, while she told DMagazine in 2017 that it was fun and cheeky. Blowouts start at $45 and professional make-up sessions at $55. Mora Namdar appeared on Good Morning Texas on WFAA 88 ABC in 2016 to promote her salon. / Facebook The chain has diversified into hair extensions, starting at $325, events, off-site events, including running lash and braid bars for $100-a-person and home visits. Namdar combined owning the salon with running a one-woman law firm. On Christmas Day, she announced the firm was no longer active. She was also one of the contributors to the notorious Project 2025, which has heavily influenced Trumps second term, writing a section about the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), according to the Columbia Journalism Review. Advertisement Advertisement In it, Namdar accused USAGMthe federal umbrella for U.S.-funded broadcasters including Voice of America and Radio Free Europeof serious mismanagement, espionage-related security risks, and of using anti-U.S. talking points to parrot Americas adversaries propaganda, while calling for it to be reformed or closed altogether. Mora Namdar at the attorneys office she owns. / Instagram Namdars Senate confirmation earlier this month now puts a politically connected operator with media experience in charge of a bureau that can effectively decide who gets to enter the United Statesand who gets turned away. In prepared testimony for her October Senate hearing, she framed visa adjudications as critical to national security, saying she concurred with Rubios assessment that if someone undermine[s] our foreign policy, [then] consular officers have the authority to revoke their visa. Mora Namdars official government photo from 2020. / State Department Namdars record inside government has already drawn scrutiny. Several outlets have reported that her interim leadership in the State Departments Near Eastern affairs bureau this year triggered internal concerns about management and morale. Advertisement Advertisement She will now be leading moves by the administration to ban people entering the U.S. including actions against citizens of various European countries who the president, 79, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, 54, announced on Wednesday had been barred from entering the U.S. for what it described as egregious censorship of American viewpoints on social media platforms, promising more would likely follow. When reached for comment, the State Departments Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott told the Daily Beast, What a shameful, pathetic, and quite frankly sexist way to describe her career. Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar is an accomplished lawyer, business owner, and government official. Americans can be proud that patriotic public servants like her are stepping forward to serve our country and advance our national interests. Trump repeatedly sought to distance himself from Project 2025 during the campaign. But by years end, PBS reported that outside trackers estimate the administration has implemented roughly half the agendas goals, with personnel is policy hireslike Namdar, and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Brendan Carrsingled out as a key mechanism. The FCC is the independent regulator that oversees broadcast licensing, telecom, and a growing share of the governments fights over media power and viewpoint disputes. Donald Trump and Brendan Carr pictured chatting in November 2024. / Brandon Bell/Getty Images Carr, 46, authored Project 2025s FCC chapter, which argues the agency should take a more aggressive posture toward Big Tech and what he calls a censorship cartel, while pairing that culture-war agenda with an explicit push to roll back swaths of existing telecom regulation. Advertisement Advertisement Since taking the job, Carr has moved in ways that critics say align with those prioritiessteps that have triggered Senate blowback and warnings from former FCC leaders about speech-chilling politicization. The Daily Beast has also contacted Namdar for comment. President Trump is putting his endorsement strength to the test ahead next years midterms as he wades into a number of Republican House primaries. Last week, the president rolled out his first endorsements in non-incumbent races, backing candidates supported by the National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC). While Trumps backing will likely hold sway in any Republican primary, his endorsements force will face a test in what is expected to be a tough election year for Republicans seeking to defend the House. Advertisement Advertisement If the Republicans are going to hold the House of Representatives, Donald Trump is going to have to take them and put them on his back to carry them to victory, said Republican strategist Ford OConnell. According to the latest polling average from The Hills partners at Decision Desk HQ, Democrats led Republicans by roughly 6 points on the generic ballot. Meanwhile, Trump has seen his approval ratings dip since taking office in January, but his approval rating in the DDHQ average increased 3.5 points since last month. Id rather have it than not, one Republican strategist told The Hill. Whether he endorses you or not, youre going to be tied to the successes and failures of the president and the Republican Congress, the strategist added. Advertisement Advertisement In three Truth Social posts on Thursday, Trump backed former Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R) in Maines 2nd Congressional District, along with former Stockton, Calif., Mayor Kevin Lincoln in Californias 13th Congressional District, and Army veteran Eric Flores in Texass 34th Congressional District. In a statement to The Hill, National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) touted the all-star recruitment class the committee is building in close coordination with the White House and our leadership team. President Trump understands the kind of candidates we need to win in key districts and I am grateful for the close working relationship the NRCC has built with the President and his team, Hudson said. Prior to Rep. Jared Goldens (D-Maine) announcement he would not seek reelection next year, Maines 2nd District was considered a toss-up. However, Republicans chances of winning in the district have since increased, with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report labeling the seat as likely Republican. LePage, a longtime Trump ally, will face at least one primary challenger in the Republican primary following James Clarks entrance into the race. However, the former governor is widely favored to win the intraparty contest. Advertisement Advertisement In Texas, Flores is facing a much more crowded primary in the states newly redrawn 34th Congressional District. Ten Republicans, including staunch Trump support and former Rep. Mayra Flores (R-Texas), are vying to challenge incumbent Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas) in the district. Cook has dubbed the district as lean Republican. Further west in California, Lincoln is seeking to challenge Rep. Adam Gray (D-Calif.) in the Golden States 13th Congressional District. Cook has labeled that district as toss-up. Strategists point to the timing of primaries and redistricting as factors that likely impacted Trumps decision to endorse when he did, particularly in Texas. Texas and California each went through midcycle redistricting earlier this year. The White House worked with Texas to push state lawmakers to redraw that states congressional lines in an effort to add more Republican seats ahead of the midterms. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court gave Texas the green light to use the redrawn, GOP-friendly map. Advertisement Advertisement California then pursued redistricting efforts in an effort to counteract Republican efforts in Texas. Additionally, Texas has one of the earliest primaries next year on March 3, narrowing the window for the president to endorse. However some strategists note there could be some risk to early endorsements. The real tough thing for [Trump] is going to be Texas in particular, the unnamed Republican strategist said, citing the early nature of the states primary. And so if he has some losses here, which is one of the reasons why I dont think he endorses Cornyn, is he realized that if he took losses in Texas early on, it could have a cascading effect on the impact of his endorsements elsewhere, the strategist said, referring to the states contested Senate GOP primary. Advertisement Advertisement The White House has signaled it plans to make the midterms a referendum on Trump, with the presidents chief of staff Susie Wiles saying earlier this month the president will campaign like its 2024 again in an effort to turnout low propensity voters. If hes at the top of the ballot in swing states and they believe that theyre voting for Donald Trump, then Donald Trump is going to have a higher turnout. He wants people to think that hes at the top of the ticket, OConnell said. The economy was boosted by surprisingly a strong 4.3 percent economic growth rate on Tuesday, arguably a boon for the White House and Republicans up and down the ballot going into an election year. American consumers are spending, and American exports are surging. President Trump built the greatest economy in the world in his first term, and hes in the process of doing it all over again. Americans can count on benefitting from a historic economic boom in 2026, White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement following the news. Advertisement Advertisement 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. TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) Libya on Saturday held a military funeral for the western Libyas military chief and four of his officers who died in a plane crash in Turkey. The bodies arrived at Tripoli International Airport in caskets draped with Libyan flags and were carried in a funeral procession with soldiers holding their photographs. The private jet with Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad, four other military officers and three crew members crashed on Tuesday after taking off from Ankara, Turkeys capital, killing everyone on board. Libyan officials said the cause of the crash was a technical malfunction on the plane but the investigation is still ongoing in coordination with Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Libya plunged into chaos after the countrys 2011 uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. The country split, with rival administrations in the east and west, each backed by armed groups and foreign governments. The country is governed by Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah's government in Tripoli and the administration of Prime Minister Ossama Hammad in the east. Dbeibah praised al-Haddad during a funeral speech for organizing the military despite overwhelming darkness and outlaw groups. Al-Haddad played a crucial role in the ongoing, U.N.-brokered efforts to unify Libyas military, which has split, much like Libyas institutions. Our martyrs werent just military leaders but also statesmen who were wise and disciplined and carried responsibility and believed that the national Libyan army is the countrys shield and ... that building institutions is the real path toward a stable and secure Libya, Dbeibah said. Advertisement Advertisement The burial will take place on Sunday in Misrata, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) east of Tripoli, officials said. The crash happened as the delegation was on its way back to Tripoli after defense talks in Ankara aimed at boosting military cooperation. A funeral ceremony was also held at Murted airfield base near Ankara, attended by the Turkish military chief and the defense minister. Military chief Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu also accompanied the bodies on the plane to Libya, Turkish public broadcaster TRT reported. Turkey has been the main backer of Libyas government in the west, but has recently taken steps to improve ties with the eastern-based government. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) says two drivers are dead after a head-on crash near Liberty Lake in eastern Washington. A WSP report shows a 20-year-old driver was heading westbound on State Route 290 at around 3 a.m. Saturday morning, when he crossed into the eastbound lanes and collided head-on with a 61-year-old driver. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers say excessive speed contributed to the crash. The Department of War announced $32.7 million in spending to boost solid rocket motor production capacity. Systima Technologies and R.E. Darling were the recipients of the funding, which aims to eliminate production bottlenecks plaguing Americas munitions supply chain. These contracts represent critical expansions in domestic weapons manufacturing capacity. The announcement of the contracts, which were solidified on September 30, was delayed due to the October 1 -November 12 government shutdown, according to the DOW. Advertisement Advertisement The surge in demand for propellant-based weaponry, coupled with a narrow supplier base, has created a bottleneck in SRM production, Under Secretary of War Michael Duffey said in a press release. With these strategic investments, we are fortifying our national security by expanding critical nodes of the SRM supply chain to accelerate munitions manufacturing. Systima Technologies received $5 million to expand nozzle production capabilities. The Mukilteo, Washington, company will create a dedicated production line for major programs. R.E. Darling Co. secured the larger contract, valued at $27.7 million. The Tucson, Arizona firm will modernize its manufacturing of case insulation materials for rocket motors. Internal insulation protects rockets from extreme heat and erosion during flight. The investment addresses critical gaps in manufacturing thermal protection components. Advertisement Advertisement These awards bring total solid rocket motor investments to eight projects worth $120 million. The Defense Production Act funding supported 21 industrial base projects totaling $939.7 million in fiscal year 2025. Private companies contributed $88 million in cost-sharing arrangements. The Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization Directorate oversees the funding program. Israeli operations affected one of their patrol, with gunfire and an explosion impacting near their forces, according to a report by UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported on Friday that Israeli operations interfered with one of their patrols, with gunfire and an explosion impacting near their forces. "Heavy machine gunfire from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) positions south of the Blue Line impacted close to a UNIFIL patrol inspecting a roadblock in the village of Bastarra. The gunfire followed a grenade explosion nearby," said the statement. Advertisement Advertisement "While there was no damage to UNIFIL assets, the sound of the gunfire and the explosion left one peacekeeper slightly injured with an ear concussion," it added. In another incident, UNIFIL reported that a patrol in the village of Kfar Shouba heard machine gun fire from Israeli troops near their position. UNIFIL vehicles drive in Deir Mimas, southern Lebanon, February 18, 2025; illustrative. (credit: REUTERS/KARAMALLAH DAHER) UNIFIL leaks information to Hezbollah UNIFIL and the IDF had been clashing in the last couple of months, with the UN's force targeting IDF surveillance drones and allegedly leaking information to Hezbollah, according to a report by Army Radio. On November 30, senior IDF officials fear that photographs and documentation taken by UNIFIL peacekeepers of Israeli military operations on the Lebanon-Israel border are being leaked to Hezbollah, according to Army Radio reports. Advertisement Advertisement The IDF also discovered an official UNIFIL document which referred to Israel as "the enemy," which, after Israel demanded answers, Army Radio claimed that UNIFIL apologized for the phrasing, claiming they had "copied the wording of the Lebanese army" and had "forgotten" to correct it. Additionally, a drone incident occurred on October 27, when UNIFIL reported that Israeli drones flying over UNIFIL patrols in an aggressive manner, stating that the peacekeepers applied necessary defensive countermeasures to neutralize the drone. These situations all took place in the context of an imminent UNIFIL withdrawal from Lebanon, with the force set to remain fully operational in the country until 2026, when the operation will begin a year-long orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal. The withdrawal was approved by the United Nations Security Council, with a French resolution that requests UNIFIL to cease its operations on December 31, 2026, and to start from this date and within one year its orderly and safe... withdrawal... in close consultation with the government of Lebanon. Amichai Stein, Reuters, and The Jerusalem Post staff contributed to this report. Cultural & Historical Significance Lono is one of the four major Hawaiian deities (along with Ku, Kane, and Kanaloa) and holds a central position in Hawaiian cosmology. As the god of peace, agriculture, fertility, and rainfall, Lono was associated with the Makahiki season - a four-month period of peace, sports, and harvest celebrations when war was forbidden. During this time, the image of Lono was carried around the islands in a clockwise procession, and taxes were collected in his name. Lono was also connected to clouds, rain, and natural phenomena that brought life to the islands. His symbolic representation included a long staff with a carved human head and white tapa cloth banners, which were carried during the Makahiki processions. The arrival of Captain Cook in Hawaii coincided with the Makahiki season, leading some Hawaiians to initially mistake him for Lono returned, demonstrating the deep cultural significance of this deity in Hawaiian society. This historical incident underscores how deeply embedded Lono was in the Hawaiian worldview and seasonal calendar. The deity's association with peace and abundance made him particularly important in a society that balanced periods of warfare with mandated seasons of peace and celebration, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of social and ecological balance. A group of Venezuelans who were sent to a maximum-security El Salvador prison from the US and then returned to Venezuela called on Friday for the United States to comply with a ruling that would allow them to challenge their deportation in US courts. US Judge James Boasberg ruled this week that President Donald Trumps administration must urgently arrange for the return of the hundreds of Venezuelans who were deported to El Salvador, saying their expulsion violated their due process rights and that they have the right to challenge their deportation in court. Under the ruling, the Trump administration must present a plan to allow their return within two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement The court ruling now orders that we be granted the opportunity for a fair hearing in accordance with the law in the United States, Ysqueibel Penaloza, a former detainee, said on behalf of some 252 former prisoners. We call on the governments of the United States and El Salvador to fully comply with the court order. We demand that the authorities of that country create the conditions that will allow us to participate in the hearing. Penaloza asked for national and international help in their defense, without specifying what help they needed. The Venezuelans were sent to El Salvador from the US in March after Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemy Act a little-used wartime law to deport people classified as members of the Tren de Aragua gang, without carrying out hearings or usual migration procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Many lawyers and family members denied the men in question had any links to gangs and said they were often left in the dark about the location of the detainees. The deportations drew strong criticism from human rights groups and spawned a legal battle with the Trump administration. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Nearly two months after Brad Mortensen was announced as Utah State Universitys next president, Weber State University is seeking the publics input in its presidential search to fill his absence. The nine-member presidential search committee last week announced it will host in-person and virtual public input sessions on Jan. 12 and Jan. 15. Input from the campus community and the public is essential as we work to identify the right leader for Weber State University, Javier Chavez Jr., Utah State Board of Education member and co-chairman of the presidential search committee, said in a statement. Our priority is selecting a highly qualified president who will continue advancing Weber States mission while supporting affordable, high-quality education that serves students and Utahs communities. Advertisement Advertisement The in-person session is scheduled to take place Monday, Jan. 12, at Lindquist Hall, 1299 Edvalson Street, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The virtual session will take place on Thursday, Jan. 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. People can access the meeting by clicking here. Additionally, individuals unable to attend either session will be able to submit suggestions and feedback by emailing wsupresidentialsearch@ushe.edu or by submitting an anonymous comment online. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are all encouraged to participate, according to the Utah System of Higher Education. We are approaching this search with a shared commitment to Weber State Universitys future, Ally Isom, Weber State trustee and co-chairwoman of the presidential search committee, said in a statement. Community input will be critical as we look for a president who can build upon Weber States successes and meet the evolving needs of the region. Advertisement Advertisement A release from USHE said that in the coming weeks, the committee will approve a job posting and call for nominations and applications. National firm AGB Search is currently assisting the committee. Leslie Durham, Weber States provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, has been serving as the universitys interim president since early November. The push for supply chain transparency is one of the biggest trends to hit the food industry. Brands have taken notice and adopted a variety of certifications to prove their products are farmed organically, their farmers receive a fair wage, or to address other specialty concerns. There's also the food safety aspect, as learning where a salmonella outbreak, for example, occurred is key to issuing a warning to consumers. As the biggest retailer in the world and a huge buyer of agricultural products, Walmart has been one of the most visible faces in food transparency, with its push involving blockchain technology, requiring suppliers to provide traceability data, and expanding its own in-house milk processing capacity. But even with a third milk plant of its own slated to open in 2026, the retail giant still has to source milk from a myriad of dairy farmers to fill up all those jugs of its house brand Great Value milk. Luckily for curious American consumers who want to know where the milk they buy at Walmart comes from, or perhaps support certain farms, there's a pretty simple way to find out. Each milk container has a code that identifies the state and farm where the milk is produced, regardless of which brand it is. But because Walmart has such an outsized footprint on various markets, including dairy, it's worth exploring in depth. Read more: 20 Healthy Choice Frozen Meals, Ranked Worst To Best Cracking the code on milk origins refrigerated dairy section at a Walmart - PJ McDonnell/Shutterstock The code will start with two numbers denoting the U.S. state or territory where the milk was produced, followed by a dash and then one to five digits that can be numbers or letters that tell the exact dairy farm where it came from. You may see the letters PLT in front of the code, which stands for "plant." It's helpful to know that the code won't contain a colon. Also, keep in mind that if there's no code on your container, it may not contain dairy, like these brands of almond milk, or it may be from a new dairy that hasn't been added to the database yet. Advertisement Advertisement Let's say you've bought some Great Value milk that seems to have spoiled faster than normal and want to find out where it was produced. You can take the scenic route by looking up the code in the interstate milk shippers list published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Or you could take the much easier way and enter the code into a search bar on the website whereismymilkfrom.com. This site not only searches the database for you but also provides a helpful primer on all the details you'll need to find and understand the code, perhaps making breakfast conversation a little more interesting as you pass around that gallon of milk. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Tasting Table. By Maria Tsvetkova and Rich McKay NEW YORK, Dec 27 (Reuters) - A mix of snow and ice bore down on the U.S. Northeast early on Saturday, disrupting post-holiday weekend airline traffic and prompting officials in New York and New Jersey to issue weather emergency declarations even as the storm ebbed by mid-morning. People in much of the Northeast were advised to stay off the roads because of treacherous conditions, with states of emergency declared in New York and New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement "The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and I continue to urge extreme caution throughout the duration of this storm," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement. By early Saturday, about six to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters) of snow had fallen across an area from Syracuse in central New York to Long Island in the southeast of the state, as well as Connecticut, said Bob Oravec, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center near Washington, D.C. New York City received two to four inches of snow overnight, with 4.3 inches reported at Central Park, Oravec said, the most since 2022. "The good news is that the heaviest snow is done," he said. "Only a few flurries remain this morning and those will taper off by the afternoon." Advertisement Advertisement But the effects were felt by travelers. More than 9,000 domestic U.S. flights on Saturday were canceled or delayed as of early-evening, with many in the New York area, including at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, according to the tracking site FlightAware. Representatives from American Airlines, United Airlines and JetBlue Airways told Reuters that the carriers had waived change fees normally charged to rebook for passengers whose travel plans may be affected by weather-related disruptions. Ice storm warnings and winter weather advisories were also posted for most of Pennsylvania and much of Massachusetts. New Jersey and Pennsylvania issued commercial vehicle restrictions for some roads, including many interstate highways. Advertisement Advertisement "This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel," New Jersey's acting governor Tahesha Way said in a statement. "We are urging travelers to avoid travel during the storm and allow crews to tend to roads." (Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta. Additional reporting by Maria Tsvetkova in New York, Steve Gorman in Washington and Dan Levine; Editing by Sergio Non and Mark Potter) New Years Eve parties and New Years Day morning will send a cold shock through South Florida. Temperatures are forecast to dip into the upper-40s sometime around 6 a.m. Thursday, according to Weather Underground. As Wednesdays New Years Eve parties wind down after midnight into the Thursday morning hours, the Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas will plunge from the earlier daytime highs of 72, according to the National Weather Service in Miami. Credit an arctic blast from the northern U.S. pushing south into Florida by late Tuesday, bringing a 20% chance for a few showers late in the day. Winds are expected to shift north, making the feels-like temperatures feel several degrees colder, causing the overnight plunge. Advertisement Advertisement But heres some news to warm your heart: A steady stream of sunny days will follow. First, youll feel that chilly breeze to start the day Wednesday, CBS News Miami meteorologist Dave Warren said in his Friday broadcast. The start of the New Year will be even colder, with temperatures barely climbing out of the 60s each afternoon, he said. The week of low temperatures The French bulldog, "Ms. Tata," soaks the sun dressed in her cold weather gear as tourists and locals gathered in Wynwood Yard in this file photo from Dec. 12, 2017. (CARL JUSTE/cjuste@miamiherald.com) While post-Christmas Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be warm in the Miami area, with highs hovering around 80, evenings and early mornings will be cooler. Here are South Floridas forecast early-morning lows through New Years Day, according to Miami Herald news partner, CBS News Miami. Advertisement Advertisement Saturday and Sunday : 62. Monday: 63. Tuesday: 64. Wednesday (New Years Eve): 52. Thursday (New Years Day): 48. MORE: Ready to party like its 2026? Heres where to go on New Years Eve in Miami Around Florida Universal Orlando Resort. (Universal Orlando Resort.) Some of you will be traveling around Florida for the start of 2026. Here are the lows youll want to pack appropriate sweaters and coats for, according to Weather Underground. Orlando: This Central Florida locale is a hot spot due to its Disney, Epcot and Universal theme parks and other attractions. But itll be a chilly hot spot before Miami starts to feel that arctic air. Look for the 40s to descend on the Orlando region around 9 p.m. Tuesday. New Years Eve morning at 6 a.m. will be the coldest point at 40, with feels-like temps at 35. Temperatures will only climb to a high of 58 that day before dipping into the mid- and low-40s again on New Years Day morning. The high on Thursday will reach 62. The 40s to 60s range remains into the following Saturday before Sunday runs 51 to 73 degrees. Key West: The Southernmost Point will only hit the 60s on New Years Eve and New Years Day, not venturing below or above. After starting the week pre-holiday in the 70s, it wont hit 70 again until the following Saturday. Jacksonville: The New Years Eve range is forecast at 33 to 55, with feels-like lows around 28. New Years Day climbs from 36 around 6 a.m. to 60 at 3 p.m. Gainesville: The 40s arrive around 3 a.m. Tuesday. Gators territory dips just under freezing to 31 at 6 a.m. New Years Eve Wednesday, with a feel-like 27. The highs will hit 56 by the late afternoon. New Years Day Thursday ranges from 34 to 61. Tampa: The first hit of the 40s arrives after midnight Tuesday, dipping to 42 at 6 a.m. and hitting 60 at 2 p.m. New Years Day runs 46 to 65. Sanibel-Captiva: The beautiful beaches region of Florida was battered by dual hurricanes, including Milton in 2024. Recovery is ongoing at sites and the beaches and hotels and many restaurants are back in business, with some, like Mucky Duck, requiring more rebuilding. New Years Eve runs 49 to 62. New Years Day should be 53 to 65. When will South Florida warm up? The New Years cool-down will lead to milder temperatures by the post-holiday weekend, with winds winding down and comfier temperatures from the 60s to 70s resuming, forecasters say. Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley. Israel recognises Somaliland as 'sovereign state' Israel has formally recognised Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" and signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties, as the region's leader hailed its first-ever official recognition. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has for decades pushed for international recognition, the key priority for president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi since he took office last year. Abdullahi hailed the Israeli move, saying it marked the beginning of a "strategic partnership". "This is a historic moment as we warmly welcome" Israel's recognition and "affirm Somaliland's readiness to join the Abraham Accords", he posted on X. Egypt's foreign ministry said its top diplomat spoke with his counterparts from Turkey, Somalia and Djibouti, who together condemned the move and emphasised "their full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia". "The ministers affirmed their complete rejection and condemnation of Israel's recognition of the Somaliland region, and stressed their full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia," the statement added. Israel has been trying to bolster relations with countries in the Middle East and Africa in recent years. Historic agreements struck late in US President Donald Trump's first term in 2020 saw several countries including Muslim-majority United Arab Emirates and Morocco normalise relations with Israel, but wars that have stoked Arab anger, particularly in Gaza, have hampered recent efforts. (AFP) Maharashtra Local Body Polls: The run-up to the polls was also marked by internal frictions within the Mahayuti, with alliance partners contesting against each other in several regions. Notably, the Maharashtra local body trends come nearly a year after the Mahayuti secured a thumping victory in the 2024 Assembly elections. Target is under new pressure from activist investor Toms Capital Investment Management (TCIM), which recently took a stake in the struggling retailer, intensifying scrutiny on the company as it faces falling sales and growing investor concerns. The size of TCIM's investment was not disclosed, and the firm has not shared specific demands. Target's shares rose 2.6% following the news, offering a small boost amid a year in which the stock has lost more than 28% of its value, US News reported. The Minneapolis-based retailer has reported three straight quarters of declining comparable sales, a sign that it is struggling to keep pace with competitors. In August, Target named veteran executive Michael Fiddelke as its incoming CEO, set to assume the role in February. He will continue reporting to current CEO Brian Cornell, who will move to executive chairman, a structure that has already drawn criticism. Nonprofit shareholder activist group The Accountability Board filed a proposal in October urging the company to appoint an independent chairman. "To us, this signals that investors are hungry for change, and means our shareholder proposal likely has an even stronger chance of passing," said Matt Prescott, president of the Accountability Board. Embattled Target feeling heat from hedge fund investor Toms Capital following sales slump https://t.co/IJdHjZ9pRm pic.twitter.com/wT7p99W6Nz New York Post (@nypost) December 26, 2025 Target Faces New Hedge Fund Pressure TCIM, a relatively unknown hedge fund in the retail world, has recently gained attention for taking stakes in companies like Tylenol maker Kenvue, Pringles maker Kellanova, and US Steel. Its involvement marks Fiddelke's first major test ahead of his CEO tenure. Target said in a statement, "We maintain a regular dialogue with the investment community. Target's top priority is getting back to growth." TCIM did not respond to requests for comment. According to Reuters, to regain momentum, Target has announced plans to invest an additional $1 billion in 2026 to open new stores and remodel existing locations. The company also cut 1,800 corporate roles as part of a broader restructuring. Analysts note that focusing on retail fundamentalsincluding product offerings, pricing, and store experienceremains crucial. Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData, emphasized that short-term financial moves, like monetizing real estate, are unlikely to deliver lasting results. Target's encounters with activist investors are not new. In 2009, Pershing Square's Bill Ackman attempted a high-profile proxy battle seeking board seats to push a real-estate spin-off, but shareholders rejected the plan. Currently, Target owns about 75% of its real estate, according to UBS analyst Michael Lasser. Originally published on vcpost.com (L to R, up to down) Nguyen Lan Anh, Dang Man Chi, Nguyen Phuong Anh, and Do Bao Tram, four members of the Vietnamese Team CAPT, which won the second place at the Harvard Crimson Global Case Competition 2025. Photo: Supplied New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has described the Free Trade Agreement with India as a landmark deal, noting that it means more jobs, higher incomes and more exports from Indian markets. "We said we'd secure a Free Trade Agreement with India in our first term, and we've delivered. This landmark deal means more jobs, higher incomes and more exports by opening the door to 1.4 billion Indian consumers. Fixing the Basics. Building the Future," the New Zealand Prime Minister said in a post on X. On December 22, India and New Zealand have concluded a comprehensive, balanced and forward-looking Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a major economic and strategic milestone in India's engagement with the Indo-Pacific region. The FTA stands out as one of India's fastest-concluded FTAs aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The negotiations were formally launched on March 16, 2025 during the meeting between Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand Todd McClay. The agreement was concluded by holding continuous and intense discussions spread over 5 formal negotiation rounds, several in-person and virtual intersessions. The FTA establishes a high-quality economic partnership that promotes employment, facilitates skill mobility, drives trade and investment-led growth, fosters innovation for agricultural productivity, and enhances MSME participation to strengthen long-term economic resilience. The FTA eliminates tariffs on 100 per cent of its tariff lines, providing duty-free access for all Indian exports. This market access enhances the competitiveness of India's labour-intensive sectors including textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, marine products, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, engineering goods and automobiles, directly supporting Indian workers, artisans, women, youth and MSMEs and integrating them deeper into global value chains, according to the commerce ministry. The FTA delivers New Zealand's best and most ambitious services offer in any of its FTAs to date. India has secured commitments across a wide range of high-value sectors including IT and IT-enabled services, professional services, education, financial services, tourism, construction and other business services, opening substantial new opportunities for Indian service suppliers and high-skill employment, the commerce ministry had said. The FTA Opens Skilled Employment Pathways through a new Temporary Employment Entry Visa pathway for Indian professionals in skilled occupations, with a quota of 5,000 visas at any given time and a stay of up to three years. This pathway covers Indian professions such as AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, Indian chefs, and music teachers, as well as high-demand sectors including IT, engineering, healthcare, education, and construction, strengthening workforce mobility and services trade. Apart from tariff liberalisation, the FTA includes provisions to address non-tariff barriers through enhanced regulatory cooperation, transparency, and streamlined customs, Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary (SPS) measures and Technical Barriers to Trade disciplines. All systemic facilitations and fast-track mechanisms for imports that serve as inputs for our manufactured exports ensure that tariff concessions translate into effective and meaningful market access. India-New Zealand economic engagement has shown steady momentum. Bilateral merchandise trade reached USD 1.3 billion in 2024-25, while total trade in goods and services stood at approximately USD 2.4 billion in 2024, with services trade alone reaching USD 1.24 billion, led by travel, IT and business services. The FTA provides a stable and predictable framework to unlock the full potential of this relationship. (ANI) India saw a ramp-up of electronics production by 6 times and export increasing 8 times in the last 11 years, Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said, lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Electronic goods production rose from Rs 1.9 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 11.3 lakh crore in 2024-25. Exports during the period rose from Rs 0.38 lakh crore to Rs 3.3 lakh crore. PLI Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing (LSEM) attracted over Rs 13,475 crore worth of investment, with a production of Rs 9.8 lakh crore achieved, the Union minister reported through a series of posts on X. According to the Minister, the growth in electronics manufacturing in India should be credited to PM Modi's vision of developing a comprehensive ecosystem. Electronics manufacturing created 25 lakh jobs in the last decade. "This is the real economic growth at the grassroots level. As we scale semiconductors and component manufacturing, job creation will accelerate," one of the X posts read. PLI (LSEM) is driving manufacturing, jobs, and exports in the electronics sector. Over 1.3 lakh jobs have been created in the last 5 years, the minister said, noting that both global and Indian manufacturers participated in the growth story. Electronics is now India's third-largest export category, climbing from seventh place. Notably, India is the second-largest mobile manufacturing country in the world. Mobile manufacturing units in India have risen from 2 in 2014-15 to about 300 today. In fact, 99.2 per cent of mobile handsets sold in India are 'Made in India'. Mobile phone production rose from Rs 0.18 lakh crore to Rs 5.5 lakh crore, while its exports rose from negligible Rs 0.01 lakh crore to Rs 2 lakh crore, reflecting the 'Make in India' initiative. The initial focus of the government was on finished products. "Now we are building capacity for modules, components, sub-modules, raw materials, and the machines that make them," the minister wrote in one of his X posts. The Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme is supporting this shift. As many as 249 applications represented Rs 1.15 lakh crore investment, Rs 10.34 lakh crore production, and created 1.42 lakh jobs. According to the Union Minister, it is the highest-ever investment commitment in India's electronics sector. "This shows industry confidence," he asserted. In his X posts, he also mentioned the ten semiconductor units approved to date. "Three are already in pilot or early production. Fabs and ATMPs from India will soon supply chips to phone and electronics manufacturers," he apprised in the X post. From finished products to components, production in India is growing, and exports are rising. "Global players are confident. Indian companies are competitive. Jobs are being created. This is 'Make in India' impact story!" The series of X posts by Minister Vaishnaw concluded. (ANI) Somaliland's 34-year campaign for international recognition has taken a dramatic and uncertain turn after Israel became the first country to formally recognise it as a sovereign state, while President Donald Trump publicly opposed any move by the United States to do the same. The conflicting signals from key global players have placed the self-declared republic at the centre of a fast-moving diplomatic storm, raising questions about security, regional stability and whether Israel's move will unlock wider recognition or harden resistance. Israel Makes a Historic Diplomatic Move Israel's foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that Israel and Somaliland had agreed to establish full diplomatic relations, including the opening of embassies and the appointment of ambassadors. The move marks the first time a UN member state has formally recognised Somaliland since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The Israeli prime minister's office said the recognition was made 'in the spirit' of the Abraham Accords, the 2020 normalisation agreements between Israel and several Arab states. A video released by the office showed Benjamin Netanyahu speaking with Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, describing the relationship as historic and inviting him to visit Israel. Abdullahi responded that he would be glad to visit Jerusalem as soon as possible. For Somaliland, which controls north-western Somalia and operates as a de facto state, the announcement was widely seen as a diplomatic breakthrough after decades of isolation. Donald Trump Opposed US Recognition Any sense of momentum was quickly complicated by President Donald Trump, who said he opposed US recognition of Somaliland in an interview with the New York Post. Questioning the territory's profile, Trump asked: 'Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?' His comments underscored divisions within Washington, where the administration is reportedly split on whether recognising Somaliland would undermine relations with Somalia. The US maintains troops in Somalia to support local forces fighting the Islamist group al-Shabaab, and officials have warned that a shift in recognition policy could jeopardise that cooperation. Regional and International Backlash Builds Somalia's foreign ministry condemned Israel's decision, calling it a deliberate attack on Somalia's sovereignty that could destabilise the region. The African Union echoed that view, saying it firmly rejected the move and warning that undermining Somalia's territorial integrity risked setting a dangerous precedent across Africa, according to reporting by The Guardian. The AU's chair, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, said Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Egypt and Turkey also criticised Israel's recognition, with Ankara describing it as interference in Somalia's internal affairs that aligned with Israel's broader regional agenda. The coordinated pushback has added to the sense of diplomatic chaos surrounding Somaliland's status, even as it celebrates its first formal recognition. Strategic Interests Driving Attention Israeli analysts have argued that Somaliland's location near Yemen and key Red Sea shipping routes gives it strategic importance. An Israeli thinktank, the Institute for National Security Studies, said Somaliland could serve as a forward base for intelligence gathering, logistics and potential operations linked to the conflict with the Houthi movement in Yemen. Somaliland already hosts a United Arab Emirates military base in the port city of Berbera, which includes an airstrip used for fighter jets and transport aircraft. Analysts have described the base as a central element of the UAE's anti-Houthi campaign. Washington's Quiet Engagement Despite Trump's opposition, US engagement with Somaliland has continued behind the scenes. Somaliland's president has said senior US military officials, including the top officer for the Horn of Africa, have visited the territory, with further delegations expected. Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint published in 2023, called for recognising Somaliland as a hedge against the US's weakening position in Djibouti, where Chinese influence has grown. In August, Republican senator Ted Cruz urged Trump to recognise Somaliland, citing its support for Israel and the Abraham Accords. Governance and Ongoing Scrutiny Somaliland has a population of just over 6.2 million and has held multiple elections with peaceful transfers of power. However, Freedom House has warned of an erosion of political rights and civic space in recent years, noting pressure on journalists and opposition figures. As Somaliland navigates the fallout from Israel's recognition and President Donald Trump's opposition to US recognition, its long quest for statehood has entered a more volatile and closely watched phase, with global powers now openly divided over its future. Originally published on IBTimes UK The Indian rupee is expected to show more weakness going ahead into 2026, according to a report by MUFG, a global financial group. In a report earlier this month, it forecast more weakness for the Indian rupee. It expects the Indian rupee to appreciate modestly above the 90 level in 2026, targeting 90.80 by the September 2026 quarter. "We have already been expecting INR to weaken and underperform, although we note FX outflow pressures have been more acute than we have anticipated thus far. Our forecasts also imply continued INR weakness against key FX crosses such as EUR (Euro), JPY (Japanese yen) and CNY (Chinese Yuan)," the report read. It has also been asserted that higher import needs and soft net FDI may weigh on the Indian rupee. Indian rupee breached the 90 mark against USD in early December, extending its depreciation run through sessions now, and in the process, hitting a fresh all-time low for the Indian currency. "Our FX forecasts reflect our expectation for a wider current account deficit of 1.5 per cent of GDP and soft net FDI flows. These should offset some improvement in portfolio inflows with our expectation of an eventual trade deal between US and India, where we assume tariffs will be lowered to 25 per cent from 50 per cent by early 2026," the MUFG report read. Against that backdrop, MUFG expects RBI to intervene to cap Rupee depreciation actively. At the same time, it thinks the fundamentals ultimately imply some pressure for the Rupee to weaken, and as such for the RBI to eventually allow the Rupee to break above 90 over time. Risks, however, tilt towards more Rupee weakness. "Our forecasts are certainly sensitive to tariff assumptions. If a trade deal between the US and India to lower tariffs is not reached, the bias would tilt towards further INR weakness and more RBI rate cuts, even as India's domestic economy should continue to cushion India's overall GDP," it noted. "It's important to emphasise we are not overly bearish on INR (Rupee) at current levels given cheaper FX (foreign exchange) valuations, coupled with stronger momentum for structural reforms which could over time unlock the binding constraints to growth. We have already seen India's government accelerate reforms such as simplification of the GST and consolidation of labour codes, policy moves which probably would not have been possible without the external shock from the 50 per cent tariffs. With the momentum on reforms picking up, coupled with recent wins on state elections by the incumbent government, we think FX vol can remain reasonably contained unlike in past cycles." MUFG raised India's GDP forecasts to 7.6 per cent for 2025-26 and 7.1 per cent for 2026-27, on the back of stronger domestic demand from GST tax cuts, better rural activity, and the assumption of a trade deal with the US by early 2026. "From a growth perspective, the direct impact of tariffs on India's exports has been small so far, with some redirection of exports to markets such as the EU, China and the UAE. This is not to say that tariffs will not bite, and we think the longer tariffs stay at elevated levels the more prominent the negative impact will be. As a working assumption, we see tariffs lowered to 25 per cent in early 2026, down from the current 50 per cent, but higher than India's key export competitors. As such, while goods and services exports could soften, we think the downside should be capped by an expected trade deal," it has noted in the report. The lagged impact of easier monetary policy should also provide some support to domestic demand in 2026, the MUFG report said. (ANI) VMPL Secunderabad (Telangana) [India], December 27: M. Mannan Private Limited, a Secunderabad-based industrial fasteners company, is preparing for its next phase of growth by combining three levers of scale: a strong trading foundation, planned backward integration into manufacturing, and a technology-enabled e-commerce expansion strategy. Promoted by industry professionals with over 25 years of combined experience in the fastener and industrial components sector, the company currently operates at an annual turnover of approximately 6 crore. The business serves a diversified B2B customer base across infrastructure, construction, engineering, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, and industrial manufacturing. A Disciplined Trading Foundation M. Mannan Pvt Ltd has built its current scale through a trading-led model focused on reliability, compliance, and repeat institutional demand. Its product portfolio includes MS, GI, PTFE, brass, high-tensile, ASTM-grade, titanium, and precision fasteners, catering to both standard industrial use and specialized applications. Rather than pursuing aggressive topline growth, the company has emphasized capital discipline, selective credit exposure, and supplier diversification. This approach has allowed the business to remain cash-flow conscious while steadily expanding its customer base. At its current stage, the company's strength lies not in size, but in process maturity -- procurement control, quality consistency, and strong promoter-led relationships across the value chain. Planned Shift Toward Manufacturing With demand visibility improving, the company is now preparing for backward integration into manufacturing, as outlined in its Detailed Project Report (DPR). The planned investment focuses on: Direct import of raw materials to reduce cost leakage Small-scale manufacturing of high-demand nut and bolt categories Improved control over quality, lead times, and customization This transition is expected to enhance gross margins over time and reduce dependence on third-party suppliers, while allowing the company to move up the value chain. Importantly, the expansion is designed to be phased and capital-efficient, avoiding undue leverage in the early stages. Independent financial projections linked to this expansion indicate meaningful margin expansion and strong return potential, subject to execution and market conditions. E-Commerce as a Parallel Growth Engine Alongside manufacturing, M. Mannan Pvt Ltd is developing e-commerce as a complementary and scalable distribution channel, rather than a replacement for its core B2B operations. The company's e-commerce strategy is structured around: A B2B ordering platform for repeat industrial buyers, enabling faster reordering, transparent pricing, and reduced sales friction Presence on established B2B marketplaces such as Indiamart and global trade platforms to access new buyers without heavy sales overhead A selective B2C and SME-focused offering targeting workshops, contractors, and small manufacturers who prefer prepaid, standardized purchases This digital channel is expected to deliver three strategic advantages: Improved working-capital efficiency through prepaid and shorter credit cycles Wider geographic reach without proportional expansion in physical infrastructure Data-driven demand visibility, supporting inventory planning and manufacturing decisions Rather than chasing high-volume consumer traffic, the company is positioning e-commerce as a margin-protective, cash-efficient channel aligned with its industrial focus. Business Model Built for Scalability The company's operating model integrates: Multi-country supplier sourcing across India and select international markets Logistics partnerships for pan-India delivery and export readiness Controlled credit policies for large buyers and prepaid structures for digital orders Planned adoption of inventory forecasting and order automation tools Over time, M. Mannan Pvt Ltd also intends to introduce value-added services such as customized sourcing, compliance support, and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) for key clients -- services that deepen customer relationships without heavy capital intensity. An Early-Stage, Investor-Aligned Opportunity India's industrial fastener market continues to grow, driven by infrastructure spending, manufacturing localization, defence procurement, EV ecosystems, and global supply-chain diversification. In this context, companies that combine domain expertise, operational discipline, and scalable distribution are well positioned for long-term value creation. M. Mannan Private Limited represents an early-stage but structurally sound opportunity: 6 Cr current turnover with proven demand A clearly defined roadmap toward manufacturing-led margins An e-commerce strategy designed for cash efficiency, not vanity metrics Promoter-led execution with deep industry experience As the company progresses from a trading foundation toward an integrated manufacturing and digital distribution platform, it aims to scale methodically, profitably, and transparently -- qualities increasingly valued by long-term investors. Website: https://mmannan.in/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) VMPL New Delhi [India], December 27: Before its first commercial flight ever took off, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) told the story of its arrival in two quiet but powerful gestures, one in the night sky, and the other on the terminal floor. On the evening of December 24, days ahead of the start of commercial operations, NMIA hosted a private drone light show within the airport premises. The event was not announced, not publicised, and not designed as a launch spectacle. There were no dignitaries, no VIPs, and no media presence. Instead, the audience consisted solely of those who built the airport construction labourers, project and ground teams, airport staff, members of the Mitti Cafe team including persons with disabilities, and children from the workforce community. For many in attendance, it was their first experience of a drone show. Workers who had spent years across construction zones stood together, watching the sky above transform into a visual narrative of the space they had helped create. The atmosphere was reflective and deeply human, far removed from the usual pageantry associated with large infrastructure milestones. The drone formations traced NMIA's identity and vision. A three-dimensional lotus bloomed in the night sky, symbolising growth and resilience and echoing the airport's lotus-inspired architecture. This transitioned into the Adani Swirl and visuals inspired by the terminal interiors, followed by imagery highlighting NMIA as a green airport, symbolically powered by solar energy. The sequence went on to depict NMIA's multimodal connectivity--air, road, rail, high-speed rail, and maritime routes converging at a single hub--before expanding into representations of Mumbai, India's domestic air network, and global connectivity. The show concluded with the (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) India needs to be comfortable with people and companies going bankrupt, as continuous insolvency and bankruptcy are essential for building a risk-taking and dynamic economy, said Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) member Sanjeev Sanyal. In an interview with ANI, Sanyal said a healthy economic system must allow for "continuous churn", where old companies shut down, and new ones emerge to take their place. He stressed that constant change is necessary for long-term economic strength. Sanyal said allowing large companies to fail is sometimes unavoidable. Referring to 2017, he recalled that Indian banks were under severe stress, following which the government allowed some of the country's biggest companies to go bankrupt. "This did not make the corporate sector weaker. In fact, it came back much stronger after the cleanup," he told ANI. Using the airline sector as an example, Sanyal said the closure of Jet Airways created space for other airlines to expand. He added that companies that fail to follow rules or meet standards should be allowed to shut down. "We should allow continuous churn," he said. In his interview with ANI, Sanyal also said that success should not be viewed negatively and that people should not resent companies that perform well. However, he added that regulators must intervene if large companies misuse their power or distort competition. The discussion also touched on welfare policies. Sanyal said he is "very, very uncomfortable with freebies" but supports the idea of a safety net for people who take risks. He said a risk-taking culture exists at every level of society, from a billionaire starting a large business to a person opening a small kirana shop. Since risks can fail, a safety net is necessary to support those who "fall off at the edges. Sanyal highlighted the growing strength of India's financial markets, saying Mumbai has now become a more important centre for raising capital than London or Singapore. He said innovation is driven mainly by risk-taking capital such as equity and venture funding. He expressed hope that over the next 25 years, the top 20 companies in India's stock market will be completely different from those today. Comparing global trends, Sanyal said countries like the United States and China remain strong because their leading companies change frequently. In contrast, he said Europe's largest companies have remained largely unchanged for nearly 30 years, which he described as "stagnation". Sanyal added that bankruptcy "should not be held as a moral failure" but should be seen as a natural part of a society willing to take risks and grow. (ANI) The 'Drishyam 3' producer Kumar Mangat Pathak on Saturday confirmed that he has sent a legal notice to the actor Akshaye Khanna for allegedly walking out of the film 'Drishyam 3' after accepting the signing amount and committing dates for the project. While speaking to ANI, Pathak alleged that actor Akshay Khanna exited the film because of his demand to wear a "wig," which didn't align with the film's continuity and schedule. When asked about the reason behind his legal action, Mangat Pathak said, "He signed our film, he signed the script, took the signing amount, signed the agreement, and then he walked out of the film. We have sent him a legal notice. If we don't get a response by the end of the day, our legal team will take action, and we will take action in court." "We had an agreement, we had given the money to make the dress, he had given us the dates, suddenly he felt that he had to grow his hair, whereas the film is a continuation film. The day the old film ends, it starts at night, so how will he grow his hair in 4 hours? Then he agreed, but again he felt he had to grow his hair, so he created confusion and left the film. The people around him put it in his mind that by wearing a wig, you will look very beautiful," Pathak said. 'Drishyam 3' producer aims for compensation from this legal action after the actor's alleged abrupt exit from the film, citing financial losses. "Now, we will move to the court, and we will demand compensation from them, because we had a set in Yash Raj, so the cost of the set, the other losses that we have incurred, if there is any loss, then we will definitely ask for it and will pressurise for our reputation," said Kumar Mangat Pathak. Actor Akshaye Khanna has not yet issued a statement on the matter. After the fallout with Akshaye Khanna, the producer said that they have added Jaideep Ahlawat to the lead cast. "We have cast Jaideep Ahlawat, we have added a new character. He is doing now, he will do what Akshay was doing, but he will come in a new form, and we are presenting him in a very good way," said Mangat Pathak. Drishyam 3 is slated to release in theatres worldwide on October 2, 2026. It stars Ajay Devgn in the lead role. The film is directed by Abhishek Pathak. (ANI) Zack Snyder, the director of 'Man of Steel', 'Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice' and 'Justice League', shared a pair of photos of Henry Cavill, describing 'the original Superman suit'. Taking to his Instagram handle, Zack Snyder shared a couple of pictures of Henry Cavill in a Superman suit. The first image shows a besuited Cavill, in what looks like a test photo, looking into the distance on a concrete pad with a blazing blue sky behind him. "The original Superman suit," wrote Snyder in the caption. https://www.instagram.com/p/DSq0ncekcVi/ He followed it with a second image, which is a close up amid what looks like the same mise en scne, and we can see the basic outlines of the suit, which includes the traditional yellow belt and red shorts. Snyder commented on the power of the image. "With the last image I shared, and this one we showed WB everyone agreed: Henry Cavill was Superman. That's where the journey began. -Merry Christmas," he wrote. https://www.instagram.com/p/DSsjn7vEkzb/ According to Deadline, the suit in the photos contrasts in several ways with the much more form-fitting costume Cavill wore in Man of Steel. That movie's suit had a scaled texture to it, with the colours darkened. The movie costume is also missing the trademark belt and shorts. In 2022, Cavill held forth on putting the suit on again one last time for Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam film, reported Deadline. "I went to Warner Bros.' studio in the UK and got back in the suit," Cavill said in a talk at the 92nd Street Y as quoted by Deadline. "It was a very powerful moment for me. I wasn't sure how I would feel, whether it would be something very emotionally connective, because I put the Man of Steel suit back on. I chose that one in particular because of the nostalgia attached to the suit. It was important for me to be standing there and enjoying that moment. That is one of the top moments in my career. It feels great to have the opportunity to wear it again," said Cavill, as quoted by Deadline. Weeks later, James Gunn informed the world that he was penning a new Superman script, set in the Man of Steel's younger days, and that Henry Cavill would not be playing him, reported Deadline. (ANI) Amid the ongoing protests against the atrocities faced by the minorities in Bangladesh, the BJP workers on Friday held a torchlight rally in Siliguri. BJP leader Anita Mahato, who also participated in the rally, stated that until Hindus unite, such violent incidents will continue to occur. "We (BJP workers) held a torchlight rally against the way Sanatani Hindus are being tortured in Bangladesh in Siliguri. We want to send a message that unless we Hindus unite, such situations will continue. The Hindus in Bangladesh have been burnt alive without clothes... We have to fight the same way for religion, like the way we fight for food, shelter, and livelihood," she said The comment follows the lynching of two Hindu Bangladeshis, which 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 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. Placing the issue in a broader context, the MEA pointed out that more than 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities have been recorded during the tenure of Bangladesh's interim government. These incidents include killings, arson and land grabbing."These incidents cannot be brushed aside as mere media exaggerations or dismissed as political violence," the spokesperson said. (ANI) Ahead of the Congress Working Committee meeting, Bharatiya Janata Party National Spokesperson CR Kesavan questioned whether the party will hold Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi "accountable" for his failure in the Bihar Assembly election and "disastrous vote chori campaign." In a post on X, CR Kesavan said, "The INC [Insecure Nehru Congress] has called for its first CWC [Congress Whitewash Committee] meeting after the party was routed and rejected by the people in Bihar Elections. Will the CWC dare to pin the onus and responsibility on Rahul Gandhi for Congress's dismal Bihar drubbing and his disastrous vote chori campaign or will it as usual conveniently cover-up and whitewash Rahul Gandhi's colossal failures?" He also asked whether the CWC will discuss on the "internal revolt" against Rahul Gandhi or "distract, divert and deflect attention" from his failure and focus on "maliciously" targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Will the CWC opine on the internal revolt in the Congress with senior Congress leaders publicly voicing their categorical vote of no confidence in Rahul Gandhi and instead expressing support for his sibling? The CWC will only try its best to distract, divert and deflect attention from Rahul Gandhi's fiascos and the massive internal crisis gripping its party by once again maliciously targeting PM and and spitefully attacking Constitutional institutions," he said. He further said that Rahul Gandhi is the biggest "political liability" for the Congress party. "Rahul Gandhi continues to be the biggest political liability for the Congress party and the Congress party with its emergency mindset remains the biggest threat to Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar ji's Constitution," CR Kesavan said. CR Kesavan also raised questions about the "selfish power struggle" between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar for the CM post, bringing the governance in the state to a complete standstill. "Will the CWC discuss how governance has come to a complete standstill in Congress ruled Karnataka and how the people of Karnataka are severely suffering due to the Congress's internal selfish power struggle for the CM' chair?" he asked. Congress will hold CWC meeting today. The party has invited Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah amid the speculation of leadership change in the state, with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar adamant about fulfilling the 2.5-year leadership change agreement reportedly made after the 2023 Assembly election. DK Shivakumar has not been invited to the CWC meeting. "I am aware that two, three CMs have been invited. But the DCM has not been invited," he said. (ANI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar met senior Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Azam Pansare in Pimpri-Chinchwad on December 26, ahead of the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections. Following the meeting, NCP SP leader Azam Pansare told mediapersons that he and Ajit Pawar had a discussion on a lot of general issues and expressed the wish to have an alliance between the two parties. "Ajit Pawar came to meet me after a long time. We had a lot of discussions on general issues... We wish to have an alliance (between NCP SP and NCP)... He told me that a decision will be taken soon," said Pansare. This meeting took place after the Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) decided to reunite ahead of the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections. Following the reunion, NCP-SCP leader Ankush Kakade said that the Maha Vikas Agadhi partners, along with the temporarily united NCP, will be deciding on a "seat sharing formula" soon. "Nationalist Congress Party- Sharadchandra Pawar and Nationalist Congress Party- Ajit Pawar have decided to contest the upcoming municipal elections together," the NCP-SCP leader told ANI. Kakade said they will hold talks with the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) as well. "We have a meeting with our other partners this afternoon. No discussions have been held on seat sharing. We will speak with Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), and all four parties will meet to discuss the seat-sharing formula. Ajit Pawar's faction and our faction's ideology are the same," he said. However, when asked whether Ajit Pawar would join the MVA, he said both parties share a common ideological stance, but nothing is certain about his decision. "What happens in the future, I don't know. What Ajit Pawar does, I don't know, but our ideology is the same as Phule and Ambedkar," he said. This reunion of NCP factions marks a significant turn in Maharashtra politics, as it is the first time both parties will contest an election together since Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar broke away from the NCP, led by his uncle Sharad Pawar, in 2023. The State Election Commission in Maharashtra has announced elections to 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Polling will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Saturday, paid tribute to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on the occasion of his Prakash Purab, describing the tenth Sikh Guru as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion. In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the founder of the Khalsa Panth, continues to inspire generations with his life and teachings. He noted that the Guru's life story stands as a beacon of courage, truth, and dedication for humanity. "The saga of valour of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji teaches us that the true meaning of religion lies in having the strength to fearlessly stand against injustice," Dhami said in his message. He further extended his salutations to the revered Guru, highlighting his enduring legacy and contribution to upholding righteousness and human values. The Prakash Purab, which marks the birthday of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is celebrated with enthusiasm and good cheer every year. The Gurudwaras are illuminated with glittering lights to signify Prakash (light), followed by Anand Path and Prabhat Feri, which comes into practice a few days before the main festival. Earlier, on December 26, Veer Baal Diwas was observed across the country for the first time to commemorate the sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the younger sons of Guru Govind Singh, who made the supreme sacrifice at the tender ages of nine and six years respectively to defend the dignity and honour of Sikhism. 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) Concern for former Nickelodeon actor Tylor Chase has sharpened after court records revealed a dozen arrests in just two years, underscoring a downward spiral that has left the once-familiar face living on the streets of Southern California. Best known for his role as Martin Qwerly on Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, Chase, now 36, has been filmed homeless in Riverside, prompting renewed questions about how child stardom ends, and what happens when the safety net fails. The viral clips that surfaced in September 2025 did more than spark nostalgia. They set off alarm bells about a pattern of arrests, missed opportunities for support, and a future that appears increasingly uncertain. Tylor Chase's Shocking Criminal Record Court records from Riverside County reveal that Tylor Chase has faced at least 12 criminal cases since August 2023. Eight of these incidents occurred in 2025 alone, highlighting a particularly turbulent period. His two most recent arrests involved alleged shoplifting of items valued at under $950 (704). Despite this, the Riverside Police Department confirmed that Chase is not currently wanted for any crimes. Ryan Railsback, a spokesperson for the department, said: 'Tylor is not currently wanted for any crimes.' 'We do not know how long he has been experiencing homelessness,' added the official. Repeated encounters with law enforcement indicate that Chase has been cooperative. Officers have described him as cordial during their interactions, even while noting that he has declined offers for temporary shelter, mental health services, and addiction treatment. Concerns for Tylor Chase Grew Public concern intensified after viral videos showed Chase looking dishevelled on the streets. In one clip, a passer-by asked if he had acted on Disney; Chase corrected her, stating, 'Nickelodeon. I was on Ned's Declassified.' Former co-stars have also spoken out. Daniel Curtis Lee, who played Simon 'Cookie' Nelson-Cook, said: 'There was some bad news that I received earlier this week about our dear friend Tylor Chase. It was a lot to process for me. When I first saw [the video], I was angry... But then I was upset with myself because I felt powerless.' Lindsey Shaw added: 'I miss Tylor, I love Tylor so, so much.' Devon Werkheiser, who played Ned, described the situation as 'overwhelming' but noted that the person filming the video 'had her heart in the right place.' Authorities continue weekly outreach, providing options for housing and support. Railsback said: 'Regarding family, I am not aware of any attempts by officers to contact relatives on his behalf.' Chase himself has reflected on his situation: 'I have friends and family. I stay around here locally. My mom is here. I have a lot of good people helping me.' 'It's not too shabby. A lot of people help out... There's grace in the charity of God's family people. That's a pretty chill aspect of it all. It's a true privilege, obviously,' he added. Where is Tylor Chase Now? As of December 2025, Chase has been provided temporary accommodations by Lee, who reunited with him in Los Angeles. The actor took Chase for pizza, FaceTimed Werkheiser, and booked him a hotel room near his previous location. 'Love is all we can really give people sometimes, and I'm happy that he was able to have that connection with his pops. I really believe we can get Tylor back on his feet... He's on my heart often, on my mind often,' he told his followers. Other former actors, including Mighty Ducks star Shaun Weiss, have also offered assistance. Meanwhile, police continue weekly engagement, ensuring Chase is aware of available support, although he has declined permanent housing and other programmes. Why Chase's Story Matters Twelve arrests in two years isn't just a statistic. It's a signal that early fame doesn't inoculate against adult hardship, and that outreach without acceptance can stall. For fans and policymakers alike, Chase's story revives a hard question: what responsibility does the industry, and the system bear once the cameras stop? For now, the fear is simple and urgent. Without sustained engagement, the arrests may continue, and the future of a former child star may remain as uncertain as the pavement he's sleeping on. Originally published on IBTimes UK Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Saturday said that booth-level officers (BLOs) form the backbone of India's electoral machinery, as he began a two-to-three-day visit to Odisha that combines official engagements with outreach to grassroots election functionaries. "I have come to Odisha with my family to visit the Jagannath temple, to understand and experience the local culture, and also to meet with our booth-level officers, who are the backbone of our election campaign. We will be in Odisha for two to three days," Kumar told reporters in Bhubaneswar. The CEC's visit underscores the Election Commission of India's focus on strengthening last-mile election management ahead of upcoming state polls across the country. During his stay, Kumar is expected to interact with election officials and BLOs to review preparedness, address operational challenges and reinforce best practices in voter services and roll management. Earlier on Friday, he met Ina H. Krisnamurthi, Ambassador of Indonesia to India, at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi. An official post by the Election Commission of India on X said the meeting was held in Kumar's capacity as Chief Election Commissioner of India and Chairperson of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA). On December 3, Kumar assumed the Chairship of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for the year 2026. In recent weeks, Kumar has combined official reviews with field-level interactions across states. Last Saturday, he offered prayers at the Bhagyalakshmi Temple in Hyderabad with his family and later met booth-level officers to discuss measures for strengthening the electoral process and improving efficiency. He also visited the Srisailam Devasthanam and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India continues preparatory work for the 2026 Assembly elections. On December 19, the ECI released the draft electoral roll for Tamil Nadu after collecting over 5.43 crore voter enumeration forms. The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on February 2, 2026, following a Special Intensive Revision exercise conducted nearly five months ahead of the polls. (ANI) Rajasthan Police's Pratapgarh District Police conducted Operation Vishwas, rescuing 53 tribal labourers, including 13 women and 40 men, held captive in Solapur, Maharashtra. Pratapgarh Superintendent of Police, B Aditya, exposed the conspiracy of bonded labourers and human trafficking in Maharashtra in a late-night press conference on Friday, adding that a case has been registered. "In a large and sensitive operation, Vishwas, 53 tribal labourers of the district (13 women and 40 men) held hostage in the Sholapur district of Maharashtra, have been safely rescued and brought to Pratapgarh," SP informed. He further exposed the harsh reality of bonded labour in which tribal labourers from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, were set out with dreams of better wages, but were made bonded labourers in Maharashtra. "Tribal men and women from Ghantali, Peepalkhunt, and Parsola police station areas, including villages like Varda, Jamli, Malia, Gothda, Umaria Pada, Bada Kali Ghati, Thesla, Kumari, and others, were lured by brokers with the temptation of good wages, free food, and living facilities in Indore. About two months ago, they were taken to Jabud village located in the Akluj police station area of Sholapur district, Maharashtra, where they were forcibly put to work in sugarcane fields under different landlords..," SP Aditya exposed in the press conference. The labourers were lured with false employment promises and forced into sugarcane fields, facing abuse and unpaid wages. After receiving the information, the police promptly took action on the instructions of the District Superintendent of Police and under the guidance of Additional Superintendent of Police Gajendra Singh Jodha. A special police team led by Sub-Inspector Sohanlal of Ghantali police station was immediately dispatched to Maharashtra. "On the 22nd, we received a complaint; the TSP team is also present with us. They had presented an application before me stating that some people from the Ghantali, Parsola, and Peepalkhunt police station areas are stuck in Maharashtra in the name of jobs. So, on the basis of this complaint, we formed a team under the leadership of a Sub-Inspector, Sohanlal, and sent them there, and there it was verified that more than 50 people were working there in sugarcane fields in Sholapur district, and they were kept there as hostages. Based on this input, Sohanlal's team made every effort and rescued about 53 people from the area. We named this rescue operation Vishwas," SP stated. Brokers Sitaram Patil and Khan allegedly received lakhs from landlords, leaving workers unpaid. A case is registered at Ghantali Police Station, with further legal action underway. "Sitaram Patil from Maharashtra and a broker named Khan, a resident of Alwar, Rajasthan, were involved. These brokers collected lakhs of rupees in advance from landlords under the guise of labour, but not a single rupee was paid to the labourers. Upon asking for wages, the labourers were beaten, women were treated indecently, and they were kept hostage in farmhouses and enclosures," he added. The SP narrated the poor condition of the labourers at the time of rescue and informed that the process of sending them safely to their villages is underway. "The labourers had neither food arrangements nor money for the return fare. In this situation, the police team safely escorted all the labourers to Pratapgarh. Currently, the process of sending all rescued labourers safely to their villages is underway." SP B Aditya said. A labourer, Ganesh, freed in Operation Vishwas, thanked the police for freeing them and informed how he and 12 others were unknowingly brought to Maharashtra and made to work in extremely poor conditions. "They promised Rs 1000 and brought us to Maharashtra, without our knowledge. We used to cut sugarcane. We weren't allowed to leave; those who tried were beaten violently. We did not even receive our wages, and the working hours were never fixed. We worked till 11 PM on some days," the labourer told ANI. Another labourer, Richa, stated that several people used to beat them at night, and they were made to work for free. "We used to work since seven in the morning and would be fed at 1 o'clock. 15-18 people used to bring sticks and beat us at night. We cut sugarcane, but they never paid us. We haven't even received Rs 10 to date," Richa said. (ANI) A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the two-day Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025 in New Delhi, Janata Dal (United) leader Neeraj Kumar on Saturday noted that India is a "victim of terrorist activities" and said that a "clear message" has been sent to the world through Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. "We are victims of terrorist activities carried out by our neighbouring countries. The Indian Army's power and resilience safeguard our borders. Through Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, we have sent a clear message to the world..." JDU Leader said Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday underscored the need for a uniform Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) structure across the country, directing all state police forces to implement it at the earliest to strengthen India's counter-terrorism preparedness. Inaugurating the two-day Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025 in New Delhi, organised by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Shah said the ATS plays an extremely critical role in preventing and responding to terror threats. He noted that the NIA has worked extensively to develop a common ATS framework and has already shared it with state police forces. A uniform structure, he said, would ensure standardised preparedness and response mechanisms at every level across the country. The Home Minister also released an updated crime manual prepared by the NIA, urging Directors General of Police to constitute dedicated teams in their states to study and adopt it for investigation and prosecution. He further announced the launch of a weapons e-database and a national database on organised crime networks, calling them vital tools in the fight against terrorism and organised crime. Shah warned that organised crime syndicates, which often begin with activities such as extortion and ransom, eventually develop links with terror groups after their leaders flee abroad. He said states must work under the guidance of the NIA and CBI, in coordination with the Intelligence Bureau, to use these databases to dismantle such networks. He also announced that the government is preparing a plan for a "360-degree assault" on organised crime. Referring to recent terror incidents, Shah said the attack in Baisaran Valley was aimed at disrupting communal harmony and undermining the resurgence of development and tourism in Kashmir. Based on precise intelligence, security forces neutralised all three terrorists, sending a strong message to Pakistan. He said the perpetrators were punished through Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, and that the investigation into the Pahalgam attack would expose Pakistan on international platforms. The Home Minister also lauded the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other agencies for thwarting a major terror plot in Delhi, recovering three tonnes of explosives and arresting the entire conspiracy network. Calling these probes examples of "watertight investigation", Shah emphasised enhanced coordination through platforms such as NATGRID, NIDAAN, the Multi Agency Centre and the National Memory Bank to ensure cases are not investigated in isolation. (ANI) Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), one of India's leading vaccine manufacturers, has issued a clarification regarding recent reports surrounding its human anti-rabies vaccine, Abhayrab. The company strongly refuted the over-cautious and misplaced reference to 2023 made in a recent Australian health advisory, stressing that the advisory does not reflect the current situation. Abhayrab has been manufactured by IIL since 2000, with more than 210 million doses supplied across India and 40 countries, and continues to hold a 40% market share in India. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has stated that counterfeit (fake) batches of the rabies vaccine Abhayrab have been circulating in India since 2023. "The fake vaccine differs from the registered vaccine in formulation, packaging, labelling, and manufacturing. People who received the fake vaccine may not be fully protected against rabies and are advised to get replacement doses to ensure they are adequately protected," said the statement. Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has urged travellers to re-vaccination "Travellers to India may be affected if they have received rabies vaccine in India from 1 November 2023 onwards, and were administered one or more doses of Abhayrab, or the vaccine brand administered is unknown." In January 2025, IIL proactively identified a packaging anomaly in one specific batch (Batch # KA 24014). The company immediately notified Indian regulators and law enforcement agencies, lodged a formal complaint, and worked closely with authorities to ensure swift action. Importantly, this was an isolated incident, and the counterfeit batch is no longer available for sale. Reassuring healthcare professionals and the public, IIL emphasised that every batch of vaccine manufactured in India is tested and released by the Central Drugs Laboratory (Government of India) before being made available for sale or administration. Supplies made through government institutions and authorised distributors remain safe and of standard quality. Sunil Tiwari, Vice President & Head of Quality Management at IIL, stated that IIL aims to reassure stakeholders that the company's pharmacovigilance and quality systems are robust, and that the public can continue to place confidence in vaccines supplied directly by IIL and its authorised channels. (ANI) Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of "supporting Bangladeshi infiltrators" in the country. Giriraj Singh's stark criticism came amid the recent killing of two Hindu men in Bangladesh, raising concern over the violence against minorities. "Mamata Banerjee wants to transform Bengal into Bangladesh for politics. On one hand, Hindus are being persecuted in Bangladesh; on the other hand, Mamata Banerjee is giving employment to Bangladeshi infiltrators. This should be investigated... She wants to be the CM of Bangladeshis," he said. Earlier, BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli lashed out at Trinamool Congress (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. 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. India has 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. Placing the issue in a broader context, the MEA pointed out that more than 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities have been recorded during the tenure of Bangladesh's interim government. These incidents include killings, arson, and land grabbing."These incidents cannot be brushed aside as mere media exaggerations or dismissed as political violence," the spokesperson said. (ANI) BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo on Saturday applauded the decision of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to challenge the Delhi High Court's order that suspended the sentence and granted bail to Uttar Pradesh MLA Kuldeep Singh Senger in the Unnao rape case, in the Supreme Court and criticised Congress for politicising the situation. Speaking with ANI, Deo welcomed the CBI's involvement in the 2017 Unnao rape case, stating it's a positive step given the victim's insecurity. "CBI has taken the right step because the victim also felt insecure," the BJP spokesperson said. The CBI has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court's decision to suspend the life sentence and grant bail to former Uttar Pradesh MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. Deo criticised Congress leaders for allegedly politicising the issue by taking the victim to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi before the court's judgment. "It is unfortunate that Congress leaders took her to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and tried to politicise the whole situation. This should not be done in politics," he said. Deo emphasised the need to wait for the court's decision, suggesting the case shouldn't be used for political purposes. "If one daughter is seeking justice and the court hasn't issued a judgment, we should wait for the judgment..." He also condemned the Gandhi family for not standing up for atrocities against Hindus, such as in Bangladesh, but raising a voice for Gaza. On the other hand, DMK MP P Wilson on Friday said that the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government should have atleast provided "good facilities" to the rape survivor. "The Delhi HC appears to have granted bail in this case... The CBI should have at least taken steps to object to the bail grant... The UP government should have at least provided good facilities to the rape survivor, whereas the CBI has not taken any steps... Only when all parties came out in protest did they say that they were taking steps to challenge the order. This shows that women and minorities in India are not safe in the hands of the BJP... Minorities were attacked in MP and Chhattisgarh...." Wilson told reporters. The CBI has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) challenging 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 2019 and sentenced to life imprisonment with a 25 lakh fine. The High Court granted bail with conditions, including a 15 lakh personal bond and restrictions on approaching the victim's residence. However, Sengar remains in jail due to a separate 10-year sentence for the custodial death of the victim's father. 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. (ANI) Speaking with the media, Pansare said, "Ajit Pawar came to meet me after a long time. We had a lot of discussions on general issues... We wish to have an alliance (between NCP SP and NCP)... He told me that a decision will be taken soon." This development came after the Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) decided to reunite ahead of the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections. Following the reunion, NCP-SCP leader Ankush Kakade said that the Maha Vikas Aghadi partners, along with the temporarily united NCP, will soon decide on a "seat-sharing formula." "Nationalist Congress Party- Sharadchandra Pawar and Nationalist Congress Party- Ajit Pawar have decided to contest the upcoming municipal elections together," the NCP-SCP leader told ANI. The reunion of NCP factions marked a significant turn in Maharashtra politics, as it is the first time both parties will contest an election together since Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar broke away from the NCP, led by his uncle Sharad Pawar, in 2023. Taking note of these developments, Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat expressed optimism, saying that Sharad Pawar is a great leader and whatever decision Pawar takes will be a good one. "... Sharad Pawar is a great leader... Whatever decision he takes will be a good one," Thorat told ANI. The State Election Commission in Maharashtra has announced elections to 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Polling will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Police have detained three Over Ground Workers (OGWs) under the provisions of the Public Safety Act (PSA), police said in a release. The detained individuals have been identified as Owais Ahmad Lone of Sedow, Mashooq Ahmad Shah of Shahlatoo, and Subzar Ahmad Gani of Check Choland, all residents of Shopian, it added. The detenues were found repeatedly involved in activities prejudicial to the security of the State. Despite preventive actions and proceedings initiated against them under Sections 170/126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), they continued to indulge in unlawful activities, thereby posing a serious threat to peace and security in the district, as per the release. Considering their continued involvement in such activities, detention orders were obtained from the District Magistrate, Shopian, after completion of all legal formalities. Subsequently, the detenues were taken into custody and lodged at Central Jail Kot Bhalwal, Jammu, police said. Shopian Police reiterates its commitment to safeguarding peace and security and will continue to take firm action against elements inimical to the security of the State strictly in accordance with law, the release said. Meanwhile, a suspicious balloon shaped like an aeroplane was found lying in agricultural fields near Path Seekers School in the Ramgarh sector in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district on Friday, an official said. According to officials, the object was first spotted by local residents of Ramgarh, who immediately informed the police. Acting on the information, a police team reached the spot and secured the area. Based on preliminary observations, the balloon is suspected to have originated from across the border in Pakistan. However, further verification is underway to ascertain its exact nature and purpose. (ANI) At the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee headquarters, Sathyamurthy Bhavan in Royapettah, Chennai, TNCC President K. Selvaperunthagai on Friday paid floral tribute to the portrait of former Congress leader Yasodha on her fifth death anniversary and later addressed the media. Speaking to reporters, he said that several unprecedented distortions of history are taking place in India and that attacks on minorities in BJP-ruled states amount to an assault on India's sovereignty. He said, "The actions of the BJP government are condemnable and urged the Union Government to ensure that such incidents do not recur." He also questioned why Prime Minister Modi has not expressed his condemnation over the lack of protection for minority Hindus in Bangladesh. Furthermore, he stressed that the Election Commission must act clearly and with the utmost honesty regarding the SIR issue. He also said Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi would visit Tamil Nadu soon. He noted that allocating seats at the last minute in alliance politics often creates complications, citing Bihar as an example. He said, "Only if issues are discussed and finalised at least two months in advance can campaigning and other preparations be carried out smoothly. As the AICC in-charge, Krish Jodankar has already discussed this with the DMK and has insisted that negotiations with the DMK be completed well in advance. Since Krish Jodankar is the head of the Congress negotiation committee, he has emphasised the demand for a share in power." He further stated that the INDIA alliance is strong and that it is the INDIA alliance that will lead the country. He said Tiruchi Velusamy's remarks were his personal opinion. Reiterating that Hindus in Bangladesh lack adequate protection, he expressed confidence that the government would address the demands of teachers, nurses, and sanitation workers. He also said that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has fulfilled nearly 80 per cent of the election promises and expressed confidence that the remaining promises would also be implemented. (ANI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday announced that a nationwide "Save Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)" campaign will be launched from January 5. He said this decision comes in response to the centre's move to replace the MGNREGA with "VB-G RAM G" scheme. Speaking to media representatives at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the central government's decision and emphasised the importance of preserving the original scheme named after Mahatma Gandhi. Responding to questions about the demolition of houses in Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah clarified that the area was designated for waste management and was not suitable for residential settlement. "Therefore, notices were issued to the people who had illegally occupied government land, asking them to vacate. As they did not comply, the encroachments were cleared," he said. He added that most of the affected residents were migrants and that, from a humanitarian perspective, instructions have been issued to the department's secretary and the commissioner to make alternative arrangements for the displaced families. Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge also announced that the party will launch a nationwide 'Save MNREGA' campaign from January 5. Speaking to the media, Kharge said that party leaders took an oath during the meeting to protect MNREGA and oppose any attempt to weaken or alter the scheme. "In the meeting, we took an oath. We decided to launch a massive movement across the country, making the MNREGA scheme the central point. Indian National Congress party, taking a leading role, will launch the MNREGA Save Campaign from January 5th," Kharge said. Emphasising the importance of the scheme, the Congress chief said MNREGA is not merely a welfare programme but a constitutional right. "We will protect the MNREGA at all costs. MNREGA is not just a scheme but a right to work guaranteed by the Constitution of India. We also pledge to democratically oppose every conspiracy to remove Gandhiji's name from MNREGA," he added. On December 21, President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of rural employment policy, as per a release by the President's Secretariat. The Act enhances the statutory wage employment guarantee to 125 days per financial year for rural households. It seeks to advance empowerment, inclusive growth, convergence of development initiatives and saturation-based delivery, thereby strengthening the foundation for a prosperous, resilient and self-reliant Rural Bharat. Earlier, Parliament passed the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, marking a decisive reform in India's rural employment and development framework. The Act replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, with a modern statutory framework that enhances livelihood security and is aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday participated in the 'Manthon-2025: 5th National Leaders' Summit (Women's Special)' organised by the Business Uttarayani organisation at Mukhya Sevak Sadan in Dehradun. On this occasion, the Chief Minister honoured women who have made outstanding contributions in startups, self-reliance, and various other fields. The Chief Minister said that this summit is being organised with the objective of encouraging women entrepreneurs. Through their talent, hard work, and innovation, women have contributed significantly to the progress of their families, society, and the state. He emphasised that women are playing a vital role in the economic and social development of the state. The Chief Minister said that under the mantra "Nari Tu Narayani", Prime Minister Narendra Modi is continuously working with commitment towards the welfare and empowerment of women. He stated that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, several landmark initiatives have been implemented for women's empowerment, including 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and Legislative Assemblies, the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign, Ujjwala Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Lakhpati Didi Yojana, and the abolition of regressive practices like triple talaq. He said that under the Prime Minister's leadership, the women power of New India is establishing a strong presence in every field, including industry, arts, education, science, sports, research, and the armed forces. The Chief Minister further said that under the guidance of the Prime Minister, the state government is also working with full dedication for the welfare of women. Greater participation of women is being ensured in areas such as education, health, entrepreneurship, and self-employment. Through schemes like the Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission, Sashakt Behna Utsav Yojana, and the Chief Minister Women Self-Help Group Empowerment Scheme, new opportunities are being created for women across the state. He said that under the Chief Minister Udyamshala Scheme, products manufactured by women's groups are being developed as a brand. More than 15,000 women entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and Lakhpati Didis are being provided incubation facilities. The state has also launched an umbrella brand called House of Himalayas, under which high-quality products are being made available to consumers through various e-commerce platforms and in-house stores. The Chief Minister stated that nearly 70,000 self-help groups have been formed in the state, organising around five lakh women who are collectively running their businesses. Through more than 7,000 village organisations and over 500 cluster organisations, women of the state are setting a unique example of collective leadership. More than 1.68 lakh women have become Lakhpati Didis, creating a new milestone in women's empowerment. Considering the work being done by women, the state government is developing a strong ecosystem for product processing, packaging, and marketing. He added that women in the state are also achieving remarkable success in the startup sector. Startups established by women are performing exceptionally well in diverse areas such as traditional arts, agricultural products, education, digital services, and technology. The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand has been placed in the Achievers category for Ease of Doing Business and has also secured the Leaders category in startup rankings. He further stated that a 30 per cent reservation has been implemented for women in government services in the state. For the safety and protection of women's rights, Uttarakhand has also taken the historic step of becoming the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code. (ANI) The Ambassador of Nepal to India, Shankar Prasad Sharma, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar during his visit to Gujarat for the promotion of Nepal's tourism, said an official statement. According to the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the Ambassador praised the world-class tourism attractions developed in Gujarat under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He held detailed discussions with the Chief Minister, particularly on cooperation in the sectors of tourism, information technology, hydro energy, manufacturing, and education. The Chief Minister shared that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat has emerged as a manufacturing hub and is also well prepared to become a leader in emerging sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and global capacity centres, and further explained how Gujarat has become a major attraction for tourists from across the world with destinations such as the Statue of Unity, the White Desert, and spiritual tourism sites including Somnath, Dwarka, and Ambaji. This meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sanjeev Kumar; the Principal Secretary of the Industries Department, Mamta Verma, Industries Commissioner P Swaroop and members of the Nepal delegation. Meanwhile, on Friday, the Ambassador of Nepal, Shankar Prasad Sharma, along with his entire team, inspected the under-construction international motor bridge at Charchhum in the Dharchula area of Uttarakhand, along the India-Nepal border. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Ambassador Shankar Prasad Sharma said the bridge is almost complete, while the link road to it is under construction and will be completed by the end of December. "Bridge construction is almost complete, and the link road to the bridge is currently under construction. By the end of December, that will be completed as well. We look forward to the inauguration of this bridge very soon," the Nepalese Ambassador said. The Nepalese Ambassador also said that this international motor bridge will serve as a strong people-to-people link between the two countries. It will give fresh momentum to trade, tourism, and social interactions and further strengthen the historic relations between India and Nepal. (ANI) Slamming the Centre over the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act recently passed in Parliament, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi termed it a "devastating attack" on states and the poor people, "much like the demonetisation." Speaking at a press briefing after the Congress Working Committee meeting, he argued that the move diverts funds and decision-making authority that rightfully belong to the states. He further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "single-handedly" dismantled the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), without consulting the Cabinet, much like the demonetisation. "This has been destroyed single-handedly by the Prime Minister without asking his Cabinet, without studying the matter. This is an attack on the states of India because they are simply taking away money that belongs to the state, decision-making power that belongs to the state. This is an attack on the infrastructure of those states because MNREGA used to build infrastructure... So it is a devastating attack on the states, on poor people of this country, and it is carried out by the Prime Minister single-handedly, much like demonetisation was," Gandhi said. On November 8, 2016, PM Modi announced demonetisation, invalidating Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes by removing their legal tender status to combat black money, counterfeit currency, and terrorist financing, while aiming to boost digital payments and formalise the economy. The Congress MP described the previous MGNREGA Act as far more than a mere employment scheme, calling it a transformative conceptual and developmental framework that has earned global recognition. Gandhi also echoed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's earlier remarks, noting that MGNREGA had been widely appreciated internationally. He said Kharge had visited 16 countries, and in each, leaders and policymakers praised India for introducing a unique, rights-based development model through the Act. "MNREGA is just not a work program. It is a conceptual framework, a development framework, that, by the way, has been appreciated across the world. Kharge ji mentioned that he visited 16 countries and every single country where he went appreciated the fact that our government had come out with an entirely new development rights-based concept," Gandhi said. Earlier on Saturday, after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Kharge announced that the party will launch a nationwide 'Save MNREGA' campaign from January 5, making the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) the central focus of a mass movement. Speaking to the media, Kharge said that party leaders took an oath during the meeting to protect MNREGA and oppose any attempt to weaken or alter the scheme. "In the meeting, we took an oath. We decided to launch a massive movement across the country, making the MNREGA scheme the central point. Indian National Congress party, taking a leading role, will launch the MNREGA Save Campaign from January 5th," Kharge said. Emphasising the importance of the scheme, the Congress chief said MNREGA is not merely a welfare programme but a constitutional right. "We will protect the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) at all costs. MNREGA is not just a scheme but a right to work guaranteed by the Constitution of India. We also pledge to democratically oppose every conspiracy to remove Gandhiji's name from MNREGA," he added. The remarks came after President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday gave assent to the Viksit Bharat--Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB--G RAM G) Bill, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of rural employment policy, as per a release by the President's Secretariat. The Act enhances the statutory wage employment guarantee to 125 days per financial year for rural households. It seeks to advance empowerment, inclusive growth, convergence of development initiatives and saturation-based delivery, thereby strengthening the foundation for a prosperous, resilient and self-reliant Rural Bharat. The Act replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a modern statutory framework that enhances livelihood security and is aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. (ANI) People's Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone on Saturday expressed serious concern over the alleged harassment of Kashmiris residing in various parts of the country, urging the centre to treat the issue as a matter of national security rather than an isolated incident. Addressing a press conference here, Lone said, "Thousands of Kashmiris, particularly from North Kashmir districts like Kupwara, have been living and working across the country for decades and have contributed to national integration." "If we are treated like this in our own country, then what is our status?" Lone quoted families as saying. He said, "While a few arrests have been made, that's just a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of incidents being reported." Lone cautioned that such actions risk undoing decades of social and emotional bridges between Kashmir and the rest of the country. "These people were ambassadors of integration. Their economic and emotional connection was with India; now you are breaking that bond," he said. Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene, he said, "Those involved in targeting Kashmiris should be booked under strict laws, including PSA or UAPA." He also appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to raise the issue with the chief ministers of the concerned states. "You have done good work here; please pick up the phone and tell them this will not be tolerated," he said, adding that continued silence could have implications for law and order within J&K as well. Lone lauded the people of Punjab for their support and respect towards Kashmiris, saying, "They treat us with dignity, and I salute them," while pointing out that similar sensitivity was lacking in some regions of Himachal and Uttarakhand. On the issue of reservation, he said the government's recent moves were unjust and lacked proper assessment. "The new policy is not even worth the paper it's written on. Only district or divisional-level recruitment can ensure fairness," he said, accusing successive governments of eroding equitable representation over time. Lone also reiterated that his party's stance on reservation was clear and that any attempt to replace "Kashmiri A with Kashmiri B" would be dangerous and divisive. (ANI) The X post stated, "In a major breakthrough, State Special Operations Cell (#SSOC), Fazilka in a joint operation with BSF apprehends one accused and recovers 5 kg heroin. Preliminary investigation reveals that the recovered narcotics are sourced from Pakistan for further distribution in Punjab.Further investigation is underway to trace forward and backward linkages of the network.@PunjabPoliceInd remains steadfast in dismantling drug smuggling syndicates and ensuring a safe, drug-free #Punjab." https://x.com/dgppunjabpolice/status/2004873388204921342 According to the DGP Punjab Police, the preliminary investigation revealed that the recovered narcotics were sourced from Pakistan for further distribution in Punjab. Further investigation is underway to trace the network's forward and backward linkages. The Punjab police also promised to remain steadfast in dismantling drug smuggling syndicates and ensuring a safe, drug-free Punjab. Earlier on Tuesday, Punjab Police's Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), in a joint operation with Border Security Force (BSF), recovered approximately 12.050 Kg of suspected heroin near Village Dalleke, Police Station Lopoke in Amritsar district. The breakthrough followed intelligence inputs about drone activity in the area. A case is being registered, and investigators are working to establish connections and identify those involved. According to the DGP, Punjab Police, the recovery was made following specific intelligence inputs about suspicious drone activity along the border. Acting swiftly on the information, ANTF and BSF successfully seized the suspicious package. Preliminary assessments suggest that the recovered substance is suspected heroin, and further investigation is underway to track down the narco-smuggling racket. A case is being registered, and further investigation is currently underway. Based on an X post from DGP Punjab Police, they are using technical evidence, including drone-related inputs, along with human intelligence, to identify those involved in distributing the narcotics. Punjab Police reiterated its firm resolve to counter drone-based narco-smuggling and dismantle organised drug networks operating in the border belt. In early December, BSF also carried out several successful operations along the Punjab border and seized heroin, opium, and a drone equipped with pistol parts. They conducted these operations after receiving reports of suspected aerial movement. The operation in agricultural fields near Daoke village, Amritsar, led to the recovery of two large packets of heroin weighing a combined 6.641 kilograms, wrapped in yellow adhesive tape with illuminating sticks and metal loops attached. On inspection, the packets contained 12 smaller white poly packets filled with the narcotics. In a separate operation near Mahawa village, Amritsar, BSF personnel recovered a packet of opium weighing 429 grams from a field. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday hit out at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for unnecessarily interfering in evictions on encroached land in Bengaluru. Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, he said, "It is unfortunate that senior leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan have commented on this without knowing the facts of the matter. The land which was cleared of encroachment was a solid waste pit. There are many health-related issues in the area due to this. We also have humanity, and we had given them an opportunity to move to other areas. Leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan should not interfere in such matters. The land mafia sets up slums in order to encroach upon the land at a later stage; we won't let that happen. We are willing to give houses under the Rajiv Gandhi scheme if there are eligible people." He was replying to the Kerala CM, saying the Karnataka government was involved in 'Bulldozer raj' in Bengaluru. "We don't have bulldozer culture. I appeal to Pinarayi Vijayan not to talk like that. We are only protecting government land in the middle of the city. We will send out a message regarding this to our party leaders in Kerala," he added. "Bengaluru is not like other cities; we don't have many slums. This is Krishna Byre Gowda's constituency, and he has spoken to officials about it. This has nothing to do with minorities. If there is anyone who is genuinely affected, we will provide them with housing elsewhere. Our government, under the leadership of CM and Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed, has built lakhs of homes for the poor in the state." Asked about some people protesting in view of Pinarayi Vijayan's statement, he said, "These are all politically motivated statements and protests. He should not comment on matters of our state without knowing the facts. This is a political gimmick in view of the upcoming Kerala elections." Asked if the evicted people had any rights, he said, "Whoever lives in Karnataka with valid documents will be provided the necessary support. We have instructed officials to give out clear instructions regarding this." (ANI) Apple growers from Himachal Pradesh have raised strong objections to the Indo-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, alleging that the reduction of import duty on apples from 50 per cent to 25 per cent will severely impact farmers across hill states, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir. A delegation of the Himachal Pradesh United Farmers' Organisation met State Horticulture, Revenue and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Saturday, demanding immediate intervention by the Centre to safeguard domestic apple producers. Speaking to ANI, the convener of the farmers' delegation, Harish Chauhan, said the agreement poses an existential threat to hill-state orchardists. "The reduction of import duty from 50 per cent to 25 per cent under the Indo-New Zealand agreement will cause massive economic losses. If duties are further reduced to zero under future trade deals with Europe, the US, or other countries, it will prove to be nothing short of a death warrant for apple producers of hill states," Chauhan said. He warned that Himachal Pradesh's apple-based economy, valued at nearly Rs 6,500 crore, and the combined Rs 26,000 crore economy of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand could collapse if cheaper imported apples flood the market. "We get only one crop a year. If foreign apples dominate the market, families will not survive. Farmer distress and suicides could begin in hill states, something never seen before," he added. The farmers are demanding that the import duty on apples be raised to 100 per cent and that a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of Rs 100 per kg be enforced immediately. Chauhan alleged that, despite officials' assurances, decisions were being made without consulting farmers."We are invited for discussions, but decisions are taken behind our backs. It feels like a stab in the back," he asserted.Responding to the concerns, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi said the state government would stand with farmers and take the issue to the Centre. "Recently, the Central Government has signed a contract and trade agreement with a new government, under which the import duty on apples has been reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent. This is despite the fact that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Himachal Pradesh during the election campaign, he had promised that if the BJP formed the government, the import duty on apples would be increased to 100 per cent. At that time, the duty stood at 75 per cent, and he had assured that it would be taken to 100 per cent. Later, it was reduced to 50 per cent, and now this latest decision has been taken, which is an attempt to ignore the interests of farmers," said Negi. He added that the duty had earlier been reduced from 75 per cent to 50 per cent and has now been cut further, calling it an attempt to ignore farmers' interests. "The existing 50 per cent import duty has been cut to 25 per cent specifically for New Zealand. When New Zealand apples enter the Indian market, it will directly impact our farmers, while large traders will gain monopoly control. Apple producers from Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and even the northeastern states, where apple cultivation has expanded significantly, will all suffer heavy losses," the Horticulture Minister added. Negi said a delegation had met him earlier in the day to discuss the future course of action. "A delegation met me today regarding this issue and expressed deep concern. We discussed our future strategy. Their demand was that a meeting be held with the Chief Minister, including farmers, stakeholders, Members of Parliament from apple-growing regions, and all concerned parties, and that time be allocated to meet the Prime Minister to find a solution. If no solution emerges from there, it will become a very serious challenge for orchardists." Negi added. Warning of wider global implications, Negi said, "This will not stop here. Even former US President Donald Trump has already made announcements in this regard. This is a major challenge for our orchardists because, in the coming time, similar pressure may come from Europe as well. If the Government of India brings import duties down to zero on agricultural imports, starting with New Zealand, it will become even easier for the United States to demand similar concessions, followed by China and other Asian countries. In that situation, India's apple growers will be left with nothing." He further alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party had failed to safeguard farmers' interests. "The Bharatiya Janata Party is anti-horticulture and anti-farmer. They brought black farm laws, which had to be withdrawn only after the sacrifice of farmers, where around 750 farmers lost their lives. Now, apple orchardists are facing another major crisis. This BJP government has failed to protect the interests of orchard farmers and is instead promoting big industrialists. The state government will make every possible effort and will take up this issue forcefully in defence of farmers' interests," he added. (ANI) Former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Saturday claimed that the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was a "direct attack" on the livelihood of rural poor, who were guaranteed 100 days of employment as a constitutional right. Speaking to reporters here, he claimed that the centre intended to get rid of the rural employment scheme, since it had already made it "hollow". "The scheme that was run in the name of Mahatma Gandhi, they have changed its name. They intend to phase out the scheme gradually. NREGA is a protective shield for the rural poor, providing them with financial stability. 100 days of employment was their constitutional right. They have made it hollow," Pilot said. The Congress leader said his party will run a campaign to raise awareness of opposition to the centre's move to change the current MGNREGA scheme. "During the Corona period, people got employment opportunities only through MGNREGA. We will oppose this and run this program for a long time to make people aware. This is a direct attack on the livelihood of poor people," he added. Pilot highlighted that the centre has reduced the expense ratio for the rural employment scheme to 60:40, down from 90:10 earlier. He said the centre will decide on how much work is to be done in village gram panchayats, rather than the panchayat council members. "The issue is not that they changed the name. The issue is that the Indian government's share of the scheme's expenses, along with the state government, has been reduced from 90:10 to 60:40. Earlier, the Gram Panchayat and its members used to decide on the work. Now, the central government sitting in the national capital will decide how much work will be done in which village," he said. "The BJP has been in power at the centre for 11 years. Prime Minister Modi had called MGNREGA a monumental (and historic) mistake. They couldn't close the scheme. However, now that the Bihar elections have concluded. They found the right time to do so," he added. Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge today announced that the party will launch a nationwide 'Save MNREGA' campaign from January 5. (ANI) Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Saturday said that his party has released a complete resolution on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) during the party's working committee meeting. "The complete resolution on MGNREGA has been released," Khurshid told ANI. This comes as the Congress has been opposing the replacement of MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgaar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM-G) 2025. Speaking on the political row over events unfolding in Bangladesh, Khurshid said, "We have discussed the issue of Bangladesh, and a proper draft is being prepared." Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday announced that the party will launch a nationwide 'Save MNREGA' campaign from January 5. Speaking to the media, Kharge said that party leaders took an oath during the meeting to protect MNREGA and oppose any attempt to weaken or alter the scheme. "In the meeting, we took an oath. We decided to launch a massive movement across the country, making the MNREGA scheme the central point. Indian National Congress party, taking a leading role, will launch the MNREGA Save Campaign from January 5th," Kharge said. Emphasising the importance of the scheme, the Congress chief said MNREGA is not merely a welfare programme but a constitutional right. "We will protect the MNREGA at all costs. MNREGA is not just a scheme but a right to work guaranteed by the Constitution of India. We also pledge to democratically oppose every conspiracy to remove Gandhiji's name from MNREGA," he added. On December 21, President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of rural employment policy, as per a release by the President's Secretariat. The Act enhances the statutory wage employment guarantee to 125 days per financial year for rural households. It seeks to advance empowerment, inclusive growth, convergence of development initiatives and saturation-based delivery, thereby strengthening the foundation for a prosperous, resilient and self-reliant Rural Bharat. Recently, the Parliament passed the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (VB-G RAM-G), 2025, marking a decisive reform in India's rural employment and development framework. The Act replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, with a modern statutory framework that enhances livelihood security and is aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. (ANI) At least 173 personnel of the Assam Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sustained injuries during incidents on December 22-23 under Kheroni Police Station in West Karbi Anglong, the Assam Police reported. According to an Assam police post on X, 139 personnel were treated on the scene for injuries, while 33 were transported to various hospitals for further care. https://x.com/assampolice/status/2004861583944810932?s=20 "173 personnel of the Assam Police and @crpfindia were injured in the incidents on 22-23 December 2025 under Kheroni PS under West Karbi Anglong. 139 received First Aid at the spot, while 33 were sent for treatment to various hospitals," the post added on X. The Assam police post comes in the wake of violent protests that erupted in Karbi Anglong on Monday, prompting the administration to deploy heavy security forces across sensitive areas. The unrest led to the imposition of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyay Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to maintain public order and prevent further escalation. Earlier this week, the Assam government transferred Faiz Ahmed Barbhuiya, Additional Superintendent of Police (HQ) of West Karbi Anglong district, amid heightened tension following violent protests in the region. According to an official notification issued by the Home (A) Department of the Assam Government, Barbhuiya has been posted as 2nd-in-Command of the 7th Assam Police Battalion at Charaikhola in Kokrajhar with immediate effect. He has been replaced by Nayan Moni Barman, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime), Lakhimpur. The notification read, "Faiz Ahmed Barbhuiya, APS (DR-2013), Addl. Superintendent of Police (HQ), West Karbi Anglong is transferred and posted as 2-in-Command, 7th APBn., Charaikhola, Kokrajhar with immediate effect against an existing vacancy. Nayan Moni Barman, APS (DR-2015), Addl. Superintendent of Police (Crime), Lakhimpur is transferred and posted as Addl. Superintendent of Police (HQ), West Karbi Anglong with immediate effect." Inspector General of Police (L&O) of Assam Police, Akhilesh Kumar Singh, said authorities held talks to restore peace and urged people to raise their grievances through legal means. Speaking to ANI, Akhilesh Kumar Singh said, "One side has been vacated, and the other side will be vacated soon. Peaceful talks have been held. A minister had come to listen to the people's grievances. If anyone has any issues, they should proceed legally. No one should try to take the law into their hands. Adequate force has been deployed here." The escalation occurred after protesters, who were holding sit-in demonstrations demanding the eviction of illegal encroachers from the Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands in the hilly district, set the house of the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) on fire. The incident occurred in the Dongkamukam area near Kheroni in the West Karbi Anglong district. Three protesters and a few security personnel were injured following a clash between protesters and security personnel. The protesters pelted stones and attacked security personnel and forced the cops to blank fire to bring the situation under control. (ANI) Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Saturday visited the Konark Sun Temple in Puri, Odisha, along with his wife, Anuradha Kumar, a retired IAS officer and praised the temple's architecture, calling it the country's honour and pride. He emphasised the temple as a marvel for its sculptures, mythology, and the scientific methods used in its construction. He said that the architecture of the temple reflected how advanced the culture and science of India might have been many years ago. Speaking with the reporters, he said, "This temple not only reflects the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, but it also shows how advanced the culture and science of India were many years ago." He added, "The area's sculptures, mythology and the scientific ways in which this sun temple was built, I get surprised, and the belief is also set in stone that Konark's temple is the country's honour and pride." According to the Odisha government's official tourism website, the Sun Temple at Konark is the pinnacle of Odisha Temple Architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is a culmination of seven hundred years of grind in search of perfection. Built in the 12th Century AD by King Narasimha Deva I and dedicated to the Sun God, the Sun Temple at Konark continues to leave us spellbound with its massive structure, symmetry, precision and intricate detailing. The website stated, "According to archaeologists, the height of the Sun Temple at Konark is estimated to be around 227 feet, making it one of the tallest temples ever built in the country. However, what remains today is the impressive Jagamohana (Entrance Hall), with the sanctum sanctorum having almost collapsed. The other structure that still stands amidst the ruins is the Natya Mandap minus the roof." The temple was designed as a chariot of the Sun God, driven by twenty-four beautifully carved wheels and pulled by seven horses. Apart from its beauty, what captivates historians is the scientific precision. For example, the wheels are designed in such a way that one can gauge the time of the day by looking at the shadow cast on the spokes of the wheels by the sun. Not only that the carvings of the spokes and axes denote the activities that one normally does at that time of the day. The wheels, popularly known as Konark Chakr,a is a popular souvenir collected by the tourists visiting the temple. The temple was constructed using three types of stones - the laterite stone for the boundary walls, flooring and staircase, Khondalite for the structure and Chlorite stone for the door jams and lintel. The use of iron strips to hold the structure together can be seen amongst the ruins of the temple. Some experts are of the opinion that the Sun Temple was built in the sea, giving an impression of the Sun God emerging out of the water at daybreak. The European sailors referred to the temple as Black Pagoda because of the darkish impression of the roof of the temple. It served as an important landmark for the sailors navigating through the Bay of Bengal in those days. According to the website, Rabindranath Tagore uttered these famous words on seeing the magnificent Sun Temple at Konark - "Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man". (ANI) The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and local residents held protests on Saturday, condemning the demolition drive in Yelahanka and demanding immediate rehabilitation of the displaced people in Bengaluru. SDPI Karnataka General Secretary Mujahid Pasha demanded shelter and fulfilment of basic needs for the dislocated people. Speaking to ANI, Mujahid Pasha said, "The DCM and Ministers here say that the people here are illegal immigrants. And that this is a place for solid waste management... The government of Karnataka has failed in considering humanity... The Housing Minister did not visit even once, even though he should have provided alternative rehabilitation and some assistance to the affected people. This has become a national issue. Eviction politics run in the BJP government. Now the Congress government is repeating the same. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has tweeted that Congress and BJP are doing the same. We demand shelter and fulfilment of basic needs for the dislocated people." Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that suitable housing arrangements would be provided to people who were evicted from makeshift shelters at a waste dumping site in the Kogilu Badavane area near Yelahanka in Bengaluru. In a post on X, the Chief Minister said that the land was unfit for human habitation and had been encroached upon. Siddaramaiah said, "Many had encroached upon and built makeshift shelters at the waste dumping site in the Kogilu Badavane area near Yelahanka in Bengaluru, a location unfit for human habitation. Despite issuing notices multiple times to the families there to relocate elsewhere, they did not respond. In this context, they have inevitably been evicted from that site." "I have spoken with the Commissioner of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike and instructed them to make arrangements for temporary shelter, food, and other necessities for all of them. Most of those who were residing there encroaching upon the land are migrant workers, not local residents, yet even so, from a humanitarian perspective, we will ensure suitable housing arrangements for them," he further said. Earlier, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar took a sharp jibe at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over his criticism of the recent demolition drive in Bengaluru, asserting that "senior leaders should not interfere without knowing the facts on the ground." Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Shivakumar described Vijayan's remarks as "unfortunate" and said leaders from outside the state must first understand Bengaluru's realities before making political comments. The Deputy CM maintained that the action was aimed at protecting public land and not targeted at any community. Shivakumar said the area in question was an encroached waste dumpsite and alleged that land mafia interests were behind attempts to turn it into a slum. "We have humanity. We gave people an opportunity to move to new places. Only a few of them are locals," he said, adding that the government was trying to protect public space. "We are not into bulldozers. We are trying to safeguard our land and public property," he asserted. Shivakumar also appealed directly to the Kerala Chief Minister to refrain from commenting without full knowledge of the situation. "Senior leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan should know the issues in Bengaluru. We know our city well, and we don't want to entertain slums that promote land mafia activities," he said. The Deputy CM's response came after Vijayan, in a post on Facebook, strongly criticised the demolition of Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout in Bengaluru. Vijayan termed the action "extremely shocking and painful", alleging that Muslims had been living in these areas for years and accusing the Karnataka government of following a "North Indian bulldozer justice model". (ANI) Five people have been arrested in connection with the brutal attack on two students from Tripura in Dehradun, in which one of them later succumbed to his injuries, police said on Saturday. Speaking to ANI, Pramod Kumar, Superintendent of Police (City), provided details of the case, saying the incident occurred on the evening of December 9 in the Premnagar police station area. "Two students from Tripura, Angel Chakma and his brother, Michael Chakma, lived near Nanda Chowki in the Premnagar police station area. This incident happened on the evening of the 9th, when they had gone to Selaqui for some work," he said. The SP added that the two got into an argument with some local youths and another youth from the Northeast. "A fight broke out between them, during which it is reported that they were attacked with knives and other blunt objects. As a result, they were seriously injured. Their brother took them to the hospital, and subsequently, an FIR was registered," he said. According to the police, the FIR was initially filed against unknown persons. "The police made every effort and worked diligently. CCTV footage was reviewed, and information was gathered from people in the surrounding area. Four or five names then came to light," Kumar said. He further stated that five accused have been arrested in the case. "Those whose names came to light were arrested by the police. A total of five people have been arrested in this case. Three -- Avinash Negi, Suraj Khawas, and Sumit -- were sent to jail. Two of them were juveniles and were sent to the correctional home," he added. The official also confirmed that Angel Chakma died while undergoing treatment at the hospital. "Two days ago, Angel Chakma died while undergoing treatment at the hospital. A murder charge has been added to the case," he said. Kumar further informed that one accused is still absconding. "A person, Yagya Awasthi, is wanted in the case. He is originally from Nepal. We have issued a non-bailable warrant for his arrest, and a reward of Rs 25,000 has been announced. We will arrest him soon," he added. Meanwhile, the Youth Tipra Federation, in a Facebook post, expressed grief over Angel Chakma's death and demanded justice. "The mortal remains of Late Angel Chakma, who tragically passed away in Dehradun following a brutal attack by local miscreants, reached his home today. In this moment of profound grief, we stand in solidarity with his family. Those responsible for this heinous act must be identified and brought to justice without delay. We urge the authorities to ensure a fair, thorough, and time-bound investigation so that accountability is upheld," the post read. (ANI) Hyderabad City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar on Saturday said that overall crime in the city has declined by around 15 per cent compared to last year, with reductions recorded in cybercrime and crimes against women, even as reporting of kidnapping, rape and POCSO cases has seen a marginal rise. "Overall, the crime has come down compared to last year. There is a 15 per cent decrease in crime, including cybercrime and crimes against women." Sajjanar said, adding that the police were simultaneously witnessing a "slight increase" in reporting of kidnapping, rape and POCSO cases. He said awareness campaigns among women and girls were being strengthened, and added that Hyderabad Police had also implemented adequate measures to manage city traffic. "We have controlled it very effectively and ensured that people have safer passes, but still a lot to be done, and we will use technology in the coming years," he said. On narcotics enforcement, the Commissioner said about 450 people had been arrested this year in connection with drug-related cases, though final figures were still being compiled. He added that a separate wing would soon be established to investigate NDPS cases, improving conviction rates and strengthening deterrence. Speaking about initiatives planned for the new year, Sajjanar said the force would increasingly adopt artificial intelligence, predictive analysis and drone technology to enhance policing, particularly in preventing crimes against women. "For better policing, we are inculcating technology. We have already started using AI and will also use predictive analytics. We will also use technology to combat crimes against women. We will also bring more drones, " he said. The Commissioner also stressed the importance of prioritising the welfare of police personnel, noting the demanding nature of round-the-clock duty. " They should have a better health system. We will use AI technology and also implement discipline, as many people face physical, mental, and financial challenges. To deal with it, we will have better counselling in the coming days.", he said. Sajjanar further announced that anti-food adulteration teams would be formed to work with food safety authorities, noting that this area is often neglected and consumers are frequently cheated by adulterated products. On cybercrime, he said, awareness drives would continue to be scaled up to prevent citizens from falling victim to online fraud. "Overall, 2025 has been a great year for Hyderabad City Police," Sajjanar said, expressing confidence that the expanded technology-driven approach would further strengthen law enforcement and public safety in the city. (ANI) Following a migrant labourer allegedly beaten to death by a group of unidentified miscreants in Odisha's Sambalpur district, West Bengal Police said that six people have been arrested so far in the incident, and a police team had been sent to Odisha to conduct an enquiry at the place of occurrence. In a post on X, West Bengal police said, "As regards the unfortunate death of Juyel Rana, a young migrant labourer from Suti in Jangipur Police District, on 24.12.25 in Sambalpur, Odisha in the hands of some assailants, a Zero FIR has been registered at Suti Police Station and the same has been transmitted to the concerned Police Station for necessary legal action. 6 persons have so far been arrested in this incident. A police team has been sent to Odisha to conduct enquiry at the place of occurrence." "Necessary arrangements were promptly made to bring the body of the deceased Juyel Rana to his native place. All possible help is being extended by the district administration to the family of the deceased. West Bengal Police stands by the family in this hour of grief. We shall leave no stones unturned to press for the highest possible punishment for the guilty," West Bengal police further shared. Earlier, SDPO Sambalpur Srimanta Barik on December 25 said that a group of men hit the victim on the head, causing a head injury that led to his death. Speaking to ANI, Srimanta Barik said, "Some labourers lived here, and they worked here as well. They had become friends with the locals... Some men, under the influence of alcohol, went to them to ask for cigarettes, and a fight broke out between the two groups. One group of men hit him (the victim) on the head, causing a head injury that led to his death. Six men have been arrested in connection with this incident, and the others will also be arrested soon." West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday condemned the killing of a migrant worker from Murshidabad district following an altercation in Sambalpur, Odisha. The incident occurred on December 24. In a post on X, Mamata Banerjee shared, "We strongly condemn the brutal oppression and persecution that has descended upon Bengali-speaking people in every BJP-ruled state. We stand by those oppressed, terrified, and tortured migrant Bengali-speaking families, and we will provide all kinds of support to those families. No value can compensate for human lives, but in cases where deaths have occurred, we remain committed to economic compensation." She added that financial assistance would be provided to the victim's family. "Very recently, various forms of oppression have descended upon some migrant workers from the Jangipur area in the BJP-ruled Odisha state. It is extremely unfortunate that a young migrant worker from the Suti area of Jangipur was beaten to death in Sambalpur on December 24th. Migrant workers in Murshidabad are returning home terrified from Odisha. In this heartbreaking incident, we stand with the families, and our financial assistance to the family of the deceased will also reach them," she said. The Chief Minister also alleged that the worker was killed for speaking in Bengali. "In all these incidents in BJP-ruled states, our condemnation of the perpetrators and our promise of all kinds of help for the oppressed remain. Speaking the Bengali language cannot be a crime. In the matter of the deceased young Jewel Rana, the West Bengal Police has already filed a zero FIR at Suti Police Station, and six people have already been arrested. A police team from my state has gone to Odisha for investigation," she further added. The incident occurred around 8.30 pm in Shantinagar, when the victim aged thirty, a daily-wage labourer from West Bengal, stopped at a tea stall after returning from work. Three other migrant labourers were present with him at the time. According to sources, a group of four to five unidentified persons arrived at the tea stall and confronted the labourers, accusing them of being illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The attackers allegedly demanded identity documents from the group. Despite the labourers producing valid identification papers, the assailants reportedly began assaulting them. While three of the labourers managed to escape, the victim was caught by the attackers and brutally beaten. He succumbed to the injuries on his head at the spot. The assailants fled the area immediately after the incident. Police rushed to the scene upon receiving information and recovered the body. The injured labourers were shifted to a hospital for treatment. Juel's body has been kept at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) morgue, and his family has been informed. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party leader and actor Mithun Chakraborty on Saturday called for the stoppage of "atrocities" on minorities in Bangladesh, stating that if the violence continues, it will be difficult to stop it in the future. "The atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh must stop. A day will come when everyone wakes up, and then it will be difficult to stop this. All followers of Sanatan Dharma have united, and we urge everyone to declare that we are Sanatanis proudly. We don't care who gets what in any division; it is enough that we, the followers of Sanatan Dharma, are united," he said. Earlier on Saturday, Bageshwar Dham Sarkar Acharya Dhirendra Shastri urged the Centre to take significant steps to protect the minorities in the neighbouring country. He demanded strict action against the reports of violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Shastri asserted that if action is not taken by the government into the matter, the identity of Hindus in Bangladesh would be in danger. His remarks come in response to the recent killings of Amrit Mondal and Dipu Chandra Das, in the ongoing violence in Bangladesh."It is unfortunate. It has become necessary for the Government of India to take some significant steps for Hindus in Bangladesh. If no step is taken, then the identity of Hindus will be in danger," Shastri told ANI. Furthermore, Shastri also mentioned that if the Hindu minorities are not safe in Bangladesh, then they must be given a place to live in India. "There will be no point in Hindu unity if we don't come to their use now. Hindus in Bangladesh should be protected. Bangladeshis Hindus should be given a place in India in place of the Bangladeshis living here," he added. Earlier 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. (ANI) Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan alleged that the Congress leaders were shedding "crocodile tears" after the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was replaced with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act and passed in Parliament. He said that Congress's clamour is purely political, and this is the same Congress that, from time to time, reduced the budget for MGNREGA. In a post on X, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "The Congress's clamour is purely political. Congress lacked both the intent and the policy. This is the same Congress that appended Mahatma Gandhi's name for electoral gains. This is the same Congress that, from time to time, reduced the budget for MGNREGA. This is the same Congress that froze wages. Today, Congress leaders are shedding crocodile tears." He added that today, when technology, transparency, and timely payments are being leveraged to ensure that money reaches straight into the account of the labourer, Congress sees this as an attack. "Under this scheme, it has been decided that decisions will no longer emanate from Delhi, but from the villages. Gram Panchayats will sit together and prepare their own plans. Under this scheme, employment has not been diminished; rather, it has been made even stronger. The number of employment days has been increased from 100 to 125 days. There is a provision for unemployment allowance if work is not provided within the stipulated time, and if there is a delay in wage payment, there is a provision for additional compensation on the delayed payment. It is clear that employment security is not decreasing; it is increasing," he said. He said that the powers of Gram Sabhas and Panchayats were not being weakened; they were being further empowered. "The identification of works and their prioritisation will be determined by the Gram Sabha. Responsibility for implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance has been ensured at the local level. Additionally, by making social audits mandatory, a provision has been made for public review of expenditures and payments. Special emphasis has been placed on the active participation of women, self-help groups, and the community. Not every Panchayat is the same. For those Panchayats that are the most backward--where there is still an acute need for employment and a lack of basic infrastructure--arrangements have been made to provide more funds, more assistance, and more opportunities," he added. Shivraj Singh Chouhan also said that in this scheme, workers' rights are not being treated as charity; they are being ensured as dignified protection. "Timely work in one's own village, dignified wages, and safe working conditions form its foundation. Special focus has been given to sustainable income growth through transparent and time-bound payments, as well as the creation of assets and works linked to livelihoods. Here, rights are not being granted out of pity; they are being provided with guarantees and dignity," he said. "VB-GJ Ram Ji: Rural India is the future. Its goal is empowered villages and dignified labourers. Our resolve is Gram Swaraj and self-reliance; our vision is village-based development. Our objective is the dignity of labour. Our mission is public participation and social accountability," he added. Earlier, slamming the Centre over the VB-G RAM G Act recently passed in Parliament, Lok Sabha LoP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed it a "devastating attack" on states and the poor people, "much like the demonetisation". Speaking at a press briefing after the Congress Working Committee meeting, he argued that the move diverts funds and decision-making authority that rightfully belong to the states. He further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "single-handedly" dismantled the MGNREGA, without consulting the Cabinet, much like the demonetisation. "This has been destroyed single-handedly by the Prime Minister without asking his Cabinet, without studying the matter. This is an attack on the states of India because they are simply taking away money that belongs to the state, decision-making power that belongs to the state. This is an attack on the infrastructure of those states because MNREGA used to build infrastructure... So it is a devastating attack on the states, on poor people of this country, and it is carried out by the Prime Minister single-handedly, much like demonetisation was," Gandhi said. Earlier on Saturday, after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced that the party will launch a nationwide 'Save MNREGA' campaign from January 5, making the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) the central focus of a mass movement. Speaking to reporters, Kharge said that party leaders took an oath during the meeting to protect MNREGA and oppose any attempt to weaken or alter the scheme. "In the meeting, we took an oath. We decided to launch a massive movement across the country, making the MNREGA scheme the central point. Indian National Congress party, taking a leading role, will launch the MNREGA Save Campaign from January 5th," Kharge said. Emphasising the importance of the scheme, the Congress chief said MNREGA is not merely a welfare programme but a constitutional right. "We will protect the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) at all costs. MNREGA is not just a scheme but a right to work guaranteed by the Constitution of India. We also pledge to democratically oppose every conspiracy to remove Gandhiji's name from MNREGA," he added. The remarks came after President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday gave assent to the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB--G RAM G) Bill, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of rural employment policy, as per a release by the President's Secretariat. The Act enhances the statutory wage employment guarantee to 125 days per financial year for rural households. It seeks to advance empowerment, inclusive growth, convergence of development initiatives and saturation-based delivery, thereby strengthening the foundation for a prosperous, resilient and self-reliant Rural Bharat. (ANI) In Tamil Nadu's Hosur, over 10,000 farmers gathered on Saturday to learn about creating sustainable income through tree-based agriculture. The initiative by Isha Outreach's Cauvery Calling, which is working towards the mammoth task of reviving the river Cauvery and has enabled the plantation of over 12.8 crore trees so far, saw the presence of Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sadhguru, Founder of Isha Foundation and a host of dignitaries, said the release. Addressing the farmers who had gathered from Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states, Sadhguru "pressed for policy changes to liberate them from restrictive controls." "Farming should be liberated from Government control," said Sadhguru, calling for the need to clearly differentiate between the produce grown on agricultural land and that grown in forests. "Whatever the farmer grows on his land should belong to the farmer," he added, urging the Union Agriculture Minister to remove roadblocks that prevent farmers from selling trees grown on their own land. According to the release, he added that a farmer should not require permission from anyone to cut or sell trees grown on his own land, and that it should become government policy. "The British-era law that claims anything found below eight feet of soil belongs to the government must be amended," emphasised Sadhguru. "Farmers should be liberated from all rules. Market rules are the best rules. Let the farmer grow what is best for them, what is most profitable for them, and sell it wherever they want in the world," he noted. The agricultural seminar organised by Cauvery Calling was hosted at Adhiyamaan College of Engineering in Hosur, Krishnagiri district. It was attended by Members of Parliament Thambidurai (AIADMK) and Gopinath (INC), MLA Prakash (DMK), Hosur Mayor Sathya, former MLA Manoharan, and several other leaders. Highlighting unity beyond political affiliations, Sadhguru said that representatives from all political parties were present at the event and noted that if each person committed to planting, the collective goal could be achieved. "The purpose of politics is to serve people. When it comes to the source of our life, we should not all have differently opinions. Now all of us are in one stage, on the same page; it is very fortunate." Sadhguru, who also handed over the Save Soil Policy Recommendations to the Union Agriculture Minister, offered his support for establishing a collaborative platform comprising farmers, leading scientists from around the world, UN agencies, and the Ministry of Agriculture to enable large-scale adoption of tree-based agriculture. Speaking at the event, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan applauded Sadhguru for launching Cauvery Calling, noting that the movement has the potential to bring transformative change globally. He also lauded the tree-based agriculture model promoted by Cauvery Calling, observing that it is enhancing farmers' incomes, improving groundwater levels, and contributing to the rejuvenation of the Cauvery River. "I express my heartfelt gratitude for Sadhguru's unparalleled contributions. Particularly, the Cauvery Calling movement initiated by Sadhguru to rejuvenate the lifeline of South India, the Cauvery River, has today grown into a mass movement," the Minister said, according to the release. Impressed by the impact of Cauvery Calling, the Union Agriculture Minister further invited the team to share its insights and experiences with the Ministry to inform the formulation of a national policy on tree-based agriculture. The seminar also featured participation from agricultural scientists representing five national research institutions and progressive farmers from four states, who shared high-income tree-crop technologies and real-life success stories. According to the release, "Cauvery Calling regularly conducts these seminars to raise awareness of the success of the agroforestry model, enabling participating farmers to listen to and interact with successful farmers and experts, encouraging them to adopt the model. Envisioned by Sadhguru, the Cauvery Calling movement aims to revitalise the Cauvery River the lifeline of 8.4 crore people - and significantly improve the economy of farmers by enabling the planting of 242 crore trees on private farmlands. To date, the movement has enabled the plantation of 12.8 crore trees and empowered 250,000 farmers to adopt tree-based agriculture." (ANI) Congress leader Mumtaz Patel on Saturday hit out at the central government following the Delhi High Court's order that suspended the sentence and granted bail to former Uttar Pradesh MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case, and said that the government talks about putting animals in shelters, but they are not able to put rapists in jail. Speaking to ANI, Mumtaz Patel said, "On behalf of all the women in the country, we are asking the government for protection and justice for the victim. If a government that says, 'Beti Bachao', is not able to do anything much for the heinous crime committed with the Unnao victim and lets powerful people get away, with their support, there is a problem with our country." "It is very embarrassing when the world thinks that India is not a safe country for women. If we cannot protect our daughters, then we have no right to be in the government. The government talks about putting animals in shelters, but they are not able to put rapists in jail. I would urge women and even men to join our protest to feel the pain, to see how unprotected the women are in this country and come together to fight for the rights of women," she added. The Unnao rape survivor and her mother voiced deep anguish and mistrust toward the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday, even as the agency moved the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court's order suspending the life sentence of former Uttar Pradesh MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and granting him bail. Reacting to the development, the victim's mother questioned the CBI's intent, saying trust would come only through direct engagement. "If CBI meets us, only then will we trust them. How can we trust them otherwise? We have not discussed CBI. We have only said that the Investigating Officer met them. He was talking to Kuldeep Sengar's daughter. When we asked him whether he knew the victim, he said, 'Why would I know her?' He said this in a crowded court," she told ANI. The survivor herself delivered a scathing attack, accusing the agency of failing to stand firmly with her during crucial stages of the case. "Had the CBI stood with my lawyer, we wouldn't have had to see this day. We would have won, and they would have lost," she said. Describing the impact of the case on her family, the survivor added, "Their family is bursting crackers. But ask my family. My father was killed. My husband and I were fired from our jobs. What will we eat? Where do we go? I have two newborns." The survivor also alleged intimidation and injustice, claiming that while her family suffered, the accused was given leniency. "This is an injustice that one family was intimidated while the other person was given a free pass," she said, making sharp allegations against the judiciary. Earlier on Friday, the CBI filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court's December 23, 2025, order that suspended Sengar's life sentence pending appeal and granted him bail. Sengar was convicted in December 2019 in the Unnao rape case and sentenced to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 25 lakh. Though granted bail in this case, he will continue to remain in jail as he is serving a 10-year sentence in another CBI case related to murder. (ANI) Telangana Jagruthi President Kalvakuntla Kavitha visited the Nagarkurnool district and addressed the media, exposing deep-rooted failures in irrigation, infrastructure, governance, and social justice that continue to hold back the region. Kavitha alleged that while the Kaleshwaram Project was fast-tracked, the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Project was deliberately neglected. This negligence, she said, resulted in Telangana losing its rightful claim over 90 TMC of Krishna waters. She warned that continued dependence on Srisailam, a joint project, would permanently entangle Telangana in inter-state water disputes. She demanded the construction of an independent project, on the lines of Andhra Pradesh's Nallamalla Sagar, to secure Telangana's long-term water interests. Alleging massive corruption in the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy project, Kavitha said thousands of crores were spent on work that required minimal execution. She demanded the immediate return of 900 acres of land acquired for black soil at Vattam Reservoir, which she said is currently under illegal occupation by contractors, depriving farmers of their rightful land. Kavitha emphasised that Telangana is entitled to 550 TMC of Krishna waters, yet successive governments failed to utilise even the permitted share. She accused the Congress government of weakening Telangana's claim by stating that 45 TMC was sufficient, effectively surrendering additional water rights. She also criticised both BRS and Congress for failing to protect Telangana against aggressive water projects by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Calling it a grave injustice, Kavitha noted that Nagarkurnool still lacks railway connectivity, despite 12 years since Telangana's formation. She urged the concerned MP to take responsibility for completing the Gadwal-Macherla railway line, stating that rail connectivity is essential for economic growth, employment, and regional development. Kavitha raised serious concerns over land irregularities in the district medical college and alleged misuse of ITDA funds, which she said severely harmed tribal communities, particularly the Chenchus. She accused former ministers of corruption in the construction of the Yelluru Pump House, citing faulty work that caused motor damage and irrigation failure. She also flagged unchecked sand mining, widening economic inequality, and the systematic neglect of backward districts compared to Hyderabad. Reaffirming Jagruti's commitment to Social Telangana, Kavitha announced that 80% of leadership positions in Jagruti will be reserved for BC, SC, ST, and minority communities. She reiterated the long-standing demand for 12% reservations for minorities. Kavitha concluded by stating that Jagruthi will form issue-based committees, intensify district-wide struggles, and fight for farmers, displaced families, tribals, and marginalised communities until equitable development and social justice are achieved across Telangana. (ANI) Centuries-old Kunqu opera finds new life with youthful energy Xinhua) 11:00, December 27, 2025 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. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liu Ning) London, UK, (PANA) - Eight pro-Palestinian activists detained in the United Kingdom have been on an indefinite hunger strike since 2 November President of the Tipra Indigenous Students Federation, Sajra Debbarma, on Saturday condemned the killing of a student from Tripura in Dehradun, after the victim succumbed to his injuries, and urged the Centre to take stringent action against the accused. Speaking to ANI, Sajra Debbarma said, "What's happening to the Northeast is nothing new. When we go outside Northeast we are taunted. The death of Angel Chakma today--this isn't just Angel Chakma's death; this is the death of all the people of the Northeast. Even before in Karnataka, Kerala, Delhi, Northeast people are being humiliated. I want to tell the Central Government directly: if you cannot give respect, dignity, and love to the people of the Northeast, then give us a separate country; we will take care of ourselves. This is a very serious matter. When people come to the Northeast from other parts of the country, we respect them. We don't insult them because it is not our culture." He urged the Central government to look into the issue and said that this has been going on for a long time. "On behalf of my student federation and all the other student federations of the Northeast, we all together protest against this, and those responsible should be punished as soon as possible, and no one should be spared. I make this request to the Government of India," he further said. Five people have been arrested in connection with the brutal attack on two students from Tripura in Dehradun, in which one of them later succumbed to his injuries, police said. Speaking to ANI, Pramod Kumar, Superintendent of Police (City), provided details of the case, saying the incident occurred on the evening of December 9 in the Premnagar police station area. "Two students from Tripura, Angel Chakma and his brother, Michael Chakma, lived near Nanda Chowki in the Premnagar police station area. This incident happened on the evening of the 9th, when they had gone to Selaqui for some work," he said. The SP added that the two got into an argument with some local youths and another youth from the Northeast. "A fight broke out between them, during which it is reported that they were attacked with knives and other blunt objects. As a result, they were seriously injured. Their brother took them to the hospital, and subsequently, an FIR was registered," he said. Youth Tipra Federation, in a Facebook post, expressed grief over Angel Chakma's death and demanded justice. "The mortal remains of Late Angel Chakma, who tragically passed away in Dehradun following a brutal attack by local miscreants, reached his home today. In this moment of profound grief, we stand in solidarity with his family. Those responsible for this heinous act must be identified and brought to justice without delay. We urge the authorities to ensure a fair, thorough, and time-bound investigation so that accountability is upheld," the post read. According to the police, the FIR was initially filed against unknown persons. "The police made every effort and worked diligently. CCTV footage was reviewed, and information was gathered from people in the surrounding area. Four or five names then came to light," Kumar said. He further stated that five accused have been arrested in the case. "Those whose names came to light were arrested by the police. A total of five people have been arrested in this case. Three -- Avinash Negi, Suraj Khawas, and Sumit -- were sent to jail. Two of them were juveniles and were sent to the correctional home," he added. The official also confirmed that Angel Chakma died while undergoing treatment at the hospital. "Two days ago, Angel Chakma died while undergoing treatment at the hospital. A murder charge has been added to the case," he said. Kumar further informed that one accused is still absconding. "A person, Yagya Awasthi, is wanted in the case. He is originally from Nepal. We have issued a non-bailable warrant for his arrest, and a reward of Rs 25,000 has been announced. We will arrest him soon," he added. (ANI) As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections come closer, Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Ameet Satam on Saturday said that the Mahayuti has reached a seat-sharing agreement on 207 seats. "We have also reached an agreement on seat sharing. The BJP will contest 128 seats, and the Shiv Sena will contest 79 seats. Seat-sharing talks have concluded for 207 seats. For the remaining 20 seats, we will decide based on the candidate and the party after a decision is made at the higher level," Satam told reporters here after a meeting between the BJP and Shiv Sena concluded. Satam further exuded confidence that the Mahayuti will hoist the saffron flag of Hindutva over the BMC in the coming days. He said that meetings are being held among alliance partners, including the BJP, the Republican Party of India (Athawale), and the Shiv Sena, ahead of the BMC elections. BJP leaders, including Ashish Shelar, Ameet Satam, and Pravin Darekar, and Shiv Sena leaders such as Uday Samant and Rahul Shewale, attended the meeting. The Mahayuti plans to hold joint rallies comprising Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. During the meeting, discussions also focused on the direction of the election campaign. Satam further slammed former Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Mayor Abdul Rashid Khan alias Mamu and senior political activist Changez Multani, who hails from Jogeshwari, for joining Uddhav Thackeray-led UBT Sena. "By abandoning the ideals of Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray has adopted a path that has led him to carry a green flag. Pakistani flags were waved at his rallies. A person accused of a bomb blast case campaigned in his rally. Uddhav Thackeray inducted Rashid Mamu, who opposed the renaming (of Aurangabad to) Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar," he claimed. "Multani, who is named in cases of fraud and molestation, has been inducted into his (Uddhav's) party. This makes it clear that Uddhav is indulging in appeasement politics to keep his politics alive and attempting to change the colour of Mumbai. However, Mayauti will hoist the saffron flag of Hindutva at BMC in the coming days," he added. The State Election Commission in Maharashtra has announced elections to 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). BMC will witness polling in 227 electoral wards. Polling will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16. (ANI) The Congress on Saturday announced a nationwide "Save Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)" campaign beginning January 5 after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, escalating its political battle with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the Centre's decision to replace the MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. On December 21, President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025, which replaced MGNREGA. The Act enhances the statutory wage employment guarantee to 125 days per financial year for rural households. It seeks to advance empowerment, inclusive growth, convergence of development initiatives and saturation-based delivery, thereby strengthening the foundation for a prosperous, resilient and self-reliant Rural Bharat. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the campaign would be launched in response to what he termed the Centre's attempt to weaken a landmark welfare law that guarantees employment to rural households. Speaking to media representatives at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the central government's decision and emphasised the importance of preserving the original scheme named after Mahatma Gandhi. In a post on X, Siddaramaiah wrote, "At today's Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting at Indira Bhawan, New Delhi, we unanimously condemned the Union Government's anti-federal and anti-national move to weaken the very spirit of the Employment Guarantee Programme by changing the name and structure of MGNREGA." He also mentioned that the meeting focused on upcoming poll preparations, developing strategies to prevent vote theft, and addressing the country's significant challenges. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge echoed similar sentiments, announcing that the party would launch a nationwide movement from January 5 to protect the scheme. Speaking to the media, Kharge said that party leaders took an oath during the meeting to protect MNREGA and oppose any attempt to weaken or alter the scheme. "In the meeting, we took an oath. We decided to launch a massive movement across the country, making the MNREGA scheme the central point. Indian National Congress party, taking a leading role, will launch the MNREGA Save Campaign from January 5th," Kharge said. Emphasising the importance of the scheme, the Congress chief said MNREGA is not merely a welfare programme but a constitutional right. "We will protect the MNREGA at all costs. MNREGA is not just a scheme but a right to work guaranteed by the Constitution of India. We also pledge to democratically oppose every conspiracy to remove Gandhiji's name from MNREGA," he added. During his opening remarks at the CWC meeting, Kharge flagged the issue of "voter deletion" during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in nine states and three UTs. Kharge, backing Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's campaigns against alleged "vote theft", said that SIR is a "conspiracy to restrict" democratic rights. "Today, SIR is a matter of serious concern. It is a well-thought-out conspiracy to restrict democratic rights. Rahulji has repeatedly presented evidence of 'vote theft' before the country with facts and examples "The collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission is well-known to all. Therefore, we must ensure that the names of our voters are not deleted," he added. Kharge called party members to ensure that the votes of marginalised communities are not removed or transferred to other booths. "We must ensure that the names of people from poor and vulnerable sections, especially Dalits, Adivasis, Extremely Backward Classes, and minorities, are not removed from the voter list. Nor should they be TRANSFERRED to other booths. For this, our BLAs will have to go door-to-door with the voter list," he said. The Congress chief also urged party workers to prepare for upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, and accused the BJP of misusing central agencies like the ED, IT and CBI to target opposition leaders. "Over the past 11 years, the country has seen how agencies like ED, IT, and CBI are being misused. The BJP and Sangh Parivar are engaged in tarnishing the image of our leaders on the NATIONAL HERALD issue. We are fighting a legal battle. 'Satyameva Jayate'--this is what Rahulji always says, and we will emerge victorious," he said. He also raised concerns over violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and incidents of disruption during Christmas celebrations in parts of the country. "The attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh in recent months have worried the entire country. We strongly condemn this. One more thing is on my mind. Two days ago, on the occasion of Christmas, people from the BJP, RSS, and related organisations in many areas worked to disrupt brotherhood and harmony. This has tarnished our image in the eyes of the world," he said. Senior leader Salman Khurshid said the party had released a detailed resolution on MGNREGA and reiterated its opposition to the new law. He also said discussions were held on the situation in Bangladesh, with a formal resolution being prepared. Congress MP K Suresh said the meeting focused entirely on opposing the replacement of MGNREGA. "Today's Working Committee meeting mainly discussed the Union government's move to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme with a new program called VB-G RAM G. The committee decided to oppose this move strongly and to provide leadership for a nationwide protest against it. The entire discussion in the meeting was centred on this single issue," Suresh told reporters. Meanwhile, the BJP hit back sharply. Party spokesperson CR Kesavan termed the Congress an "insecure Nehru Congress" and questioned whether the party would take responsibility for its recent electoral setbacks, including the Bihar elections. "The insecure Nehru Congress has called its first meeting after losing the Bihar election. Will the CWC dare to own its mistakes and blame Rahul Gandhi for the defeat, or for their failed vote-stealing campaign? Or will they attempt to whitewash Rahul Gandhi's failures?" asked Kesavan. The Congress Working Committee meeting was chaired by Kharge and attended by senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Salman Khurshid, Harish Rawat, Rajeev Shukla, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Siddaramaiah's presence at the meeting comes amid speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar reiterating his claim to a reported 2.5-year leadership-sharing agreement reached after the 2023 Assembly elections. Shivakumar was not invited to the CWC meeting. "I am aware that two, three CMs have been invited. But the DCM has not been invited," he had said earlier. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also attended the meeting despite recent reports of strained ties with the party leadership. Tharoor has recently made headlines for skipping some party events and for praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the Ramnath Goenka Lecture. (ANI) Rajya Sabha MP Lahar Singh Siroya on Saturday strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his earlier "dead economy" remark, made in the context of US President Donald Trump's decision to impose retaliatory tariffs on India. Siroya accused Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders of contradicting themselves by now taking credit for investments in Karnataka, particularly Foxconn's proposed investment, after previously portraying the Indian economy as failing. He questioned whether multinational companies would invest in India without a supportive policy environment created by the Union government. "My statement on how Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders, who were jumping around saying that the Indian economy was "dead", are now claiming credit for investment in #Karnataka. Can a multinational co. Invest in India without the Union govt. Creating a conducive investment climate?" Siroya wrote on 'X'. Siroya said Rahul Gandhi was the first to endorse Trump's description of India as a "dead economy" during the tariff dispute, with other Congress leaders echoing the sentiment. He alleged that Gandhi has repeatedly spoken negatively about India and Indian businesses during his foreign visits, yet now claims credit for job creation and investment in Karnataka without hesitation. "When Mr. Trump started a tariff war and called India a "dead economy", the first person who rushed to endorse it was Shri. Rahul Gandhi. His minions in Congress repeated after him. Whenever he has gone abroad, he has spoken ill of India and Indian business. Now, without batting an eyelid, they claim credit for Foxconn's investment and job creation in Karnataka," said the 'X' post. Siroya asserted that India's current investment attractiveness is the result of sustained efforts by the Modi-led NDA government over the past 12 years. He credited the government for maintaining fiscal discipline, ensuring economic stability, and fostering high growth, arguing that these factors are crucial for attracting global investors. "If the NDA government under Modi Ji had not worked meticulously in the last 12 years to create a positive investment climate, maintain fiscal discipline and a high rate of economic growth, would any multinational company even consider any investment in India? Stability for investment in India is offered by the Modi Ji-led NDA government. The Congress party and Shri. Rahul Gandhi's lack of common sense surprises me. Also, the legacy in Karnataka as a technology hub does not belong to Congress alone. Successive governments from the 1980s have made it their consistent policy to promote technology and nurture engineering talent," he wrote on 'X'. He also noted that Karnataka's status as a technology hub cannot be attributed to the Congress alone, pointing out that successive governments since the 1980s have contributed to building the state's technology ecosystem and engineering talent base. Further criticising the Congress, Siroya claimed that Karnataka has often lost potential investments to neighbouring states during periods of Congress rule. He suggested that a white paper would reveal how many companies chose to invest elsewhere during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's earlier term and the current one. He questioned whether the present state government has any economic vision beyond caste-based politics and social agendas. Siroya expressed support for Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw's remarks on the Foxconn investment, quoting him as saying that India is transitioning into a "producer economy" in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. "However, surprisingly, whenever Congress has been in power in Karnataka they have lost investment to neighbouring states. If a white paper is released it will be clear how many companies chose to invest outside Karnataka during Shri. Siddaramaiah's first term as CM and now. Can Shri. Siddaramaiah's government claim any vision other than splitting up castes, promoting his Ahinda agenda and creating chaos by promoting urban- Naxals? I wholeheartedly support what Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji has said with regard to the Foxconn investment: "We are becoming a producer economy as we implement our PM's vision," read the 'X' post. Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwani Vaishnaw hailed Rahul Gandhi's praise for job creation at Foxconn's unit in Karanataka and credited the Congress government in the state for "setting an example by creating an ecosystem where manufacturing can grow". Vaishnaw had said that the Congress leader has acknowledged "the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' programme. (ANI) TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday took a dig at Jan Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir, who had earlier joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), that "demolished the mosque". He said that there was no difference between Kabir and the BJP since they play politics over the "temple mosque" issue. The TMC recently suspended Humayun Kabir after he announced to build a mosque in the name of Babur in Murshidabad early this month. "Where is this (Babri Masjid) being built? I don't see any construction starting. If they want to play politics over the temple and mosque issue, what's the difference between them and the BJP? The BJP played politics over building a temple, and they are playing politics over building a mosque," Banerjee said while addressing a press conference here. "Humayun Kabir is a former BJP candidate. The Babri Masjid incident happened in 1992, but he didn't understand this for 27 years and joined the BJP, which demolished the mosque," he added. Although everyone has the right to build a religious place, they shouldn't bring politics into it, Banerjee said. "Everyone has the right to build a religious place, but they shouldn't bring politics into it. If you are in politics, then build hospitals and schools instead," he added. When asked to comment on the death of a Tripura student in Uttarakhand, Banerjee said, "We all should condemn it, but neither the CM of Tripura nor of Uttarakhand has given statements on this. Both states have double-engine governments. This shows the kind of politics the BJP plays." Abhishek Banerjee also called the Election Commission of India (ECI) a "WhatsApp Commission" and demanded that the constitutional body should apologise to the people of West Bengal, claiming that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive was to "harass" the state. He also highlighted the reported deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the SIR exercise. The draft voters' list in West Bengal was published under SIR last week. "During the SIR, 45 people lost their lives, and six were hospitalised. 29 BLOs (Booth Level Officers) attempted suicide. We asked the EC (Election Commission) five basic questions. But we didn't get a single answer from the EC. The EC told the media that they had given the answers," Banerjee said. . West Bengal is expected to hold legislative assembly polls in March-April 2026. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the TMC-led alliance won 215 of the 294 seats with the Congress and CPI(M) drawing blank, while the BJP secured 77 seats, emerging as the principal opposition. (ANI) Congress general secretary KC Venugopal on Saturday spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar regarding the demolition drive in Kogilu village near Yelahanka in Bengaluru, which has evoked strong criticism in political circles. "Spoke to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar regarding the demolition of unauthorised constructions in Kogilu village, Bengaluru. Conveyed the AICC's serious concern that such actions should have been undertaken with far greater caution, sensitivity, and compassion, keeping the human impact at the centre," Venugopal posted on X. The Congress leader said that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have assured that an appropriate mechanism for addressing grievances will be put in place along with rehabilitation for the affected families. "They have assured that they will personally engage with the affected families, put in place an appropriate mechanism for addressing grievances, and ensure rehabilitation and relief for those impacted," Venugopal said. Earlier in the day, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and local residents held protests, condemning the demolition drive in Yelahanka and demanding immediate rehabilitation of the displaced people. SDPI Karnataka General Secretary Mujahid Pasha demanded shelter and fulfilment of basic needs for the dislocated people. Speaking to ANI, Mujahid Pasha said, "The DCM and Ministers here say that the people here are illegal immigrants. And that this is a place for solid waste management... The government of Karnataka has failed in considering humanity... The Housing Minister did not visit even once, even though he should have provided alternative rehabilitation and some assistance to the affected people. This has become a national issue. Eviction politics run in the BJP government. Now the Congress government is repeating the same. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has tweeted that Congress and BJP are doing the same. We demand shelter and fulfilment of basic needs for the dislocated people." Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that suitable housing arrangements would be provided to people who were evicted from makeshift shelters at a waste dumping site in the Kogilu Badavane area near Yelahanka in Bengaluru. In a post on X, the Chief Minister said that the land was unfit for human habitation and had been encroached upon. Siddaramaiah said, "Many had encroached upon and built makeshift shelters at the waste dumping site in the Kogilu Badavane area near Yelahanka in Bengaluru, a location unfit for human habitation. Despite issuing notices multiple times to the families there to relocate elsewhere, they did not respond. In this context, they have inevitably been evicted from that site." "I have spoken with the Commissioner of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike and instructed them to make arrangements for temporary shelter, food, and other necessities for all of them. Most of those who were residing there encroaching upon the land are migrant workers, not local residents, yet even so, from a humanitarian perspective, we will ensure suitable housing arrangements for them," he further said. Earlier, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar took a sharp jibe at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over his criticism of the recent demolition drive in Bengaluru, asserting that "senior leaders should not interfere without knowing the facts on the ground." Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Shivakumar described Vijayan's remarks as "unfortunate" and said leaders from outside the state must first understand Bengaluru's realities before making political comments. The Deputy CM maintained that the action was aimed at protecting public land and not targeted at any community. Shivakumar said the area in question was an encroached waste dumpsite and alleged that land mafia interests were behind attempts to turn it into a slum. "We have humanity. We gave people an opportunity to move to new places. Only a few of them are locals," he said, adding that the government was trying to protect public space. "We are not into bulldozers. We are trying to safeguard our land and public property," he asserted. Shivakumar also appealed directly to the Kerala Chief Minister to refrain from commenting without full knowledge of the situation. "Senior leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan should know the issues in Bengaluru. We know our city well, and we don't want to entertain slums that promote land mafia activities," he said. The Deputy CM's response came after Vijayan, in a post on Facebook, strongly criticised the demolition of Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout in Bengaluru. Vijayan termed the action "extremely shocking and painful", alleging that Muslims had been living in these areas for years and accusing the Karnataka government of following a "North Indian bulldozer justice model". (ANI) Kerala Leader of Opposition VD Satheeshan has criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM) over the arrest of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Political Affairs Committee member N Subrahmanyan from his residence, terming it an "authoritarian" act. The arrest followed after Subrahmanyan allegedly shared an AI-generated photograph showing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan standing with Unnikrishnan Potti, who is accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case. "The UDF views the action of arresting KPCC Political Affairs Committee member N Subrahmanyan from his house at night and booking him in a case, based on the allegation that he shared a photo of the Chief Minister standing with Unnikrishnan Potti on social media, as the act of an authoritarian ruler. This is not Stalin's Russia or Idi Amin's Uganda; this is democratic Kerala," Satheeshan said on Saturday. He claimed that videos of the Chief Minister meeting Unnikrishnan Potti were widely reported in the media and that the social media post was a response to alleged false propaganda by the CPI(M) against Congress leaders. "Videos of the Chief Minister meeting Unnikrishnan Potti were carried by all media outlets. The only person who claimed that the Chief Minister did not meet Unnikrishnan Potti was M V Govindan. The photo of the Chief Minister with Unnikrishnan Potti was posted as a response to the widespread false propaganda spread by the CPI(M) against Sonia Gandhi. It is for that reason that a senior Congress leader was arrested from his home," Satheeshan said. Satheeshan accused the CPIM cyber squads of targeting Opposition leaders, journalists, and even Congress leaders' family members. "The CPIM cyber squads have carried out numerous attacks against women journalists, Opposition political leaders, and even against Achu Oommen, the daughter of Oommen Chandy. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have also been subjected to countless personal attacks. When we file complaints, the police say cases cannot be registered. Even allegations with sexual undertones are being made," he said. He further alleged that the CPIM has extensively used AI tools to create and circulate defamatory content, including videos linking Congress leaders to political events in Wayanad. "The CPIM is the party that has used AI tools the most for abusive content. Using AI tools, the CPIM created and circulated a video showing Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala dancing in connection with Wayanad. Will the police be prepared to arrest those responsible?" Satheeshan asked. Satheeshan further questioned the state's governance, citing instances of CPIM leaders receiving parole despite serious criminal charges and alleging collusion in illegal activities, including drug smuggling. "Pinarayi Vijayan, who are you trying to intimidate? Are you trying to scare us? This is the final phase of your government, and it is that arrogance you are now displaying. A Congress leader was arrested and taken away like a criminal merely for posting the Chief Minister's photo on social media. This is the same government that granted parole, even before a month was completed, to a CPIM leader who had been sentenced by a court to 20 years for throwing a bomb at a police jeep. Aren't you the Home Minister in charge of the police, Pinarayi Vijayan? Then how did a CPIM leader who tried to kill police personnel by throwing a bomb get parole within a month? Is this your governance? Isn't it your DIG who takes bribes and grants parole to everyone? "Aren't senior officials receiving their share of it? Aren't the criminals who murdered T.P. still out? Aren't you helping drug mafias? Aren't ganja and narcotic substances being smuggled into prisons with the help of jail officials? And yet, law-abiding people are being arrested from their homes at night. Don't try to intimidate us. You are not that powerful. The Congress and the UDF in Kerala will not retreat because of this. If you try to act like a dictator and scare us, you will have to arrest all of us from our homes. What a shame it is for Kerala to have a Chief Minister like Pinarayi Vijayan. You are a disgrace to Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, " he said. Satheeshan also criticised the ruling party's narrative over the Sabarimala gold robbery case, accusing the Chief Minister of protecting criminals while targeting opposition figures over social media posts. He maintained that the UDF does not require CPIM support in local bodies and has adhered to proper procedures in local governance appointments. "The path you ran away on, after shamefully withdrawing the case filed for singing a song at Sabarimala, hasn't even seen grass grow. Don't assume you can do anything. Even after people issued warnings, you are not ready to learn from them. In 2026, the people will give you an even stronger warning. Be prepared to face it. Don't stand there trying to threaten us," he said. "Sexually coloured slander is being spread through some YouTube channels with CPIM money. Even after complaints are filed, cases are not being registered. There is no action even after complaints to the DGP. The Chief Minister did meet Unnikrishnan Potti. After losing the local body elections, the CPIM is spreading propaganda that all of us are competing for the Chief Minister's post. They are even using AI tools for this. Having found nothing within the Congress, the CPIM has resorted to false propaganda. Is the police your ancestral property? Is there no justice in this state? You speak with arrogance to the people. Everything is nearing its end, isn't it? Didn't Unnikrishnan Potti participate in the Chief Minister's programme recently? CPIM leaders were aware of the Sabarimala gold robbery in 2019, weren't they? Where was their intelligence then? Didn't the police know that a problematic individual was participating in the Chief Minister's programme? Even then, we did not say the Chief Minister committed the gold robbery. But the Chief Minister is protecting the gold robbers. Cases and arrests are being carried out to cover up the robbery. What kind of riot is going to break out by seeing a song image? My respectful greetings to those giving legal advice to these people," Satheeshan further said. Continuing his attack on the ruling party, Satheeshan said, "The CPIM has unleashed ten different narratives against me. A person who leads the CPIM social media wing came and made a speech in Paravur. It is still continuing. The people are watching everything. Without the knowledge of the Chief Minister's Office, no case will be registered against Paradesi. If arrests were made for social media posts, many CPIM leaders would already be in jail. Everyone is going to post the photo of the Chief Minister standing with Potti. In any case, such a photo exists." "Are all those who take photos standing with Potti accused in the gold robbery case? It is easier to take a photo with Sonia Gandhi than with the Chief Minister. The photo with Sonia Gandhi was taken before any cases were registered. Can we determine that everyone who comes to meet us is honest? Unlike the Chief Minister, we don't push away people who come to take photos," Satheeshan added. He further accused CPIM of protecting the criminals by saying, "Two CPIM leaders are in jail in connection with the theft of Lord Ayyappa's gold. Then why has the CPIM not taken action against them? The CPIM is protecting all criminals." "The UDF has taken a position that it does not require the support of the CPIM, BJP or SDPI in local bodies. Has any party in Kerala taken such a stand before? The chairpersons of local bodies were decided as per the procedure. In the CPIM, the party decides everything. Those who do not get positions can say anything. ...Even CPI support will be accepted. But the UDF does not want CPIM support," Satheeshan further added. (ANI) Telangana state BJP Secretary Raghunandan Rao Madhavaneni on Saturday strongly criticised the Congress for announcing a 'MGNREGA Bachao' protest, calling it an "election gimmick" and accusing the party of selectively invoking Mahatma Gandhi's name for political gain. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday announced that a nationwide "Save Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)" campaign will be launched from January 5. "In their 55 years of rule in the Indian government, how many schemes did they name after Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi. Let them give a white paper, then can we discuss and compare the schemes and fundamentals we are going to change... We increased the number of days of employment as well as the wage in MGNREGA. What is the issue with this?... When Mahatma Gandhi was alive, he wanted to see India like Ram Rajya... We changed the name of the scheme into VB-G RAM G. Congress is not interested in Mahatma Gandhi, but they are afraid of the name of Lord Ram and don't want to hear that name. This is Mallikarjun Kharge's ideology. They must first think about the deadlock between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar...," he told ANI. Calling the 'MGNREGA Bachao' protest an "election gimmick," Madhavaneni further said, "If they were really interested in Mahatma Gandhi, they would have named multiple schemes after him, rather than after Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. They did not include the names of Lal Bahadur Shastri or Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. They just want political advantage for fake Gandhis..." CM Siddaramaiah said the campaign would be launched in response to what he termed the Centre's attempt to weaken a landmark welfare law that guarantees employment to rural households. Speaking to media representatives at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the central government's decision and emphasised the importance of preserving the original scheme named after Mahatma Gandhi. In a post on X, Siddaramaiah wrote, "At today's Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting at Indira Bhawan, New Delhi, we unanimously condemned the Union Government's anti-federal and anti-national move to weaken the very spirit of the Employment Guarantee Programme by changing the name and structure of MGNREGA." On December 21, President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025, which replaced MGNREGA. The Act enhances the statutory wage employment guarantee to 125 days per financial year for rural households. It seeks to advance empowerment, inclusive growth, convergence of development initiatives and saturation-based delivery, thereby strengthening the foundation for a prosperous, resilient and self-reliant Rural Bharat. (ANI) Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) president Tej Pratap Yadav on Saturday called for an investigation into claims that a basement exists at the official residence of former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi. "Let an investigation be conducted. (At Rabri Devi's residence) Whether there is a basement or not will come to light. When we were there, there was no basement. Whether there is a basement or not is a matter for investigation," he told ANI. On November 25, the Bihar Building Construction Department allotted House No. 39 on Harding Road in Patna to Rabri Devi in her capacity as the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council. Until now, she had been residing at 10 Circular Road for nearly two decades. The decision triggered political reactions, with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Shakti Singh Yadav expressing surprise over the move. He questioned the rationale behind changing the residence of a former Chief Minister and current Leader of the Opposition, alleging increased influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the state government. "Those holding the reins of power appear nominal, while those holding portfolios are considered experienced. Even then, such a decision is surprising," he said. Rabri Devi served as the Chief Minister of Bihar from 1997 to 2005, becoming the first woman to hold the post. She assumed office following the resignation of her husband, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, after an arrest warrant was issued against him in the fodder scam case. She has been serving as the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council since 2018. (ANI) Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted in a major corruption case linked to the 1MDB scandal. The verdict was delivered by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Friday, Al Jazeera reported. Najib, 72, was found guilty of illegally transferring 2.2 billion Malaysian ringgit (about USD 543 million) from the state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) into his personal bank accounts. The court convicted him on four charges of abuse of power and 21 charges of money laundering. Delivering the judgment, Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah rejected Najib's defence that the case was politically driven. "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," the judge said. Najib misused his roles as prime minister, finance minister and chairman of 1MDB's advisory board to divert public funds for personal benefit more than a decade ago, Al Jazeera reported. For the abuse of power charges, he was sentenced to 15 years in jail, while each of the money laundering charges carries a five-year sentence. All the jail terms will run at the same time. This is Najib's second conviction related to the 1MDB scandal. In 2020, he was found guilty of misusing nearly USD 10 million from the fund and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. That sentence was later reduced to six years. Last year, Najib apologised to Malaysians for his role in the 1MDB controversy. However, during the trial, he claimed that he had been misled by fugitive financier Jho Low, who has been on Interpol's wanted list since 2016. (ANI) NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until January 2, 2026 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between June 20, 2025 and November 5, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Get Help CarMax investors should visit us at https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-kmx-1 or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit CarMax and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On September 25, 2025, the Company announced its Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 financial results, disclosing among other things, that retail unit sales had decreased 5.4%, comparable store unit sales had decreased 6.3%, wholesale units had decreased 2.2%, and that net earnings per diluted share of $0.64 compared to $0.85 a year ago. On this news, the price of CarMax's shares fell $11.5 per share, or 20.07%, to close at $45.60 per share on September 25, 2025. The case is Cap v. CarMax, Inc., No. 25-cv-03602. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. SOURCE ClaimsFiler US President Donald Trump has indicated that he expects to hold talks with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, soon, ahead of his anticipated meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida on Sunday, as international efforts aimed at ending the four-year-long war continue. Speaking during an interview with Politico on Friday, Trump expressed confidence about his prospective engagements with the Russian leader, adding that he is eager to talk to Putin in the near future. "I think it's going to go good with him. I think it's going to go good with [Vladimir] Putin," Trump said to Politico, adding that he expects to speak with Putin "soon, as much as I want." The remarks come after Zelenskyy confirmed his meeting with the US President, acting as a mediator in the peace talks to end the war, in Florida on Sunday. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Zelenskyy said the meeting could help move discussions closer to a settlement, though he cautioned that no final agreement should be expected immediately, CNN reported. He further stated that both sides would focus on resolving as many outstanding issues as possible. Zelenskyy also said the 20-point peace plan proposed by US and Ukrainian officials is 90 per cent ready and that talks with Trump would focus on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine and the role of its allies in ensuring stability after the war, as reported by CNN. However, during his interview, Trump said that any peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia would require his approval. "He doesn't have anything until I approve it," Trump said. "So we'll see what he's got," he added during his interview with Politico. The last time Trump and Putin spoke was in October by phone, which the White House said was "very good and productive" and lasted "over two hours". During the conversation, Putin congratulated Trump on the ceasefire reached over the Gaza issue. "It was a very good and productive call. It lasted for over two hours. Various issues were discussed and President Putin congratulated President Trump for solving issues between Israel and Gaza and bringing peace back to the Middle East... President Trump feels that great progress was made on this call," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. Earlier this month, Putin's top adviser, Yury Ushakov, held nearly five hours of talks with US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on efforts to advance peace negotiations over Ukraine. Meanwhile, the capital of Kyiv came under a large-scale missile and drone attack overnight on December 27, with multiple explosions reported across the Ukrainian capital and surrounding regions, one day ahead of the meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy. According to the Kyiv Independent, citing monitoring sources, the capital was hit by a large-scale ballistic missile assault as Russia fired multiple Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, four Iskander ballistic missiles, and several Kalibr cruise missiles at the city. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the attack in a post on Telegram, urging residents to remain in shelters. "Explosions in the capital. Air defence forces are working. Stay in shelters!" he wrote. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday accused Belarus of surrendering its sovereignty to Russia's aggressive ambitions, citing Russia's use of Belarusian territory to launch drone attacks on Ukraine. In a post on X, Zelenskyy addressed drone-related issues in a staff meeting, focusing on countering Russian Shahed drone strikes. "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. First and foremost, we are documenting Russians attempting to dodge our interceptors' defensive positions by crossing into 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 posted. This development comes as Russia is reportedly stationing nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles in eastern Belarus, potentially bolstering its strike capabilities across Europe. Zelenskyy further accused that Shahed drones are being placed on residential buildings in Belarus, near the Ukrainian border, posing risks to civilians, adding that "Minsk must stop playing these games." Zelenskyy urged Belarus to stop this practice, emphasising disregard for human life. He also plans to inform partners and prepare joint responses. "According to our intelligence, the equipment that is used for strikes against Ukraine and located in Belarus along the border is also mounted 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 added. Zelenskyy also discussed improving financing for interceptor production and drone distribution to troops, and implementing changes to increase production capacity. "Second, we discussed in detail the issue of financing the production of interceptors and the structure of their delivery 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 added. The Ukrainian President said that the General Staff and Ministry of Defense were tasked with updating Ukraine's air defense strategy for better infrastructure protection and frontline defense. "Third, for the next Staff meeting, I tasked the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense with developing amendments to our air defense strategy and presenting what additional steps are needed to provide greater capabilities to our units--both in protecting infrastructure and in defending frontline positions," posted Zelenskyy. https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2004598396510785565?s=20 Zelenskyy is engaged in high-stakes diplomacy aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida (Mar-a-Lago) on Sunday, December 28, 2025. They will discuss a 20-point peace plan and potential US security guarantees. (ANI) Seven years after the enforced disappearance of Baloch activist Rashid Hussain, human rights organisations, families of the disappeared, and Baloch activists have renewed demands for accountability, accusing Pakistani authorities of continuing to conceal his fate, as reported by The Balochistan Post. According to The Balochistan Post, Rashid Hussain, who had been living in exile in the United Arab Emirates, was detained by Emirati security officials near Sharjah on December 26, 2018. According to his family, he was held incommunicado for several months before being transferred to Pakistan in June 2019 under unclear and allegedly illegal circumstances. Despite media reports at the time and claims by Pakistan's Counter-Terrorism Department that he had been taken into custody, his current whereabouts remain unknown. On the seventh anniversary of his disappearance, the Release Rashid Hussain Committee and Baloch Social Media Activists issued a joint statement calling the case a "continuing crime under international law". They said the prolonged uncertainty has inflicted immense psychological suffering on his family, particularly his mother, sister and niece, who have spent years seeking answers from state institutions. Prominent rights activist Sammi Deen Baloch stated that the case was never shrouded in mystery, pointing out that Rashid's detention and transfer were publicly reported. "The authorities have had seven years to present evidence, file charges, or produce him before a court," she stated, adding that attempts to portray his family as suspicious were meant to silence demands for justice. The Human Rights Council of Balochistan said that Rashid's secret detention in the UAE and subsequent disappearance in Pakistan constituted a serious breach of international human rights law. It criticised both governments for failing to uphold due process and for denying the family any information about his fate, as highlighted by The Balochistan Post. Meanwhile, Baloch Voice for Justice appealed directly to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to intervene, stressing that enforced disappearance, secret detention and denial of legal rights violate fundamental human freedoms. Rights groups have urged the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances to step in and press Pakistan to disclose Rashid's whereabouts, warning that silence only deepens impunity and injustice, as reported by The Balochistan Post. (ANI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday criticised the government of the Punjab province in Pakistan for obstructing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activities during his visit to Lahore, alleging harassment of party leaders and workers by the provincial police, The Express Tribune reported. The KP CM arrived in Lahore for a three-day visit and encountered several hurdles, including police restrictions on his convoy and temporary barriers at key locations. Speaking to the media, he said he encountered misbehaviour and disrespect from law enforcement and described the situation as "undemocratic" and akin to "martial law-like conditions," The Express Tribune reported. The KP chief minister alleged that hundreds of PTI workers were blocked from joining his convoy at Chakri and Bhera in Lahore. At the same time, police also restricted entry at the Punjab Assembly, allowing only pre-approved individuals. He claimed several party members were denied access and harassed during his engagements, including a visit to Liberty Roundabout, a symbolic PTI site in Lahore. Afridi maintained that his visit aimed at meeting PTI leaders and parliamentarians and conducting party activities, despite the restrictions. He criticised the PML-N-led provincial government in Punjab for creating friction between provinces and impeding political processes, The Express Tribune reported. "Such actions only increase hatred between provinces," he said, as quoted by The Express Tribune. During his address, Afridi also slammed the federal government over economic mismanagement, claiming industrial growth had declined, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was sold at undervalued rates, and millions of young Pakistanis were leaving the country in search of better opportunities, The Express Tribune reported. He labelled the ruling government as "fascist" and accused it of focusing solely on curbing PTI's political activities and preventing rallies for the party's chairman, Imran Khan. "Fascism and injustice was on full display in Punjab," he said, as quoted by The Express Tribune. Despite the obstacles, Afridi continued his planned schedule, including meetings with PTI parliamentarians and visits to the residences of party leaders, stressing that he would remain in Lahore until Sunday to pursue political engagements. The K-P chief minister's visit comes amid heightened political tensions in Punjab, with PTI workers reportedly rounded up and kept away from key sites to prevent large gatherings. (ANI) According to Kyodo News, the suspect was identified as 38-year-old Masaki Oyama, who had previously worked at the factory, a source familiar with the case said. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon at around 4:30 pm (local time), when an emergency call reported multiple people stabbed and a liquid dispersed inside the facility. Oyama, a resident of Mishima in Shizuoka Prefecture, is currently unemployed, and authorities suspect he used a survival knife, suggesting a strong intent to kill, Kyodo News reported. A total of 15 male employees, aged between their 20s and 50s, were injured in the attack and taken to the hospital, all conscious. Eight sustained stab wounds, while the remaining seven were possibly harmed by the liquid, according to the fire department, Kyodo News reported. Sources confirmed that Oyama had previously been employed at the Mishima factory and lived in a nearby employee dormitory. Yokohama Rubber's Mishima Plant, which manufactures car tyres, employed approximately 980 people as of 2024. The factory is located approximately 1 km from the Mishima city office. While Japan is known for its low levels of violent crime, reflected in a low homicide rate and strict firearms regulations, isolated incidents continue to occur. Past cases include the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe in 2022, as well as a shooting and stabbing spree in 2023 that left four people dead, including two police officers, for which a man was sentenced to death in October. More recently, in May, a 43-year-old man was charged with attempted murder following a knife attack at Tokyo's Toda-mae metro station. (ANI) Chinese authorities have escalated political pressure on Tibetan communities in Amdo Golog following the detention of prominent Buddhist figure Chogtrul Dorje Tenzin. The development has intensified fears of expanding surveillance and coercive governance across Tibetan regions, Phayul reported. According to Phayul, Chogtrul Dorje Tenzin, the abbot of Minthang Monastery, Osel Thegchog Ling, and head of the Minthang Ethnic Vocational School, was taken into custody on December 4, with the circumstances unclear. No official charges have been disclosed, nor has any information been provided regarding his current location or the authority responsible for his detention. Following his arrest, Chinese officials convened a compulsory meeting in the Minthang area under the banner of a "2025 Rural Governance Credit Score Exchange Conference." Residents were instructed that at least one representative from each household must attend, effectively eliminating the option to abstain. During the gathering, officials reportedly warned locals against actions considered harmful to "social stability," including sharing sensitive information and engaging in what authorities described as rumour-mongering. Attendees were told that failure to comply with state directives would result in deductions from their rural governance credit scores, potentially leading to financial penalties or other administrative consequences. The rural credit system, introduced in Minthang in 2018, links citizens' access to benefits with political obedience. Under the scheme, residents accumulate points for complying with government programs, attending official events, and participating in state-approved activities. These points can later be exchanged for cash or goods through a so-called "points bank." However, the value of points changes annually, making local livelihoods increasingly dependent on shifting state policies, as highlighted by Phayul. Critics argue that the system functions as a tool of coercion rather than development, effectively compelling loyalty while punishing dissent. The intensified enforcement following Chogtrul Dorje Tenzin's detention has further heightened fear among local Tibetans, who see the move as part of a broader campaign to suppress religious leadership and community autonomy, as reported by Phayul. (ANI) UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Saturday condemned the terrorist attack which took place during the Friday prayer at the Ali Bin Abi Talib Mosque in Homs in Syria. He offered condolences and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. In a post on X, Guterres said, "I strongly condemn the deadly terrorist attack during Friday Prayers at the Ali Bin Abi Talib Mosque in Homs, Syria. Attacks against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable. My condolences to the families of those killed and my sympathy to all those injured, wishing them a prompt and full recovery." https://x.com/antonioguterres/status/2004660315984961792?s=20 At least eight people were killed, and 18 were injured following an explosion at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Syria, SANA reported on Friday. Citing officials at the Syrian Health Ministry, SANA said that eight people were killed and 18 others injured in the blast, according to preliminary figures. It further mentioned that the victims were moved to the Karam al-Louz Hospital in Homs. According to SANA, the Interior Ministry said internal security units deployed to the site and established a security cordon around the mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab district of Homs, central Syria. The relevant authorities launched an investigation and have begun collecting evidence to track down those responsible for the criminal act. A security source told SANA that initial investigations indicate the explosion was caused by explosive devices planted inside the mosque. Soon after the explosion, the Syrian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the terrorist blast which struck the mosque during Friday prayers and resulted in the deaths and injuries of innocent civilians. The Ministry said in a statement that the cowardly act is a blatant assault on human and moral values, reflecting the desperate attempts to destabilise Syria and undermine the resilience of the Syrian people, as reported by SANA. It further mentioned that the statement reiterated Syria's determination to continue combating terrorism in all its forms, stressing that such crimes will not deter its continued efforts in reinforcing security, safeguarding the people, and holding perpetrators accountable. SANA mentioned that the Ministry extended its deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims, wished a speedy recovery to the injured, and expressed full solidarity with the Syrian people in this painful tragedy. (ANI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday announced that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will organise a public gathering at Minar-i-Pakistan on Sunday as part of its street movement, Dawn reported. Afridi, who is in Lahore on a three-day visit, spent Friday interacting with and addressing PTI supporters who assembled at multiple locations along his route to the city, according to Dawn. The visit is taking place amid rising political tensions and the party's preparations for a broader protest drive. On Saturday, the KP chief minister met the families of several jailed PTI leaders after being denied permission to see them at Kot Lakhpat jail. He visited the families of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid and other incarcerated party leaders. Later in the afternoon, Afridi dismissed claims that PTI had lost its footing in Punjab and announced that the party would hold a rally at Minar-i-Pakistan at 6 pm on Sunday, Dawn reported. Without naming the rival party, Afridi issued a challenge to the PML-N to demonstrate public support in each other's provinces. "They can select a ground of their choice. Let's see who will bring more people," he said, adding that the rival party could hold its rally next week. "I will also set up the stage for them in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. If they cannot provide transport to the people, I will also provide them with transport. They can hold a jalsa (rally) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and I will hold one in Lahore," he added. Afridi began his visits by going to Qureshi's residence, where visuals shared by PTI on X showed Qureshi's son Zain and daughter Meher Bano present. Speaking to reporters there, Afridi said, "This is my Pakistan, and wherever I go, I do not need a reason for it." Explaining the objective of his Lahore trip, Afridi said the KP government had written to Punjab authorities seeking permission to meet imprisoned PTI leaders at Kot Lakhpat jail but it "did not respond". Referring to other detained leaders, he added, "I also wanted to meet the rest of the leadership and workers, but unfortunately, they did not let me meet them." He also criticised the conduct of the Punjab government, saying its "attitude since yesterday showed low mentality". When asked about the possibility of resolving issues with the federal government through talks, Afridi said PTI founder Imran Khan had assigned responsibility for "dialogue or protest" to the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP). While noting that the alliance was "making efforts on its end", Afridi said he had been instructed to prepare for a street movement and would take "those preparations to their peak," Dawn reported. The TTAP has welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's invitation for talks, though PTI leaders say they are awaiting a formal move from the government. Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said the prime minister would decide on talks once PTI clarifies its position. Following Afridi's visit, Zain Qureshi expressed gratitude in a post on X, stating that the KP chief minister had enquired about his father's health, "hailed his sacrifices and also visited my mother". "His visit is a source of encouragement and strength for us," he wrote. Afridi also visited the residences of Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed. According to his digital media focal person, Yar Muhammad Khan Niazi, Afridi met Rashid's husband, Rashid Nabi Malik, along with Chaudhry's wife and children. The KP chief minister is also scheduled to visit the homes of PTI leader Hammad Azhar and party activists Sanam Javed and Falak Javed. Later in the evening, he is set to visit the residence of PTI worker Ali Bilal, also known as Zille Shah, who died during a party protest in 2023. According to PTI lawyer Naeem Panjutha, Afridi was unable to visit former governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema's residence as it falls within a cantonment area and "permission was not being given to enter". At Rasheed's residence, KP Local Government Minister Meena Khan Afridi said Punjab stood with Imran and "had always given us affection". Panjutha said large crowds were expected on Lahore's streets and urged the public to participate in the PTI movement until Imran's release. Afridi arrived in Lahore on Friday around 4.30 pm and proceeded towards the Punjab Assembly, Dawn reported. The visit witnessed altercations between members of his entourage and security personnel, along with heated exchanges involving PTI leaders and journalists. Although Afridi later reached Liberty Roundabout, he was unable to deliver a planned address as police blocked all access routes by erecting pickets. Addressing PTI lawmakers at the Punjab Assembly, Afridi thanked the people of Punjab for their hospitality but criticised police behaviour during his journey. "Today, the Punjab Police were rude to our workers at Chakri Interchange, Bhera, Sargodha and Mandi Bahauddin," he said. "Our workers, our parliamentarians, our leaders -- they were harassed and arrested. This cannot be condemned enough." In separate remarks to the media, Afridi said he was in Lahore on the instructions of Imran to initiate a mass street movement and urged people to prepare themselves. "We will take Imran Khan's 'Haqeeqi Azadi' (real independence) movement to its logical conclusion, restore the supremacy of the Constitution and law, and revive an independent judiciary and independent media," he said. (ANI) Former Diplomat Suresh K Goel said that the participation of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the upcoming elections slated for February 2026 would reflect that there are attempts to revert to democratic rule in Bangladesh. In an interview to ANI on the return of Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh after 17 years, Goel said, "It's a welcome thing because if BNP takes part in the elections, it is going to demonstrate that the elections are a sincere attempt to revert to democratic rule in the country. But at the same time, they have banned the Awami League only because they don't want Sheikh Hasina to come back." He further said, "I do hope that the election does not become a mockery of justice by excluding certain other parties quite popular in Bangladesh, particularly the party led by Sheikh Hasina". 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. On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs 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. 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) In a post on X on Friday, the UN Refugee Agency in Afghanistan underlined that the funding would help provide vital protection and assistance for the returning families. "UNHCR thanks the Government of Japan for the USD 2 million contribution supporting Afghan refugee returnees. This funding will help provide vital protection and assistance to families returning. We value Japan's continued partnership and solidarity with the Afghan people." https://x.com/UNHCRAfg/status/2004586909474193457?s=20 On December 19, the Embassy of Japan in Afghanistan, in a series of posts on X, had announced that the Japanese Government would provide an additional 19.5 million USD assistance to Afghanistan, covering both humanitarian and basic human needs. "We hope this assistance will make a difference in the lives of vulnerable Afghans in need", it said on X. https://x.com/JapaninAFG/status/2001935995906986408?s=20 The Embassy further noted that the assistance would be delivered through partners such as the UN agencies, international organizations and Japanese NGOs. "Japan's cumulative contribution to AFG since August 2021 will be more than 549 million USD", it added. https://x.com/JapaninAFG/status/2001936060012794290?s=20 As per Khaama Press, the assistance comes as Afghanistan battles challenges like displacement, poverty and reintegration intensifying in the country. Citing the UN Development Programme, Khaama Press noted that Afghanistan received 2.3 million returnees in 2025, highlighting the need for support and resources for the people. Khaama Press further noted that the assistance comes amid forecasts that large sections of Afghanistan's population would require urgent humanitarian support in 2026 due to factors such as poverty and economic hardship. It highlighted how international agencies have called for continued global support in order to address the ongoing challenges faced by returnees and vulnerable communities in Afghanistan. (ANI) More than 40 schools and family-friendly activities await at this free Denver expo DENVER, Dec. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Denver parents who want to find new schools for their kids can attend a free event on Saturday, Jan. 10 and learn more about all the different schools in the region. The Denver School Expo starts at 11:00 am at the Infinity Park Event Center, and more than 50 traditional, public charter, and private schools will have representatives available to talk with families about their school options. The event, organized by Denver-based organization, Transform Education Now, in collaboration with the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation, is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week. It will take place from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Infinity Park Event Center in the International Ballroom (4400 East Kentucky Ave., Glendale, CO 80246). In addition to searching for schools, attendees can enjoy balloon art, face painting, and complimentary snacks. "Colorado has an incredible ecosystem of school options, but we know that it is challenging for families to find, visit and evaluate all their options, especially working families," Nicholas Hernandez; Executive Director Transform Education Now. "The Denver School Choice Expo is the only time families can ask all the questions they have and truly find the right learning environment for their unique learner." National School Choice Week runs Jan. 2531 and includes 28,000 events across America. The goal of the week is to raise awareness about the various education options available to families, empower parents to find the learning environment that best suits their child's needs, and help them feel confident in navigating those choices. For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/denver-school-fair The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We show parents how K12 school choice can change their children's lives, and then guide them through the process of finding schools that best meet their children's needs. Our three charitable programsNational School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolaresraise equal awareness of the public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional education options available for families. We are nonpolitical and do not advocate for or against legislation at any level of government. SOURCE National School Choice Week Nearly two million Afghan refugees are currently living in Pakistan, according to a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Tolo News reported, citing Pakistani media. The report said that although more than one million Afghans returned to their country in 2025, a large number of Afghan citizens continue to remain in Pakistan. "Despite the return of more than one million Afghans to Afghanistan in 2025, according to the latest data published by the UNHCR, nearly two million Afghans still live in Pakistan," the report said. Afghan refugees have urged authorities to give them more time to return home, especially during the winter season. Mohammad, an Afghan refugee, told Tolo News, "We should be given more time to gather our belongings and return to our country after winter ends." Zahir Bahand, an Afghan journalist based in Pakistan, alleged mistreatment of Afghan refugees by Pakistani authorities. "Afghan refugees are being brutally arrested, tortured, and deported by Pakistani police. What the refugees are asking for is a deadline extension so they can return home voluntarily," he told Tolo News. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation reported that 27,000 families returned to the country over the past month. A spokesperson for the ministry said that around 25,000 of these families returned from Pakistan. Abdul Muttalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, said, "In the month of Qaws this year, a total of 27,667 families comprising 141,645 individuals returned to Afghanistan from Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, either voluntarily or forcibly. Among them, 25,489 families came from Pakistan, and 2,161 families from Iran." The development comes amid repeated complaints by Afghan refugees in Pakistan about harsh treatment by security forces, according to Tolo News. Several Afghan migrants who have been deported from Iran and Pakistan are now calling for job opportunities in Afghanistan. They said they spent years gaining experience and skills in areas such as agriculture, mobile phone repair, and other technical trades, and now expect the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to create employment opportunities that match their skills. Nadeem Shah, who was deported from Pakistan, told Tolo News, "Back there, we had work and a livelihood. Now that we are here, our skill is in mobile phone repair. There should be opportunities so we can continue this work." Other deportees from Iran and Pakistan echoed similar demands, seeking employment in fields where they have prior training and experience. (ANI) Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Saturday held a meeting with the chiefs of the three largest political parties, urging them to fulfil their role in ensuring the successful conduct of the March polls. During the meeting, the interim prime minister urged major political parties to ensure that the upcoming House of Representatives election, being held under challenging circumstances, is carried out successfully. As per the interim prime minister's secretariat, Karki told the leaders that the election must be viewed as an investment in the nation's future and a necessary step towards securing a stable and durable democracy. She emphasised that holding successful elections is a shared responsibility. "Let us make this election successful at any cost. Everyone must take part. The government assumes you are ready for the polls. The election environment is taking shape -- this is welcome," the prime minister said during the meeting. During the meeting, the interim prime minister also stated that adequate resources have been provided to the Election Commission and security agencies for the commencement of the election. She added that the morale of security personnel has improved as preparations advance. The meeting was attended by Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, and Coordinator of the Nepal Communist Party Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel was also present. "All the political parties are ready to take part in the election. All the parties, including the Nepali Congress, are ready for it, but the environment is not favourable. First, a proper environment for the election should be in place, and there should also be assurance of security," Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba said while exiting the meeting. The September 8 protest turned bloody, with indiscriminate killing of youths by security forces. The protest was called in defiance of a social media ban and to demand an end to corruption. In Kathmandu alone, 23 protesters, mainly youths, were gunned down by police in a single day. The next day, on September 9, violent mobs burned private and public infrastructure, businesses, and properties. A total of 76 people have been confirmed dead to date. Postmortem reports of those killed in police firing in Kathmandu Valley stated death due to bullet injuries to the head and chest. During protests, police are only permitted to fire below the knee to control the situation. Police also used some lethal weapons to crack down on protesters, following which former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak stepped down from his post. However, Oli remained adamant about not resigning despite rising pressure. Appointed interim prime minister on September 12, Karki recommended that the president dissolve parliament and called for elections on March 5, 2026. (ANI) Turkish and Libyan authorities have opened a joint probe into the crash of a private jet near Ankara that claimed the lives of Libya's army chief, Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad and seven others, Al Jazeera reported. The inquiry is being led by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and is examining technical evidence, flight recordings, crew conduct and aircraft maintenance history. Officials confirmed that France's civil aviation investigation agency, BEA, will also participate in the investigation. General al-Haddad had been in Ankara earlier this week for discussions with senior Turkish defence officials, including his counterpart Selcuk Bayraktaroglu and Defence Minister Yasar Guler. Authorities said the French-manufactured Dassault Falcon 50 took off from Ankara Esenboga Airport at 2:17 pm on Tuesday for Libya but reported an electrical malfunction 16 minutes into the flight and requested an emergency return. Radar contact was lost at 2:41 pm (1741 GMT) while the aircraft was descending toward the runway. Officials said there was only a two-minute gap between the emergency alert and the crash, Al Jazeera reported. The crash site near Kesikkavak village in Ankara's Haymana district, around 70 km south of the capital, has been secured by Turkish security forces. All debris, including the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, commonly known as "black boxes", has been recovered and moved for detailed analysis. Investigators are reviewing air traffic control communications, radar information and airport security camera footage as part of the prosecutor-led probe. Authorities have also sought communication records between the pilots and the control tower and are examining the crew's rest schedules, medical histories and any food or medication consumed before the flight. Records related to the aircraft's most recent maintenance checks are under scrutiny to identify possible technical lapses. Fuel samples from the wreckage and airport storage tanks have been collected to rule out contamination or incorrect fuel use, and weather data from the time of the crash has been requested. Officials said the scope of the investigation could be widened to include manufacturers and maintenance contractors if evidence suggests a structural failure or design flaw. Gursel Tokmakoglu, former head of the Turkish air force's intelligence agency, said the crash should be treated as an international case given the multiple parties involved. "The Libyan government chartered an aircraft from a foreign country. The aircraft was manufactured in another country. The pilots were from elsewhere. The passengers were Libyan, and the crash happened in Turkiye," he said. "If you also consider insurance companies and international aviation bodies, this is clearly a multinational incident," Tokmakoglu added. Earlier, Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said the black boxes could be sent to another country for further examination. Tokmakoglu said Turkiye could either analyse the recorders domestically or transfer them abroad. "Transferring the recorders can help ensure greater transparency and a clearer understanding of what happened, especially in a case involving so many international stakeholders," he said. Tokmakoglu said preliminary findings indicated that the aircraft transmitted the 7700 emergency "squawk" code and that the crew reported an electrical malfunction, but warned against premature conclusions. "In aviation, an electrical failure can trigger other problems," he said, likening it to "being admitted to intensive care for heart failure but dying later from a lung infection". Meanwhile, forensic examinations of General al-Haddad and the other victims were completed early on Saturday, and the bodies were repatriated to Libya following a ceremony at an airbase outside Ankara, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI) Guterres's appeal, made late on Friday, follows a peace initiative presented by Sudan's Prime Minister Kamil Idris to the UN Security Council on Monday, which called for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to disarm. The plan was rejected by the RSF as "wishful thinking," as per Al Jazeera reported. The war erupted in April 2023 when a power struggle broke out between the Sudanese army and the RSF paramilitary group. Since then, the conflict has displaced 9.6 million people internally and forced 4.3 million to flee to neighbouring countries, while 30.4 million Sudanese now need humanitarian assistance, according to UN figures. UN Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari told the UNSC this week that fears of intensified fighting during the dry season had been confirmed, as per Al Jazeera. "Each passing day brings staggering levels of violence and destruction," he said. "Civilians are enduring immense, unimaginable suffering, with no end in sight." The conflict has shifted in recent weeks to Sudan's central Kordofan region, where the RSF captured the strategic Heglig oilfield on December 8. The seizure prompted South Sudanese forces to cross into Sudan to protect the infrastructure, which Khiari warned reflects "the increasingly complex nature of the conflict and its expanding regional dimensions," Al Jazeera reported. The RSF has also launched a final push to consolidate full control over North Darfur state, attacking towns in the Dar Zaghawa region near the Chad border since December 24. The offensive threatens to close the last escape corridor for civilians fleeing the country to Chad. The Sudan Doctors Network, a medical advocacy group monitoring the conflict, said more than 200 people, including children and women, were killed on an ethnic basis by the RSF in the Ambaro, Sarba, and Abu Qamra areas in North Darfur during the offensive, as per Al Jazeera. (ANI) An earthquake of magnitude 6.6 rattled the Philippine Sea on Saturday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 65km. In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 6.6, On: 27/12/2025 20:35:56 IST, Lat: 24.64 N, Long: 122.12 E, Depth: 65 Km, Location: Philippine Sea." https://x.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/2004936249958957172?s=20 The Philippine Sea borders the Philippines to its east, but it's a vast part of the western Pacific Ocean, with its floor being the Philippine Sea Plate; while the Philippines has sovereign rights over its adjacent waters (the West Philippine Sea within the South China Sea), the broader Philippine Sea is a large oceanic basin shared with other nations like Japan and Taiwan. The Philippines lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonic belt of volcanic arcs and oceanic trenches in the Pacific Ocean. John Dale B Dianala, assistant professor at the National Institute of Geological Sciences, the University of the Philippines in Diliman, told Al Jazeera that just by virtue of the geographic and geologic setting of the country, the Philippines is home to many onshore and offshore tectonic faults. "The whole length of the Philippines, around 1,800km, is right along the boundary of two major tectonic plates - the Philippine Sea plate and Eurasian plate - part of the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire. These two plates, thousands of kilometres wide, have been pushing against each other for millions of years at two to three times the rate of fingernail growth," he said. "Each earthquake is a manifestation of the periodic release of the stress along long fractures on these plates - what geologists call 'faults' - which rupture several metres of movement along a fault in large earthquakes," he further told Al Jazeera. "When the displacement involves vertical uplift of the seafloor from an offshore fault, like in the Philippine Trench to the east of the country, the movement displaces the water column from the depths of the ocean that then propagate to the surface and coasts in the form of tsunamis. Strong shaking can also cause submarine landslides that can also trigger tsunamis," he added. (ANI) Members of the Indian and Bangladeshi Hindu communities in London staged a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission on Saturday against the killing of Hindus in Bangladesh. During the protest, demonstrators played 'Amar Shonar Bangla', the national anthem of Bangladesh. Protesters raised slogans demanding an end to violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. The protest in London followed a wave of demonstrations in India on Friday over reported atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. Amid the ongoing protests, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers held a torchlight rally in Siliguri to highlight the issue. BJP leader Anita Mahato, who participated in the rally, said that violence against Hindus would continue unless the community united. "We (BJP workers) held a torchlight rally against the way Sanatani Hindus are being tortured in Bangladesh in Siliguri. We want to send a message that unless we Hindus unite, such situations will continue. The Hindus in Bangladesh have been burnt alive without clothes... We have to fight the same way for religion, like the way we fight for food, shelter, and livelihood," she said. The remarks came after the reported lynching of two Hindu Bangladeshi nationals, which triggered a major political row in India. The incident led to protests in several states, including West Bengal and Assam, with demonstrators demanding accountability from the Bangladesh government. In Kolkata, multiple organisations took to the streets on Friday to protest against the alleged atrocities faced by minorities in Bangladesh. Most of the protesters were pro-Hindu activists wearing saffron-coloured clothes. They demanded an immediate end to violence against minorities, especially Hindus. Meanwhile, India has raised serious concerns over repeated incidents of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists. The government said it is closely monitoring the situation in the neighbouring country. Addressing the media in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government was disturbed by the continued hostility faced by minority communities 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 will be brought to justice," Jaiswal said. (ANI) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's UK chapter has removed a post from X that carried a video containing what authorities described as "provocative" remarks against Pakistan's military leadership, clarifying that the party does not support unlawful conduct and urging "independent citizens" to "measure their remarks to avoid any misunderstandings", Dawn reported. The move came a day after Pakistan's Foreign Office summoned Acting British High Commissioner Matt Cannell and issued a formal demarche over what it termed "provocative" statements and "incitement to violence" made from British soil, according to Dawn. Informed sources said Islamabad had asked the British government to identify, arrest, investigate and prosecute individuals allegedly using the United Kingdom to "issue direct threats" against Pakistan's military leadership. Sources said a video uploaded on PTI UK's official X account on December 23 showed demonstrators gathered outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford, openly threatening the military leadership while PTI flags were visible in the background. The post was subsequently deleted, Dawn reported. Explaining the decision, PTI UK said in a post early on Saturday that it had removed content featuring a citizen's "metaphorical remarks" against the military leadership. "Although we do not believe the individual incited violence, the post was deleted in an abundance of caution to prevent potential misunderstanding, and legal safeguarding of the individual and her rights," it said. The party alleged that Pakistanis at home and abroad were facing "unprecedented repression" and called on the government to prioritise investigations into such cases. Referring to its incarcerated leadership, PTI said, "Public frustration is high due to Imran Khan and Bushra Khan's prolonged isolation in inhumane and undignified prison conditions, as endorsed by the UN special rapporteur on torture." It added, "Concerns about their health and well-being are real and the cause of anxiety and anguish for his family, party members and millions of supporters all around the world." Reiterating its position, PTI said, "While this global concern is understandable and completely valid, PTI does not endorse unlawful behavior of any kind. Independent citizens are also advised to measure their remarks to avoid any misunderstandings." It further stated, "PTI remains firmly committed to non-violence and the rule of law, in accordance with the guidance of Imran Khan." The statement also expressed hope that "this citizen in question will not be subjected to any act falling under transnational repression and the British government will ensure her safety, well-being and her right to due process." Former PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, a member of the National Dialogue Committee seeking to reduce political tensions, welcomed the step, calling it "undoubtedly a positive step and a wise decision". "It will greatly contribute to de-escalating tensions among all parties involved. With such constructive measures, we can pave the way for a conducive atmosphere for dialogue," he wrote on X. "Let us foster an environment of mutual respect and resolve our differences in a manner befitting a great nation like Pakistan," Chaudhry added. Meanwhile, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andarabi confirmed that a demarche had been delivered to the acting British high commissioner, demanding action against those involved. "The demarche was issued after provocative statements were made against Pakistan's civil and military leadership from British soil," he said, urging the United Kingdom to "hold responsible elements accountable in accordance with the law", Dawn reported. In response, British authorities advised Pakistan to provide evidence to law enforcement. "Where a foreign government believes a crime has been committed, they should provide all relevant material to their UK police liaison. Any material that appears to break UK law will be reviewed by the police and may lead to a criminal investigation," a spokesperson for the British High Commissioner said. Earlier, two ministers of state from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz said the government had formally approached UK authorities seeking action over the video. Speaking to Geo News, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry and Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani described the remarks as "provocative", with Kayani stating that the "head of the armed forces had been threatened" in the footage. He accused PTI of "involvement" in the issue, calling the incident "unacceptable" and "unfortunate". "We have repeatedly said that PTI spreads violence and threats under the guise of politics, justifies threats, and misuses freedom of speech," he said. Separately, former PTI leader Imran Ismail, also a member of the National Dialogue Committee, urged the party to issue an "unequivocal condemnation of the highly irresponsible and inflammatory remarks". In a post on X, he said, "Such statements, which appear to incite violence and terrorism, are utterly unacceptable, deeply damaging to Pakistan's national interests, and risk escalating an already tense political environment both at home and abroad." "They also expose Pakistani diaspora communities to unnecessary scrutiny and jeopardize bilateral relations with host countries like the UK," he said. He added that "a prompt, clear, and unified condemnation from the party's central leadership would not only uphold responsible political discourse but also demonstrate PTI's commitment to non-violence and constructive opposition," warning that "silence or ambiguity on this issue would be misinterpreted and counterproductive." The latest developments follow remarks made weeks earlier by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who said the government would seek the repatriation from the United Kingdom of individuals, including YouTubers, accused of targeting state institutions. On December 4, Naqvi, during a meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, submitted extradition documents for former special assistant to the prime minister Shahzad Akbar and YouTuber Adil Raja, whom he accused of spreading "anti-Pakistan propaganda" online. (ANI) Five members of the Khalistan gang turned up in support of Bangladesh after Indian and Bangladeshi Hindu communities in London staged a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission on Saturday against the killing of Hindus in Bangladesh. The gang members were seen chanting slogans and waving their flag. During the protest, the Hindu demonstrators played 'Amar Shonar Bangla', the national anthem of Bangladesh. Protesters raised slogans demanding an end to violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. The protest in London followed a wave of demonstrations in India on Friday over reported atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. Amid the ongoing protests, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers held a torchlight rally in Siliguri to highlight the issue. BJP leader Anita Mahato, who participated in the rally, said that violence against Hindus would continue unless the community united. "We (BJP workers) held a torchlight rally against the way Sanatani Hindus are being tortured in Bangladesh in Siliguri. We want to send a message that unless we Hindus unite, such situations will continue. The Hindus in Bangladesh have been burnt alive without clothes... We have to fight the same way for religion, like the way we fight for food, shelter, and livelihood," she said. The remarks came after the reported lynching of two Hindu Bangladeshi nationals, which triggered a major political row in India. The incident led to protests in several states, including West Bengal and Assam, with demonstrators demanding accountability from the Bangladesh government. In Kolkata, multiple organisations took to the streets on Friday to protest against the alleged atrocities faced by minorities in Bangladesh. Most of the protesters were pro-Hindu activists wearing saffron-coloured clothes. They demanded an immediate end to violence against minorities, especially Hindus. Meanwhile, India has raised serious concerns over repeated incidents of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists. The government said it is closely monitoring the situation in the neighbouring country. Addressing the media in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government was disturbed by the continued hostility faced by minority communities 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 will be brought to justice," Jaiswal said. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Halifax on Saturday (local time) during a stopover en route to Florida for talks with US President Donald Trump, as Russia launched fresh drone and missile attacks on Kyiv overnight. Zelenskyy arrived in Halifax a day ahead of his planned discussions with Trump. His visit came amid one of the heaviest aerial assaults on Ukraine's capital in recent weeks, which left at least two dead and disrupted electricity and heating supplies across large parts of the city. Following the meeting, Zelenskyy posted on X, saying, "Thank you for the meeting, Mark! Today, I am in Canada, together with Prime Minister @MarkJCarney, just as agreed. Together, we are speaking with our friends from Europe. I am grateful for all the support for Ukraine, especially the support for air defence." https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2004992485584429062 He added that Russia had rejected proposals for a Christmas ceasefire and had instead intensified missile and drone attacks. "Russia keeps tormenting our cities and our people. Moscow has turned down even the proposals for a Christmas ceasefire and is intensifying the brutality of its missile and drone strikes. This shows how they truly regard diplomacy. Therefore, sufficient support for Ukraine and sufficient pressure on Russia are needed. It is important that Canada has announced a new assistance package today," Zelenskyy said. Speaking alongside Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Carney said that lasting peace in Ukraine would only be possible if Russia demonstrated a genuine willingness to negotiate. "We have the conditions for a just and lasting peace, but that requires a willing Russia. The barbarism we saw overnight shows just how important it is that we stand with Ukraine," Carney said, as reported by France 24. Carney also announced USD 1.82 billion in new economic assistance for Ukraine, stating that the funds would help unlock international financing and support the country's long-term reconstruction efforts. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said Russian forces continued large-scale air attacks on Kyiv and surrounding regions. In another post on X, he detailed the scale of the overnight assault. "Another Russian attack is still ongoing. Since last night, there have been almost 500 drones, a large number of 'Shaheds', as well as 40 missiles, including Kinzhals. The primary target is Kyiv: energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. Regrettably, there have been hits, and ordinary residential buildings have been damaged," he said. He added that rescuers were searching for a person trapped under rubble and that electricity and heating were unavailable in several districts. Firefighting and repair efforts were underway, with crews waiting for air raid alerts to end before resuming work at some energy facilities. The latest strikes have further strained Ukraine's power grid as winter conditions persist. In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv of lacking urgency in seeking a peaceful settlement. According to Russia's state news agency TASS, Putin said that if Ukraine were unwilling to resolve the conflict through negotiations, Russia would continue to pursue its objectives by force. Amid heightened tensions between the two nations and ongoing US efforts to broker peace in the region, Zelenskyy is engaged in high-stakes diplomacy aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet Trump in Florida (Mar-a-Lago) on Sunday, December 28, 2025. They will discuss a 20-point peace plan and potential US security guarantees. Earlier, Zelenskyy said Ukraine and the United States were in talks to develop a reconstruction plan estimated to cost between USD 700 billion and USD 800 billion. He noted that his administration is working with Washington on a long-term roadmap for Ukraine's prosperity. In a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "Our vision, together with the United States, extends to 2040, covering the key elements of an agreement on investment and future prosperity." https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2004935291811860545 He said the discussions include key areas such as life expectancy, the return of refugees, GDP per capita growth, job creation, security guarantees, market access, and Ukraine's accession to the European Union. (ANI) JAMESTOWN, N.Y., Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Interact Marketing announces the availability of The Internet Marketing Machine, a new AI-enhanced service offering designed to optimize the digital presence and campaign management for professional and home services companies. This comprehensive solution integrates advanced technology with expert oversight to streamline marketing efforts and improve online discoverability. The development of The Internet Marketing Machine originated from an extensive analysis of the company's top-served industries. This research informed the creation of a modern, AI-powered service offering that provides end-to-end campaign management through cutting-edge software and tools, addressing the specific needs of these sectors. "What distinguishes The Internet Marketing Machine is its comprehensive, multi-channel inbound marketing architecture, seamlessly integrating advanced on-site SEO, strategic Link Building, precision Paid Search, dynamic Content creation, and targeted Social Media and Retargeting campaigns," said Joe Beccalori, CEO. "Clients gain unparalleled visibility through a real-time digital dashboard and the strategic advantage of an outsourced marketing department staffed with professionals possessing specific industry expertise." Businesses aiming to elevate their digital marketing strategies and enhance their online visibility are encouraged to learn more about The Internet Marketing Machine. Further details and information on how this service can benefit your organization are available at https://www.interactmarketing.com/. The Internet Marketing Machine distinguishes itself through a robust set of features engineered to support multi-channel inbound marketing initiatives: Comprehensive Marketing Program: Encompasses on-site search engine optimization (SEO), strategic link building, targeted paid search campaigns, engaging content development, active social media management, and effective retargeting efforts. Encompasses on-site search engine optimization (SEO), strategic link building, targeted paid search campaigns, engaging content development, active social media management, and effective retargeting efforts. Real-Time Digital Dashboard: Provides immediate access to performance metrics and campaign insights, enabling informed decision-making. Provides immediate access to performance metrics and campaign insights, enabling informed decision-making. Outsourced Marketing Department: Offers access to a team of marketing professionals possessing specific industry skills tailored to the needs of law firms, insurance agencies, medical practices, and various home services like roofing, window replacement, and swimming pool installation. Offers access to a team of marketing professionals possessing specific industry skills tailored to the needs of law firms, insurance agencies, medical practices, and various home services like roofing, window replacement, and swimming pool installation. 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This new offering is intended to simplify the complexities of digital marketing, providing professional services and home services companies with a powerful, integrated platform to strengthen their online footprint and achieve their growth objectives. Interact Marketing is a New York digital marketing agency specializing in AI-driven SEO, paid media, content strategy, and advanced analytics. The agency helps businesses grow through innovative search, social, and conversion-focused solutions. Headquartered in New York and serving clients nationwide, Interact delivers measurable results backed by proprietary AI-enabled workflows. SOURCE Interact Marketing The Atlas Lions have ended their second match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, taking place in Morocco, with 1-1 draw against Mali, leaving qualification for the Round of 16 to be decided on the last day. Both teams scored from penalties after VAR reviews. Brahim Diaz put host Morocco ahead from the spot deep in first-half stoppage time after the ball struck the hand of Mali left-back Nathan Gassama. But the Eagles got a spot-kick of their own just after the hour mark when Lassine Sinayoko was scythed down by Jawad El Yamiq, and the striker held his nerve amid the whistles to squeeze his effort under Yassine Bounou. Despite this draw, Morocco remains at top of the group A with four points, with Mali and Zambia having two points each, followed by Comoros with one point after their scoreless draw. On Monday, the Atlas Lions will face Zambia in Rabat while Mali return to Casablanca to face Comoros. Kazakhstan's decision to explore SMRs may indicate a desire to bring new power generation online sooner to support its ambitious plan to become a high-tech innovation hub, especially amid a current electricity deficit and potential delays to large-scale Russian reactors. SMRs are presented as a solution perfectly suited for Kazakhstan, offering advantages like a smaller generating capacity of about 300 megawatts, quicker construction times, and enhanced safety features ideal for remote locations. The U.S. government has launched a civil nuclear energy partnership with Kazakhstan, which includes providing a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) simulator for training and funding a feasibility study for US SMR construction. While Kazakhstan has big plans to develop its nuclear power capacity, the United States is helping Astana think small. The US government has agreed to help train Kazakh specialists in the operation of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), according to a statement issued December 22 by the US Embassy in Astana. The first phase of the cooperation deal involves the supply of an SMR simulator to Kazakhstans Institute of Nuclear Physics in Almaty. At the same time, a US energy company, Sargent & Lundy, will carry out a feasibility study for the construction of SMRs in Kazakhstan. This study will identify a shortlist of US SMR options suitable for deployment at potential sites in Kazakhstan, according to the embassy statement. Kazakhstan currently has agreements in place with Russia and China to build large-scale reactors. Astana has not previously announced an intention to construct SMRs. But the US statement pointedly mentions that the supply of an SMR simulator is a precursor to US involvement in building SMR units in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian nations. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are also intent on developing nuclear energy. The simulator will serve as a regional training hub to facilitate safe and secure SMR deployment across Central Asia, the statement notes. This new facility is a critical step in developing the workforce to expedite US SMR deployment. SMRs have a per-unit generating capacity of about 300 megawatts per year, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). That is roughly one-third the annual generating capability of large-scale reactors. The main advantage of SMRs is they are cheaper and faster to build, given their modular specifications. SMRs also can be situated in places that are unsuitable for large-scale reactors, especially remote and sparsely populated areas. In areas lacking sufficient lines of transmission and grid capacity, SMRs can be installed into an existing grid or remotely off-grid, as a function of its smaller electrical output, providing low-carbon power for industry and the population, according to an IAEA assessment of SMRs. SMRs also tend to be safer to operate given their reliance on passive systems and comparatively low fuel requirements, the IAEA adds. Passive systems rely on physical phenomena, such as natural circulation, convection, gravity and self-pressurization, the assessment states. These increased safety margins, in some cases, eliminate or significantly lower the potential for unsafe releases of radioactivity to the environment and the public in case of an accident. SMRs would seem ideally suited for helping Kazakhstan fulfill a plan announced by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in September to turn the country into a high-tech innovation hub, driven by the construction of data centers. The plan requires a sizeable increase in power-generating capacity at a time when Kazakhstan is already grappling with an electricity deficit. In opting to explore the construction of SMRs at this point in time, Kazakhstan may also be expressing doubt that Russias nuclear energy entity, Rosatom, can meet the projected timeline to build large-scale VVER-1000 reactors in the country. Those reactors are tentatively slated for completion in the mid-2030s. Given Kazakhstans ambitious economic development agenda, officials in Astana are growing increasingly eager to start bringing nuclear power plants on line sooner, rather than later. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com There are at least two places, San Francisco and the mid-Hudson Valley in New York, where political activists are currently advocating for a public takeover of the local investor-owned utility. Pacific Gas and Electric is owned by utility holding company PG&E Corporation and the service territory of the former Central Hudson Gas & Electric Company is owned by Fortis Inc, a Canadian holding company with varied utility interests. We have no views on the respective merits of either municipalization movement. What we find interesting is that in the current circumstances, a public takeover of an investor-owned utility could be a recipe for financial disaster. There are three functional components to any legacy electric utility: generation, transmission, and distribution. Competition to this utility model, which is no longer theoretical, could come from residential or commercial customers with solar/batteries/generators. Competition could also come from distributed renewable resources, including batteries financed by local or regional entities. Competition and deregulation have been eroding profitability in the power generation business for decades. A switch to more local or distributed power generation would also hurt the economics of transmission assets. Only utility distribution assets have emerged relatively unscathed from decades-long efforts at utility deregulation. The question, at least for advocates of utility municipalization, is whether or not these supposedly low-risk utility distribution assets will retain their value. Our answer is a definite no. In essence, a utility distribution system is a pipe that moves energy to end usersbut it doesnt control the price of that energy. That means the electricity consumer pays for two distinct services: the pipes and wires distribution system maintained by the utility and the actual energy consumed. Our concern here is simple. If energy prices skyrocket, and we are certain they will as the US exports more LNG, the distribution utility gets blamed for high prices even though the high prices are not even remotely its fault. Related: Russia's Oil Output Held Steady in 2025 Now, let us add another problem. Electricity prices in unregulated states are set, basically, by natural gas prices. Thats all electricity prices not just of electricity generated by burning natural gas. The British have the same market pricing problem because the same consultants designed both markets. Rising gas prices will push up the price of nuclear power? You got it. In this context, the municipalization movement is to us a waste of time because it doesn't address the real source of consumer pain, persistently high and volatile commodity gas prices. What municipalization would accomplish is to remove equity from the utilitys balance sheet and replace all the financing with low-cost, municipally backed debt. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Its just irrelevant to the problem at hand, which is likely gas commodity volatility. To be fair, though, municipalization would provide modest financial savings over a longer time frame. What would we do? Whatever sums the municipalization advocates could raise, we would instead invest in renewables. The only way longer term to ultimately lower consumer costs is to shift the generation mix away from high cost inputs such as natural gas. Anything that fails to address this is missing the point. By Leonard Hyman and William Tilles for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The prevailing structural theme right now is that national oil companies (NOCs), in some cases and across some segments, are moving faster than the majors, outspending them, beating them in locking up supply chains, and building cash cows faster for the future. You can see it directly in upstream spending trends highlighted by the IEA Oil 2025 report, and the money is shifting this way because the NOCs have political backing, lower lifting costs, and much clearer mandates than the big listed companies. Wood Mackenzie has warned that tighter capital conditions are forcing oil and gas companies to become more selective in business development. Neivan Boroujerdi has said this will require a more nimble and creative approach as budgets tighten. In practice, that environment favors national oil companies with the balance sheets and mandates to secure gas, chemicals, and integrated assets early, rather than defer decisions. This is no longer hypothetical. Capital is already moving in that direction. Similarly, OPECs latest medium-term outlook assumes that most incremental supply growth will come from countries with state-backed producers and low-cost reserves, suggesting we will be relying on NOCs for more long-cycle investment through the decade. Rystad Energys recent upstream and LNG analysis shows that the majority of newly sanctioned long-life projects are either led by NOCs or depend on them as anchor partners, while IOC capital remains concentrated in shorter-cycle or brownfield work. The IEA has also been explicit that future supply security hinges on investment decisions by national producers willing to commit capital beyond typical shareholder-return horizons. Combined, these views indicate that capacity growth and control over future supply are increasingly being set by national companies rather than listed majors. Asia: Adding Gas, Chemicals and Transition Materials Asias NOCs are not easing off hydrocarbons, but theyre tightening their grip on those parts of the supply chain that will matter most over the next decade: gas, chemicals, metals and trading. PetroChina is a case in point: It has been pulling more capital toward downstream and gas while upgrading refineries for higher-margin products, as reported by Caixin. The LNG side of things tells a similar story. PetroChina has been layering long-term supply deals into the 2030s, according to China Daily, and then diversifying away from spot exposure with new procurement corridors. And while Western outlets fixate on earnings, Asian media have been quicker to catch the shift into transition materials. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) notes that PetroChina wants exposure to the upstream of electrification just as much as it wants downstream oil and gas. Its not really a transition as much as it is a hedge. Theyre going for whatever powers Asian industry next. Chinas Sinopec is doing something similar, but the strategy is chemicals-heavy. As fuel demand flattens, Sinopec is putting more capital into petrochemicals, hydrogen, and CCUS. Its also doubling down on long-term LNG to feed industrial boilers and heavy manufacturing that fall under its new policy mandates. The bigger refining margins in 2025 gave them the power to do this, according to SCMP. Related: Geopolitics Lifts Oil Prices in Thin Holiday Trading CNOOC, as an outlier, is staying the course, focusing on upstream and LNG, but looking to scale both. Offshore output is rising again with new South China Sea projects being added on, and the company is buying into LNG projects up the chain rather than staying a pure buyer. The goal is straightforward: control more of the gas it needs for its power and industrial clients rather than relying on the spot market. Petronas is expanding its LNG position and lining up more supply from projects in the Atlantic and Indian basins. At home, it is spending on gas, CCS, hydrogen and midstream work that supports the domestic power system. Indias ONGC is adding to its overseas portfolio and increasing its access to gas. The Economic Times reports that ONGC Videsh has raised its spending outside India, and state buyers are now coordinating long term LNG procurement. Across the region, NOCs are concentrating on the areas that support their revenue base: gas supply, refining output, chemicals and firm access to transport routes. They are securing these positions now while the opportunity is still visible. Middle East / Gulf: Expanding Capacity and Integration Gulf NOCs are expanding low-cost supply and increasing their integration across refining, petrochemicals and LNG. Middle Eastern NOCs continue to take a larger share of global upstream spending, according to the IEAs 2025 investment report. Global upstream totals are largely flat, but the regions state producers are still increasing outlays. Most of this capital is going into long-life capacity and integrated projects rather than short-cycle additions, consistent with their role as the lowest-cost suppliers in the system. ADNOCs investment arm XRG has outlined the largest expansion plan in the region. It is targeting 20 to 25 million tonnes a year of gas and LNG capacity by 2035 and is adding assets in North American gas to support that target. Reuters reporting also shows ADNOC is moving its existing U.S. holdings into XRG and positioning the unit to lead further international gas and LNG deals, including in North America. What we know for certain: ADNOC wants a larger operational and financial position in North American gas. QatarEnergy is expanding LNG output through the North Field program and using longer-term contracts to secure demand in Europe and Asia. Based on public statements from the energy minister, Qatar expects tighter LNG balances later in the decade. Finally, Saudi Aramco, the NOC that gets the most headline attention, is tying together upstream, downstream, gas and new energies into one roaring machine. Recent agreements in the United States on LNG, technology and services show Aramco placing capital directly inside key consuming markets. The overriding Gulf strategy? Outspend everyone, integrate everything, and get as close to the customer as possible. Latin America: Holding Output and Preserving Cash Latin Americas state producers are trying to hold production steady while managing tight budgets and a very mixed bag of political situations. Petrobras has more room than the others. The Brazilian NOCs 2026 to 2030 plan shows lower headline capital spending, but the company still intends to grow pre-salt output and keep most of its money in projects that are already under way. Company filings confirm about $109 billion in planned investment, with roughly $91 billion already committed. The plan is to keep the pre-salt program moving along, avoid expensive frontier work, and only allocate to gas, chemicals and lower carbon projects once the core fields are covered. Ecopetrol, of Colombia, is trying to build a broader base. Its public strategy documents outline a larger role for transmission, solar and wind along with the oil and gas business. The ISA unit already delivers steady money, and the company wants that share to rise. The changes are meant to give Ecopetrol more stable earnings while it manages slower growth in upstream oil. Mexicos Pemex, Venezuelas PDVSA and Argentinas YPF face constraints that limit their options. Debt, field decline and political pressure shape most of their decisions. Pemex remains the most indebted energy company in the world despite government support and debt operations, with falling output still a concern. PDVSAs exports and operations remain heavily shaped by U.S. sanctions, payment problems and the structure of swap deals with foreign partners. YPF is under pressure from higher costs, rising debt and adverse court rulings, and has reported recent quarterly losses. Across all three, the priority is to keep existing production from falling faster and to maintain enough progress on power or lower carbon projects, where applicable, to preserve financing and political backing. Africa: Building Control While Managing Risk Africa has real upside. The hard part is getting projects funded and delivered on schedule. A Bloomberg investigation showed how large discoveries across the continent have brought in less local economic benefit than expected, which has led several governments to push their national companies to take more control. Nigerias NNPC is the one pushing volume. Guardian Nigeria reported NNPC Exploration and Production reaching about 355,000 barrels a day, the highest level in more than 30 years. And now the NNPC has a new chief, with a new mandate: lift output and get the domestic refining system working. Mozambique, Senegal, Ghana and Uganda are banking on gas. Their LNG and integrated gas projects are the only near term path to new export income at scale. The payoff depends on construction staying on schedule and on governments holding meaningful equity rather than sliding back into arrangements where most of the value lies with outside operators. Across the region, governments want their national companies to move from passive royalty collectors to active operators, but there is plenty of execution risk here. North America: The Market NOCs Use to De-Risk North America is not building a national oil company, but it is building something else: a federal-backed critical-minerals base. The Trump administration has been taking equity positions in rare earth and battery-metal supply chains, buying into private and public companies to secure domestic production. On the hydrocarbon side, the region has become the place where foreign NOCs go to balance their portfolios. ADNOCs use of XRG, as mentioned above, makes the intent clear. Gulf producers want a bigger position in U.S. gas, LNG and petrochemicals, and they are using XRG to buy the exposure. Equity in LNG trains, chemical complexes on the Gulf Coast and related midstream is now being treated as core to their ten-year plan. On the Asian side, PetroChina is moving into transition materials. It wants to operate across the industrial supply chain, not just in crude and products. Wood Mackenzies public outlooks point to a busy upstream M&A cycle, with several state-owned producers listed among the likely active buyers. Their U.S. gas and LNG notes also underline that North America remains one of the most stable regions for long-life assets, with deep capital pools and clear operating rules. That combination makes the U.S. a practical place for foreign NOCs to take positions, even if Wood Mackenzie does not explicitly describe this as a dedicated NOC strategy. North America is the hedge, then. It is the one market where NOCs can diversify risk and attach themselves to cash flow that holds up in volatile cycles. The map for the next decade is fairly easy to follow. Asias national companies are keeping oil and gas at the center while adding metals, LNG and trading positions. The Gulf producers are putting money into long-life supply and deeper integration. Latin America is leaning on pre-salt output and transmission assets to keep their budgets steady. Africa is trying to capture more value by taking a larger operating role in its own projects. North America is where foreign NOCs place capital to stabilize returns and broaden their portfolios. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Japans tiny Kei trucks are gaining traction in the United States several decades after they were first launched in Japan. Despite being difficult to import and register, more Americans are investing in the vehicles, in stark contrast to the rising U.S. uptake of mega SUVs. Kei is short for kei-jid?sha, which translates roughly as light vehicle. The compact Japanese utility vehicles measure a maximum of just 3.4 metres long, 1.48 metres wide and 2 metres high, and are equipped with a 660cc engine. Kei cars contribute almost 40 percent of new vehicle sales in Japan. They were designed to comply with rigorous Japanese fuel economy standards, meaning that they can reportedly run for between 40 and 50 miles per gallon under normal conditions. It can be difficult to import Kei cars into the United States as they often do not meet the countrys rigorous safety and emissions standards. However, consumers can import foreign vehicles that are at least 25 years old as a classic or antique, making them exempt from the typical standards. This means that most of the stock of Kei vehicles in the U.S. is from around the year 2000. Meanwhile, the size of the average car is growing wider, at a rate of 1cm every two years, according to the non-profit Transport and Environment. In 1975, the U.S. Congress introduced new fuel economy regulations on new passenger vehicles through the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency standards, making requirements more lax for light trucks and SUVs than standard cars. The standards have since been updated, but larger vehicles still qualify for lower fuel-efficiency standards. This has driven the uptake of larger cars across the United States. While many in the U.S. are opting for bigger vehicles, the Kei offers an alternative for those who do not need so much space and power in a vehicle to hop around town. Kei cars are extremely cost-effective, at a cost of under $10,000, compared to the average U.S. used car price of over $25,000, according to the vehicle valuation company Kelley Blue Book. Most Kei vehicles are not designed for highway driving, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in around 35 seconds, and some states do not allow Keis on their highways due to safety concerns, as many are not fitted with airbags and other modern safety features. They are also designed for Japans roads, meaning that the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. However, as they become more popular, several states have begun to formally legalise the vehicles. In December, President Donald Trump said that he had approved the production of tiny cars in the United States, supporting aims to make vehicles more affordable for consumers. Trump had previously seen Kei cars in Japan and described them as really cute on his social media. Manufacturers have long wanted to do this, just like they have so successfully built in other countries These cars of the very near future are inexpensive, safe, fuel efficient and, quite simply, AMAZING! Trump wrote. Trump said that the newly approved small cars could be gasoline, electric, or hybrid powered. The U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told reporters that the administration was in the process of clearing the deck for regulatory changes following Trumps announcement. If theres a market for those vehicles, I want to give our manufacturers the opportunity to build those cars, said Duffy. He also said that tiny cars would likely not be permitted to be used on U.S. freeways. But again, vehicles that work in cities and if thats where you drive, it could be a great solution for you, he said, adding that they are much more affordable than other options. Following the announcement by Trump, Chryslers parent company, Stellantis, said it planned to bring the Fiat Topolino all-electric small car model to the U.S. market. The firm did not state a timeline for the launch of the Topolino, which translates to little mouse in Italian, but Fiats CEO, Olivier Francois, said there would be more details to come next year. A Stellantis spokeswoman said Fiats announcement was not related to Trumps directive to permit the production of microcars and that the company had, rather, seen customer interest for the Topolino at auto shows. The model, which is produced in Morocco, falls into the all-electric quadricycle category rather than a car, strictly speaking. It has a top speed of around 28 mph and a driving range of less than 50 miles on a single charge. As the average car size continues to grow, with more people investing in mega SUVs and other large vehicles, the tiny Japanese alternative is gaining traction in the U.S. market. As consumers look for more affordable car options, the production of microcars in the United States could help to develop a new car market, while automakers with existing models in other global markets could also contribute to the stock of tiny cars. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on December 29, the agenda centers on Iran -- with a twist. Israel is laser-focused on Irans ballistic missile program, which it views as the most urgent existential threat after the US-Israeli strikes severely damaged Iran's nuclear infrastructure during a 12-day aerial campaign in June. This shift highlights a growing US-Israel divergence. Trump has repeatedly described Iran's nuclear threat as "obliterated," crediting wartime bombings of sites in Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz. Israel agrees the program is set back by a year or two. However, it warns that missiles -- which Iran is working to amass -- could soon overwhelm defenses, as demonstrated when 36 out of 550 missiles struck Israeli soil in June, causing widespread damage. Missiles As 'Immediate' Priority Israeli officials, speaking to NBC News and Axios, describe Iran's missile ramp-up as "more pressing" than its nuclear program. Israel says the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has carried out drills and has warned Washington that Tehran might use the exercises as cover for surprise attacks. This comes amid contradictory reports in Iran over whether missile tests are actually taking place. Iranian media, including the IRGC-affiliated Fars news agency, reported on December 22 that the armed forces were conducting drills, with users on social media sharing videos and footage of contrails in the skies over central and western Iran. However, the state broadcaster swiftly denied the reports, citing an unnamed "informed source" who insisted the contrails were from "high?altitude aircraft" and claimed that no exercises were underway. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief Eyal Zamir hinted at readiness for new strikes against Iran "wherever required," prioritizing production lines that Israel fears could churn out 3,000 missiles annually. Netanyahu plans to present Trump with strike options -- Israeli-led, joint, or US-backed -- arguing missiles enable proxy wars via Hezbollah and Houthis while shielding Irans nuclear revival. Farzin Nadimi, a senior fellow at The Washington Institute, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that Israel is pressing the United States to reclassify missiles as weapons of mass destruction. Israel is trying to shift this view, using the recent war's experience to convince the United States that Iran's missile capabilities are as existentially threatening as its nuclear ones, Nadimi said. He noted US reluctance, viewing nukes as the core danger, now degraded, but added, From Israel's standpoint, these should count as weapons of mass destruction for its people. Nadimi warned that total missile destruction could force a doctrinal pivot in Tehran. If Israel fully destroys Iran's offensive missile capabilities... it would either have to surrender or make a fundamental doctrinal shift, he said, adding that Iran's technical path to nuclear warheads remains feasible in a secure lab using 90-percent enriched uranium stocks. Irans Missile Red Line Iran has long maintained that its missile program is non-negotiable, asserting it is purely defensive. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei reiterated this on December 22: The defensive capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran have been designed with the aim of deterring aggressors from any thought of attacking Iran. Under no circumstances are they a matter that can be discussed or negotiated. Hamidreza Azizi, a fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, noted that while the United States and Israel may want different things from Iran, they converge on one point: Iran is weakened now, so it's time to extract more concessions. Iran has capped the range of its missiles at 2,000 kilometers, though in recent months it has hinted it could increase the limit if it deems necessary. Azizi said the United States and Israel want Iran to reduce the range of its missiles -- a non-starter for Tehran. Even in the unlikely scenario of an agreement on Irans missile program, he noted that Washington is aware enforcement would be difficult, given the absence of any international monitoring body or safeguards regime for missile programs. Against this backdrop, Azizi argued that missiles serve as pressure leverage: First, to make Iran fully abandon [uranium] enrichment on its soil; second, to secure concessions on arms transfers to groups such as Hezbollah or the Houthis. Iranian Media Gleeful Yet Concerned Israeli rhetoric around Irans missile program has been met with a mixture of delight and alarm in Iranian media. Highlighting Irans pace in replenishing its missile arsenal following the June war, the IRGC-affiliated newspaper Javan said Israel was terrified of Irans ability to launch hundreds of missiles in a potential conflict. The same sentiment was echoed by other hard-line outlets, such as Mehr news agency. But others have urged caution. Bultan News argued that Netanyahu was exaggerating Irans ability to restore its missile stockpile to justify an attack. It added that Tehran must take the rhetoric seriously. Every piece of news or report that is published can be part of a larger puzzle. Distinguishing which news is real and which is psychological warfare is not easy. But making that effort is a national security necessity, it argued. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Our friends across the river in Camas Washington, got hit by Christmas thieves. They broke into a restaurant and stole entire boxes of French fries, seafood, meat costing thousands of dollars to the restaurant. Two men were later arrested. Key to the story is that the break-in occurred with bolt-cutters. These same bolt-cutters were behind a similar story this week: a suspect charged with stealing nearly 50 bikes. Simple tools like bolt-cutters and crowbars can destroy many security locks and leave homes and businesses more vulnerable than we like to admit. This is why defensive security is only half the solution. We need a strong security offense ,which is a fully funded police force with tough-on-crime judges/laws. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A team of researchers led by the British Museum has unearthed the oldest known evidence of fire-making, dating back more than 400,000 years, in a field in Suffolk. The discovery shows humans were making fire about 350,000 years earlier than previously known. Sites in Africa suggest humans used natural fire more than a million years ago, but the discovery at the Paleolithic site in Barnham evidences the creation and control of fire, which carries huge implications for human development and evolution. Until now, the oldest known evidence of fire-making was from 50,000 years ago, found in northern France. The evidence, probably produced by some of the oldest Neanderthal groups, consists of a patch of heated clay, heat-shattered flint hand axes and two small pieces of iron pyrite. It has taken the team, led by Nick Ashton and Rob Davis at the British Museum, four years to demonstrate that the heated clay was not caused by wildfire. Geochemical tests show temperatures of more than 700C with repeated fire-use in the same location of the siteindicating a campfire, or hearth, that had been used by people on several occasions. Discovery of the first fragment of iron pyrite in 2017, at Barnham, Suffof, England. Credit: Jordan Mansfield/Pathways to Ancient Britain Project via AP Iron pyrite is a naturally occurring mineral that can be used to strike flint, creating sparks to ignite tinder. Pyrite's rarity in the local area suggests these early people had knowledge of its properties, where it could be sourced and brought it to the site to make fire. The evidence sits alongside other indicators of complex behavior in ancient humans, at a time when brain size approached modern levels. The findings are published in the journal Nature. Turning point in human history Fire-making enabled humans the freedom to choose their campsites, without needing to continually feed the fire, as it could be re-ignited when and where required. This control of fire had practical benefits of protection and warmth, enabling humans to spread and thrive in colder and harsher environments. Importantly, it widened the range of foods that could be safely eaten by removing toxins from roots and tubers, or pathogens from meat through cooking. Tenderizing these foods improved digestion, freeing up energy from the gut and fueling the brain. Excavation of the ancient campfire, removing diagonally opposed quadrants. The reddened sediment between band B is heated clay Credit: Jordan Mansfield, Pathways to Ancient Britain Project. Being able to process a wider range of foods supported better survival and larger, more complex social groups. Evidence of fire use rarely survives and is notoriously hard to demonstrate. Ash and charcoal can easily be blown or washed away, and baked sediments can be eroded and dispersed. Heated artifacts survive but it is often difficult to rule out incidental burning in a wildfire, which is what makes the preservation of the Barnham evidence so exceptional. Notable sites in the U.K., France and Portugal point to an increase in the importance of fire to early humans between 500,000 and 400,000 years ago. Barnham provides an explanation for whythe introduction of fire-making. Liverpool expertise contributes to discovery The University of Liverpool's Dr. Sally Hoare was part of the research team. Her role focused on analyzing reddened sediments to determine whether they represented a hearth created by human activity or resulted from natural processes (such as wildfires) or natural redoximorphic processes in the soil (such as iron oxidation which can also cause color changes). Traditionally, hearths in the archaeological record are identified by reddened layers overlain by ash and charcoal. However, at Barnhamand many other open-air siteswind and water often remove these indicators, leaving only patches of reddened clay, making it challenging to confirm human involvement. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. To address this, Dr. Hoare applied three scientific techniques to the reddened soils and adjacent areas: soil micromorphology, archaeomagnetism, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) analysis. Professor Ashton, Curator of Paleolithic Collections at the British Museum, said, "This is the most remarkable discovery of my career, and I'm very proud of the teamwork that it has taken to reach this ground-breaking conclusion. It's incredible that some of the oldest groups of Neanderthals had the knowledge of the properties of flint, pyrite and tinder at such an early date." Dr. Hoare said, "These findings suggest that humans at Barnham actively created their own fires. The presence of pyrite fragments at Barnham is the earliest known evidence of strike-a-light technology. This discovery extends the chronology of fire-making technology by approximately 400,000 years and establishes Barnham as a key global reference point for the earliest known fire-making practices." Dr. Davis, Project Curator: Pathways to Ancient Britain at the British Museum, said, "The implications are enormous. The ability to create and control fire is one of the most important turning points in human history with practical and social benefits that changed human evolution. This extraordinary discovery pushes this turning point back by some 350,000 years." Publication details Rob Davis et al, Earliest evidence of making fire, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09855-6 Journal information: Nature NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until January 12, 2026 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Stride, Inc. ("Stride" or the "Company") (NYSE: LRN), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between October 22, 2024 and October 28, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Get Help Stride investors should visit us at https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-lrn-4 or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit Stride and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On September 14, 2025, it was reported that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education had filed a complaint against the Company, alleging fraud, deceptive trade practices, systemic violations of law, and intentional and tortious misconduct, including inflating enrollment numbers by retaining "ghost students" on rolls to secure state funding per student and ignoring compliance requirements, including background checks and licensure laws for its employees. On this news, the price of Stride's shares fell $18.60 per share, or 11.7%, to close at $139.76 per share on September 15, 2025. Then, on October 28, 2025, the Company disclosed that "poor customer experience" had resulted in "higher withdrawal rates," "lower conversion rates," and had driven students away, and that the Company estimated the impact caused approximately 10,000-15,000 fewer enrollments and that, because of this, its outlook is "muted" compared to prior years. On this news, the price of Stride's shares fell $83.48 per share, or more than 54%, to close at $70.05 per share on October 29, 2025. The case is MacMahon v. Stride, Inc., et al., Case No. 25-cv-02019. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. SOURCE ClaimsFiler 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: The research team on site in Flores, Indonesia. Credit: Garry K Smith An international team of scientists, including the University of Wollongong (UOW), has found compelling evidence that a changing climate played a role in the extinction of the early human species Homo floresiensis, also known as "hobbits." Their research, published in Communications Earth & Environment, reveals the hobbits abandoned Liang Buaa cave they had occupied for around 140,000 yearsduring a drought that lasted for thousands of years. The team combined chemical records from cave stalagmites with isotopic data from fossil teeth from a pygmy elephant species (Stegodon florensis insularis) that hobbits hunted. The results reveal an extensive drying trend beginning around 76,000 years ago, culminating in severe drought between 61,000 and 55,000 years ago, around the time the hobbits disappeared. Prolonged drought and competition for resources may have driven their departure from Liang Bua and, ultimately, their extinction. The discovery highlights how environmental conditions can reshape the course of species survival, and how changing rainfall influenced the fate of our close relatives. "The ecosystem around Liang Bua became dramatically drier around the time Homo floresiensis vanished," said UOW Honorary Professor Dr. Mike Gagan, the lead author of the study. "Summer rainfall fell and riverbeds became seasonally dry, placing stress on both hobbits and their prey." The discovery builds on decades of UOW research into Homo floresiensis, first discovered in 2003 in Liang Bua on the Indonesian island of Flores. Dubbed the hobbit due to its tiny stature, Homo floresiensis challenged prevailing theories of human evolution. It disappears from the fossil record around 50,000 years ago, but its fate has remained an enigma. The scientists used stalagmites, a natural archive of rainfall, to reconstruct past climate and rainfall. Analysis of oxygen-isotopes in fossil tooth enamel showed the pygmy elephants relied on river water, which became increasingly scarce. The pygmy elephant population fell steeply around 61,000 years ago, meaning that an important food source for the hobbits was disappearing. Fossil jaw-bone (with adult teeth) from Stegodon florensis insularis at Liang Bua. Credit: Mika R Puspaningrum Wae Racang valley, where Homo floresiensis and Stegodon once roamed. Credit: None "Surface freshwater, Stegodon and Homo floresiensis all decline at the same time, showing the compounding effects of ecological stress," UOW Honorary Fellow Dr. Gert van den Berg said. "Competition for dwindling water and food probably forced the hobbits to abandon Liang Bua." While Homo floresiensis fossils pre-date the earliest evidence of modern humans on Flores, Homo sapiens were traversing the Indonesian archipelago around the time the hobbits disappeared. "It's possible that as the hobbits moved in search of water and prey, they encountered modern humans," Dr. Gagan said. "In that sense, climate change may have set the stage for their final disappearance." Publication details Michael K. Gagan et al, Onset of summer aridification and the decline of Homo floresiensis at Liang Bua 61,000 years ago, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02961-3 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment Authorities continue search for lone gunman in fatal Mahahual bar shooting Mahahual, Q.R. Authorities are continuing their search for a gunman who got away on foot after a deadly shooting. Police are looking for the person responsible for killing a young Mahahual bar patron. The targeted shooting happened in the early morning hours inside La Bodeguita. Police were called to Huachinango Street between Sierra and Cherna in response to the attack. According to eye witnesses, a man of medium build dressed in black entered the bar and went directly to the table where the victim was sitting. The victim, a male in shorts, t-shirt and sandals, was approached by the lone gunman. After the exchange of a few words, the man pulled out a gun and fired at the seated bar patron. Paramedics from the local fire department arrived at the scene to provide assistance after being notified of the shooting, however, they confirmed that the young man no longer had vital signs. Personnel from the FGE were called after the man was confirmed dead inside the bar. December 26, 2025. The State Attorney Generals Office was notified and a coroner sent to remove the body. The shooting victim has been identified as 19 year old Ismael O. The man responsible for pulling the trigger reportedly walked out of the bar and vanished on foot. A single 9mm shell casing marked GN A6, ammunition likely meant to be used by Mexicos Guardia Nacional (National Guard), was collected from the scene. Police continue their search. Riviera Maya News serving Quintana Roo Mexico since 2014 Your online newspaper Strategic promotion pays off for Holbox with recorded hotel occupancy rate increase Holbox, Q.R. The Holbox Hotel Association says they have recorded a 10 percent increase in occupancy rates. The increase in rates during 2025 is due to strategic promotion of the island. Hotel Association head Christian Stenta says the results are thanks to joint efforts between hotels, authorities and strategic partners. As a result, Holbox registered a 10 percent annual increase in hotel occupancy rates compared to the previous year. During 2025, the Holbox Hotel Association consolidated a strategic effort focused on tourism promotion, institutional coordination and strengthening the destination. Actions that are now reflected in tangible results, Christian Stenta posted on social media. This reaffirms visitor confidence and the islands positioning as a competitive and sustainable destination, he added. Since the start of the year, municipal authorities have been promoting Holbox internationally, not only by participating in tourism fairs but also by collaborating with the Association. Efforts were made to promote Holbox at every opportunity, resulting in a 10% increase in visitors during 2025. During 2025, the Holbox Hotel Association consolidated a strategic effort focused on tourism promotion, institutional coordination, and strengthening the destination; actions that are now reflected in tangible results. Thanks to the joint effort of hoteliers, authorities and strategic partners, Holbox registered an annual increase of 10% in hotel occupancy, reaffirming visitor confidence and the islands positioning as a competitive and sustainable destination. This growth reflects the commitment, planning, and shared vision that will continue to guide our actions toward a 2026 with greater opportunities for the island and its community, he said. Lazaro Cardenas City Council, the municipality in which Holbox is situated, worked throughout the year on street leveling, flood control and also raising awareness about environmental protection. The municipality also worked on providing support to the various sectors that offer tourism services. Our job is to guarantee a future with greater opportunities for Holbox residents and visitors. Our work includes keeping the solid waste transfer center clean, ensuring safety, monitoring compliance with the Local Ecological Zoning Program, and providing the necessary tools to ensure the safety of the general population, Lazaro Cardenas Mayor Nivardo Mena commented. This year, municipal authorities, together with the Association, secured resources from the state government for the construction of the islands first fire station. The building, once complete, will be a combination fire, police and Civil Protection station. Other achievements include working on protection of the ecosystem, signing agreements with Joy Travel and receiving the Queer Destination distinction. Riviera Maya News serving Quintana Roo Mexico since 2014 Your online newspaper If you have an FSA account, then you know that those funds that you accumulate over the year dont roll over to the next and with just two weeks left in 2025, you may be scrambling to make sure those hard-earned dollars dont go to waste. While the purchasing options are endless, some skin care products are also an eligible way to spend these funds. And its not just any skin care, but those pricey clinical formulations that you wouldnt dream of trying normally, despite their renowned reputation for effectiveness. In fact, nearly every time a clinical skin care product is featured in previous HuffPost coverage, its come at the enthusiastic recommendation of at least one or more board-certified dermatologist. If that FSA/HSA money is burning a hole in your pocket, take a gander at the upcoming list of clinically effective formulas (nearly all of which are geared towards anti-aging) that have been recommended, tried and tested. FSA Store A tinted sunscreen revered by dermatologists for troubled skin Several dermatologists throughout our reporting have previously suggested this tinted mineral sunscreen from Elta MD, which can help shield skin from visible UV rays in overhead lighting that could potentially contribute to common skin conditions like melasma. Advertisement Advertisement A great and clinical option for those who have acne or rosacea, the zinc oxide- and octinoxate-based formula features SPF 46 along with high-purity niacinamide, a well-known anti-inflammatory that reduces redness and helps to restore damaged skin. $47 at Amazon $47 at Dermstore $47 at FSA Store Dermstore A famed lactic acid treatment that targets fine lines, sun spots and texture Senior shopping writer, Lourdes Avila Uribe, has been using Sunday Rileys Good Genes for nearly a decade, and despite testing hundreds of other comparable products, she always comes back to it. "Im particularly obsessed with the high content of lactic acid, a unique chemical exfoliant that encourages quick cell turnover in the surface layers of the skin, leaving it smoother and helping clear up blemishes," she said. "Its paired with licorice and lemongrass in this formula, which can help brighten up the look of dark spots, sun damage and other discoloration, and prickly pear extract that can help soothe redness and calm sensitive skin. Its the perfect example of a product with a fairly common active ingredient, perfectly formulated with other complementary ingredients to make it even more effective than many other options." Advertisement Advertisement $85+ at Dermstore Dermstore Dr. Dennis Gross' exfoliating pads that mimic a gentler chemical peel Previously suggested to HuffPost by board-certified dermatologists, the Dr. Dennis Gross daily peel pads can offer the benefit of a chemical peel, but with a gentler approach than what you might find in a dermatologist's office. Each treatment contains two pads: one to exfoliate and smooth your skin, and one that provides anti-aging benefits. The pads are pre-dosed with five acids, including glycolic, salicylic and lactic, that each work to reduce dullness and uneven texture, pores and hyperpigmentation. One Amazon shopper said the following about this well-loved exfoliating treatment: "I loved this more than going and paying $100 for a chemical peel. It definitely improved the texture, skin tone, and overall quality of my skin. I used it every other day for 10 days and I will definitely be purchasing again. You dont peel, but your skin looks better. I would highly recommend trying it." 30-pack: $92 at Dermstore Advertisement Advertisement Amazon A brush-on mineral sunscreen that applies well over makeup One of the biggest skin care crimes is not wearing sunscreen. The second would be to not reapply every two hours, per the guidance of dermatologists. But if you're a makeup wearer, then reapplying SPF without ruining your base can be tricky. This brush-on powder by Colorescience is a solution to this dilemma that offers SPF 50 protection and was previously recommended by board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, Dr. Marisa Garshick. Its hydrating and rich in antioxidants, she said. Its also water-resistant and mineral-based, making it great even for those with sensitive skin, and wont leave the face or hands looking or feeling greasy. Available in six shades, this shielding powder leaves a sheer coverage finish that wont leave a white cast on darker skin tones. $69 at Amazon Advertisement Advertisement $69 at Dermstore $69 at FSA Store Dermstore A "super" serum that targets multiple signs of aging at once The iS Clinical Super Serum is an oil-based vitamin C-rich serum that not only has the potential to help reduce typical signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage, but can help to reduce scarring as well. The key is a combination of 15% L-asorbic acid with copper tripeptide growth factors, a protein molecule that stimulates and accelerates skin regeneration and repair. Along with a couple of other ingredients, these two actives work in tandem to stimulate collagen, smooth uneven pigmentation and even promote healing. $165 at Dermstore Obagi A tinted hybrid sunscreen that actually works with warm skin tones This broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion by Obagi uses a unique hybrid formula, offering both mineral and chemical defense against sun damage, rather than just one or the other. It features what the brand refers to as "thermic micro-shield crystal technology," which means it reflects and disperses harmful rays that try to reach the skin's surface. And if you're someone who has a warmer skin tone who has struggled with sunscreens leaving white casts, this sheer-finish sunscreen has a warm tint that some Obagi customers say has completely replaced their foundation. Advertisement Advertisement $59 at Obagi Dermstore The vitamin C serum that needs no introduction If you're into skin care, you've likely heard people sing the praises of this cult-favorite serum, and with good reason. The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum has been hailed by dermatologists for its ability to help lighten fine lines, firm skin, provide environmental protection and brighten a dull complexion. The stabilized formulation means all ingredients are working at the peak of their powers, in tandem with each other, a factor that many market vitamin C formulas have yet to master. C E Ferulic users claim that their skin has never looked better after using this product consistently and that the price is worth it. $185 at Dermstore Advertisement Advertisement Dermstore A clinical serum with growth factors for volume loss I recently asked dermatologists about growth factors an anti-aging ingredient that can increase collagen and elastin, thicken skin and improve tone and texture and their favorite over-the-counter products that contain them. SkinMedica's TNS Advanced+ Serum was the most suggested and was even referred to as the "gold standard of growth factor serums, according to one expert. It pumps serums out of two different chambers that work synergistically, the first of which is filled with a growth factor blend sourced from human fibroblast cells (grown in a lab) that maximizes cellular metabolism. The other chamber releases a blend of botanicals and marine extracts that contain collagen-stimulating peptides and hydrators to help further diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Reviewers agree that they see a definitive difference in their skin, with one Amazon customer claiming they no longer feel they need to continue with Botox or filler. Advertisement Advertisement Though tons of reviewers claim that it's well worth the cost, $295 is a lot to spend on a serum, which means it's a bonus that it's FSA/HSA eligible. $295 at Dermstore Dermstore A neck cream with a blend of five peptides The product lineup from Revision Skincare has been brought to our attention several times before, including when board-certified Dr. Brendan Camp at MDCS dermatology recommended the brand's Nectifirm firming neck treatment as a good formula to address neck lines, skin crepiness and sagging. He said that it's formulated with peptides (five different ones to be exact), plant extracts, and antioxidants to make neck skin look firmer and more lifted. It also contains the famed antioxidants vitamin C and E, barley extracts for reducing skin dryness and roughness. Advertisement Advertisement $115 at Dermstore Dermstore A peptide-infused neck cream that targets crepey skin and sagging This peptide-infused formula by SkinCeuticals has been previously recommended by dermatologists to anyone desperate to soften the appearance of deep lines and crepey skin on the neck. It's a daily cream that, in addition to a triple peptide blend, contains a 0.2% concentration of slow-release retinol, a time-honored ingredient that accelerates the skin's cellular turnover rate, promoting collagen production. Hydrating seed oils are supplemented with a 5% glaucine complex, a plant-derived ingredient that can support skin's natural resistance to premature aging. According to one Neck Repair customer, this product saved them from having a skin-tightening procedure on their neck. "It worked miracles with tightening my neck and reducing fine lines. This is my second bottle," they said. Advertisement Advertisement $136 at Dermstore Dermstore An anti-discoloration serum that can treat melasma When it comes to treating stubborn melasma, dermatologists have previously suggested this multi-phase treatment by SkinCeuticals that corrects dark spots and hyperpigmentation with a combination of kojic acid, tranexamic acid and niacinamide, according to experts. This clinically formulated serum also contains a synthetically derived acid called HEPES that helps to exfoliate skin, and its hydrating glycerin and anti-inflammatory allantoin can keep skin feeling soothed rather than irritated. $115 at Dermstore Dermstore An extra-rich eye cream infused with skin tightening properties While on a quest to find the best products to treat and prevent crow's feet around the eyes, board-certified physicians assistant and skin care founder, Paula Brezavscek, recommended the Lumiere Firm Riche eye cream by Neocutis, an eye treatment that's been suggested to us more than once. "Peptide-based creams, like Neocutis Lumiere Firm Riche, are great for firming and hydrating," Brezavscek said of this rich and hydrating cream, which contains a proprietary blend of peptides. Peptides, we've previously been told by skin care experts, can boost collagen production and elastin in the skin by promoting cellular turnover. This can lead to skin that's firmer, more plump and softened lines. Adding to the anti-aging potential, Lumiere also features growth factors, another ingredient that may be able to promote collagen production and the skin's own supply of hyaluronic acid, which is key for hydration. There's also caffeine, an ingredient with some evidence to support that, due to its antioxidant properties, may aid in reducing the appearance of wrinkles caused by sun damage when applied to the skin. $125 at Dermstore Dermstore A skin-evening and firming neck cream that I use on my entire face NeoStrata's Triple Firming neck cream is an FSA/HSA-eligible formula that's been previously recommended by board-certified dermatologists and claims to target everything from uneven skin tone and texture to loss of elasticity underneath the chin, along the neck and along the decolletage. It features a pro-amino acid and neocitrate formula, an ingredient duo that works in tandem to target volume loss while a non-acid amino sugar tackles unwanted sun damage and discoloration. I have recently started using this as I've noticed some volume loss beneath my chin, and I loved how thick and hydrating the formula was that I now use it for my entire face, which is chronically dry. $88 at Dermstore Dermstore An intensive growth factors serum infused with snail mucin Also in our former coverage on growth factors, previously suggested these individual ampules by Biopelle Tensage, which she called the perfect science-backed skin care product that can visibly address dryness and a dull-appearing complexion. "[They] feature concentrated growth factor benefits for fast improvement in the appearance of lackluster skin with visible improvement in as little as 24 hours," she said, adding that these are suitable for all skin types. The intensive serum inside these freshness-preserving ampules also contains glycoproteins and antioxidants, which can help improve skin texture and elasticity and protect skin from premature aging. $195 at Dermstore Dermstore A Dr. Dennis Gross light therapy mask that's unfortunately worth every penny This high-end cult-fave light mask uses LED lights over the entire face to target the look of both wrinkles and breakouts. Many brands have their own versions, but Dr. Dennis Gross FDA-cleared technology uses a combination of 100 red lights and 62 blue lights that work together to target common skin issues. Red light supports natural collagen production, which helps to smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles and diminish visible discoloration, scars and damage, while blue light targets acne-causing bacteria, helping shorten the length of breakouts, calm red skin and prevent future breakouts. $455 at Amazon $455 at Dermstore $455 at The FSA Store CORRECTION: This story has been amended to avoid suggesting that HSA funds do not roll over into the next year. Related... When the frenzy of the holidays gives way to the promise of the New Year, its time to put away the baubles, the lights, and pack up those massive Rudolph inflatables but how can you do it in a way that isnt a back-splitting pain and mess for 2026 you? We spoke with expert organizers and professional event planners who know how to string those lights up and down, which truly durable ornament containers to buy and how to pack away your tree in a way that wont have your dreading opening the decorations next year. Sturdy and clear stackable boxes to avoid guessing what you've packed away Peter Som, lifestyle expert, designer and author of the cookbook "Family Style, recommends to keep that "visual calm," after the holidays, clear package containers are a must. "Clear, stackable containers are my go-to because you can see exactly what you have without digging, and Im a big fan of uniform containers it sounds nerdy, but visual calm matters, Som told HuffPost. These Hefty 72-quart clear storage bins with stackable lids have locking handles and a snap closure to make sure your boxes stay secure and protected all year. Advertisement Advertisement $13 at Walmart Snazzy artificial tree storage bag for your 7-footer Erica Dunn, a professional organizer and owner of Tampa-based Organized Interiors by Erica recommended this upright christmas tree storage bag from Holdn Storage an brand she loves and thats available on Amazon. Available in multiple sizes for trees ranging from three to nine feet, it has a vertical cover and drawstring closure at the bottom and according to reviews, its a very durable option to keep your tree safely stored and dust-free all year. It also starts at just $10. $10+ at Amazon A durable Amazon find for all your baubles and balls that's only $23 Sara Aparacio is a home cleaner and resident expert at Homeaglow, a cleaning booking platform. She and her team have been brought in for epic cleaning sessions following holiday events and she has several storage tips and items she swears by. This ornament storage box offers excellent value and [allows] people to store ornaments safely and efficiently, while still being able to see them.. [T]he boxes typically feel sturdy and of good quality, said Aparacio. She did also mention the box can be limiting on unusual sized ornaments. Advertisement Advertisement $23+ at Amazon Advertisement Advertisement The Container Store A $15 container for leftover wrapping paper Christian Pfeiffer, owner of Phoenix, Arizona-based Valley Organizing, sent in several recommendations to make the wrapping up your holidays easier. The excess wrapping paper, bows and tape can add up, so if you have any left over ribbons and wrappings, just save it for next year's holiday haul with the help of this wrapping paper storage container from The Container Store. Its a clever organizer with interior pockets that can hold up to 24 rolls of colorful paper and a variety of accessories, too. $15 at The Container Store Some tangle-free light storage Melissa Denham, interior design expert at Hammonds Furniture, knows there's one chore when it comes to holiday cleanup that most of us dread: the lights. One of the more tedious jobs around Christmas time is unravelling the lights. To prepare for next year, one way to store your lights so they are ready to use is by wrapping them around on an old wrapping paper tube, empty Pringles can, toilet roll tube or similar. Not only is this a good use of wrapping paper tubes, but it also avoids tangled lights next year. If you're short one Pringles, you could try this economical (and crumb-free) Whitmor Christmas light box we found it can hold 800 lights and comes with four plastic spools to wrap up to 200 lights each. Advertisement Advertisement $17 at Walmart These Santa-sized vinyl bags to store your inflatables Diana Cooke, owner of CPR Home Organizing, told HuffPost that these Christmas storage bags "are great for inflatables," which can be tricky to pack down, depending on their size. The bags are extra large with a bottom diameter of about 12 inches and a height up to 21 inches, are waterproof and come three in a pack. There's even a panel on the front of each bag so you can label each of your reindeer, your Santa-flying-in-UFO blowup or your 7-foot tall Nutcracker. $17 at Amazon A roll of bubble wrap (in case you run out of holiday towels) How do you decide what holiday decor is worth keeping year after year and what should be let go? And what's the best way to store your favorite sentimental ornaments, like the treasured Baby's First Christmas balls or that inherited nativity scene? For Savannah Monet, Principal Designer at Monet Interior, every keepsake made by her children she plans to keep. She told HuffPost: I have never heard of anyone regretting storing the items their children make for the holidays. I personally hold onto all of it. However, she added, maybe one day she'll give it all back to her kids, and they can sneak it into the trash can like I do when my parents bring me my old drawings. Monet likes to store keepsakes by mixing her holiday "decorative towels, shower curtains, and rugs with my breakables." said Monet. "I generally lay the soft items on the bottom of the box to give my breakables some cushion." If you're looking to add an extra layer of protection a roll of bubble cushion is a great to just have stored in your garage for a multitude of uses. Target's small bubble cushion is the perfect added protective layer that easily wraps around those precious items. The roll includes 100 feet of green bubble cushion. Advertisement Advertisement $22 at Target Advertisement Advertisement A reusable oversized laundry bag for both wrapping and storage When it comes to finding more sustainable options, Som suggested re-using what you have, like cardboard boxes, tote bags, fabric bags... skip single-use plastic wherever possible. This is something we do in our own home as well. We have a few large cloth drawstring Christmas bags that we use to wrap bigger or more cumbersome gifts, and then use the same bags to pack up decorations when the holidays are over. Joyins Christmas large canvas gift bags not only work as wrapping, but as storage for any decor thats not at the risk of breaking. My kids like to play Santa Claus with them from time to time I just make sure they aren't jostling around anything too valuable. $24 at Amazon Professional level of Christmas ornament organization for $40 This Holdn Storage Christmas ornament storage box comes recommended by Dunn. She likes the removable level trays and individual dividers that can hold up to 72 ornaments. It's a well-constructed and durable organizing solution for Christmas ornaments with over a thousand reviews and 4.5 stars on Amazon. The storage box also comes in three different sizes, each that come with dividers that are adjustable so that you can customize your storage. $38 at Amazon Amazon A heavy-duty garland bag that an expert personally uses Renee Flenner is a professional organizer and owner of The Organizing Exchange. She had a massive list of smart holiday storage items, but this one is for your yards and yards of garland. Flenner like the Covermates garland duffle bag, because it's made with a durable polyester and reinforced handles, so it's less likely to ever break during storage and cleanups. One bag can fits up to 25 feet of garland, depending on how thick yours is. Flenner told HuffPost that she works with garland is many different materials and lengths. It can be super simple, with just greenery and lights, or it can be full of a variety of ornaments and other accents. Flenner believes it's best to use a duffle bag like this Covermates one to keep out dust and moisture, with items gently placed (not stuffed) into large storage totes. Advertisement Advertisement $53 at Amazon Amazon A chic storage ottoman with a surprising amount of space Som loves the holidays, but as a New Yorker hes often short on space for decorating, hosting and storage. So hes got a few tricks on how to store your decorations when you're living with limited space. Living in New York has made me ruthless in the best way about storage," Som told HuffPost. "I love furniture that works overtime: ottomans that can store things, beds with drawers underneath, and benches that open up for seasonal table linens and such." With this in mind, we found this stellar faux leather round storage ottoman an Amazon bestseller that's well-reviewed and gives you added storage in a stylish and hidden way. $88 at Amazon Advertisement Advertisement A seriously investment rugged bag that will element-proof your tree Marta Pawlik is the co-founder and director of UK-based booking platform Laik. One of her primary focuses is making sure all of her properties decorations and designs have longevity. Pawliks days of working on the ground often require storage solutions that can allow for preserving investments and maximizing seasonal manpower. So she wants to make sure her artificial trees and wreaths are ready to use year after year. "Artificial trees require special duffel bags the TreeKeeper made of heavy-duty material with reinforced handles and wheels. These are better than the original flimsy cardboard boxes which invariably break down after one season. She also strongly recommended that you pick a bag large enough for the height of the tree so as not to crush the branches. These bags can work to store inflatables and outdoor artificial trees as well, and Pawlik wisely reminded that before storing you ensure that they are 100% dry, in order to prevent the growth of mold, which is a typical problem my team suffers from with properties that do not have climate controlled storage. This Treekeeper big wheel super duffle bag might be on the higher end, but it comes with wheels so you can roll away your holiday cheer without breaking your back. It also fits most trees from six to nine feet tall and there are built-in compression straps to tighten around the tree for a snug, jostle free-fit. $120 at Target Related... 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. Dear (but for real, dear) colleagues, In the midst of responding to Bilges previous missive, which goes down at least three separate roads Id love to pursue, I first heard the unthinkable news of Rob and Michele Reiners deaths. I promptly entered a fugue state and stayed up late into the night, watching clips from Reiners films and reading about his 50-plus-year career as an actor, director, producer, and industry pioneer. By the time this post goes live, the headlines will be more than a week old, and thus outside the gruesome parameters of the typical news cyclethough in this case the horrific details of their deaths, about which Ill say nothing because we know so little yet, may extend that window by a lot. But Rob Reiner has been a part of the news cycle of my internal life as far back as my conscious memory extends. So I want to take this first post of our last round to remember him: not just as a magnificently versatile director and a skilled comic actor, nor even as the generous fosterer of cinematic talent and boots-on-the-ground political activist that he also was, but as a warm, funny, reliably joy-bringing presence on the big and small screen, behind the camera, in the civic arena, and in all our imaginative lives. For so many decades, whether or not you kept up with his every new movie and business venture and philanthropic effort, Reiner was just there. Working on something new, investing his well-earned success in helping another director or writer to get a leg up, raising funds for a more-than-worthy cause. A figure to be trusted, in whose welcome company you would no doubt soon find yourself spending time again. Just the way youd feel aboutits so hard to type this todaya really good dad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All in the Familys run lasted from 1971 to 1979, when I was too young to understand that shows groundbreaking incorporation of contemporary political debates into the network sitcom format, or even, probably, to keep quiet during it. But my family watched it loyallyI can still sing the opening theme song from memoryand my siblings and I knew the characters as types. We got that Archie and Meathead were always fighting about something to do with presidents and taxes and the Bunkers Black neighbors, and thanks to my fathers staunch hatred of Richard Nixon and the Republican establishment, we always rooted for Meathead. I think my father, who died in 2024, must have identified with Mike Meathead Stivic, though he (my dad) was not a Polish American sociology student, as Reiners character is at the beginning of the series, but a young father in the Air Force. My dad was a few years too old to be of the hippie generation the Reiner character represented, but he had grown up with a socially conservative father who, though not nearly as committed a bigot, was not unlike a much more laconic Archie Bunker. When I once asked my father, who was a small child during World War II, if he had any memories of the war, he recalled hearing on the radio that FDR had died and going to the next room to tell his father, who grunted, Good. Advertisement As teenagers and young adults, my brother and sister and I could quote virtually every line of This Is Spinal Tap and The Sure Thing and of course that infinite quote generator The Princess Bride. They were among the first films our family owned on VHS, or maybe took so long to return to the video store that we eventually just kept them. These were comfort movies for long weekend afternoons, or party movies, to show to groups of friends who had either somehow not seen them yet or, more commonly, wanted to watch them again and quote along. They were among the first films I remember admiring as films, whose dialogue and performances and directorial choices I noticed and discussed with other people, a part of coming of age as a cinephile. The fact that the Meathead of my childhood was the director who had made all these funny, sophisticated, grown-up movies (grown-up even when they were about kids) never struck me as incongruous. It made sense that in his second public incarnation, not as a long-haired foil for Archie but as a genially bald mensch, the man who had made my parents laugh and shared my dads sense of outrage at injustice would make movies that sprang from those same core values, including a keen sense for what ultimately mattered in life: friendship like the Stand By Me kids, collaborative creation like Spinal Taps, and ordinary, squabbling true love like Harry and Sallys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his initial seven-film run of back-to-back bangers in just about every popular genre (romantic comedy, fantasy, coming-of-age movie, mockumentaryI havent even yet mentioned the psychological thriller and the legal drama), Reiner settled into a period of making movies that ranged from very good to just-OK to out-and-out dogs, but by that time he was much more than just the movies he directed. After the success of Stand By Me, Reiner and four partners co-founded Castle Rock Productions with the explicit purpose of allowing filmmakers the creative freedom they struggled to retain within the studio system. For the rest of his life, like Sydney Pollack before him (though Reiners warmth was less gruff, more endearing), he remained a key player both on-screen and off, just as likely to appear in a good movie as he was to direct or produce one. And without his eye for talent at Castle Rock, which was folded into Warner Bros. in 2002 and is therefore, I suppose, now headed toward the Netflix singularity, we wouldnt have Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, The Shawshank Redemption, Barcelona, Lone Star, Music and Lyrics, Richard Linklaters Before trilogy, Michael Claytonall movies that are part of the warp and weft of our shared popular culture. Advertisement Admire if you will the deftness with which I now segue back to the present daynot that a segue is really necessary, since Reiner came out with a new movie in 2025, the slight but, I thought, quite moving legacy sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. My question for whoever wants to field it is: What are the Castle Rock movies of our day, the solid midbudget thrillers like Misery or romantic comedies like Miss Congeniality or character-driven prison dramas like Shawshank? The films that arent part of an expanded universe with Happy Meal tie-ins, the films audiences claim to miss so much but unfortunately often dont show up to the theater for? Alison and Justins shared admiration for Bradley Coopers loose-limbed divorce dramedy Is This Thing On?, or my putting Derek Cianfrances low-key based-on-a-true-story romance Roofman on my list of Top 10 honorable mentions, seems like a gesture in the direction of honoring films that fall into that time-honored but increasingly hard-to-find bucket. Alison, to name-check another Rob Reinerdirected classic, whats on your 2025 bucket list? Standing by you, Dana Read the next entry in Movie Club: Im Still Raving About Sirat. Read all of the entries in Slates 2025 Movie Club. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. During his first year back in office, President Donald Trump amassed an unprecedented amount of power in pursuit of his far-reaching agenda. His quests to crush the Democratic Partys electoral power, seize control over the economy, and deport millions of immigrants were all actively abetted by the Supreme Courts Republican-appointed justices. Time and againoften over the shadow docket, with no explanationthe 63 supermajority cleared the path for Trumps aggressive executive overreach. Those who believed that SCOTUS might serve as a modest check on the administrations abuses were proved wrong almost weekly, as the courts far-right bloc delivered win after win to the president it had helped return to the White House. The justices rare rebuke to Trump on Tuesday over his deployment of the National Guard in Chicago illustrated just how far outside the law this president must go before a majority is willing to tell him no. On this weeks year-end episode of Amicus, co-hosts Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern ponder the two big questions posed by this alliance: Why did the Supreme Court conservative supermajority align with Trump, and what consequences might it face for its choices? A preview of their conversation, below, has been edited and condensed for clarity. Dahlia Lithwick: A year ago, we were operating under the theory that three of the six conservative justices were not all in for MAGA and genuinely cared about democracy. That was a mistake. Instead, what we have seen is the so-called center go all in for Trump, doubling and tripling down on the idea that this administration is like every other administration and any judge who tries to thwart it is a woke liberalincluding fistfuls of Trump judges who arent auditioning for the Supreme Court. And just as the Supreme Court went after DOJ officials during Jack Smiths prosecution of Donald Trump, its now going after judges who stand in the presidents way, suggesting that they are anti-Trump zealots suffering from Trump derangement syndrome, while we the justices are normal and must put a stop to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why? Its hard to believe that they go to cocktail parties with only the furthest of the far-right donors. Its hard to believe that they dont occasionally read the Washington Post or the New York Times. So what is going on? And this is the real thing I think we havent grappled with, but Im not sure people who are watching the court have yet satisfactorily explained it, at least to my ears. What possible benefit is there to being the stewards of the MAGA destruction of America? Mark Joseph Stern: My top-line thesisand I want you to dispute it, because I dont know if its entirely rightis that these justices have fully cast their lot with Trump and Trumpism. And a big part of Trumpism is antidemocratic, ensuring that political minorities can entrench their own power through undemocratic institutions like the Senate, the Electoral College, and the judiciary, as well as through voter suppression and assaults on democracy. Trumpism seeks to perpetuate a system that privileges the elites, the wealthy, white people, Christians, non-LGBTQ+ people. And I fear that the Supreme Court is now intertwined with that perception of who deserves power and who can legitimately exercise powerwhich is Trump and his GOP and their supporters. So it fills the need to protect Trumps entire project from the direct forces of actual democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Thats why one of the big pieces of this puzzle is voting rights. The Supreme Court is currently on the brink of delivering another blow to the Voting Rights Act in Callais v. Louisiana. It has been green-lighting voter suppression for so long. Just this month it reinstated Texas racial gerrymander that benefits Republicans. Any conversation of this kind needs to start there, because what we are seeing is the court trying to accelerate and facilitate the Trump agendaand, on the other side of it, trying to ensure that the people can no longer shake loose this regime or really do anything to stop it and reverse what it has done, because theres only one true way. Its originalism and Trumpism, which are increasingly the same thing. And anyone who contests that is wielding an illegitimate claim to power. That justifies taking away voting rights and equal representation and democracy and whatever is necessary to ensure that what the regimes doing now can just keep going forever. Advertisement Advertisement When I started doing these New Years shows, it really struck me that we get absolutely caught up in individual big-ticket cases that weigh toward Trump and the culture wars, without looking at all the cases in the aggregate. When youre covering the court, it is very easy to think, in the moment: The only case that matters is tariffs. Or transgender athletes. Or birthright citizenship. And, to be sure, every one of those cases is a blockbuster. But if you look at the big themes this year, youre exactly right: Its the voting cases. There are a lot of voting cases on the docket. Weve talked about Callais and Texas gerrymander. Theres also campaign finance, plus a major case about mail ballots that the court will hear this term. Advertisement Advertisement I think we really need to see the trend line, which is: The Supreme Court now has six votes to do anything it wants. And it is constantly taking cases about how people vote, where people vote, how their votes are counted, how campaigns are financed. While the big-ticket cases with huge social justice and racial justice implications do matter, its the democracy cases that have the biggest impact. Were barreling into the midterms, and the 2028 election after that. And the way for the Supreme Court to achieve all the big-ticket items it wants is to make sure that Donald Trump and the Republican Party have a permanent majority. Advertisement Related From Slate Why Are Democrats So Afraid to Even Mention the Source of Trumps Political Power? Read More By the way, these democracy cases dont always get treated as seriously in the public conversation. They can be arcane; explaining campaign finance is a two-bourbon job right now. These are abstractions, and they can get devalued in the discourse. But we have to reckon with the fact that if you are a six-justice supermajority and you want to make sure you can do all the stuff you want to do for the next 10 or 20 years, you need to ensure that nothing will stop you, not even an election. Advertisement Advertisement I do want to add that the birthright citizenship case, while absolutely a social justice issue, is also a democracy case. Its about who counts as an American. And if the Trump administration gets its way, it would radically reduce the number of people who have a constitutional claim to birthright citizenship and are therefore able to participate in basic aspects of civic life. And thats a theme that sounds in a lot of these other cases: Who gets to be a full and equal American citizen, and who gets something more like skim-milk citizenship? You see it in democracy cases and civil rights cases alike: Straight white men get the highest form of American citizenship. They cant stop winning, while everybody else is losing. Advertisement That really does lead me to this stakes question, because we ask all the time on this show: What are the stakes for women? For LGBTQ+ communities? For immigrants? But I want to ask the question: What are the stakes for the Supreme Court? Because it seems to me we dont think nearly hard enough about what is on the line for those six MAGA justices if they dont shrink democracy enough to change electoral outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement I think they have reached a point of no return, and they are scared of what happens if the political winds switch direction. At least some of them must understand that they have failed to act as independent jurists. In the mind of a majority of Americans, they are a political body, and as I said, they have cast their lot with Trumpism. If they had spent the past year truly standing up to Trump from time to time, I dont think theyd have as much to fear from Republicans losing political power. I doubt there would be as much Democratic appetite for Supreme Court reform, including term limits and court expansion. Advertisement Advertisement The Republican-appointed justices could have played this smarter if their goal was to stave off Democratic backlash. Giving Trump just 25 percent more losses would have given a lot of people the impression, rightly or wrongly, that the court was more or less doing its job. Americans want to see one branch stand in the way of another when it looks like there is an abuse of power. At this point, though, the justices have gone too far down this road to turn around. And they should be worried, because there is a very real chance that the entire Trumpist project will fall apart. And they are now so intertwined with Trumpism that they might collapse with it. Thats why it is so important for them to weaponize these democracy cases. There may come a time when the only way they can maintain their grasp on power is to oppress the majority. UNICEF programme funded by Education Cannot Wait and partners helps flood-affected children return to learning and enhances school resilience to climate shocks in Kenya. KILIFI COUNTY, Kenya, Dec. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In the heart of Kilifi County, where the memories of a devastating flood still linger, the sound of children's voices is starting to fill the air once more. Just one year ago, Tunzanani Primary School was submerged under catastrophic floodwaters, leaving a landscape of destruction. Margaret, 13, in class in Kilifi County, Kenya. UNICEF Kenya/Paul Kidero For 13-year-old Margaret and 12-year-old Gabriel, the torrential downpour and ensuing floods in Kenya threatened to end their dreams of completing their education and entering the field of science. The classmates watched as their school, in the path of the flood, was destroyed. Their studies, hopes and futures seemed to vanish in the deluge. But even as floodwaters washed away their books and supplies, the community's determination to keep learning afloat endured. Through funding from Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and Postcode Education Trust, a UNICEF programme is ensuring that Margaret, Gabriel and crisis-affected children in the country are able to continue their education. Kenya sits on the frontlines of the climate crisis. The impacts from floods, prolonged droughts and other climate hazards create massive roadblocks toward a better future. Before the flood a result of heavy El Nino rains destroyed the school compound, Margaret and Gabriel were working hard to achieve their dreams. Margaret aimed to become an eye specialist, while Gabriel dreamt of working as a scientist. Unfortunately, their education stood at a standstill after the classrooms of Tunzanani Primary School were severely damaged. A river blocked the road to their school, and many families, already struggling with the aftermath of the disaster, couldn't afford the basics to send their children back. Responding quickly to the crisis, the programme helped bring children back to school by providing much-needed resources like school bags, learning and teaching supplies, and even water tanks to ensure a steady supply of clean water for students and teachers. Tunzanani Primary School is now filled with students who dream of making a meaningful impact in their community. "When I grow up, I want to be a scientist and work in medicine to create medicines for the people," says 12-year-old Gabriel. Margaret has also benefited from the programme's holistic support. Like many girls her age, she faced the challenge of managing menstruation without access to proper sanitary products. Her family's financial situation was a hurdle, and she recalls a shopkeeper's refusal to sell the pads on credit as her family had other pending debts. "When I got my period, I rushed home for sanitary pads, but my mother couldn't afford them. I am grateful that my school, with support from UNICEF, provides them for us," says Margaret. For her, this small but significant provision meant the difference between continuing her education and being forced to miss precious school days. School management has received training in mental health and psychosocial support to strengthen their ability to support students and teachers experiencing the stress and trauma caused by emergencies. The focus on capacity building has also extended to disaster risk reduction and response preparedness for future climate-induced disasters. Millions of people in Kenya are facing a dire humanitarian crisis due to the longest drought the country has seen in 40 years. The situation has been further exacerbated by devastating floods early last year, which caused widespread destruction and left countless communities struggling to recover. According to ECW's Global Estimates report, approximately 50% of crisis-affected children of school age worldwide live in Sub-Saharan Africa, the subregion facing the most complex challenges to guarantee the right to education of every child. Deputy Headteacher Peninah Gambo expressed her gratitude for this holistic support, "We are grateful for this support during these challenging times. This kind gesture has significantly impacted our school, ensuring students have access to essential resources and an uninterrupted education." As the community rebuilds, the future of children like Margaret and Gabriel remains hopeful. The goal now is not just recovery but sustainability, ensuring that schools like Tunzanani are better prepared for future challenges, whether they be floods, droughts or other climate-induced disasters. But this work is far from done. The floods in Kenya are a stark reminder of how climate change affects communities worldwide. Support for crisis-affected children like Margaret and Gabriel must continue, ensuring that education remains accessible despite obstacles. In the face of disaster, education is not just their right it is a critical tool for building resilience, creating opportunities and preparing future generations to navigate a rapidly changing world. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2851284/Education_Cannot_Wait_kenya.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1656121/Education_Cannot_Wait_Logo.jpg Chinese AI start-up Zhipu AI said it would step up efforts next year in the pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI) while continuing to open source its AI models after its initial public offering. In 2026 "we're going to contribute more substantially to the AGI journey," Zheng Qinkai, a researcher at the company, which markets itself internationally as Z.ai, said in an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session hosted on US social media site Reddit. AGI, referring to technology that matches human capabilities across a wide range of domains, is a goal that AI companies around the world are racing to achieve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Chinese tech giant Alibaba Group Holding, which has invested in Zhipu AI, has repeatedly stated its goal of advancing in the field of AGI. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post. Zhipu AI, which has just passed a regulatory hearing for a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, assured global developers that it would keep open sourcing its AI models when asked if it would continue "releasing model weights" after going public. Zhipu AI has just passed a regulatory hearing for a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Photo: Shutterstock Images alt=Zhipu AI has just passed a regulatory hearing for a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Photo: Shutterstock Images> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Model weights are numerical values learned during training that encode a model's capabilities. It is common practice for open-source AI developers to release these, along with research papers. Zeng Aoheng, a Zhipu AI researcher, said the company would "continue contributing to the open-source community" as it had learned a lot from other open systems and public technical reports. "We will keep sharing our own work and technical results to give back to the community," Zeng said in the Reddit session. The Beijing-based firm's campaign to engage with the global tech community comes after it unveiled the latest iteration of its flagship GLM model series, a release swiftly matched by Shanghai-based MiniMax with its M2.1 open model, underscoring the fast-moving race between players vying to shape the world's leading open-source AI systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both companies claimed that their newest models - the GLM-4.7 and M2.1, respectively - featured improved coding capabilities that narrow the gap with US rivals Google and Anthropic. On SWE-Bench, a benchmark assessing models on real-world software engineering tasks, Anthropic was the first closed-source company to surpass 70 per cent in May with its older Claude Opus 4 model. Zhipu AI's GLM-4.7 reached the same milestone for the first time on Monday. Zhipu AI is not the only Chinese company using Reddit to reach out to global developers. Rivals Moonshot AI and MiniMax have both conducted AMA sessions on the platform. Zhipu AI researchers also revealed in the Tuesday discussion that they were investing more computing resources into the pre-training stage, explaining that it was still an effective way to improve the capabilities of an AI system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As to when they would have their next major release, the team said they "only want to call it GLM-5 when the improvements are big enough." 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. While weve made major strides in generating renewable energy, storing that green power to use when the Sun isnt shining or the wind isnt blowing remains a major engineering challenge. Researchers have developed many creative concepts storing it in cranes that hoist humongous concrete blocks up and down, inside hot giant rocks, or spinning turbines by pumping water out of deep, decommissioned mines none have yet proved practical enough for wide deployment. Now, as IEEE Spectrum reports, a Milan-based company called Energy Dome has come up with an intriguing approach that stores energy in enormous domes that are filled with compressed carbon dioxide gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea behind the CO2 battery is simple. By compressing the gas using excess green power, it can later be depressurized to spin large turbines. A fully charged facility can store a formidable 200 megawatt-hours of electricity enough to power around 6,000 homes for a full day. To charge, the battery uses a thermal-energy storage system to cool the CO2 down to ambient pressure, and a condenser turns it into a liquid over a span of ten hours. To discharge it, the CO2 is evaporated and heated to power the turbine. The goal is to bridge the gap between when renewable energy is available and when its actually needed through a long-term duration energy storage (LDES) solution. For instance, solar energy generation may hit its peak during the day, but peak household demand lags hours behind when people are home in the evening. The idea has even caught the attention of Google, which announced a partnership with Energy Dome earlier this year. Now, IEEE Spectrum reports that the tech giant plans to rapidly deploy the facilities in all of its key data-center locations in Europe, the United States, and the Asia-Pacific region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Energy Dome is currently working on a pilot CO2 battery built on five hectares of flat land in Sardinia, Italy. If successful, it wants to expand rapidly, popping up similar facilities across the world, starting with a separate plant in Karnataka, India. Authorities are also working on laying the groundwork for another in Wisconsin. Googles senior lead for energy strategy, Ainhoa Anda, told IEEE Spectrum that one big benefit of the approach is that its one-size-fits-all. Weve been scanning the globe seeking different solutions, he said, adding that standardization is really important, and this is one of the aspects that we really like about Energy Dome. They can really plug and play this, Anda added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tech giant is looking to start in places where the electricity grid is already reliable and has a surplus of renewable energy that needs to be stored. Nearby data centers can then tap into the CO2 battery. Unlike other renewable energy storage solutions, CO2 batteries dont need special minerals, supply chains for complex parts, or constant upkeep. And its not just Google looking to harness the benefits of LDES. China is also working on constructing CO2 batteries, according to IEEE. Nonetheless, questions surrounding the concepts long-term economic viability remain. For one thing, a CO2 batterys footprint is considerably larger than a lithium-ion battery storage facility. Theres also the shortcoming that plagues all bubbles: the threat of a puncture, which could release thousands of tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But proponents argue its worth the risks. Its negligible compared to the emissions of a coal plant, Energy Dome CEO Claudio Spadacini told IEEE Spectrum. More on renewable energy storage: The Amount of Electricity Generated From Solar Is Suddenly Unbelievable PV Gas plans over $3.8 bln investment for 2026-2030, eyes LNG infrastructure, M&A as priorities By Bach Quang Sat, December 27, 2025 | 10:32 am GMT+7 PV Gas, the investor of Thi Vai LNG terminal in Ho Chi Minh City, plans to invest more than VND100 trillion ($3.8 billion) in the 2026-2030 period, with LNG infrastructure and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) among its strategic priorities, said parent company Petrovietnam. The corporation said the investment plan follows a strategy of building infrastructure ahead of demand and using capital spending as the foundation for long-term business growth. Thi Vai LNG terminal in the former Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, now part of Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of PV Gas, the investor. In 2025, PV Gas was assigned 12 projects with planned disbursements of more than VND3.3 trillion. Actual disbursements reached VND3.4 trillion ($129.3 million), equivalent to 103% of the year's plan, according to a release posted on Petrovietnam's website on Friday. Major projects under implementation include the expansion of the Thi Vai LNG terminal to a capacity of 3 million tones per year, the Son My LNG import terminal, LNG terminals in northern and north-central Vietnam, the PV Gas-Hai Phong LNG port, the Dinh Co ethane separation project, gas supply projects for the Long An 1 and 2 power plants, and upgrades to the Phu My-Ho Chi Minh City gas pipeline. Other projects include gas gathering and transportation pipelines from the Su Tu Trang and Tuna fields, as well as studies to expand the PV Gas Vung Tau port, small-scale hydrogen production, cooling and heating supply solutions for customers, and LNG supply options for Vietnams southwest region via floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs). PV Gas is also working with Petrovietnam and domestic and foreign partners on joint investment and value-chain linkages, including national strategic energy projects, hydrogen blending with natural gas and the use of existing gas infrastructure for transport and distribution, the company said. Starting in 2026, PV Gas plans to accelerate key projects, with planned construction investment disbursements of more than VND9 trillion ($342.3 million), seen as a stepping stone toward the broader 2026-2030 investment program. LNG infrastructure is one of our top investment priorities amid the energy transition and the decline of domestic gas supply, while new gas sources cannot be brought online in the short term, PV Gas CEO Pham Van Phong said. Expanding LNG supply is essential to ensure energy security and support Vietnams goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, he added. Alongside infrastructure development, PV Gas plans to actively seek upstream and downstream investment opportunities, pursue M&A deals, and strengthen the application of science and technology to optimize corporate value. PV Gas is committed to further strengthening its energy industry infrastructure, creating momentum for long-term growth, the company said. PV Gas chairman Nguyen Thanh Binh said the company is entering a phase of rapid growth in both scale and quality, with revenue and profit nearly doubling over the past five years despite a challenging operating environment. In the next five-year period, particularly from the pivotal year of 2026, PV Gas will strongly implement its strategy, placing operations at the center, investment as the foundation and market expansion as the growth driver, he said, aiming to deepen participation across the entire gas and LNG value chain from upstream to downstream. In 2025, PV Gas posted record high results in its 35-year history, with consolidated revenue reaching a record VND134 trillion ($5.1 billion), up 27% from 2024. Pre-tax profit was estimated at nearly VND15 trillion ($570.5 million), up 14% year-on-year, while contributions to the state budget exceeded VND7.8 trillion, the company said. 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Trao oi voi Bao Tai chinh - au tu, ong Bae Seung Jun - Tong Giam oc Shinhan Life Viet Nam chia se nhan inh ve trien vong thi truong cung nhu chien luoc phat trien cua doanh nghiep trong giai oan moi. LOS GATOS, Calif. Like many retirement communities, The Terraces serves as a tranquil refuge for a nucleus of older people who no longer can travel to faraway places or engage in bold adventures. But they can still be thrust back to their days of wanderlust and thrill-seeking whenever caretakers at the community in Los Gatos, California, schedule a date for residents many of whom are in their 80s and 90s to take turns donning virtual reality headsets. Within a matter of minutes, the headsets can transport them to Europe, immerse them in the ocean depths or send them soaring on breathtaking hang-gliding expeditions while they sit by each other. The selection of VR programming was curated by Rendever, a company that has turned a sometimes isolating form of technology into a catalyst for better cognition and social connections in 800 retirement communities in the United States and Canada. A group of The Terraces residents who participated in a VR session earlier this year found themselves paddling their arms alongside their chairs as they swam with a pod of dolphins while watching one of Rendever's 3D programs. We got to go underwater and didn't even have to hold our breath! exclaimed 81-year-old Ginny Baird following the virtual submersion. During a session featuring a virtual ride in a hot-air balloon, one resident gasped, Oh my God! Another shuddered, It's hard to watch! The Rendever technology can also be used to virtually take older adults back to the places where they grew up as children. For some, it will be the first time they've seen their hometowns in decades. A virtual trip to her childhood neighborhood in New York City's Queens borough helped sell Sue Livingstone, 84, on the merits of the VR technology even though she still is able to get out more often than many residents of The Terraces, which is located in Silicon Valley about 55 miles south of San Francisco. It isn't just about being able to see it again, it's about all the memories that it brings back, Livingstone said. There are a few people living here who never really leave their comfort zones. But if you could entice them to come down to try out a headset, they might find that they really enjoy it. Adrian Marshall, The Terraces' community life director, said that once word about a VR experience spreads from one resident to another, more of the uninitiated typically become curious enough to try it out even if it means missing out on playing Mexican Train, a dominoes-like board game that's popular in the community. It turns into a conversation starter for them. It really does connect people, Marshall said of Rendever's VR programming. It helps create a human bridge that makes them realize they share certain similarities and interests. It turns the artificial world into reality. Rendever, a privately owned company based in Somerville, Massachusetts, hopes to build upon its senior living platform with a recent grant from the National Institutes of Health that will provide nearly $4.5 million to study ways to reduce social isolation among seniors living at home and their caregivers. Some studies have found VR programming presented in a limited viewing format can help older people maintain and improve cognitive functions, burnish memories and foster social connections with their families and fellow residents of care facilities. Experts say the technology may be useful as an addition to and not a replacement for other activities. There is always a risk of too much screen time," Katherine Kate Dupuis, a neuropsychologist and professor who studies aging at Sheridan College in Canada, said. But if you use it cautiously, with meaning and purpose, it can be very helpful. It can be an opportunity for the elderly to engage with someone and share a sense of wonder. VR headsets may be an easier way for older people to interact with technology instead of fumbling around with a smartphone or another device that requires navigating buttons or other mechanisms, said Pallabi Bhowmick, a researcher at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who is examining the use of VR with older adults. The stereotypes that older adults arent willing to try new technology needs to change because they are willing and want to adapt to technologies that are meaningful to them, Bhowmick said. "Besides helping them to relieve stress, be entertained and connect with other people, there is an intergenerational aspect that might help them build their relationships with younger people who find out they use VR and say, Grandpa is cool!" Rendever CEO Kyle Rand's interest in helping his own grandmother deal with the emotional and mental challenges of aging pushed him down a path that led him to cofound the company in 2016 after studying neuroengineering at Duke University. What really fascinates me about humans is just how much our brain depends on social connection and how much we learn from others, Rand said. A group of elderly residents who don't really know each other that well can come together, spend 30 minutes in a VR experience together and then find themselves sitting down to have lunch together while continuing a conversation about the experience. 2025 in photos: AP photographers share their top images from across the US This should be one of the easier things the Legislature does all session. Not because theres no money involved, but, in a way, because theres so much money involved. Arizona is one of 36 states with tax incentives for companies wanting to build data centers. Our incentive program offers a complete waiver of sales taxes on data center equipment purchases for 10 years for any qualifying data center in Arizona. To qualify, the center must make a capital investment of at least $50 million, if in Maricopa or Pima County, or $25 million elsewhere. Qualifying means no state, county, or local sales tax on their data center equipment purchases in Arizona. The incentive program, which began in 2013, has helped the Phoenix area become one of the biggest areas of data center development in the country. In 2021, the Legislature passed, and then-Gov. Doug Ducey signed, a 10-year extension of the law, meaning the incentives are now set to expire in 2033. That was then, before the artificial-intelligence-driven boom in data centers grew so big that it provoked public opposition around the world, including in Arizona cities like Tucson and Chandler. State Sen. Priya Sundareshan, a Tucson Democrat, said she's heard some legislators talk about changing or eliminating Arizona's incentive, though no bill has been filed yet. "Im hearing a lot of interest around it," she said. "I personally have a lot of interest in it." Gov. Katie Hobbs has also signaled an interest in revisiting the incentives to find "the right balance," KNXV TV Channel 15 in Phoenix reported. We should look at the incentives to make sure they're doing the right thing, and that we have a better strategy around it, Hobbs said. No need for incentive There is obviously no need for this incentive on the part of data center developers and users, some of the wealthiest companies in the world. Investor money has been pouring into data centers to such an extent that the big five tech companies involved in data center hyperscaling are expected to make around $600 billion in capital expenditures in 2026. Outside investment firms like Blue Owl Capital, the one backing the Project Blue data center in Tucson, also are pouring investor money into building them. And the companies supplying the equipment, including massive companies like Nvidia, are some of the best-funded on the planet. The industry is so big that our economy, at this stage, is dependent on its success. But the builders of data centers, the Big Tech companies using them, and the companies selling the equipment for them all have enough money to pay our sales tax on the equipment required. They don't need a break from us. It's unclear exactly how much sales tax has been forgiven over the life of the incentives. In the fiscal year that ended June 30, the Arizona Commerce Authority approved nine data center projects for the incentive. The year before, the authority approved 17. Of course, the argument is not so much about what the data center companies need, but about what we can get from the data centers. The eternal argument for such incentives, no matter the industry, is that they give us "jobs and investment." Indeed, the investment is tremendous. The projected investment to build Project Blue, a complex of up to 10 data centers just southeast of Tucson, is $3.6 billion. Of that, about $1.2 billion is the projected cost of construction. That means lots and lots of construction jobs that would buoy the local job market for the years of the project's construction. It's no small benefit. Few permanent jobs The drawbacks are plentiful, too, though. While data centers provide many jobs during construction, their permanent jobs are relatively scant. The forecast for Project Blue is 180 permanent jobs at an average of $64,000 per year, but the developers are only required by their deal with Pima County to create 75 permanent jobs. They also use substantial water, if they're cooled with water, and massive amounts of electricity. Data centers and the grid upgrades they require are one of the factors expected to drive up already soaring electricity costs in coming years. The increased electricity usage also means retaining fossil-fuel-burning electric plants and their greenhouse-gas emissions, slowing the transition to cleaner renewables. Beyond that, people are simply tired of new data centers in their areas. This became clear when the Chandler City Council rejected a proposed new data center on Dec. 11. Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema lobbied for the approval of the center, which would have been Chandler's 11th, and even threatened them with resorting to the Trump administration for strongarm assistance. Nevertheless, the council voted unanimously against approving the center. This shows not just local resistance but also bipartisan skepticism. Chandler has almost 7,000 more Republican than Democratic voters, and a Republican mayor, Kevin Hartke, though the elections are non-partisan. "Republicans are not immune from this either," Sundareshan said. "Id love to find that common ground." Tech industry will fight Of course, any move to repeal a tax incentive meets with opposition from the industry it benefits. You can bet the tech industry will fight any effort at repeal. As wealthy as they are, they have the money to boost a legislator's campaign immeasurably, or to boost an opponent to anyone who goes for a repeal. A more likely outcome than full repeal is some middle-ground reform of the program. That would be a step in the right direction, of course. But we should always be asking why we are incentivizing this wealthy and well-established industry at all. Is $40,000 the right threshold for e-invoices? A draft decree by Vietnams Ministry of Finance proposes requiring household businesses with annual revenue of at least 1 billion VND (approx. USD 40,000) to issue e-invoices. These invoices must carry a tax authority code or be generated through a cash register system connected to tax agencies, as outlined in Decree 70/2025. According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), this rule aims to promote tax transparency and prevent fraud. However, VCCI argues that the 1 billion VND revenue threshold may be inconsistent with existing tax calculation benchmarks, which are currently set at 3 billion VND and 50 billion VND. They note that 1 billion VND is only modestly above the current tax-exempt level-just 500 million VND more-and that many businesses in this range still face limited financial and technological capacity. Survey highlights challenges A VCCI survey conducted in June 2025 revealed persistent difficulties among household businesses earning over 1 billion VND. In rural areas, 32% reported lacking funds to adopt e-invoicing systems, while 77% cited poor digital skills. In urban areas, 23% lacked capital, and 67% struggled with technology adoption. Calls to raise the threshold to 3 billion VND VCCI supports the use of tax-coded e-invoices but urges policymakers to design the rollout in a way that doesnt overburden smaller businesses. They recommend increasing the threshold to 3 billion VND (approx. USD 120,000), which aligns with the point at which profit-based tax calculation begins. For businesses below that threshold, VCCI suggests enhancing tax monitoring using alternative data sources instead of requiring universal e-invoice compliance. A case for keeping the 1 billion VND level Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Tu, a lecturer at Hanoi University of Business and Technology, told VietNamNet that the draft essentially reiterates existing regulations in Decree 70/2025 to ensure consistency. He believes the 1 billion VND threshold is sensible. The amount, he says, is not large, especially considering current tax administration capacity. Among the 5.2 million household businesses nationwide, only around 37,000-less than 1%-report annual revenue over 1 billion VND. Dr. Tu emphasized that Vietnams broader tax strategy aims to eventually apply e-invoicing to all businesses, even those earning under 1 billion VND, to support digital transformation and transparency. Raising the threshold may shrink e-invoice coverage Dr. Tu warns that increasing the threshold to 3 billion VND could unintentionally exempt nearly all household businesses from e-invoicing. This would likely expand the informal, undocumented economy and reduce tax compliance, harming other sectors in the process. Instead, he advocates retaining the current threshold of 1 billion VND while gradually introducing e-invoices to even smaller businesses over time. Tax professionals flag inconsistencies Nguyen Ngoc Tinh, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Tax Consultants and Agents, noted that the draft's second version applies only the direct tax method based on revenue. This method mandates the use of sales invoices, not value-added tax (VAT) invoices. Under the 2024 VAT Law, household businesses earning between 500 million and 1 billion VND aren't required to issue e-invoices. However, businesses earning over 1 billion VND must issue them. This creates a grey zone: how can VAT obligations be assessed fairly if a large segment isnt issuing invoices? According to the VAT Law, revenue used for tax calculation includes all payments listed on the invoice, including surcharges and extra fees retained by the business. For businesses earning below 500 million VND-which are exempt from VAT-the draft states that tax declarations must be submitted no later than the 30th day of the first month in the following quarter. Yet it remains unclear which documents will be used to verify revenue in this group, Tinh argued. Nguyen Le Tai, 30, from Vinh Long province, who is living and working in Kobe city, Japan, has always loved the land of the rising sun. In 2017, after graduating from university, he surprised those around him by deciding to go to Japan to study nursing care. Upon arriving in Japan, Tai spent 3 years to relearn everything from scratch. In the first year, he learned Japanese. In the next two years, he was trained with the knowledge needed to become a caregiver, called kaigo in Japanese. The job of a kaigo is to provide daily physical and mental support to the elderly, patients or people with disabilities, including helping with eating, drinking, bathing, changing diapers and organizing recreational activities. In Japan, Tai mostly works at nursing homes as a kaigo responsible for elderly care. Tais 8-hour workday begins with receiving task updates from the previous shift and noting all reminders. After that, he takes the elderly to the restroom, changes their diapers and helps them with breakfast. At noon, Tai makes tea, prepares lunch, and helps the residents eat. For the older residents with illnesses who cannot eat by themselves, Tai has to feed them spoon by spoon. After lunch, he guides them to brush their teeth, leads them back to their rooms to change diapers, and helps them go to sleep. At 2pm, Tai wakes them up and gives them a light snack. In the afternoon, he continues to support them with using the toilet, changing diapers, and eating. During their rest time, Tai updates each persons condition and handles small tasks like washing dishes, preparing afternoon tea and cleaning the rooms until finishing his shift at 5pm. Tai shared: The work is not gentle or peaceful at all. It is full of challenges. Caregivers cannot avoid daily contact with waste and unpleasant smells. In nursing homes, most elderly people are very old, sometimes forgetful, and behave like children. At times, they refuse to cooperate and even scream, scratch or bite my hand. I must stay calm and explain gently. If things get too stressful, I call another staff member to help stabilize their emotions. Memorable moments After eight years in the profession, Tai has many happy and sad memories. The most haunting moment for him was witnessing the person he cared for take their final breath. Tai still remembers the first time it happened. That day, he noticed that an elderly man he cared for had eaten less than usual, even though he showed no clear signs of illness. Sensing something unusual, Tai patiently observed and monitored him for days, but everything seemed normal. The man was still cheerful and optimistic as usual. Then one afternoon, after finishing his meal, the elderly man lay down to rest. No one expected that it would be his final sleep. He passed away quietly and gently, so silently that no one noticed. When Tai came to wake him up for the afternoon snack, he discovered what had happened. It was his first close contact with a deceased person, and he was startled and scared. However, he quickly calmed down and handled the situation as trained. Tai said: In such cases, I call the nurse so they can take care of the procedures. But I must stay to help in cleaning and beautifying the deceased, such as changing clothes, fixing their hair, putting makeup on elderly women or shaving for elderly men. At first, before I got used to it, each time an elderly person passed away, I felt very sad, empty and heartbroken. But gradually, I learned to accept it and understand that it is the natural law of life. Despite the pressure that requires patience and compassion, Tais job still gives him stable income. He said that each month, after tax and insurance, he receives about VND50 million. Not yet married, this income not only helps Tai live comfortably in Japan but also allows him to regularly visit and support his parents in his hometown. After 8 years of working, I realized I chose the right path. This job not only brings stable income but also gives me the opportunity to stay long term in Japan. As Japans population is rapidly aging, the caregiving industry always needs a large workforce. This will be an attractive option for foreign workers who want to work and live long term in Japan, Tai shared. Thanh Minh Mai Van Tai, Director of the SafeGate Cybersecurity Services Center Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have long been considered the backbone of the Asia-Pacific economy, accounting for about 90 percent of all businesses and creating tens of millions of jobs. However, this very group is increasingly becoming a favorite target of cybercriminals. More concerning, many risks do not stem from sophisticated cyberattacks, but originate from problems inside. At Internet Day 2025 held on December 17, experts warned that in the digital economy, information security is no longer a purely technical issue but a vital factor determining the survival, resilience, and market expansion of small businesses. When digital trust is no longer optional Filip Graovac, Deputy Country Representative of The Asia Foundation (TAF) in Vietnam, said digital trust is the foundation of all business activities in the digital environment. Digital trust is not optional, it is essential, he emphasized, noting that this trust directly translates into consumer confidence, repeat purchases, and a companys reputation within the community. The figures cited by Graovac show consumers growing sensitivity to data. Up to 85 percent of consumers want to know a companys data policy before deciding to purchase a product or service; 53 percent say they are only willing to transact with companies that have a strong reputation for protecting personal data. He warned that when digital trust erodes, businesses tend to withdraw from the digital environment. This withdrawal not only means loss of revenue but also increases the risk of job losses and the loss of long-term growth potential, which is especially dangerous for small-scale enterprises. Biggest risks lie within business Contrary to the common belief that information security threats mainly come from hackers or viruses, many experts argue that the greater risk actually comes from user behavior within enterprises. Mai Van Tai, Director of the SafeGate Cybersecurity Services Center, said the risk of data leakage is even less external than internal. According to him, the two most prominent issues are resource waste and data leakage via the Internet. Beyond productivity losses, employee behavior can also lead to serious data leaks. Corporate data may be uploaded to online storage platforms such as Google Drive or OneDrive, or even fed into AI tools for analysis, without appropriate control measures. In this context, statistics from the Ministry of Public Security show that in the first half of 2025 alone, up to 110 million data records were offered for sale online, reflecting the severity of the problem. Meanwhile, Nguyen Ich Vinh, Vice Chair of the Board at FSI DDS, said one of the biggest blind spots for businesses today lies in their security approach. Most enterprises still deploy traditional security models that focus on controlling inputs such as firewalls, antivirus software, and endpoint protection, while paying insufficient attention to monitoring data outputs. He explained that after breaching initial defense layers, malware can silently establish connections with Command & Control (C&C) servers, enabling data exfiltration or receiving instructions for subsequent attacks. Without mechanisms to control outbound traffic, it becomes difficult for businesses to detect these abnormal behaviors, especially as malware grows increasingly sophisticated with AI support. Accessible solutions for small businesses Facing these challenges, experts believe that building digital trust must start with people and communities. According to the TAF representative, this process rests on four pillars: a supportive ecosystem of policies and training; users equipped with digital safety knowledge; trust between individuals; and responsible, transparent businesses in protecting customer data. Small businesses have strong demand for basic security tools but are constrained by cost and human resource bottlenecks. Therefore, specialized solutions that are easy to use and suited to the scale of SMEs are key, ranging from Internet access monitoring systems and data leakage prevention tools to outbound traffic control devices. As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated and amplified by AI, multi-layered defense is no longer an advanced option but a minimum requirement for businesses to protect data and maintain digital trust. For small enterprises, correctly identifying risks, especially those originating internally, is the first step to avoiding being left behind in the digital economy. Du Lam Growing up in the windy borderlands of An Giang Province, Nguyen Hoang Duy, born in 2007 and belonging to the Khmer ethnic group, has become a freshman at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, majoring in Chemical Engineering with an impressive university entrance score of 28.25. Duy is among those honored in the Outstanding and Excellent Ethnic Minority Students 2025 program organized by the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs. Overjoyed at 28.25 - with a touch of regret Nguyen Hoang Duy, born 2007, Khmer ethnic group, scored 28.25 and entered the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. Photo: NVCC Duys childhood was marked not by private tutoring or expensive materials but by long afternoons helping his parents run a small business after school. His parents couldnt guide him through complex formulas, but they taught him something more valuable: diligence and perseverance. Those lessons became Duys personal rule - no matter how hard life got, giving up was never an option. When the exam results were released, Duys hands shook as he refreshed the overloaded website again and again. When 28.25 appeared, I froze, then screamed out loud, he recalled. Yet, the joy was mixed with a bit of disappointment. He had hoped for 29 points in the A00 exam block, believing he made a small mistake somewhere. But soon pride took over - the result reflected his own hard work. He ran home to tell his parents. The way my father looked at me - proud and emotional - made me feel twice as happy, Duy said. The hardest challenge: self-doubt For Duy, the most difficult obstacle wasnt knowledge, but inferiority. At home, study conditions are nothing like in the city, he explained. While city students - especially those at specialized schools - solve complex problems easily, I struggled just to keep up. When he decided to join the national gifted student exam, Duy felt overwhelmed. The material was massive. I had to teach myself everything, choosing what to study without guidance. Still, Duy persisted. Despite not attending a specialized school, he made it onto An Giangs provincial team and later won a National Encouragement Prize. It wasnt the top prize, but it meant a lot, he said. I had to overcome my own limits to get it. Duy with his father and younger sister. Photo: NVCC From that experience, Duy realized that the biggest challenge wasnt knowledge - it was the courage to overcome self-doubt. He doesnt deny differences in background but sees them positively: I want people to see that ethnic minority students, even in difficult conditions, can rise with willpower and intellect. That belief drives him forward - to prove that intelligence knows no borders or ethnicity. A fathers unfinished dream The person who inspired Duy most was his father, who always valued education as the only way to change ones destiny. He once dreamed of becoming an engineer, Duy said, but life didnt allow it. Now I want to continue that dream in my own way - by becoming a chemical engineer. Duy describes himself in one word: stubborn. When I dont understand something, I stay with it until I do. I study slowly but deeply, never by rote. He believes this persistence helped him master his lessons and recall concepts from first principles when needed. Now a first-year student at one of Vietnams most competitive universities, Duy has a message for students from disadvantaged areas: Dont let poverty or your background hold you back. Keep the flame of learning alive. Every dream is reachable if you walk toward it with persistence. He smiles and adds, Just start. The world is wide, waiting for us to learn - and to come home and build our communities stronger. Le Huyen Despite earlier signals that Samsung would maintain its usual January release timeline-despite speculation around the cancelation of the Galaxy S26 Edge-a new leak indicates that the entire S26 series could be pushed back. Instead of a January debut, the Galaxy S26 is now rumored to be unveiled in February and officially available for purchase in March. A concept Galaxy S26 Ultra. Photo: Phone Tech Is the Galaxy S26 truly delayed? The latest information comes from Ice Universe, a well-known leaker with a strong track record, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the Galaxy S26 series will debut during a Galaxy Unpacked event in February, with sales beginning in March. According to Ice Universe, this timeline represents a delay from Samsungs earlier internal schedule, even though it aligns with typical past release cycles. Previously, South Korean outlet ChosunBiz reported, citing Samsung insiders, that the company still intended to launch the phone in late January and begin sales in February-just like it did with the Galaxy S25. The conflicting reports created uncertainty about the actual timing-until the new leaks appeared to solidify the later schedule. Meanwhile, a report from Korea Economic Daily confirmed that Samsung has officially ceased development of the Galaxy S26 Edge. Why cancel the Edge model? Sources cited by SamMobile claim that the primary reason behind dropping the Edge variant was the underwhelming sales of its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Edge, and a general lack of market interest. One key complaint was the devices 3,900mAh battery, considered insufficient for a flagship phone. Although future models could have addressed this with larger batteries, Samsung was unsure whether consumers would give the Edge line another chance. Apple faces similar challenges with its iPhone Air-a lightweight model with limited battery life and camera performance. According to The Information, Apple hasnt scrapped the project entirely but has indefinitely postponed the iPhone Air 2. These decisions signal a shift in consumer expectations. Surveys show that smartphone buyers now prioritize practical value, strong battery life, and useful features over ultra-slim form factors. Neither the Galaxy S25 Edge nor the iPhone Air met these needs completely. As a result, Samsung is likely reverting to its traditional three-model structure, emphasizing real-world performance over slim design. Strategic delay-or return to normal? While no official date has been confirmed, launching the Galaxy S26 in February wouldnt be unprecedented. The Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S22 both debuted in February, as did the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S10, with availability typically following in March. If Samsung sticks with its established pattern-announcing new models at Galaxy Unpacked and releasing them roughly two weeks later-a February event and March release would fit seamlessly. This schedule also gives the company additional time to fine-tune its products in a fiercely competitive market. The previously rumored cancelation of the Edge model had sparked speculation that Samsung was forced to overhaul its roadmap, resulting in delays. However, CAD renderings shared by Android Headlines and OnLeaks confirm the existence of the Galaxy S26 Plus, which is expected to feature a more robust and thicker design-about 7.35mm-closely matching the S25 Plus and noticeably bulkier than the now-defunct ultra-thin S25 Edge. Whether Samsung is retiring the Edge branding for good or simply putting it on hold until battery technologies advance remains to be seen. Focus shifts to performance and practicality Even if the Galaxy S26 launches later than some had hoped, it appears Samsung is prioritizing a more pragmatic path-enhancing battery life, features, and overall user experience, rather than chasing extreme thinness. This shift shows that Samsung is listening to the market. And if the leaks prove accurate, February and March 2026 will mark the unveiling of one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year-a Galaxy S26 lineup that is expected to be practical, powerful, and aligned with the real needs of todays users. Hai Phong Concise and restrained in tone, the speech did more than summarize the final meeting of the term. It served as a strategic declaration-solidifying viewpoints, locking in principles of action, and outlining breakthrough directions for the five years ahead. With Congress XIV on the horizon, this moment marks the final alignment of perspectives before Vietnam enters a more challenging and complex development phase-one that will demand far greater execution discipline than previous stages. A new development era and Vietnams historic arc The 15th Party Central Committee plenary laid the foundation for Congress XIV in shaping Vietnams next strategic phase. Photo: VNA A core theme running through the General Secretarys speech was the placement of the 15th Plenary Session and upcoming Congress XIV within the long historical arc of the nation. Nearly 100 years of Party leadership, 40 years of Doi Moi reforms, and the ongoing commitment to the 1991 Political Platform-along with its 2011 revisions-were cited to reaffirm one essential point: Vietnams development path is a cumulative outcome of sustained effort, tested by real-world experience. This message is crucial as reform enters more sensitive terrain. Institutional overhauls, decentralization, growth model innovation, administrative restructuring, and resource reallocation are no longer merely technical tweaks-they touch entrenched interests, habits, and operational systems built over decades. Affirming the correctness of the reform direction and the path toward socialism tailored to Vietnams conditions is a vital ideological anchor for future transformations. Equally notable was the speechs emphasis on unity and social consensus-factors deemed decisive to realizing the breakthroughs envisioned for the next stage. Strategic autonomy in an uncertain world The speech reaffirmed a key principle: sustaining strategic autonomy and national resilience in all circumstances. This takeaway stems from the hard-earned experience of the 13th term, which saw external upheavals ranging from the pandemic and extreme weather events to geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and global economic shocks. The lesson: Vietnams development trajectory cannot rely solely on external forces. Deep integration remains a strategic choice, but without self-reliance, the nation risks vulnerability amid shifting global dynamics. This principle will shape policy across the next term-from foreign capital flows, foundational industry development, and energy security to foreign affairs in a landscape of rising strategic competition. Strategic autonomy does not mean isolation, but rather the ability to assert ones position proactively within a realigned global order. Three strategic breakthroughs for the new era The speechs most important focus was the Partys adoption of three strategic breakthroughs to steer Vietnams upcoming development phase. The order of these breakthroughs reflects a marked shift in development thinking. The first breakthrough is institutional reform-linked to decentralization, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Placing institutions first shows a mature recognition: if Vietnam fails to resolve institutional bottlenecks, no other resource-be it capital, labor, or technology-can be effectively mobilized. Decentralization in this context is not mere administrative reform. It is essential for unleashing local innovation, shortening policy lags, and enabling new production and business models. The second breakthrough involves restructuring and enhancing the quality of human capital, alongside bold reforms in personnel management. The call to protect cadres who dare to think, act, and take responsibility sends a clear message: reform cannot succeed under a bureaucratic mindset fixated on safety. This is the most difficult breakthrough-because it deals with people and systemic operations-but it is also the most decisive. The third breakthrough is infrastructure development, especially in transport, digital, and energy systems. Infrastructure here goes beyond public investment. It is the physical backbone for a new growth model and for achieving industrialization and modernization in the age of digital transformation and energy transition. Six priorities and the execution test While the three breakthroughs serve as strategic levers, the Party also identified six implementation priorities for the next term. These range from Party-building and legal reform to developing a socialist-oriented market economy that better empowers the private sector, advancing science and technology, nurturing culture and human capital, and safeguarding national defense, security, and foreign policy. Whats critical is the tight interconnection among these areas. Private sector growth demands institutional reform. Science and technology need skilled human resources. Culture and people are seen not as auxiliary to development, but as its endogenous foundation. This approach requires strong coordination capacity-and even more importantly, rigorous execution discipline within the apparatus. That is both the biggest current bottleneck and the greatest test ahead. The unified personnel vote outcome at the session underscores the priority placed on consensus and continuity, laying the groundwork for a term expected to face complex and sensitive decisions. Congress XIV: A milestone for national progress In closing, the General Secretary called Congress XIV a landmark political event for Vietnam. But beyond formality, the real weight lies in the publics expectations for this Congress: to launch a new development chapter with higher standards for growth quality and governance capacity. The closing speech of the 15th Plenary set out very specific demands. Vietnams development opportunities will only materialize if its strategic breakthroughs are fully realized-with discipline in execution and clear accountability at every level, in every sector, and by every individual in the system. That is the defining challenge for Congress XIV-and for Vietnams next five years of development. Tu Giang Illustrative photo. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has received petitions from voters in Ninh Binh Province, forwarded by the National Assemblys Committee on Petitions and Supervision. Voters highlighted inadequacies in the current salary and allowance policies and proposed early adjustments. The voters suggested increasing allowance levels and improving policies for part-time workers in villages and neighborhoods to ensure compensation is commensurate with the nature of the work, workload, and actual contribution. Additionally, voters requested an increase in the base salary and a review of supplementary allowances, such as public service, leadership, responsibility, and dual-office allowances, for communal-level officials and civil servants who work directly at the local level and frequently interact with citizens. Furthermore, voters proposed the issuance of a specific salary and allowance table for communal-level officials and civil servants to ensure the unique characteristics of the grassroots level are met, unified nationwide, and maintain long-term stability to avoid fragmented and inconsistent revisions. Notably, voters emphasized the requirement for effective salary reform in line with the roadmap stipulated in Resolution No 27 of the Central Committee, thereby contributing to the enhanced operational efficiency of grassroots governments. Calculating new salaries In response, MHA stated that Resolution No 27 on salary policy reform for officials, civil servants, public employees, the armed forces, and workers in enterprises clearly defines the factors for designing new salary tables. It also expands salary relationships as a basis for determining specific salary levels within the salary system. According to MHA, the construction of a new salary regime must be linked to the completion of the catalog of job positions, leadership and management titles, and civil servant rank and professional public employee title standards. This serves as the basis for calculating and ranking salaries based on the principles of pay-by-job position and title. The Ministry further noted that based on the Politburos Conclusion No 64 and Resolution No104/2023, the Ministry has presided over and coordinated with relevant ministries and agencies to report to competent authorities on the implementation of six salary reform contents under Resolution No27 starting from July 1, 2024. However, during the implementation process, many obstacles and inadequacies arose, requiring adjustments suitable to the actual situation and budget balancing capabilities. Consequently, the Politburo issued Conclusion No83; the National Assembly issued Resolution No142; and the Government issued Decree No73, raising the base salary from VND1.8 million per month to VND2.34 million per month, a 30 percent increase effective July 1, 2024, for officials, civil servants, public employees, and the armed forces. Proposal on base salary increase Regarding the next phase, MHA stated that based on the goals and tasks approved by the 16th National Party Congress, the socio-economic and financial development plans for the next five years, and the socio-economic conditions and state budget capacity, the Ministry will continue to report to competent authorities to consider and propose an appropriate salary regime following the roadmap in Conclusion No83. Simultaneously, performing the tasks assigned by the Politburo in Conclusion No174, Conclusion No186, and Conclusion No206, the Ministry has been coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies to research and propose salary policies and adjustments to certain allowance regimes for officials, civil servants, public employees, the armed forces, and workers after the reorganization of the administrative apparatus and two-level local government organization. In the immediate time, to improve the livelihoods of cadres, civil servants, public employees, and workers, the Ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies to continue reporting to competent authorities for consideration and decision on increasing the base salary in 2026, ensuring alignment with the consumer price index, economic growth, and the state budgets balancing capacity. Presenting the report on administrative reform results for the 2022-2025 period at the 5-year preliminary review conference of the master program for state administrative reform on December 18, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Van Hoi stated that there are 136,261 officials and civil servants currently working in 3,321 communes, wards, and special zones across 34 provinces and cities. Among them, 94.6 percent of officials and civil servants possess qualifications and expertise suitable for their job positions. Starting from March 2025, the structure of the 15th-term Government (2021-2026) has been streamlined to 14 ministries and 3 ministerial-level agencies, a reduction of 5 ministries and ministerial-level agencies, equivalent to a 22.7 percent decrease. Thu Hang Police in Lao Cai province have confirmed that brake failure caused a 29-seat passenger bus carrying 18 people to lose control on an 18% downhill slope in Phinh Ho commune, resulting in nine deaths and nine serious injuries. Deadly accident on steep S-curve The accident occurred in Mu Thap village on the evening of December 27. According to the provincial police, the buss braking system suddenly malfunctioned while descending the concrete mountain road. The section where the crash happened features a sharp S-shaped curve consisting of two consecutive bends with an approximate slope of 18%. After cresting the slope, the bus began accelerating uncontrollably due to total brake failure, veered off the road, crashed into a safety barrier, and overturned. Eight people were pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver, Do Dang Thinh, 65, from Hanoi, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Nine others were taken to nearby medical facilities, where they remain under intensive care. Charity trip turns tragic Earlier that morning, at about 7:40 a.m., the 29B-614xx bus had departed from Hanoi, carrying a volunteer group headed to Ta Ghenh village to deliver supplies to the Hoa My Kindergarten. Authorities have ordered a technical inspection of the vehicle, and the Ministry of Public Securitys Institute of Forensic Science has been tasked with assessing mechanical defects to determine precise responsibility. The provincial government has mobilized emergency resources to assist victims and families, and is coordinating with Hanoi-based organizations connected to the charity group. The crash site in Phinh Ho commune, Lao Cai. Photo: V.D. Patriotism through emulation General Secretary To Lam. In his keynote speech, General Secretary To Lam reaffirmed that emulation is a noble tradition of the Vietnamese nation. President Ho Chi Minh inspired and led this tradition, transforming it into a nationwide movement through his Appeal for Patriotic Emulation on June 11, 1948. He said emulation means doing things faster, better, and more effectively, and that to love ones country is to emulate; those who emulate are the most patriotic, To Lam recalled. He described emulation as both a movement and a discipline - an act of self-improvement and collective progress. It requires effort, creativity, and responsibility in every task; it is healthy competition aimed at greater contributions to the country and its people. Because people live to love one another General Secretary To Lam presents the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces to distinguished collectives. We honor people to inspire others, said the General Secretary. Recognition is meant to multiply good examples and create motivation for all to follow, spreading the spirit of dedication and service. He urged agencies and localities to identify and nurture exemplary individuals and practices, communicate true stories of real people, and promptly encourage positive initiatives while resolutely rejecting superficiality, false achievements, and the pursuit of empty recognition. Emulation and commendation, he said, must be based on substance - quality, effectiveness, and real contribution - especially from grassroots workers. Every effort and act of dedication should be acknowledged and respected, ensuring fairness and inspiration across society. Analyzing current domestic and global contexts, To Lam emphasized that patriotic emulation must now become a dynamic ecosystem that transforms sound policies into tangible action. It must turn political missions into daily responsibilities, so every citizen feels like a participant in and beneficiary of national development. He called for measurable, verifiable goals in every emulation campaign, linking success to real results that improve public service and peoples well-being. Mr. To Lam stressed that innovation and digital transformation must be central to modern emulation, enhancing productivity, management quality, and the digital economy. In governance, he urged strict discipline, transparency, and public-centered service - where time, cost, and citizen convenience are the true measures of administrative quality. Emulation, he said, must also make society more compassionate and humane: Every locality and sector must promote concrete movements - safe and quality schools, friendly and efficient hospitals, disciplined and caring communities. He added that the private sectors healthy development, stronger enterprises, and improved national competitiveness are also essential outcomes of emulation. Emulation must reach every individual, family, village, neighborhood, industrial park, school, and hospital, Party Chief To Lam concluded. When every person grows stronger, every organization becomes stronger - and our nation will move forward. Turning slogans into real action Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh later launched the patriotic emulation movement for the 2026 - 2030 period under the theme: Innovation, acceleration, and breakthrough toward a prosperous, civilized, and happy nation. He called for three realities - real people, real work, and real results - stressing that public satisfaction is the ultimate measure of success. Emulation must eliminate all forms of superficiality and inefficiency. We must act more and speak less, ensuring words align with deeds, he said. Commendations, the Prime Minister added, must be public in criteria, transparent in results, and genuine in recognition - rewarding the right people for the right reasons at the right time. He warned against allowing emulation and rewards to become a cover for wrongdoing or a refuge for vanity. President Luong Cuong presents the title of Labor Hero to outstanding collectives and individuals. Calling for proactivity, he urged all sectors and citizens to discover, nurture, and honor positive examples and effective models, transforming slogans into practical, measurable action. With determination to turn ideals into concrete results, Pham Minh Chinh declared, every Vietnamese - wherever they are, in whatever role - must strive, dedicate, and contribute to help our nation move faster, stronger, and more sustainably forward. At the congress, General Secretary To Lam presented the title of Hero of the Peoples Armed Forces to seven units, including the Commando Corps, Corps 15, and Hanoi Police. President Luong Cuong conferred the title Hero of Labor on ten individuals and organizations, including Cho Ray Hospital, Doan Thi Diem Primary School, Viettel Cambodia, Thai Binh Seed Corporation, TH Milk Food Company, Phu Cuong Group, VietJet Air, Hong Ha Engineering Company, Tien Giang General Hospital, and Thang Long Mineral Construction Investment Corporation. Tran Thuong On the evening of December 27, the 2025 Commendation Ceremony for Outstanding Ethnic Minority Students and Youth took place at Ho Guom Theater in Hanoi. The event was broadcast live on VTV5, honoring 150 exemplary delegates from 53 ethnic groups across the country. See you again at the 13th Commendation Ceremony in 2026 Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung and leaders of relevant agencies pose for a commemorative photo with 150 outstanding ethnic minority students and youth of 2025. At 9:20 p.m., the awarding of certificates to the outstanding ethnic minority students and youth officially concluded. Over the past 12 editions, the Commendation Ceremony has celebrated thousands of exemplary students and young individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds - those who have tirelessly strived to grow, to build their lives and careers, and have achieved proud successes across various fields. The Organizing Committee extends its heartfelt gratitude to educators, parents, families, and all those who have stood by and empowered the younger generation of ethnic minorities on their journey to pursue their dreams. Your love and support are the solid foundation upon which these young people draw strength and confidence as they move forward. To the students and young people being honored today - your personal achievements in learning and self-development have brought you to this proud moment in the heart of Hanoi, where you stand in the warm embrace of the Party and State leaders, central and local agencies, your families, and your communities. This moment is a lifelong honor. May you always live up to this love and support. Do not settle for early successes - keep pushing through challenges and hardships. With courage, resilience, and youthful strength, the Organizing Committee believes you will overcome all obstacles to conquer new heights, and forever remain a source of pride for your families, your hometowns, and your people. During the third part of the program, Le Quoc Minh, Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Propaganda and Mass Mobilization, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan newspaper, and Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association, together with Lieutenant General Nguyen Anh Tuan, Political Commissar of the Border Guard Command, presented certificates of merit to the honorees. Earlier, Lam Van Man, Chairman of the National Assemblys Ethnic Council, and Deputy Minister of Education and Training Le Quan personally presented awards to outstanding ethnic minority students and youth. Those on stage represented the bright lights of their communities-young people who, through perseverance and creativity, have become symbols of aspiration and progress for ethnic minority youth nationwide. Their achievements are not only sources of pride for their families and schools but also powerful inspiration for others to rise and contribute to the nations development. The programs Reaching Far with Dreams segment featured three inspiring stories: Tran Vy Tra, a Tay ethnic student honored in 2020, who graduated as valedictorian of the Foreign Trade University entrance exam. Sung A Tua, a Mong youth and member of the Presidium of the Vietnam Youth Federation, who shared his journey of applying digital transformation to local economic development projects. Sin Duc Manh, a Pa Then student-one of Vietnams smallest ethnic groups-spoke about his belief in the power of learning and his desire to contribute to his peoples progress. Together, the three generations symbolically lit the torch of knowledge and determination, embodying the spirit of Vietnams ethnic minority youth-resilient, ambitious, and full of dreams. At 8:40 p.m., Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh and Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung presented certificates of merit to the honorees. In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh praised their achievements and urged them to continue striving for excellence, saying the ceremony reflects the States unwavering commitment to nurturing talent among ethnic minorities. Earlier, Deputy Minister Y Thong had opened the ceremony with remarks emphasizing that the event is not only a celebration of achievement but also a reaffirmation of the Party and States long-term care for ethnic minority youth-the future leaders of mountainous and remote regions. He highlighted the Partys consistent policies for ethnic communities, including Resolution No. 71 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in education and training, tuition exemptions, and learning support programs that have transformed the lives of thousands of ethnic students. The event began at 8:00 p.m. with a vibrant art performance titled Where Dreams Converge. Attending the ceremony were key leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung, National Assembly Ethnic Council Chairman Lam Van Man, Nhan Dan Editor-in-Chief Le Quoc Minh, Political Commissar Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Minister Y Thong, and Deputy Minister Le Quan, alongside representatives of central ministries, agencies, and youth organizations. At 7:00 p.m., 150 honorees gathered at Ho Guom Theater, joined by 170 students from the Vietnam Northern Highlands Boarding School and the Central Preparatory University for Ethnic Minorities. Among them, Lo Chinh Huong, a Bo Y student and first-year cadet at the Border Guard Academy, shared: We are very happy, honored, and proud. This event motivates us to strive harder and serve our country. He expressed gratitude to the Party, State, and Government for their support and vowed to work hard toward becoming a Border Guard officer. Similarly, Lo Thi Kieu Vy, an 11th-grade student from Lai Chaus Ethnic Boarding High School and the only Khang representative this year, spoke of her dream to become a kindergarten teacher and return to teach in her hometown. I come from Nam Cuoi commune, where schools still lack teachers. This ceremony inspires me to study harder and make that dream come true, she said. The 2025 commendation marked the 12th year of this annual event, which has so far honored over 2,000 outstanding ethnic minority students and youth nationwide. Through its thoughtful preparation and heartfelt execution, the ceremony serves as a meaningful meeting place to recognize and nurture young ethnic talents. Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh and Minister Dao Ngoc Dung present certificates to honorees. Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh delivered a speech to encourage and give directives. Earlier, on December 26, General Secretary To Lam met the delegation of 150 honorees at the Party Central Office. He commended their perseverance and academic excellence, reaffirming the Partys strong commitment to developing human resources in ethnic and mountainous areas. That afternoon, the students also participated in a forum titled Digital Stories from the Villages, exchanging ideas on how digital transformation can benefit their communities. On the morning of December 27, the delegation offered flowers and paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at Ba Dinh Square, before visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the Temple of Literature, where they signed the Golden Book of Honor. These activities deepened their sense of pride and responsibility, reinforcing their motivation to study, innovate, and serve their homeland. Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh and Minister Dao Ngoc Dung with outstanding ethnic minority students and youth 2025. General Secretary To Lam presents gifts to the honorees. Tran Thi Thao Linh, an ethnic Nung student who won second prize in the 2025 National Excellent Student Contest in Literature, paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh for her achievements over the past years. At 10:15 a.m. on December 27, the delegation of outstanding ethnic minority students and youth of 2025 offered incense and signed the Golden Book at the Temple of Literature Quoc Tu Giam (Hanoi). Two of the 150 delegates honored at the 2025 Commendation Ceremony for Outstanding Ethnic Minority Students and Youth - Hoang Cao An Nga and Dinh Nguyen Thuy Giang (of the Tay ethnic group), students from Cao Bang High School for the Gifted - were both successfully admitted to the National Economics University with high scores. Thanh Hung - Thuy Nga - N. Huyen - Hoang Linh - Thach Thao - The Bang Khanh Hoa police inspect one of the online gambling sites. Photo: N.X On December 27, the Khanh Hoa Provincial Police confirmed they had raided five sites connected to online gambling activities involving foreigners. According to initial reports, on the evening of December 26, the Criminal Investigation Division of Khanh Hoa Police, in coordination with other specialized units, conducted simultaneous inspections at five different locations in Nha Trang City - including the Nha Trang, Nam Nha Trang, and Tay Nha Trang wards. At these sites, authorities discovered multiple groups of foreign suspects, mostly Chinese nationals, engaged in online gambling and betting operations. Dozens of laptops and mobile phones were still connected to online platforms facilitating gambling, betting, and social networking applications used to boost engagement. Police recorded the findings and confiscated 40 laptops and 112 mobile phones. They detained 31 individuals - including 30 Chinese nationals and one Vietnamese citizen - for questioning. Preliminary investigations revealed that the foreign suspects had entered Vietnam on tourist visas. They rented private homes and apartments to conduct illegal gambling operations. Many of them had failed to register or declare temporary residence as required by law. Xuan Ngoc The new national textbook series ensures uniform learning experiences across all regions. Illustrative photo: Ha Anh On December 26, the Ministry of Education and Training officially announced the selection of a unified national textbook series for general education, to be implemented from the 20262027 academic year. The chosen series, Connecting Knowledge with Life, published by the Vietnam Education Publishing House, will be used uniformly across the country. Why Connecting Knowledge with Life was chosen The Ministry noted that after evaluating current textbook options against a set of standardized criteria, the Connecting Knowledge with Life series stood out. This series covers all subjects and educational activities comprehensively across primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary levels. It has been widely used in all 34 provinces and cities, serving the largest number of students among existing textbook series. Its scientific and pedagogical quality has been validated through practical implementation. In addition, it offers the highest level of content stability, easy revision, and readiness for deployment. The publisher has the logistical capacity to distribute the books nationwide, ensuring reliable supply. The ministry emphasized that this series minimizes disruptions for teachers, students, and parents. Teachers are already familiar with its lesson structure and teaching methods, and it is currently the most widely adopted textbook set. Benefits for teachers A unified textbook system will reduce fragmentation in teaching materials, allowing for smoother implementation of lessons. Teachers will follow a consistent pedagogical design, with standardized lesson structures, terminology, and learning objectives. This reduces the burden of choosing materials and eliminates inconsistencies in content delivery between provinces. Professional development programs and teacher training will also be more cost-effective and targeted, as all training will focus on a single textbook system. This enables teachers to dedicate more time to refining teaching methods, applying educational technology, assessing student performance, and developing supplementary learning materials. Benefits for students With a single textbook series, students across Vietnam-regardless of region-will gain equitable access to knowledge. The consistent curriculum from grades 1 through 12 ensures smooth knowledge progression and helps prevent educational gaps, especially for students in difficult circumstances or those whose families migrate during the school year. By 2030, all textbooks will be provided free of charge, easing the financial burden on families. As the books are gradually digitized, students will also gain access to open learning platforms, exercises, videos, and simulations-tools that foster engagement, independent study, and lifelong learning. Impact on society and the education system Nationally standardizing textbooks stabilizes Vietnams learning materials policy, fostering public trust and consensus in education reform. The move will significantly reduce annual household spending on textbooks, especially benefiting students in disadvantaged areas. It also helps local governments plan budgets and manage textbook procurement more effectively, while reducing communication and implementation challenges. A strategic education reform directive The decision aligns with Resolution 71 issued by the Politburo, which calls for a breakthrough in education and training development. It also supports the Governments Resolution 281/NQ-CP, which lays out the action plan to implement Resolution 71. From the 20262027 academic year onward, Vietnam will use a unified textbook series nationwide, with full free textbook provision expected by 2030. This policy is part of a broader strategy to standardize education content, ensure equal access to knowledge, promote digital transformation, and build a national learning resources ecosystem. Toward an equitable, digital future The unified textbook policy is expected to enhance government oversight of educational materials, reduce household costs, promote fairness in education, and support both teachers and students with a consistent learning framework from grade 1 through 12. It also lays the groundwork for digitalizing textbooks, creating an open digital resource hub, and gradually offering free textbooks to all students as planned. Thanh Hung Responding to VietNamNets question on the evening of December 27 regarding Vietnams reaction to the newly signed joint declaration, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated: Vietnam welcomes the signing of the joint declaration between Cambodia and Thailand at the third special meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission (GBC) on December 27, which establishes a ceasefire and outlines measures to de-escalate tensions along the border between the two countries. Vietnam expressed confidence that both countries would effectively implement the agreements contained in the joint declaration, continue negotiations to peacefully resolve disputes based on fundamental principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), in the spirit of ASEAN friendship and solidarity, for the long-term interests of both sides and the region. The spokesperson stressed that Vietnam would continue to closely monitor developments, remain ready to engage in dialogue with both countries, and participate in ASEANs collective efforts to help address differences, including by enhancing the effectiveness of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). Earlier in the day, Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha signed the ceasefire agreement during the GBC meeting held at the Ban Phak Khat border checkpoint. The ceasefire took effect at noon on December 27. It applies to all weapons and explicitly prohibits any attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and military targets in all areas along the border. This development marks a significant step toward restoring peace and stability following weeks of armed clashes between the two countries border forces. Tran Thuong The Can Gio international transshipment port will focus primarily on global container transshipment, while the Cai Mep Thi Vai port complex will serve as a gateway port combined with partial transshipment functions. This strategic division aims to leverage each ports advantages and avoid overlapping operations, according to Vu Anh Dung, Deputy Head of Urban Development under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, at a city economicsocial briefing on December 25. Specifically, Can Gio port will handle 7580% international transshipment containers, with only 2025% dedicated to Vietnams exportimport cargo. In contrast, Cai Mep Thi Vai will function as a regional gateway and central transshipment port, targeting 2025% transshipment cargo and 7580% domestic importexport goods by 2050. After 2050, once Can Gio reaches maximum capacity, Cai Mep Thi Vai will continue to attract international transshipment cargo, aiming for a 50% international share. Together, the two ports will form a large-scale, world-class port complex, capable of competing with major seaports across Asia and beyond. According to the Department of Construction, once operational, the Can Gio port will significantly enhance Ho Chi Minh Citys logistics capabilities, attract investment, and elevate Vietnams international maritime standing. For the city, the port represents a massive capital draw for developing modern seaport infrastructure. When operational, it could contribute 34,00040,000 billion VND (approximately 1.31.6 billion USD) per year to the state budget and create 6,0008,000 jobs. Beyond economics, the port will drive regional infrastructure development, serving as a foundation for logistics centers and free-trade zones connected to the transshipment hub. At the national level, the project reinforces Vietnams role as a regional maritime center, integrating deeply into global supply chains and strengthening the countrys economic and trade competitiveness by reducing intermediary logistics costs. Regarding implementation, the Can Gio project has already received government investment approval, and the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee has issued an implementation roadmap. The project is currently in the investor selection phase, involving four steps: Approval of investor selection methods. Submission of investment proposals by interested developers. Evaluation of proposals and qualification of investors. Final approval of the selected investor. The proposed project is a joint initiative by the Saigon Port Corporation and Terminal Investment Limited Holding S.A. (TIL). According to the proposal, the port will feature a 7.2-kilometer-long wharf system, accommodating the worlds largest container ships (up to 24,000 TEU), with a total capacity of 1015 million TEU per year. Investment will be carried out over seven phases within 22 years, with total capital estimated at 113.531 trillion VND (about 4.8 billion USD). The super port project, approved by the government in January 2025, is expected to become one of Vietnams most strategic logistics infrastructures, enabling Ho Chi Minh City to emerge as a global maritime and transshipment hub. Tran Chung Vietnams textile and garment exports continue to shine in 2025. Vietnams textile and garment industry continues its post-pandemic resurgence, with export turnover in 2025 projected to reach USD 46 billion, a 5.6% increase from 2024, according to Vu Duc Giang, Chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS). This marks an important milestone that highlights the sectors strong recovery amid global economic fluctuations. Notably, the industrys trade surplus is estimated at USD 21 billion, underscoring its critical contribution to Vietnams overall trade balance. The localization rate - representing the proportion of domestically produced raw materials - has reached approximately 52%, signaling major progress in supply chain autonomy. Vietnamese textile products are now exported to 138 markets worldwide, with the United States remaining the largest destination, generating over USD 18 billion in 2025, up about 10% year-on-year. Garments continue to dominate export categories, accounting for more than USD 38 billion of total turnover. Between 2020 and 2025, the global textile industry faced severe disruptions - from the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions to trade barriers and U.S. countervailing duties. When the pandemic first struck in 2020, sudden supply chain breakdowns and canceled orders placed enormous pressure on manufacturers. Despite this, Vietnams textile firms displayed remarkable adaptability, maintaining operations and preserving their position among the worlds top three exporters. By late 2025, many Vietnamese textile companies reported strong business performance: TNG Investment and Trading JSC recorded VND 6.67 trillion in revenue and VND 280.3 billion in profit for the first nine months of 2025, up 13.3% and 16.3% respectively. Song Hong Garment JSC (MSH) posted VND 4.15 trillion in revenue and VND 468 billion in profit, increases of 8% and 73% year-on-year. Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) reported VND 5.05 trillion in net revenue, up 10%, marking its highest level since the group began publishing financial results. For the first nine months of 2025, Vinatexs consolidated revenue reached VND 13.75 trillion, completing 75% of its annual plan, with pre-tax profit of VND 1.04 trillion, more than double the same period last year. The group expects to close the year with VND 18.89 trillion in consolidated revenue and VND 1.355 trillion in profit, while average monthly income per worker is forecast at VND 11.7 million, up 10% from 2024. Looking ahead, Vinatex targets VND 20 trillion in revenue and VND 1.21.5 trillion in profit for 2026. However, the industry faces mounting challenges in 2026. Global textile demand is expected to grow only 3%, half the rate of 2025, as U.S. tariff measures continue to affect consumer spending. Meanwhile, intense competition in key markets such as the EU, Japan, and South Korea, along with price undercutting from China, will put pressure on Vietnamese exporters. At the same time, rising raw material and logistics costs, shorter delivery timelines, stricter traceability regulations, and lower processing fees add further strain. Despite these headwinds, industry leaders believe Vietnam will remain a key player in the global apparel supply chain, thanks to its production stability, skilled workforce, and growing efforts toward sustainability and digitalization. Although we lack certain tax advantages and cost competitiveness in low-end segments, Vietnams textile industry continues to hold an essential role in the global supply chain, said Vinatexs leadership. Ha Giang December 25, 2025: The United States is producing LUCAS, a derivative of the FLM 136 target drone. LUCAS stands for Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System and costs $35,000 each. LUCAS has the same operating characteristics as the FLM 136 target drone which weighs 50 kg, is powered by a 50 HP engine, has a top speed of around 180 kilometers an hour, endurance of six hours and a maximum range of approximately 1,000 kilometers while carrying a 20 kg warhead. LUCAS is currently undergoing final tests, but some American units already have LUCAS. LUCAS can also be equipped with a number of electronic and communications enhancements. The U.S. expects to produce up to 5,000 of these drones a month. Meanwhile Russia initially produced its own drones after briefly using imported Iranian Shahed-136 drones that cost over $100,000 each. Ukraine demonstrated that you could design and build drones with similar capabilities at less than a tenth of that. The Iranian drone was more complex than it needed to be and even the Russians soon realized this and turned from the Shahed-136 for more capable drones they copied from Ukrainian designs or ones Russians designed. Iran says it is not supplying Russia with Shahed-136s but they continue to be used. Most of the Shahed-136s used by the Russian since 2023 were built in a Russian drone factory designed and built with Iranian assistance. Russians call this version the Geran-2 or simply Geran. This version costs about $50,000 each, Weight is 240 kg, length is 3.5 meters and wingspan is 2.5 meters. It is armed with a warhead containing 30 to 50 kg, most of it explosives. Thats not a lot because most cruise missiles carry warheads weighing half a ton or more. Two years ago, Russian air strikes against Ukrainian cities using Iranian Shahed-136s resulted in one of the drones having engine trouble and landing intact. This enabled Ukrainian and foreign investigators to scrutinize the construction of the Shahed-136. Most of those that run into engine problems crash and explode. This one had been given contaminated fuel that caused the drone to gradually descend and hit the ground without enough impact to set off the warhead contact fuze. Obtaining an intact aircraft allowed for a more thorough inspection to be done. The MD-550 engine was built in Iran and it was confirmed that this was indeed an illegal copy of the German L-550 engine. Iran had obtained one of these engines in 2006 and used it in several drones, including Shahed-136. The L-550 entered production in the 1980s and was a popular engine for ultralight aircraft and drones. Legal copies of the L-550 cost about $15,000 each. That means a Shahed-136 costs about twice the original estimate of $20,000 each. The Shahed-136 warhead will damage, not destroy, most structures it hits. Shahed-136 is launched using a rocket motor that gets it into the air and then detaches and falls away. Iran provides several different warheads, including an anti-tank version. Navigation is via GPS or a remote operator that can be up to 150 kilometers away from the Shahed-136. Top speed is 185 kilometers an hour, but using a lower cruising speed allows range of over a thousand kilometers. Shahed-136 is relatively slow for a cruise missile and normally flies low and loud. You can hear it coming and Ukraine developed a cell phone app that allowed people to point their phone at a Shahed-136 and automatically transmit the drone location to a central command center that was tracking aerial attacks and alerting anti-aircraft units, especially those that used heavy machine-guns, to shoot down the Shahed-136s. Without the element of surprise, Shahed-136 is a very ineffective weapon. In late 2022 Ukraine accused Iran of supplying Russia with 1,700 Shahed-136s for use as cruise missiles, especially during covert surprise attacks. Ukrainian air defenses improved to the point where most of the Shahed-136s Russia launches against them were shot down. In one case all the Shahed-136s launched were shot down. Russia modified these drones to fly higher, at 4,000 meters. This offered some protection, but the drones had to come down low to attack their targets. At that point the drones were vulnerable to heavy machine-gun fire. Contractor appointed to oversee new St Marys Brymbo Primary School A contractor has been appointed to deliver a replacement school for St Marys Brymbo VA CiW Primary School. In autumn 2024, executive board members agreed to increase admission numbers from 154 to 210 at the school, along with relocating the school to the old Brymbo Steelworks site. This would allow for a possible further expansion to 315 spaces. Speaking at the time, officials said the changes were needed to meet an increased demand caused by new housing developments and address constraints at the existing school site. Following an official tendering process, the successful contractor, Read Construction Holdings Ltd, is in place. Welsh Government funding has now been approved, along with funding from the Wrexham Parochial Education Foundation. Andrew Williams, headteacher at St Marys Brymbo VA CiW Primary School, said: We are delighted to see progress toward the development of the new St Marys CiW VA School in Brymbo. This marks an important step in providing modern, high-quality facilities for our pupils and the wider community. We look forward to working closely with Wrexham Council and the appointed contractor as plans move forward. Cllr Paul Rogers, local member for Brymbo, said: The appointment of a contractor to design and build a new school for Brymbo is a huge milestone in this project. Having worked with Council officers on this for some time I am pleased that significant progress has been made. While there is still a way to go, I look forward to seeing local children educated in a fit-for-purpose, modern school. Cllr Gary Brown, local member for Brymbo, said: Having a contractor in place is excellent news as Wrexham Council can now work with them, as well as local stakeholders and the community, to produce the schools design. Residents will also be able to give us their thoughts once the planning application has been lodged. The build will take approximately two years from when planning permission is granted. CPC delegation visits Cambodia, Laos Xinhua) 11:11, December 27, 2025 VIENTIANE, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), Xie Chuntao, vice president of the Party School of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (National Academy of Governance), led a CPC delegation on visits to Cambodia and Laos from Dec. 22 to 26. During the visits, Xie met with Cambodian and Lao party and government leaders, including CPP President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, and General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith. Xie briefed the party and government officials from both countries on the spirit of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Cambodian and Lao leaders highly praised the importance of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee for China and the world, and expressed willingness to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields and promote the building of a community with a shared future. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liu Ning) 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. English News Aircraft repairing industry takes off in Hainan Free Trade Port Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 25 Decembre 2025 According to Haikou customs, from January to October this year, the bonded maintenance trade value in the Haikou Airport Comprehensive Bonded Zone reached 47.86 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 71.8 percent. From zero-tariff imports of repair materials and production equipment to zero-tariff importation of entire aircraft, a full-fledged aviation industrial chain covering components, equipment, and complete aircraft is steadily taking shape in Hainan. By Sun Haitian, People's Daily At a one-stop aircraft maintenance base in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) in southern China's Hainan province, rows of aircraft await inspection and repair as cross-border maintenance operations proceed efficiently. The resonant clang of tools underscores the busy yet orderly activity spanning the expansive tarmac. "This one is from Jordan, and those two are from Vietnam. Our maintenance schedule is already booked through the end of 2026," said Gu Zhilin, director of the aircraft maintenance base, owned by Grand China Aviation Maintenance, a subsidiary of HNA Technic. Since commencing operations, the one-stop maintenance base has completed repairs on more than 2,400 aircraft, serving nearly 50 domestic and foreign airlines. The Overall Plan for the Construction of the Hainan FTP calls for efforts to develop international shipping and aviation hubs along the New Western Land-Sea Corridor. As one of the key projects in building the free trade port, the one-stop aircraft maintenance base officially began operations in 2022. "It was because of the Hainan FTP's opening-up policy that the one-stop maintenance base was built," Gu said. "At first, some foreign airlines were skeptical. They wondered if Hainan had the capability to handle large aircraft maintenance," Gu recalled. To win clients, his team actively promoted their services in the global market. In October 2022, they secured their first international order -- to repair an Airbus A320 from a foreign airline. "The whole team worked with maximum focus, double-checking every screw's torque and every wire's connection," Gu said. At one point, a key spare part was urgently needed. Procuring it internationally would have taken at least two weeks. "Thanks to the Hainan FTP's bonded policies, we had sufficient reserves of aircraft materials on hand, ensuring smooth progress throughout the maintenance process," he said. The team's efficiency impressed the client, who gave them a thumbs-up on the spot. When asked about the strength of policy support for businesses within the Hainan FTP, Gu detailed concrete benefits. A major advantage is lowered operational costs. Companies undertaking inbound aircraft repair projects are no longer required to pay deposits, freeing up substantial cash flow. Overall maintenance expenses have been reduced by 10 to 15 percent. Efficiency has also improved significantly. With a bonded "aerospace materials supermarket," all the required parts were available tax-free and could be accessed immediately. This greatly shortens the maintenance turnaround time. Customs authorities have implemented new duty-free service models specifically for aircraft repair, creating green channels for both aircraft and spare parts. These measures ensure faster and smoother customs clearance for every inbound maintenance project. These institutional innovations have turned first-time clients into regular ones. VietJet Air from Vietnam went from sending just one aircraft "to try it out" to nearly 20 aircraft for repair. Qatar Airways, satisfied with the service, signed a three-year painting contract worth nearly 100 million yuan ($14.05 million). "In the past, we were waiting for planes to come to us. Now they're lining up to get in," Gu said with a smile. Next to the one-stop maintenance base, Haikou Engine Service Co. is equally busy. Not long ago, the company successfully tested China's largest 150,000-pound thrust-class engine test stand, capable of servicing major engine types worldwide -- marking a significant leap in its engine overhaul capabilities. "We're working to close critical gaps in the industrial chain," said company president Wu Dongyang. That determination, he explained, was made possible by the Hainan FTP's "zero tariffs on self-use production equipment" policy. "Since the policy took effect in 2021, we've saved around 100 million yuan in tariffs on imported equipment -- real savings that allow us to focus resources where they matter most," Wu noted. Gu has also seen the benefits of an increasingly complete industry ecosystem. "At first, we could only handle airframe maintenance. If customers needed other services, the aircraft had to fly elsewhere. Now, the surrounding area offers a full range of support services," he said. According to Haikou customs, from January to October this year, the bonded maintenance trade value in the Haikou Airport Comprehensive Bonded Zone reached 47.86 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 71.8 percent. From zero-tariff imports of repair materials and production equipment to zero-tariff importation of entire aircraft, a full-fledged aviation industrial chain covering components, equipment, and complete aircraft is steadily taking shape in Hainan. On Dec. 18 this year, the Hainan FTP will officially launch island-wide independent customs operation. With international exchanges becoming even more frequent, the skies over Hainan will grow busier than ever. "For us, that means a bigger stage," said Gu, as another international flight touched down smoothly. Turning toward the hangar, he headed back to work. 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 China studies contributes to mutual learning and shared development Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 24 Decembre 2025 It is hoped that more international scholars will engage in China studies, working alongside their Chinese counterparts to implement the Global Civilizations Initiative, foster mutual understanding, mutual respect and mutual trust among nations, and jointly contribute to the advancement of human civilization. By He Yin, People's Daily Chinese President Xi Jinping recently replied to a letter from 61 young sinologists from 51 countries, who attended the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference in Beijing. Xi encouraged these young sinologists to continue to present a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China to the world, contributing their wisdom and strength to building a community with a shared future for humanity. His message reflects China's enduring commitment in the new era to openness, inclusiveness and mutual learning among civilizations, laying a cultural foundation for global cooperation. Originating in China and belonging to the world, China studies represents a shared intellectual heritage of humankind. Over generations, sinologists have produced scholarly contributions that transcend time and cultural boundaries. The evolution of China studies mirrors global historical trends. As one Argentine scholar noted, "More than 20 years ago, studying China could feel lonely; today almost everyone is talking about China." This remark highlights the growing global interest in China. In recent years, an increasing number of international scholars have turned their attention to China, developing a genuine affinity for Chinese culture. Their work promotes academic exchange and mutual understanding, invigorating global cultural dialogue and fostering enduring international friendship and cooperation. The rise of China studies also signifies the renewed vitality of Chinese culture in the new era. In South Africa, a young student learned Chinese to understand dialogue in the Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha." In Spain, a social media influencer promotes Chinese street food Jianbing Guozi in the Tianjin dialect, wrapping it with Spanish ham. Sites such as Nanping, southeast China's Fujian province, hometown of Zhu Xi, a great Chinese philosopher and a Confucian scholar of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), have become popular destinations for international students. Furthermore, vocational programs in Chinese-language livestreaming and e-commerce are in high demand among youth in Southeast Asia. Around the world, interest in learning Chinese continues to grow. Today, more than 80 countries have incorporated the Chinese language into their national education systems, and the total number of international Chinese language learners and users has exceeded 200 million. This linguistic enthusiasm is part of a broader cultural wave. Chinese music, film and television, games, online literature, and short dramas are reaching wider global audiences, creating vivid and dynamic cultural exchanges. Such growing global interest underscores China's openness and inclusiveness in the new era. As China embraces the world and shares its development opportunities, a two-way cultural dialogue continues to deepen. The expansion of China's visa-free entry policy has also facilitated cultural exchange, allowing more international visitors to experience its heritage firsthand. Many international influencers share their experiences online, offering authentic portrayals that broaden global perceptions of China. In the first half of this year, the number of foreign arrivals in China grew by 30.2 percent year on year, including 13.64 million visa-free entries, an increase of 53.9 percent. As China's development attracts greater global attention and the country continues to open up, a growing number of people worldwide recognize that understanding China and its culture is essential to unlocking opportunities for cooperation and achieving shared success. In an increasingly interconnected world, civilizations can only address common challenges and pursue shared development through equality, exchange, and mutual learning. Conferences such as the World Chinese Language Conference, the World Conference on China Studies, and the World Conference of Sinologists are becoming key platforms for cross-cultural exchange, dialogue, and cooperation. Looking ahead, China will continue to promote the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations, while expanding platforms for global engagement. Understanding the present requires a deep appreciation of historical roots, and recognizing contemporary China necessitates an understanding of its cultural foundations. It is through mutual learning among civilizations that shared progress becomes possible. It is hoped that more international scholars will engage in China studies, working alongside their Chinese counterparts to implement the Global Civilizations Initiative, foster mutual understanding, mutual respect and mutual trust among nations, and jointly contribute to the advancement of human civilization. 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) J. D. Vance has my vote. I should say that upfront. There is no other potential candidate for president in 2028nor has there been since JFK, in my viewwho can match Vance for star quality, intellect, adroitness in debate, and grace under pressure. I also believe that Vances heart is in the right placewhich is why I listened uneasily to Vance reject Ben Shapiros call, made moments earlier on the same stage at the recent Turning Point USA AmericaFest, for conservative pundits to denounce Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens. If anyone ever needed denouncing, its these two. In this seeming act of magnanimity, Vance missed the moment, failed to learn from Trumps success, and made a rare unforced error. Advertisement Most of Shapiros ire toward Tucker and Candace had to do with wild-eyed conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirks murder and Jeffrey Epstein that few thinking people take seriously and that Shapiro might have best left unmentioned. But more importantly, Shapiro objected to Carlson using a recent long-form interview to fluff up Nick Fuentes, whose lunatic antisemitic, racist, and sexist rants could fill volumes. There have also been public statements about Israel by Carlson and Owens, of which Vance is undoubtedly aware, that justified Shapiro laying down the gauntlet for other pundits to pick up. Here are a few of Tuckers recent gems: I always thought its great to criticize and question our relationship with Israel because its insane and it hurts us. We get nothing out of it. I think the single biggest threat to Christianity in this country is Christian Zionism. I hate it more than I hate leftist rioters. I hate it more than I hate Islamic terrorists. I hate it more than I hate Nazis. I hate it more than I hate Chinese Communists. One of the reasons Im mad about Gaza is because the Israeli position is, everyone who lives in Gaza is a terrorist because of how they were born. I dont think people care that much. I know I dont care at all about Israel. Just shut up about Israel How do you explain Mike Huckabee, Ted Cruz who I have seen be seized by this brain virus, and theyre not Jewish. Most of them are self-described Christians. And then the Christian Zionists well, Christian Zionists like what is that? I can just say for myself, I dislike them more than anybody, you know, because its Christian heresy and Im offended by that as a Christian. Candace Owenss antisemitism (like her obsession with Brigitte Macrons genitalia) is even more loopy than Carlsons but no less abhorrent: Advertisement Netanyahu is a demon, and his actions are demonic. Yes. I believe he [Netanyahu] is a war criminal. It is a holocaust the burning bodies of children Im seeing every day I believe that they [Israel] are intentionally executing a Holocaust. Shapiro wasnt challenging Vance but rather other pundits like himself to speak out against the nonsense and hate that Tucker and Candace are spewing. He also didnt call for rejecting anyones support or for censorship. For that reason, Vance could have stayed above the fray, but instead he bizarrely chose to aim a brushback pitch directly at Shapiros head by decrying purity tests. Um, what? Advertisement With Tucker and Candace on everyones mind in the wake of Shapiros speech, Vance tried and failed to make the case that having a big tent in the Republican Party means welcoming everyone, because, as Vance explained, this is how we win. In other words, embrace those spreading lunatic conspiracy theories and raging anti-Semitism that threaten to undermine our agenda, because thats how we cravenly hold onto powersaid Donald Trump, never. If this is what Trumpism without Trump looks like, we can expect to return to the days of low-turnout elections where Republicans lose. In that moment on stage, Vance became something perilously close to Bill Clinton. Then again, even Bill Clinton had his Sister Souljah moment. Advertisement Victor Davis Hanson, in a recent interview about Carlsons statements on Israel, said what many of us are thinking: It pains me to say this, but the Tucker Carlson that is talking is not the one I had a seven to eight year relationship [with] . . . [T]o be frank, everything he just stated is demonstrably untrue. In a way, it sounds very American to stand for a big tent in a political partyexcept its never been true. We do not, for example, invite Mitch McConnell or Mitt Romney to speak to todays GOP, because Trump Republicans understand that these people are selling ideas that no one should be buying. We do not give them a platform and mislead the voting public to conclude that they speak for us, because they dontno matter how much anyone whines about the size of our tent. Forgiveness is always possible, but only if people repent and promise to toe the line. Advertisement Trumps genius was understanding that standing by your principles and laying down withering fire against anyone who opposes you, whether in the media or the halls of Congress, is the true path to power. Going along to get along, which was the Republican playbook for decades before Trump came on the scene, is the path to mediocrity. No one in the GOP of 2015 would have dreamed of disparaging John McCain, but Trump saw something in McCain that the American people would not see until much later. In the early days of Trumps first term, Senator McCain famously became the deciding vote to defeat the same bill to repeal Obamacare that McCain had voted multiple times to send to Obamas deskwhere he knew it would be safely vetoed. For years, McCains feigned opposition to Obamacare had been a fundraising bonanza for him. But it was all cosplay. Trump knew that while McCain was certainly a war hero, in politics he was a phony. Advertisement When Elon Musk went off the reservation during the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, Trump didnt hold back in the interest of party unityeven though it likely meant losing millions from Musk for the midterms. Trump publicly disavowed him. Once Trump made it clear who the alpha male is in the pack, Musk quickly fell back in line, and all was forgiven. Thats how power works outside the Girl Scouts of America. Can we imagine the J. D. Vance we saw on the stage at America Fest tearing into someone like John McCain? Im not so sure, and therein lies the worry. Trump and his supporters know that war with the modern left and the moribund right is a zero-sum game, because these foes pose an existential threat to western civilization. Trump World was never meant to be Mr. Rogers neighborhood. In Trump, voters found a fighter who brooks no nonsense, takes no prisoners, and isnt afraid to punish his enemies and reward his friends to protect the American way of life. It remains to be seen what theyll find in J. D. Vance. Michael Hurley is a retired attorney and the author of several books. Image generated by ChatGPT. Almost a quarter-century has passed since September 11, when 19 Islamic radicals murdered nearly 3,000 people in line with the blunt teaching of The Verse of the Sword (Quran 9:5). That cataclysm should have sufficed to cause Western leaders to examine the doctrines of the Muhammadan religion in order to understand why the killers carried out this crime. Advertisement But that didnt happen. Instead, we can summarize the Western leaders response in two statements. Nine days after 9/11, President Bush 43 stated in his speech before Congress, Advertisement The terrorists practice a fringe form of Islamic extremism that has been rejected by Muslim scholars and the vast majority of Muslim clerics a fringe movement that perverts the peaceful teachings of Islam. Bush 43 also commented that Islams teachings are good and peaceful, and those who commit evil in the name of Allah blaspheme the name of Allah. The terrorists are traitors to their own faith, trying, in effect, to hijack Islam itself. Advertisement After the December 14, 2025 jihadist mass murder of 15 Jews at Bondi Beach, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese indicated that his government would focus on measures such as increasing penalties for existing offences for hate speech and gun laws. These attitudinal bookends of the Western elites from 9/11 to Bondi Beach declare that 1) Islam is a peaceful faith hijacked by violent fringe loons, and 2) Islam is not mentionable because guns are the problem. Advertisement Does anyone with an ability to reason actually believe our globalist grandees cowardly drivel? Happily, it seems that at long last, the groundswell of concerned citizens in the West is strong enough to mute the mendacity emanating from the halls of power. Regular Joes and Janes from Manchester to Melbourne to Milwaukee to Munich are expressing loudly on social media and in public displays of disaffection that we the people are tired of the official lies about Islam in our midst. We are done politely accepting as cultural novelty the clearly misogynistic hijab wardrobe; done being insulted for enjoying our family dog; done having our magnanimity returned with ingratitude and invectives against our culture, traditions, and lifestyle. We want our Christmas markets open without harassment and constant threats. We are sick of 5 A.M. calls to prayer. Weve had it with streets blocked by hordes of disruptive praying zealots. We are beyond fed up with deadly knife, gun, and vehicular attacks under the war cry of Allahu akbar. Advertisement Some of our leaders are starting to experience the epiphany that Mr. and Mrs. America have increasingly recognized over the decades since 9/11. Of note, our director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, told the AmFest crowd: When we talk about the threat of Islamism, this political ideology, there is no such thing as individual freedom or liberty. As Charlie [Kirk] said over and over again, it is fundamentally incompatible with our nations foundation of freedom. Advertisement The phrase fundamentally incompatible is an apt description of Muhammadanism in relation to Western civilization. Taking the Quran at face value, assimilation in non-Muslim cultures is disallowed (3:28 and 4:144). Why? Because Allah has declared Muslims the best of all creatures, whereas disbelievers are the worst (98:6-8). These best creatures are to fight disbelievers until the latter exhibit full submission (9:29). It is quite logical that Allahs exalted class Muslims should never bend the knee to any non-Muslim. Thus, Western societies (which have at our religious and civic core the teachings of the Jewish and Christian scriptures) are fooling ourselves if we think ethnic groups whose religious identity is devotedly Muslim will assimilate comfortably into our cultures. Instead, the last two decades have shown us a four-step process emanating from Islamic ideology vis-a-vis the West: First, they migrate. Second, they populate. Third, they agitate. And fourth, they dominate. By step four, we suffer all manner of trouble, up to and including horrific acts of violence. A prime example of this process is evident in Minnesota, albeit with a bloodless (so far) outcome: A Trump-hating corruptocrat who has openly declared her primary loyalty to Somalia is elected to Congress, and her constituents have stolen billions of taxpayer dollars through blatant fraud. Whether any of that ill-gotten gain ended up funding Islamic terrorists in East Africa is anyones guess, but its certainly not outside the realm of possibility. It is good that some among the Wests leaders are finally articulating that Islamic radicalism is imperiling our civilization. But in this struggle, there is verbiage that is still a hurdle to overcome: The idea that Islamism not Islam is the problem. Like Gabbard, Glenn Beck has often advocated a view that Islamism is a dangerous political ideology, whereas Islam is a hallowed monotheistic way of life that many sincere people spiritually follow. The problem is that this dichotomy is not in concert with the comprehensive doctrine and praxis of the Quran, Hadith, and Sira. In this canon, the theological and political elements are irremediably intertwined. Islamic holy writ does not separate the religious from the political. This is why Turkish President Erdogan could confidently assert, Islam cannot be either moderate or not moderate. Islam can only be one thing and that the concept of moderate Islam has received attention. But the patent of this concept originated in the West. When well-meaning Westerners differentiate between Islamism and Islam, they delude themselves with a verbal narcotic. By this rhetorical device, they convince themselves that somehow we can accept some gelatinous type of nice Islam (in the form of people who are polite, sociable, non-ideological, mildly religious, and generally modern) into the West without concern because they arent involved in Islamism. But even those who practice only the spiritual elements of Islam are at odds with the West. Hillaire Belloc described Islam as a grand heresy: Islam rejects the crucifixion (Quran 4:157), the divinity of Christ (5:75), and the Trinity (4:171). So in Western societies where Christianity is the default religious setting, Islams religious nature is utterly heterodox. As a medieval, anti-trinitarian doctrine that demands that its adherents fight infidels, Islam is by nature at cross purposes with societies that subscribe to broad Christian civic precepts, celebrate Christian holidays, and exist in a Christian cultural milieu. Islams totality necessitates that its religious character cannot be disconnected from Allahs bellicose socio-communist directives of conquest. This means that any practitioners of the nice Islam envisioned by Glenn Beck are actually ignoring the equally exigent political components of their faith, thereby making them apostates. Islamism is ultimately a fiction hoped for by wishful thinkers who eagerly desire to believe that biblical values are universal across religious lines. Given that we have experienced in just this century round after round of jihad violence and can easily find doctrines in the Islamic holy books to support such atrocities, it is evident that Western values and Muslim values are most clearly not compatible. So lets ask this question: Is it wise for the West to continue to make excuses for semi-Muslims by trying to parse out Islamism from Islam? No, it is not. I prefer to heed Laura Loomers direct recommendation: Just call it Islam. Image: Robert Couse-Baker via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. December 27, 2025: Back in September Russian drones hit an American factory in western Ukraine and two European diplomatic facilities in the Ukrainian capital. Russian drones regularly fly over Poland, a NATO member and the strongest European military power. All this is nothing new because for more than a year Russia has been covertly attacking economic targets in Europeans NATO countries. Earlier in the year Russia increased its sabotage and destabilization efforts against NATO nations that support Ukraine in its resistance to the Russian invaders. Successes have been few and disappointments many. The invasion caused formerly neutral Sweden and Finland to join NATO. Now Russia faces a wall of NATO nations from the Arctic to the Mediterranean. Russias only allies are threadbare North Korea and a smoldering Iran. Russia expected to obtain more missiles from Iran, but now what missiles Iran has left are being fired, without much effect, at Israel. This came about when Israel recently launched a 200 aircraft attack on Iran to devastate the Iranian nuclear weapons program. The Americans joined in on that one, agreeing that Iranian nuclear weapons were bad for business and the world economy. China might quibble about that because they get most of their oil from Iran. For that reason the Iranian oil operations were largely unaffected. Meanwhile Russia, unable to subdue Ukraine with military force, concluded that the most vulnerable aspect of the Ukrainian war effort was the support received from NATO countries. For over a year Russia has been attacking NATO nations clandestinely with disinformation and sabotage using a combination of specialized diplomats and sleeper agents who have long been living in Europe. The sleeper agents usually dont carry out the sabotage themselves, but hire criminal networks in Europe to do it. European police and security agencies were aware of these plans and, when these sabotage activities were detected, the criminals were sought, and some were arrested. Some of these men confirmed the Russian source of these attacks. With these Russian efforts no longer secret, Russian recruiting efforts were crippled, but not halted, because of fears that anyone who worked for Russia would be quickly identified and arrested. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, public opinion in Europe has been hostile to Russia. Undeterred, the Russian sleepers faded deeper into the background and use one or more levels of intermediaries to identify criminal groups who were willing to carry out the sabotage if the financial rewards are high enough. Russia continues its sabotage and destabilization efforts in NATO Europe. There have been a few railway accidents that upon reexamination turned out to be Russian sponsored acts of sabotage. Another favorite is jamming of GPS signals; this continues to be a problem in several European countries. There was also a thwarted plot to assassinate the head of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. Russia denies any involvement, but the evidence of Russian complicity grows with each incident. In this respect Russia is at war with European nations and these attacks have led to further economic sanctions. Russia sees this as an attack on their economy and their coordinated sabotage campaign in Western Europe is their response. Russia had sleeper agents in Ukraine since the 1990s, after Ukraine became an independent state in 1991. The sleepers were not fully activated until Russia realized their 2022 invasion was faltering. There was no public announcement of this but by 2024 the Ukrainian security service, or SSU, detected several Russian agents operating in Kherson, which is near the Black Sea northwest of Crimea. Three Russian spies were arrested and apparently none of these men admitted to being sleepers or knowing anything about sleepers. That was not unusual, as sleepers and the agents they hire locally know that as long as they disclose nothing, Russia will do whatever they can to free these loyal agents. Each of the arrested men appeared to be operating independently, without knowledge of other agents. This was true, but these men also knew the sleeper network existed and said nothing about it. The Russian sleepers and spies were working jobs, like driving a cab, that allowed them to get around without raising suspicions. Interrogators did discover that the Russian agents were currently seeking locations and status of Ukrainian air defense systems and other military targets, especially those difficult to identify using aerial reconnaissance. Earlier SSU had disrupted an espionage network seeking location of Ukrainian HIMARS missile launcher vehicles. These are kept hidden because the Russians fear these mobile missile launchers, and the damage they do to Russian artillery units and supply storage sites. Eastern Ukraine always had a large Russian population because during the 1930s Russians were brought into eastern Ukraine to replace all the Ukrainians who died during the Holodomor or Great Famine. The famine was caused by the Soviet government exporting nearly all grain produced in that part of the country for several years. This was part of a Soviet plan to raise additional foreign currency to pay for importing Western machinery needed to industrialize Russia. This plan worked, and leader Josef Stalin saw the dead Ukrainians as necessary to enable Russia to build factories for producing commercial and military products, including tanks and the new multiple cell rocket launchers they had recently invented. Now, nearly a century later, there is another war because Russian forces invaded independent Ukraine in 2022. Stalin would have seen this as a civil war, but times have changed. Some things going on today Stalin would see as familiar. For example the post 1991 Russian government lost most of its destabilization skills. A century ago, the new communist government in Russia came to power because of the communists ability to subvert their opponents and eliminate opposition without a lot of bloodshed. A more recent destabilization effort involved an effort to destabilize countries in Africa to distract attention mass media paid to the Russian campaign in Ukraine. Russian mercenaries and spies are busy trying to cause as much distracting chaos as possible in the rest of the world. This includes covert operations in Europe, mercenaries operating throughout Africa, establishing links with Moslem organizations in Central Asia and Europe and blowing up Western airliners. Russia believes that conventional warfare waged in Ukraine and the unconventional warfare carried out worldwide complement each other. Russian efforts to destabilize Africa are supposed to divert attention and resources headed to Ukraine. To make this happen, Russian spies, assassins, and propagandists continue their efforts. Revolution and subversion efforts worldwide have long been used by the Soviet Union and later Russia to exploit whatever opportunities were available to disrupt and diminish support for groups hostile to Russia, while encouraging local leaders that support Russian objectives. For example, in 2016, Russian operatives recruited criminal gangs to cause trouble in the tiny Balkan state of Montenegro and disrupt efforts by that country to join NATO. That attempt failed when several foreign agents and pro-coup Montenegrin politicians were detected, arrested, prosecuted, and imprisoned. In February 2022, Russian agents tried to organize widespread protests that would justify Russian military intervention, aided by pro-Russian factions in the Ukrainian government. These factions were supposed to make it possible for pro-Russian groups belonging to the Ukrainian parliament and government to seize power. That effort failed because the Russians overestimated the number of pro-Russian officials in the Ukrainian government and the Russian invasion did not immediately succeed, as the Russians expected. There were too many Ukrainians willing and able to fight and defeat the Russian invaders. The Russian FSB is the post-Soviet version of the KGB but has demonstrated a shortage of skills and ability to match the performance of the KGB in its prime. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was made possible, in part, because the KGB had also lost its ability to get things done. By the end of 2022, the military failures in Ukraine gave the FSB more political and financial support to move forward with spending more time, money and effort on their sleepers program. The FSB had to call on retired agents who had served during the pre-1991 Soviet Union era. Many Russian sleepers were exposed in the 1990s because Soviet archives were open to foreign historians, some of them secretly working for Western intelligence agencies. Many Russian sleepers were identified and arrested. That put an end to Western researchers studying KGB archives. Russia considers arresting their sleepers in Europe and North Americans a hostile act. The Russians quietly began rebuilding and expanding their sleeper network. Meanwhile the Russians arrested innocent Western visitors to Russia and kept them in prison until they could be exchanged for arrested Russian sleepers. Western intelligence agencies now spend a lot of time trying to identify sleepers and pay more attention to acts of sabotage. These acts are often disguised as accidents or the result of a local feud. For the last two years, sleepers have become prime suspects. When pursuing whoever was responsible for acts of sabotage, sleepers are often at the top of the list of possible perpetrators. There is a slick new front man for the Democrat party. Though nominally the governor of Americas most populous state, he has been running a national campaign for several years now. (Recall his many attacks on successful across-the-country Florida and rival Governor Ron DeSantis.) Advertisement Glib and sounding intelligent while saying little of substance, Gavin Newsom is essentially a taller, whiter, and less cunning version of Barack Obama. Gavin is not the electoral bantamweight many conservatives claim. At 64 with heavily moussed hair, Gavin will be taller and at least as well coiffed and youthful-looking as his GOP opponent. (Although it sounds shallow to highlight Gavins physiognomy, lets acknowledge that an electorate shallow enough to elect Obama and Biden is also capable of electing Gavin.) Advertisement The entitled blueblood of the Getty and Pelosi dynasties aced finishing school; politically speaking, Gavin knows the difference between the soup spoon and the dessert spoon (both silver, of course). With Hollywood, Big Tech, and the billionaire class bankrolling his campaign, Gavin will easily pull in more than $2 billion, likely outraising his small-dollar GOP opponent. Yet Gavin is also as plastic, phony, and vapid as your typical Hollywood starlet. Nearly androgynous in his effeminacy, he regularly indulges in Shiva-like gesticulations, manic interviews, and deeply disconcerting social media postings while projecting painfully forced empathy. Advertisement These attributes are appealing to blue women who instinctively recoil from masculine men like Trump and J.D. Vance. Blue women are a voting bloc increasingly inclined toward outright misandry, possibly because they resent and despise their own fathers or feel rejected by other strong male figures they have encountered in their lives. The oleaginous Gavin is the opposite of macho. Unlike the senile Biden, Gavin wont fall on his face while debating Vance or Gabbard or whomever the GOP ultimately nominates. Plus it will obviously be the usual corporate media worms and fangirls asking the debate questions. Advertisement To overcome the stigma of being a white male at the top of the (D) ticket, Gavins V.P. will definitely be a woman. Gretchen Whitmer is a good bet and might cement Michigans 15 electoral votes. But Gavin could opt for a black or Hispanic woman to be truly intersectional and appeal to the highest number of grievance groups. Gavin is a cinch to hold the blue states won by the inept Kamala Harris (226 electoral votes). If he can then pick off the traditional blue wall states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania or even just PA and MI while winning back purple Arizona the White House is his. Advertisement Gavin would then nominate an avenging attorney general along the lines of Keith Ellison, Marc Elias, or Andrew Weissmann. SCOTUS judges might be on the order of the homicidal Jay Jones or James Boasberg. Downplaying his silver spoon, the hipster Gavin claims to have been a scrappy underdog during his formative years, subsisting on Wonder Bread and mac n cheese. (It was about payin the bills, man! Thats how I grew up, bro!) Advertisement Gavin once landed a hottie wife, named Kimberly Guilfoyle. Later, like countless politicians, Gavin succumbed to extra-testicular activity not by shagging some random groupie, but rather by bedding the wife of his own campaign manager and close friend, making the adulterous tryst a double-betrayal. Of course, laws and morals are for Republicans and dont apply to elites like Gavin and his friends. Gavins current gamine of a wife and potential FLOTUS, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, testified to an affair with Harvey Weinstein, doubtless a painful experience for her. She divulged the affair only after the #MeToo movement made headlines. Its worth noting that Gavins high-speed rail to nowhere in Californias central valley has cost $135 billion to date. Were not just talking about taxpayer money from daffy Californians micro-dosing on mushrooms and dreaming of unicorns but also working-class red-state voters whose federal taxes disappear into Californias gaping maw. (Red tax dollars are always financing Democrat projects and underwriting graft and political corruption in blue states.) Gavins predecessor as governor, Jerry Moonbeam Brown, left California with a budget surplus just as Gavin assumed office in 2019. After squandering Moonbeams surplus, Gavin and the Democrat supermajority Legislature in Sacramento now show annual budget shortfalls of at least $20 billion, though realistic estimates are far more dire. By the end of 2024, Cali had the second highest unemployment rate in the nation at an official 5.5%, along with the highest poverty rate at nearly 20% and the highest homeless rate. Middle-class outmigration has been joined by flagship businesses like Tesla, Oracle, and Chevron. (Incidentally, gasoline taxes and fees cost California motorists about $1.40 per gallon.) Imagine this economic turd show going national. Tens of millions of dollars have been stolen by government bureaucrats and NGOs supposedly managing the homeless industrial complex as Calis homeless population has surged past the (estimated) 200,000 mark. Feces, open-air drug use, and exploding crime rates due to de-carceration now define San Francisco and Los Angeles as much as the Golden Gate Bridge or the Hollywood sign. During Californias COVID lockdowns, Gavin acceded to every whim of the teachers unions. Public school teachers refused to return to the classroom, preferring to indoctrinate their students via remote learning. Consequently, urban schools in Cali didnt reopen until the 202122 academic year. Californias schoolteachers were ecstatic about their 18-month paid vacation, but kids suffered badly. Additional COVID relief resulted in at least $20 billion stolen through identity theft, fraudulent claims, and perhaps the active participation of Californias DIE-obsessed racial bean-counters, the corrupt Employment Development Dept. Statewide homicides in Cali increased 23% while Gavin was buffing his personal brand during his first year as governor (20192020), while smash-and-grab robberies skyrocketed under the Gavin-endorsed Proposition 47. Gavins obligatory demonization of white males is de rigueur throughout Democrat politics. As part of the racial pander, Gavin promised billions in reparations for black California residents, including de facto nationalization of private property to be redistributed along racial lines. On so-called anthropogenic climate change, under a Newsom presidency, hundreds of billions of tax dollars and subsidies will go to NGOs, businesses, industries, and individuals hyping clean energy as a solution to unsupported claims about imminent climate collapse. (Think of thousands of self-enriching climate bureaucrats, grant-seeking climatologists, and Solyndras feeding at the taxpayers trough as they fly in their private jets.) All of this and more will go national if Gavin is elected president, and the unreformable monolithic apparatus of government will eagerly revert to its pre-Trump status quo. Of course, by 2028, Gavins personal and political scandals (like his pathetic response to the Palisades Fire) will be mostly forgotten by an electorate that can barely remember what happened last week, let alone three years ago. A complacent GOP sleepwalking into the next election cycle should heed the words of Saul Alinsky: Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it. Erik and Todd Gregory are previous contributors to American Thinker. Image: Gavin Newsom. Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Time was running out. Advertisement By Christmas Eve, 1776, George Washington commanded an army that was about to vanishnot by defeat, but by the simple expiration of enlistments. Within days, thousands of soldiers would be free to go home, and many fully intended to do so. No act of Congress would abolish the Continental Army, but an army without men, morale, or cohesion exists only on paper. What remained in Washingtons care was less a force than a fragile idea, held together by habit, hope, and only a few days still to spare. Advertisement Across the Delaware River, Washington found shelter but no safe harbor. Remaining in place meant watching his army slip away as the year ended, men leaving because their time was up. Retreat exacerbated Washingtons problemconfirming what many were already beginning to thinkthat independence had been a summer daydream, persuasive on paper but unable to withstand the winter and the British forces now pressing in. Washington was not inclined to stand still, and retreat was never a posture he accepted readily. Advertisement Washington saw the truth with unflinching clarity. Wars are fought as much in the minds of men as on the field. An army that does not believe cannot endure. A cause that does not inspire cannot survive. But belief and inspiration alone cannot sustain an army indefinitely. Washington needed proofproof that the Revolution still breathed, that resistance was not folly, and that defeat had not yet claimed the future. He needed to show, to friend and foe alike, that the Patriot cause was not lost and that the Continental Army remained capable of bold actionable to seize advantage, strike decisively, and win. Advertisement Into this darkness, Washington designed a plan as audacious as the moment demandedbold because it had to be. If he failed, the war would likely endon British terms, sooner rather than later. With success, perhaps his army would live to fight another season, another yearlong enough to meet whatever challenges still lay ahead. Advertisement The only path forward lay across the river in Trenton, New Jersey. In the days before Christmas, Washington did what came instinctively for him, conferring with the officers he trusted most in a council of warNathanael Greene, John Sullivan, and Henry Knox among them. The risks were stated plainly. The army was thin, exhausted, and poorly clothed. The weather was worsening. Failure would likely end the war. Advertisement But for the Continental Army, accepting the present state of affairseven settling into winter quarterswas tantamount to failure, especially with the civil government already in retreat. Each man grasped a different piece of the problem. Greene understood both the operational danger and the strategic necessity. Sullivan worried openly about the condition of the troops. Knox focused, as he always did, on logisticswhat could be moved, what could be supplied, and what might still be made to work if first principles were respected. Washington listened. That habitlistening, weighing judgment, and then decidinghad become one of his defining traits. He was not seeking consensus so much as clarity. When he spoke, it was not to persuade, but to conclude. The crossing would be made on Christmas night. The army would strike at Trenton at dawn. The orders went out quietly. Preparations followed, deliberate and spare. Washington had prepared for this moment with care. The boats assembled along the river were not random craft, but Durham boatslong, flat-bottomed freight vessels designed for the Delawares currents and heavy cargo. As important as the craft selected were the men who steered them across the rivers span: seasoned river boatmen and mariners accustomed to ice, darkness, and weightmen who knew how to balance loads, sense a vessels movement in unforgiving water, and work silently under pressuremen who exuded a quiet competence which kept the crossing on track, moving steadily toward the Jersey shore. Here again, Henry Knox proved indispensableunderstanding as Washington did that in a landscape with few reliable roads, winter could be an ally rather than an obstacle. Frozen ground supported weight that the thawed mud would not. The Delaware River offered no welcome to the movement of Washingtons men. Ice clogged the waterway, grinding against the boats as men pushed off into darkness. Snow fell hard. Wind cut through threadbare coats. Progress was slow, uneven, and dangerous. The crossing dragged on for hours. Artillery did not clear the river until well after midnight. By the time the troops were ready to march, dawn was already approaching. The plan Washington had approved was broader than what the river allowed. Supporting columns were meant to cross elsewhereone under James Ewing below Trenton, another under John Cadwalader to the southbut the same ice that delayed Washingtons guns stopped them entirely. Ewing never crossed at all. Cadwalader managed to get men over, but without artillery, he withdrew. By the time the last units crossed, the night had taken its toll. The army was late, and the element of surprise was no longer certain. The column stretched out along frozen roads, boots crunching through snow, breath hanging in the dark. Orders passed quietly from officer to officer. Men closed ranks and marched on without ceremony, without illusion, and without applause. In Trenton, Colonel Johann Ralls Hessians were settled in for the Christmas season, perhaps longer. Their officers found warmth and welcome in the home of Abraham Hunt, a leading citizen of the town whose loyaltieslike the river Washington had just crossedran uncertain beneath the surface. By most accounts, the American rebellion was fading. British victory, aided by German auxiliaries, seemed less a matter of if than when. This was a moment for rest, regrouping, even a measure of ease, while waiting to deliver the final blow at a time of their choosing. They did not yet know that an army was advancing under cover of darkness. Before dawn, the Hessian assumptionand much elsewould be tested. Charlton Allen is a writer on policy and history. He is the nominee of President Donald J. Trump to serve as General Counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority. The views expressed here are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the President or his administration. Image generated by ChatGPT. On her podcast the other day, Candace Owens accused Ben Shapiro of I forget what it was. Taking over the banks, selling nuns into white slavery, setting orphanages ablaze, something along those lines. As evidence for all this, she waved a copy of a book published in 1871 titled Der Talmudjude. Advertisement Anti-Semites set great store by old, obscure books. Its part of the conviction that there exists secret knowledge about a hidden history of the world known only to a few. Its like the Necronomicon in H.P. Lovecrafts horror stories. These weird, forgotten volumes act as the key to all sorts of gnostic knowledge. Once you get hold of them, you become enlightened as the anti-Semites put it. The champion volume here is The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a printed record of an actual meeting in which the Elders themselves discuss how they will take over the world, starting with the banks, make the Goyim into slaves, sell nuns into white slavery, and set orphanages ablaze. It has never been out of print since it first appeared, has sold millions of copies, and served as an anti-Semitic gospel to people like Henry Ford, Gamal Abdul Nasser, and numerous Nazis. (Though not Hitler, oddly enough. His sacred volume was Houston Stewart Chamberlains The Foundations of the Nineteenth Century.) Advertisement The problem with Protocols is that they are a hoax. The Russian Czarist government was desperate to undercut the revolutionaries who were creating havoc across the country. They were convinced that the revolution was Jewish in origin. (It wasnt.) So around 1900, the Paris office of the Okhrana, the Czarist secret police, set about forging a document that would shock all good Russians into turning against the revos. The local Okhrana commander Pyotr Rachkovsky oversaw the effort. Most of the work was done by Matvei Golovinski. This pair got hold of an 1864 political satire by French attorney Maurice Joly titled Dialogue in Hell Between Machiavelli and Montesquieu, written to ridicule the foreign policy of Napoleon IIIs Second Empire. Golovinski simply lifted entire passages from Jolys book and threw in a few Jewish-sounding names along with updated references to make it sound contemporary. Advertisement The Protocols did little for Czarist Russia. But it was and remains a hit with anti-Semites and neo-Nazis. Its in print today in many Arab and Muslim countries as a ripped-from-the-headlines expose of the secret plans of the perfidious Israelis. Ive seen a copy printed in the U.S. that attributes it to Henry Ford. (To be fair to Henry, he did issue an apology to the Rabbinic Council of America once he learned that it was a hoax.) While Der Talmudjude (The Talmud Jew) doesnt hold the prominence of the Protocols, it too is highly valued among anti-Semites. It was written by a sometime scholar (he actually taught at one time at a college in Milwaukee) and a Catholic religious fanatic, August Rohling. Rohling had serious problems with both Protestants and Jews, though he aimed most of his ire at the Jews, writing a number of anti-Jewish books and pamphlets. Der Talmudjude was his masterpiece, if thats the word Im groping for. Advertisement The book was presented as a scholarly attack on the Talmud, the world-renowned record of Jewish and religious thought. Rohling presented numerous quotes from the many volumes of the Talmud supposedly demonstrating that it was a handbook for carrying out conspiracies against the Goyim and undercutting the well-being of anyone who was not Jewish, going so far as to recommend human sacrifice of Christian children. Like the Protocols, the Talmudjude had plenty of problems. It was also largely a plagiarism of a previous anti-Semitic volume Entdecktes Judenthum (Judaism Unmasked). While Rohling presented himself as a serious scholar who had read the Talmud in the original Aramaic, there was plenty of internal evidence to suggest otherwise. Advertisement The Talmud is a collection of thousands of pages of legal and religious debates on virtually every topic imaginable. Much of it is theoretical, concerning possibilities that have never occurred and are unlikely to occur. (My favorite involves a decision that, if a man were to fall off a ladder on top of a passing woman and accidentally penetrate her, he is not guilty of rape. This removed a heavy burden from my mind.) Clearly, its easily possible to cherry-pick passages from the Talmud and present them as statements of intent by Jewish rabbis themselves, to act as proof of nefarious and vicious conspiracies by the Jewish community, which is exactly what Rohling, and every other anti-Semite on the face of the earth, actually did. Advertisement Like the Protocols, the Talmudjude has been judicially demonstrated to be false. In the 1880s, Austrian Rabbi Joseph Samuel Bloch accused Rohling of fraud. Rohling immediately sued him for slander. When the trial began, it was proven in short order that Rohling couldnt read any of the ancient languages that he claimed to know, knew nothing about the Talmud, and had copied much of the work. He was forced to drop the lawsuit. Which didnt stop the Talmudjude from becoming a prized exhibit for anti-Semites, any more than the exposure of the Protocols did. It remained in print worldwide and is easily available today. (I was appalled to learn that it is sold by Walmart as a work selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. Rrright.) What this means for Candace Owens is that shes gone down in flames but doesnt know it yet. Owens has followed the standard trajectory of the anti-Semite from vague insinuations to whining and complaints to defending herself with bogus scholarship. While she hasnt discovered the Protocols yet, that may well be coming. Owens was never more than a minor player in American conservatism. At this point, shes simply become an embarrassment. The sooner the book is closed on her, the better. Image: AT via Magic Studio Just when it appears that the Republican Party has become unbeatable after re-electing Donald Trump and attaining majorities in the House and Senate, were seeing the beginnings of a fracture that could shatter the GOPs hopes for the midterms and the 2028 campaign for president. Tucker Carlson, a highly-rated conservative commentator with his Tucker Carlson Tonight show on Fox News from 2016 to 2023, was canceled after Fox was sued by Dominion Voting Systems because of alleged defamatory statements Carlson made on his show. Fox ultimately settled with Dominion for $787.5 million. Since leaving Fox, Carlson has hosted a very popular podcast, The Tucker Carlson Show. Advertisement During the past few years, Ive been an avid fan of his show, just as I was when he was on Fox. Yet for several months lately, he seems to have made a U-turn in his support of our countrys strongest ally in the Middle East. Although he contends to be a supporter of Israel, he refers to it as a tiny, inherently insignificant country. He tells his viewers that the U.S. spends too much money in a foreign country that, geopolitically, is not at all important to our nation. He goes on to say that China and India combined represent more than a third of the worlds population, and our relationship with them has gotten worse because of our relationship with Israel. While Tucker was smugly dismissing Israels importance because, according to him, the Israelis have no natural resources, Benjamin Netanyahu was announcing approval of the largest export deal of liquefied natural gas in the countrys history with Egypt, valued at about $35 billion. That deal occurred shortly after Israel made a deal to sell its Arrow 3 missile defense system to Germany for $6.5 billion. One wonders how Tucker can possibly conclude that Israel is insignificant. Advertisement Then, evidently dismissing the attack on our ally in 2023, Tucker says Israel is engaged in an extremely controversial war in Gaza, which Tucker claims is a massive killing of unarmed people, including women and children. Isnt that precisely what Hamas and other Palestinian militants did to Israel on October 7, 2023? Moreover, isnt the Palestinian nationalist slogan, From the river to the sea, an antisemitic call for the destruction of Israel? What Carlson has been saying seems to support the violent, anti-Israel, pro-Hamas demonstrations on college campuses. When Carlson publicly proclaims that Netanyahu is an enemy of Western civilization, he is demonizing the leader of the Jewish homeland and calling our ally our enemy. With an illogical statement of bizarre proportions, hes attacking the leader of a country that has fought wars against our common enemies in the Middle East. Advertisement Tucker is not alone in this recent political transmogrification. Such conservative figures as Candace Owens, Megyn Kelly, and Steve Bannon have made similar assertions. In fact, at the recent Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event, Bannon took verbal shots at Ben Shapiro, a die-hard supporter of Israel, as a cancer in the Republican Party. These back-stabbing attacks during a monumental celebration of Charlie Kirks vision of a more values-oriented America were, in my opinion, repugnant. When did some of our most conservative podcast hosts choose to engage in this internecine war? Tucker, the most strident of the divisive voices, is fond of saying he has the right to ask questions and give opinions without being called names. I should be able to question why were supporting Israel without being called antisemitic, he intones. I think hes more than a bit naive to think his opinions and questions are merely innocuous talking points. He and anyone with a similar megaphone is a powerful influencer. When the former Fox News host said he planned to buy a home in Qatar after doing an interview with the Qatari prime minister, he must have known that it would lead to suspicion concerning his sudden criticism of Israel. After all, Qatar has been a key financial supporter of Hamas. Advertisement Thats why its a bit baffling to me that he would suggest hes being deplatformed when someone wonders where his loyalties lie. If he can pose questions about our allys motives, we should be able to question his. Ultimately, Tucker seems to be dealing with the mental stress that comes from holding conflicting beliefs. Whatever is at the root of his cognitive dissonance, the GOP must get to the bottom of it and decide how to deal with its deleterious effects on the party. Because if the Democrats win the House in 2026, our country is in for a bitter, hateful few years as the Dems engage in more feckless impeachments and frivolous obstacles to President Trumps agenda to make our country great again. The laws of physics remain immutable. The few breakthroughs scientists discover dont defy those laws; theyre new understandings of laws we didnt know existed or only theorized might exist. Legitimate scientists and Normal Americans recognize and understand reality, which is why they dont declare gravity to be a social construct and fly from tall buildings. They know its not the fall that kills you; its the sudden stop at the bottom. Advertisement Democrats, on the other hand, because theyre morally and intellectually superior to Normals, make their own reality and try to force everyone else to live in it. Thats why electric vehiclesEVswere absolutely, positively going to be the future by various specific dates, just like the planet was doomed by various specific dates. That made thoughtful folks wonder why we bothered with all the EV hysteria if we were going to be doomed on those same dates? As 2024 approached, most Americansenough to make a differencecaught on to the EV hoax. Most of the market understood EVs cost far too much, have far too little range, take too long to charge, cost far too much to insure and repair, and dont meet most Americans needs. Democrats were outraged that Normals refused to live in their EV reality. Advertisement Then Donald Trump became president again and dismantled all the government EV mandates and incentives, and lo and behold, reality descended like a mighty river, and Ford, Chevy, and Stellantis suddenly recognized economic, if not physical, reality to the enormous relief of their shareholders. They abruptly shelved their EV plans, and Ford even cancelled production of its F-150 Lightning pickup, the vehicle that was absolutely, positively going to be the future. When owners asked it to do truck things, it miserably failed, which truck owners inexplicably took to be a bad thing. But blue states are immune to reality, states like New York, which mandated all school buses be electric by 2027. But with the new Trump reality, New York parents have suddenly discovered that electric school buses are disasters. Advertisement Why? EV batteries lose about half their range in cold weatherNew York has some of thatand batteries take far longer to recharge. If its cold enough, they wont charge at all. Worse, heaters draw enormous amounts of electricity from batteries, and thats a particular problem with bus-sized passenger cabins. Keep the kiddies warm, and theres not enough range to cover even the shortest bus routes. One of the reasons the F-150 Lightning had to fail was that Ford told owners not to use the cabin heater and rely on the steering wheel and seat heaters instead, which tended to allow frost to quickly obscure windows. Translate that dubious recommendation to school buses, and you begin to comprehend reality. Advertisement While the electric bus rule is to apply across the state of New York, parents in the Lake Shore Central School District are the ones vocally speaking out. WIVB News4 reported last week that parents are worried about their childrens health as bus drivers turn down the heat in the buses or even turn it off altogether as they try to conserve battery life. In fact, that is a recommended practice for EVs, which perform very poorly in the wintertime. And that is exactly why they should not be used to transport children to and from school in freezing temperatures. This isnt a new revelation. Back in 2023, at my home blog, I reported on the problems Teton CountyJacksonWyoming was having with its short-range, public transit, electric buses. Also in 2023, Norway was having EV bus problems: Advertisement Graphic: Social Media Post Advertisement What kinds of problems? Virtually no range, ridiculously long charging times, batteries that wouldnt charge at all, no heat in cabins, buses that just stopped working, and no parts at any price. Other than that, electric buses were and remain the future. Why is the media only now beginning to report on the EV doom loop that has been, for years, spiraling inexorably down? A Democrat administration, with its Democrat media propaganda arm, was pressuring car makers with all manner of explicit and implied threats to keep the EV hoax alive. Virtually every EV story in the press was EV cheerleading akin to reporters asking Hillary Clinton or Kamala Harris how they could be so wonderful. EVs were absolutely, positively going to be the future, and neither physics nor reality was going to be allowed to get in the way. Until, that is, Trump II. The always-present and overpowering downsides of EVs became so obvious that the problems couldnt be cheerleadered away, and the complaints of the parents of frozen school kids couldnt be ignored any longer. Become a subscriber and get our weekly Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer, and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Sleepy Joes boy, Hunter, recently sat down for a five-hour discussion on "The Shawn Ryan Show" during which he and Ryan discussed several topics, including the state of the nation. Advertisement The younger Biden claimed that the people who truly benefited from division were the richest people in the country, who found "some way" of avoiding consequences for their actions. He lamented that some people manage to "avoid the consequences" and are never held accountable. He said: "You know who's benefiting right now? Who there, you know, whether the Democrats are in control of Congress or whether the Republicans are, who ultimately seems to be benefiting?" Advertisement Ryan responded, "Well, I can tell you who's not benefiting. Not normal people." Hunter added, "Yeah. Not regular guys, not the guys you served with, not the guys that I went to high school with, not the, you know, nobody that I know," Advertisement Youve gotta be kidding me! First off, Joe Biden and his mentor Barack Obama have been uniquely responsible for the division wreaking havoc on the nation. Advertisement Furthermore: Burisma, The Big Guy, China, crack pipes, multiple prostitutes, laptop from hell, cocaine in the White House, etc., etc. No one has been held to less account than Hunter Biden. Maybe no one in history. Hes free and giving interviews to anyone who will have him. Some even speak of him as a presidential candidate! Democrats smear anyone to the right of Vladimir Lenin as Hitler. But it is Hunter who asserts that others havent been held accountable. That is comparable to Hitler, circa 1944, telling the media that he was deeply troubled that normal people have not been benefitting because Jews have not been held accountable. Advertisement This is insane. Few people who have ever lived have somehow managed to avoid the consequences like Hunter -- and his dad. If they were Republicans, they would now be shackled to a concrete wall, hanging upside down in a dank, dark dungeon somewhere. And Hunter is not alone in his luck. Hillary Clinton. Adam Schiff. John Brennan. Barack Obama. Jack Smith. Judge James Boasberg. James Comey. Peter Strzok. The Somali grifters and their government enablers in Minnesota. Etc. Advertisement In a just world, all of the aforementioned would be in prison right now. That they arent is a miscarriage of justice of monumental proportions. It could lead to the demise of this representative republic in the not-too-distant future, now that Democrats know that they will not be held accountable, no matter what they do. So, Hunter, bitchy and entitled, is the opposite of what you should be feeling. You should consider yourself unduly blessed. And somehow held utterly unaccountable. Image: Caricature by DonkeyHotey, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed Jimmy Kimmel is being celebrated on the left and ridiculed on the right for going to the UK to claim that America is a tyranny. The left, obviously, believes him; the right points out that Britain has become a nation in which any speech that offends Islam or the leftist anti-white narrative, or that defends the unborn (in which case even silent prayer is a criminal offense), can lead to a stint in jail and an appearance in criminal court. Advertisement Image created using AI. Advertisement The great irony is that whats happening in America is the opposite of tyranny; it is, instead, the return of the rule of law, which admittedly probably does look like tyranny to the criminals. In 2024, the UK government arrested approximately 9,700 people for offensive posts (down from approximately 13,800 in 2023) and prosecuted 14,657 defendants for hate crimes. We can assume that some of these arrests were for speech thats always been illegal (threats, incitement to imminent violence or crime, fraud, etc.). However, we know that many were for what George Orwell would call wrong think. In Britain, free speech is dead. Advertisement As just some recent examples: The new Labour Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, who is both a devout leftist and a devout Muslim, has announced that the government is waging war on any boys who show signs of toxic masculinity. This might be useful if it cracked down on the attitudes of Muslim men in Britain, who belong to a rapidly growing class of violent sex criminals. However, the new plan doesnt go after them; instead, it goes after British schoolboys, the kind who probably show incipient signs of mansplaining or manspreading when they sit. Advertisement A teacher at Henley College, a high school equivalent in the town of Henley-on-Thames, less than an hours drive from Oxford, was accused of terrorizing childrento the point of having the local child protective service make him a priority referral to the governments counter-terrorism programbecause he showed students videos of Donald Trump in a class about US politics. Another teacher was fired from the job for telling a Muslim pupil that Britain is still a Christian state (which, technically, it is). Advertisement Lucy Connolly, famously, was sent to prison for 31 months (she ended up serving 40% of her term) for an angry tweet about the horrific Southport murders, which she deleted within three hours. Now, her 13-year-old daughter has allegedly been kicked out of a new school because Connolly is a racist. A nurse in Britains National Health Service was suspended for calling a so-called trans woman mister. Making it worse, the man is a convicted male pedophile, and they were discussing the use of a catheter with this man. He responded by trying to physically attack the nurse and verbally attacking her faith and repeatedly calling her the N word. He was not arrested; she was suspended. Advertisement Thats the state of free speech, free religious worship, and free thought in the UK. But that didnt stop Kimmel, who didnt go to prison and didnt lose his job for saying truly vile and dishonest things on television, from going to the UK and calling America a tyranny: I have no idea if you know who I am, but I was asked to deliver this years alternative Christmas message (which Ive heard is a big deal) so I hope you do, but if not I host what you call a chatshow (we call it a talkshow) in what you call the colonies, I think? I honestly have no idea whats going on over there. 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. Its all Donalds fault, of course, Kimmel said. Trump, he contended, is both 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. Thats a fantasy. Whats been happening in America is something very different: a return to the rule of law. Trump has not passed any new laws. He is, instead, enforcing the laws on the books. Whether hes repatriating illegal aliens, preventing violent attacks on federal law enforcement, ending corruption in American government, holding media outlets to account for gross defamation, acting against virulent antisemitism on Americas campuses, protecting children from surgical and chemical mutilation, or anything else, its all entirely consistent with laws that have been on the books for years, decades, or centuries. For a couple of concrete examples, longstanding law has said that if you sponsor an immigrant to America, you promise that the person will not go on welfare. Thats how it worked for my parents in 1954: my mothers cousin sponsored them, guaranteeing that she would keep them off the welfare rollsand, indeed, they never went on the public dime, not one penny. That law is what the Trump administration is using against NGOs that sponsored illegal immigrants and then worked to get them welfare: Hot off the presses! @TheJusticeDept is reversing a Clinton-era interpretation of welfare laws that allowed American taxpayer dollars to flow to ineligible and illegal aliens. Another big move thanks to President Trump & @AGPamBondi. Great post-Chevron analysis by @ElliotGaiser pic.twitter.com/7rBCH9f3To Eric W. (@EWess92) December 18, 2025 Additionally, the administration is finallyfinally!cracking down on people who default on their student loans. There is absolutely no reason that the American taxpayer should carry the debt of someone who is considered old enough for abortions and sex changes, but stupidly decides to get a gender studies degree at the cost of tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars. It only feels like tyranny to the lawless, who are suddenly finding that theyre being held to account for their illegal acts. No wonder Democrats are upset! Were we foolish enough to listen to the Lamestream Media, to the self-imagined experts, wed believe the economy was in free fall and we were all facing certain economic doom any minute now, and its all Trumps fault! And then wed stop by our neighborhood gas station. Advertisement OK, forget California and some other blue states, but you get the point, just as I did when I filled up yesterday in the wilds of Wyoming: Advertisement Graphic: Wyoming gas price. Author. Gas hasnt been that cheap in these parts since, well, since before Biden, when I remember paying less than $2.00 per gallon. Gas hasnt been that cheap since 2020. Ah, those were the days! And it appears theyre returning: Advertisement According to AAA, the average gasoline price in the U.S. was at $2.88 per gallon on Friday. According to the live price on GasBuddy, which uses crowdsourcing data, American motorists were paying an average $2.87 per gallon on Friday morning. These are the cheapest gasoline prices consumers have seen in December since 2020, AAA reported. GasBuddy predicts gasoline prices will hit around $2.79 per gallon on Christmas Day. Advertisement While Wyoming isnt known for gas prices markedly higher than elsewhere, if its even cheaper in Wyoming than the national average, its almost certainly in that low range elsewhere too, with the aforementioned exceptions like these: Not all Americans will be enjoying gas prices below $3 per gallon this holiday. New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New England had gas prices over or near $3 per gallon on Friday, according to AAA. On the other side of the country, drivers in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington were paying more than $3 per gallon. Advertisement Alaska drivers were averaging $3.59 per gallon on Friday, while Hawaii drivers were paying $4.47 per gallon. The only state besides Hawaii, which imports all its gasoline, with average gas prices above $4 per gallon is California, at $4.32 per gallon. Oklahoma had the lowest gas price at $2.34 per gallon. President Trump provided the good news: Advertisement In his address to the nation from the White House Thursday, President Donald Trump commented on the lower gas prices travelers will enjoy this Christmas. Under the Biden administration, gasoline prices rose 30% to 50%, Trump said. Now, under our leadership, theyre all coming down. And theyre coming down fast, Trump said, referring to prices for a range of goods and services including gasoline. Trump stated that under the previous administration, regulations strangled the oil and gas industry. He said as a result of his declaration of a national energy emergency upon taking office, gasoline prices are now under $2.50 per gallon over much of the country. For years, the radical left democrats exploited the green energy scam as an excuse to funnel many billions of dollars into their own massive slush funds, Trump said. Lower gas prices at the pump are affected by many things, including lower costs of drilling, fewer regulations, an administration that encourages fossil fuel development, new drilling technology and lower international oil prices. And, as President Trump has often said, lower gas diesel and jet fuel costs reduce the price of pretty much everything as pretty much everything is transported using those fuels and they also power manufacturing. Expanded, less regulated and government encouraged energy development reduces the cost of electricity and heating and cooling for homes and businesses. Americans able to spend less on gas can better meet the needs of their families. Theyre also able to afford more travel to visit friends and family and can take long delayed vacations. And all because gas costs less. None of this is magic. Economic principles havent changed. What has changed is an administration willing to recognize and implement economic reality to benefit Normal Americans and to make America strong again. One might almost think some politicians dont care about those Americans, or for that matter, America. Theyd be right. Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Those who think Minnesotas governor is bad are now getting a good look at Minnesotas Lieutenant Governor, a trans- and abortion-loving leftist who nevertheless went full Dhimmi to pander to the Somali community for votes. It goes beyond normal American retail politics and is as obscene as it is sickening. Advertisement The 46-year-old Flangan honorably acquired her leftist credentials from her parents. Her mother was a lifelong activist for Minnesotas hard-left Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and worked for Hubert Humphrey. Her father was an American Indian land rights and sovereignty activist. Flanagan herself worked for Sen. Paul Wellstone (he of the infamous funeral) and then became a community organizer for Native American interests. Flanagan identifies as Native American (although she could equally well identify as Irish). In addition to Native American matters, one of Flanagans passions is LGBTQ+ rights, especially transgenderism for children: Advertisement As Pride Month comes to an end, my promise is this: In everything we do, we'll keep showing up to protect our LGBTQ+ and two-spirit neighbors fighting for love over hate every step of the way. pic.twitter.com/nU4BI7K1wM Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (@LtGovFlanagan) June 30, 2024 This is Lt. Governor Peggy Flannigan wearing a shirt with a knife on it that promotes what she refers to as gender affirming care. Another example of the Red-Green alliance. pic.twitter.com/NrdbqWsttX Sue Ellen (@EstergrenSue) December 26, 2025 Shes also a passionate feminist who wants women to have the government at their backs so that they can have the super rights and the abortions they deserve: Advertisement It was an honor to meet with women leaders in agriculture and trade yesterday. Women farmers feed our state and the world, and I was excited to uplift the U.S. campaign to establish 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer at the United Nations. pic.twitter.com/x2oC5oOe5F Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (@LtGovFlanagan) June 19, 2024 I had the pleasure of speaking to the young leaders at Minnesota Girls State today. Its imperative that women have a seat at every decision-making table, and I was so inspired by all the young women who want to be engaged in the democratic process to better their communities. pic.twitter.com/Ud3QJ2agzJ Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (@LtGovFlanagan) June 13, 2024 Across the Midwest, folks look to our state as a safe haven for reproductive freedom. Im grateful to independent clinics like Whole Womens Health for helping our neighbors access the care they need. pic.twitter.com/3MGpxrjed4 Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (@LtGovFlanagan) July 26, 2024 However, in Minnesota, being a passionate Democrat also means being a passionate supporter of the Somali community, which seems to have had a very lucrative partnership (to the tune of about $8 billion in government money) with the Democrats. And making obeisance to the Somalis necessarily means abandoning your leftist principles. (The only principles they share are money and power.) So, this ardent leftist feminist went to a marketplacemind you, not a mosque, where covering your head is a sign of respect to the faith you're visitingand donned a hijab. Not only that, she used the opportunity to attack the federal governments by-the-book immigration enforcement and promised to protect the Somali people in America from the federal government: Advertisement Islamization of America Now Entering the Next Phase Minnesota is conquered - Allahu Akbar! Left-wing Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan appeared on Somali-language television, wearing a sharia hijab, attacking federal immigration enforcement and pledging allegiance to a pic.twitter.com/9QD9djobna Amy Mek (@AmyMek) December 26, 2025 Weve got your back. And you know, if they are abiding by the law, supporting the American system, and giving their fealty to the Constitution...well, thats fine. But of course, that hasnt been the case with Muslim immigrants whove arrived over the past 30 or so years. Too many of their members are not law-abiding, do not support the American system, and do not give their fealty to the Constitution. Additionally, they do not support a few of Flanagans passions: homosexuality, womens rights, abortion, and transgenderism. Advertisement Instead, theyre more like the mayor of Dearborn: WHOA Mayor of Dearborn, MI tells this Christian man, although you live here, you're not welcome here and the day you move out of this city, I will launch a parade Christian man unhappy of a picture of a terrorist from Hezbollah being on Warren st They're not hiding it pic.twitter.com/WV51vP6sQS @Chicago1Ray (@Chicago1Ray) September 17, 2025 Also, Im tired of hearing about the fact that not all Muslim immigrants are like this. Heres my take: If youre not all like this, start policing your own community and voting for truly American values. If youre always fading into the background, you dont count. Advertisement Right now, I feel that these so-called moderates are about as real as jackalopes. As for the rest of them, Peggy Flanagan, at least, is willing to sell out all her values to get their votes. X screen grab. Much like the Vichy government in France during World War II, led by Marshal Philippe Petain, Norway had a Nazi-supported regime led by Vidkun Quisling, which enacted laws stripping Jews of their property. Quislings Nasjonal Samling party (N.S.) was the Nazi party of Norway and made antisemitism part of its political platform in the 1930s. Like the French law enforcement apparatus, the Norwegians rounded up their Jewish citizens and handed them over to the German Nazis, who shipped them to the death camps in Poland. Advertisement Norway was overrun and conquered by Nazi Germany in 1940. Approximately 15,000 Norwegians volunteered for Nazi service, with roughly 6,000 joining Germanys SS. A specific unit, the Norwegian Legion, comprised about 1,900 men who served in the Waffen-SS. Serving mainly in rear security roles before its disbandment in 1943, these Nazi-supporters contributed to the overall foreign contingent of the SS during WWII. A larger group of collaborators (around 45,000) joined Quislings fascist Nazi party, Nasjonal Samling. Norways king, Haakon VII, and his government escaped to England in June 1940 after the Nazi invasion and established a government-in-exile in London to continue the fight, with Crown Prince Olav joining them from exile in America, which became a symbol of Norwegian resistance throughout the war. Some elements of the Norwegian resistance helped Jews escape to neutral Sweden. But unlike the Danish king Christian X, who symbolically wore an armband with a Star of David, as a gesture of identification with his countrys Jews, Haakon didn't issue a specific public call to save Jews during WWII. Advertisement According to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, approximately 1,800 Jews lived in Norway when Nazi Germany occupied the country in 1940. Some figures place the number of Jews in 1942 at 2,173. Beginning in November 1942, Norwegian Jews were deported, mostly to Auschwitz, where they were murdered. A total of 742 deportees, along with another 23, who were executed in extrajudicial executions, brought the number of murdered Jews to 765, representing between 35% and 45% of Norways Jews. One would think that todays Norway, with less than a stellar record in the treatment of Jews during WWII, would be far more sensitive to the only democracy in the Middle East namely, the Jewish state of Israel. Israel and Norway share not only democratic norms, but many of the same freedoms, albeit under different and, in Israels case, difficult circumstances. Surrounded by Islamic fanatical terror groups such as Hamas to its west, Hezballah to its north, and the Islamic Republic of Iran to the northeast, Israel must protect freedoms while fighting for its survival. Unlike Norway and its Nordic neighbors, Israel is surrounded by societies with murderous religious intolerance, seeking to wipe out the Jews of Israel and, if possible, Jews worldwide. Advertisement Hamas perpetrated the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust on October 7, 2023. The Norwegian government has refused to designate the Palestinian-led Hamas as a terrorist organization, despite the fact that the European Union and the United States have done so. In fact, Norway views Hamas as a legitimate political player and considers maintaining relations with Hamas as part of its longstanding role in Middle East peace negotiations. Oslo, Norways capital, was the site of the secret 1993 negotiations between the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), led by Yasser Arafat, and Israel. Hamas, however, rejects any such negotiations with Israel and vows to repeat many more October 7s. Norway called the subsequent Israeli military response to Hamass unprovoked incursion into Israel, and the cold-blooded massacre of 1,200 mostly innocent Israeli civilians, disproportionate and a violation of international law. Apparently, the Norwegians, who have not known incursion against their sovereignty and war since WWII, cannot comprehend the meaning of self-defense. Israels actions were as justified as the Allied bombing of Nazi Germany during WWII and the U.S. response to al-Qaeda in Afghanistan after the 9/11 terror attacks on America that killed nearly 3,000 Americans. Advertisement Norway today, along with the Republic of Ireland and Spain, is one of the most anti-Israel states in Europe. In May 2024, in the midst of the war in Gaza, Norway announced its decision to recognize a Palestinian state, a move intended to support a two-state solution but that, in essence, rewarded mass murderers and terrorism. The recognition is tacit approval of Hamass goal of destroying the Jewish state. And although the Palestinian Authority (PA) uses more tactical diplomatic moves, its ultimate goal is the same: the liquidation of the Jewish state. The actions of the Norwegian government helped to legitimize the significant pro-Palestinian demonstrations that took place in cities like Oslo and Bergen, where some participants expressed anti-Zionist and antisemitic sentiments, including chanting slogans and displaying symbols that were widely seen as supportive of Hamas or hostile to Israel. Advertisement Additionally, whereas many Western nations have suspended funding of UNRWA, Norway has insisted on continuing its financial support despite findings of UNRWAs complicity with Hamas and revelations by the U.N. that some of its staff participated in the October 7 massacres. To add fuel to the fire of Norwegian insensitivity, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry advised Norways King Harald V against sending official condolences to Israel and the victims of the terror attacks following October 7, citing the political nature of the conflict, a decision that caused controversy and was viewed by the Norwegian Jewish community as a second betrayal, the first being during the Holocaust. Advertisement Whether it is appeasement of Islamic groups or outright antisemitism, the behavior of Norways government is disgraceful. The leadership panders to terror while exhibiting hostility to a fellow democracy, to whom it owes a moral debt in light of its Holocaust-related history. Image via Picryl. December 26, 2025: In the first half of the year, Islamic terrorists carried out nearly 600 attacks in nine countries. These attacks were carried out by five factions of the Islamic State. These include ISWAP/Islamic State West Africa Province which carried out 240 attacks throughout Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon. ISCAP/Islamic State Central Africa Province carried out over 100 attacks in Congo and Uganda. ISMP/Islamic State Mozambique Province expanded into Mozambiques Niassa province despite military pressure. ISMP conducted 69 attacks against pro-government militias, Christian civilians, and the Mozambican armed forces. Its attacks were mostly in the neighboring province of Niassa, particularly the Niassa Special Reserve and the district of Mecula. The most significant attack was against a Mozambican army camp in the district of Macomia at the end of June. The Islamic terrorists attack ended with the destruction of an army camp, stealing weapons and ammunition, and killing as many as 30 soldiers. ISSP/Islamic State Sahel Province carried out attacks in Niger and Mali. ISSP carried out attacks in the Gao and Menaka regions of Mali, as well as the Sahel Region of Burkina Faso. Niger has seen an increase in ISSP attacks in rural areas, including a major offensive against the Nigerien army and the National Guard in Bani-Bangou territory in the Tillaberi Region. In addition, ISSP attacked a Malian army base in the town of Tessit in the Gao Region. ISSPs attacks have reached as far as the Dosso and Tahoua regions in the southwest. ISS/Islamic State Somalia continued operations in Puntland, although that activity has been blocked by local security forces. ISS also carried out 128 attacks in Puntland, while ISCAP carried out 107 attacks in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. Islamic State militants are maintaining their positions despite the efforts of the U.S.-backed Puntland security forces and joint counterterrorism operations by the Congolese and Ugandan armies. Even where the Islamic terrorists have been repelled or defeated in some areas, they are still able to fall back to other positions, demonstrating substantial persistence. Attacks by ISCAP and ISS are increasing against military forces and, in the case of Congo, against Christian civilians. Attacks by the ADF/Allied Democratic Forces against Christians in northeastern Congo include a major attack in mid-May in Lubero Territory in North Kivu Province. Islamic terrorists continue to claim they are conducting successful terror attacks in Congo. The ISCAP/Islamic State in Central Africa Province claimed it conducted a suicide bombing in eastern Congos North Kivu province, when a bar in the city of Beni was attacked. Islamic terrorists are particularly hostile to alcohol, especially when men and women are consuming it together. For the record, ISCAP is also known as the ADF/Allied Democratic Forces. They now claim they are a component of Islamic State of ISIL/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. However, several analysts and security personnel doubt that ISIL has any influence over the ADF. Its an information operation to give the appearance of a global coalition. The ADF existed long before the Islamic State. ISIL and ADF each also have ties to Al Shabaab in Somalia. ISIL also has similar affiliates in Mali, Nigeria, North Africa and possibly Mozambique, in southern Africa, as well. Rep. Ritchie Torres is a Democrat congressman from New York. Although the Democrat party has become increasingly hostile to Israel, Torres opposes this growing party value, which led him to state a profound truism: violence against Jews inevitably means violence against everyone. Advertisement I wouldnt have known about Torress insight if I werent someone who reads letters to the editor. They can be as important and clarifying as the articles to which they respond. They can also be challenging, educational, instructive, and forewarning. Advertisement Image created using AI. I just read such a letter in The Wall Street Journal. Rabbi Avi Weiss wrote the letter as a follow-up to an opinion piece from Arsen Ostrovsky, entitled My Family Survived Bondi Beach, written by Arsen Ostrovsky. Ostrovskys essay touched and horrified me, as he wrote about living through the mass murder of Jews meeting together on a beach in Australia to celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights and of Jewish Survival. Advertisement Ostrovsky was shot in the head but survived. Fifteen lost their lives to an Islamist father and son. Ostrovsky wrote of how, thinking he was going to die, he quickly called his wife to tell her he loved her, not knowing if he would ever see her again. That would have been enough, but Rabbi Weisss responding letter again touched me. I have to ask when will the world...no, not the world but especially my nation as a whole, wake up with outrage to this great evil growing and spreading to Jewish communities wherever they exist in so many countries, including our own? Advertisement What struck me especially was what Rabbi Weiss wrote in a letter he handed to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: "I handed @AlboMP a letter from my congressman, Rep. Ritchie Torres, and quoted its central message: When Israel is demonized, Jews dehumanized and the government silent, violence is never far behind. I then hugged him, praying he change his ways" My grandfather, @RabbiAviWeiss pic.twitter.com/cJ7HUrfvyU Eitan Fischberger (@EFischberger) December 26, 2025 While Torres hasnt publicly used those specific words, there is no doubt he has frequently and publicly expressed those same sentiments. (See, e.g., here.) Advertisement I was surprised to learn that those sentiments came from a non-Jewish Democrat. I say this because so much of the focus by Democrats lately has been on Gaza and, subtly, Hamas, forgetting the horrors of October 7th that initiated the warfare. Can we think about that statement, When Israel is demonized, Jews dehumanized and the government silent, violence is never far behind. That is, indeed, a most accurate historical fact. It has been repeated over and over again. It began in ancient times in the Middle East, revealed in the Jewish Tanakh and Christian Old Testament, in medieval history throughout Europe and Islamic countries, into modern times, again in Islamic countries and Europe, now spreading to the United States. Advertisement That potent sentence should find its way into the general media, taught in academia, and repeated in Christian churches as a reminder from their Biblical source. This is not simply a geopolitical issue; its a vital historical issue and a vital moral issue. As one conservative, orthodox, biblical Christian, I urge my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ not to be complacent. Be active in loving the Israeli and Jewish peoples by defending them, active in protecting them, and supporting their right to freedom, safety, and security. Be proactive in manifesting holy outrage against such evil, hateful, malicious, wicked violence. This is no time for silence. Its a time to stand up to and identify with a people under siege and threats. Silent complacency is a serious threat to moral obligation that defends and protects liberty and justice. As Christians and followers of Jesus Christ, our Jewish Savior, we should be the first to respond in love and truth. British retailer Sainsbury recently pulled a Christmas card from its shelves, according to Townhall.com. Advertisement Why? Because it featured the Grinch with the caption "This Christmas, I'm identifying as a Grinch." Which was, apparently, "offensive to trans people." Which prompted GB News host Michelle Dewberry to state of the card, "So-called trans activists took about a nanosecond to complain about this, saying that it was an 'anti-trans dog whistle' and 'belittled the trans community.'" Advertisement In truth, the trans community does an excellent job of belittling itself with actions like this. Care to guess how the cards publisher reacted? It pulled the card. And apologized to the trans community. Shocking, right? The trans people who complained about this card dont have to identify as a grinch. They are grinches. Advertisement Two members of the busy trans community went to the trouble of creating a transgender holiday song, a tune that has, sadly, been liked by thousands of folks on Instagram. The duplicitous duo cleverly titled their song Make Christmas Trans Again. In their song, the two state things like I think we all agree that Christmas isnt trans enough, so this is our decree to fill it with transgender stuff, What if Jesus was trans-masculine? and Its going to be a transgender Christmas! Advertisement Jesus transitioned from dead to living again. That was the most important transition for all of us. Advertisement Gratitude and reverence would be far more appropriate than blasphemy. Image: Public Domain Pictures // CC0 public domain Imran Ahmed, a U.K. citizen of Afghan origin, would have you think he's just a 'non-partisan' truth seeker, solely interested in protecting children, stopping the spread of antisemitism, and saving America from 'harmful' online content as he defines it. It's just so big of him. Advertisement At least, that's how the New York Times described him. In fact, he got his visa yanked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week for censoring and deplatforming Americans' constitutionally guaranteed free speech, and one of his targets was American Thinker. For good measure, he got a deportation order built into it, too. According to the New York Times: Advertisement A federal judge in New York on Thursday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from detaining a British researcher whom it accused of promoting the online censoring of American viewpoints. Imran Ahmed, the founder and chief executive of a nonprofit organization that works to stop the spread of online hate and disinformation, was among five Europeans barred by the State Department from the United States on Tuesday. Advertisement Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on social media that the individuals, all of whom work to tackle disinformation and abuse on the internet, were barred from traveling to the United States because, he claimed, they have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to censor, demonetize, and suppress American viewpoints they oppose. The State Department said in a separate announcement that it had taken steps to impose visa restrictions on those individuals and that the administration was justified in moving to expel them from the country. Advertisement Most of the five Europeans just screamed about their yanked visas from Europe, and a couple days ago, I wrote about the instigator of the Digital Services Act, Thierry Breton, who put illegal pressure on Twitter to start censoring conservatives here. But Ahmed was too much of a political animal, connected to Democrat left-wing lawyers. to let this go without lawfare. Advertisement He's persuaded a New York City judge to stay his deportation order, convincing him that he has a 'right' to stay in America despite hating the majority of its voters and making it his lifework to deplatform them, demonetize them, and silence them. He even worked with Joe Biden's administration to make it happen. The New York Times claims that his organization is non-partisan. Advertisement In reality, he's a flaming partisan, being best buds and business partner of U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff, a creep named Morgan McSweeney, who is famous for dispatching hundreds of Labour Party operatives to assist on the Kamala Harris flailing campaign of 2024 and meeting with Harris in person in Chicago at the Democrat National Convention of 2024. As Clarice Feldman wrote in her column here at AT, on December 7: As economic and cultural suicide stalk Western Europe, it has initiated efforts to hobble America's technological advantage and diminish our freedoms. The first documented attacks on our open dialogue came from the UK and began in 2018 when Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmers chief of staff (then Labour Togethers managing director), began and funded an outfit called Stop Funding Fake News (SFFN). Recognizing that the online news purveyors could best be silenced by depriving them of funds, it first targeted UK outfits, but moved on in an attempt to starve U.S. outfits like American Thinker, Breitbart, Zero Hedge, and the Federalist of advertising revenue, and astroturfing defamation of such sites. A column by Ryan Grim at Dropsite News described how it was done: In 2024, Matt Taibbi and Paul Thacker reported on emails leaked from within [the Ahmed-led Center for Countering Digital Hate, or CCDH]. They showed that, for over a year, CCDHs internal team meetings included the action item: kill Musks Twitter. This is war, Musk posted in response. In the furor that followed, The Guardian was told that McSweeney had played no operational role in CCDH, which now claims ownership of the [Stop Funding Fake News, or SFFN] project. Imran Ahmed, who later claimed credit for both SFFN and CCDH on Twitter, claimed that McSweeney had simply gifted him a shell company (Brixton Endeavours) that was then converted into CCDH, and which later absorbed SFFN . The response was canny in not stipulating whether McSweeney had any operational role in SFFN. But 'Stop Funding Fake News' was a clandestine political project run by the U.K. Labour Party to shut down opponents by deplatforming them in the name of 'fake news' targeting Breitbart, The Federalist Papers, and American Thinker, among others. The Daily Caller has an excellent summary of their doings in a 2020 piece, so they were not exactly unknowns. Grim continued: SFFN was incubated and resourced by a think-tank called Labour Together under the guise of fighting misinformation and fake news. Between 2018 and 2020, the anodyne-seeming think-tank received 739,000 in donations that it failed to report to the UK Electoral Commission, in violation of electoral law. Labour Together was found guilty and fined in September 2021 for the offense. It was about as partisan a project as any cooked up by the 'disinformation industrial complex,' and they tried to silence half the electorate, cloaking themselves in the tears and flapdoodle of saving democracy and free speech. In reality, they were vipers, and it is very likely that Ahmed was dispatched to America to do all he could to destabilize the Trump administration. That's as good a reason as any for throwing the guy out, even as his Democrat and judicial allies do all they can to get a two-fer by keeping him here -- weak immigration laws and a hideous ally from another country who knows how to silence opponents in place to assist them. Image: AnonEitor234, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed Arsenal moved back to the top of the Premier League table with a nervy 2-1 win against Brighton at the Emirates. Mikel Artetas side started their penultimate match of the year a point back from Manchester City but they were ahead after just 14 minutes when Martin Odegaard fired home his first goal of the season. Brightons Georginio Rutter then headed Declan Rices corner into his own net after 52 minutes only for the visitors to haul themselves back into the contest when Diego Gomez lashed home shortly after the hour mark. Three Premier League wins in a row and back on top a good day's work for @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/qwToBjuZnm Premier League (@premierleague) December 27, 2025 David Raya produced a fine diving save to deny Yankuba Minteh with 15 minutes left in what could prove a pivotal stop in Arsenals bid for a first league title in two decades. The win takes Arsenal two points clear of City before they round of the calendar year with a fixture at home to third-placed Aston Villa on Tuesday. Brighton have taken just two points from a possible 15 and have slipped to 12th. On a sour note for Arteta, his defensive problems mounted up prior to kick-off when Riccardo Calafiori sustained an injury in the warm-up. Both Jurrien Timber and Ben White were absent here with Rice largely impressing as an emergency right-back while Cristhian Mosquera is also out. Gabriel returned from injury for Arsenal (Bradley Collyer/PA) (Bradley Collyer) Gabriel, who has been sidelined since November 8, did return as a second-half substitute. After City won the lunchtime kick-off at Nottingham Forest, the pressure was on a side who have finished runners-up in the league for the past three seasons. However, they started well and Viktor Gyokeres should have done better when he side-footed at Bart Verbruggen inside two minutes before Bukayo Saka ghosted past Maxim de Cuyper only to find Verbruggen equal to his close-range effort. Saka then blazed over and from the ensuing goal kick, came the opener. Martin Zubimendi reacted first to Verbruggens hospital pass and Rices header found Saka, who played the ball to Odegaard. Martin Odegaard celebrates scoring for Arsenal (Bradley Collyer/PA) (Bradley Collyer) The Arsenal captain was afforded too much room, taking one touch to compose himself, before firing a low, left-footed strike that nestled into the bottom corner. Half-chances for Saka and Rice, on two occasions, followed, and Verbruggen then turned away Zubimendis neat back-heel following a goalmouth scramble. Verbruggen was in the spotlight on the stroke of half-time when he clattered Gyokeres on the far touchline, but he escaped with a caution and Brighton were able to keep the deficit to one at the interval. But less than seven minutes of the second half had been played when the hosts doubled their advantage after an unmarked Rutters near-post header left Verbruggen with no chance. It marked another goal from a corner and a fourth own goal across three home games Arsenal have been able to cash in on. David Raya, simply stunning The Spaniard with a world-class save to deny Yankuba Minteh an equaliser for @OfficialBHAFC pic.twitter.com/kXjeFixvDo Premier League (@premierleague) December 27, 2025 On the hour mark, Gyokeres saw his shot blocked by Verbruggen the Sweden internationals wait for a goal in open play extending to seven matches but Arsenal looked in cruise control. That was until Yasin Ayaris shot hit Rayas far post and Gomez fired home the rebound. A flying fingertip stop from Raya then kept out Mintehs curling effort with the home support suddenly riddled by anxiety. Arsenal have made a habit of conceding late goals in recent times and Arteta was on his knees when substitute Gabriel Martinelli managed to hit his six-yard shot over the bar with five minutes to go. But the Spaniards side managed to get three crucial points over the line to keep Pep Guardiolas in-form City at arms length. A cheap diabetes drug is currently being assessed for its potential to halt the progression of a life-threatening condition. Scientists are assessing whether metformin can be repurposed to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). In the UK, a farmer from Leicestershire has become the first participant in a trial designed to evaluate whether metformin can benefit individuals suffering from this condition. An AAA manifests as a balloon-like swelling within the aorta, which transports blood from the heart to the abdomen. While many aneurysms remain asymptomatic, larger formations pose a critical risk of rupture, a complication that can prove fatal. These abdominal aortic aneurysms are tragically linked to approximately 4,000 deaths annually across the UK. Philip Gosling, 80, was told that his AAA was too small for treatment. When he asked what he could do to stop it growing, he was told about the new trial, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which is assessing whether or not the diabetes drug metformin could halt the growth of AAAs. He was the first to join the UK arm of the trial, which is being conducted by experts from the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Philip Gosling, 80, is now part of a trial to see whether or not the diabetes drug metformin could halt the growth of AAA (British Heart Foundation/PA Wire) Im glad to be on the trial, he said. I believe in research, I see the results of it every day on the farm, where science has changed things so much from when I started. When they told me about the trial I had to get involved. Mr Gosling was referred to a specialist after routine screening detected his AAA. Screening is offered to all men over the age of 64 because they are at highest risk of the condition. If an AAA is small, patients will not be given treatment but they will be given regular scans to check on its size. If an aneurysm grows, the risk of it bursting becomes higher. Once it grows to a certain size then a patient will be referred to a specialist to discuss treatment options. My aneurysm is 4cm wide, so isnt big enough to operate on. I asked what I could do to stop it growing, and thats when they told me about the trial, Mr Gosling said. Mr Gosling, who still helps his son on the family farm, said that the condition means he had to stop doing certain things, such as lifting heavy objects. The trial, backed by a 1.2 million BHF grant, is the largest ever drug trial for AAA and aims to recruit 1,000 patients over two years. Men and women with a small AAA who take part in the trial will be given metformin or placebo tablets daily until their AAA needs surgical repair, usually at least two years. Mr Gosling started the first stage of the trial in July, where he was given metformin in gradually larger doses over six weeks to make sure he could tolerate the drug. The trial, backed by a 1.2 million BHF grant, is the largest ever drug trial for AAA and aims to recruit 1,000 patients over two years (Alamy/PA) He is now on the second stage, where he is taking either metformin or a placebo and having regular check-ups to see if his AAA is growing. My condition is very closely monitored, which can only be a good thing, Mr Gosling said. Hopefully it will help a lot of people like me in the future. It is hoped that by slowing or preventing aneurysm growth patients could avoid major AAA surgery, which carries its own risks. Professor Matt Bown, BHF professor of vascular surgery at the University of Leicester, who is leading the UK branch of the trial, said: Evidence suggests metformin could be the treatment for AAA weve long been looking for. Research in the lab indicates it could be working to prevent AAA growth by blocking inflammation in the aorta, a key factor that causes AAA enlargement. This trial will involve people who can currently do nothing but wait for their aneurysm to grow to a dangerous size. We hope we will prove that daily metformin can be used to treat this group and give them some much-needed peace of mind. Professor Bryan Williams, chief scientific and medical officer at the BHF, added: Abdominal aortic aneurysm increases the risk of rupture of this major blood vessel which can have catastrophic consequences. The risk of rupture increases as the size of the aneurysm increases and to date we dont have effective drug treatments to limit the expansion of these aneurysms. This is the reason the BHF is supporting this important trial to determine whether a commonly available medication, metformin, usually used for the treatment of diabetes, can limit the expansion of these aneurysms and thus, reduce the risk of rupture. This important clinical trial will reveal whether this simple treatment can stop aneurysm growth and, if it does, this would be a major breakthrough, providing reassurance for patients affected by this condition. Estevao is fit again in a major boost for Enzo Maresca (AFP via Getty Images) Estevao is set to return from injury when Chelsea play Aston Villa. The Brazilian has missed away games at Cardiff and Newcastle with a small muscular injury but is back available. FOLLOW CHELSEA VS ASTON VILLA LIVE! Liam Delap is also fit again after three weeks out with a shoulder problem and joins his Brazilian team-mate on the bench. Maresca has also confirmed that Cole Palmer is ready to play 90 minutes after being carefully managed through his four appearances since returning from the groin injury that kept him out for more than two months. Enzo Fernandez was a substitute at Newcastle on December 20 and he comes back into midfield as captain Reece James returns to right-back. Maresca will name a strong team against the side sat immediately above Chelsea in third place in the Premier League table. Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill all remain absent with longer-term injuries. Confirmed team news Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho, Joao Pedro Subs: Jorgensen, Fofana, Tosin, Acheampong, Gusto, Santos, Estevao, Gittens, Delap Injured: Essugo, Lavia, Colwill Time and date: 5:30pm GMT on Saturday, December 27, 2025 Venue: Stamford Bridge Civil servants who have knowingly let foreign sex offenders into Britain would be prosecuted under a Reform UK government, and face losing their jobs and pensions. Nigel Farages party said it would legislate to create a new criminal offence of dishonestly determining an asylum claim, punishable by up to two years in prison. Under the policy, civil servants found to have committed the offence would also face a number of potential sanctions, including being forced to give up their civil service pension, and dismissal for gross misconduct. They would also be investigated by a dedicated police task force, supported by the National Crime Agency, to examine whether they had committed any existing criminal offences, such as perverting the course of justice or misconduct in a public office. Writing for The Telegraph, Zia Yusuf, Reforms head of policy, said a Reform government would examine all asylum claims going back a decade. Zia Yusuf says: Granting asylum to those who are likely to cause harm to British people is unlawful under the immigration rules - Ben Whitley/PA Wire He said: The first duty of any government is to keep its citizens safe. On that most basic test, both Conservative and Labour governments have failed and they have failed knowingly. What we are witnessing is not a system stretched to breaking point by accident, but a system in which safeguards have been deliberately abandoned, laws disregarded, and responsibility systematically evaded. Civil servants inside the Home Office have been waving through asylum claims for foreign nationals with known histories of sexual offending. That is not a grey area. Granting asylum to those who are likely to cause harm to British people is unlawful under the immigration rules. And yet it has been allowed to continue, unchecked, for years. The result is that the British state itself has become complicit in endangering women and girls. That must end. Reform said that under its policy, foreign national sex offenders would not be allowed into the UK, and any asylum seekers who had been previously charged with sex offences would be deported. Last month, a Home Office whistleblower claimed that migrants who had been accused of sex offences and other crimes were being granted asylum regardless of their offending. The senior caseworker told The Telegraph that Home Office staff could approve claims from asylum seekers charged with crimes, as long as the offence for which they were being prosecuted did not merit a prison sentence of 12 months or more. She cited a case in which she said she was disciplined after refusing to approve an Afghan mans application because he had been arrested several times for indecently exposing himself in a childrens play area. She alleged that caseworkers were under pressure to hit targets, which incentivised them to approve more claims, and that applications from some countries, such as Eritrea and Sudan, were fast-tracked with less scrutiny than those from other nations. Abdul Ezedi, the Clapham chemical attacker, was granted asylum in the UK despite previously having received two suspended jail sentences, both of less than 12 months, for sexual assault and indecent exposure. Ezedi, an Afghan national, attacked a 31-year-old woman and her children with a corrosive substance last year, causing life-changing injuries. His body was later found in the River Thames following a manhunt. Abdul Ezedi was captured on CCTV at Kings Cross station after the chemical attack - Metropolitan Police Responding to the whistleblowers claims, a spokesman said the Home Office took all allegations seriously and was committed to addressing any concerns appropriately, but added that it did not accept the characterisation of these concerns as presented. The spokesman added: The integrity of the UK immigration system is paramount. We operate within a robust framework of safeguards and quality assurance measures to ensure that all claims are thoroughly assessed, decisions are well-founded, and protection is granted only to those who meet the established criteria. In April, the Home Office announced that foreign sex offenders would be barred from gaining asylum in Britain under a new law. Ministers will receive powers under the legislation to exclude any foreigners convicted of sex offences in the UK or abroad from protection under the Refugee Convention, even if their sentence is less than 12 months. A Government spokesman said: Civil servants do vital work securing UK borders and processing returns so that foreign national offenders are removed from our streets. Since the Government came into power, we have removed nearly 50,000 people with no right to be on British soil and asylum-related returns are up 27 per cent compared to the previous year. We will not allow foreign criminals and illegal migrants to exploit our laws. We are reforming human rights laws and replacing the broken appeals system so we can scale up deportations. The British state has endangered our girls. Reform will hold it to account By Zia Yusuf Its inevitable that one day there will be some man I have granted asylum to, and he will have raped or murdered a young girl. Those were the words of a Home Office caseworker, acting as a whistleblower to The Telegraph. A civil servant admitting that, under our current asylum system, catastrophic harm to British girls is not just possible, but expected. That alone should stop the country in its tracks. The first duty of any government is to keep its citizens safe. On that most basic test, both Conservative and Labour governments have failed and they have failed knowingly. What we are witnessing is not a system stretched to breaking point by accident, but a system in which safeguards have been deliberately abandoned, laws disregarded, and responsibility systematically evaded. Civil servants inside the Home Office have been waving through asylum claims for foreign nationals with known histories of sexual offending. That is not a grey area. Granting asylum to those who are likely to cause harm to British people is unlawful under the immigration rules. And yet it has been allowed to continue, unchecked, for years. A serious forensic investigation The result is that the British state itself has become complicit in endangering women and girls. That must end. Today, we announce that a Reform government will create a dedicated task force to review every asylum grant made over the last decade. This will not be a paper exercise or an internal review. It will be a serious, forensic investigation with real consequences. Any civil servant found to have knowingly allowed a foreign sex offender to remain in this country will be dismissed for gross misconduct. They will forfeit their civil service pension. And, where the evidence justifies it, they will face criminal charges. I was just following orders will not be accepted as an excuse. That defence was discredited long ago. This means officials can expect accountability, something that has been entirely absent from our immigration system. For too long, responsibility has been pushed downwards, upwards, sideways anywhere except where it belongs. Meanwhile, the costs are borne by innocent people who never consented to this experiment in state negligence. Why has this happened? Because Britains asylum system is collapsing under a backlog of more than 150,000 cases. Instead of enforcing the law, including the deportation of those who arrived illegally, first Tory and now Labour ministers have applied pressure on civil servants to rubber-stamp claims, cut corners and move the numbers. b' ' The public deserves the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Afghan nationals are more than 20 times more likely to be convicted of sexual offences than British citizens. Foreign nationals with known criminal records have been granted asylum. Afghans now account for the largest number of illegal small boat arrivals. And in 2023 alone, an astonishing 99 per cent of Afghan applicants were granted refugee or humanitarian status. All of this has happened largely out of public view. One Afghan resettlement route was hidden from the British people for nearly two years under a super-injunction, with Afghan resettlement costing at least 5.5bn. Parliament was sidelined. Scrutiny was avoided. And the public was deliberately kept in the dark. The consequences are not theoretical. Over just three days earlier this month, Afghan migrants who arrived in this country illegally were charged or convicted of the rape of a 15-year-old girl, multiple rapes of teenage girls, and the sexual assault of children. The rights of the British public must come first These are not isolated incidents. They are the predictable outcomes of a system that has placed process above protection and ideology above safety. This is reckless endangerment. Reform will not tolerate it. Nigel Farage will make the safety of British women and girls non-negotiable. Every asylum decision made in recent years will be reviewed. Every official involved will be held to account where wrongdoing is found. And the law will once again mean what it says. In doing so, we will restore a moral hierarchy that Tory and Labour governments have inverted. The rights of the British public especially the most vulnerable must come first. Right now, protecting women and girls means having the courage to confront a painful truth the British state itself has become part of the problem. Reform will hold it to account. Zia Yusuf is Reform UKs head of policy Tiffany Lee Griffith, 36, who was arrested for allegedly holding a child underwater at a hotel pool in retaliation for the child repeatedly dunking her own son, was once a police officer who spoke out against bullying (Osceola County Sheriff's Office) A former law enforcement officer in Florida who once lectured students about the harm of bullying is accused of committing a violent act against a child herself. Tiffany Lee Griffith, 36, of Fort Myers, was arrested December 19 and charged with aggravated child abuse after allegedly holding a six-year-old boy underwater for several seconds at a hotel pool, according to a police report obtained by WPBF. Investigators say the alleged act was retaliation for the child repeatedly dunking her own son, who she said is eight years old and has autism. The incident happened at the Gaylord Palms Hotel in Orlando, where authorities say Griffith got into the pool and began screaming at a child she believed was playing too rough with her son. She then placed her hands on the victims shoulders and forcibly dunked him underwater for several seconds, according to the Osceola County Sheriffs Office. Tiffany Griffith, 36, who was arrested for allegedly holding a child underwater at a pool in retaliation for the child repeatedly dunking her own son, was once a police officer who spoke out against bullying (Osceola County Sheriff's Office) Security footage obtained by ClickOrlando shows Griffith wading over to the boy and holding him down in the water for approximately two to three seconds. The boy got out of the pool visibly upset and bleeding from his nose, police said. Griffith then allegedly screamed at the boys mother before leaving the pool area. It was later revealed that Griffith had previously worked for the Punta Gorda Police Department from 2013 to 2018 under the name Tiffany Lee Viola. She had also served as a school resource officer and was awarded employee of the quarter in 2016. Online posts show her speaking to high school freshmen at Charlotte High School about bullying and sexting. Griffith once served as a school resource officer and was awarded employee of the quarter in 2016 (Punta Gorda Police Department) Griffith was booked at the Osceola County Jail on an aggravated child abuse charge. At a pretrial release hearing this week, Griffiths husband testified that she feared her son could have been in danger. She was released on a $20,000 bond on Tuesday. December 27, 2025: The origins of the current East Asian military rivalries between China, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan go back centuries. During that period, the Chinese empire, the last one of dozens that had ruled China for thousands of years, was defeated and humiliated by a resurgent and militarized Japanese empire. The 18941895 First Sino-Japanese War confirmed that the last Chinese empire was corrupt, weak and unable to withstand the attacks by the emerging Japanese empire. Japan had gone from a backward, isolationist feudal society in 1853, to a westernized, modernized and militarized empire by the 1880s. In doing so, Japan was the first nation in East Asia to undergo the Industrial Revolution. China did not do so until the 1980s. China had been an empire for long periods during the past four thousand years, with about as long periods of being several different states or during civil wars. Modern Japan was inspired by Europe, which began industrializing in the 1760s, followed by the United States a few decades later. By industrializing before anyone else in East Asia, Japan was able to defeat the Chinese empire in the 1894 Battle of Yalu. The Yalu River was in Korea, then a client state of the Chinese empire. By defeating Chinese forces at sea and on land in Korea, Japan was able to take Korea for itself, in addition to Taiwan. A Japanese army marched out of Korea into China to force the Chinese to cede Korea to them. At the end of the 19th century, Japan got into a war with the Russian empire over possession of Manchuria. Japan defeated the Russians on land, and at sea in the Battle of Tsushima. These two victories startled Europeans, who never expected any East Asian nation to defeat a European force. Japan then controlled Korea and Chinas Manchuria. During 1914-1918 World War I, Japan sided with the allies and was able to seize German island territories. One of the reasons for Japan starting the World War II War in the Pacific was Japanese generals resentment at how little Japan received from joining the Allies in World War I. Japan lost in World War II, the only war the revived Japanese Empire had ever lost. Japan lost all its overseas possessions and for nearly half a century remained a military nonentity in East Asia. The resurgence of China in the late 20th Century prompted the Japanese to rearm. China is no longer an empire but rather a socialist dictatorship that encourages free enterprise. China is now dependent on foreign trade. They are the second largest trading country in the world, after the United States. This is another result of the Battle of Yalu, one of many things that this 1894 conflict triggered. A three-alarm fire tore through the historic Old Port waterfront in Portland, Maine, on the day after Christmas, damaging buildings and sinking one boat. Around 5:30 p.m. on Friday, ferry passengers noticed flames on the Custom House Wharf, a pier that extends into the harbor and houses several businesses, according to a fire department news release. Within minutes, the first emergency crews arrived at the scene, where they encountered significant smoke and fire spreading through several commercial buildings. Additional units from nearby towns, as well as a fireboat, quickly joined the response. Due to intense fire conditions, challenges with multiple additional exposures, access issues related to being on the wharf, and structural collapse of the building, crews were forced to eventually operate defensively, officials said. Photos posted by the Portland Fire Department show buildings ablaze next to tied-up boats and huge plumes of smoke rising above the citys skyline. And a video posted by Portland Maine Old Port shows water being doused on a raging fire, which cast a red glow over the harbor. A fire tore through the historic waterfront of Portland, Maine, the day after Christmas, burning buildings and sinking at least one boat (Portland Press Herald) The fire was deemed under control at about 7:20 p.m., nearly two hours after firefighters rushed to the waterfront (Portland Press Herald) The fire was deemed under control at about 7:20 p.m., nearly two hours after firefighters rushed to the waterfront. Given the age of the structures and obviously, the potential of fire spread down here, everybody did a really great job to work really hard to stop the fire where we did, Deputy Fire Chief John Hendricks said during a press conference, according to The Bangor Daily News. A pair of firefighters suffered minor injuries that did not require hospitalization, and no members of the public were injured, officials said. Several boats at the wharf were damaged as a result of the blaze and one vessel sank. The public is encouraged to use caution in the area as crews remain on scene attending to hotspots and due to possible icy conditions related to operations, officials said on Saturday. Its not clear what caused the fire, which is currently under investigation by the Maine State Fire Marshalls Office. The cause or origin of the fire remains unknown, officials said (Portland Maine Old Port) Multiple businesses that operate near the wharf reacted to the blaze on social media. Praying everyone in the Old Port and area is safe right now, The Thirsty Pig pub wrote in a Facebook post. The Porthole Restaurant, a seafood spot, said in a post on Saturday that it will remain open regular hours if you need a familiar place to gather. Our hearts are with everyone impacted by last nights fire at Custom House Wharf, the business added. Were grateful for the first responders and for the safety of our neighbors. Suspect in Idaho county courthouse shooting confirmed dead after injuring three, police say Three people are hurt following a shooting in the downtown area of Wallace, Idaho. Police responded to reports of gunfire at the Shoshone County Sheriffs Office around 2:30 p.m. local time Friday, Sheriff William Eddy said at a press conference. Multiple agencies responded, and the suspected shooter is now dead. An officer sustained an injury to his ear and two women were shot in the leg while inside a vehicle near the county building. All three have minor injuries, Eddy said. Following an officer-involved shooting, the suspect was pronounced dead around 4:15 p.m. local time in the lobby of the building, according to Eddy. The suspected attacker had several guns, he said. No further information has been revealed about the suspect. SWAT units were deployed to the area after the shooting was reported. Shoshone County Sheriff William Eddy told reporters three people were injured in a shooting in Wallace, Idaho (KREM 2 News) The Mineral County Sheriff's Office also said it dispatched reinforcements to assist in the neighboring county and asked people to stay away from the downtown area. Mineral County is located in northwestern Montana. The online reports of an active shooter at the Shoshone County Sheriffs Office in Wallace, Idaho are accurate, Mineral County Sheriff's Office said a Facebook post. We are sending reinforcement to help our neighbor. Please pray for all law enforcement. Wallace is a small historical city, located about an hour and a half drive east of Spokane, in the Silver Valley along Interstate 90 near the Montana border. SWAT units were deployed to the area after the shooting was reported (Getty Images) Around 800 people live in Wallace, according to Census data. Local news outlets reported that police formed a perimeter near the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office during the incident. The Shoshone County Courthouse, sheriffs office and county jail are all located within the same building. Several local businesses in the downtown area reported a heavy law enforcement presence in the area, according to local news outlets. The owner of a nearby Ace Hardware said the suspected shooter fired into his building before entering the sheriffs office, according to the Shoshone News-Press. Another witness who was inside a nearby grocery store told KREM 2 News she heard some shots fired in the area. Electoral commission officials monitoring a polling station in Hargeisa during the 2024 presidential election in Somaliland. Photograph: Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images) Israel has become the first country to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state, a breakthrough in its quest for international recognition since it declared independence from Somalia 34 years ago. The Israeli foreign minister, Gideon Saar, announced on Friday that Israel and Somaliland had signed an agreement establishing full diplomatic relations, which would include the opening of embassies and the appointment of ambassadors. The recognition is a historic moment for Somaliland, which declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 but until now had failed to be recognised by any UN member states. Somaliland controls the north-west tip of Somalia, where it operates a de facto state, and is bordered by Djibouti to the north-west and Ethiopia to the west and south. Related: Exclusive: Somaliland president says recognition of state on the horizon following Trump talks The Israeli prime ministers office said the declaration was in the spirit of the Abraham accords, a series of normalisation agreements between Israel and mostly Arab states signed in 2020. It posted a video of Benjamin Netanyahu speaking via video call with Somalilands president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, in which he invited him to visit Israel and described the friendship between the two countries as historic. Abdullahi said he would be glad to be in Jerusalem as soon as possible. Donald Trump said he opposed US recognition of Somaliland in an interview with the New York Post published on Friday, adding: Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really? The US administration is reportedly split over the recognition of Somaliland, with some fearing such a move could endanger military cooperation with Somalia. The US has troops deployed there, where it supports Somali forces in their fight against the Islamist movement al-Shabaab. Somalias foreign ministry said in statement the decision was a deliberate attack on its sovereignty that would undermine peace in the region, a sentiment echoed by the African Union (AU). The AU said it firmly rejects Israels move, warning: Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia ... risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent. The pan-African bodys head, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, said Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which is a member of the AU. Israels move was also condemned by Egypt and Turkey, which said in a statement: This initiative by Israel, which aligns with its expansionist policy and its efforts to do everything to prevent the recognition of a Palestinian state, constitutes overt interference in Somalias domestic affairs. Saar said the recognition came after a year of talks between the two countries and that he had instructed Israels ministry of foreign affairs to immediately institutionalise ties between the two countries. Israeli analysts have said recognition of the breakaway state could be in Israels strategic interest, given Somalilands proximity to Yemen, where Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes against the Houthi rebels over the past two years. A report in November by the Institute for National Security Studies, an Israeli thinktank, said: Somalilands territory could serve as a forward base for multiple missions: intelligence monitoring of the Houthis and their armament efforts; logistical support for Yemens legitimate government in its war against them; and a platform for direct operations against the Houthis. The Somaliland authorities already host a military base operated by the United Arab Emirates in Berbera, which has a military port and an airstrip for fighter jets and transport aircraft. Analysts have suggested that the base is a key part of the UAEs anti-Houthi campaign in Yemen. Somalilands president revealed in May that US military officials, including the most senior officer in the Horn of Africa, had visited Somaliland and that another US delegation was expected to visit soon. Its a matter of time. Not if, but when and who will lead the recognition of Somaliland, Abdullahi told the Guardian. Project 2025, which was published in 2023 and is alleged to have guided much of the doctrine of Donald Trumps second administration, called for the recognition of Somaliland as a hedge against the USs deteriorating position in Djibouti, where Chinese influence is growing. This August, the Texas Republican senator Ted Cruz wrote to Trump asking him to recognise Somaliland. Cruz said Somaliland was an ally of Israel and that it had expressed support for the Abraham accords. Somaliland has a population of a little more than 6.2 million. The breakaway state has a democratic system that has had peaceful transfers of power, though the Washington-based non-profit organisation Freedom House noted an erosion of political rights and civic space in recent years, with journalists and opposition figures facing repression from authorities. A former tech entrepreneur, Ben Arbib shifted his focus to food and sustainability. Ben Arbib is an entrepreneur, sustainability advocate and founder of Nurture Brands. The UK's first health shots made from camu camu berry were launched this year. City life taught me that I didnt want to work for a big corporation and that I only wanted to be an entrepreneur. But working in the City of London seemed more exciting than university during the tech boom in the late 90s. As a 19-year-old intern I worked for a year before getting on the trading desk. I was advising a lot of clients into some decent stocks, which were going up quite a lot, and I ended up being an equity sales trader at ING. Read More: 'Our nut butter brand is on people's dating profiles we're now courting 35m sales' Yes, it was a well paid job and an exciting place to be but from an ambition point of view I wanted to do my own thing. I stayed two years and then went into the world of betting and gaming tech companies where, being a trader, I had seen companies like Betfair emerge. We invested in early stage companies and I was parachuted in to help them. It was a great startup university in different sectors. It was also a fast-moving time of life and I ended up burning out around the financial crash in 2007. Since 2019, Ben Arbib has brought together a family of B Corp-certified brands, including Rebel Kitchen, which he co-founded in 2013. I took stock of my life and it took me to the food industry where I was looking to deliver purpose. I had a young family and I was a bit disillusioned by the healthy options on the table for kids' drinks, where there was either water or sugar. The idea for our brand would be using what we believed to be ingredients good for human health, as unprocessed as possible and having fun with it. We were giving our kids coconut water and we came up with the idea of a healthy milkshake made from coconut milk and date syrup, rather than dairy and white sugar. We were told it was a niche category but, six months later, it got us onto the supermarket shelves quite quickly. Read More: 'We are telling an authentic story about wellbeing with our CBD products' Ive gone to the Peruvian Amazon a few times and returned there on a retreat in 2018 where I met an Englishman who had a selection of Amazonian fruits. I had heard of camu camu berries before and the freshness blew me away; I had abundant energy for three or four hours and I didn't want to eat anything else. Camu camu is like 30 to 50 times per ml the vitamin C of a lemon, but it is so much more than vitamin C, with bioflavonoids and antioxidants. Ben Arbib was the first to bring the camu ingredient to the UK consumer. As a berry that only grows deep in the Amazon it was about setting up a supply chain to keep the product fresh, as I had only come across powdered or freeze dried before. The berry is really under-studied but all I know is that I had been drinking what I call hero doses of it for over a year; I havent got the flu and it seems to give me some kind of superpower. Its taken me around seven years from first coming across the product to launch this year. For me thats proper innovation as it has never been taken fresh outside of the Amazon. However, if you find this type of ingredient you have to put it through as novel foods and it can take years and hundreds of thousands of pounds to fund all the trials. As that person, you also dont get the first move advantage. It is kind of upsetting that all these amazing fruits would take years, but luckily camu camu was classified as a food supplement already and we could use it. As a brand new ingredient, people find turmeric or ginger colours [easy to spot] and we have this bright pink camu shot. If its a 60ml bottle its also very small to tell people about what it is. Camu Camu fruits, which grow on the banks of the Amazon rivers, are considered the fruits with the most vitamin C in the world. (Gino Tuesta via Getty Images) The product is part of the model weve had since Nurture Brands came along in 2019 and have more than one brand since launching Rebel Kitchen in the early years. Most food entrepreneurs have one product and all their focus is on it but there is a lot of danger in that strategy if it doesnt work. I always like the strategy of having multiple products, and you dont mind letting one go if it doesnt work. But it takes time. Rebel Kitchen has been available for some nine years, but only a few years ago we saw meaningful growth and the first product in our portfolio which is nationally available. This year we are forecast to turn over 10m in revenue. Read More: 'We are telling an authentic story about wellbeing with our CBD products' Working in the City gave me an appetite for risk. I did learn discipline to get to my desk for 6am, numbers, responsibilities and dealing with large sums of money. While I understood accounts and spreadsheets, the thing about the food industry is that you see all these amazing plans but they are always way off. If I think about the business plan we had, it just takes longer. Its not like a tech company where it grows exponentially. Building a brand just takes time. The dream for us is to become an ethical, healthy Pepsi Cola. We have drinks and snacks in a huge global market where the core of all these big multinationals have all the brands, 80% of which is pretty unhealthy. The consumer of the future just wont be buying these things, given that every year there is a new cohort of people wanting to get healthy. Read more: Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Ms Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, are expecting a baby girl in May - Instagram Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, has announced that she is expecting her second child. Ms Leavitt, 28, shared a photograph of herself standing beside a decorated Christmas tree, her hands resting on her baby bump. Describing the pregnancy as the greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for, Ms Leavitt said that she and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, are expecting a baby girl due in May. My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and cant wait to watch our son become a big brother, she wrote on Instagram. 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. Ms Leavitt said she and her husband cant wait to watch our son become a big brother - Instagram In her message, Ms Leavitt also thanked Donald Trump and Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, for their support and praised what she described as a pro-family environment within the administration. Ms Leavitt and Mr Riccio welcomed their first child, a son also named Nicholas, in July 2024. Since then, she has spoken about the demands of combining motherhood with the pressures of frontline political life, both during Mr Trumps re-election campaign and since taking up her post as press secretary. Ms Leavitt often speaks of balancing life as press secretary with raising her son, Nicholas (Niko), born in July 2024 - Instagram In an interview last year, Ms Leavitt disclosed that she returned to work just four days after giving birth, following the attempted assassination of Mr Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. I looked at my husband and said, looks like Im going back to work, Ms Leavitt told The Conservateur, a website for conservative women. The president literally put his life on the line to win this election, she added. The least I could do is get back to work quickly. A senior White House official told Fox News that Ms Leavitt will continue in her duties, becoming the first pregnant press secretary in US history. Ms Leavitt resumed her duties only four days after the birth of her son, following the attempted assassination of Mr Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania in 2024 - Instagram Ms Leavitt is also the youngest person ever to hold the role. She joined Mr Trumps administration at age 27, two years younger than Richard Nixons press secretary Ron Ziegler when he was appointed in 1969. Ms Leavitt became the youngest female nominee for US Congress when she ran an unsuccessful campaign in New Hampshire in 2022. After losing by 15,000 votes, she went on to join the Trump campaign. Police in Kentucky seized 55 pounds of meth disguised as Christmas presents in a holiday bust (Jeffersontown Police Department) Kentucky police discovered about 55 pounds of methamphetamine disguised as Christmas presents during a holiday drug bust. Police in Jeffersontown, a Louisville suburb, found the illicit drugs during an investigation on Bluegrass Parkway on December 22, according to a police press release. Detectives encountered Jacob Talamantes, a 23-year-old from Nebraska, while he exited a vehicle. He reportedly tried to walk away from the authorities, but officers detained him. While smelling the outside of the vehicle, a police K9 unit signaled to officers that narcotics were present. Officers opened the trunk and discovered over half a dozen boxes wrapped in Christmas paper, which they said contained suspected methamphetamine. Photos posted by police show cardboard boxes, discarded wrapping paper and about 20 plastic bags filled with a white-colored substance. Police in Kentucky seized 55 pounds of meth disguised as Christmas presents in a holiday bust (Jeffersontown Police Department) According to police, Talamantes said he had traveled from Iowa and was intending to traffic the meth. Talamantes was arrested and charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. Other charges could be added as the probe continues. Police arrested Jacob Talamantes, a 23-year-old from Nebraska, over the haul (Jeffersontown Police Department) 'No amount of festive wrapping can disguise the harm these drugs inflict on families and communities,' Chief Richard Sanders said (Jeffersontown Police Department) The investigation was aided by the Kentucky State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration, police said. "No amount of festive wrapping can disguise the harm these drugs inflict on families and communities, Jeffersontown Police Chief Richard Sanders said in the release. The coordinated efforts of partner agencies ensured these holiday-wrapped packages never reached the streets. Its not the first time such a stunt has been pulled. Last December, a Canadian woman was arrested after she tried to bring meth wrapped up as a Christmas present through an airport in New Zealand. Malnourished lions and bears rescued from casino after being caught up in Thailand-Cambodia conflict A collection of underfed lions and bears have been rescued from cages at a bombed-out Cambodian casino. Thai officials claim the animals, which were discovered during a sweep of a building seized by military in Trat province, were left malnourished after apparently having been neglected while being kept at the Thmor Dar Casino. Footage released by Thailands Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) shows two lions and a pair of Asiatic black bears which have been rehoused. A sun bear was also recovered. A DNP official said the animals were found with their ribcages showing, and were in such poor condition they could not be tranquillised due to the risk of heart failure. The animals were rushed to specialist wildlife parks across Thailand against a backdrop of weeks of border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The British army already runs an internship scheme, but it had a low uptake in 2024/25, with only 10 people enrolling. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian (Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian) Young people in Britain will be offered a gap year-style scheme by the Ministry of Defence, in an effort to introduce citizens to military life early as part of a new whole of society approach to defence. After initially announcing plans to implement the scheme earlier this year, the government has now confirmed that about 150 under-25s will be recruited for the pilot programme, which is due to start in March 2026. These will be paid, two-year placements, although it has not been revealed how much each participant will be paid. Related: Reconnecting defence with society: the public outreach aims behind UKs army cadet drive After the schemes launch, the government plans to expand it to more than 1,000 per year, according to the i paper. It would not involve deployment to active operations, and there would be no obligation to stay in the military after completing the scheme, as it aims to teach transferable skills that can be used in other industries. John Healey, the defence secretary, told the i paper that the scheme would give Britains young people a taste of the incredible skills and training on offer across the army, Royal Navy and RAF. He added: As families come together at this time of year, and young people think about their futures, I want the outstanding opportunities on offer in our armed forces to be part of that conversation in homes across the UK. Under the current plans, the army scheme involves 13 weeks of basic training as part of a two-year placement, while the navy scheme would last one year and provide profession agnostic training for sailors, according to reports. The RAFs scheme is less developed, although options are reportedly being explored. It comes after the chief of the defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said Britains sons and daughters should be ready to fight and called for a whole of society effort to defend the country in the face of Russian aggression. The British army already runs an internship scheme, formerly known as gap year commissions, but it had a low uptake in 2024/25 , with only 10 people enrolling. These are one-year placements for young people before, during or immediately after university. Australia already offers a gap year scheme for its military for those aged between 17 and 24. In 2023, 664 people enlisted in the Australian scheme, with a little more than half going on to a permanent role in the countrys defence force. In June, the British government said that the UK should take inspiration from the Australianmodel, arguing that a shorter-term option could make engagement with the military more appealing to women and people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. Thumbs up: Victor Osimhen was on target as Nigeria beat Tunisia at AFCON (AFP via Getty Images) Nigeria held off a dramatic late fightback from Tunisia in a five-goal thriller to seal their place in the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations. The stylish Super Eagles looked to be cruising into the knockout stages of AFCON as they led 3-0 with just over 15 minutes to go in Saturday nights crunch clash in Group C. However, Tunisia showed impressive spirit to hit back twice and set up a grandstand finish in which both sides created further golden chances. Having opened their campaign with a nervy 2-1 victory over Tanzania, three-time winners Nigeria - beaten finalists last year - are now guaranteed to progress ahead of their final group stage fixture against Uganda on Tuesday, with a last-16 match to follow in Fez on January 5 against a third-placed team from Group A, B or F. Tunisia, meanwhile, will likely need only a point against Tanzania in Rabat in order to go through as runners-up. Nigeria made a dominant start to the game after making two changes to the side who beat Tanzania, with Bruno Onyemaechi and Frank Onyeka replacing Zaidu Sanusi and Samuel Chukwueze. They should have gone ahead inside the first 10 minutes, though Victor Osimhen could only head strike partner Akor Adams pinpoint cross onto the roof of the net from close range. Nigeria continued to ramp up the pressure and Osimhen sent another header off target before seeing a goal disallowed at AFCON for the fifth time in his career - and second time this week - as he reacted quickest to turn in the rebound after Adams had been denied by Aymen Dahmen, only for the offside flag to go up. Osimhen headed wide again before receiving treatment following a knock, with Tunisia beginning to finally grow into the game after a totally passive start as Ali Abdi, Hazem Mastouri and Hannibal Mejbri all started to impress. However, the half would end with Nigeria deservedly ahead, Osimhen sending a more difficult header from Ademola Lookmans cross in off the hand of Dahmen. It was only a second-ever AFCON goal for Nigerias talisman and first since their opening game of the delayed 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast. The Super Eagles quickly picked up where they left off after the break, doubling their advantage as captain Wilfred Ndidi rose to head in Lookmans corner and score his first senior international goal on his 73rd appearance. Osimhen and Lookman were combining nicely and Tunisia were left furious after referee Boubou Traore blew immediately for a foul by Semi Ajayi on Mejbri rather than playing an advantage, with Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane - who replaced Elias Saad in Sami Trabelsis only change from the team that brushed aside Uganda 3-1 - sent clean through before being upended by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Adams was denied a third for Nigeria by a last-ditch block, though it was 3-0 after 67 minutes as Lookman - who scored the winner against Tanzania and already had two assists on Tuesday - crashed in low off the post after a fine move involving Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Osimhen. The Super Eagles looked to be sailing into the last 16, only for an unmarked Montassar Talbi to head home from Mejbris free-kick to set nerves jangling with just over 15 minutes to play. Fears of a collapse grew stronger as Tunisia continued to ratchet up the intensity, awarded a penalty after Traore was sent by the VAR team led by Issa Sy to the pitchside monitor to review a handball shout against Bright Osayi-Samuel. The spot-kick was emphatically dispatched by Abdi with three minutes on the clock and a further seven then added on, with Nigeria substitute Chidera Ejuke denied on the break before Tunisia captain Ferjani Sassi headed Sebastian Tounektis cross agonisingly wide and Ismael Gharbi could not connect cleanly with a volley that missed the target. Earlier on Saturday, Benin clinched their first-ever win at the AFCON finals as Yohan Roches first-half goal was enough to see off Botswana, with Group D rivals Senegal and DR Congo then playing out a lively 1-1 draw in Tangier as Sadio Mane quickly cancelled out an opener from Cedric Bakambu. Tanzania and Uganda also drew 1-1 in Rabat, with Uche Ikpeazu hitting a late equaliser following a Simon Msuva penalty to deny the Taifa Stars their maiden AFCON win. Caseworkers Lyndsey Henry, Khialah Wilson and Jade Green take a hyperlocal approach. Photograph: Gary Calton/The Guardian (Photograph: Gary Calton/The Guardian) Weve had quite a few people on the estate get jobs, says Bryan Stokell, who found work as a full-time security guard thanks to Stockton-on-Teess JobsPlus project. The 47-year-old father has since become a community champion, encouraging his neighbours to enrol. It got to the point where even my little boy was coming home and saying, my friends mam and dad are looking for work, he grins. They [the project] have a lot of contacts, they can open doors into places. Stokell has had health problems, and was struggling to find a suitable role before his caseworker, Khialah Wilson, helped him with his CV and job applications. This is one of 10 JobsPlus schemes. It covers the adjoining Primrose Hill and Newtown estates in Stockton, on Teesside, an area with a proud railway history but bearing the scars of deindustrialisation. The pilots running against the backdrop of UK unemployment at a four-year high are in areas of predominantly social housing across England, from Penge in south London to Wirral in Merseyside, with backing from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). They are modelled on a US scheme, which was first tried in 1998 and initially ran for five years. Long-term analysis showed it was possible to trace a positive impact on the earnings and employment of residents across generations. The research suggested children living in three JobsPlus areas, in Dayton, Ohio; Los Angeles, California; and St Paul, Minnesota, where the scheme was fully implemented went on to earn $2,706 more than their counterparts in similar areas. Key aspects of the hyperlocal approach include saturating a small geographical area with employment support, providing direct financial assistance and incentives, and involving the local community. With social tenants more than three times as likely to be lone parents and twice as likely to be disabled as the wider population, help is provided as close to home as possible. In Stockton, this means sessions being held in the Newtown community resource centre: a former school, busy with other local facilities, including a nursery and a youth group. The community champions gather weekly at Nancys diner here to chat through ideas over dinner. Wilson stresses that caseworkers stay in touch with their clients, providing moral support even after they find a job. A lot of my work support customers still come in to see me face to face, even though theyve signed off on the programme Im like, Ill put the kettle on. The community-based nature of the scheme reflects research showing that boosting the social capital in an area the trusted local connections is good for economic growth. Pat McFadden, who has taken over from Liz Kendall as work and pensions secretary since JobsPlus was launched, has signalled a particular focus on youth unemployment and inactivity, including launching a review chaired by the Blair-era minister Alan Milburn. JobsPlus takes a place-based approach, rather than being tailored to a specific age range; but with unemployment rising across the UK, hitting a four-year high of 5.1% according to the latest data, its proponents argue it is one tool that could help. For 63-year-old Yaw Botwe, who was spending 15 a day on Ubers to get himself to work, the JobsPlus approach meant connecting him to an employer closer to home Morrisons and buying him a bike to get there. Its cleaning: its a nice job, we clean the floor, we pick the cardboard, the plastic. We are inside. This is the first time in my life Ive got a job that my heart liked, he says. Megan Steel, 19, who had studied childcare at college but did not want to pursue it as a career and was struggling to find employment, got intensive help with her CV and applications. Shed come in twice a week, and wed sit there for a full hour at least, sometimes a lot longer, and first we worked on your confidence, didnt we? We built you up a bit, her caseworker, Jade Green, tells Steel. When an invitation for an interview at the local casino came in late one recent Friday, Green stepped in. I met her outside Tesco and I gave a voucher and said, get yourself kitted out because I want her to feel confident, she says. Steel got the job. Its helped me a lot, she says. Young parents Leia Cuskern, 21, and Thomas Courtney, 18 a care leaver have also signed up. Cuskern has been signposted to the jobcentre, with her caseworker, Lyndsey Henry, scheduling an hour-long appointment for support with finding childcare for their 13-month-old daughter, Lily-Rose. Part of the JobsPlus recipe is to bring together resources that are already available but may be hard to access whether training, benefits advice or connections to local employers. Everything is done within the community, so that they dont have to venture out as much sometimes its about building their confidence, says Henry. Courtney, the young dad, who lives with his partner on the estate, is keen to pursue a career in market management after completing a work placement with the local council under a separate employability scheme. With the help of the JobsPlus caseworkers, he plans to study for a diploma with the National Association of British Market Authorities. Ill go through a lot of processes, a lot of tests, and then after I go through that I get a diploma in market management, and then hopefully after that I can get a market manager job, he says. Its running the whole markets, he enthuses. Taking rents, looking after the markets, making sure everyone feels OK while theyre on the market. Another happy customer, Jacquie Brown Fowler, describes herself as the crazy lady who had eight children now aged from eight to 28. Hitting a low patch after losing a previous job, she found regular phone calls with her caseworker helpful: she now has a job as a cleaner and lunchtime supervisor at her younger childrens school, and has completed a qualification in food hygiene. I met lovely Khialah, who lit a lightbulb moment in my head, she said. One of the unusual aspects of the scheme is that after eight weeks paid employment participants receive a 400 bonus. Botwe says he will use it to buy presents for his grownup daughters. As well as encouraging people to sign up, Suzanne Halliwell, the head of care and support at Thirteen Group, the housing association leading the pilot here in Stockton as well as being the landlord for many properties on the two estates, says the payment can help tide clients over the difficult transition between benefits and paid work. Because of the way universal credit works, youve quite often got a period where its a bit of a hit and miss situation. The Learning and Work Institute (LWI) is overseeing the implementation of the 10 pilots and conducting a full evaluation. The latest data shows that since the launch in summer 2024 more than 1,000 people have signed up with one of the JobsPlus teams, with more than 270 finding work. An interim assessment in September found that three-fifths of those who had found jobs through the scheme had hit the eight-week milestone, triggering the 400 bonus. Alongside 2m of support from the DWP the pilots are being part-funded by a charity, the Youth Futures Foundation. But as it stands government funding will run out next March. This model is showing real promise to transform neighbourhoods and we look forward to watching it progress, said Stephen Evans, the LWIs chief executive. For the moment, though, the caseworkers in Stockton and the nine other projects are awaiting news about whether they can continue the project beyond March. Wilson, whose infectious enthusiasm keeps her crew of community champions coming back, says: Fingers crossed, because I absolutely love it. AI hallucinations are one of the most serious challenges facing generative AI today. These errors go far beyond minor factual mistakes. In real-world deployments, hallucinations have led to incorrect medical guidance, fabricated legal citations, misleading customer support responses, and even significant financial losses. Understanding how and why these failures occur is critical to building AI systems that are reliable, safe, and worthy of trust. Below are five real-world examples of AI hallucinations that reveal the risks of deploying large language models (LLMs) without proper oversight. AI Hallucinations Can Be Alarming AI hallucinations occur when a system produces outputs that sound confident and believable but are factually incorrect or unsupported by reliable sources. Because LLMs generate language by predicting patterns rather than verifying facts, they can invent details when faced with ambiguity or incomplete information. In high-stakes environments, these failures can lead to legal, ethical, and reputational consequences. Support Chatbot Invents Company Policy An AI-powered customer support chatbot used by Air Canada provided a passenger with incorrect information about fare refunds. The airline argued that the chatbot operated as a "separate legal entity," but a tribunal rejected that defense. Air Canada was held fully responsible for the misinformation and ordered to compensate the customer. The case underscored a key lesson: companies remain legally accountable for what their AI systems communicate to customers. AI Fabricates Citations in a Government Report A Deloitte report submitted to the Australian government was found to contain fabricated citations and non-existent footnotes. After an academic flagged the inconsistencies, Deloitte acknowledged that a generative AI tool had been used to fill documentation gaps. The firm refunded part of the nearly $300,000 contract, and the revised report removed more than a dozen false references. Although officials said the report's conclusions remained unchanged, the incident raised serious concerns about trust in AI-assisted consultancy work. Transcription AI Hallucinates Dangerous Content OpenAI's Whisper speech-to-text model, which is widely used in healthcare settings, has been shown to hallucinate content during transcription. Investigations revealed that the system inserted words and phrases that were never spoken, including violent language, racial references, and imaginary medical treatments. Despite warnings against using Whisper in high-risk environments, many healthcare professionals continue to rely on it, raising serious concerns about patient safety and data integrity. ChatGPT Invents Legal Cases in Court Filings In a highly publicized case, a U.S. lawyer used ChatGPT to draft legal documents that cited court cases that did not exist. When questioned by the court, the lawyer admitted he was unaware that the tool could fabricate information. The incident prompted a federal judge to require future legal filings to disclose any AI use and confirm that all citations had been independently verified. AI Error Triggers Massive Market Losses Google's AI chatbot Bard delivered incorrect information during a promotional demo, falsely claiming that the James Webb Space Telescope had captured the first images of an exoplanet. The error sparked investor concern and contributed to a sharp drop in Alphabet's market value. In response, Google implemented stricter review processes for AI-generated content before public release. Why Human Oversight Is Non-Negotiable These cases show that AI hallucinations are systemic risks. Without human review, validation processes, and domain-specific safeguards, generative AI can erode trust and cause real-world harm. Responsible deployment requires ongoing monitoring, transparency, and a clear understanding that AI should support human judgment, not replace it. Pro-EU campaigners outside Parliament in London earlier this month Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA (Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA) Keir Starmer should seek out a far closer relationship with Europe, including a possible customs union, the head of the TUC has said. Paul Nowak, TUC general secretary, said the British public recognised the need for a vastly improved trading arrangement and said it had become more urgent than ever because of the fickle nature of the relationship with Donald Trumps United States. In an interview with the Guardian, Nowak said Starmer must relentlessly focus on the cost of living to improve Labours standing in the polls, saying it was little surprise there was leadership chatter when the party was doing so badly. But he warned would-be challengers they would not be thanked by the public for distracting the government from its core focus on the economy. He also cautioned Starmer and the home secretary Shabana Mahmood not to be Nigel Farage-lite when it came to the migration crackdown, saying trade unions were worried about reforms to indefinite leave to remain. Nowaks new years message urged the government to do all it could to help ordinary families, with new polling showing four in five households say their financial circumstances are either stagnant or getting worse. The union chief said a customs union with the EU should be explored as a way of growing the economy. The government needs to do whatever it can to build the closest possible positive working relationship with Europe economically and politically as well up to and including the customs union, he said. I think thats been reinforced by the events of the past 12 months where Trump and the White House have proven the US is not the predictable ally weve always depended on. Nowak, 53, said he did not believe there was a significant number of voters who still remained opposed to closer trading ties with Europe but said it should go beyond electoral considerations. Whether you voted for Brexit or not, people recognise weve got a botched Brexit deal, he said. They can see the impact of that bad Brexit deal on things like prices in supermarkets. Nowak, who took over the leadership of the TUC in 2022, has been a strong supporter of Starmer in the past, despite condemning the governments winter fuel cuts and welfare reforms, mostly now reversed. But he gave only cautious backing to the prime minister, with Starmers position likely to come under further pressure after next years crunch May elections. He is the man doing the job at the moment, Nowak said. When I go around and talk to groups of union reps in workplaces they are not obsessed about who is the prime minister or who is up or who is down. Unions have recently elected leaders who are sceptical of the current Labour administration, despite low turnouts. Two of the biggest unions are now led by Starmer critics, Sharon Graham at Unite and the newly elected Andrea Egan at Unison, who was expelled from the Labour party in 2022. Nowak declines to pass comment on what that might mean for relations with trade unions. But, he said, unions should feel able to call out a Labour government. Theres always going to be points of tension and we cant agree on everything, he said. I think people got frustrated that sometimes it looked like the hard choices were falling on those who could least afford them. This year they just have to be clear show how you are making a difference to peoples standard of living. He said he was pleased to see Labour U-turn before the budget on plans for an income tax rise. Its not just the sharp end of the labour market who are feeling the pinch, its right across those low- and middle-income earners. If it walks like a racist and quacks like a racist, it probably is racist Nowak said he was unsurprised that there was speculation about Starmers leadership. One of his likely challengers would be Angela Rayner, who has close union ties, especially with Unison, and who steered the employment rights bill before she was forced to resign earlier this year. When the prime minister personally is doing badly in polls, youre never going to be able to avoid that [leadership speculation], Nowak said. I just dont think its useful for me to do fantasy politics. Were dealing with the realities of what weve got right now. He said Starmer had an opportunity this year to deliver tangible differences to how people felt about the cost of living, saying if he did so it would look fundamentally different in the polls. But he warned leadership hopefuls not to get distracted by politics. Frankly, the public will not thank you for parliamentary manoeuvrings and political shenanigans when the big job at hand isnt being delivered. Nowak said that he remained extremely concerned about the rise of Reform UK despite acknowledging many trade union members were likely to be supporters of Nigel Farages party. But he said the normalisation of racist language was having a devastating impact on some minorities. I was in County Durham a couple of months ago, and met a black woman social worker whod been in the country for 20 years. She talked about her experience of being afraid to walk out on the streets because she is being racially abused, he said. What weve done is legitimise language that frankly five, 10 years ago we would think was unacceptable. If it walks like a racist and quacks like a racist, it probably is racist. Nowak said he acknowledged there was widespread concern about high levels of immigration and said unions would be prepared to back fair-minded reforms. But he cautioned they would have a major effect on public services and that he was deeply concerned about the proposed change to make people wait 10 years for indefinite leave to remain. It has real-world consequences for people working in care homes, on our railways and on our buses and in our prisons, that youre going to end up losing people that we desperately need, he said. Both my grandfathers came to this country during the second world war and the idea that if you come to the UK, then within two and a half years someone could assess that you need to go back? Its really difficult weve made this point to the government. The TUC and most trade unions are ending the year in a celebratory mood, with the passing of the Employment Rights Act after months of delay in the Lords. But Nowak said there were significant steps still to be taken to enact the whole of Labours Make Work Pay package promised in the manifesto. He said it was crucial that the end to zero-hours contracts was implemented with real bite so the onus was on employers to offer fixed hours. And he said the government should press ahead with its consultation on defining a single status of worker to end bogus self-employment. Bad employers can be incredibly innovative when it comes to insecure forms of employment, he said. But Nowak said he was most heartened by the passing of the new measures that made it easier for unions to organise in workplaces. Its the first time in my 35 years of being a trade union activist and official that any governments ever repealed anti-union legislation, he said. For the first time, he expected union membership to rise over the coming years. I think what this does is move us away from being a minority sport to the mainstream of British workplaces, he said. Nowak said he also wanted to see the government shout louder about its leftwing credentials, from the employment rights bill, to nationalisation, to the end of the two-child benefit gaps. But he also said progressives who were disillusioned with Labour should engage more, showing what pressure could achieve. I think weve got to make this the best possible Labour government that we can, he said. I dont think, in my job, or anybody whos really interested in progressive politics, you can treat politics as a spectator sport. Its not our job to carp from the sidelines, its to try to engage the government and lobby them. The group meets at monthly gatherings around Belfast to share stories and raise funds for organisations that promote tolerance and reconciliation. Photograph: Paul McErlane/The Guardian (Photograph: Paul McErlane/The Guardian) As a black woman in Northern Ireland, Maureen Hamblin knows that racism comes in many forms. Its not just the smashing in of shop windows, she says. It can be quiet, it can be silent. Bystanders who hear racist remarks and remain mute, as if oblivious, amplify the hurt and leave victims feeling alone and isolated, a recurring experience that left Hamblin drained. There was a time when Id lost a lot of faith in white people, in white men. Race riots in Belfast, Ballymena and other towns in the past two years might have extinguished the last of that faith but instead Hamblin, who is originally from Kenya, stumbled upon hope. She joined an initiative called the Circle of Change, which connects strangers from different backgrounds rich and poor, black and white, gay and straight and tasks them with a subversive activity: getting to know each other. Each year a different circle, about a dozen strong, is formed and meets at monthly gatherings around Belfast to share stories and raise funds for organisations that promote tolerance and reconciliation. Hamblin related tales of racist abuse to her circle its members reacted with shock and listened to their own stories. Some had lives of privilege, others had experienced deprivation and exclusion. All recognised a commonality: Belfast was their home, and it should be welcoming. It restored my hope. It humanised us all, said Hamblin. Related: Communities are our defence against hatred. Now, more than ever, we must invest in hope The Circle of Change is delivered by the 174 Trust, a charity based in the New Lodge area of north Belfast, an interface of Catholic and Protestant housing estates that endured murderous violence during the Troubles. Based at the Duncairn centre for culture and arts, a former Presbyterian church, it offers clothing and support to vulnerable people and is a hub for artists and musicians. As a member of Locality, a partner in the Guardians 2025 Hope charity appeal, 174 Trust will receive a grant to help it develop its work bridging community divisions and promoting positive local change to create an antidote to hate and distrust. The charity launched the first circle in 2018 with the goal of tackling polarisation, said Tim Magowan, the chief executive. We try to create a microcosm of Belfast in each group. We want to challenge stereotypes. Suzanne Lagan, who joined the first circle, found herself meeting fellow members at locations, such as an east Belfast food shelter, far removed from her middle class, Catholic upbringing. A lot of places Id never been to before. The more uncomfortable we felt the happier they [the organisers] were, she laughs. Liza Wilkinson, 48, from a working-class Catholic background, viewed homelessness with new eyes after conversations with a young member who had lived on the streets to escape parents with addiction issues. It made me realise how privileged I was to have a family network that I could rely on. Wilkinson recalls her horror when another member, a mother from Africa, said that white youths routinely threw dog excrement at her children. She wasnt especially angry, her tone was matter-of-fact. It was heartbreaking. The 2018 circle raised 50,000 for after-school care for black children an achievement all the more poignant given the subsequent eruption of racial tensions. There is a tradition here of say nothing, said Magowan, referencing a Seamus Heaney line. No one realised at that time just how racist we were. But when the riots came they were less of a surprise to us because of what we had heard. When Hamblin joined the fifth circle in 2024 she despaired at the bystander effect. Even in her local church, which was ostensibly progressive, prejudiced comments went unchallenged. When people are quiet its like being double gaslighted. She forged a bond with fellow members, especially Tony Macaulay, who shared an anecdote about challenging racist comments at the risk of a thumping in a chip shop. Hamblin, 37, loves to sing I sing for the joy of it, and to keep my sanity and Macaulay, 62, is the author of a celebrated memoir, Paperboy, so they teamed up to record literary readings and songs in TikTok vignettes titled Paperboy and Kenya Girl. For all its sectarian and racial faultlines, Northern Ireland holds valuable lessons, said Macaulay, a peace activist. We used to think that the Troubles would never end, that peace would never come. But it did come. Things can turn around. Thousands of ordinary people contributed to the end of political violence with small, individual acts, said Magowan. It gives me hope. I cant do anything about what happens at international level but I can turn up here and do what I can at a personal level. I genuinely believe thats where change come from. The 2024 circle raised funds for Tunes Translated, a scheme which teaches traditional Irish music to weekly classes evenly divided between foreigners immigrants and refugees and natives. Music transcends language barriers and gives a sense of cohesion and belonging, said Catherine Crean, 30, who runs the scheme. One member told he me hed never realised that Muslims could be good craic. If the music classes are swimming against the tide race hate incidents in Northern Ireland this year were the third highest on record all the more reason to do them, says Crean. Thats why theyre important. This article was amended on 27 December 2025. Liza Wilkinson is from a Catholic background, not a Protestant one. And a reference to the Circle of Change being the brainchild of the 174 Trust was removed; the idea has previously been used elsewhere. A fisherman setting out to save corals off the coast of Llanca (LIFEECOFOREST Marion Payr) On a strip of calm blue water in the Costa Brava, a fisherman pulls a fluorescent orange stick from the sea. We are in a boat in the waters off of Llanca, a town near the Spanish-French border that heaves with British tourists in the summer months. But far from the luxury hotels and restaurants, fishermen and marine biologists are battling to save corals, sponges and other creatures from the damage caused by climate change, pollution and overfishing. Rising temperatures in the sea caused by climate change are decimating the coral, sponge and other marine creatures which live 50 metres below the surface, where the mercury can reach 25C. Pollution caused by clumps of wet wipes and other plastics has also accumulated in some areas. A fluorescent orange coral that lives under the sea on the Costa Brava (LIFEECOFOREST Marion Payr) Overfishing has had a dramatic effect on complex habitats, and some species, such as the precious red coral, which is commonly used for jewellery, have largely disappeared from the western Mediterranean. In a bid to fight back, fishermen on the Costa Brava are saving any corals which come up in their nets as part of a new scheme started in 2022 with the help of marine biologists. If I want the sea to have any future, it makes sense to put something back, like these corals, says Franc Ontiveros, a lifelong fisherman taking part in the project. Poor management of fishing stocks has been a problem but if I can do something to help then I would like to. I am not sure fishing has a future but at least if I do this, I will be trying to do something about it. Fisherman on one of their regular missions to save the coral (LIFEECOFOREST Marion Payr) Mr Ontiveros, 50, fishes for monkfish, mullet and hake but can haul tens of corals every day that he goes to sea. After they are plucked from the water, they are put in a bucket before being handed over to marine biologists. They are then kept in special aquariums, where they are assessed to see if they will survive. The lucky ones are returned to the seas along the Catalan coast in special no take zones, where authorities track the activities of boats to make sure they do not fish. Mr Ontiveross boat, which is based in Palamos, a Catalan fishing town famous for its prawns, is one of about 48 along this stretch of Spanish coastline that have joined this effort to protect threatened species. The precious red coral is often used for jewellery (LIFEECOFOREST Marion Payr) The haul of corals depends on the type of fishing, boats and habitat. Those who go out for red shrimps catch very few, but fishermen who trawl for fish on sea shelves have a large haul. Jordi Grinyo Andreu, a researcher at the Institute of Sea Sciences in Barcelona and an expert in seafloor ecology, has been working on the 3.6m (3.15m) project since it started in 2022. It is partly funded by the European Union, with the rest of the funds coming from the Spanish government. These creatures are being decimated by climate change and the destruction of their natural habitats, he says. We have encouraged the fishermen to take part. As one said: If I want my son to be a fisherman one day, I have to act now. The fate of corals and sponges in the western Mediterranean is replicated elsewhere (LIFEECOFOREST Marion Payr) Mr Grinyo is passionate about the orange, pink and black corals he helps save with the fishermen. The coral populations in the Mediterranean have been under high threat. Some populations are stable, others are declining and some are critically endangered, like red coral and Isidella bamboo corals, he adds. Sadly, the fate of corals and sponges in the western Mediterranean is not an isolated one. Mr Grinyo says that seafloor ecosystems around the world face the same daunting future. But researchers hope the knowledge gained from the scheme will help save these beautiful seafloor dwellers in other parts of the sea. New projects are expected to start in the Balearic Islands, near Cadiz and in Sicily. The corals are kept in a special room by marine biologists (LIFEECOFOREST Marion Payr) Mr Grinyo says the cooperation between fishermen and marine biologists has given him hope for the future. This project shows that once fishermen and scientists work together, we can achieve great goals towards preserving marine ecosystems. In this sense, fishermen are a key component of the success of this project and they are working towards achieving a more sustainable form of fishing. Eventually the whole of society will benefit. Southern California has recorded its wettest Christmas Eve and Christmas Day ever, according to meteorologists. Weather officials predicted earlier this year that Southern California's winter would be exceptionally dry, and that those conditions would help fuel some of the worst wildfires in the region's history. But then the atmospheric rivers arrived and dumped enough water in Southern California to set precipitation records. According to the National Weather Service, some mountain areas received nearly 18 inches of rain since Tuesday. Between Wednesday and Thursday, the Santa Barbara Airport received 5.91 inches of rain, which beat its 1955 Christmas Eve and Christmas Day record of 3.22 inches. The airport had to close twice on Christmas Day due to flooding, according to the Los Angeles Times. Several communities in Southern California broke records for the wettest Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on record after powerful atmospheric rivers dumped rain across the region, including nearly 18 inches in the Sierra Nevada mountains (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Woodland Hills received 4.64 inches of rain, clearing its 1971 record of 3.34 inches. Van Nuys was doused with 4.17 inches, beating its record of 1.16 inches, which was set in 2019; In Burbank, 3.48 inches fell, toppling its record of 3.1 inches set in 1971. Downtown Los Angeles was slightly less wet, only receiving 2.79 inches between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but that was enough to make it the city's fourth-wettest two-day Christmas period on record. Some of the mountainous regions of Southern California were inundated with rain. More than 17 inches fell on Rose Valley in Ventura County, and more than 14 inches doused San Marcos Pass in Santa Barbara County. A police officer drives through flooded roads in Wrightwood, California after the area was pummeled by rain over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (AP) Earlier this week, evacuation orders were given for dozens of homes in the Sunland neighborhood of Riverwood after the heavy rainfall forced a partial release at the Tujunga Dam. Evacuating during dam releases is common, according to the LA County Department of Public Works. Flooding from the Christmas rains contributed to the deaths of three people, including a motorist who drove into Redding floodwaters, a woman who was knocked off a rock by large waves in Mendocino County, and a man who was hit by a falling tree in San Diego. The rain was so severe that Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Shasta counties, which allowed him to use state resources to mobilize response efforts and to seek federal assistance. A car is buried by mud and rocks in Wrightwood, California after heavy rains from atmospheric rivers caused debris flows to sweep across the community (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) In Wrightwood, a San Bernardino County community nestled among the Sierra Nevada mountains, the rains turned the surrounding hills to mud. One family who spoke to the LA Times said their home was so entombed in mud that they could not access their doors or windows. Im trying to figure things out, Robert Gamboa told the paper. All it is is rock and mud. Jason Kean, a research hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Surveys landslide hazards program, told CalMatters that muddy, debris-filled slides called debris flows were like "floods on steroids." Its really hard to stop these things,' he said. "The best thing to do is get out of the way. Alaa Abd El-Fattah, pictured at home in Cairo with his mother after being released from an Egyptian prison in September - Sayed Hassan/Getty Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed an alleged Islamist extremist, who labelled British people dogs and monkeys and called for Zionists to be killed, into the UK. The Prime Minister said he was delighted that Alaa Abd el-Fattah had arrived from Egypt on Friday evening after a travel ban imposed by Cairo was lifted following lobbying by ministers. Mr Fattah, an activist with dual British-Egyptian citizenship, previously said that it was heroic to kill Zionists including civilians. He urged Londoners to burn Downing Street, told his supporters to kill police and said he hated white people. Ministers are facing calls to revoke his British citizenship, which he was granted in 2021 while imprisoned in Egypt, where campaigners described him as a prisoner of conscience. The row risks undermining Sir Keirs attempts to prove the Labour Government can be tough on migration and threatens to overshadow an announcement of the UKs first visa restrictions on a foreign country the Democratic Republic of Congo over its refusal to take back illegal migrants. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, has written a letter demanding that Sir Keir explains what he knew about Mr Fattahs remarks, whether he condemned them and whether he would say that the Government does not excuse or legitimise calls for violence against police, Jews or Israelis. Mr Jenrick told The Telegraph: Shame on the Prime Minister for making it his top priority to bring an extremist to our country who has incited violence against Jews. This awful extremist should never have set foot in the UK again. Starmer and his Cabinet taking to social media to laud this man is truly sickening. They seem to be more interested in cosying up to Islamists, presumably in the vain hope of securing votes, than keeping the British people safe. Sir Keir said after Mr Fattahs arrival in the UK on Friday that his case had been a top priority for the Government. The Prime Minister wrote on X: Im 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. Screengrab But it emerged that, in a series of now deleted posts on X dating back more than a decade, Mr Fattah repeatedly expressed his desire to kill Zionists and has also urged his supporters to kill all police. In posts circulating on social media on Saturday, he said he considered it heroic to kill any colonialists and specially Zionists, adding: We need to kill more of them. Screengrab In 2010, he wrote on X: Dear Zionists, please dont ever talk to me, Im a violent person who advocated the killing of all Zionists including civilians, so f--- off. He also denied that the Holocaust took place, writing in 2010 that there was no genocide against Jews by the Nazis after all, many Jews are left. In 2010 he wrote: So the brilliant British dogs and monkeys really think terrorists will reveal their plans on Twitter. In a series of tweets from his account, posted between 2008 and 2010, he heaped praise on Osama Bin Laden, the founder of al-Qaeda and mastermind of the Sept 11 terror attacks on the US. He expressed his intention to join Bin Laden on five separate occasions, saying in one post: Now all I can think of is joining Bin Laden and killing a few Americans. The following year, he declared that police are not human, adding: They dont have rights, we should just kill them all. In a separate post he wrote: Im telling you that I hate white people. The Justice Secretary lauds a man who said all police officers should be killed. What is wrong with these people? https://t.co/zjfRNy2pxs pic.twitter.com/i7ayI5kiSA Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) December 27, 2025 On Aug 8 2011, at the height of riots in London and across the UK, Mr Fattah said: Now my real criticism of these post-police murder riots is the wrong focus, go burn the City or Downing Street, or hunt police fools. Mr Fattahs social media remarks have long been a cause of controversy. His 2014 nomination for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought was withdrawn after the discovery of a tweet from 2012 in which he appeared to call for the deaths of a critical number of Israelis. The European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL), which originally nominated him for the award, said at the time: We cannot and will not tolerate such behaviour. In response to the nomination being withdrawn, Mr Fattah wrote a rebuttal in Madr Masr, an independent online Egyptian newspaper, in which he claimed his tweets had been taken out of context. He wrote: The president of the GUE/NGL has now sent a clear message to the Egyptian authorities that whatever international solidarity and support I have is fragile easily destroyed with a tweet. Mr Fattah said that, if taken out of context, the tweet cited could seem shocking, but added that it was part of a private conversation that took place during Israels Operation Pillar of Defence assault on Gaza in 2012. Jailed for protesting against Egyptian government Defending his social media posts, he added: The tweet stated what seems to be the basic strategy of most national liberation movements, especially those that opt for armed resistance: to make the price of occupation/colonisation/apartheid too expensive for the society that supports it. Since this was during a time of war, I had armed resistance in mind. Think of Vietnam or Algeria; many would say this is exactly what happened: after a critical number of casualties in asymmetric wars, the civilian population supporting the occupier refused to continue its support despite the fact that the casualties suffered by the society resisting colonisation were massively higher. He also said he was completely reconciled to a Middle East with Israel but opposed the apartheid system in the country. Mr Fattah was subsequently jailed, and has spent more than a decade in prison in Egypt on various charges. From 2015 to 2019, he served a jail sentence for protesting against the Egyptian government. He was re-arrested in September 2019 and jailed for a further five years for spreading false news after sharing a Facebook post about torture in the country. After his release from prison this September, he was refused permission to leave Egypt. On Friday, his travel ban was lifted and he flew to the UK to be reunited with his teenage son, who lives in Brighton. Open our doors to the wrong people Labour has been campaigning for his freedom since it was in opposition, and the previous Conservative government also pressed Cairo on the issue. Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, said: Tory and Labour both open our doors to the wrong people. They are as bad as each other. Mr Fattahs campaign for freedom was supported by Philippe Sands KC, who has been close to Sir Keir for more than 20 years. Mr Sands has acted as counsel for the Mauritian government since 2010 and was at the heart of the controversial Chagos Islands deal earlier this year. Dozens of celebrities including the actors Dame Judi Dench, Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, Olivia Colman and Bill Nighy backed the Free Alaa campaign. Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, and David Lammy, the Justice Secretary, echoed the Prime Ministers comments upon Mr Fattahs arrival, saying they were delighted. Mr Lammy said it was an immense relief that Mr Fattah was back in the UK and reunited with his family. However, Jewish campaigners said it beggars belief that Cabinet ministers were celebrating Mr Fattahs return. Alex Hearn, the co-director of the campaign group Labour Against Anti-Semitism, said: It is reckless at best to openly state that getting him into Britain was their top priority which they were delighted to achieve, especially following deadly attacks on Jews. There is absolutely a case for revoking his citizenship. He should have been arrested on arrival in the UK, not welcomed. This is extraordinary. Downing Street falling over themselves to celebrate a man who wants to burn them down This is what is called suicidal empathy. And British Jews will pay the price https://t.co/nWBi8dXpmx Alex Hearn (@hearnimator) December 27, 2025 Gideon Falter, the chief executive of the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism, said: Either the Government did not carry out a basic search, or they knew about this and considered it insufficiently important to warrant saying anything. In the wake of lethal terrorist attacks on Jews from Manchester to Bondi, the UK now has yet one more resident who wants to see Zionists murdered, unless of course the passage of time and a long spell in Egypt have led to a radical rethink by Alaa Abd el-Fattah. Mr Falter urged ministers to review how Mr Fattah was granted citizenship and consider whether it might now be revoked. Gary Mond, the chairman of the National Jewish Assembly, said the fact that the establishment is kowtowing to such a person is a horrendous indictment on our Government and what its priorities are. Stop the Hate, an anti-racism charity, condemned ministers for appearing to have implicitly legitimised Mr Fattahs views. Andrew Fox, a senior fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, said the welcoming of Mr Fattah by Cabinet ministers was utterly misplaced, adding: At the very least, ministers should condemn his statements and Mr El-Fattah must offer an apology and a public retraction, or he deserves no place in UK society. Mr Fattah has been approached for comment. A Government spokesman said: Mr El-Fattah is a British citizen. It has been a long-standing priority under successive governments to work for his release from detention, and to see him reunited with his family in the UK. A Labour source pointed out that the previous Conservative government had lobbied for Mr Fattahs release, and had granted him British citizenship in 2021. Meredith Maines has stepped down from the Sussexes foundation less than a year after she was appointed - LinkedIn The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have lost their 11th publicist in five years. Meredith Maines, the couples chief communications officer, has stepped down after less than a year, according to reports in US media. Ms Maines, who was appointed in January, is the latest departure in a revolving door of advisers to the Sussexes since they stepped back from their roles as working royals and relocated to California in 2020. She said in a statement: After a year of inspiring work with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archewell, I will be pursuing a new opportunity in 2026. I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and the good they are doing in the world. Ms Maines was thrust into the spotlight in July when details leaked of her meeting with the Kings aides to repair the strained relationship between father and son - David Rose/AFP The Sussexes have simultaneously parted ways with US-based PR firm Method Communications after just seven months. The company pitches itself as an organisation that challenges the status quo. A spokesman for Archewell, the couples foundation, told multiple news outlets: Meredith Maines and Method Communications have concluded their work with Archewell. The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well. The couple are believed to have found an agency to replace Method Communications role in the US, according to The Sun. The outlet reported that the couple are unlikely to hire a replacement for Ms Maines and will use Liam Maguire, their UK and Europe communications director, as lead instead. Ms Maines was thrust into the spotlight in July after she was pictured outside a Mayfair private members club alongside senior aides working for the King, as both Royal households took the first steps towards repairing a relationship that has been almost non-existent in recent years. The Sussexes were understood to be frustrated after details of the meeting were leaked to the press, denying they were behind it. Archewell, Harry and Meghans foundation, has also undergone staffing turmoil as three other employees were let go last week - Evan Agostini/Invision Educated at Stanford University, Ms Maines has a background in tech and venture capitalism. She previously worked for Google, managed communications at streaming service Hulu and worked as a talent manager for American Idol before joining the Sussexes from Lightspeed Venture Partners, a private equity firm. Her departure follows the announcement last week that three other staff members at Archewell have been let go as the charity underwent restructuring. The couple have been plagued by allegations that they are difficult to work for, with Vanity Fair reporting that several people needed long-term therapy or took extended breaks after working for the Duchess. The Sussexes have long denied allegations of bullying made against them. Ms Maines herself oversaw the departure of an additional six members of staff in June, including Kyle Boulia, the couples former Los Angeles-based deputy press secretary, and Charlie Gipson, their former European communications director. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are parting ways with their 11th publicist in five years (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Archive) The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are parting ways with their 11th publicist in five years after their chief communications officer announced she is moving on. Meredith Maines' departure after just a year in the role follows hot on the heels of the exit of the couple's director of communications, Emily Robinson, who left two months ago. Sources allege that Ms Maines had a "difficult" time after Ms Robinson left, The Daily Mail reports. Meanwhile, US-based Method Communications PR has also announced it is ending its business relationship with the Sussexes after only seven months. Ms Maines played a key role in negotiations for a reconciliation between Prince Harry, 41, and his father, 76, as they attempt to put aside their differences, especially in the wake of the King's cancer diagnosis. The comms chief was pictured meeting with King Charles' communications secretary Tobyn Andreae at a private members club in Mayfair this summer, as part of "secret peace negotiations". But the talks in July attracted headlines after pictures of Ms Maines and Mr Andreaes meeting were published by The Mail on Sunday. Prince Harry and Meghan are said to have been frustrated by the scoop. A source close to them says they were not responsible for leaking details of the meeting to the newspaper. In her departure statement, Ms Maines said she had the "utmost gratitude and respect" for the couple. She said: "After a year of inspiring work with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archewell, I will be pursuing a new opportunity in 2026. "I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and the good they are doing in the world." A spokesman for Harry and Meghan stated that Meredith Maines and Method Communications had "concluded their work with Archewell", adding: "The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well." The departures of Ms Maines and Ms Robinson mean the couple have lost 11 publicists in the five years since they left the UK to move to California, although two of those individuals - James Holt and Miranda Barbot - were promoted into non-comms roles. Harry and Meghan still have their UK and European head of communications, Liam Maguire, who is understood to be handling all of their publicity now. The pair have endured several PR incidents over the last 12 months, including the duchesss visit to Paris Fashion Week in October. Meghan shared a picture on Instagram of being driven along the Seine at night, which commentators were quick to point out was a similar route taken by Princess Diana on the evening she died. Elsewhere, Vanity Fair carried a cover story in February from an alleged insider who claimed: "The person who worked in media projects read stories in the tabloids about Meghan 'bullying' palace aides and couldn't imagine such behaviour actually happening. "After working with her, though, this person realized, 'Oh, any given Tuesday this happened.'" The couple responded with a feature in People magazine with comments from a number of employees testifying to their kindness. Teenagers are set to be offered paid gap years with the armed forces in a step towards a new whole of society approach to defence. Around 150 young people will be recruited for placements of up to two years, with the scheme expanding to more than 1,000 per year, according to the i paper. The scheme is due to open from March 2026, and is intended to introduce more people to military life, or provide transferable skills if they decide not to enlist afterwards. It would be available to under-25s and recruits would not be deployed on active operations. It is not yet clear how much they will be paid. The move comes after the Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said Britains sons and daughters should be ready to fight and called for a whole of society effort to defend the country in the face of Russian aggression. Defence Secretary John Healey told the i paper the scheme would give Britains young people a taste of the incredible skills and training on offer across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF. He added: As families come together at this time of year, and young people think about their futures, I want the outstanding opportunities on offer in our armed forces to be part of that conversation in homes across the UK. The Army scheme would see recruits receive 13 weeks of basic training as part of a two-year placement, while the Navy scheme would last one year and provide profession agnostic training for sailors, according to reports. The RAF scheme is less developed, with the branch said to be scoping options. The Army currently offers gap year placements for young people before, during or immediately after university, which last one year. Some 30 places are available on the Army internship scheme, formerly known as gap year commissions, but fewer than 10 people were enrolled in 2024/25. The internship is also only available for those considering officer training, while the new gap year scheme is expected to be open more widely. Australia already offers a gap year scheme for its military for those aged between 17 and 24. In 2023, 664 people enlisted in the Australian scheme, with a little more than half going on to a permanent role in the countrys defence force. Other European countries have looked to national service in response to the threat from Russia, with France, Germany and Belgium introducing schemes this year. Thailand and Cambodia have agreed a new ceasefire after weeks of deadly fighting along their disputed border, halting the worst escalation in violence in more than a decade. The agreement, signed on Saturday by their defence ministers, came after sustained clashes over competing territorial claims killed dozens of people, forced evacuations and heightened regional concern about instability in Southeast Asia. The neighbours agreed to an immediate halt to fighting, a freeze on further military movements, and a ban on violations of each others airspaces for military purposes. The ceasefire took effect at noon local time. Two hours later, a Thai defence ministry spokesman, Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, told Reuters that it was holding. So far, there's been no report of gunfire," he said. Only Thailand had carried out airstrikes during the fighting, hitting sites inside Cambodia as recently as Saturday morning, Cambodias defence ministry said. Cambodia's top diplomat Prak Sokhonn and his Thai counterpart Sihasak Phuangketkeow are meeting Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Sunday and Monday to discuss the situation, according to statements from the Cambodian foreign ministry and a Thai official. A key provision of the new deal requires Thailand to return 18 Cambodian soldiers, taken during clashes earlier in the year, once the truce completes 72 hours. Their release had been a central demand from Phnom Penh. The ceasefire agreement was signed at a border checkpoint by Cambodias defence minister Tea Seiha and his Thai counterpart Nattaphon Narkphanit, following three days of talks by military officials under the framework of the long-standing General Border Committee. Thai military fires artillery towards Cambodia on Friday (AP) It reaffirms commitments made under a ceasefire deal reached in July following five days of fighting, as well as 16 agreed de-escalation measures. That earlier truce was brokered by Malaysia and enabled by pressure from US president Donald Trump, who threatened to suspend trade privileges unless both sides agreed to halt hostilities. In spite of those efforts, relations deteriorated in the months that followed, with a war of words between the two governments and sporadic border incidents escalating into heavy fighting in early December. Since 7 December, Thailand claims 26 of its soldiers and one civilian have been killed by the fighting. Bangkok has also reported a further 44 civilian deaths linked to the wider impact of the conflict. Cambodia has not released military casualty figures but says at least 30 civilians have been killed, and 90 injured. Hundreds of thousands of residents have been evacuated from border areas on both sides. Both sides have blamed the other for triggering the fighting and said they were acting in self-defence. The truce deal also commits the neighbours to respecting international conventions banning landmines, an issue that has fuelled tensions. Thai soldiers have been wounded in at least nine explosions along the border this year that Bangkok has claimed were caused by newly planted Cambodian mines. Cambodia denies this, saying the devices date back to its civil war, which ended in the late 1990s. Another provision of the deal calls on both countries to refrain from spreading false information and to resume stalled efforts to formally demarcate the border. The deal also includes cooperation against transnational crime, a reference largely aimed at tackling organised online scam networks that have defrauded victims worldwide of billions of dollars, with Cambodia identified as a major hub for such operations. Keir Starmer has been warned that trade union members are turning to Nigel Farage because he is too obsessed with polls and not properly focused on the cost of living. Paul Nowak, the general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), spoke to The Independent ahead of releasing his new year message with shocking polling by Survation revealing the depth of the crisis faced by many households. The trade union boss has said that the prime minister and his cabinet need to stop playing games and be focused on the cost of living crisis in 2026. Farage at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Reuters) According to the findings of the poll commissioned by the TUC and and campaign group 38 Degrees, one in five (21 per cent) are skipping meals every day or most days because they cannot afford to eat or are making sacrifices for their children. More than one in three (36 per cent) are cutting back on their heating every day or most days. Four in five (79 per cent) say their financial circumstances are either stagnant or getting worse. Mr Nowak warned: The government needs to focus relentlessly on the cost of living and then the polls will look after themselves. Suggesting that there is too much attention to weekly polls in Downing Street, he added: Politicians are focused on the minutiae of polls while ordinary people are focused on the minutiae of their bank accounts. The TUC leader has applauded the workers rights package passed just before Christmas, adding that it was trade unions who forced a reluctant Labour government to ditch the two-child benefit cap. But he has insisted there is more that needs doing. He also warned that a failure to deliver the change that was on the front of the Labour manifesto means people are turning to Reform in what he believes is a mistaken view that Mr Farage will solve their problems. The Reform UK leader has flirted with left-wing voters with promises of nationalising steel production and water companies as well as scrapping the two-child benefit cap before Labour relented on the issue. Mr Nowak said: A lot of our [union] members vote Reform. But we should not be going around calling them racists though. Instead he wants the Labour government to expose what a Farage-led government would really do while dealing with the actual day-to-day problems people have. Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Wire) He said: A Farage-led government would be a disaster for workers. Those new rights that weve just secured would be under attack, a return to austerity, privatisation of our NHS, you know, his big economic reset speech where, you know, delivered it in the City of London and talked about the need to deregulate the finance sector, because that worked so well the last time round. Obviously, trashing the relationship with our closest trading partner in terms of the European Union. So, you know, I mean, weve got no doubt reform would be a cul-de-sac. But instead, Mr Nowak, like many others in the trade union movement, is concerned about the amount of infighting within the cabinet and manoeuvring by rivals to replace Sir Keir. He said: When a government is trailing so far behind in the polls, and the PMs personal approval ratings are low, theres always going to be some sort of speculation. I think its incumbent on everybody, the prime minister, the cabinet, the Labour government, the entire parliamentary Labour Party, you cant afford to take your eyes off the day job, which is delivering on living standards, and indulge in the sort of internal naval gaze here, whos up and whos down in the cabinet. He added: I think there are some people who see politics as a game. I dont think for our members, politics is a game. I mean, this, this is the difference between, you know, for some people, it is at the sharp end about whether they are turnding on the heating or, you know, God forbid, missing a meal, because, you know, theyd rather the kids have tea, rather than, you know, them. And while trade unions remain Labours biggest donors, there have been a number of larger unions which are now questioning their ongoing relationship with Labour under Sir Keirs leadership. Unison, the biggest trade union, just elected Corbynista Andrea Egan, who wants to reduce support for Labour, while the second biggest union, Unite, is discussing disaffiliating from the party. Mr Nowak said: Our job is not to be passive cheerleaders on the sideline, applauding everything the government does. I think our job is to work with the government to deliver on the issues that really matter to our members and their families and their communities, to call the government out when they get it wrong. A concept rendering of the proposed Trump class USS Defiant is displayed as US President Donald Trump announces the US Navys new Golden Fleet initiative - Andrew Caballero/AFP On December 22, 2025, at his Mar-a-Lago resort, President Trump unveiled plans for a new Trump-class battleship as the centrepiece of his Golden Fleet initiative. We now have renderings of the proposed USS Defiant a 30,000 to 40,000-ton behemoth, possibly nuclear propelled and armed with hypersonic missiles, railguns, lasers and nuclear-tipped cruise missiles. Trump declared these vessels would be the fastest, the biggest, and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built. Starting with two ships, the goal is to eventually have 20 to 25. Timelines for completion are not clear but first hulls in the mid 2030s is the suggestion. Trump has mused on new battleships before, back in October in front of the assembled General and Flag Officers. This, in theory at least, formalises those musings. Reactions have been much the same: enthusiasm from the Presidents personal MAGA base, generally with some caveats. Others have shown bemusement, given the other more obvious priorities for the US Navy just now, and still others have ridiculed the plan. Trump talking about it in terms that an eight-year-old would find patronising and calling it after himself led many into the third camp. Im trying my best to remain in the middle group. Historically, the word battleship is derived from the line-of-battle ship, the ship of the line of the days of sail. These sailing ships, with two or three decks of cannon HMS Victory, still preserved in commission at Portsmouth, is an example of the class were deemed powerful enough to stand in the line of battle during a major fleet action. Smaller warships such as frigates (sometimes known as cruisers back then) could not stand in the line and were not battleships. Then came the days of steam, armour and gun turrets. The new battleships now carried heavy armour and came to devote most of their carrying capacity to the biggest guns possible they were all big gun designs, the first being the British Dreadnought class of 1906. This same design philosophy lasted into World War II, with the gun calibres escalating from 12-inch to 15- and 16-inch and finally to the enormous 18-inch weapons mounted in the Japanese super-battleships Yamato and Musashi. b' 0810 China under Xi - largest navy ' After World War II most navies felt that the aircraft carrier was the new big dog of the naval world, but the US Navy in the 1980s did resurrect a handful of mothballed WWII 16-inch Iowa class battlewagons, adding modern missiles alongside their monster main guns. So powerful was the battleship mystique that admirals volunteered to be demoted back to captain so they could command one. But the Cold War ended and soon enough the Iowas were gone again. Not every detail of the Trump class is clear but it seems that the two main features of that last generation of battleships armour and big conventional guns will be lacking, which is reasonable enough as they arent much use in the modern world. Based on the renderings and descriptions, this new proposal actually resembles a large guided missile cruiser, probably closer to Russias Kirov class rather than an Iowa. In my personal view, the Iowa class (which Trump seems to have in mind) and the Kirov class are two of the best looking warships ever built. Other opinions are valid, but you can see why a mash-up might appeal to someone striving for form over function. Its the function that is the problem. Nearly all modern naval doctrine and thinking is heading in the direction of dispersal over concentration. Proliferating high-speed missiles, drones above, on and under the water alongside advanced sensors and communications all push us towards a dispersed, distributed force. This also increases redundancy and our ability to be in multiple places at once. Combine this with universal budget constraints, yard shortages for building large hulls and crewing leanness and the direction of travel is obvious. This mega-cruiser/battleship concept flies directly in the face of all that. The other issue is one of fleet balance. For this, a navy needs a combination of high and low end capabilities, both crewed and uncrewed. Its ironic that one of the first US strategists to openly discuss this hi-lo mix was Admiral Zumwalt whose name was given to a class of large, high-end destroyer which became so complex it had to be cancelled after just three were built. You have to be very optimistic not to see how the Trump class could go the same way. At the high end, the US Navy excels with its huge aircraft carriers and amphibious ships although by hull numbers at least, the Chinese Navy is becoming a very serious adversary. Then there are surface warships and attack submarines. Here, again, the US Navy is leagues ahead although some of their destroyers, whilst still excellent, are ageing and their ancient missile cruisers are on the way out. These old Ticonderoga class cruisers are essentially larger destroyers with more Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) and a refined ability to direct area air defence. Destroyers and dispersed systems can handle these tasks, and for me that would take priority over a new class of cruiser or battleship. A Russian Kirov class heavy missile cruiser - Reuters Below this, the US Navy starts to look thin. They dont have a frigate a specialist anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ship and the Russian, Chinese and rogue conventional and uncrewed threat demands this now more than ever. The planned Constellation class frigate a heavily modified Italian/French design was ballooning in cost so severely it had to be cancelled. The suggested replacement, US Coast Guard cutters painted warship grey, might well be ready quickly and in numbers, which is good, but it will not be a specialist ASW frigate. For warships to be effective in this role they need to be quiet and this needs to be designed in from the keel up, like the Royal Navys frigates. The US Navy does need a large number of lower end cutter type ships, but it also needs dedicated sub hunters. This large and important gap in the USN remains. Navies and often external analysts tend to obsess over high-end roles, writing off anything that isnt peer-combat capable. But this ignores the fact that naval forces spend nearly all their time setting the conditions to avoid conflict. This is why mass and presence are so important. It has to be backed up by the high-end stuff if the deterrent effect is to be maximised but its frustrating to see how many people write off things like the cutter plan as useless before seeing what it can do. This happens with our own Offshore Patrol Vessels. Yes they are almost unarmed in a naval sense but they endlessly do really good work around the world. Maritime warfare isnt binary. It takes place on a sliding scale. Against all this, can a case for an American battleship/cruiser be made? Yes, it can. This ship represents ambition, presence, and symbolism all good, positive things. At a more operational level, it would house a vast quantity of missile launch tubes and large radars optimised for hypersonic missile tracking. It would have lots of room for useful guns in calibres suited to anti-drone use and maybe one day electrically powered railguns, if that technology ever matures. The US has actually given up trying to build railguns after a lot of effort, but Japan is still working on them. If nuclear propulsion is chosen, the new battlewagon could have near unlimited range and massive power generation. The power would not be for greater speed, but for data processing, electronic warfare, laser weapons and possibly railguns. New battleships could take on the fleet Command and Control function currently provided by the ageing Mount Whitney class. However, I sincerely doubt that any new battleship could survive a hit from the champion ship killer, the heavyweight torpedo. After all, the old armoured battleships could be sunk by torpedoes. They could also be sunk by aircraft bombs, and there are plenty of anti-ship missiles out there that hit just as hard as bombs. So the Trump class ships would need layers of defence like those provided for aircraft carriers: and the outer layer is provided by the carriers fighter jets, which the battlewagon would not have. And while it is true that the proposed battleships would have lots of useful things, it would usually make more sense to break them up across smaller, more numerous platforms. So that leaves us with presence and prestige as the only unique things the battleships would bring to the party. Then, estimates suggest these ships will cost $9bn per hull if made in numbers: $14bn for the first one. Thats the same as a Ford class supercarrier, even more if nuclear propulsion is chosen. Thats a lot of money in one hull when most of what you want it to do can be done better and more cheaply by something else. What price prestige? This before the matter of yard capacity to build it is discussed, which has even the most ardent optimists scratching their heads. Or pulling their hair out in frustration at what has become of US shipbuilding. Meanwhile China, with impeccable and probably not coincidental timing, has just permitted the circulation of images of a container ship Zhong Da 79 fitted with containerised VLS (around 60 missile tubes), radars and close-in weapons systems (CIWS auto gun systems that can take out incoming missiles and drones). The Chinese have got the dispersal memo. The weight of fire, deception and sheer numbers this option could provide is deeply worrying. Their direction of travel is clear, albeit they are also continuing with high-end warship design and build at a high rate. As a concept, arming merchant vessels has been around for decades and trialled by both US and UK navies. Until now, no one has taken it seriously. The Chinese threat and the good health of the US Navy concerns us all. The mistakes of the Zumwalt, Littoral Combat Ship and Constellation classes made us all less safe, not just the US Navy. All three were actually needed to a greater or lesser degree. All three were botched in the delivery to the point of early cancellation, and billions were wasted. The trouble with the Trump ship is that it feels like a fourth mistake waiting to happen. If their yards were churning out frigates and patrol vessels and had plans for the replacement destroyer, and the President wanted battleships as a status symbol on top of that, that would be fine. The problem is that this project is likely to divert money and yard capacity away from things that are needed more. Sipping deep from the Christmas cup of optimism, maybe this idea, and the presidential impetus behind it, will breathe new life into the US shipbuilding system, even if the golden mega-ship never materialises. I hope so, because that is everyones business. Tom Sharpe was a Royal Navy officer for 27 years, commanding four warships Raul Jimenez deepened West Hams relegation worries as Fulham snatched a 1-0 victory at the London Stadium. The Mexican struck with five minutes remaining, with his second goal in two matches giving Fulham a third straight win. Manchester Citys lunchtime victory at Nottingham Forest gave the Hammers the chance to cut the gap to 17th place to just two points. But instead they remain five points adrift of safety after the first of a run of supposedly winnable games, with Brighton and Forest still to come to east London, either side of a trip to rock-bottom Wolves. There was little festive good cheer in the air at the London Stadium, with West Ham supporters holding up red cards and chanting sack the board in the latest protest against owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady. On the pitch, the Hammers have won just two matches at home this season, lost their last six London derbies and taken just three points from their last seven games, which is definitely relegation form. Jimenez, who scored Fulhams winner against Forest before Christmas which lifted them well clear of any imminent danger, had their first chance but curled his effort wide. Moments later, in-form midfielder Harry Wilson let fly from 20 yards with Alphonse Areola at full stretch to tip the ball over. West Ham threatened when Mateus Fernandes threaded the ball to Jarrod Bowen, whose angled shot was saved by Bernd Leno. Then a slick Hammers move down the right saw Kyle Walker-Peters send Crysencio Summerville to the byline, and his cross was headed narrowly wide by Ollie Scarles. Summerville had a volley deflected wide from a Freddie Potts corner before, at the other end, Areola had to make an unorthodox save with his feet to keep out Joachim Andersens long-range effort. Fulham should have taken the lead seven minutes into the second half when Wilson darted into space down the right, but his low cross eluded both Kevin and Sasa Lukic in front of goal. The chances were by now coming at both ends with Lukic heading an inviting Antonee Robinson cross wide, before Bowen somehow scooped a cross from Soungoutou Magassa off target from six yards out. Callum Wilson, on as a sub, turned Andersen on the halfway line and raced towards goal but his shot flew wide. Bowen teed Wilson up for another shooting chance, but this time he lifted it over the top. Instead it was Fulham who took the points after a mistake by the otherwise impressive Scarles, who took an air-shot at a clearance, allowing Wilson to lift a cross to the far post for Jimenez to win it. Zelensky prepares for crucial peace talks with Trump after Putin pounds Kyiv with drones and missiles Volodymyr Zelensky prepares for a crunch peace meeting with US president Donald Trump on Sunday as Vladimir Putin continues to apply pressure with a huge bombardment which killed two and injured dozens. Russia launched almost 500 drones and 40 missiles targeting Kyiv and regions in the northeast and the south overnight on Friday. It was the second brutal airstrike on Ukraine in less than a week, after Moscow launched 587 drones and 34 missiles on Tuesday. A third of the capital city was left without heat in sub-zero weather conditions as the attack continued throughout Saturday morning, and a nearly 10-hour air raid alert for the capital only ended at 11.20am (9.20am GMT). Authorities said two people were killed in Kyiv and the surrounding region, while at least 46 people were wounded, including two children. Ukrainian firefighters work on site to extinguish the fire of a building damaged during a Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv (Ukrainian Emergency Service/AFP/Getty) The intense bombardments come after Mr Zelensky said that the 20-point plan draft was 90 per cent complete ahead of his meeting with President Trump on Sunday. The Ukrainian leader told reporters on Saturday afternoon that he was en route to his US counterparts Mar-a-Lago Florida residence, making a stop in Canada on the way to meet his close ally Mark Carney, the prime minister. Security guarantees and territorial issues in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia are set to dominate discussions, as they remain key sticking points in ending the war. Mr Zelensky said the country has its red lines, but he remained certain a compromise could be found. President Zelensky said, shortly before boarding the plane to the US, that the massive bombardment spoke volumes about Putins true attitude towards peace. There have been many questions over the past few days so where is Russias response to the proposals to end the war offered by the United States and the world? Russian representatives engage in lengthy talks, but in reality, Kinzhals and shaheds [drones] speak for them, he wrote in a post on X. Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky are set to meet on Sunday for crucial peace talks (AFP/Getty) This is the true attitude of Putin and his inner circle. They do not want to end the war and seek to use every opportunity to cause Ukraine even greater suffering and increase their pressure on others around the world. And this means that the pressure in response is still insufficient. Moscow has demanded that Ukraine withdraws from a large, densely urbanised chunk of the eastern region of Donetsk that Russian troops have failed to capture. Kyiv wants the fighting to stop at the current lines. A US compromise hopes to create a free economic zone if Ukraines troops pull back from parts of Donetsk, although details remain a grey area. Mr Zelensky has said the shape of US security guarantees is crucial to peace, and these would depend on what Mr Trump is ready to give, when he is ready to give it, and for how long. He told Axios earlier this week that the US had offered a 15-year deal on security guarantees, subject to renewal, but Kyiv wanted a longer agreement with legally binding provisions to guard against further Russian aggression. Ukraines president pictured during a meeting with journalists in Kyiv (Ukrainian Presidential Office/AFP/Getty) If unable to push the US to support Ukraines position in terms of land, Mr Zelensky has said he is willing to put the 20-point plan to a referendum. In order to allow for the democratic process, Russia would need to agree to a 60-day ceasefire to allow Ukraine to prepare for and hold the vote. Mr Trump said the US was the driving force behind the process, but that he believed Sundays meeting would go well. He doesnt have anything until I approve it, the US president told Politico. So well see what hes got. He also said he expected to speak with Mr Putin soon, as much as I want. Cate Blanchett was the guest editor of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 on Saturday - Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images Cate Blanchett has revealed she wanted to be a man when she was five years old. The Australian actress has told BBC Radio 4 that as a child she wrote a letter stating how she wanted to be a man. Blanchett, who was guest editor of the Today programme on Saturday, later told how she had a great face for radio as she revealed her fascination with listening to her grandmothers radio when she was young. She devoted part of the programme to childrens aspirations for the future, inviting them to send in recordings expressing what they wanted to be when they grew up. The item had been prompted by a letter written by Blanchett at the age of five explaining her hopes for the future, which her mother had recently discovered and sent to her. Credit: BBC Radio 4 / Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images In the letter she wrote: I would like to be a man sometimes, wherehas [sic] I could love my family and Ill tell you some of the jobs that I could do: I could light a fire and I could go to work and when I get tired of being a man I think Ill just be me. After reading her letter Blanchett told listeners: Well, I dont know if Ive achieved the being me, being an actress, but how differently we see the world and how much we know about it will have changed by the time our children are older. The answers listeners own children gave to Blanchetts question ranged from an archaeologist to a zookeeper, a bin woman to a worker in a cornflakes factory, prompting Blanchett whose own son wished at five that he could be be a muscly caver to say: It made me think about the effects that are brought to bear on a child when they think about their aspirations for the future. The actress, who has won numerous Golden Globes, BAFTAs and Oscars for her performances, could have been lost to the big screen had she pursued her own childhood ambition. I never expected to become an actor, really, she said. I feel its by default rather than by design. Its a vocation... It keeps calling me back. Credit: BBC Radio 4 / Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images Blanchett, who lived with her grandmother for much of the time while growing up, added: I did have a fantasy as a child you know I had a great face for radio that I would love to get into radio. Often I would wake up in the middle of the night and I would hear these disembodied voices. People talking at three in the morning about what was bothering them, what was concerning them. I found it such an exciting space where you werent distracted by the visuals. Cate Blanchett played Bob Dylan as the Jude persona in the 2007 film Im Not There - Everett Collection Inc/Alamy As guest editor Blanchett, a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, devoted much of the programme to examining the plight of refugees, children in particular, drawing on her own experience of her father in law, who travelled to Australia as a Ten pound Pom. Blanchett spoke of her growing concern at attitudes to refugees hardening across the world. Talking about Australia she said: Weve been built as a nation on a positive, welcoming embrace of asylum seekers and refugees and immigrants. Watching that hardening, calcification and rejection of that positive welcome embrace over the last 20, 30, 40 years, I could see its effect on our national character and so its been on my mind a lot. The scheme will open for recruitment in March 2026 and will be available to under 25s - Henry Nicholls School leavers will be trained to fight in war zones as part of a voluntary paid gap year in the Armed Forces. The Government plans to offer school and college leavers the chance to spend a year in uniform to test whether they enjoy forces life. The scheme, which was recommended in the Strategic Defence Review earlier this year, is part of efforts to solve a crisis in recruitment amid the growing military threat from Russia. Further details have now emerged, including that recruits will be offered military training to prepare them for combat in war zones. The scheme will open for recruitment in March 2026 and will be available to under 25s. It will begin with a cohort of 150 but ministers hope it will eventually rise to more than 1,000 per year. Sources said the Army scheme would last for two years, starting with a 13-week basic training course before participants specialise in one particular area of the force, according to the i newspaper. It reported that the Navy scheme would be one year long, offering basic training to work on-board ships and broad expertise for a range of possible Naval careers. The RAF scheme is less developed, with the branch said to be scoping options. As well as introducing citizens to military life, the gap year scheme will also equip them with transferable skills should they decide not to enlist after the scheme ends. There would be no commitment to join the Armed Forces, but those who choose to stay on could receive additional training to be deployed on operations. It is not clear how much the recruits would be paid. Britain should be ready to fight The move comes after the Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said Britains sons and daughters should be ready to fight and called for a whole of society effort to defend the country in the face of Russian aggression. Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Rich Knighton, called for a whole of society effort to defend the country - Lucy North Defence Secretary John Healey told the i newspaper the scheme would give Britains young people a taste of the incredible skills and training on offer across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF. The Strategic Defence Review is aiming to transform defence over the next decade and make the army 10 times more lethal by 2035. It drew on more than 8,000 responses from 1,700 individuals, political parties and organisations, and its recommendations have been accepted in full by the Government. Under the plans, troop numbers are set to be increased, Britains aircraft carriers will become hybrid and there will be better use of fighter jets to ensure they are cost effective. Younger pupils will also be taught the importance of the British military in school, and will have lessons on what a career can look like in the Armed Forces, from traditional soldiering to computer coding. Under the plans, there will be better use of fighter jets to ensure they are cost effective - Yui Mok The Army currently offers gap year placements for young people before, during or immediately after university, which last one year. Some 30 places are available on the Army internship scheme, formerly known as gap year commissions, but fewer than 10 people were enrolled in 2024/25. The internship is also only available for those considering officer training, while the new gap year scheme is expected to be open more widely. Australia already offers a gap year scheme for its military for those aged between 17 and 24. In 2023, 664 people enlisted in the Australian scheme, with a little more than half going on to a permanent role in the countrys defence force. Other European countries have looked to national service in response to the threat from Russia, with France, Germany and Belgium introducing schemes this year. The same storm, capable of producing blizzard conditions with near-hurricane-force winds around the Great Lakes into Monday night, will direct frigid air in its wake through the Midwest and Northeast and even bring some chills to the south-central and southeastern United States in the week ahead. Shifting bands of lake-effect snow and clipper storms will accompany the cold waves, making for treacherous travel in the Midwest and Northeast. Harsh cold from early December returns; reality check for Southern states While the air will not be as abnormally cold as it was in early December, this upcoming cold wave will bring temperatures some 10 degrees Fahrenheit lower than historical averages in late December and early January. AccuWeather.com Temperatures will plunge on the back end of the blizzard in the Upper Midwest into Monday. For example, in Minneapolis, temperatures will plummet from the mid-30s late Sunday to the single digits on Monday morning, rise slightly during the day on Monday and then plunge below zero on Monday night. AccuWeather.com In Philadelphia, after temperatures surge to nearly 60 degrees on Monday, they will plunge into the 20s Monday night and struggle to rise above freezing on Tuesday. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Even in much of the Southern states, following a long string of days with temperatures challenging record highs, the new weather pattern will be a bit of a shock. AccuWeather.com In Atlanta, highs over the past five to seven days have been in the 60s and 70s, or 10-20 degrees above the historical average. By Monday on through much of this week, highs in the 40s to the mid-50s will be common with a breeze most days. Farther west, such as around Houston, near-record highs in the 80s will be swapped with highs in the 50s and 60s for a few days starting on Monday. Beware of freeze-ups, lake effect and snow squalls AccuWeather.com As the leading edge of the cold air sweeps in behind the Arctic front through the Ohio Valley Sunday and the Appalachians on Monday, a rapid freeze-up may occur with snow showers in some cases. Temperatures will plunge from the 30s and 40s to the 20s and teens. Roads, sidewalks and parking lots may transition from wet to a sheet of ice in a matter of minutes. Flurries, squalls and bands of lake-effect snow will set up downwind of the Great Lakes through the week and vary from day to day. Lake-effect snow will blend in on the backside of the storm in Michigan and northwestern Indiana on Monday. AccuWeather.com The bands of lake-effect snow will tend to shift around and turn on and off from one day to the next as multiple clipper storms cause winds to change direction over the week. Buffalo, New York, will get into bands of heavy lake-effect snow on more than one occasion. A prominent band may hang around the city for a time on Tuesday. AccuWeather.com Clipper storms to bring general snowfall Temperatures will briefly rebound several degrees ahead of a weak clipper storm on Tuesday around the Upper Midwest and parts of the Northeast on Wednesday. As the first clipper travels southeast from central Canada on Tuesday to portions of the Northeast on Wednesday, snowfall associated with it will tend to dwindle but can amount to an inch or two in parts of the Upper Midwest. A second clipper storm will be hot on its heels about 24 hours later with a similar track. AccuWeather.com However, the second clipper storm will be somewhat stronger and larger, resulting in more extensive snowfall, generally ranging from a coating to a couple of inches with locally higher amounts. This clipper will travel from near the North Dakota/Canada border on Wednesday to northern New England on New Year's Day. Some cities that may receive enough snow for slippery travel conditions include Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Albany, New York. Factoring in where the heaviest bands of lake-effect snow overlap with snow from the big storm into Monday night and the subsequent clipper storms that roll through, some areas within a few dozen miles of the Great Lakes may receive between 48 and 60 inches of snow through this week. Harsh winds to herald arrival of Arctic air Along with the rounds of cold air, snow and lake effect, there will be bouts of gusty winds. AccuWeather.com The strongest winds are forecast in the immediate wake of the bomb cyclone into Monday night. Gusts ranging between 40 and 60 mph are in store with locally higher gusts approaching hurricane force around the Great Lakes. "Such strong winds will lead to power outages, downed tree limbs and airborne holiday decorations," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bill Deger said. AccuWeather.com Winds will kick up a bit in the vicinity of the first clipper storm from Tuesday to Wednesday. Strong wind gusts may develop around the second clipper storm from Wednesday to Thursday. The combination of wind, moisture and other factors may result in RealFeel Temperatures that are 10-20 degrees lower than the actual temperature for much of the week ahead. Care should be taken when spending time outdoors in such conditions. If traveling, be sure to pack a blanket, gloves and a warm hat along with a winter coat in case of an automobile incident. New Year's Eve sneak peek for Times Square For revelers hovering at Times Square in New York City on New Year's Eve, snow flurries are forecast with actual temperatures in the low 30s F. However, a gusty wind will create AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures in the teens much of the time, with a risk of hypothermia for those not properly dressed and standing outside for extended periods. The harshest winds will be at the intersections. Buildings along the avenues and Broadway will offer some shelter from the west wind. AccuWeather.com Crews will have removed the snow in Times Square from Friday's snowfall. On New Year's Day, flurries may also linger around New York City, as well as in Philadelphia, for the Mummer's Parade as the second clipper storm sweeps through. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. The personal belongings of an Arkansas mother and her six-year-old twins were found in a dumpster just days after the three were gunned down inside their family mansion earlier this month. The personal belongings of an Arkansas mother and her six-year-old twins were found in a dumpster just days after the three were gunned down inside their family mansion earlier this month. The chilling new development comes after Charity Beallis, 40, and her two young children were found dead from gunshot wounds in the familys $760,000 Bonanza house on Dec. 3 during a welfare check amid a bitter divorce battle with her estranged and violent doctor husband. Three days after the savage killings, a dumpster diver discovered a large black garbage bag in Fort Smith, about 10 miles from the home, containing an engraved gold necklace bearing the names of Beallis son and daughter, framed family photos, and childrens artwork and homework, KNWA reported. Charity Beallis and her six-year-old twin children were found dead from gunshots wounds on Dec. 3. 40/29 News Also inside were various documents with the slain moms name and address, and what appeared to be a religious painting, the outlet reported. The woman who stumbled upon the eerie find said she immediately alerted the police when she realized the treasured keepsakes belonged to the murdered family members. Their bodies were found in their $760,000 Bonanza, Arkansas, family home during a welfare check. 5 News She then turned the possessions over to cops and took detectives to the dumpster located on a side road near an apartment complex before meeting with Beallis oldest son, John Powell, and his lawyer to share her story, according to the local news station. But Powell was later reportedly surprised when he told an investigator handling the homicide about the shocking discovery, who allegedly asked, How did you find out? Cops have not yet made any arrests or revealed anything about potential suspects in the disturbing case. Cops have not yet made any arrests or revealed anything about potential suspects in the disturbing case. Facebook The trios bodies were found the day after Beallis had gone to a divorce hearing at the Sebastian County Courthouse, where her 56-year-old ex-husband, Randall, had been awarded joint custody of their kids. The pair, who wedded in 2015, separated in March after the prominent physician choked his wife at their home and was arrested for domestic violence. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was handed a one-year suspended sentence, and ordered to pay more than $1,500 in court fees. The killings happened amid a bitter divorce battle between Beallis and her 56-year-old husband, who was previously arrested for domestic violence. Sebastian County Beallis was seeking full custody of the children under the divorce settlement, court documents show. On the day she and her twins were found dead, Randalls attorney filed a motion to dismiss the divorce case because the plaintiff passed away, according to online court records cited by 5News. Beallis feared so badly that her husband was going to harm her and the children that she asked Arkansas Republican State Senator Terry Rice for help getting protection earlier this year, the senator told the outlet. Randalls attorney previously told The Post that his abusive client is innocent. Facebook Rice said he put Beallis in touch with different resources available through the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division. But Randalls attorney previously told The Post that his client is innocent. Mr. Beallis was not responsible for the death of Mrs. Beallis nor his childrens deaths, his attorney, Michael D. Pierce, told The Post earlier this month. Mr. Beallis has been cooperative with law enforcement and fully supports the Sebastian County Sheriffs office investigation. We hope that the sheriffs office finds the truth about what happened to Mrs. Charity Beallis and their children. ISTANBUL Istanbul police launched scores of simultaneous raids on Thursday, detaining over a hundred suspected members of the militant Islamic State group who were allegedly planning attacks against Christmas and New Years celebrations, authorities said. 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. People take pictures and video as they attend a Christmas Eve mass at the Saint Anthony of Padua Church on Dec. 24, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. Getty Images Riot police officers stand guard during a protest in support of Istanbuls arrested mayor on March 26 in Istanbul. Getty Images The arrests come days after the Trump administration launched widespread military strikes in neighboring 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. Syrian security forces have also launched operations against IS in recent days, including two raids on the outskirts of Damascus, the Syrian capital. In those raids, Syrian officials said Taha al-Zoubi, identified as the IS leader in the Damascus area, was captured and Mohammed Shahadeh, a senior IS commander in Syria, was killed. Two women take a selfie amid Christmas lights in Istanbul on Dec. 24. AP Top Turkish officials visited Syria earlier this week to discuss counterterrorism efforts against IS, among other issues. At its peak in 2015, IS controlled a swath of territory across Iraq and Syria half the size of the United Kingdom. It was notorious for its brutality against religious minorities as well as Muslims who do not follow the militants extreme interpretation of Islam. After years of fighting, the US-led coalition broke the groups last hold on territory in late 2019, but IS cells in multiple countries continue to carry out periodic attacks. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hold a meeting in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on December 12, 2025. (Photo by Kristina Kormilitsyna / POOL / AFP via Getty Images) Credit - POOL/AFP via Getty Images It takes a special kind of leader to spend $2.5 billion on a weapons system, never use it, alienate his most important allies, get kicked out of the worlds most advanced fighter jet program, endure years of sanctions and then ask the seller for a refund. Yet here we are. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the possibility of returning Russias S-400 air defense system during his meeting with Vladimir Putin in Turkmenistan last week, according to Bloomberg. The Kremlin has denied any such request was made, which tells you something about how Moscow views the optics of this diplomatic volte-face. Even Putin, not known for sparing the blushes of supplicants, seems embarrassed on Erdogans behalf. The Turkish leaders predicament is a case study in the perils of allowing domestic political considerations and personal pique to override foreign policy and national security. The S-400 saga has been, from start to finish, a monument to poor judgment. And now the bill is coming due. Cast your mind back to 2017, when Erdogan signed the deal with Moscow. Turkey was in the grip of post-coup paranoia, with the president accusing his NATO allies the Americans especially of supporting the plotters of the failed 2016 coup attempt to overthrow him. The accusations served his domestic purposes, stoking nationalist resentment and justifying his pivot toward Moscow. Relations with Washington had curdled during the Obama years, and Erdogan nursed a particular grievance over the failure to secure Patriot missiles on terms he found acceptable. The S-400 purchase was his riposte: a defiant middle finger to the Western alliance. Turkish pro-government media celebrated it as an assertion of sovereignty, proof that Ankara would not be dictated to by Washington. Nationalist constituencies, whose support Erdogan needed to maintain his grip on power, ate it up. Never mind that the Russian system was incompatible with NATOs integrated air defenses. Never mind that it couldnt actually cover Turkeys air defense gaps. Never mind that it would cost Turkey its place in the F-35 program, for which Turkish companies were manufacturing more than 900 components and would have earned over $9 billion over the life of the project, according to estimates by the Pentagon. The symbolism was what mattered. And symbols, as any student of Turkish politics knows, are Erdogans stock in trade. The trouble with symbols is that they make for terrible strategic assets. The S-400 batteries arrived in 2019 and have sat largely idle ever since. Turkey conducted a single test firing near Sinop in 2020, then quietly mothballed the system. It has never been operationally deployed. The "sovereignty" that Erdogan purchased has manifested as several billion dollars worth of Russian hardware gathering dust. The costs have been devastatingly real. In 2019, Washington kicked Turkey out of the F-35 consortium, halting delivery of jets Ankara had already paid $1.4 billion toward. In Dec. 2020, the Trump Administration imposed sanctions on Turkey, cutting off its defense procurement agency from U.S. financial institutions, military hardware, and sensitive technology. Turkish defense companies that had been integral to the F-35 supply chain found themselves frozen out. For six years, Erdogan tried to have it both ways keeping the Russian missiles while lobbying for a return to Americas good graces. As recently as September, Turkish officials were floating the idea of a "technical military mechanism" to supervise the S-400s in some controlled fashion, hoping Donald Trump might find a legislative loophole to let them keep the hardware while regaining F-35 access. Washington wasnt buying. Ambassador Tom Barrack, a close Trump ally, made clear this month that Turkey must abandon the S-400 entirely if it wants back into the F-35 family. The message finally seems to have penetrated: there is no clever workaround, no face-saving half-measure. Erdogan must eat his words or forfeit any hope of acquiring the worlds most advanced stealth fighters. And so the man who once brandished the S-400 as proof of Turkish independence now finds himself pleading with Putin to take the missiles back and, according to reporting by Bloomberg News, asking for his money back too, perhaps through offsets against Turkeys Russian oil and gas bill. One can only imagine how that conversation went in Turkmenistan. Putin, whose own military is hemorrhaging equipment in Ukraine, has little use for the secondhand S-400s, which he already has in abundance. Why should he offer Erdogan a graceful exit from a mess of his own creation? The domestic political consequences could be severe. The same nationalist narrative that made it impossible for Erdogan to back down in 2017 now threatens to frame any reversal as capitulation. Opposition politicians will have a field day. Here is a president who sacrificed billions of dollars, Turkeys place in the most important defense program in the Western alliance, and years of productive relations with NATO all for a weapons system he never used, is now desperate to return, and may not even get a refund for. Erdogan will attempt to spin this, of course. The fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria and Turkeys positioning as a regional power broker may provide some nationalist cover. He can point to his relationships with both Trump and Putin as evidence of diplomatic dexterity. If anyone can sell a humiliating retreat as a strategic masterstroke, its Erdogan. The facts are stubborn. The S-400 purchase was driven by wounded pride and domestic political calculation, not strategic logic. It has cost Turkey dearly in treasure, in alliances, and in access to critical military technology. And if Erdogan now succeeds in returning the system, he will have demonstrated conclusively that the entire episode was a historic blunder one that a wiser leader would never have made. The Turkish opposition will not let voters forget it. Neither should anyone else who watches a proud nations foreign policy held hostage to one mans ego. Contact us at letters@time.com. A private residential building in the Darnytskyi district lies partially destroyed by a Russian drone strike on December 27, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Credit - Andrii Khodkov2025 Global Images Ukraine President Donald Trump is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday at Mar-a-Lago, as both leaders push to finalize a U.S.-brokered peace plan aimed at ending nearly four years of war triggered by Russias invasion of Ukraine. Read more: Trumps Ukraine Peace Plan Is a Wake-Up Call for Europe The high-stakes meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., comes after days of intensified Russian attacks on Kyiv and other cities, underscoring the urgencyand fragilityof the diplomatic effort. Zelensky, who arrived in Florida Sunday morning, has said the talks will focus on security guarantees, economic support, and unresolved territorial disputes, particularly over eastern Ukraines Donbas region. Ahead of the meeting, Zelensky said he spoke by phone with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to brief him on battlefield developments and the impact of recent Russian strikes. Zelenskys office said he plans to update other allies following his sit-down with Trump. Overnight, Russian guided aerial bombs struck residential areas in the eastern city of Sloviansk, killing at least one person and injuring three others, according to local officials. The attack followed a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones that hit Kyiv on Saturday, killing at least two people and wounding dozens more, Ukrainian authorities said. The renewed violence comes as U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators say they are close to agreement on a revised 20-point peace proposaldown from an earlier 28-point draft that drew sharp criticism in Kyiv and across Europe for offering sweeping concessions to Moscow. Zelensky has said the current proposal is about 90% ready, though key details, including the scope of security guarantees and territorial arrangements, remain unresolved. Read more: Zelensky Says Russia Must Pay Fully for War in Ukraine as U.S. Agrees to Modify Peace Plan They do not want to end the war and seek to use every opportunity to cause Ukraine even greater suffering and increase their pressure on others around the world, Zelensky wrote on X following Saturday's attacks, which he said involved around 500 drones and 40 missiles. At least two people were killed and dozens more wounded, including two children, and around a third of Ukraines capital was left without heating. Russias Defense Ministry said it had shot down 111 Ukrainian drones Saturday afternoon, several of which were over Moscow. Ukrainian officials also reported clashes along the front lines. Zelensky was in Canada on Saturday to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, along with other European allies via video conference, to discuss peace negotiations. Announcing $2.5 billion in economic assistance for Ukrainian reconstruction, Carney said we have the conditions and possibility for a just and lasting peace, but that it requires a willing Russia. The Trump administration previously drafted a 28-point peace proposal that gave major concessions to Russia, drawing sharp criticism from Ukraine and Europe. Delegations from Ukraine and the U.S. have met several times to push forward the revised peace proposal. However, Moscow has not indicated it is willing to sign the revised deal. Contact us at letters@time.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is calling on the Trump administration to pause its plan to raise national park entrance fees, calling the move discriminatory. Wyden is among a group of five senators who sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, raising concerns over national park entrance fee increases set to take place January 1. The senators argue the fee increases are taking place without proper notice, will slow entry into the parks and will limit visits from international tourists. In November, the Department of the Interior announced a new fee structure, which will charge non-residents $250 for an annual national park pass. The passes will cost $80 for United States citizens and residents. According to Wydens office, this is the first time the U.S. is requiring proof of residency to access public lands. The new fee structure also requires non-residents ages 16 and up, who do not have an annual pass, to pay $100 to enter 11 of the most visited parks in the country. Americas national parks serve as destinations for visitors both domestically and internationally to experience our countrys natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history, the senators wrote to Burgum. While we understand that entrance and recreation fees are vital to enhancing the visitor experience, we want to ensure all feel welcome to enjoy all national treasures. Since these new fees are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, we strongly believe these fees are being implemented too quickly, without public input, and will be a barrier for both residents and non-residents alike. We request that you stop implementation of the new non-resident passes and fees until the public has an opportunity to weigh in, impacts to visitation are studied, and clarity on implementation is provided to Congress, (National Park Service) employees, and impacted stakeholders, the senators added. The lawmakers raised concerns that the fee increases would further strain park workers as the Trump administration has cut 24 percent of permanent Park Service employees since January. The senators warned that the staffing cuts could compound entry delays, especially at popular national park destinations. In their letter, the senators note, According to the International Inbound Travel Association, overseas visitation is down more than 3 percent and Canadian visitation is down 25 percent. International visitors spent $254 billion in the United States in 2024 and national parks are often part of their itinerary. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) led the letter alongside Wyden. The letter was also signed by Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. "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. 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. "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 FILE - Libya's army chief of staff Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad poses for a photo in Tripoli, Libya, Oct. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Yousef Murad, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) Libya on Saturday held a military funeral for the western Libyas military chief and four of his officers who died in a plane crash in Turkey. The bodies arrived at Tripoli International Airport in caskets draped with Libyan flags and were carried in a funeral procession with soldiers holding their photographs. The private jet with Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad, four other military officers and three crew members crashed on Tuesday after taking off from Ankara, Turkeys capital, killing everyone on board. Libyan officials said the cause of the crash was a technical malfunction on the plane but the investigation is still ongoing in coordination with Turkey. Libya plunged into chaos after the countrys 2011 uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. The country split, with rival administrations in the east and west, each backed by armed groups and foreign governments. The country is governed by Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah's government in Tripoli and the administration of Prime Minister Ossama Hammad in the east. Dbeibah praised al-Haddad during a funeral speech for organizing the military despite overwhelming darkness and outlaw groups. Al-Haddad played a crucial role in the ongoing, U.N.-brokered efforts to unify Libyas military, which has split, much like Libyas institutions. Our martyrs werent just military leaders but also statesmen who were wise and disciplined and carried responsibility and believed that the national Libyan army is the countrys shield and ... that building institutions is the real path toward a stable and secure Libya, Dbeibah said. The burial will take place on Sunday in Misrata, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) east of Tripoli, officials said. The crash happened as the delegation was on its way back to Tripoli after defense talks in Ankara aimed at boosting military cooperation. A funeral ceremony was also held at Murted airfield base near Ankara, attended by the Turkish military chief and the defense minister. Military chief Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu also accompanied the bodies on the plane to Libya, Turkish public broadcaster TRT reported. Turkey has been the main backer of Libyas government in the west, but has recently taken steps to improve ties with the eastern-based government. 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. 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. 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. New poll shows how Americans' sentiments on Trump changed in 2025 Zelenskyy to meet with Trump in Florida for peace plan talks Details on U.S. strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flies over Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla amid ongoing military movements in Puerto Rico, December 19, 2025. - Eva Marie Uzcategui/Reuters The United States hasnt given up its pursuit of the massive, rusted oil tanker it chased into international waters near Venezuela last weekend, and officials are now contemplating moving additional resources into the area to forcibly board the ship, people familiar with the matter said. Officials no longer expect the Bella 1 to return to the country to load up with oil as the US military and Coast Guard chase it, and the people familiar with the matter said it was possible the administration would decide to abandon its effort to seize the ship. But for now, the US is contemplating sending a specialized Maritime Special Response Team with experience in boarding vessels that do not submit to seize control of it. The White House has said the Bella 1 is a dark fleet vessel covered by US sanctions that is sailing under a false flag. Officials said it was under a judicial order that would allow for its seizure. It refused to stop when the Coast Guard tried to interdict it last weekend, instead making a U-turn and sailing into the Atlantic Ocean. It has been on the run ever since. The pursuit stems from President Donald Trumps order of a blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers. Administration officials believe squeezing President Nicolas Maduros main economic lifeline is the best path to potentially ousting the authoritarian leader. While Trump has ordered a massive military buildup in the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela, he has so far stopped short of giving the final order on land strikes there, despite saying repeatedly for months theyll be coming soon. During a Christmas Eve phone call to troops aboard the USS Gerald Ford, which Trump recently ordered deployed to the Caribbean Sea, Trump called the region an interesting place to be, and said the US would be going after the land. For now, however, officials said the priority is enforcing the restrictions on Venezuelan oil, including the ship interceptions that have led some tankers to avoid the region. While the US is still pursuing the Bella 1, there isnt a major rush to board the ship as it continues to sail away from Venezuela, one official said. The ship is currently empty. Thats in contrast with the other two tankers successfully intercepted by the Coast Guard the Skipper and the Centuries. The US piloted both to Texas and is planning to seize their oil cargoes. Officials arent sure why the crew of the Bella 1 did not stop the ship and submit to the Coast Guards efforts to interdict it, as the previous two ships did. The ship has been linked to sanctioned Iranian oil and various Iranian proxy groups. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Suze Orman speaks during the Forbes and Mika Brzezinski 50 Over 50 Celebration at The Rainbow Room on October 25, 2024 in New York City An Indianapolis couple in their 20s seem like theyve cracked the code on financial harmony with one household, two similar incomes, and a neat 50/50 split when it comes to spending. But when wife Alexis insisted she should get more spending money because it is more expensive to be a woman, her husband Matt wrote to financial advisor, author, and podcast host Suze Orman to ask for advice and Orman had some choice words for the couple. [1] For women, the cost of simply existing, whether its dressing for work, maintaining hair and skin, or buying basic hygiene products, is higher often referred to as the pink tax. Research says women really are charged more than their male counterparts for products that are marketed to women, so does that mean they should get a bigger slice of the household budget? Must Read Required expenses versus wants Matt told Orman that he and Alexis have worked hard to pay off credit card debt, track their spending, and have been working on getting their financial act together. Alexis pointed out that she likes to maintain certain grooming standards to keep a professional appearance, including regular haircuts and coloring, manicures, business suits and proper undergarments. A lot of people agree, it is just more expensive to be a woman, she told Orman. She even suggested a one-third/two-thirds split might be more equitable. The couple had already bumped up Alexis budget by 10% for six months, but Alexis felt it still wasnt enough. Orman acknowledged the reality: Sometimes I go into the mens department and their shirts are less our dry cleaning is more so shes right there. But she didnt let Alexis off the hook either. Orman asked whether Alexiss required expenses were truly required or whether she could compromise. She mentioned that her current haircuts cost $150 a month, so Orman asked could she find a cheaper place? Does she actually need enough undergarments to last a month without doing laundry and two weeks worth of business suits? Orman said she had a feeling that no matter what amount of money she budgeted, that Alexis would spend it. Even though it does cost more to be a woman, a couple still has to operate within the budget they actually have and her final words of wisdom were that, It doesnt matter if you think you should spend more; you dont have the money to spend more. The two of you are in this together protect this money. (1) Read More: This $1B private real estate fund is now accessible to non-millionaires. Heres how you can get started with as little as $10 The pink tax and your household budget Research on the pink tax includes a blockbuster report from New York Citys Department of Consumer Affairs. Their 2015 analysis, From Cradle to Cane: The Cost of Being a Female Consumer, compared nearly 800 items across 35 categories. The result was that women pay an average of 7% more than men for comparable products (2). Some of the examples included: 13% more for womens personal-care products 8% more for adult womens clothing 4% more for childrens clothing A 2022 Cato Institute brief found womens personal-care goods cost about 11% more than mens versions even when made by the same manufacturer (3). So that fancy razor designed for her curves? Its often the same as the mens version, just pricier and, often, pink. Theres also the cousin of the pink tax: pink tariffs. These are higher import taxes on womens items versus mens. As The Guardian reported (4), these tariffs are written straight into the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and cost American women at least $2.5 billion a year. Some eye-opening examples are: Mens silk underwear tariff: 0.9% Womens silk underwear tariff: 2.1% Womens wool coat tariff: nearly double the rate applied to mens Unisex clothing gets taxed at the womens rate Sheng Lu, a professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware, told The Guardian these are the results of decades-old negotiations influenced by simple misogyny. Men dominated these discussions, and women were not fully considered in these negotiations, and thats a very important reason for the impact and legacy of the pink tariffs. So, Alexis has a point: being a woman does cost more. The pink tax and pink tariffs are real, with research proving that women face higher prices on everything from razors to blazers. That means couples need to talk honestly about the fact that equal doesnt always mean fair. Social inequity doesnt mean a free pass to overspend. Instead, consider some tips to make sure your household budget makes sense for you and your family, regardless of gender: A budget that accounts for real cost differences, but still respects the households actual income. A wants-versus-needs reality check for both partners. Transparency and open communication, because shame, secrecy, and resentment can blow up budgets and relationships. The system may be stacked against women, but a good partnership means working together to make sure the household budget works for everyone. What To Read Next Join 200,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. Suze Orman (1); ReadKong (2); Cato Institute (3); The Guardian (4). This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. CNN After months of warning that the US could take military action to stop violence against Christians in Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced on Christmas Day that he had done just that delivering a strike on Islamic State terrorists in the countrys northwest. 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 news release. Nigerian Information Minister Mohammed Idris said Friday that the strikes were carried out in the Bauni forest of the Tangaza area against two major ISIS enclaves, and that the targeted elements were successfully neutralized. Trump later told Politico that the strike had originally been planned for December 24, but he delayed it a day to give a Christmas present to the terrorists. They didnt think that was coming, but we hit them hard. Every camp got decimated, he told Politico. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar told CNN Friday that he had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio prior to the strike and that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu gave the go ahead. Details are still emerging about the strike, which came after Trump threatened to suspend aid to Nigeria over violence against Christians, even calling on his secretary of defense to prepare for possible action against Africas most populous nation in November. But the reality on the ground is more nuanced than Trumps characterization suggests, experts and analysts have told CNN this year. Both Christians and Muslims the two main religious groups in the country of more than 230 million people have been victims of attacks by radical Islamists. In the wake of the strike, Yuggar said Nigerias focus is to fight against terrorism, to stop the terrorists from killing innocent Nigerians, be (they) Muslim, Christian, atheist, whatever religion. Heres what you need to know. Years of violence Newspapers with articles reporting US President Donald Trump's message to Nigeria over the treatment of Christians hang at a newspaper stand in Ojuelegba, Lagos, Nigeria on November 2. - Sodiq Adelakun/Reuters/File Nigeria has grappled for years with deep-rooted security problems driven by various factors, including religiously motivated attacks. The country has roughly equal numbers of Christians predominantly in the south and Muslims, who are mainly concentrated in the north. Sokoto state, in Nigerias northwestern corner, is bordered to the north by Niger, and is home to 4 million people the majority of whom are Muslim. The violence in the countrys northwest is mainly driven by criminal bandit groups, analysts say, but growing links with Islamic State-affiliated jihadists have created a hybrid crime-terrorism threat. The region where the strike has actually taken place is dominated by criminal bandits, who have been tormenting rural villages and towns with some form of ISWAP (a Boko Haram breakaway group known as the Islamic State in West Africa Province) presence in that region, but not really specifically in Sokoto, Oluwole Ojewale, a Dakar-based African security analyst told CNN Friday. In 2012, the Islamist group Boko Haram issued an ultimatum, ordering Christians in the northern region to leave while calling on Muslims in the south to come back to the north. Most targeted killings in recent years have been in the north. Security analysts said Lakurawa, a lesser-known group prominent in northwestern states, could have been the target of Thursdays strikes. Lakurawa an offshoot of Boko Haram has become increasingly deadly this year, often targeting remote communities and security forces, and hiding in the forests between states. In January, Nigerias authorities declared the group a terrorist organization and banned its activities nationwide. Ansaru, an al-Qaeda-aligned jihadist group that also splintered from Boko Haram, operates in the countrys northwest and north-central regions and is known for its kidnappings, attacks on civilians and cooperation with transnational jihadist actors. Observers say other violent conflicts arise from communal and ethnic tensions, as well as disputes between farmers and herders over limited access to land and water. Nigeria has not named a specific organization that was targeted on Thursday. The US strike could disrupt ISIS operations in the short term, but the long-term issues that surround violence in Nigeria are extremely complex, said CNN military analyst and retired US Air Force Col. Cedric Leighton, pointing to the economic factors at play. The way most of these strikes work is that they need to be part of a larger campaign, and what were not seeing here is that larger campaign. Has the long-running violence killed Christians? Yes though thats only part of the picture. John Joseph Hayab, a pastor who leads the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the countrys northern region, agrees with Trumps claim of systematic killings of Christians in that area. The scale of the killings has reduced in the last two years, he said. However, this year has seen a spate of high-profile attacks in predominantly Christian pockets of the north, which has drawn international attention and condemnation. In April, gunmen believed to be Muslim herders killed at least 40 people in a mostly Christian farming village. Two months later, more than 100 people were massacred in Yelwata, a largely Christian community in the southeastern state of Benue, according to Amnesty International. The killings have been seized upon among parts of the Christian evangelical right in the US. In August, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas introduced a bill calling for sanctions against Nigeria for purported violations of religious freedom. What about Muslim victims? Flip-flops belonging to worshippers are seen following a deadly bomb explosion at a mosque in Maiduguri, Nigeria, on December 25. - Jossy Ola/AP Muslims have also been victims of targeted attacks by Islamist groups seeking to impose their extreme interpretation of Islamic law. At least 50 worshippers were killed in August when gunmen attacked a mosque in the northwestern state of Katsina, and many similarly brutal attacks have been carried out in Muslim communities by Boko Haram and other armed groups in the north. Yes, these (extremist) groups have sadly killed many Christians. However, they have also massacred tens of thousands of Muslims, said Bulama Bukarti, a Nigerian human rights advocate specializing in security and development. He added that attacks in public spaces disproportionately harm Muslims, as these radical groups operate in predominantly Muslim states. What little data exists also does not support Trumps claims that Christians are being disproportionately targeted. Out of more than 20,400 civilians killed in attacks between January 2020 and September 2025, 317 deaths were from attacks targeting Christians while 417 were from attacks targeting Muslims, according to crisis monitoring group Armed Conflict Location & Event Data. The organization did not include the religious affiliation of the vast majority of the civilians killed. Oyewale said that Trumps binary framing of the issue as attacks targeting Christians does not resonate with the reality on the ground. Nigeria is already divided along political and religious lines, Oyewale said, who added that the US presidents rhetoric goes a long way to actually open the fault lines of division that already exist in the country. What have authorities said? In November, Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern under the US International Religious Freedom Act which suggests his administration has found that Nigeria has engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, (and) egregious violations of religious freedom. But the Nigerian government rejected claims that it was not doing enough to protect Christians from violence. At the time, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said that the characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality. However, several experts and analysts told CNN they believed the government needed to better protect all citizens as people are being impacted by mass killings regardless of their religion or background. Encapsulating the voices of other prominent politicians and leaders across Nigeria on Friday, former Senator Shehu Sani said on X: The narrative that the evil terrorists only target one faith remains absolutely false and misleading, before adding: The ultimate security and peace in our country lies with ourselves and not with the US or any foreign power. Tinubu has not yet publicly commented on Thursdays strike, but earlier in the day, had shared a Christmas message on social media. 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, he wrote. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com China has opened the 22-kilometre-long Tianshan Shengli Tunnel to traffic, completing a key piece of infrastructure on the motorway linking the city of Urumqi to Yuli. The project drastically reduces travel times between northern and southern Xinjiang and strengthens connections to Central Asia as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. The project is part of the development strategy for border regions, but it crosses a territory marked by strong political tensions over human rights violations against the Uyghurs. Urumqi (AsiaNews) - China has opened the world's longest motorway tunnel in the autonomous region of Xinjiang, completing a strategic infrastructure designed to strengthen internal connections and links to Central Asia. The 22.13-kilometre-long Tianshan Shengli Tunnel is part of the new Urumqi-Yuli motorway project. It allows travellers to cross the Heavenly Mountains range, which stretches between Xinjiang and Kyrgyzstan, in about 20 minutes. According to Chinese media, the tunnel will halve the travel time between Urumqi, the regional capital, and the city of Korla, reducing the journey from over seven hours to about three and a half hours. The tunnel was officially inaugurated on Friday, after five years of construction, which began in April 2020. Song Hailiang, president of the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), told state broadcaster CCTV that the project set two world records. It is the longest motorway tunnel in the world and has the deepest vertical shaft ever built for a road tunnel, he said. The infrastructure crosses the mountains at an altitude of almost 3,000 metres, posing significant engineering challenges. During the construction work, the teams operated in difficult weather conditions, with temperatures dropping to minus 42 degrees, local media reported. Miao Baodong, chief engineer of CCCC's Xinjiang transport division, explained that using traditional methods, the work would have taken at least ten years. To speed up the process, engineers adopted a strategy called three tunnels plus four shafts, using a mechanical cutter designed for drilling hard rock. According to the authorities, the new link will facilitate the movement of resources within the autonomous region, allowing for a faster flow of energy and manufactured goods from the north and agricultural goods from the south. The motorway is also intended to strengthen links with Central and South Asia as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as a strategic bridge for opening up to the West, CCTV emphasised. Xinjiang borders eight countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Pakistan, and is considered by Beijing to be a key region for trade. Guo Sheng, deputy director of the region's transport department, said the new artery connects several economic corridors, strengthening Xinjiang's role as a strategic hub in the dual circulation policy, which aims to further integrate the domestic market with foreign trade through land infrastructure. However, Xinjiang is also home to the Uighur minority, which has long suffered persecution by the Chinese regime. The territory remains at the centre of strong tensions between Beijing and Western countries. The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions and trade restrictions in response to allegations of human rights violations in the region, allegations that the Chinese government has always rejected. The Tianshan tunnel is part of a broader strategy of major works in border regions. Beijing is also building a 1,980-kilometre railway line between Hotan in southern Xinjiang and Lhasa in the Tibet Autonomous Region, a project described by the authorities as the project of the century, which presents similar engineering challenges and, according to the government, should promote regional integration, transport and national security. Tibet is also a region that has been occupied by Beijing for decades and where several hydroelectric dams have recently been built to meet China's energy needs. by Ma Phyu Phyu Almost five years after the coup that ended democracy, the military junta has called elections, despite ongoing conflict in some areas. Several international organisations and a large part of the civilian population consider the vote a sham. Meanwhile, people displaced by war and earthquake continue to try to build a future full of uncertainty. Yangon (AsiaNews) - The elections to be held in Myanmar on 28 December, 11 January and in a third phase on 25 January, according to recent announcements, are considered a sham even within the country: We already know the result. The highest-ranking military officers have changed their uniforms to prepare to govern, comments a person who prefers to remain anonymous to avoid persecution by the military authorities. Nothing will change politically, they added. The Burmese army, which seized power in a coup on 1 February 2021, paving the way for a brutal civil war, now controls only part of the territory, particularly the large cities in the interior, such as Yangon and Mandalay, where it seems possible to lead a normal life. In the former, for example, it is not uncommon to encounter groups of Russian tourists wandering around the area near the port, curiously photographing some of the oldest and most important pagodas in the Buddhist world. In the latter, on the other hand, Chinese characters are increasingly visible due to the continuous influx of Chinese businessmen. Moscow and Beijing are the main supporters and arms suppliers of General Min Aung Hlaing, who almost five years ago put an end to Myanmar's democratic interlude by arresting Aung San Suu Kyi, 80, Nobel Peace Prize winner, former head of government and leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD). Even today, her health and detention conditions remain unknown, while her name has once again become unmentionable: the fear of spies seeking easy rewards from the regime is always around the corner. The elections ten years ago, when the Lady was elected for the first time thanks to record turnout, are now a painful memory for many Burmese: Immediately after the coup, doctors and teachers left their jobs in protest, joining what was called the Civil Disobedience Movement, explains a foreign aid worker who arrived in Yangon in 2020. The demonstrations were peaceful, everyone took to the streets to protest, and in the evening it became customary to lean out of the window for an hour and bang pots and pans to make noise. Then the military crackdown silenced the opposition: the barricades were moved from the main roads to the side streets, and soldiers began entering the homes of demonstrators at night, making the young people disappear. At that point, fear and resignation prevailed in the city. Unlike Yangon, the precariousness in Mandalay is more palpable due to the presence of camps for displaced persons and buildings that are unsafe or have completely collapsed following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that devastated entire regions of the country on 28 March this year. The current government has done almost nothing for the population. Only the wealthiest families have been able to rebuild their homes, explains the aid worker. The local authorities recognise six official camps, although the use of the word displaced has been banned. The United Nations estimates that there are almost 4 million internally displaced persons, most of whom belong to ethnic minority groups and are fleeing areas of active combat located along the borders with other countries. Many of them have been displaced several times in their lives because ethnic militias have been fighting the central government for greater autonomy since Myanmar gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1948. Today, the Irrawaddy River separates the city of Mandalay from the war. Crossing the river takes you to the Sagaing region, where the Burmese army is engaged in fighting against the People's Defence Forces (PDF), which was created as the armed wing of the National Unity Government (NUG) composed of former NLD deputies in exile. Supplies of petrol, food and medical equipment in this area are reduced because they could end up in the hands of the PDF: Even sanitary pads are being withdrawn by the military because they could be used to staunch the gunshot wounds of combatants, says a 32-year-old from Mandalay who is project manager for a small local NGO. After working for a long time as a foreign trade representative, in 2021 I felt the need to do more for my country, so I switched to cooperation, the young man continues. Two of my friends died at the beginning of the conflict and almost all the others are in the forest, meaning they have joined the resistance. In the camps for displaced persons in Mandalay, as in most areas of the country under junta control, you only see women, children, teenagers or the elderly: almost all men between the ages of 18 and 45 are either abroad or fighting for one side or the other. Due to the heavy losses suffered in recent years, the army imposed compulsory conscription on men and women in February 2024, recruiting all those who were not already involved in the fighting. A Rohingya woman, displaced after losing her home in the earthquake, begins to recount her tragedies since the Covid-19 pandemic, like most Burmese: I was a tour guide with my husband, but we lost our jobs. Then came the coup and, in recent months, the earthquake, in which I lost my sister-in-law and niece. Now my husband teaches English to displaced children who have not been to school for five years. Even though we have lost everything, we hope for a better future, inshallah! God willing. The Rohingya are a stateless ethnic minority, mostly Muslim, concentrated in the western state of Rakhine, one of the regions where the clashes are most violent. In the rest of the country, however, they are referred to as Bengalis, a derogatory term to emphasise that they do not belong to Myanmar. Suffering is the common trait that unites the entire population of the former Burma: Myanmar is a wonderful country, but it is not associated with happiness, comments a doctor who has been working in Taunggyi, the capital of the northern Shan State, since 2018. In the city of the great mountain (the meaning of the name in Burmese), the refugees come mainly from Loikaw, Demoso and Pekhon, predominantly Christian regions targeted during the very early stages of the civil war. Those who fled the northern city of Lashio returned home after ethnic militias, under pressure from China, handed over their headquarters to the army. At first, I thought it was persecution of Christians, says a university professor who joined the civil disobedience movement and still stands by her choice, even though it means her family has been blacklisted by the army: Then I realised that they are targeting everyone: Buddhists and minorities alike. The conflict is not religious, but divides those who support the dictatorship and those who would like a democratic system. Among the very young soldiers guarding the checkpoints in flip-flops along the road from Mandalay to Taunggyi, some can be seen with crosses tattooed on their necks. However, many Burmese feel abandoned even by the National Unity Government (NUG): Everyone wants an end to the war, the doctor continues, but the army is threatening those who do not intend to vote, while the NUG has called for a boycott of the elections. The most difficult position is that of those who decide not to take sides and who inhabit the space of humanity, as a foreign diplomat based in Yangon has defined it. Those who do not yet know whether to vote are suffering in particular, and for now prefer to continue studying for when the time comes to rebuild the country. During the 1988 protests, my brother joined the uprisings against the military regime of the time, reveals a 50-year-old Christian woman from Loikaw, where her house was burned down by the army. Many faithful have tried to return in recent months, but they proceed with caution because of the mines scattered in the surrounding fields by soldiers. My family suffered too much as a result of that experience, and today we have learned our lesson: my three children are all at university to secure a better future, whatever that may be. by Stefano Caprio Despite the difference in calendars that means Russians celebrate Christmas on 7 January, since Soviet times on New Year's Eve the population marks the arrival of Ded Moroz, or Grandfather Frost who descends from the frozen banks to cheer children with gifts. This narrative - with ancient roots in local culture, but too similar to what happens in the West - is now increasingly criticised by Orthodox preachers who urge people not to confuse children. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on 7 January, which corresponds to 25 December according to the old Julian calendar introduced in 46 BC by Emperor Julius Caesar. It was corrected by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, and its rejection by the Russians is linked to the establishment of the Patriarchate of Moscow in 1589, intended to show their loyalty to traditions as opposed to the innovations of the Latins, and becoming one of the most symbolic elements of the contrast between East and West in religious practices. Many Orthodox Churches have since accepted the papal calendar, and since last year, Ukraine has also officially proclaimed the Gregorian date as the Christmas holiday for the whole country, further irritating the Russians, who complain of the persecution of their faithful by the hated enemy who has sold out to the West. One consequence of Christmas in January for Russia has been the popular exaltation of New Year's Eve, experienced with all the typical euphoria of Western Christmas, which Russians contemptuously call Krizmas (Christmas), the triumph of consumerism and relaxed spending. However, evoking pagan rituals, Russia also celebrates the arrival of Father Christmas on 31 December, not the jolly red-suited man on a sleigh pulled by reindeer, but Ded Moroz, Grandfather Frost, who was also popular with the Soviet regime, dressed in worn dark green clothes, who descends from the frozen shores of the Arctic together with Snegurocka (Snow White) to cheer up children scattered across the vast Eurasian territory with gifts. He is also matched by Baba Yaga, the Russian Befana, who is not relegated to a specific date, but arrives after the start of the new year to unleash the Svjatki, the holy days when masks are worn for two weeks, the true Russian folk carnival. In the 1990s, now free from the constraints of Soviet state atheism, Russia rediscovered religion and ancient traditions, and at the same time was invaded by Western customs and traditions, including the excesses of Christmas and its advertising propaganda. With the advent of Putin's sovereignism, Gregorian Christmas celebrations are increasingly reviled, leaving Catholic and Protestant minorities to celebrate on weekdays, when the president, the government and the Orthodox Church organise all kinds of activities to help people forget their connection with the rest of the world. From this year onwards, it seems that even the Russian Ded Moroz is provoking reactions of repulsion, as in the condemnation of the wave of New Year's passions by one of Moscow's most influential parish priests, Protoierej Feodor Borodin of the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, a church where until recently the most ecumenical faithful of Russian Orthodoxy gathered in the centre of the capital, heirs of the great spiritual father of dissent, Father Aleksandr Men, who was killed in circumstances that have never been fully clarified in 1990. Father Feodor described belief in the arrival of Father Christmas as unacceptable for a Christian, which is in fact a deception incompatible with faith in Jesus Christ. His statement was immediately supported by many senior members of the patriarchal clergy, such as Father Vjaceslav Kljuev, president of the All-Russian Committee of Orthodox Parents, according to whom telling children about Father Christmas is a grave sin and deliberate deception, because in this way parents create an imaginary world, a fantasy world, which sooner or later will be dispelled. The story of Ded Moroz is a quasi-religion that was deliberately promoted during the Soviet era by the atheist system in order to erase all traces of Christianity, instilling belief in the non-existence of God. Another priest from the eparchy of Ivanovo in central Russia, Hieromonk Makarij (Markis), called for a clear distinction to be made in children's minds between this bearded grandfather and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the much-loved patron saint of Russia who gave rise to Christmas legends. These statements were later confirmed by an official representative of the patriarchal structures, the vice-president of the department for relations between the Church and society, Vakhtang Kipsidze, who proposed to commit those who talk to Father Christmas to a mental hospital, undertaking to disenchant the myth of the New Year, paving over all metaphors, false images and inappropriate symbols. In this way, he insists on rationalising faith and not returning to the conditions of primitive man. Some time ago, the then deputy patriarch and metropolitan Ilarion (Alfeev), now in exile in the Czech Republic, proposed finding ways to make the figure of Santa Claus acceptable at the ecclesiastical level, defining him as a figure exalted in the Soviet period as Ded Moroz, but who descends from the story of St Nicholas of Myra. In the early 2000s, the powerful mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzhkov, identified the northernmost town of Veliky Ustyug as the residence of the Russian Father Christmas, and the Orthodox Archbishop of Vologda, Maksimilian (Lazarenko), even proposed symbolically baptising the hero of winter fairy tales, which proved impossible to achieve due to his prompt removal from the episcopal see following his statements. The Orthodox hatred of Father Christmas is provoking rather confused reactions among the Russian public, where there is an obsessive insistence on the importance of traditional values, excluding from them such a beloved figure as Ded Moroz and all the mythology associated with him, which even in Russia descends from very ancient narratives. As Aleksandr Soldatov, correspondent for Novaya Gazeta, wonders, this could lead to believers in Father Christmas being defined as members of a terrorist organisation, as has already happened with the Satanist sect. In Russian chronicles and folklore, there is no clear indication of a connection between the cycle of festivities around the winter solstice and Grandfather Frost or Snegurochka. New Year's rituals similar to those of today only began to take hold under Peter the Great, with the move of New Year's Day to 1 January 1699, following the example of Christian nations. A royal decree also prescribed decorating houses with pine branches for Christmas, but this custom was slow to catch on widely. It was not until the mid-19th century that the symbols of the Russian New Year took shape. Thus, thanks to the efforts of Russian fairy tale collector Aleksandr Afanasev and poet Nikolai Nekrasov, the evil spirit Morozko was transformed into the good Moroz. Modern folklore scholars see parallels between the East Slavic Morozko (also known as Morok, Studenets or Zyuzya) and the Hunnic deity Yerlu, who descended to earth on New Year's Eve. Morozko-Morok brought severe frosts that destroyed the winter crops, so he had to be appeased with pancakes and flatbread. Another folkloric prototype of Ded Moroz is also a rather gloomy character: Ded is an ancestor who returns home in the form of a spirit or ghost during Svjatki. This Grandfather also needed ritual food, and if he liked it, he protected the house; otherwise, he sent disasters. Perhaps the first positive interpretation of this image was offered in the 1840s by the writer Vladimir Odoevsky in his children's fairy tale Grandfather Frost. Children would go to his hut in the forest to invoke the arrival of spring. During the Soviet period, in the Stalinist years, there was an attempt to appropriate these fairy tales, following a 1935 article by Pavel Postyshev, then deputy secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, in which he called for organising a beautiful celebration for our children for the New Year. The image of Grandfather Lenin began to appear on Christmas trees, and Stalin's cult of personality was also associated with the good Ded who brings gifts, in a Soviet ritual celebrated even at the House of Soviets in the Kremlin, centred on a solemn figure of Father Christmas very similar to the Georgian dictator. Now, the Ded Moroz so despised by the Orthodox has nothing to do with Putin's presidential celebrations, as he did not want to revive folkloric symbols to avoid excessive confusion. Father Christmas has returned to the lands of the far north, taking on transcendental dimensions that infuriate Patriarch Kirill and his collaborators, who, when the real Orthodox Christmas arrives, feel increasingly sidelined because of that damned Roman emperor's calendar. RED LANTERNS IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHINA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY THURSDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. THAILAND CAMBODIA Today, Bangkok and Phnom Penh announced an immediate 72-hour ceasefire after weeks of fighting along the disputed border. Both sides agreed to freeze all troop movements and allow civilians living in border areas to return home. Over 40 people have died in the clashes and one million people have been displaced. Under the agreement, 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thailand will also be released in the coming days. INDIA USA Despite recent diplomatic tensions between Delhi and Washington, investments by large American technology companies in India continue to boom: in particular, Microsoft, Amazon and Google have announced a series of multi-billion dollar projects to develop the data centres needed to run artificial intelligence. India produces about 20% of the world's data, but has only 3% of the storage capacity. SOUTH KOREA The number of foreigners staying in South Korea for 90 days or more for work or study exceeded 1.6 million in November, the Ministry of Justice reported. The figure has been rising since 2021, with an 8% increase over last year. More than half of the foreigners live in the Seoul metropolitan area. Based on citizenship of origin, 29.8% are Chinese, followed by 18.4% from Vietnam, 5.5% from Nepal, 4.3% from Uzbekistan and 4.1% from Cambodia. JAPAN While the Japanese government has approved a defence budget of 9 trillion yen (equivalent to 58 billion dollars), a local research institute has pointed out that during 2025, the prices of more than 20,000 food and beverage products have increased due to the rise in the cost of raw materials such as coffee, cocoa and rice. SYRIA Yesterday, eight people were killed in a terrorist attack on an Alawite mosque in Homs claimed by Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, the same group that carried out an attack on the Mar Elias church in Damascus in June. Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah is an extremist militia formed in opposition to the current Syrian government. The explosion occurred during midday prayers. According to the Syrian Ministry of Health, another 18 people were injured, but the figures are not definitive, indicating that the death toll could rise in the coming hours. RUSSIA Russian neo-Nazi militant Aleksey Milcakov gave a lesson in courage at a technical institute in St Petersburg, as reported on the Telegram channel of the ultra-nationalist group Rusic, complete with an award given by the headmaster as a token of gratitude. The post indicates that this was not the first such meeting with students, who are forced to spend hours of military training and wrestling instead of regular lessons. KAZAKHSTAN In Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, the editor-in-chief of the news agency KazTag, Amir Kasenov, was arrested on charges of spreading false information following a complaint by the company Freedom Finance, controlled by Russian-Kazakh billionaire Timur Timurov, about whom he had published an investigation into money laundering. His lawyers speak of legal chaos on the part of the Kazakh judiciary. 27 December 2025 17:46 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Samvel Babayan, once the commander of the so-called Artsakh Defense Army and ex-secretary of the self-proclaimed Artsakh National Security Council, has returned to the spotlight with a blunt and uncompromising critique of the Armenian authorities. His timing, right before the June parliamentary elections, raises eyebrows, but his words strike at the unresolved legacy of Garabagh and the failures of Armenian leadership. In a recent Facebook post, Babayan directly challenged Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, accusing him of manipulating public perception. Pashinyan, he argued, falsely equates the right of return for displaced Garabagh Armenians with the broader Garabagh movement. Those who talk about unresolved problems do not want war. War arises from problems that are ignored, Babayan wrote. He warns that ignoring these issues only leaves a ticking time bomb for the future. Babayan did not spare Pashinyans contradictions. From declaring Artsakh is Armenia to later disclaiming a mandate to negotiate for the Garabagh people, and finally limiting himself to social security guarantees, the Armenian leader, Babayan, asserts, left the Garabagh population exposed. The result: defeat, forced migration, and a community of de facto refugees stripped of citizenship, home, and meaningful opportunities for integration. The former commander also reminded the public that the resolution of Garabagh is not solely in the hands of Pashinyan or Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The matter is inherently geopolitical, tied to broader international processes. Evading responsibility, Babayan warns, risks fueling a larger and potentially more destructive conflict. Babayans own background makes his critique particularly striking. Once a separatist, he had kept his distance from the Artsakh authorities before Azerbaijans 2023 anti-terrorist operation, even advocating coexistence with Garabagh Azerbaijanis. Yet, after Azerbaijan reasserted control, Babayan was allowed to live in Yerevan unharmed, a fate denied to other separatist leaders currently facing trial. Now, he has aligned himself with anti-Pashinyan forces, a move that appears calculated. Whether driven by election politics, Moscows influence, or diaspora networks, his return illustrates how the Garabagh Armenians factor continues to serve as a potent political instrument in Armenia. What is notably absent from Babayans rhetoric is Azerbaijan. His statements are not about Baku, borders, or negotiations. They are entirely inward-facing, aimed squarely at Armenias domestic audience. This is not a foreign policy intervention; it is an internal political marketing effort. And therein lies the core issue. The concept of Garabagh Armenians is becoming increasingly abstract. Many of those who relocated to Armenia are not mobilizing politically; they are trying to survive, integrate, or leave altogether. Faced with social resentment and economic hardship, they seek normalcy, not slogans. Over time, this reality erodes the effectiveness of Garabagh as a mass political cause. But abstraction has its advantages. Precisely because it is difficult to define or resolve, the Garabagh factor remains a convenient instrument. It can be invoked without clear policy proposals, without responsibility, and without accountability. As long as it exists as a floating symbol of injustice and loss, different political actors will attempt to monetize it, especially against Pashinyan. Samvel Babayan did not speak out by chance. He was not merely invited into the debate; he was pushed into it. And he understands that silence may now carry its own risks. His return signals not a revival of Garabagh politics, but its final transformation: from a territorial dispute into a domestic pressure lever. His outspokenness highlights a hard truth: the unresolved Garabagh issue is now as much a domestic Armenian political weapon as it is a geopolitical challenge. Elections, political maneuvering, and promises aside, the lives of those displaced from Garabagh remain at the center, and their voices, still largely unheard, continue to shape the contours of Armenias political battlefield. As Armenia approaches elections, this lever will be pulled again and again. Not because it offers solutions, but because it still works, just enough. 27 December 2025 13:06 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more The participation of Azerbaijani citizens and ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine raises deeply troubling ethical, legal, and humanitarian questions. While Moscow describes the conflict as a special military operation, the realities on the ground expose a system that increasingly relies on coercion, financial desperation, and manipulation of vulnerable communities. For Azerbaijanis drawn into this war, whether as Russian citizens, migrant workers, or former veterans of the forty-four-day Patriotic War, participation is neither justifiable nor defensible. How Russia exploits Azerbaijani migrants and veterans for its war Some Azerbaijanis fighting on the Russian side are formally Russian citizens. Their legal status, however, does not absolve the Russian state of responsibility for the conditions under which recruitment takes place. Many are mobilised through pressure rather than genuine consent, facing limited alternatives in an environment where refusal can lead to social or economic punishment. Citizenship in this context becomes less a matter of civic duty and more a tool of enforced compliance. A second group consists of Azerbaijani migrants working in Russia. This is where the moral failure of Russia's recruitment system becomes most apparent. Migrants often live under constant threat of deportation, police harassment, or loss of employment. Russian authorities and affiliated intermediaries exploit this vulnerability, presenting military service as a way to resolve residency problems, secure temporary protection, or earn quick money. The choice offered is false. It is not between service and opportunity, but between service and marginalisation. Most disturbing of all is the involvement of Azerbaijani veterans of the Second Garabagh War. These individuals fought for their homeland, many carrying physical and psychological scars from that conflict. Their participation in a foreign war driven by imperial ambitions is unacceptable. Society and public figures must condemn this unequivocally. Veterans should be protected, rehabilitated, and honoured, not lured into another battlefield where their lives are treated as expendable. Russia sells participation in the war as a financial transaction. Large signing bonuses, monthly payments, and promises of compensation are advertised aggressively. In reality, this is a system that puts a price on human life. For those struggling with debt or unemployment, the promise of money becomes a powerful lure. Russian banks and recruitment agencies reportedly use credit cards, instant loans, and deferred payments as incentives, effectively pushing individuals to mortgage their futures in exchange for frontline service. War becomes a consumer product, packaged and sold to the desperate. The human cost of this system is evident in countless personal tragedies. One particularly stark case involved an Azerbaijani who lost both arms and legs while fighting in the special military operation. Despite his service, he was denied Russian citizenship for an extended period on the absurd pretext that fingerprints could not be taken. Only after sustained public pressure and media attention did authorities grant him citizenship in the spring of this year. This case exposes the hollowness of Russia's promises. Loyalty and sacrifice are rewarded not with dignity, but with bureaucratic cruelty. For Azerbaijan, the implications are serious. Participation of its citizens in foreign wars for money risks damaging the national reputation and undermining international legal norms. Mercenarism is prohibited under Azerbaijani law, yet enforcement remains inconsistent. Law enforcement agencies must tighten sanctions and policies related to mercenary activity. Clear legal consequences are necessary not only as punishment, but as deterrence. Silence or ambiguity only enables further exploitation. There is also a broader societal responsibility. Community leaders, public intellectuals, and influential figures must speak clearly against involvement in this war. Moral neutrality is not an option when lives are being traded for cash. Condemnation does not mean stigmatising individuals who were coerced or misled. It means holding accountable those who design and profit from this system. Russia's war effort increasingly resembles a machine fuelled by human disposability. According to available statistical estimates, more than a thousand people are killed every day on the battlefield. This staggering figure underscores the scale of destruction and the indifference with which lives are consumed. In such a context, recruiting migrants and foreign nationals is not a sign of strength, but of desperation. The war in Ukraine has become a test not only of military endurance but of moral boundaries. By drawing in vulnerable migrants, indebted workers, and war-scarred veterans, Russia crosses those boundaries repeatedly. Azerbaijanis must not become collateral in a conflict that serves no just cause and offers no real reward. Protecting human dignity requires clear legal action, public condemnation, and an unambiguous refusal to allow poverty and pressure to be weaponised. This is not merely a question of geopolitics. It is a question of values. 27 December 2025 14:46 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan has allocated 9 million manats from the state budget for free legal aid in 2026. Azernews reports that this was stated by Anar Bagirov, Chairman of the Bar Association (VK), while speaking at the oath-taking and awards ceremony on the occasion of Lawyers Day. Bagirov noted that President Ilham Aliyevs April 3, 2019 decree on deepening reforms in the judicial and legal system has significantly strengthened the institutional independence of the legal profession. Under this decree, funds for state-provided legal aid are allocated directly to the Bar Association. Notably, in 2025, the hourly fee for lawyers providing such aid was increased from 6 to 11 manats, which clearly demonstrates the consistent continuation of this policy. The Legal Aid Center of the Bar Association has played an indispensable role in implementing these processes, Bagirov said. 27 December 2025 15:23 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. This represents a 1.8-fold increase in value (up 40.1 million USD) and a 2.1-fold increase in volume (up 91,600 tons) compared to the same period in 2024. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 27 December 2025 18:52 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. From January to November this year, Azerbaijan exported a total of 88,200 tons of crude oil and petroleum products derived from bituminous minerals to Denmark, worth $49.7 million, Azernews reports, citing the State Customs Committee. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 27 December 2025 11:20 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Azerbaijans Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has issued an appeal to citizens planning to travel to the liberated territories during the holiday period. As reported by Azernews, citing the MIA Press Service, free and unobstructed movement will be ensured only for individuals who have obtained the required official permits. The ministry emphasized that travelers must follow the instructions provided at temporary police checkpoints and move strictly along pre-designated routes. Citizens were urged not to carry any explosive or suspicious items, to visit only areas designated for recreation, and to avoid actions that could cause public concern or disrupt stability in the region. The MIA stressed that strict adherence to these rules is essential to protect citizens lives and health, as well as to ensure overall security in the area. Khankendi, Shusha, Lachin, Kalbajar, Zangilan, Khojalyevery corner of Garabagh is a symbol of solidarity and prosperity. Let us remain faithful to the traditions of these lands and act with greater responsibility and unity, creating memories filled with love, happiness, and safety, the appeal stated. The ministry also noted that celebrating the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year in these sacred landsnative Garabaghadds special meaning to the holidays. In this regard, police officers are operating under an enhanced service regime to ensure public order and security, taking all necessary measures so that citizens can spend their holidays in peace and safety in the liberated territories. 27 December 2025 13:21 (UTC+04:00) The digital lawyer inquiry project in Azerbaijan is progressing in the regulatory framework and will be launched after necessary adjustments, Azernews reports, citing Anar Bagirov, Chairman of the Bar Association (VK), during the oath-taking and awards ceremony held for Lawyers Day. Bagirov highlighted ongoing digitalization efforts within the Bar Association, noting that by December 12, 2025, a total of 55,576 electronic orders and 73,034 electronic contracts had been processed. The work on digitalization does not stop here. The next phase is the electronic lawyer inquiry project. Discussions on this initiative were held within the Femida Dialogue Platform at the Supreme Court. Currently, regulatory work is ongoing, and the system will be launched after the necessary changes, he said. During 2025, the Bar Association reviewed and submitted feedback on over 50 draft normative legal acts and provided expert opinions on 26 cases. Significant modernisation steps were also taken, including the opening of the Ganja Regional Bar Offices new administrative building, the fourth such office in the country. Bagirov added that the VK received 893 complaints this year, resulting in 148 disciplinary decisions. In addition, 103 training sessions were organized, attended by the majority of lawyers. The scientific-practical law journal Azerbaijan Lawyer was included in the list of recommended scientific periodicals by the Supreme Attestation Commission under the President of Azerbaijan, and a textbook titled Legal Practice, dedicated to the Year of Constitution and Sovereignty, is scheduled for release next year. Highlighting the Bar Associations social role, Bagirov noted that over 10,000 citizens received free legal aid in 2025. These efforts included 42 free legal aid campaigns initiated by 42 MPs, including Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova - 9 in Baku and 33 across regional areas - benefiting nearly 1,000 citizens. This reflects Azerbaijans Bar Associations dual focus on digital modernization and expanding public access to legal services, reinforcing transparency, efficiency, and social responsibility in the legal sector. 27 December 2025 13:49 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more In line with President Ilham Aliyevs directive, the Great Return initiative to resettle liberated territories continues, Azernews reports. In the current phase, 10 families (44 people) have returned to Vengli village in the Agdere district. These families had been temporarily accommodated across the country, mainly in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings. With this resettlement, the total number of families gradually returning to Vengli village has reached 137 families (532 people). It should be noted that the Great Return program is a government-led initiative in Azerbaijan aimed at facilitating the return and resettlement of citizens to territories liberated from occupation . Launched under the directives of President Ilham Aliyev, the program focuses on rebuilding infrastructure, ensuring housing, and restoring social and administrative services in these areas to create safe and sustainable living conditions for returning families. The initiative prioritizes gradual, organized resettlement, providing temporary accommodations such as dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings while permanent housing is being prepared. Beyond physical resettlement, the program also emphasizes the restoration of schools, medical facilities, roads, and other essential public services to revive the local economy and community life. By implementing the Great Return program, Azerbaijan aims to ensure that liberated regions are fully reintegrated into national life, supporting the social and economic well-being of returning citizens and strengthening long-term stability and development in these territories. 27 December 2025 17:21 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. During the first eleven months of 2025, Georgias total natural gas imports from all foreign suppliers amounted to $364 million, 1.4% higher than the same period in 2024. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 27 December 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva This regulation is outlined in a decision by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health governing the sale and distribution of energy drinks in the country. The measure is part of a broader strategy aimed at protecting public health and minimizing the risks linked to excessive consumption of these beverages, Azernews reports. According to the decision, the maximum recommended daily intake is limited to two cans per person, and the caffeine content in a single can must not exceed 80 milligrams. Furthermore, the sale and distribution of energy drinks are prohibited in restaurants, cafes, retail shops, mobile food outlets, self-service kiosks, and through delivery services. Energy drinks may only be sold through cooperative societies and informal markets, and only with official permission and under strict supervision by the relevant authorities. Interestingly, Kuwait is among a growing number of countries taking a firm stance on energy drink consumption, reflecting increasing global concern over their impact on young peoples health. 27 December 2025 20:19 (UTC+04:00) By Ahmet Saglam The first leaders-level summit held within the framework of the Central Asia plus Japan Dialogue Summit (Central Asia plus Japan Dialogue CA+JAD) took place in Tokyo on December 20, 2025. This summit represents an important turning point in terms of elevating the institutional framework of relations between Japan and the Central Asian states to the level of heads of state. Hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the summit was attended by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Japan became the first country to initiate a regular dialogue mechanism with the Central Asian countries in the Central Asia + 1 format. In this context, the first meeting at the foreign ministers level was held in Astana in 2004 under the name Central Asia + Japan Dialogue, and this format was maintained at the ministerial level for many years. The Tokyo Summit held in December 2025 represents a structural transformation by elevating this process to the level of heads of state. Within the scope of the summit, numerous bilateral cooperation documents were signed between Japan and the Central Asian countries with the participation of public and private sector actors. These documents cover a broad range of areas, including political dialogue, economy and trade, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, environment, digitalization, education, health, science, artificial intelligence and technology, as well as disaster management. The signed documents demonstrate that Japan is pursuing a multidimensional and cross-sectoral strategy toward Central Asia. When the agreements signed between Japan and the participating countries are evaluated on a country-by-country basis: Between Kazakhstan and Japan, cooperation documents were signed in the fields of trade and economy, energy (including nuclear), environment, agriculture, transportation, digitalization, education, and science; energy, nuclear technology, and industrial investments stood out in particular. The agreements between Kyrgyzstan and Japan focused on the prevention of double taxation, energy infrastructure, health, education, disaster management, and space technologies; infrastructure projects and the development of human capital emerged as priority areas. The documents signed with Uzbekistan covered strategic partnership, renewable energy, health, agriculture, water management, digitalization, education, and industry; energy, health, and higher education projects came to the fore. Cooperation between Tajikistan and Japan concentrated on investment protection, energy infrastructure, agriculture, transportation, satellite and climate monitoring technologies, and education; electricity infrastructure as well as disaster and climate monitoring projects became particularly prominent. The agreements signed between Turkmenistan and Japan covered energy, petrochemicals, transportation, banking, digital technologies and higher education; natural gas and petrochemical projects constituted the main determining areas. Beyond these bilateral cooperation areas, one of the most important regional outcomes of the summit was the announcement by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of the Central Asia + Japan Tokyo Initiative. When evaluated in the context of the Central Asian countries, this initiative can be considered an important step in diversifying the industrial development of Central Asian countries through Japans technological and institutional support. In recent years, Chinas emergence as a central actor in the industrial development of Central Asia has come to the forefront as a factor increasing the regions external economic dependencies. In this context, industrial cooperation projects to be developed between Japan and the Central Asian states carry the potential to reduce structural dependence on China and contribute to a more balanced regional power structure, particularly in the industrial sphere. Another strategic balancing element that Japan has brought to the region through this summit is Japans emergence as an alternative partner, alongside the United States and China, in the process of evaluating critical minerals. This situation creates a new area of diversification and negotiation for Central Asia in terms of critical minerals and can be considered an important turning point for the region. Indeed, the Central Asian countries participating in the summit clearly expressed their satisfaction with the cooperation goals in areas such as critical minerals, particularly within the framework of the Central Asia + Japan Tokyo Initiative. Another element that left its mark on the summit was the increased diplomatic-level visibility of the Uyghur Turkic language and Uzbek Turkic language. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was welcomed at the airport in Japan by Japans Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Arfiya Eri, who is of Uyghur origin and Uzbek descent. According to the footage retweeted from Arfiya Eris social media account, President Mirziyoyev was seen being greeted in the Uyghur Turkic language by Deputy Foreign Minister Arfiya Eri. Mirziyoyevs understanding of this greeting and engaging in a warm conversation with Arfiya Eri strengthened the symbolic dimension of the summit. Furthermore, when examining the title of the footage retweeted on Arfiya Eris social media account, it was observed that President Mirziyoyev said to Deputy Foreign Minister Arfiya Eri, I Am Proud of You. In recent years, it has been observed that Arfiya Eri, a politician of Uyghur origin and Uzbek descent who has become prominent in Japanese politics, has assumed a bridge role at both symbolic and practical levels in relations between Japan and the Turkic-Islamic world, and that this position has been increasingly reinforced. 27 December 2025 23:33 (UTC+04:00) Thailand and Cambodia have signed a joint document to restore a ceasefire along their shared border following 20 days of intense fighting, Azernews reports, citing foreign media. According to Thailands state broadcaster Thai PBS, the agreement was signed by Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Nakphanit and Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seyha. The ceasefire is set to take effect from December 27. Earlier, authorities from both countries announced that they had reached an understanding on the terms of a temporary ceasefire, expected to initially last 72 hours starting Saturday. Any extension of the ceasefire will require approval from Thailands National Security Council. Clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces resumed on December 8. Several days later, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the two sides had agreed to halt military operations and return to the peace agreement signed in October. Negotiations on restoring the ceasefire formally began on December 24. The latest agreement is seen as a key step toward de-escalating tensions and stabilizing the situation along the ThailandCambodia border. Has the City of Washington, NC been managed by their elected local government, and their bureaucrats, in a fiscally responsible manner to better serve the people who pay their ever advancing property taxes? 8.33% Yes, rising property taxes are a necessity to maintain a progressive city.91.67% No, excessive funding of a poorly managed government can become a shell game of corruption.0% I am afraid to say. We are headed toward a Golden Age in America's self-governed society. This will all wind up in a clustered mess since Trump is a Fascist, and thought to be the second coming of Adolf Hitler by our best journalists. This is a time where critical days lay ahead, where only wise and responsible decisions must be made to sustain US. I generally do not pay attention, but expect only the best to occur ... and that is what I always expect. 147 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? A California law that required schools to hide student gender expressions contrary to biological gender from the students parents has been struck down by a federal district court judge. The judge, who was appointed by Bush, granted a preliminary injunction in a class action lawsuit brought by parents and teachers striking down the law and prohibiting its enforcement by California public schools. The US Supreme Court has recently reinforced parents rights regarding their children in public schools, particularly with regard to gender and sexuality issues in the landmark case of Mahmoud v. Taylor. This California ruling is consistent with the ruling in that case. https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/education/judge-orders-california-stop-hiding-gender-transitions-parents-disclose https://www.zerohedge.com/political/federal-judge-rules-california-cant-hide-child-gender-swaps-parents The UK's National Health Service has advised their doctors that gender confusion among children is usually temporary and they normally groe out of it naturally. They also advised their doctors not to recommend even new names or pronouns and certainly not surgery or drugs. Unfortunately, some doctors in America try to push these children to surgery and drugs, and some school systems have cooperated on that. Jails Unlawfully At Large count hits record low this Christmas There is only ONE prisoner Unlawfully At Large (UAL) this Christmas whose whereabouts remain unknown, according to the Prison Service. A second inmate listed as UAL on the Department of Justice website is currently in jail in the USA having been caught defrauding homeowners in a million dollar construction scam. China firmly opposes Japan's dangerous moves in cyber field Xinhua) 11:44, December 27, 2025 BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes Japan's dangerous moves in the cyber field and strongly urges Japan to abide by its pacifist Constitution and uphold existing international rules and order with concrete actions, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday. "Should any improper act by Japan undermine China's sovereignty, security and development interests, it will surely elicit a solemn response from China," spokesperson Lin Jian said at a daily press briefing in response to Japan's cyber offensive shift. According to reports, the Japanese Cabinet has recently adopted a new cybersecurity strategy, authorizing the country's police and Self-Defense Forces to take proactive countermeasures when subjected to cyberattacks. In May this year, Japan also passed its so-called Active Cyber Defense Law, explicitly allowing the Japanese government to preemptively infiltrate or disable the network devices of alleged attackers. Lin said the Japanese Cabinet has explicitly authorized "proactive cyber countermeasures," which constitutes a major policy shift by Japan from cyber defense to cyber offense and is another example of Japan -- a defeated nation in World War II -- seeking to break through the post-war international order. "China expresses grave concern over this," Lin stressed. He said that in recent years, Japan has drastically expanded its cyber forces. The newly introduced cybersecurity law and strategy, which are ostensibly labeled "active defense," essentially loosen restrictions on proactive cyber offense. Historically, Japan has repeatedly launched unprovoked invasions against other countries under the pretext of being attacked, the spokesperson added. "Japan must clarify to the international community: Does this move mean it seeks to once again break free from the constraints of international and domestic laws, extend such fallacious logic to cyberspace, and conduct preemptive 'cyber intrusions' under the guise of defense?" Lin said. He stressed that cyberspace is interconnected and the interests of all countries are deeply intertwined, and that safeguarding peace and stability in cyberspace is a common responsibility of the international community. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liu Ning) Pastor Jack McKee at the Peace Wall in West Belfast. Picture by Peter Morrison A well-known pastor honoured for his service to the community has paid tribute to his wife who passed away on Christmas Day. Jack McKee said his wife Kathleen finally left us on Thursday evening around 10pm. The couple were instrumental in setting up the New Life City Church on Northumberland Street in west Belfast in 1993. After growing up in Ballymurphy in a non-religious household, Pastor McKee went to Bible school in England before becoming a pastor of two Co Down churches. He returned to Belfast three years later as pastor in Ballysillan. He also bought the former Stadium Cinema on the Shankill Road and established several youth clubs and programmes. The Elim pastor has been shot at by the IRA and had his car blown up by loyalist paramilitaries as well as receiving numerous death threats over the years. In 2017 Mr McKee received an MBE for his service to the community in the Shankill and Falls. Jack and Kathleen McKee. Facebook On Thursday night he made the announcement that his wife had died after being able to leave hospital last week. After a few good days at home, things began to turn. The past weekend was very difficult, he posted on Facebook. We were told she would not be with us for Christmas. However, she remained with us, making it possible for us to have a great day together as a family. The home was buzzing throughout the day and tonight, but around 10pm, Kathleen finally left us. There have been many tears and much brokenness, but that's the price of love, and we were so thankful that she stayed with us until Christmas was over. As a family we want to thank everyone for your amazing support, for your love and prayers that have helped sustain us, thankful for an incredible church family, and thankful to God who has walked with us during these difficult weeks. I thank God for blessing me with an amazing wife. We've been through much together, held together by our love for each other and our love for God, but this is not the end. Goodnight Kathleen. We will certainly be seeing you in the morning. Pastor Jack McKee at the Peace Wall in West Belfast. Picture by Peter Morrison Watch: Families reunited at Belfast City Airport as people return home for Christmas Speaking to the News Letter in 2017 after receiving his royal honours, Mr McKee dedicated the award to his wife. He said his wife was his rock throughout the darkest days of the Troubles. If anyone should get an award it is Kathleen, he said at the time. My life has been threatened several times, my car has been bombed, and my house was attacked at 3.30am when my wife and I were in bed. The easiest thing to do would have been to run away, but I stayed because God placed me here. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. STOCKBRIDGE In a town that takes its local history seriously as one of the countys first settlements, elaborate plans are shaping up for yearlong events marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The Stockbridge Library, Museum & Archives is taking the lead, working closely with Stockbridge 250th, the planning committee headed by Select Board member Jorja Marsden, a former town administrator. For the kickoff event on Jan. 24, Stockbridge 250: A Day in Revolutionary Stockbridge, 1775-1783, Mass Humanities has awarded the towns library association a $5,000 grant to support a full day of historical interpretation and education. Funds from Mass Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, will cover travel, accommodation and stipends for two members of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, the towns first settlers, for a presentation on the role their ancestors played in the Revolution and the importance of military service in their community. Focusing on the role of Stockbridge and the Berkshires in the early stages of the American Revolution, the day includes presentations by costumed educators from Fort Ticonderoga on Henry Knoxs Noble Train of Artillery en route from the upstate New York site through Berkshire County and points east to supply Gen. George Washingtons Continental Army battling for independence from British rule. That presentation includes a nonfiring full-sized reproduction cannon and two oxen. The event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. also includes historical interpreters portraying local townsfolk of the era; conversations with reenactors; a tavern set-up at the fireplace-lit Mission House; discussions on the historic role of taverns in public life and political discourse; and an overview of life in the Continental Army and on the home front during the American Revolution. Activities will stretch along Main Street from the Town Offices to the Mission House, according to an announcement from the library. The librarys event schedule also includes: A quartermasters tent displaying items the Continental Army requisitioned from townspeople; A presentation on 18th century foraging and food by local historian Dennis Picard; Tutorials outside the library in skirting and felting with several Lincoln Longwool sheep from Prado de Lana Sheep Farm & Wool Shoppe on Prospect Hill Road. An exhibit of 18th century artifacts from the librarys museum and archival collections, and from the Bidwell House historical museum in Monterey. The post-and-beam Georgian saltbox was built around 1760 for the first minister of what was then the frontier regions Township No. 1, including Tyringham. In addition to Mass Humanities funding, the library is partnering with the Trustees of Reservations, Bidwell House and the Berkshire Historical Society with support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism and the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area. At the Stockbridge 250th Committees meeting earlier this month, Talya Leodari, curator of the librarys museum and archives, said event planning and fundraising for grants to support yearlong events has been ongoing for nearly a year. The committee is exploring events such as a full-day 25th Continental Regiment reenactment and a block party. A complete online calendar of activities as well as a passport booklet listing a full year of events also is in the works. Additionally, the Norman Rockwell Museum and Chesterwood are planning anniversary activities for later in the year. Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Ralph Gardner Jr. is a journalist whose work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and New York magazine. He can be reached at ralph@ralphgardner.com. More of his work can be found on Substack. British officials feared the top man behind the Northern Bank robbery in Belfast in 2004 would be clever enough to avoid getting arrested. They also agreed that the heist would not derail peace process efforts, which included the details of decommissioning, but added that the republican movement had knocked up the price. The exchange about the impact of the high-profile robbery was made during a meeting of British and Irish officials at Downing Street on January 5th in 2005. A memo where the two governments discussed the robbery of 29.8 million (26 million) in cash stolen from the Belfast bank in December 2004 was released as part of the annual release of the National Archives in Dublin. Jonathan Powell, Chief of Staff for Downing Street at the time, said discussions about a bilateral deal were ruled out in the aftermath of the robbery (PA) Then Downing Street chief of staff Jonathan Powell said discussions about a bilateral deal were ruled out in the aftermath of the robbery, and a meeting with Gerry Adams in Dublin the next day would be called off. Michael Collins said the Irish side shared the deep anxiety about the bank robbery and said they would welcome any information the British side had gathered. Advertisement Mr Powell said that the British authorities were pretty certain that it was the IRA and that it was undertaken by people who were very close to the Sinn Fein leadership. He said that while the PSNI hoped to be in a position to make arrests in the time ahead, he feared that the top man involved would be clever enough to avoid being arrested. He also expected that the DUP would go on the rampage once then PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde attributed responsibility. Powell feared that the robbery would have proceeded even if the deal had been done with the DUP, the note states. Mr Collins said that it was almost incomprehensible that planning for the heist was taking place while the Sinn Fein leadership was involved in negotiations. The assessment on the Irish side was that the IRA remains a unified organisation; the Northern Bank was not a solo run. The two sides noted that while there were fissures in the IRA ceasefire, they were no longer recruiting in the Republic, and the organisation was becoming a more concentrated group of able people. The British Government was not really interested in decommissioning; its priority was ending paramilitary activity and criminality Jonathan Powell Mr Powell also said that while the heist was a serious set-back, there was a need to keep the process going and then UK prime minister Tony Blair was not prepared to give up on the process. However, the republican movement had knocked up the price, the note said. Advertisement Something categoric on criminality would now have to be part of the deal. There were two outstanding issues: criminality and the transparency dimension of decommissioning. Mr Collins suggested that the two governments could stand back from transparency and a process of third-party mediation or conciliation might, over time, identify a way forward. British civil servant Jonathan Phillips was sceptical a third party engagement would succeed. World Black Panther director mistaken for bank robber while trying to withdraw money Read more Mr Powell also said that the British would not demilitarise in return for IRA arms decommissioning, but would demilitarise in a house-keeping way as it wanted to scale back its presence in Northern Ireland. The British Government was not really interested in decommissioning; its priority was ending paramilitary activity and criminality. This article is based on documents contained in the file labelled 2025/127/90 in the National Archives of Ireland. The late Diana, Princess of Wales was far more skilled in the media battle with the then-Prince of Wales, Irish officials were advised 30 years ago, according to a newly released document which claims her staff were devoting time to upstaging St James Palace. The assessment is contained in Government files that have been made public as part of an annual release from the National Archives of Ireland. Britain's King Charles conducted a two-day visit to Ireland while Prince of Wales in June 1995, after his separation from Diana in 1992. The files note that Charles camp saw coverage of the visit to Ireland as part of a long-term public relations strategy to rehabilitate the Prince in the eyes of the British public after the high-profile split. The Prince and Princess of Wales (PA) Charles press team, led by press secretary Alan Percival and his successor Sandy Henney, had reported to Irish officials that they felt the visit to Ireland was the best public outing the Prince has had in a very long time. Ms Henney was described in the Department of Foreign Affairs document as fiercely loyal to Charles and alive to every opportunity to advance his cause. Advertisement A Department of Foreign Affairs note shows officials were unsure if she was joking when she suggested that Diana may also want to visit Ireland. Henney (who would have been less aware of the political dimension than the more restrained Percival) told me that if she had any say in it the Prince would be here again before the summer was out, according to the document. She also remarked that if practice to date was any guide we could shortly expect an approach from Princess Diana! The Prince of Waless press secretary Sandy Henney in 2000 (John Stillwell/PA) Department of Foreign Affairs official Joe Hayes added: I took this as a joke until she repeated it and assured me that in the media battle between the two, the Princess was by far the more predatory and skilled and her staff devoted a great deal of time to finding ways and means of upstaging St James Palace. Ireland Christy Moore interrogation in UK questioned by Irish officials in 2004 Read more Charles officials agreed with the Irish diplomats that coverage of the visit in the UK was, while positive, relatively light compared with that in Ireland. It was noted by officials on both sides of the Irish Sea that, in contrast with the blanket coverage in Ireland, the coverage of the visit in the UK was though positive, relatively light in tone. This article is based on documents contained in the file labelled 2025/124/160 in the National Archives of Ireland. The White House wanted to avoid a photo of Bill Clinton shaking Gerry Adams hand at a Belfast reception held as part of the US presidents historic visit in 1995. The annual release of documents from the National Archives in Dublin showed the extensive engagements between Irish and US officials to coordinate the Clintons visit to the island of Ireland. It included discussions on whether the Clintons should stay in Northern Ireland as part of the visit, and a genealogy expert researching Mr Clintons ancestry, concluding that the suggestion his ancestors were from Co Fermanagh was based on fantasy although they may have come from a separate part of Ulster. The Clintons visited Northern Ireland in 1995 before travelling to Dublin. Bill Clinton shook hands with the public on the Shankhill Road during his 1995 visit (Adam Butler/PA) A reception was organised at Whitla Hall at Queens University in Belfast for November 30th. A letter from the Irish joint secretary of the Anglo-Irish Secretariat, David Donoghue, sent to Sean O hUiginn at the Anglo-Irish Division, said that the Americans originally wanted to hold the reception and confine it to 120 people. Advertisement He said the British side insisted that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Patrick Mayhew, should host it, which was agreed, and the guest list was expanded to 300 people. The ostensible intention is to enable the president to meet a wider range of people in Northern Ireland he wrote on November 28th, 1995. The Americans would prefer to avoid a handshake photograph between the president and Adams Peter Bell, Northern Ireland The real purpose, of course, is to de-emphasise the political nature of the occasion and to create a broader community event which, the British calculate, will make it easier for unionists to attend alongside Sinn Fein. Mr Donoghue said that the representatives would form pods at the reception a UUP pod, an Alliance pod etc determined on a pro rata basis in light of respective electoral strengths. In other words, each will form a distinct cluster of people to whom the president will be introduced in turn (on the lines of Buckingham Palace receptions). He also said that Peter Bell, from the Northern Ireland Office, had indicated the Americans would prefer to avoid a handshake photograph between the president and Adams. Bill Clinton made a speech in Dublin during the trip (John Giles/PA) He also said that while one-on-one meetings had been planned with John Hume in Derry and David Trimble in a car journey after the reception at Queens, there was a general US reluctance to meet one-on-one with Adams, Ian Paisley, or John Alderdice. The general assumption, however, is that the president will take relevant individuals aside for separate private conversations on the margins of the reception. Advertisement The two men shook hands for the first time in March of that year at the White House, as part of events held to mark St Patricks Day but after photographers had left the room. Mr Clinton was reportedly put under pressure at the time from then British prime minister John Major not to give Mr Adams a warm embrace at the luncheon, according to The New York Times. On the morning of November 30th, before the reception in Belfast that evening, Mr Clinton met Mr Adams on the Falls Road in Belfast. As he left his car he paused to shake Mr Adamss hand a moment captured by an official White House photographer. Mr Clinton would later say of the handshake that it was a big deal and it felt at the time as though the pavement was about to crack open. Plans for the Clintons visit to Dublin, from December 1st-2nd 1995, show that a US embassy official estimated that there was a 50/50 chance the visit would go ahead. An Irish genealogy expert also said claims that Clinton had Cassidy ancestors, who were from Co Fermanagh, were based largely on fantasy but the White House still wanted Cassidy aspects added to the visit. It had been claimed that Mr Clinton had Irish ancestry through his mother, Virginia Cassidy. Genealogist Sean Murphy, from Bray, Co Wicklow, undertook the task of tracing Bill Clintons Irish ancestry after media dissemination of claims concerning the presidents Irish ancestry which proved to be baseless, yet were left un-contradicted by any authoritative source. Advertisement He told the taoiseachs office that the earliest trace of the presidents maternal ancestors of this line is probably Zachariah Cassidy, born in about 1750-60 in South Carolina, and his son Levi. The Cassidy clan claim that the earliest ancestor was a Luke or Lucas Cassidy of Roslea, Co Fermanagh, appears to be based largely on fantasy, he wrote on October 16th. The biblical forenames Zachariah and Levi suggest a Protestant, and probably Presbyterian or Dissenter, as opposed to Catholic origin, and it is reasonable to speculate that the Cassidys would have been most likely to have emigrated to America from an Ulster county. In notes of a meeting with the US embassy held three days later, Irish officials said that a planned stop off in Lismore, Co Fermanagh, was being dropped, but the White House was still interested in using the Cassidy connection in a low-key way. They said this could mean casually passing a Cassidy premises. Mr Clinton would go on to visit Cassidys Bar in Dublin for an hour during the 1995 trip. This article is based on documents contained in the file labelled 2025/115/827 in the National Archives of Ireland. Russia has attacked Kyiv with missiles and drones, killing one person and wounding 27 others a day before key talks between Ukraine and the US. Explosions boomed across the Ukrainian capital for hours early on Saturday as ballistic missiles and drones hit the city, continuing as day broke. The attack came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to meet US President Donald Trump on Sunday for further talks in an effort to end the nearly four-year-old war. Mr Zelensky has said they plan to discuss issues including security guarantees and territorial matters in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. In a post on Telegram, Mr Zelensky said Russia targeted Ukraine with almost 500 drones and 40 missiles of various types in the latest attack. The main target was energy and civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, he said. In some districts of the region there is no electricity or heating because of the attacks, he added. Rescuers work at a building damaged by a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) There have been many questions these days, Mr Zelensky wrote. Where is the Russian response to the proposals to end the war, which were made by the United States and the world? Russian representatives hold long talks, in reality the Kinzal and Shaheds (drones) speak for them. Advertisement At least 10 residential buildings were damaged in the attack, said interior minister Ihor Klymenko, and people are being evacuated from under the rubble of collapsed buildings. Two children were among those injured in the attack, which local officials said affected seven locations across the city of Kyiv. The Russian defence ministry said it carried out a massive strike overnight, using long-range precision-guided weapons from land, air, and sea, and drones, on energy infrastructure facilities used by the Ukrainian armed forces, as well as Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises. The ministry said the strike came in response to Ukraines attacks on civilian objects in Russia. Earlier on Saturday, the ministry said its air defences shot down seven Ukrainian drones over the Russian regions of Krasnodar and Adygeya overnight. Poland scrambled fighter jets and closed airports in Lublin and Rzeszow near the border with Ukraine for several hours during the Russian attacks, the countrys armed forces command said on X. There was no violation of Polish airspace, it said. Civil aviation authority Pansa said the two airports had since resumed operations. It was unclear what caused the alert in Poland when the Russian attacks were focused on Kyiv, which is far from the border. Advertisement It came hours after Mr Zelensky said he will meet Mr Trump in Florida over the weekend. He told journalists the 20-point plan under discussion is about 90% ready. An economic agreement will also be discussed, he said, but he was unable to confirm whether anything will be finalised by the end. 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. The announced meeting is the latest development in an extensive US-led diplomatic push to end the war, but efforts have run into sharply conflicting demands by Moscow and Kyiv. Teenagers are set to be offered paid gap years with the British armed forces in a step towards a new whole of society approach to defence. Around 150 young people will be recruited for placements of up to two years, with the scheme expanding to more than 1,000 per year, according to the i Paper. The scheme is due to open from March 2026, and is intended to introduce more people to military life, or provide transferable skills if they decide not to enlist afterwards. It would be available to under-25s and recruits would not be deployed on active operations. It is not yet clear how much they will be paid. The move comes after the Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said Britains sons and daughters should be ready to fight and called for a whole of society effort to defend the country in the face of Russian aggression. Advertisement UK defence secretary John Healey told the i paper the scheme would give Britains young people a taste of the incredible skills and training on offer across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF. UK defence secretary John Healey hailed the move (PA) He added: As families come together at this time of year, and young people think about their futures, I want the outstanding opportunities on offer in our armed forces to be part of that conversation in homes across the UK. The Army scheme would see recruits receive 13 weeks of basic training as part of a two-year placement, while the Navy scheme would last one year and provide profession agnostic training for sailors, according to reports. The RAF scheme is less developed, with the branch said to be scoping options. The Army currently offers gap year placements for young people before, during or immediately after university, which last one year. Some 30 places are available on the Army internship scheme, formerly known as gap year commissions, but fewer than 10 people were enrolled in 2024/25. The internship is also only available for those considering officer training, while the new gap year scheme is expected to be open more widely. Australia already offers a gap year scheme for its military for those aged between 17 and 24. In 2023, 664 people enlisted in the Australian scheme, with a little more than half going on to a permanent role in the countrys defence force. Other European countries have looked to national service in response to the threat from Russia, with France, Germany and Belgium introducing schemes this year. At least 15 injured in a knife and chemical attack at a factory in Japan A man was arrested after stabbing eight people and injuring seven others with what was believed to be bleach at a tyre factory in central Japan. NSW Police under fire for failing to heed request from Jewish community The NSW Police force is under fire after revelations emerged that the Jewish community had asked for additional officers to attend the Hanukkah festival on the day of the Bondi Beach attack. Eva Osborne Music made by Irish artists has certainly been in the spotlight this year, both at home and abroad. From CMAT's third studio album Euro-Country to Kingfishr's Killeagh dominating Ireland's airwaves, 2025 has been an amazing year for Irish music. Let's go through some of the highlights. Kneecap Belfast rap trio Kneecap saw a surge in popularity in 2025. Kneecap erforming on stage at London's Finsbury Park, as a support act to headliners, Fontaines DC in July. Photo: PA They performed on the main stage at Electric Picnic, were announced as the first headliner for All Together Now 2026, and released singles 'The Recap', 'SayAnara', and 'No Comment', on the back of the success of their debut album Fine Art, which was released last year. They broke records with their performance at Electric Picnic, and drew in a crowd the likes of which has only been seen when The Wolfe Tones played on the same stage the year before. The group are no strangers to making headlines, as member Mo Chara (Liam Og O hAnnaidh) was in the spotlight quite a bit this year for having a terrorism case brought against him in the UK. The case was thrown out following a technical error in the way the charge against him was brought. In more recent news, the group announced a collaboration with Micil Distillery in Galway to release their own poitin. Kingfishr and Amble Irish folk groups Kingfishr and Amble enjoyed surges in popularity this year. Both groups performed on the main stage at this year's Electric Picnic. Eddie Keogh of Kingfishr on the third day of the Electric Picnic festival at Stradbally in Co Laois. Photo: PA Kingfishr's hit 'Killeagh' reached Number 1 on the Irish Singles Chart in May, at which stage it had already been certified four-times Platinum in Ireland. Their debut album Halcyon was released in August and reached Number 1st on the Irish Albums Chart. They will soon played two sold-out gigs in Dublin's 3Arena, and are surely still on a high from their appearance on RTE's Late Late Toy Show! Irish folk band Amble, formed in 2022, found their feet in 2025. Robbie Cunningham of Amble Performing on the main stage on day two of the Electric Picnic festival at Stradbally in Co Laois. Photo: PA Their debut album Reverie was released in May 2025, and peaked at Number 1 on the Irish Albums Chart. Also in 2025, the group joined Hozier's Unreal Unearth Tour, appearing as an opening act in Boston (Massachusetts), Casper (Wyoming) and Toronto (Ontario). They played two sold-out gigs in Dublin's 3Arena on December 11th and 12th. CMAT CMAT performing on the Pyramid Stage during day three of Glastonbury festival. Photo: Getty I don't care what anyone else says, 2025 was CMAT's year. The Dunboyne Diana released an extraordinary third album in the form of Euro-Country, which peaked at Number 1 on the Irish Albums Chart. It also peaked at Number 2 on the Scottish Singles and Albums Charts and UK Albums Chart. She was nominated for the Mercury Prize for Album of the Year, and she headlined All Together Now 2025. Her appearances at Glastonbury and Primavera must be highlighted, as the audiences she garnered at both are a testament to her surge in popularity outside Ireland this year. After playing a sold-out gig in Dublin's 3Arena last Friday, she somehow made it to the Late Late Toy Show to see one of her songs performed by a group of children. She really can do it all. James Cox Fianna Fail and Fine Gael setting aside their 'Civil War' differences to form a government was a seismic moment in Irish politics and a left-wing coalition getting them out of power would be an even bigger moment. Sinn Fein had once toyed with the idea of coalescing with Fianna Fail, but this idea seems unlikely. Political pundits have been sceptical, for valid reasons, about how difficult a left-wing coalition led by Sinn Fein would be with the varied and differing policies of left-leaning parties and politicians in Ireland. However, this may now be a more viable possibility as left-wing parties came together to canvass for President Catherine Connolly. The leaders of Sinn Fein, Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit-Solidarity and the Green Party were all regularly pictured together. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has spoken about how the Opposition parties came together in a positive fashion. However, huge issues and differences in ideology remain making the prospect of Ms McDonald leading a broad coalition difficult. The Labour Party would likely be a necessary cog in such a coalition. (left to right) Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik, Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald at Catherine Connolly's final campaign rally at the Galway Bay Hotel in Galway. While Labour leader Ivana Bacik was happy to pose with Ms McDonald and Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns during the Connolly campaign, she highlighted the issues of doing the same for a general election campaign soon after. Speaking at a press conference she said her party still has "significant differences" with Sinn Fein. Compromise would be the main glue to bring together a left wing coalition, and this would make the involvement of People Before Profit difficult as well. The likes of Paul Murphy and Richard Boyd Barrett sometimes propose policies that would pit them against the likes of Sinn Fein and the Social Democrats. Most recently, they criticised Sinn Fein for not backing a Bill brought forward by People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger calling for fox hunting to be banned. How to campaign as individual parties, while presenting a united message to the electorate, would be a huge challenge. Ms McDonald may have to take the lead with this, with some critics suggesting she should have done so before the last general election. The next general election is likely to take place in 2029, so left wing parties have plenty of time, but a lot of work to do before then if a viable alternative government (not including Fianna Fail and Fine Gael) is to be presented to the public. By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association Sir John Major said being shouted at by justice minister Padraig Flynn was like being in the House of Commons, according to state documents which show that Mr Flynn took UK officials to task on cooperation over Northern Ireland. In September 1992, Mr Flynn was exercised by a range of security issues as well as a lack of clarity from Mr Majors government on the place of Northern Ireland in the Irish Constitution. The dispute has been revealed in a confidential note on a meeting in London which has been made public as part of the annual release from the National Archives of Ireland. In a meeting with the UK prime minister and Northern Ireland secretary Peter Mayhew as well as Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, Mr Flynn expressed concern that there had been an escalation of Loyalist paramilitary violence in the absence of meetings of the Anglo-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference. Prior to this meeting, Mr Major had held an hour-long tete-a-tete with Mr Reynolds where the prime minister had contended that cooperation on security matters had been better than it had ever been. Former justice minister Padraig Flynn (Cathal McNaughton/PA) However, that assessment was challenged when Mr Flynn and Mr Mayhew joined the leaders. The justice minister raised several issues including the closure of cross-border roads, the rebuilding of a British military watchtower near Cloghogue school, and a preference for mobile patrols over permanent vehicle checkpoints. In a record by an Irish civil servant which is not meant to be considered verbatim, Mr Flynn said he did not wish to intrude a discordant note but contended that cooperation with the Anglo-Irish Secretariat had decreased due to the break of meetings in the Conference. Mr Major told him not to worry about being discordant and assured him matters would be looked at. Mr Mayhew said that his officials had been tied up in talks with Northern Ireland political parties, but said there will be no lack of co-operation. The prime minister joked that this meant officials who had been working 16 hours a day would now be working 24 hours a day. On the checkpoints and closure of roads, Mr Mayhew said the official advice was that they were all necessary for security purposes. Northern Ireland secretary Sir Patrick Mayhew (Bob Collier/PA) Mr Major asked Mr Mayhew if he wanted to get his own back towards Mr Flynn, to which the Northern Ireland Secretary replied: No, Prime Minister not long ago I would have wanted to. The justice minister said the talks with Northern Ireland political parties were sniffing around the mulberry bush but going nowhere. He said DUP leader Ian Paisley had previously absented himself from the talks but still reserved the right to return to negotiations for the purpose of insisting on a change in the Constitutions territorial claim to the whole island of Ireland. Mr Major said he did not want to see the talks derailed: You have to deal with the Unionists in these talks but I deal with them every day. We must not lose sight of what you and I want to see come out of these talks. Mr Flynn said it is not helpful when Her Majestys Government says that the Irish Constitution must be changed and said there had been a hope that Mr Mayhew would have been able to use influence to pressure unionists on the issue. Let us not get into double speak here. Let us be clear: If the Unionists feel comfort from your or that a change in the Constitution is possible, there will be misunderstanding. The Northern Ireland secretary said he wished it was true that he had influence over unionists, contending that they only hang on his words because they feel they are about to be betrayed. This sentiment was shared by Mr Major who told Mr Flynn that he may feel the UK Government has more control over the Unionists than we have. The justice minister said he, along with his Fianna Fail party and founder Eamon de Valera, had been insulted during the party talks and sought a commitment to a strong government-to-government foundation on the matters of the constitution. Mr Major reiterated his governments sincerity and attempted the resolve the row amicably: I dont mind being shouted at it is quite like the House of Commons. Let us agree we are going to do this but you must not go away with suspicions about us. Apparently still in good humour, the prime minister ended that meeting by saying they would now go meet the reptiles in reference to the press gathered in the courtyard outside. This article is based on documents contained in the file labelled 2023/50/204 in the National Archives of Ireland. James Cox Surging cocaine prices due to drug seizures, a Government plan to buy buildings for childcare centres, and Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher claiming he would have won the presidential election are among the stories that feature on Saturday's front pages. Large cocaine seizures in recent years have led to a surge in the wholesale price of the drug, The Irish Times reports. A story from the State papers on musician Christy Moore being questioned under UK terror laws also makes the front page. The front page of the Irish Examiner features an interview with Billy Kelleher, in which the Cork MEP claimed he would have won the presidential election if he was chosen as the Fianna Fail nominee ahead of Jim Gavin. The Government is planning to purchase buildings to convert into childcare centres, the Irish Independent reports. Nine hundred calls were made to Childline during the festive period, The Echo reports. The Irish Daily Mail leads with a story on teenagers using social media to buy heroin and cocaine. The Irish Daily Star leads with a story on trainer Gordon Elliott's Leopardstown wins on St Stephen's Day. The Irish Daily Mirror leads with a story on an eight-year-old girl who was stabbed to death by her father. Brendan O'Carroll has denied rumours that he is in ill health, the Irish Sun reports. The Herald leads with a story on attacks involving XL Bully dogs. In the North, the Belfast Telegraph leads with a story on Sinn Fein attempts to blame the British government for problems in Northern Ireland. The Irish News leads with a story on fatal road crashes over the Christmas period. A range of stories feature on the UK front pages. The i Paper leads with a story on the UK government introducing a military 'gap year'. Saturday's i WEEKEND: Gap year soldiers will be trained to fight in war zones under new UK Army scheme#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/siDDUTMhoS Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) December 26, 2025 The Daily Mail leads with a story on ghost plates. M&A (mergers and acquisitions) deals have topped $4.5 trillion, the Financial Times reports. The Daily Express leads with a story on early prison release for ciminals. Saturday's DAILY EXPRESS: Criminals out for Christmas after early release#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/DwvGChaJyl Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) December 26, 2025 A new injection to combat cancer is the main story in the Daily Star. Britain's King Charles and Prince William are planning a visit to the United States as part of a 'charm offensive' to help the UK secure a new trade deal with Donald Trump's administration, The Times reports. The NHS is heavily reliant on foreign doctors, the Daily Telegraph reports. Saturday's DAILY TELEGRAPH: NHS twice as reliant on foreign doctors#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/qSoTZKQ7EM Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) December 26, 2025 The New York Times leads with a story on US airstrikes in Nigeria. By Grainne Ni Aodha, Press Association The White House wanted to avoid a photo of Bill Clinton shaking Gerry Adams hand at a Belfast reception held as part of the US presidents historic visit in 1995. The annual release of documents from the National Archives in Dublin showed the extensive engagements between Irish and US officials to coordinate the Clintons visit to the island of Ireland. It included discussions on whether the Clintons should stay in Northern Ireland as part of the visit, and a genealogy expert researching Mr Clintons ancestry, concluding that the suggestion his ancestors were from Co Fermanagh was based on fantasy although they may have come from a separate part of Ulster. The Clintons visited Northern Ireland in 1995 before travelling to Dublin. Bill Clinton shook hands with the public on the Shankhill Road during his 1995 visit (Adam Butler/PA) A reception was organised at Whitla Hall at Queens University in Belfast for November 30th. A letter from the Irish joint secretary of the Anglo-Irish Secretariat, David Donoghue, sent to Sean O hUiginn at the Anglo-Irish Division, said that the Americans originally wanted to hold the reception and confine it to 120 people. He said the British side insisted that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Patrick Mayhew, should host it, which was agreed, and the guest list was expanded to 300 people. The ostensible intention is to enable the president to meet a wider range of people in Northern Ireland he wrote on November 28th, 1995. The Americans would prefer to avoid a handshake photograph between the president and Adams Peter Bell, Northern Ireland The real purpose, of course, is to de-emphasise the political nature of the occasion and to create a broader community event which, the British calculate, will make it easier for unionists to attend alongside Sinn Fein. Mr Donoghue said that the representatives would form pods at the reception a UUP pod, an Alliance pod etc determined on a pro rata basis in light of respective electoral strengths. In other words, each will form a distinct cluster of people to whom the president will be introduced in turn (on the lines of Buckingham Palace receptions). He also said that Peter Bell, from the Northern Ireland Office, had indicated the Americans would prefer to avoid a handshake photograph between the president and Adams. Bill Clinton made a speech in Dublin during the trip (John Giles/PA) He also said that while one-on-one meetings had been planned with John Hume in Derry and David Trimble in a car journey after the reception at Queens, there was a general US reluctance to meet one-on-one with Adams, Ian Paisley, or John Alderdice. The general assumption, however, is that the president will take relevant individuals aside for separate private conversations on the margins of the reception. The two men shook hands for the first time in March of that year at the White House, as part of events held to mark St Patricks Day but after photographers had left the room. Mr Clinton was reportedly put under pressure at the time from then British prime minister John Major not to give Mr Adams a warm embrace at the luncheon, according to The New York Times. On the morning of November 30th, before the reception in Belfast that evening, Mr Clinton met Mr Adams on the Falls Road in Belfast. As he left his car he paused to shake Mr Adamss hand a moment captured by an official White House photographer. Mr Clinton would later say of the handshake that it was a big deal and it felt at the time as though the pavement was about to crack open. Plans for the Clintons visit to Dublin, from December 1st-2nd 1995, show that a US embassy official estimated that there was a 50/50 chance the visit would go ahead. An Irish genealogy expert also said claims that Clinton had Cassidy ancestors, who were from Co Fermanagh, were based largely on fantasy but the White House still wanted Cassidy aspects added to the visit. It had been claimed that Mr Clinton had Irish ancestry through his mother, Virginia Cassidy. Genealogist Sean Murphy, from Bray, Co Wicklow, undertook the task of tracing Bill Clintons Irish ancestry after media dissemination of claims concerning the presidents Irish ancestry which proved to be baseless, yet were left un-contradicted by any authoritative source. He told the taoiseachs office that the earliest trace of the presidents maternal ancestors of this line is probably Zachariah Cassidy, born in about 1750-60 in South Carolina, and his son Levi. The Cassidy clan claim that the earliest ancestor was a Luke or Lucas Cassidy of Roslea, Co Fermanagh, appears to be based largely on fantasy, he wrote on October 16th. The biblical forenames Zachariah and Levi suggest a Protestant, and probably Presbyterian or Dissenter, as opposed to Catholic origin, and it is reasonable to speculate that the Cassidys would have been most likely to have emigrated to America from an Ulster county. In notes of a meeting with the US embassy held three days later, Irish officials said that a planned stop off in Lismore, Co Fermanagh, was being dropped, but the White House was still interested in using the Cassidy connection in a low-key way. They said this could mean casually passing a Cassidy premises. Mr Clinton would go on to visit Cassidys Bar in Dublin for an hour during the 1995 trip. This article is based on documents contained in the file labelled 2025/115/827 in the National Archives of Ireland. Harold Lebron Madaris made Heaven his permanent home on December 26, 2025, after a lengthy illness. Born on Jan. 10, 1951, he was a 1969 graduate of East Ridge High School, he received a two-year business degree and obtained certification needed for heat and air. Lebron was a member of the United States Air Force serving in Vietnam. He was a member of the American Legion Post 95 for over 35 years. Lebron married the love of his life, Janice Helton, and was committed to her for 48 years. After his discharge he managed a drug store in downtown Chattanooga and worked for Ramsey Electric. He found his calling in heat and air maintenance and sales. In 1980 he and Janice established Madaris Heat and Air in Ft. Oglethorpe, a business still operating by his wife and son, Clint. A cornerstone of Lebrons life was his faith in Jesus Christ. He attended Brainerd Baptist Church where he was a member of the Bethea Life Group until his health prevented his presence. Still he found comfort in his relationship with God. He was a prayer warrior and was happy to share Gods love with all he encountered. Though his Parkinsons impacted his ability to read he was committed to his daily reading of scripture. His life was a life of faith. Lebron was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Madaris and Margaret White Madaris, his brother Bill Abbot and sister Willie Moody. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Janice Madaris, son Clint Madaris, grand-dog Neyland all of Ringgold, brothers in law Rob (Tammy) Moody of Chattanooga, Jason (Pam) Helton of East Ridge, Jeff (Kathy) Helton of Ringgold, sister-in-law Becky (Danny) Creswell of Knoxville, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge. The family will receive friends from 12-2:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Tuesday with military honors. The family would like to thank Bright Star caregivers Brittany, Lori and Mary for their continued comfort and Hearth Hospice of North Georgia for their support. In lieu of flowers the family requests you remember Lebron through gifts to Ronald McDonald House of Chattanooga, St. Jude Childrens Hospital or the charity of your choice. Steve Edward Gaines died at home surrounded by family on the evening of December 23, 2025, aged 79 years. Steve died from the effects of a sudden stroke, and after a protracted engagement against respiratory illness. Steve, albeit slower and slimmer than in previous seasons, was still working in the yard doing chores, safety checks, and repairs on the day before his passing. Born in Knoxville and raised in east Chattanooga, Steve was a lifelong resident of the area and worked until initial retirement from TVA as an industrial engineer and manager. Steve served proudly in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era and was stationed often in Guam supporting B-52 bomber operations. Steve joined the Air Force with high school best friends after graduating from Central High School in 1965, and married his high school sweetheart Virginia (Ginny) Dugger after returning to Chattanooga from the Air Force. Always a teacher and mentor, Steve, a UTC alum, taught in UTCs engineering department in the 80s and 90s, became an OSHA-certified instructor in his later years, plus taught his kids how to change spark plugs, tires, and oil. Steve was also an accomplished entrepreneur, marksman, conservationist, poker dealer, and builder. Son of Kernal Hill and Polly Gaines Hill, Steve had a sister, Linda, who died as an infant. Steve is survived by wife, Ginny; daughter, Laura Elizabeth Rogers (Tyson); and son, Stuart Edward (Jamie). Hes also survived by five granddaughters: Clementine Rogers, and Hattie, Poppy, Nora, and Leila Gaines. Steve will be missed by many for his earnest greetings and musings, his Irish smile, and his steadfast determination in life, Christian faith, and family. In lieu of flowers, Steve would support donations to the Shriners Hospital (Steve was a Mason), or St. Judes Hospital for Children. Celebration of Life plans will be announced by the family at a later date. The Islamic Society of Tulsas concept plan. | Photo credit: Facebook/BA Buzz (original image: City of Broken Arrow) An Oklahoma state legislator is calling on residents to pray after local planning officials advanced a proposal for a large development in northeastern Oklahoma that would include a mosque and commercial facilities. Officials in Broken Arrow, the largest suburb of Tulsa, voted on Dec. 18 to preliminarily rezone about 15 acres of land to allow for a retail center and mosque, following lengthy public testimony, according to local broadcaster KJRH-TV. The Broken Arrow Planning Commission granted initial approval during a regularly scheduled meeting, with over 60 residents signing up to speak. Most speakers voiced opposition, citing concerns about how the project could affect the surrounding community. Planning Commission Chair Robert Goransson emphasized that the vote focused solely on zoning feasibility and technical planning considerations, not cultural or religious implications. Nevertheless, many residents framed their objections around broader community impact. Before the vote, Republican state Rep. Gabe Woolley, who attended the meeting, pointed to an In God We Trust display inside the 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, Woolley 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. After the commission approved the rezoning request, Woolley voiced heightened concern about the projects trajectory, writing, This is not the direction many of us want to see our state or nation heading. Please seek discernment and strategy in prayer. City records show the land was purchased in 2014 by the North American Islamic Trust. NAIT, established in 1973 by the Muslim Students Association of the United States and Canada and affiliated with the Islamic Society of North America, holds property titles in more than 40 states, according to its website. Community leaders estimate that up to 10,000 Muslims reside in the greater Tulsa area, based on figures from the Islamic Center of Tulsa. The proposal has not yet received final approval. The matter now moves to the Broken Arrow City Council, which has scheduled a special meeting for Jan. 20, 2026, to consider the rezoning request and associated conditional use permits. Home News Amy Coney Barrett warns of attacks on free speech in UK, discusses Dobbs decision U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett and Bishop Robert Barron recently discussed the similarity between liberal textual interpretations of the Bible and the U.S. Constitution during an episode of Barron's podcast that aired earlier this week. Barrett, who was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve on the high court in 2020, also issued a warning regarding free speech in the United Kingdom and echoed the constitutional reasoning of her mentor, the late Justice Antonin Scalia, about why she voted to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. Barron, who serves as bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota, noted during his interview with Barrett that "there are very interesting overlaps" between both biblical and legal hermeneutics, which he defined as "the philosophy of interpretation." He noted that the father of hermeneutics is Friedrich Schleiermacher, a 19th-century Protestant German theologian who attempted to reconcile Christianity with the criticisms of the Enlightenment. Barron traced some of the present-day battles over textual criticism at all levels to his influence, noting that Schleiermacher believed "the point of the interpreter is to know the mind of the author better than he knew his own mind." He offered the examples of how hermeneutics informed the interpretation of the Bible, as well as other literature. Barrett pushed back against such a worldview when it comes to interpreting law, emphasizing that the stakes of rightly interpreting the clear text of the U.S. Constitution are much higher because it governs the entire nation. "In hermeneutics, if you're asking that question to Herman Melville, if you're asking it to William Shakespeare, the stakes are lower, right?" she said. "You're trying to understand the literary document. The stakes are high when you're trying to understand the basic rules that govern us as a society." Barrett suggested that what is most important as a justice is reading the U.S. Constitution as it would have been understood by the informed reader at the time it was written and ratified by the states, without trying to probe the mind of its author. "We owe a lot to [James] Madison; he drafted the Bill of Rights, we owe him a great debt," she said. "But with all respect to Madison, whatever Madison privately harbored in his mind, whatever he thought, say, the First Amendment might require, that's not the document that the state ratifying conventions ratified, right? That's what made it the law, not Madison writing it down on the page." Barrett, who clerked for Scalia in the late 1990s, echoed Scalia's textual originalism when she touched on why she voted as she did in the court's 2022 ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and returned abortion law to the states. She argued Roe v. Wade was based on a faulty understanding of the U.S. Constitution that attempted to read meaning into the text that wasn't there. "The problem with Roe was there's nothing in the Constitution, certainly, that speaks to abortion, that speaks to medical procedures," she said. "The best defense of Roe the commonly thought defense of Roe was that it was grounded in the word 'liberty,' in the due process clause that we protect life, liberty and property, [and] it can't be taken away without due process of law," she said. During an interview in 2013 with British journalist Piers Morgan, Scalia offered a similar line of thinking to explain why he was "adamantly" opposed to the Roe v. Wade decision. "Basically, because the theory that was expounded to impose that decision was a theory that does not make any sense," Scalia said. "That is, namely, the theory of 'substantive due process.' There's a due process clause in the Constitution, which says that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process." "That is obviously a guarantee not of life, not of liberty, not of property. You can be deprived of all of them, but not without due process." "My court, in recent years, has invented what is called 'substantive due process' by simply saying some liberties are so important that no process would suffice to take them away. And that was a theory used in Roe v. Wade, and it's a theory that is simply a lie," he added. During her interview with Barron, Barrett also raised the alarm regarding the state of free speech in the U.K., which she noted does not have the protections of the First Amendment. "Think about what's happening with respect to free speech rights in the U.K.," she said. "Contrary opinions or opinions that are not in the mainstream are not being tolerated, and they're even being criminalized. Because of the First Amendment, that can't happen here." Home News Christians mark Christmas amid rising attacks across India Hindu vigilante groups disrupted at least 60 Christmas events across the country Christians across India marked Christmas under heightened tension as Hindu nationalist groups targeted prayer services, carol singing, and public festivities. Attacks and intimidation were reported by several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Delhi during the final days of Advent. In Madhya Pradeshs Jabalpur city, a local politician from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Anju Bhargava, led a group that entered a church and assaulted Safalta Kartik, a visually impaired woman attending a prayer service on Monday, according to The News Minute. The incident drew widespread attention as video clips circulated on social media showing Bhargava confronting Kartik in front of children and other worshipers. Responding to the incident, the Catholic Bishops Conference of India issued a statement on Tuesday expressing concern over rising attacks on Christians during the Christmas season. It called for Bhargavas removal from the BJP and condemned hate-filled digital messages circulating in states such as Chhattisgarh. The statement urged both central and state governments to take urgent action against organizations spreading communal hatred. Tensions were high in the southern state of Kerala as well. In Palakkad district on Sunday, Ashwin Raj, a worker affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, or RSS, allegedly destroyed musical instruments and attacked a group of children under 15 performing Christmas carols. Police later arrested Raj, but senior BJP leaders in the state defended his actions by accusing the children of misconduct. In Chhattisgarh, the Hindu nationalist group Sarva Samaj called for a statewide ban on Christmas Eve, citing allegations of forced religious conversions. Earlier in December, violence erupted in a local village over a Christian tribal mans burial, further deepening fears among Christian communities. According to the British newspaper The Telegraph, Hindu vigilante groups disrupted at least 60 Christmas events across the country. These incidents ranged from church raids during services to street-level harassment of vendors selling holiday items. In several cases, groups affiliated with the Hindu nationalist Vishwa Hindu Parishad urged Hindus to avoid participating in Christmas celebrations, warning that such involvement would promote social acceptance of other faiths. Multiple videos showing physical assaults, verbal threats, and intimidation have been widely circulated online. One video from Delhis Lajpat Nagar area shows women carolers wearing Santa hats being accused of proselytizing by members of the Hindu nationalist group Bajrang Dal. Another clip from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, captures men ordering vendors to stop selling Christmas items, declaring that India is a Hindu rashtra, or Hindu nation. Further reports of disruption emerged from Rajasthans Dungarpur district, where on Dec. 14, members of the RSS and Bajrang Dal entered St. Josephs Catholic Church and interrupted a Sunday mass while accusing clergy of forced conversions, according to Catholic Connect. Elsewhere, in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, a government-run hotel cancelled its scheduled Christmas celebration following objections from local Hindu groups. In Trivandrum, Kerala, an official Christmas event for postal workers was called off after organizers were reportedly asked to include an RSS anthem, sparking objections from staff. Religious gatherings were also curtailed in parts of Madhya Pradesh. In Jhabua, local police denied permission for carol singing in four Catholic parishes. The diocese challenged the decision in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which ruled in favor of the churches right to hold the programs. In Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Pastor Raju Sadasivam and his wife were harassed in public by a man identified as Satyanisht Arya, who filmed the encounter and made derogatory remarks. Around the same time, the Uttar Pradesh government announced schools would remain open on Dec. 25, breaking from the usual practice of declaring a public holiday for Christmas. Kerala also saw reports of canceled school celebrations. In Thiruvananthapuram, one school returned money collected for Christmas events after being ordered to do so by a Hindu nationalist group. Data compiled by the United Christian Forum show there have been over 600 attacks against Christians across India in 2025 alone. The incidents include public beatings, vandalism of churches, disruption of services, and threats against worshipers. Human rights lawyers and advocates have pointed to the misuse of anti-conversion laws as a key factor enabling these attacks. In Madhya Pradesh, authorities have registered 283 cases under the states anti-conversion law since January 2020. Of these, only seven have resulted in convictions, while 50 ended in acquittals. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves said such laws allow right-wing groups to intimidate church leaders and pressure them into canceling Sunday services. He added that many legal cases never reach trial and that the process itself is used as a form of harassment. In its 2025 report, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom urged the U.S. State Department to designate India as a country of particular concern, citing systematic and ongoing violations of religious freedom. Home News Minn. community mourns beloved pastor, chaplain who died after helping motorist stuck in snow A Minnesota pastor and longtime chaplain collapsed and died after helping a stranded motorist outside his church. The death of James Jim Bzoskie, 76, has prompted an outpouring of grief from community members and law enforcement officials. The incident occurred on Dec. 19 after Bzoskie assisted a driver whose car had become stuck in snow near Cornerstone Bible Church, where he served as pastor. After returning inside the building, he collapsed and was later pronounced dead, WCCO reported. Bzoskie, who lived in Hastings, had spent the morning preparing gift bags for inmates in the Dakota County Jail. He was found shortly after the act of assistance, and his daughter, Sarah Lindner, was quoted as saying that he likely died of a heart attack. Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko described Bzoskie as an integral part of the department for nearly five decades. He was quoted as saying that Bzoskie regularly visited the jail, offered Bible study to inmates, and supported deputies and staff during moments of crisis, including suicides and the loss of three first responders in Burnsville. Leko said Bzoskies presence had provided comfort in the most difficult times. He did it because he had a big heart. Jacob Schak, a jail program sergeant, said Bzoskie had conducted Bible study every Tuesday for the inmate population. The Dakota County Sheriffs Office shared a message on Facebook, saying Bzoskie had been a constant and trusted presence in the department since 1979. We are heartbroken at the loss of Pastor Jim Bzoskie. Since 1979, Pastor Jim was a constant and trusted presence within the Office, reads the message. He helped build and sustain our jail programming, served faithfully as our chaplain, and provided steady encouragement, perspective, and humor for decades. When the work was heavy, Jim was there. When there was something to celebrate, he was there too. It adds, Jim had a natural way of connecting with people and a genuine love for community. He found joy in being around others, and he never slowed down when it came to showing up for people. We will carry the lessons, conversations, and kindness Pastor Jim shared with us. His impact extended far beyond his role and left a lasting imprint on this office. Bzoskie also served as a chaplain for the Hastings Police and Fire Departments. His obituary described him as a man who dedicated his life to faith, compassion and service. His daughter said he loved the holiday season and was preparing for Christmas at the time of his death. She said her fathers final words were Merry Christmas. Renee Harwood-Souza, who organized a fundraiser to assist Bzoskies family with funeral expenses, wrote that he had ministered to jail staff, inmates and law enforcement for nearly 50 years, according to AOL. Kent Begnaud, a fellow pastor and longtime friend, said Bzoskie had a deep sense of purpose and served the community wholeheartedly. According to the Starkson Family obituary, a visitation will be held on Jan. 9, 2026, at the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings. A second visitation is scheduled for Jan. 10 at Hastings Middle School, followed by a service officiated by Pastors Kent Begnaud and Paris Pasch. Private burial will be held later at Lakeside Cemetery. The obituary also noted that Bzoskie was a lifelong fan of the Minnesota State Fair and held Minnesota Wild season tickets for more than 20 years. Home News Trump's week in review: Targeting ISIS in Nigeria, $3K to illegal immigrants who self-deport Even as the Christmas holiday shortened the workweek for most Americans, multiple developments unfolded in the Trump administration this week. The administration unveiled a limited-time $3,000 incentive for illegal immigrants to self-deport before the end of the year, and the administration took military action against ISIS militants in Nigeria. Here are five highlights from this week that you might have missed. Home News Concerning: US govt speaks out after Christian woman prosecuted in UK for silently praying A British woman has been charged under a new U.K. law for silently praying outside an abortion clinic, prompting the United States government to call the case concerning and a threat to religious liberty. The woman, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, a 48-year-old Catholic charity volunteer, is the first person to face criminal prosecution under Section 9 of the U.K.s Public Order Act 2023, which bans any act deemed as influencing within 150 meters (164 yards) of abortion facilities, The Telegraph reported. Vaughan-Spruce was informed of the charges by West Midlands Police in March. She had been under investigation since January for standing near a clinic in Birmingham on multiple occasions, where she was silently praying, according to the legal advocacy group ADF International. The new law, which went into effect in October 2024, replaced local buffer zone rules and applies nationwide. It carries no specific reference to silent prayer but prohibits any act that could influence someones decision to access, provide or facilitate abortion services. Penalties include an unlimited fine. A U.S. State Department spokesman told The Telegraph that the decision to prosecute Vaughan-Spruce is not only concerning in terms of its impact on respect for the fundamental freedoms of expression and religion or belief, but is also an unwelcome departure from the shared values that ought to underpin U.S.-U.K. relations. The charges state that between June and November 2024, Vaughan-Spruce stood four times within the defined buffer zone near a Birmingham abortion facility with the alleged intent to influence. She is due to appear at the Birmingham Magistrates Court on Jan. 29, 2026. This is not Vaughan-Spruces first legal encounter over silent prayer. In December 2022, she was arrested under a local Public Spaces Protection Order, but the case was later dismissed. After a second arrest in March 2023, she received a formal apology and 13,000 (roughly $17,500) in damages from West Midlands Police. ADF International, which is supporting her legal defense, said the prosecution rests on an interpretation of the law that treats silent prayer as criminal behavior. Legal counsel Jeremiah Igunnubole stated that buffer zones are being applied in ways that target innocent people who happen to stand in a certain place and believe a certain thing. Vaughan-Spruce said it was unbelievable that she had been charged again after being vindicated in previous cases, and insisted that silent prayer or holding pro-life beliefs cannot possibly be a crime. The law itself does not define silent prayer as illegal. Guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service says silent prayer does not automatically meet the threshold for criminality unless accompanied by overt activity. Nonetheless, Vaughan-Spruce has been repeatedly questioned by officers about whether she was praying. Her case drew international attention when U.S. Vice President JD Vance cited it during a speech at the Munich Security Conference. He called it an example of Europes retreat from basic liberties and pointed to similar prosecutions as evidence of declining conscience rights. Vance also referred to the case of Adam Smith-Connor, a British Army veteran convicted for praying silently near a clinic in 2022. Smith-Connor was found guilty of breaching a local protection order and received a two-year conditional discharge and a 9,000 ($10,500) bill in legal costs, according to The Times of London. The U.S. Office of the Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs and Religious Freedom also commented on the matter via social media. Make no mistake this undermines free speech and religious liberty, the department said in a post on X, supporting Vaughan-Spruce and others who face penalties for similar actions. Lara Trump, speaking on Fox News, called Vaughan-Spruces story egregious and said it was part of a pattern of censorship in the U.K. She also mentioned Clive Johnston, who was arrested in Northern Ireland in 2024 for holding an open-air service near an abortion facility. In November, the U.S. government said it was considering asylum options for individuals prosecuted under speech-related offenses in the U.K. Categories included pro-life campaigners and others accused of thought crimes. The White House has also expressed concerns that laws restricting free expression in Europe could contribute to civilizational erasure. Home News US conducts 'powerful and deadly strike' against ISIS in Nigeria on Christmas Day U.S. military forces conducted airstrikes against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, marking a symbolically timed military action that President Donald Trump described as a "powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum." Trump also accused ISIS militants in the country of "targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!" in a Thursday post on Truth Social. The strikes, which involved Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from a U.S. Navy vessel in the Gulf of Guinea, targeted two ISIS camps in Nigeria's Sokoto State and were done in coordination with the Nigerian military, according to The New York Times. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the operation was carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities, with an initial assessment indicating that "multiple ISIS terrorists" were killed. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth echoed the president's rhetoric, stating on X that "ISIS found out tonight on Christmas" and hinting at "more to come," while expressing gratitude for Nigerian cooperation. Hegseth also retweeted U.S. Department of War footage of a missile launching from the U.S. Navy ship. .@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 The military action follows months of escalating warnings from the Trump administration regarding the situation in Nigeria, which it has framed as an issue of religious persecution against Christians. In November, the U.S. State Department officially updated its designation for Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern," which took place days after Trump threatened U.S. military action and an end to U.S. aid in the country over the treatment of Christians there. U.S. surveillance flights have reportedly been taking place over Nigeria since late November. Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department announced that the United States will restrict visas for Nigerians who have participated in or supported violations of religious freedom, a restriction that could also apply to family members. Nigerian officials framed the strikes differently, emphasizing counterterrorism over religion, with Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar calling it a "joint operation" planned for some time using Nigerian intelligence, insisting it "has nothing to do with a particular religion." Information Minister Mohammed Idris described the targets as ISIS enclaves used for planning large-scale attacks. Anti-Christian persecution advocates have repeatedly raised concerns about the level of violence in Nigeria. Open Doors, a global Christian persecution watchdog, has warned in recent years that more Christians are killed in Nigeria for their faith each year than in all other countries combined. According to the organization's annual World Watch List research, 3,100 of the 4,476 Christians killed worldwide for their faith last year were in Nigeria alone. Nigeria also leads the world in Christians abducted for their faith, with 2,830 out of 3,775 worldwide, according to the nonprofit. The situation Christians face in Nigeria has drawn international attention, including from figures such as rapper Nicki Minaj, who addressed the United Nations in November after using her platform to speak out regarding her concerns about Christian persecution in Nigeria. Home Opinion Tucker Carlson and bad theology go hand-in-hand Since Fox News exiled Tucker Carlson, he claims to have found the light. He says hes read the Bible for the first time. Normally, Christians would rejoice, like the angels, at one podcaster repenting. But rather than bearing good fruit, hes been issuing pronouncements, weaponizing Christian theology against Israel and the USA, punctuated by his trademark, Thats just true! Period! But his cage-stage piety quickly led him to espouse conservative and Christian heterodoxy. We could declare his new doctrine heresy, if only his dogma were serious enough to be worthy of that red stamp. If only. The reality of corporate guilt Chief among Tuckers new dogmas is that Christianity opposes collective punishment. Tuckers core claim is that guilt is always individual and, thus, so should the consequences of sins be. He preaches that any sense of group identity or blood guilt is evil perhaps the ultimate evil. But it isnt, not absolutely. Sure, Christianity, when applied to civil justice, opposes individuals being intentionally punished for the specific sins of others. But it also holds that before God no one except the Son is truly innocent, because we all inherit the blood guilt of our first parents. This concept is famously refined in the doctrine of Original Sin. As promulgated by Augustine, based on Romans 5:12-21, and formally affirmed by the Second Council of Orange (529 AD), humanity is subject to the ultimate collective punishment: the inherited guilt and mortality of Adams transgression. Augustine called this the massa damnata the mass of perdition, a humanity collectively lost without grace. Puritans learned this with their alphabet: In Adam's fall, We sinned all. Original Sin, even if bewildering to modern individualists, is a (small-c) catholic Christian doctrine shared by all major branches of Christianity: Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant. It is an essential Christian beliefone Tucker seems unaware of. The error of modern Pelagianism By rejecting collective guilt, Tucker aligns himself not with orthodoxy, but with the ancient heresy of Pelagius, who insisted Adams sin was merely a bad example, not a corporate curse. Pelagius was condemned for denying that we required Gods grace for salvation, even from conception, because he believed that human beings inherited no corruption or guilt from Adam. Each of us is our own rugged individualist. Tuckers theology, like Pelagius, is radically individualistic. By denying our collective plight, he unwittingly denies the collective cure: the atonement, in which the Son paid for the sins of the whole body of the Church, what, in theology, is called federal headship, in which one person acts as a representative for a whole group. Adam acted as the head of all those born from Him (everyone except Christ); Christ acted as the head of all His people. That is, just as there is, indeed, corporate guilt for the sins of the first Adam, there is also corporate salvation (for the Body of Christ) because of the last Adam. Scriptures corporate lenses Scripture frequently sees people corporately as part of bodies. This biblical corporateness isn't confined to the pews or the pages of Romans. It spills over into the messy, tragic reality of geopolitics. If we are part of a mass of perdition spiritually, we are also part of national bodies that face collective consequences, like the Great Flood, the incineration of Sodom, and the plagues of Egypt, which were all divine collective judgments where the (relatively) innocent suffered alongside the guilty. Prophets frequently denounced national sins. Yes, Ezekiel 18:20 insists the son shall not die for the father's sin a vital civil-law principle. But Tucker turns a courtroom procedural into a geopolitical absolute. Yet Scripture defies Tuckers absolutism. Tuckers theology collapses when it hits Just War Theory. He attempts to take a vital principle of civil law that a son shouldn't be executed for his fathers crimes and turns it into a geopolitical absolute that would render any national defense impossible. By insisting that any action resulting in "collective punishment" is inherently un-Christian, he ignores centuries of theological wisdom regarding how a fallen world must be restrained. The complexity of just war Tuckers (implied) claim that opposition to collective punishment is inherent to jus in bello (justice in war) is true, to a degree. Non-combatant immunity holds that intentional, indiscriminate attacks against non-combatants (so-called civilians) are immoral. The principle still holds, but the application has changed. Ancient war was hand-to-hand; modern war is kinetic. Ancients had to intentionally target non-combatants. Modern warfare, with its devastating weapons, is inherently collective. Augustine and other Just War philosophers taught that war could be, in part, an instrument of retributive justice: Punishment Theory. An aggrieved state could wage a just war to punish its attackers. When Al-Qaeda murdered about 3,000 Americans, the USA was the aggrieved state. It could justly invade the nation that hosted its attackers. In so doing, the USA would likely, though inadvertently, harm or even kill people who took no part in the terrorist attack. Inevitably, there will be collateral damage, that hideous euphemistic label. Its tragic. Its horrible. But its a just war, nonetheless. This inherently allowed a degree of collective punishment, despite all Tuckers this is just true, period! claims to the contrary. Tuckers dogma would lead to total pacifism if applied consistently. In his world of theory, we would not be allowed to retaliate, not even for 9-11 because its collective punishment. Would we deploy social workers, going door-to-door among the Taliban to counsel them on their support for terrorism? Of course, the enemy will have no such reservations, and the alternatives will be bloodier. Tucker never gets into the nuances of theological jus in bello or the real-life choices of war. Hes been too busy chumming it up with pimps, fake historians, and neo-Nazi Stalin fans. Such is the depth of Tuckers moral musings. Despite Tuckers pious pronouncements, Christian theology has an element of corporateness, and it is much more complicated than his ill-thought-through truisms suggest. Tuckers selective denunciations of collective punishment appear not to be the product of thought at all. Tuckers sloganeering is a childs pining for a fantasy world where only the bad guys in black hats catch the bullets. Heresy is usually truth out of balance. Calling Tuckers musings heresy gives them too much credit. His radical individualism likely just a cynical vehicle to condemn Israelis simply bad theology. Thats just true. Period. Recently appointed NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman on Friday told CNBC that the U.S. will return to the moon within President Donald Trump's second term. Isaacman, a close ally of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, told CNBC's "Closing Bell Overtime" that Trump's recommitment to exploring the moon is key to unlocking the "orbital economy." "We want to have that opportunity to explore and realize the scientific, economic and national security potential on the moon," he said. Isaacman's comments on Friday were some of his first public remarks since being confirmed to his position by the Senate last week, after a long saga throughout 2025. Trump initially nominated Isaacman for the NASA head role in December 2024, but the president abruptly pulled his pick in May due to Isaacman's "prior associations." Although Trump did not specify what those were, some have suggested that it was related to Isaacman's close ties with Musk, with whom Trump had a heated feud over the summer. In November, Trump renominated Isaacman, who was an entrepreneur and became a civilian astronaut after commanding an orbital mission aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft in 2021. Lunar opportunities include establishing space data centers and infrastructure, as well as potentially mining Helium-3, a rare gas embedded in the moon's surface that could become a major fuel for fusion power, Isaacman said. He added that after building a "moon base," NASA will look into making investments in nuclear power and space nuclear propulsion to further exploration. NASA is currently working with various contractors including SpaceX, Jeff Bezo's Blue Origin and Boeing , to participate in its Artemis campaign, a moon exploration program that also aims to prepare for Mars missions. The campaign was propelled after Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act allocated $9.9 billion to NASA earlier this year. The Artemis II mission, NASA's first test flight with crew aboard the Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft, is expected to take off in the near future, Isaacman said. The expedition will be followed up with the Artemis III mission, which SpaceX is contracted to build the lunar landing system for. SpaceX and Blue Origin are refining heavy lift launch vehicles with on-orbit cryogenic propeller transfer to become more readily reusable, he added. "That's what's going to enable us to be able to go to and from the moon affordably, with great frequency, and set up for missions to Mars and beyond," Isaacman said. Europe stands at a crossroads: compete meaningfully in the AI race or stick to its world-leading climate goals. "It's like a fork in the road moment for Europe," Wedbush Securities' Dan Ives told CNBC. The bloc can either "play in the future" or risk "missing a big part of this technology wave." The dilemma is compounded by the region's mandates for green energy. Globally, energy is the biggest bottleneck for building out AI-related data center projects. While the U.S. fires up fossil-fuel plants to power its build-out, Europe requires developers to disclose energy and water efficiency measures, adding red tape that can slow project launches. The European Union is often celebrated for its suite of agenda-setting environmental policies and how it has made strides with new mechanisms, such as the forthcoming carbon border tax. However, some critics argue it gets in the way of business. The continent is seen as "anti-entrepreneur," Ives said, which pushes European technology names and startups to move to the U.S., Middle East, or Asia in pursuit of more favorable policies. As Europe attempts to catch up in the AI race, the need for power-hungry infrastructure increases, demand for electricity surges and that friction has become harder to ignore. Additional renewable energy capacity was intended to replace more polluting sources, but there are now concerns that this will play out differently. "You can see in the U.K. that we're already rowing back on some of our commitments," Paul Jackson, regional Global Market Strategist at Invesco, told CNBC and Europe will likely follow suit. watch now "This is a fairly regular process that when times are good, it's easy to persuade individuals, businesses, governments, to move in the right direction on things like climate change, and to take some of the cost associated with doing that," Jackson said. However, pushing the climate agenda down the priority list is one of the easiest things legislators can do when faced with tougher times and competing interests, he added. The U.K.'s energy grid is free of coal, which is significantly dirtier than gas Europe's, however, is not. "I'm worried that, at a certain stage, coal power plant closures might get actually postponed," Jags Walia, head of global listed infrastructure at Van Lanschot Kempen, told CNBC. Taking fossil fuels offline as renewables come online works when energy demand is flat, but that's no longer the case, he said. Data centers also require constant connection, so the intermittency of wind and solar could prove tricky. "Electricity wise, we might not be able to afford to close down coal power plants, which is going to be a real headache for the energy transition and energy security as well," Walia said. Over the course of the year, Europe has rolled back a number of environmental commitments. On Dec. 16, the EU watered down its effective ban on new combustion-engine cars from 2035. On Dec. 9. it approved a one-year delay to the implementation of a fresh EU emissions trading system for buildings, road transport and small industries though simultaneously committed to slashing emissions by 90% by 2040. Earlier this year, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDDD) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting (CSRD) directives were also narrowed and pushed back. A 'pragmatic' approach Some have welcomed the moves as much-needed pragmatism rather than a retreat. "We are always at the edge of navigating into a position where it becomes so unattractive to be present in Europe that it doesn't make sense anymore. And on the other hand, a lot of the regulation is direly needed," Nick de la Forge, a general partner at venture capital fund Planet A Ventures, which backs climate-related technology startups, told CNBC's "Europe Early Edition" on Dec. 11. "And luckily, what we are seeing is a pretty healthy revamp." The reshaping of directives, including the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), which is currently undergoing review, is "quite pragmatic, and we think that's an improvement," De la Forge said. AI advocates tout the technology's ability to make energy systems more efficient and boost sustainability, positioning it as both a problem and solution to intensifying demands on the grid, and perhaps making it worth the investment. watch now "As AI rapidly advances, its potential to strengthen Europe's energy resilience and accelerate the clean transition is becoming increasingly clear. At the same time, the growing electricity needs of AI technologies call for smart, forward-looking planning," a European Commission spokesperson told CNBC. They added that the economic bloc "is fully prepared to seize these opportunities while safeguarding the stability and reliability of Europe's energy system." The Commission did not specifically address questions asked by CNBC around a rollback of sustainability legislation as a result of its AI push, or how it plans to meet the new legally binding target. Instead, a spokesperson for the bloc referred to the region's preparations for a roadmap for the use of AI in the energy sector, in line with its broader Apply AI Strategy, which was designed to fast-track the deployment of the tech. 'We're sort of toast' If policymakers hold tight on sustainability requirements, AI infrastructure developers may instead offset their emissions with carbon credits or renewable energy certificates. One credit represents the removal of one metric ton of carbon dioxide, or the prevention of one metric ton from entering the atmosphere. AI hyperscalers "do still have their headline decarbonization target" but are turning to such measures to meet them, according to Jim Wright, manager of the Premier Miton Global Infrastructure Income Fund. "Because, in reality, they will use some gas, and they may even use some coal," he said, referring to variations in the makeup of energy grids. QTS's data center in Cambois, North East of England When the U.K. announced its AI Opportunities Action Plan a grand blueprint to deploy the tech across society in January, Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared the strategy would make the country an "AI superpower." One of the key pillars of this plan was a rapid buildout of data centres capable of providing the huge compute requirements for the rollout of AI. This would be driven by "AI growth zones" designated areas with relaxed planning permission and improved access to power. Nearly one year on, and Nvidia , Microsoft , and Google have all committed billions of dollars to AI infrastructure in the country. Four AI growth zones have been unveiled, and homegrown startups like Nscale have emerged as key players in the space. But critics point to heavily restricted access to energy via the national grid and slow-moving buildouts as signs the country is at risk of lagging further behind global rivals in the AI race. "Ambition and delivery are not yet aligned," Ben Pritchard, CEO of data center power supplier AVK, told CNBC. "Growth has been held back largely by constraints around power availability. Grid bottlenecks, in particular, have slowed the pace of development and mean the U.K. is not yet deploying infrastructure quickly enough to keep pace with global competitors." Grid connection delays It is still early days in the U.K.'s AI infrastructure buildout as AI growth zones are currently in their initial phases of development. A site in Oxfordshire, the first to be announced in February, has yet to begin building work and is still considering delivery partner proposals. Ground preparation work has begun at one in the North East of England, announced in September, with formal building beginning early 2026. Two more sites, in North and South Wales were unveiled in November. The former is searching for an investment partner, which the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSIT) told CNBC it expects to be confirmed in the coming months. The latter is made up of a cluster of sites, some of which are already operational with additional construction work to be done on others, DSIT said. watch now The U.K. government said in July it was targeting a core group of AI growth zones serving at least 500 megawatts of demand by 2030, with at least one scaling to more than one gigawatt by that time. But the most serious challenge to realising those ambitions is the U.K.'s limited grid capacity, said Pritchard. "Developers expect grid connection delays of eight to ten years, and the volume of outstanding connection requests, especially around London, is unprecedented," he told CNBC. AI workloads are also "dramatically increasing energy demand" as businesses and consumers begin to use the tech, putting additional pressure on a stretched energy system, Pritchard added. "They are no longer isolated risks; they are actively slowing down or blocking developments across the country." The open call for applications for the AI growth zone initiative created a situation where landowners with pylons or powercables running across their land applied for the designation, said Kao Data's Spencer Lamb. "This resulted in the national grid being inundated with power grid applications from speculative sources," with no realistic chance of success, he told CNBC. Laying the groundwork The National Energy System Operator (Neso) The U.K.'s public body responsible for managing the national grid has made moves to fix the situation. Earlier this month it announced plans to prioritise hundreds of projects for faster access to the grid. Neso declined to comment on whether AI infrastructure projects were among those prioritised when asked by CNBC, but did say a significant portion were data centers. There have also been big money commitments from tech giants, many of which were paraded by the U.K. government in September. Microsoft, Nvidia, Google, OpenAI, CoreWeave and others announced billions of dollars of AI investment during U.S. President Donald Trump's state visit, which involved plans to deploy the latest chips in the country and open new data centers. Homegrown startup Nscale, which provides access to AI compute and is building data centers, also announced deals to deploy tens of thousands of Nvidia chips at an AI factory just outside London by early 2027. Nvidia GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip is displayed at the company's GTC conference in San Jose, California, on March 19, 2025. Max A. Cherney | Reuters "Investment from major private players has laid important groundwork," Puneet Gupta, general manager for the U.K. and Ireland at data infrastructure company NetApp, told CNBC. "Momentum is also building around national research supercomputers and plans for new compute capacity, with commitments to build AI 'gigafactories' in the UK." But the "real test" will be how quickly those plans translate into usable compute for U.K. organisations, said Gupta. Avoiding an AI infrastructure 'sugar rush' The long-term success of the country's AI infrastructure buildout will require it to invest in the "full stack," including data pipelines, storage, energy sourcing, security, talent and skills, Stuart Abbott, U.K. and Ireland's managing director at AI infrastructure company VAST Data, told CNBC. "If the UK wants this to be durable rather than a one-year sugar rush, it has to treat AI infrastructure like economic infrastructure." Stuart Abbott U.K. and Ireland's managing director at AI infrastructure company VAST Data That means "developing an operational fabric that lets real institutions deploy AI safely at scale," he added. "If the UK wants this to be durable rather than a one-year sugar rush, it has to treat AI infrastructure like economic infrastructure." The challenges are significant. The value of data center deals in Europe pales in comparison to sums funneled into projects in the U.S. The U.K. also currently has the costliest energy in Europe, which is around 75% higher than before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and legacy grid infrastructure which can take many years to connect to new sites. People take shelter at a metro station during Russian air attacks in Kyiv on December 27, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine's air force announced a countrywide air alert and said drones and missiles were moving over several regions including Kyiv. (Photo by Serhii Okunev / AFP via Getty Images) Serhii Okunev | Afp | Getty Images Russia attacked Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine with hundreds of missiles and drones on Saturday, ahead of what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said would be a crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to work out a plan to end nearly four years of war. Zelenskyy cast the vast overnight attack, which he said involved about 500 drones and 40 missiles and which knocked out power and heat in parts of the capital, as Russia's response to the ongoing peace efforts brokered by Washington. The Ukrainian leader has said Sunday's talks in Florida would focus on security guarantees and territorial control once fighting ends in Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two, started by Russia's 2022 invasion of its smaller neighbour. The attack continued throughout the morning, with a nearly 10-hour air-raid alert in the capital. Authorities said two people were killed in Kyiv and the surrounding region, while at least 46 people were wounded, including two children. "Today, Russia demonstrated how it responds to peaceful negotiations between Ukraine and the United States to end Russia's war against Ukraine," Zelenskyy told reporters. In Russia, air defence forces shot down eight drones headed for Moscow, the city's mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Saturday. Thousands of homes without heat Explosions echoed across Kyiv from the early hours on Saturday as Ukraine's air defence units went into action. The air force said Russian drones were targeting the capital and regions in the northeast and south. State grid operator Ukrenergo said energy facilities across Ukraine were struck, and emergency power cuts had been implemented across the capital. watch now DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company, said the attack had left more than a million households in and around Kyiv without power, 750,000 of which remained disconnected by the afternoon. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said over 40% of residential buildings in Kyiv were left without heat as temperatures hovered around 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday. Territorial control: A diplomatic stumbling block On the way to meeting Trump in Florida, Zelenskyy stopped in Canada's Halifax to meet Prime Minister Mark Carney, after which they planned to hold a call with European leaders. In a brief statement with Zelenskyy by his side, Carney noted that peace "requires a willing Russia." "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," he said, announcing 2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.83 billion) in additional economic aid to Ukraine. Territory and the future of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant remain the main diplomatic stumbling blocks, though Zelenskyy told journalists in Kyiv on Friday that a 20-point draft document the cornerstone of a U.S. push to clinch a peace deal is 90% complete. He said the shape of U.S. security guarantees was crucial, and these would depend on Trump, and "what he is ready to give, when he is ready to give it, and for how long." Zelenskyy told Axios earlier this week that the U.S. had offered a 15-year deal on security guarantees, subject to renewal, but Kyiv wanted a longer agreement with legally binding provisions to guard against further Russian aggression. Trump said the United States was the driving force behind the process. "He doesn't have anything until I approve it," Trump told Politico. "So we'll see what he's got." watch now Trump said he believed Sunday's meeting would go well. He also said he expected to speak with Putin "soon, as much as I want." Fate of Donetsk is key PAILIN PROVINCE, CAMBODIA - DECEMBER 27: The Ban Pakkad Border Checkpoint between Thailand and Cambodia, which is near where the ceasefire talks take place, in Pailin Province, Cambodia, on December 27, 2025. The ceasefire talks between Thai and Cambodian defence officials take place in Pong Nam Ron district of Chanthaburi province in Thailand, near the Ban Pakkad Border Checkpoint. The ceasefire is expected to take effect today Dec. 27. (Photo by Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images Thailand and Cambodia ended weeks of fierce border clashes on Saturday with a second ceasefire in recent months in the worst fighting in years between the Southeast Asian nations. The ceasefire was holding, a Thai Defence Ministry spokesperson, Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, told Reuters about two hours after it went into effect at noon (0500 GMT). "So far there's been no report of gunfire," he said. Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence did not report any clashes after what it said had been a Thai airstrike early on Saturday before the ceasefire announcement. The agreement, signed by Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha, ended 20 days of fighting that killed at least 101 people and displaced more than half a million on both sides and included fighter-jet sorties, exchanges of rocket fire and artillery barrages. ASEAN to minitor truce, bilateral talks to continue The clashes were reignited early this month after a breakdown in a ceasefire that U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had helped broker to halt a previous round of fighting. "Both sides agree to maintain current troop deployments without further movement," the ministers said in a joint statement on the ceasefire. "Any reinforcement would heighten tensions and negatively affect long-term efforts to resolve the situation," according to the statement released on social media by Cambodia. A person walks past the closed Ban Klong Luk border crossing from Thailand to Cambodia, in Aranyaprathet town in the Thai border province of Sa Kaeo on December 12, 2025. Lillian Suwanrumpha | Afp | Getty Images Cambodia's top diplomat, Prak Sokhonn, and his Thai counterpart, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in China's Yunnan province on Sunday and Monday to discuss the border situation, according to a statement from Cambodian foreign ministry and a Thai official. For more than a century, Thailand and Cambodia have contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817-km (508-mile) land border - a dispute that has occasionally exploded into skirmishes and fighting. The new ceasefire will be monitored by an observer team from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc as well as direct coordination between both countries, Natthaphon said. "At the same time, at the policy level, there will be direct communication between the minister of defence and chief of the armed forces of both sides," he told reporters. Civilians to return, demarcation efforts unaffected Tensions between the two neighbours came to a head in July, when they clashed for five days along some parts of the frontier, leaving at least 48 people dead and 300,000 displaced before Trump intervened to bring about a truce. That ceasefire broke down in early December with each side accusing the other of moves that led to clashes. Anwar, currently the ASEAN chair, and Trump had been unable to stitch together another ceasefire, as fighting spread from forested regions near Laos to the coastal provinces on the Gulf of Thailand. A Thai soldier wounded by gunfire from Cambodian soldiers is taken to hospital by helicopter for medical treatment in Thailand on Dec. 8, 2025. The Royal Thai Army | Handout | Anadolu | Getty Images Moscow is likely stationing new nuclear-capable hypersonic ballistic missiles at a former airbase in eastern Belarus, a development that could bolster Russias ability to deliver missiles across Europe, two US researchers have found by studying satellite imagery.The researchers' assessment broadly aligns with US intelligence findings, said a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share information not authorized for public release.Russian President Vladimir Putin has made clear his intention to place intermediate-range Oreshnik missiles, with an estimated range of up to 3,400 miles (5,500 km), in Belarus, but the exact location has not been previously reported.Deployment of the Oreshnik would underscore the Kremlins growing reliance on the threat of nuclear weapons as it seeks to deter NATO members from supplying Kyiv with weapons that can strike deep inside Russia, some experts said.The Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The Belarus Embassy declined to comment. The state-run Belta news agency quoted Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin on Wednesday, December 25,as saying that the Oreshniks deployment would not alter the balance of power in Europe and was our response to the Wests aggressive actions.The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment and the CIA declined to comment.Researchers Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, in California, and Decker Eveleth of the CNA research and analysis organization in Virginia, said they based their finding regarding the deployment of Oreshniks on imagery from Planet Labs, a commercial satellite firm, that showed features consistent with a Russian strategic missile base.Lewis and Eveleth said they were 90 percent certain that mobile Oreshnik launchers would be stationed at the former airbase near Krichev, some 190 miles (307 km) east of the Belarus capital of Minsk, and 300 miles (478 km) southwest of Moscow.Moscow tested a conventionally armed Oreshnik Russian for Hazel tree - against a target in Ukraine in November 2024. Putin boasts that it's impossible to intercept because of velocities reportedly exceeding Mach 10.Putin plans to deploy the weapon in Belarus to extend its range further into Europe, said John Foreman, an expert with the Chatham House who served as a British defense attache in Moscow and Kyiv.Foreman said he also sees such a move as a reaction to the planned stationing in Germany next year by the U.S. of conventional missiles that include the intermediate-range hypersonic Dark Eagle.The Oreshniks deployment would come with only weeks left before the expiration of 2010 New START pact, the last U.S.-Russia treaty limiting deployments of strategic nuclear weapons by the worlds biggest nuclear powers.Putin said after a December 2024 meeting with his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko, that the Oreshnik could be stationed in Belarus in the second half of this year - part of a revised strategy in which Moscow is basing nuclear weapons outside its territory for the first time since the Cold War.Lukashenko last week said that the first missiles had been deployed without mentioning a location.Lukashenko said up to 10 Oreshniks would be based in Belarus. The American researchers assessed that the site is large enough to accommodate only three launchers and that others may be based at another location.US President Donald Trump works to reach a deal with Moscow to end its war in Ukraine, which has been urging its Western allies to send weapons that can reach deep inside Russia.Trump for now has rejected Kyivs request for Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of striking Moscow. Britain and France have supplied cruise missiles to Ukraine. Germany in May announced it will co-produce long-range missiles with Ukraine with no limits on their range or targeting.The American researchers said reviews of the Planet Labs imagery revealed a hurried construction project that began between August 4-12 and showed features consistent with those of a Russian strategic missile base.One dead giveaway in a November 19 photo is a military-grade rail transfer point enclosed by a security fence to which missiles, their mobile launchers and other components could be delivered by train, said Eveleth.Another feature, said Lewis, is the pouring at the end of the runway of a concrete pad that then was covered with earth that he called consistent with a camouflaged launch point.Pavel Podvig, a Geneva-based expert on Russias nuclear forces, said he was skeptical deploying the Oreshnik would provide Moscow with any additional military or political advantages other than reassuring Belarus of its protection.I dont see how this would be seen in the West...as kind of different from these being deployed in Russia, he said.But Lewis said deploying the Oreshnik in Belarus underscored how Russias stationing of nuclear weapons outside its territory sent a political message of its increased reliance on them.Can you imagine if we put a nuclear-armed Tomahawk (cruise missile) in Germany instead of just the conventional ones? Lewis said. There is no military reason to put the system in Belarus, only political ones. A cure for Alzheimer's disease could be possible - and life-changing treatments may emerge within the next five to ten years, researchers suggest. Speaking on the Today programme on Friday during Sir James Dyson's guest editorship, scientists said advances in dementia research mean the disease could ultimately be treated, prevented and potentially cured. Almost one million people in the UK are living with dementia, the majority with Alzheimer's disease - and numbers are expected to rise significantly over the next decade. The Daily Mail is running the Defeating Dementia campaign with the Alzheimer's Society, to raise awareness and support treatment for the disease. Until recently, treatment options have been limited, focused on easing symptoms. Scientists at the University of Edinburgh told the BBC it should be possible to go further in future - stopping Alzheimer's from progressing, preventing it from starting, and, over a longer timeframe, curing those who have begun to develop symptoms. Dr Claire 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. However, experts cautioned that the brain's complexity means certainty will depend on the results of future clinical trials. During the show, the BBC were granted access to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where doctors were removing a tumour during brain surgery. Dr Claire Durrant (left, pictured with the Duchess of Edinburgh) said there is now genuine optimism about finding a cure for Alzheimer's Everyone experiences dementia differently. Use this checklist to help you make a note of your symptoms before you talk to your GP. Symptom Checklist 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. 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 and kept alive using oxygenated fluid and specialised equipment. Dr Durrant and her team can then expose the brain tissue to toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer's, 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. '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,' Dr Durrant said. 'I'm really hopeful that we'll see meaningful change in my lifetime.' That optimism is shared by Professor Tara Spires-Jones, 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 we should be able to prevent dementia entirely and hopefully we'll get to a cure.' A cure for Alzheimer's disease could be possible - and life-changing treatments may emerge within the next five to ten years, researchers suggest (stock image) 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 disease-modifying drugs - which slow progression rather than simply treating symptoms - has changed the culture of dementia research. Professor Spires-Jones said: '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 and Research Officer at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'Most of us know someone affected by the diseases that cause dementia. 'It's often felt like there's been little hope, but that's 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 to 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.' The Princess of Wales is often seen with a dazzling brooch winking on her lapel, while the new head of MI6 recently turned heads with a bejewelled bug as she delivered her maiden speech. Blaise Metreweli, 48, the Secret Intelligence Service's first-ever female chief added a playful touch to her sombre black dress, and even gave a fun nod to Miss Moneypenny, who wore a gold and turquoise insect brooch in the films On Her Majestys Secret Service and Octopussy. She has previously admitted that her choice of brooches tends to make people nervous during meetings, as they wonder whether the accessories might secretly double as surveillance devices. Ms Metreweli has surely happened upon the cleverest way to sport a decorative pin - but for the rest of us, how do you wear a brooch without looking a little, well, dated? Brooches may well be back in fashion with everyone from Michelle Yeoh to even male stars like Harry Style and Paul Mescal wearing glittering pins on the red carpet. However, it's an accessory many will associate with their grandmother's jewellery box and they don't have a clue where to start. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Justin Daughters - Managing Director at vintage jewellers Berganza - has revealed how to make a brooch feel fun and age appropriate, without looking overly serious or dated. He encourages nervous first-time wearers to experiment with a pinned clasp at the waist or neck, rather than the traditional lapel. 'The brooch has made a dazzling return, moving well beyond its traditional place on the jacket lapel to become one of the most expressive and versatile accessories in modern fashion,' he said. 'Today, it's less about formality and more about individuality. The secret to wearing a brooch without looking frumpy lies in two things: unexpected placement and contemporary contrast.' Read on for Justin's tricks on how to confidently make the brooch a statement accessory, rather than leaving it to gather dust in the jewellery box... This week the head of MI6 sparked 'Miss Moneypenny' comparisons when she wore a dazzling bug-shaped brooch during a televised address - but now a jewellery expert has revealed how you can wear the accessory in a way that's less 007 and more chic THINK BEYOND THE LAPEL 'Modern styling is all about reimagining where and how a brooch is worn,' Justin said. 'One of the most fashion-forward approaches is the clustered lapel, grouping an odd number of brooches, perhaps three or five, on a single lapel of a tailored blazer or coat.' Think Billy Porter stacking floral pins at the 2019 Golden Globes - to accentuate the embroidery of his jacket - or Michael B Jordan decorating his suit with not one but two Tiffany bird brooches at the Oscars in 2023. Justin added: 'Mixing different sizes, textures and eras, such as pairing an Art Deco jewel with a sleek modern pin, creates a deliberate, editorial look that feels confident rather than conservative.' Think Billy Porter stacking floral pins at the 2019 Golden Globes - to accentuate the embroidery of his jacket - or Michael B Jordan decorating his suit with not one but two Tiffany bird brooches at the Oscars in 2023 USE THE BROOCH AS A CINCH Chanel stars like Janelle Monae - who's fond of a brooch to centre high-neck looks, a practice also taken up by Colman Domingo, who adorned his bowtie with a David Yurman diamond starburst brooch at last years Oscars. At that same event, Barbie actor Simu Liu fastened his blazer with a diamond pin from De Beers. 'Another elegant option is to use a brooch as a cinch,' Justin explained. 'Fastening a statement piece at the waist of a minimalist dress or heavy-knit cardigan creates shape and transforms a simple silhouette into something that feels bespoke and designer-led. 'For those who favour clean lines, pinning a large brooch at the centre of a high-neck blouse or turtleneck can replace a necklace entirely, drawing the eye upwards and adding instant sophistication. 'A brooch also works beautifully as a scarf anchor used to secure a silk scarf draped over one shoulder, it becomes both functional and refined, framing the face with sparkle.' Barbie actor Simu Liu fastened his blazer with a diamond pin from De Beers at the Oscars in 2024 Chanel stars like Janelle Monae - who's fond of a brooch to centre high-neck looks, a practice also taken up by Colman Domingo, who adorned his bowtie with a David Yurman diamond starburst brooch at last years Oscars CONTRAST IS KEY A brooch is also an excellent way to introduce a new colour to your ensemble without overwhelming it. For inspiration, look to the likes of Timothee Chalamet who matched his black blazer with a white rose-shaped pin for his red carpet debut with girlfriend Kylie Jenner at the 70th annual David Di Donatello Awards in Italy, in May of this year. Elsewhere at the 2023 Oscars, Paul Mescal added a dramatic pop of scarlet with a flower pin to spruce up his white tux. 'Contrast is key,' Justin said. 'The quickest way to stop a brooch looking old-fashioned is to pair it with modern wardrobe staples. 'A vintage or diamond brooch pinned to a denim jacket or crisp white shirt creates an intentional contrast between luxury and everyday dressing. This tension is what makes the look feel current. 'Monochrome outfits are especially effective: black, navy or cream provide a clean canvas that allows a colourful or glittering brooch to stand out without overwhelming the outfit.' For inspiration, look to the likes of Timothee Chalamet who matched his black blazer with a white rose-shaped pin for his red carpet debut with girlfriend Kylie Jenner at the 70th annual David Di Donatello Awards in Italy, in May of this year Elsewhere at the 2023 Oscars, Paul Mescal added a dramatic pop of scarlet with a flower pin to spruce up his white tux AVOID OVER-ACCESSORISING A brooch can itself be a statement piece - so Justin says it's important not to overwhelm your whole outfit with jewels. Keke Palmer knew how to nail this look to a T, keeping her neckline bare as she pinned a golden bee clasp onto a simple Balmain shirt dress at the Annual American Black Film Festival Honors in Los Angeles in February. It's a practice well known by royalty too, most especially the Princess of Wales. Kate is a pro at letting her brooches serve as the perfect subtle accessory that doesn't get drowned in other glitz. While the US President was visiting earlier this year, Prince William's wife accessorised her burgundy Emilia Wickstead coatdress with the Queen Alexandra Three-Feather brooch, which once belonged to the late Princess Diana. 'It's important to avoid over-accessorising,' Justin shared. 'If a brooch is making a statement, let it do the talking. 'Skip bold necklaces and keep other jewellery minimal, simple stud earrings or a single ring will ensure the look feels considered rather than cluttered.' Keke Palmer knew how to nail this look to a T, keeping her neckline bare as she pinned a golden bee clasp onto a simple Balmain shirt dress at the Annual American Black Film Festival Honors in Los Angeles in February It's a practice well known by royalty too, most especially the Princess of Wales. Kate is a pro at letting her brooches serve as the perfect subtle accessory that doesn't get drowned in other glitz EMBRACE CREATIVITY Adrien Brody wore a huge eagle-shaped diamond brooch at the Met Gala, while Michelle Yeoh's feather-shaped pin at the 2024 Oscars was bespeckled in brown and green hues. Needless to say, there is no right answer to how you can experiment with the accessory. 'Embrace creativity,' Justin urged. 'Brooches are no longer confined to clothing alone. Pinning one onto a structured handbag, tote strap or clutch instantly personalises an otherwise plain accessory. 'Smaller, lighter brooches can be worn in the hair attached to a velvet headband, hair clip or tucked into an elegant updo for evening. 'For the truly adventurous, a discreet brooch on the strap of a pump or even on trainer laces offers a subtle, fashion-insider twist.' Adrien Brody wore a huge eagle-shaped diamond brooch at the Met Gala, accentuating his simple tux When it comes to tax-efficient financial planning, paying attention to what the very wealthy do can reap rewards. Those with complicated tax affairs and financial advisers on hand know how to maximise their tax allowances and make use of valuable loopholes. These strategies will become even more important next year as new levies are introduced, existing allowances are reduced and growing numbers of taxpayers see their bills rise thanks to frozen thresholds. Millions are likely to see the amount they take home every month reduced unless they act. Alex Pugh, a chartered financial planner at wealth manager Saltus, says: We are seeing a clear shift in behaviour among high-net-worth families. They are becoming more proactive and taking steps earlier. Here are seven things the rich will be doing with their wealth in 2026 and what you can learn from their strategies, however much you have. Maxing out pensions Those who pay into a workplace pension through salary sacrifice will be badly hit by changes made in last months Budget but have three years to squirrel away as much as possible before the new rules come into effect in April 2029. This gives people time to think around their options, says Brian Dennehy, managing director of Dennehy Wealth. And David Little, of wealth manager Evelyn Partners, has seen a spike in enquiries about carry-forward rules, which allow savers to contribute to their pension any unused allowance (up to 60,000) from the previous three tax years. Those with complicated tax affairs and financial advisers on hand that is, the wealthy know how to maximise their tax allowances and make use of valuable loopholes Investing Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the City will be on a drive to get Britain investing in 2026. Some 4.1million stocks and shares Isas were opened last year, according to the Office for National Statistics, with some 3.1 billion invested in the accounts about 11 per cent more than the previous year. But wealthy savers are already well aware that investing in the stock market has historically been a far more effective way to grow their money than leaving it in cash. Investment platform Interactive Investor says Isa millionaires (those with at least 1million in an Isa) invest on average 41 per cent of their money in investment trusts, 35 per cent in equities and 13 per cent in funds. They have on average just 5 per cent in cash. This combination is not necessarily the key to success for all investors, however. Having a range of investments tends to make sense for most, so you dont have all of your eggs in one basket. Among the most held investments are Scottish Mortgage the trust known for backing early stage tech firms and the shares of oil giant Shell, pharma business GSK and Lloyds Banking Group. Utilising start-ups Alex Pugh of Saltus says high-net-worth families are taking steps earlier The Government has historically rewarded investors willing to take the extra risk of backing fledgling businesses with hefty tax breaks, but these are getting less generous. Investors can put up to 200,000 a year in a Venture Capital Trust (VCT) a specialist type of investment fund which supports selected early stage companies and get 30 per cent tax relief on their investment, as well as tax-free gains and dividends. From April 2026, the remit of VCTs and Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) a similar scheme where you instead invest directly into individual companies will widen, allowing more to be invested in growing companies. The tax relief on VCT investments will be slashed from 30 per cent to 20 per cent in April, however, making them less appealing. Following expected bumper investments into VCTs, Alex Davies, of Wealth Club, thinks the focus will shift to Seed Enterprise Investment Schemes (SEIS). They offers up to 50 per cent income tax relief, he explains. These are high-risk investments, however, and should only be considered by those who can afford to lose the capital they put in. Gifting Bereaved families are expected to pay a record level of inheritance tax in 2026. The amount hit a new high of 8.2 billion in 2024-25. Estate planning is now a top priority for anyone whose wealth exceeds the threshold at which an estate becomes liable (325,000 for an individual, with an additional 175,000 for a main residence passed to a direct descendent). Expert Brian Dennehy says the tendency for parents to make lifetime gifts will only grow The tendency for parents to make lifetime gifts is now likely to accelerate, says Dennehy. The Bank of Mum and Dad will be emptying the vaults. It is possible to give away 3,000 a year without it being liable for inheritance tax, and larger sums can be given at certain occasions 5,000 for a childs wedding, for instance. Planning early means you can hand out more. Under the seven-year rule, gifts of any size are not liable for IHT so long as you live for seven years after making it. Michelle Holgate, of financial advisers RBC Brewin Dolphin, says: It can be significantly more tax efficient to gift money while you are still alive. Plus, you get the added bonus of seeing your loved ones benefit from your generosity. Giving away surplus There is a lesser-used gifting rule where you can give away excess income and immediately make it exempt from IHT so long as it does not impact your standard of living. The money cannot come from savings, but must be generated from regular income sources such as employment, rent, pensions or dividends. Only 430 families claimed this exemption in 2022/23, but it is gaining popularity. Analysis by TWM Solicitors shows the value of surplus income gifts jumped by 177pc to 144 million in 2023/24. It is likely to increase further next year. Inheritance insurance Those not able to make substantial gifts now are planning how to maximise what they leave behind, says Shaz Bishop of RBC Brewin Dolphin. And Pugh adds that about a third of clients are actively looking at ways to protect their pensions from inheritance tax. It is possible to arrange an insurance policy that pays out at death enough to cover an estates IHT liability, but the rules can be complicated so be sure to get sound advice. Bear in mind this option is potentially not available to those who are in ill health or uninsured due to other factors such as age, explains Bishop. Sharing assets Couples can reduce their tax liability by sharing assets or transferring them to the lower-earning partner. This will become an increasingly valuable strategy for anyone with a buy-to-let as the rate of income tax on earnings from property will rise from April 2027 by 2 percentage points to 22 per cent for basic-rate taxpayers, 42 per cent for higher-rate payers and 47 per cent for additional-rate payers. Interspousal transfer rules mean investments and cash can be shifted between spouses without a tax bill being incurred. Jason Hollands, managing director at wealth manager Evelyn Partners, explains: Even where tax cannot be completely eliminated, moving savings and investments to a spouse who is subject to a lower tax band can still help reduce overall family levies. Labours attack on the oil and gas industry means no new wells have been drilled in the British North Sea this year, for the first time in more than half a century. Activity in UK waters has dried up as energy firms reel from the windfall tax on profits and Ed Milibands ban on licences for exploratory drilling in new areas. And analysis of Budget documents shows the so-called Energy Profits Levy is raising billions of pounds less than expected leading to calls for it to be scrapped to save the industry from collapse. The levy was forecast to bring 26billion of revenue into the Exchequer in the three years after its introduction in 2022. But in fact, it raised just 9.7billion in that time. And the Office for Budget Responsibility has cut its forecast for how much it will raise over the next three years, from 15.6billion to 5.7billion. Drying up: Labours attack on the oil and gas industry means no new wells have been drilled in the British North Sea this year For this year alone, the figure has been slashed from 6billion to just 2.4billion while next years projection is down from 5.5billion to 1.7billion. By 2029-30, just 1.1billion of revenues are pencilled in. Industry lobby group Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) called for the windfall tax to be scrapped immediately to breathe life back into an industry where 1,000 jobs are being lost every month. It pointed out that 2025 will be the first year since 1964 that a new well has not been drilled. Speaking to the Daily Mail, OEUK chief executive David Whitehouse said: The North Sea is seen as a very difficult place to invest. Compare that globally, where theres actually a significant amount of investment in oil and gas activity. 'And it stands in stark contrast to what is happening over in Norway where the Norwegians are taking a different tack, continuing to invest and drive value from the North Sea. Theyre seeing significantly more investment in the Norwegian continental shelf than were seeing in the North Sea. For the first time since the 1960s, we havent seen a single exploration well drilled in the UK part of the North Sea this year. The windfall tax was introduced by the last Conservative government in 2022 as prices soared in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine. The 25pc levy was raised to 35 per cent in November 2022 and then to 38 per cent from November last year by Labour. That took the headline tax rate on oil and gas profits to 78 per cent among the highest in the world. Labour also extended its duration to March 2030 despite warnings that it is hitting investment and jobs particularly given that oil has fallen back towards $60 a barrel from around $120 when it was introduced. Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Russell Borthwick said Labour is effectively planning to tax the industry to death inside five years. Whitehouse said the decision to keep the windfall tax was hugely frustrating given the damage it is doing. Weve seen a 40 reduction in production volumes and well see a further halving of oil and gas production due to that lack of investment between now and 2030, he said. Weve seen a 40 per cet reduction in production volumes and well see a further halving of oil and gas production due to that lack of investment between now and 2030, he said. Whitehouse argued that the levy is in fact costing the Treasury rather than raising extra revenues as firms abandon the North Sea. He said scrapping the tax would unlock investment and support the jobs that were losing in the sector. Ultimately, we would pay more tax, not less, he added. Britains army of white van men were urged to get on top of looming changes to how they deal with the taxman after figures showed only a small minority were ready. Monzo bank figures found just 4 per cent of sole traders felt fully prepared for the Making Tax Digital reforms, with 60 per cent not prepared at all. The Government called the new rules the most significant change to the income tax regime since self-assessment began in 1997. It could affect around 2.9million people. Under the reforms, which apply to sole traders and landlords, individuals must maintain digital records and update HM Revenue and Customs every quarter. Monzos findings suggest many self-employed tradespeople, including plumbers and builders, face a New Year scramble as those with incomes of 50,000 or more will have to comply from April 2026. Get ready: Britains army of white van men were urged to get on top of looming changes to how they deal with the taxman The changes will filter to those earning less through 2027 and 2028. Monzos survey found that 81 per cent of sole traders and landlords had first heard of Making Tax Digital only in the past six months. Jordan Shwide, of Monzo Business, said: The New Year is a great moment to get ahead of the upcoming requirements. Monzo is now offering its customers a tool to help business owners file tax easily and securely. Labour's climbdown over its planned inheritance tax raid on family firms and farms is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. Most of the attention has been on farms but family companies are just as important. Ministers should be going all out to support family businesses and to foster a modern UK equivalent of the German Mittelstand: the owner-run firms that have for many decades formed the backbone of that countrys economy. It is important not to romanticise these enterprises. One need only read Thomas Manns great novel Buddenbrooks for a study of a family business in decline, worn down by complacency, misjudged succession, and changing economic conditions. For years Germanys Mittelstand firms were hailed as a great source of strength. At the moment, they are far from immune from the nations economic woes, with the car industry in disarray and exports hit by global uncertainty and Donald Trumps tariffs. Many owners are ageing and struggling to find successors. The sputtering economy has fuelled a recent trend for Mittelstand firms to be sold to Czech and Polish buyers. Yet even in tough times many such firms are resilient: they keep people in work for longer during downturns and continue to export, even if volumes fall. More to do: Labour's climbdown over its planned inheritance tax raid on family firms and farms is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough It is certainly arguable that without the Mittelstand, Germany would be in worse trouble. There would be no point in the UK trying precisely to emulate a model that itself needs to adapt if it is to regain its glory days. But owner-run businesses should be recognised as the cornerstone of the economy, not set up as a tax target. We could do worse than emulate the respect shown for such firms and to channel some of the spirit and values behind the Mittelstand. Reeves has backtracked on her proposed plan to slap inheritance tax at 20 per cent on family business assets over 1m. That may sound like a large sum but it is less than the price of a fairly ordinary house in many parts of the South East and, in most cases, it represents decades of work and risk-taking. The threshold has now been raised to 2.5million, or 5million when assets are transferred between spouses. Even so, some families will still face tax bills they cannot meet. The likely result is firms being dismantled and sold off piecemeal, or flogged to private equity or foreign buyers. It actively discourages founders from growing businesses beyond 2.5million in assets or from creating enterprises designed to last for generations. The UK already has a serious scale-up problem. We are good at launching innovative start-ups but owners often sell out rather than take companies to the next level. At their best, Mittelstand firms in Germany are often centres of innovation, producing high-quality exports and supporting strong supply chains. They are frequently based in smaller towns and cities, spreading prosperity. They provide stable employment and a steady flow of apprenticeships. Because of their local roots, such firms invest in skills and education. Family ownership encourages long-term thinking. Britain should not seek slavishly to imitate the German template but encouraging family firms would help tackle some of the deep-seated weaknesses in the economy. We have some great family companies in the UK, such as Rocco Forte Hotels group or Lord Bamfords JCB digger empire. The Government should be nurturing these bedrock businesses, not hounding heirs for tax. The case for the High Speed 2 rail network has been severely damaged by assuming time on board a train is wasted for business travellers, a podcast has claimed. Proponents of the 100billion scheme had initially hailed the economic benefit from the 250mph train journeys taking less time for those travelling for work. But a crucial assumption was made that business people could not spend this time working on the train - despite many being able to easily do this while on board. Now, a BBC podcast has looked at how the economic justification for building the line to be as fast as possible also led to ever-increasing construction costs. Designers adjusted plans to ensure the railway would also be as straight as possible to avoid having to slow down by taking bends around woodland and villages. More sophisticated junctions and stronger slab track were also required for extra speed. But the initial case for HS2 had been given as increasing capacity on the 700-mile West Coast Main Line which runs between London Euston and Glasgow. The focus on speed therefore went against the primary aim of the project, which was intended to connect London with Manchester and Leeds via Birmingham. The latest version of HS2 will only connect Old Oak Common in the London suburb of Acton with Birmingham after Rishi Sunak cancelled the northern leg in 2023. The initial HS2 case was given as increasing capacity on the 700-mile West Coast Main Line Slide me The line was originally intended to connect London with Manchester and Leeds via Birmingham The Radio 4 podcast series 'Derailed: The Story of HS2' looked at how the business case for the line was based on outdated assumptions on the importance of speed. This was based on business people needing to get somewhere as fast as possible, because of the working hours lost through travel therefore increasing productivity. But the widespread use of smartphones and wi-fi on trains means the construction of a straight line route is now less important, because work can be done on the move. Andrew Meaney, partner at economics and finance consultancy Oxera, was asked by the Transport Select Committee in 2011 to analyse the business case for HS2. Speaking about the 'benefit-cost ratio', which compares the economic benefits to its costs, he told the podcast: 'The way these benefits are calculated, a lot of it comes from bypass schemes. 'A driver of a car, they can't do anything with their time, if they're a plumber, they're between jobs, if they're a briefcase traveller, certainly at the time, you weren't making calls on your mobile phone. 'So that was really dead time. And the same logic was lifted and shifted onto railways.' In HS2's business case, just under 30 per cent of the economic benefits were thought to come from journeys taking business travellers less time, which they could not spend working on the train which appeared to be a sensible assessment in 2011. Construction on an HS2 bridge in Birmingham near the project's Curzon Street site in August HS2 workers complete digging of major tunnels between Birmingham and London in October But just under a decade later, Mr Meaney was asked by the Government to review the business case for HS2 again on behalf of the Oakervee review, an independent report that was leaked in January 2020. He said: 'We were expecting a Rolls Royce business case at that point. The features that we were expecting to be added hadn't been added.' This included an updated assessment of the value of business travellers' time, given all the technological advancements over the decade. But Mr Meaney said: 'The choices that were being modelled were fed in from a time before people could work as productively on trains as perhaps they can today.' He agreed that this was before the widespread use of smartphones, wi-fi and laptops on board trains, adding that the lack of update was therefore 'very surprising'. The Oakervee review, led by former HS2 Ltd chairman Douglas Oakervee, was commissioned by the Conservatives and aimed to determine whether and how HS2 should continue. It found that HS2 could cost up to 106billion, but concluded 'on balance' that the project should carry on. In February 2020, prime minister Boris Johnson gave HS2 the go-ahead despite 'exploded' costs, and the so-called funding envelope was reset. Test designs for high-speed HS2 trains at manufacturer Alstom's Derby factory in October Phase 1 between London and Birmingham was set at 44.6billion (at 2019 prices), with the estimated cost for the full network revised to a range of between 72billion to 98billion. Labour had established HS2 Ltd to examine the case for a new high-speed rail line in January 2009, before a consultation on a London to Birmingham route with a Y-shaped section to Manchester and Leeds was published the following year by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government. Transport Secretary Justine Greening then said in 2012 that the Government had decided to go ahead with the project, despite concerns over its cost and the environmental impact of construction. But in November 2021, HS2's eastern leg between Leeds and the East Midlands was scrapped by the Government. And by March 2023, the Government said construction of the Birmingham to Crewe leg would be delayed by two years. Work at Euston was also paused as costs ballooned to 4.8billion compared with an initial budget of 2.6billion meaning services would start and stop at Old Oak Common until at least the 2040s. And in October 2023, Mr Sunak announced at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester that he would scrap the northern leg of HS2 due to soaring costs. In June 2025, the Government confirmed the opening of HS2 would be delayed beyond the target date of 2033 and would not say when it would begin operating. A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd told the Daily Mail: 'A narrow focus on business travellers fails to capture the huge range of wider economic benefits being delivered by the UK's biggest infrastructure project. 'HS2 is transforming Britain's rail network by almost doubling rail capacity between our two biggest cities and unlocking at least 20billion of investment around our stations through new jobs, homes and leisure opportunities. 'HS2 is now undergoing a comprehensive reset to ensure that these benefits are delivered as quickly as possible and for the lowest reasonable cost to the taxpayer.' Proponents of HS2 cite research claiming 20billion of redevelopment is forecast to be delivered around its sites in the West Midlands and West London before the first trains operate, with some 63,000 homes and 50,000 new jobs being created. Driving up and down motorways day and night bearing everything from food to fuel, Britain's lorry drivers are the vital backbone that keep the country going. But with almost 90 per cent of Britain's freight moved by road it's of little surprise that they're an increasingly regular target of Britain's seedy criminal empires. Drivers forced to stop at unsafe and insecure rest stops are having curtains slashed and doors forced open on trailers, their contents nabbed by cash-motivated thugs who sell them online to unwitting shoppers. Crooks are employing increasingly sophisticated and sinister tactics - including, it is claimed, gassing drivers - leaving truckers fearing for their safety, or even rethinking their careers. Security experts say the crime is not opportunistic: instead, it's the work of organised gangs - some Eastern European - using 'inside men' in warehouses to then ambush drivers with weapons, threatening them at gunpoint or with hammers. Phone shipments worth millions, food, alcohol, and cigarettes are all being stolen to be sold on the black market. Gangsters are even buying up sub-contractors and offering to deliver goods - only to steal trailers of products for themselves. Freight crime has a far-reaching impact: since 2020, it is thought to have cost the economy more than 1bn, and the fallout is pushing up insurance premiums and security costs, ultimately hitting shoppers at the checkouts. And it's happening more: the Road Haulage Association, which represents lorry firms, says 111million of goods were stolen from lorries in 2024, up almost two thirds from 68m the year before. Truck driver Lenny Carvill, whose truck was slashed by thieves looking for goods to steal at a truck stop near Peterborough The thieves made off with nothing from his truck - but stole tobacco from a truck parked next to his (pictured) at 4.30am Your browser does not support iframes. The haulage industry, meanwhile, says drivers need more and better facilities that are truly secure. Many truckers have to stop in laybys and industrial estates to sleep overnight because there are no secure facilities available - leaving them vulnerable. 'It's pretty disgusting, if I'm honest with you,' said driver Lenny Carvill, whose curtain was slashed at a service station on August 14 at around 4.30am. He lost nothing - but thieves stole cartons of cigarettes from another truck, dropping them as they fled. Speaking in a video he filmed hours after the theft, provided to the Mail, he said: 'Us drivers, we need our sleep, not being woken up by somebody trying to make a living by robbing vehicles just for the sake of robbing vehicles. 'The cost of the damage to our vehicles is crazy. And you wonder why the cost of living is going up. Because people like these are robbing - they put the prices up.' Lorry driver John-o, who asked only to be referred to by his first name, told the Daily Mail his lorry's curtains have been slashed several times by opportunists checking if the goods are worth stealing. 'I've probably had my curtains slashed seven or eight times - more often at motorway services than anywhere else. I've had fuel stolen too. Usually, you'll see seven or eight trucks done at the same time,' he told the Mail. 'It's unnerving. You do start thinking about what else these guys are going to do. All I want to do is do my job, get a sleep in and wake up without anything happening. It's stressful.' John-o is usually carrying cargo of little interest to thieves like fertiliser, but recipients can and will refuse delivery if curtains have been damaged. That means goods must be driven back, repackaged, and sent again - at huge cost to often-small firms. The driver, who shares many of the thefts on his YouTube channel Truckin' Around With John-o, added: 'Even if they're not stolen, if there's damage to the goods from slashing the curtain they [the client] will return the whole load. That's more fuel for us. 'There are places I've parked up in the past that used to be okay - but you can't park there anymore. And it's definitely worse at this time of year, when it gets darker much earlier.' Each time a lorry is hit, the knock-on costs can be huge, from repairing curtains and doors to rising insurance premiums - not to mention the delays to a driver's journey while they deal with the police. Each of these costs ultimately end up being passed to the consumer, according to Lee Grundle, a security expert who runs consultancy firm Supply Chain Security. 'The haulier's insurance gets hit. Their premiums rise, and the suppliers take a hit because of the additional cost of products. And that has an impact overall and pushes prices up to the customers at retail,' he said. Cartons of cigarettes scattered across the car park when thieves burst open the back of an HGV trailer at a service station near Peterborough YouTubing HGV driver John-o (pictured) has had curtains slashed several times over the years, and fuel stolen John-o shows damage to a curtain sliced open by a thief to see if his goods are worth stealing. This usually leads to goods being rejected for delivery Thieves act in conniving ways - from the silent and sneaky to the barely believable. Some of the crimes are opportunistic, but a great deal of them are the work of professional gangs employing tactics straight out of a spy film. According to the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), which gathers data on freight crime, most thefts take place at the side of the road (43 per cent) and at motorway service stations (32 per cent). But thieves also carry out 'jump-up' thefts, where they run up and climb into the back of lorries at traffic lights. Then there is the work of cunning professionals who gather intelligence on where the most valuable goods may be coming from, and work out when and where they are likely to be from drivers' rest patterns, known routes and gaps in security. Some of this, Mr Grundle says, can come from informants who enter the supply chain via recruitment agencies as warehouse workers or drivers. Sometimes, it's down to old-fashioned homework. One industry source said: 'Overall, I think a lot of it, is Eastern Europeans coming into the UK: they're very organised workers across various warehouses, hired through agencies, who know what's in the warehouse, know what vehicles are being loaded, that sort of thing.' Rhys Hackling, who operates Direct Connect Logistics, explained: 'One of the big targets is whisky, because [thieves] know where the whisky distilleries are and they know drivers can only drive four and a half hours before needing a break. 'They can make very good guesses at where people are going to be parked up with whisky on board. It's the same for every consumer product out there. If you know where they're leaving from, you realise it's not difficult to steal goods.' Anything is up for grabs with the right plan: a lorry carrying 12,000 brand new Samsung folding phones worth 8million was hijacked by thugs near Heathrow Airport in August, as reported by Korean news agency Yonhap News. And in October, thugs stole an electronics shipment from a moving lorry en route to Coventry in October. This method, known informally as the 'Romanian rollover', typically sees crooks climb out of the sunroof of a tailgating vehicle and tossing goods back before returning and speeding off. It's as rare as it is dangerous. Some drivers have spoken in worried whispers about so-called 'gassing' attacks - where truckers are knocked unconscious so thieves can work without disturbance. Lorry driver John-o says it comes up in HGV Facebook groups, but has never heard of one first-hand. Mr Grundle has heard tales too - but remains ultimately sceptical, and questions whether the tales are cover stories for heavy sleepers. 'I've had a theft where that had been insinuated - but I can only work on facts, and there was no real evidence to suggest it had happened,' he says. The Royal College of Anaesthetists attempted to put it to bed a decade ago, noting that such a gas is unlikely to exist. Logistics firm boss Rhys Hackling says thieves are often working off of intelligence and research to target high-value goods Stolen items end up on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Gumtree, Vinted and anywhere else where they can be sold to ordinary shoppers unaware they're buying hot goods. This is all on the radar of NaVCIS, which gathers data and trends on vehicle crime and shares it with haulage firms. But industry experts believe the true cost of retail theft is much higher than is being reported because of how the police currently collects data. Tom Chisholm, NaVCIS Deputy Head of Unit, told the Mail: 'Freight crime comes in many different crime types and is seen as being 'low risk, high reward'. 'The largest threat that we see in the UK is from curtain-slashing offences, whilst lorries are parked overnight and drivers are sleeping in their cabs, and large consignments of goods are stolen. 'We also see incidents of lorries having fuel stolen from their fuel tanks: more than 1,700 last year.' There is no police recording code for freight crime. At present, the theft of thousands of pounds of goods is recorded as the same as a smash-and-grab handbag theft from a car. But Labour MP Rachel Taylor, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Freight and Logistics, has scored a victory for lorry drivers after the Government agreed to a trial of 'tagging' freight offences in the West Midlands. She has tabled a bill to create a new freight crime code so it can be logged and tracked properly. She is well aware of the threat posed by haulage theft gangs: a fifth of her working constituents are employed in the logistics industry. She hopes the trial will reveal the true scale of the problem - and inspire a drive to do more. Ms Taylor told the Mail: 'It was staggering when I first started looking at this. We had this perception that freight crime was opportunistic, that someone might just slash a curtain and see some Skechers and think they'll take some. 'But it's not. It's serious organised crime, to the extent they're turning up to warehouses as fake companies and making off with millions in goods. 'At the end of the day it's people like you and I that are paying for it: it's putting up prices in the shops, and things are not arriving when they're meant to.' On the side, NaVCIS suffering from a criminal lack of funding, the industry says. Despite being a national police unit it receives almost no government cash - instead being funded by cargo firms who pay an annual membership fee. At the end of 2025, minister of state for policing and crime Sarah Jones told Parliament the Government has 'no plans' to provide NaVCIS with direct funding. Mr Grundle added: 'It's a police department, and I just don't get why they're not getting the support. The government should fund this, give them the tools to do the job properly, and make it a free service.' On occasion, criminals are brought to justice: three thieves who stole trailers carrying 1million of goods, including publicly funded laptops meant for disadvantaged children, were jailed for a total of 22 years in December 2022. Matthew Wilkes, 31, Alan Edwards, 39, and Conrad Pearce, 25 stole an HGV cab and used it to drive trailers away from transport hubs across the country, deploying scanners, key cloners and tracker and tracer radios to track vehicles. One trucker's lorry was slashed open violently as seen in this photo provided to the Mail Matthew Wilkes, Alan Edwards and Conrad Pearce (left to right) were jailed after stealing 1million of goods including laptops destined for disadvantaged children MP Rachel Taylor (pictured) has tabled a law to create a new crime code for freight crime and wants to see service stations do more to protect drivers NaVCIS supports police forces with intelligence to assist hundreds of arrests year over theft. The National Police Chiefs Council has appointed its first lead on freight crime, DCC Jayne Meir. Its specialist unit for organised acquisitive crime, Opal, has vowed to start targeting the issue next year. But there is still work to do. Haulage firms want to see truck stop operators do their part to make car parks truly secure in order to dissuade would-be thieves. Rest areas charge truckers for the privilege of stopping when their legally mandated driving time runs out. But most of those stops aren't truly secure, lacking good lighting, manned security and CCTV. Lenny Carvill, the lorry driver whose curtains were slashed at 4.30am in August, was targeted at a brand new Moto service station at Sawtry, near Peterborough. 'The chance of catching a criminal in the process of trying to break into a vehicle is incredibly low,' says logistics boss Rhys Hackling. 'We need places we can park vehicles where they are secure and the chances of a break-in are next to zero.' Capacity is also insufficient: the RHA estimates Britain needs 11,000 more lorry parking spaces. This means drivers are being forced to stop in lay-bys or industrial parks - putting themselves at greater risk of being targeted. Trucker John-O: 'Most stops are full by 4-5pm. You can pay 30-50 a night depending on where you are, just to park on a bit of tar. Clearly they could afford security, but they don't bother. There are times I struggle to sleep.' The Government launched a 20million match-funding programme for truck stops in 2022, offering to match private investment in improvements ranging from driver facilities through to improved security. Some lorry-focused transport hubs meet the Parking Security standard enforced by the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA), a pan-European logistics security alliance, or the Park Mark Freight standard - but not nearly enough. Tom Chisholm, of NaVCIS, added: 'Twelve sites are now accredited [Park Mark Safe] in the UK. We would like to see more motorway service stations joining the scheme to keep drivers safe.' The Mail asked all three major motorway service firms for comment: each stated its commitment to keeping HGV drivers safe. A Roadchef spokesperson said all of its sites are monitored by 'comprehensive CCTV and thermal imaging', with many sites also supported by perimeter fencing. It says it works with police forces and NaVICS to help prevent freight crime. The spokesperson added: 'A number of our locations have achieved Parking Security certification in partnership with TAPA, reflecting our ongoing dedication to creating a secure environment for all who use our sites.' A file image of a lorry targeted by freight thieves. Gangs are highly organised and rapidly sell the products on the black market, security experts say Thieves will typically hit several lorries at once as their drivers sleep at motorway service stations - or when trucks are parked in lay-bys Welcome Break's operations director Gary Steele said the firm had invested 1.7million in improvements to its HGV parks in 2024 through the Government's match-funding scheme, adding that the firm works with NaVCIS to share intelligence. He added: 'Our sites have 24hour monitored CCTV, enhanced lighting, and a visible security presence, and we are actively working towards achieving the Park Mark Freight standard.' Moto said it has invested 3.5million in security across HGV parking in the last year, match-funded by the Government, and has on-site security personnel at 15 locations during 'dusk hours'. It claimed these had led to a 35 per cent reduction in incidents. The firm added: 'We are proud to have received TAPA Partner status for parking security standards and many of our sites already meet or exceed key elements of the Park Mark Freight standard while we will continue to invest in improving security across our network.' But MP Rachel Taylor wants to see the Government overhaul rules for truck stops to make it easier for them to be approved for development - creating competition, and an incentive for operators to up their game. She has successfully convinced Welcome Break to allow police to stop in for a free meal overnight at hotspot Corley Services in her constituency - creating a visible deterrent for any would-be thieves each night. 'Especially at this time of year: it's the freight industry that delivers Christmas,' she noted pointedly. 'Our food in the shops, everything we order online... they're Santa's reindeer and elves. We wouldn't have Christmas without our HGV drivers.' The rowdiest parliamentarians in Canberra have been named and shamed, with one MP given one of the harshest sanctions in decades. Speaker Milton Dick has been keeping order with Standing Order 94(a), a rule that enables the Speaker to suspend MPs for disorderly conduct, including repeated interjections or refusals to follow instructions. This rule exists to maintain decorum during debates, especially in the often heated Question Time sessions. Unsurprisingly, Coalition MPs dominate the list of suspensions this year. Opposition members, regardless of who forms government, have historically been more likely to be ejected for heckling ministers during Question Time, and the current term is no exception. Topping the table are Liberal frontbenchers Dan Tehan, Ted O'Brien and Andrew Wallace, each suspended three times since the election in May 2025. Close behind is Cameron Caldwell, Kevin Hogan, Ben Small, and Pat Conaghan, all with two strikes to their name. Single offenders include Sam Birrell, Scott Buchholz, Garth Hamilton, Adam Penfold, Angus Taylor, Philip Thompson, Rick Wilson, Tim Wilson and Jason Wood, for whom a single trip to the naughty corner appeared to suffice, at least for now. Liberal Dan Tehan (left) tied for first place for the most thrown out MP in Parliament since May Labor MPs haven't escaped entirely, though their numbers are smaller. Josh Burns, Mike Freelander, Ed Husic, Rob Mitchell and Tim Watts have each received one suspension since May, showing that disorderly conduct isn't contained to a single side of the chamber. The 48th Parliament has been unusually calm, with only 31 suspensions recorded since the May election. That's a stark contrast with the 44th Parliament, which saw a staggering 515 expulsions. Meanwhile, the 47th Parliament, also chaired by Milton Dick, posted the lowest suspension tally for a full term in recent history, with just 235. The 44th Parliament's legacy remains infamous, dominated by former Speaker Bronwyn Bishop, who became synonymous with strict enforcement. Bishop famously ejected 18 Labor MPs in a single Question Time, cementing her reputation as the toughest Speaker in modern times. However, her term was dogged by accusations of bias, with critics arguing she disproportionately targeted opposition MPs. Pauline Hanson (pictured) was suspended for 7 days, after she wore a burqa in the chamber Her time in the chair ended abruptly after the 'Choppergate' saga, which saw her resign in the wake of public anger over taxpayer-funded helicopter travel. Despite the relatively low numbers compared to previous parliaments, Speaker Milton Dick told Daily Mail he won't be resting on his laurels. 'It's been a positive start when it comes to parliamentary behaviour, but there's still more work to do,' he said. 'Australians expect a respectful Parliament, and that remains my priority. 'It's my responsibility to ensure that parliamentarians uphold the standing orders and set a strong example'. By contrast, the Senate operates rather differently, The President cannot expel Senators immediately. If a Senator misbehaves, the chamber itself must vote to suspend them, something that happens only in rare instances. Notably, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was banned for seven sitting days after she refused to remove a burqa she wore in the chamber in November, the harshest penalty handed out in decades. The controversial senator wore it as a protest, after her 'ban the burqa' bill was prevented from even being debated. Only seven of the 32,788 burglaries reported to police in London last year resulted in the charge of a suspect, figures seen by the Daily Mail show. Statistics indicate the Metropolitan Police accounts for a significantly higher level of theft in the UK - coming in at two thirds of all cases in 2024. Greater Manchester took second spot at 9,948 and South Yorkshire was third, with 6,694. Meanwhile, Durham, Northern Ireland and Cumbria saw the greatest success in the rate of charges for home burglaries - at 13 per cent, 13 per cent and 12 per cent respectively. Overall, of the 99,658 burglaries reported to police in 2024, just 4,487 (five per cent) resulted in a charge, the analysis from Confused.com revealed. Labour remains under growing pressure to get tougher on offenders to stop rates spiralling and avoid triggering a backlash among voters who want criminals behind bars. It comes as one in five (22 per cent) of UK adults have recalled experiencing a burglary or attempted burglary, with the average value of items stolen totalling 1,114.94. The revelations follow fears theft could rise even further into the winter as homes are darker for longer and stocked with Christmas gifts. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Matthew Harwood, home insurance expert at Confused.com, said: 'It is hugely important to ensure your home is as safe as possible all year round, but particularly in the winter when days are darker for longer. 'Simple steps like motion-activated lights, smart doorbells or upgrading locks can make a huge difference. This will help deter opportunist thieves who might take advantage of shorter days and darker evenings as a chance to break into a home.' The organisation said it had launched a home security improvements tool to help users assess the level of protection at their home. Over half of the 2,000 UK homeowners surveyed between July 25 and 30 this year said they rely on outdoor lights as their main form of security - while just over a third reported having alarm systems installed. Cash or wallets remain the most commonly stolen items followed by jewellery and bicycles. Earlier this year, the Daily Mail revealed the burglary hotspots across England and Wales in an interactive map of 36,000 neighbourhoods. Streets lined by multi-million pound homes in London's swanky Mayfair and areas in Soho were found to be the worst affected. The sector built around Regent Street, one of the capital's most famed areas because of its breadth of shops and restaurants, recorded 282 break-ins. Heavily pregnant Michelle Keegan and husband Mark Wright were subjected to a terrifying burglary at their 3.5million mansion in Essex Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Separate statistics this year from the Policy Exchange revealed London's West End also has more knife crime than almost 15 per cent of the rest of the capital combined - suggesting the area is not just a hotspot for criminals who target the homes of well-heeled locals. Recent high profile burglary victims in the UK have included then-heavily pregnant actress Michelle Keegan and her husband Mark Wright who witnessed a terrifying intrusion at their 3.5million Essex mansion last year. Four masked suspects reportedly entered their sprawling 3.5million home but hurried away when Mark started yelling. The couple, who were 'very shaken up' following the ordeal, allegedly heard their window smash and the security alarm go off before rushing to a bedroom for safety. In 2024, serial burglar Michael Daulat went on a 250,000 crime spree while targeting luxury stores in and around Oxford Street, to feed his crack cocaine and heroin addiction. The 44-year-old was jailed for more than four years at Southwark Crown Court, having racked up 100 - mostly theft-related - convictions across 210 crimes in the past 20 years. Between April and September, Daulat threw bricks through windows of high-end shops in Marylebone and Soho to steal designer handbags, clothes and jewellery. He even used a homemade bamboo fishing rod to nab items through a shop's letter box. It was heard in court that his serial burglary last year was worth around 250,000 in stolen goods, damage and lost sales. Serial burglar Michael Daulat, 44, went on a 250,000 crime spree while targeting luxury stores in and around Oxford Street last year, to feed his crack cocaine and heroin addiction Your browser does not support iframes. Daulat was put away for eight months in 2020 for burgling shops in the West End, and for 32 months in 2022 after a similar spree. He robbed expensive boutiques including Varley, Howell, Gannie, Bryceland's & Co. and Beige. In 2023 ex-Home Secretary Suella Braverman ordered police to attend every burglary incident, though the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) said resourcing is an issue. A spokesman said at the time 'an immediate response may not be possible or appropriate if the resident is away or does not want us to attend'. The Police Federation, which represents 145,000 police officers in England and Wales, added forces did not have enough resources to render such a promise viable. With a modest red awning and cramped doorway, its exterior looked like your average restaurant or store. But in the 1980s and 1990s, while the rest of Paris queued for Michelin stars, Dave was France's answer to New York's Studio 54 and the place to be seen. From Madonna, Tina Turner, Kate Moss and Cameron Diaz to Francis Ford Coppola, Naomi Campbell, Tom Ford and Melania Trump - Dave drew an A-list crowd to its dimly lit, velvet-draped dining room like no other. Opened in 1982 by the enigmatic Tai Cheung, known to the glitterati simply as 'Dave,' said his restaurant had an atmosphere that was free of inhibitions and bore 'no rules, no menus, no set prices, just recommendations.' The door was permanently adorned with a 'COMPLET' sign - whether the restaurant was full or not. Perched inconspicuously on Rue de Richelieu, Dave was the epicenter of reverie where the red quilted walls became shrines plastered with Polaroids of celebrities and the tables were so close together that the lull of whispered gossip quickly spread around the dining room. With glowing tropical fish tanks, thick red curtains and an air of exclusivity, it was the perfect sanctuary for the famous - far removed from the prying eyes of fans and the paparazzi. Speaking to Daily Mail after a new book titled 'A Night At Dave' featuring the Polaroids hit stores, Cheung said: 'A party always felt like a kind of family gathering, something intimate.'| In the 1980s and 1990s Dave attracted a host of A-listers who partied in its dining room A new book titled 'A Night At Dave' divulges some of the star-studded chaos that unraveled at the spot. Tai Cheung is pictured with the book Cheung explains how he stumbled upon his love for photography inspired by the works of Andy Warhol Madonna and Alek Keshishian striking a sultry pose for Cheung's camera Although Dave opened in 1982, the birth of its concept began in the mid-1970s with the help of his father. Barney Wan, an accomplished art director, dined at Cheung's fathers Chinese restaurant, Pergola du Bonheur, in Oberkampf, Paris, liking it so much that he then took his colleague to lunch there. Then Cheung met a photographer June Newton and invited her and her husband, Helmut, to the restaurant. Seduced by the quality of the cuisine they quickly became regulars. Cheung said his father was a first generation immigrant and his motto was to 'just do it, just work'. This work ethic, passion for business and a love of hosting society's elite, had always inspired him. He said: 'From my father I learnt to just be warm to people.' Cheung then opted to expand his fathers legacy, opening his own iteration in the first arrondissement area two years after his dad's Chinese restaurant closed. Cheung was a maitre d, therapist, photographer, bouncer and diplomat all in one, running the place with the charisma and finesse of a ringmaster and the exhaustion of a man who had refereed one too many celebrity spats. He told the Daily Mail: 'People when they are not on representation, they're very easy, sometimes they get insecure for their image and some want to be the center (of attention) all the time.' The Wachowski siblings, Keanu Reeves, and Cheung. Cheung recounts that this image was not posed or thought out. The four of them were just playfighting Cheung and Yves Saint Laurent. Cheung said the fashion designer once stormed out the restaurant after arguing with Pamela Picasso Naomi Campbell was one of Dave's regular guests who frequented the place with the likes of Kate Moss Indeed he recounted the escalations he had bore witness to. 'Yves Saint Laurent stormed out once during a dinner with Paloma Picasso,' he said. One of a big points of contention among guests at Dave was the hierarchal seating. Editors, models and fashion people were placed strategically by the door, while A-listers were purposely obscured behind the tropical fish tank. Cheung simply explained the logic. 'I knew what people liked, what they didnt, who they got along with. This allowed me not to force things, to make sure everything stayed as natural as possible, to avoid a useless fight.' For example he said: 'Leonardo DiCaprio was very shy!' He catered to guests every whim. He recounted the time movie producer Jean-Pierre Rassam strolled in with his cook and own food. 'They were supposed to have dinner at home but changed their mind at the last minute. They didnt want to waste iti t made me laugh,' Cheung recalls jovially. 'I brought out some plates and offered to reheat everything, I played along.' He knew every regulars favorite drink, least favorite ex, and preferred direction of paparazzi avoidance and you could often spot him weaving between tables with his feline accomplice Momo at his side. The book's cover itself dons a test shot captured by his sister of Cheung and his beloved cat. 'I'm a cat person. Cheung states, 'since my very, very, very, very little childhood, I always lived with cats. It's important for me having living with a cat.' Cheung with his cat Momo. The feline would make a play for women who waltzed in wearing stockings Cheung with filmmaker Jim Jarmusch & author Jean-Jacques Schuh. Cheung catered to guests every whim But Momo was not simply Cheung's sidekick, he ruled the roost. 'Yeah, no, you know, the place belonged to the cat,' Cheung quipped. He said Momo would make a play for women who came into the restaurant wearing stockings. Cheung documented Momo's adventures and his star-studded clientele by snapping Polaroids of the famous guests who strolled through the door and posting them on the restaurant's walls. 'The immediacy fascinated me,' the restauranteur said, recalling his interest in Polaroids. Inspired by the works of Andy Warhol, he purchased the camera the same year he opened Dave. He recalled an iconic shot he snapped of Madonna with a rose between her lips. Cheung said: 'That's spontaneous. It was flow you know, always the people coming, selling flowers. I I I buy one, I it's a little small, this is one flower, gave her, and we took the picture. 'It was very instinctive (taking photographs). I wanted to preserve the beauty and joy of those moments, I didnt know it would become a thing.' He told how he was taught how to focus the camera by the photographer and director, Jean-Baptiste Mondino. French actress Carole Bouquet in the process of fixing her hair in the nightspot French actress Aurore Clement deep in discussion with Cheung at Dave To be photographed by Cheung was a collaborative process, but just as the star became a part of his world, he too described how he extracted part of theirs. 'The creatives - I loved them because they shared,' he explained. 'They taught me that everything is connected. Literature helps you understand painting; paintings appear in films. I loved diving into their universes.' As the Millennium hit and the 2008 financial crash followed, the restaurant's popularity began to wane. In 2018, it finally closed its doors as Cheung retired. The new book offers a salacious peek at the allure and glamor of the iconic spot through Cheung's own lens. The book part memorandum, part elegy includes an array of the coveted Polaroid snaps - some shared for the first time. There are also other intimate memories and snippets including Keith Haring sketches, a note from Henri Cartier-Bresson, postcards from Helmut Newton, an interview with Dave himself and an epilogue extracted from Jean-Jacques Schuhls 2010 cult novel, Entree des fantomes. Actress and model Nastassja Kinski is pictured with Momo the cat Painter and writer Brion Gysin with Cheung. Gysin contributed an article to the memoir When asked about the editing process Cheung and his editors summarized it in a single word - 'painstaking.' 'We chose only the most beautiful photos, the ones that share the zeitgeist of the place, a place where people felt free, where they could be themselves,' Cheung divulged. Editors Charles Morin and Boris Bergmann added that the Polaroids used in the book only amass to 40 percent of Dave's overall collection. When asked what they intended readers to experience Dave and his editors said: 'To not be left outside the book. We want the reader to feel part of the night, it's an invitation - to a night at Dave.' A prison officer who embarked on an illicit romance with a convicted gangster is now behind bars herself after being handed a one-year sentence this month. Megann Gibson, 26, who became infatuated with dangerous inmate Ryan Horan while working at Wealstun Prison in West Yorkshire, is only the latest guard to see the tables turned after being found guilty of misconduct in public office. She may soon be joined by the likes of Charlotte Winstanley, 27, who admitted to several illicit relationships at HMP Lindholme in Yorkshire; and Leah Robinson, 24, who smuggled cannabis into HMP Nottingham while having an affair with an inmate. Both face the prospect of being jailed when they are sentenced in the coming months. So if they are, what will the experience be like for them? Vanessa Frake-Harris MBE, a former governor with 27 years' experience in the prison service, said life behind bars was particularly tough for former guards. 'When corrupt prison officers go to jail, they face extreme hostility from inmates and are targets for physical or sexual abuse, while other staff often shun or isolate them, viewing them as a blight on the service,' she told the Mail. 'The past power dynamic flips and they turn into the most vulnerable prisoners. They may be placed in segregation for their own protection, or due to the hostility they generate from other inmates. Megann Gibson, 26, was jailed for 12 months after admitting misconduct in a public office over an illicit romance with a convicted gangster at the prison where she worked Charlotte Winstanley, 27, who admitted to several illicit relationships at HMP Lindholme in Yorkshire Ms Frake-Harris, the former head of security at Wormwood Scrubs, explained that ex-officers were also targeted due to their perceived vulnerabilities. 'Inmates view corrupt officers as weak or hypocritical, making them prime targets for manipulation, bullying, and sexual exploitation,' she said. 'They might also face revenge for past actions or simply for being an officer.' While jailed former officers could try to strengthen their position by manipulating service staff, this was unlikely to work - according to Ms Frake-Harris. 'Corrupt officers often used similar manipulation tactics on staff as they did on inmates, but when incarcerated, these skills don't protect them,' she said. 'In essence, a corrupt officer in prison loses all status and becomes a vulnerable target, often enduring severe mistreatment from inmates and social isolation from peers.' A shocking number of prison officers are now appearing in court accused of sexual misconduct. Earlier this month, Rebecca Pinckard, 46, of Newmarket in Suffolk, admitted to performing a sex act on an inmate she was guarding at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk. According to court documents, Pinckard was 'responsible' for the inmate she had a relationship with, performed oral sex on the prisoner and and sent them a card. She will be sentenced next month after pleading guilty to all the charges. Leah Robinson leaving Nottingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to engaging in a sexual relationship with an inmate and a further charge to supply cannabis Earlier this month, Rebecca Pinckard, 46, of Newmarket in Suffolk, admitted to performing a sex act on an inmate she was guarding at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk Mark Fairhurst, general secretary of the Prison Officers' Association (POA), has cited poor training and vetting procedures as being responsible for many officers succumbing to corruption. 'It's inexperienced staff being conditioned by very experienced prisoners,' he previously told LBC. 'The initial training they receive on corruption prevention is not fit for purpose combined with a low wage and high cost of living. It is tempting for people. We need to toughen up recruitment procedures.' He said also that the number of inexperienced prison officers in frontline roles had gone up due to staff shortages. Physiatrist Dr Carole Lieberman said emotional factors were also at play. 'Many of these women are not comfortable wearing sexy clothes or chatting up men in the usual outside arenas, from pubs to parties,' she said. 'In prison, these women have a literally captive audience and less female competition than in the outside world. 'Some women are attracted by these perks and choose to work in this environment on purpose, whereas it is an unconscious motivation for others. 'A lot of women are attracted to bad boys, the heartbreakers. When they find themselves mixing with the same bad boys day after day, most of whom are charming sociopaths, their loneliness gets the better of them.' Winstanley had an illict relationship with Jabhari Blair, who was jailed for more than 12 years in 2014 for his role in a violent mass brawl in Bradford Another psychologist, Bayu Prihandito, said: 'It's evident that some of these relationships come from a place of vulnerability. 'Some of these guards might not fully grasp the consequences or believe they can manage the situation without getting caught. 'Inmates can identify staff members who seem more susceptible to manipulation, such as those who appear to be naive, vulnerable, or seeking validation. 'By building a relationship, they might aim for certain privileges, reduced punishments, or even to obtain contraband items. It's a power play.' There are no documented survivors of Unit 731, the covert department of the Imperial Japanese army that conducted lethal experiments on thousands of civilians in occupied China. As it sought to develop chemical and nuclear weapons, the unit subjected its mostly Chinese victims to a catalogue of horrors beyond the human imagination between 1936 to 1945, when the Empire of Japan surrendered. Civilians were dissected alive without without anaesthesia, infected with bubonic plague, typhus and cholera and used as human guinea-pigs for frost-bite treatments in spine-chilling torture laboratories. A new Chinese film called 'Evil Unbound' has brought to life the unspeakable acts that occurred in the germ warfare prisons, where even pregnant women - raped by guards - were subjected to vivisections, and the dead were hastily disposed of in electric furnaces. The ultra-violent movie, directed by Linshan Zhao, isn't just a deep-dive into old wounds, but has the potential to stoke anger in the present day due to its disturbing revelations about the crimes against humanity committed by the Japanese. In fact, before its theatrical release in China on September 18, the Japanese embassy issued a security advisory cautioning Japanese nationals to be 'vigilant against anti-Japanese sentiment' due to films and events held in conjunction with World War Two's 80th anniversary. Its debut was even abruptly postponed from its original July 31 date, sparking speculation in Japanese media that the delay may have been aimed at avoiding diplomatic tensions. While the gory spectacles showcased throughout 'Evil Unbound' may seem excessive, in reality the film hardly touches the surface of what truly occurred in the notorious facilities. Screengrab of a scene from Chinese film 'Evil Unbound', showing a victim being burned alive during an experiment at Unit 731 A human 'subject', seemingly a young Chinese civilian, is subjected to an unknown form of bacteriological test at Unit 731 Disturbing images show how Chinese civilians and allied POWs were dissected alive and infected with the plague The trailer of 'Evil Unbound' is a litany of nightmarish scenes, showing hundreds of Chinese prisoners hooded and subsequently naked while a disturbing announcement says in a high-pitched female voice: 'In our view, you are patients. From now on, you will undergo strict health management and testing.' It follows fictional Chinese prisoner Wang Yongzhan, an anti-Japanese hero leading prisoners to escape after he discovers various torture laboratories and an onsite crematorium in the prison. The film makes no effort to censor the depths of cruelty that occurred within Unit 731, with scenes showing bloodied medical tools, patients screaming as doctors crowd around them, and victims flailing as they are forced to bathe their hands in toxic chemicals. 'Once we've used up these logs, just get some more,' a commander says - in reference to the fact that Unit 731 doctors called the victims they experimented on 'maruta,' or logs - in other words, simply not human. Viewers also catch a glimpse of an immobile body eerily suspended and preserved in a tank, presumably for the purposes of scientific experimentation. Such horrors have all appeared in archival photographs, documents and witness testimony given by former commanders and researchers from the real Unit 731 - who were originally sworn to secrecy by the department's leader, Lt Gen Shiro Ishii. In fact, the notorious microbiologist even ordered the demolition of the unit's headquarters in Harbin, northeastern China (in what was then Japanese-occupied Manchuria), as a way to destroy evidence of the department's crimes when Japan headed towards defeat in the summer of 1945. Films revisiting the barbarity of the unit such as 'Evil Unbound' are all the more important considering how perpetrators were never brought to justice: at the end of the war, US authorities secretly granted officials immunity in return for access to their research, meaning they all escaped prosecution. At Unit 731's headquarters in the far north of Manchuria, around 14,000 victims were murdered - 3,000 by live experiments - but scholars estimate that between 250,000 and 500,000 civilians from surrounding villages may have been killed through the deliberate contamination of water supplies, food, and agricultural land. Screengrab from the Chinese film 'Evil Unbound' showing a prisoner with hand injuries after being tortured at Unit 731 The effects of various remedies were tested on the victims' frostbitten limbs at Unit 731 Wound of a plague patient during bacteriological test directed by Japan's Unit 731 An aerial image shows the camp in Manchuria, in northeast China, which housed prisoners of war on whom experiments were carried out While the victims were mostly Chinese civilians, Korean, Russian, British and American prisoners of war were also subjected to sadistic experiments at the headquarters, which was originally run under the guise of a lumber mill, then a water purification plant. Officially called the Epidemic Prevention and Water Purification Department of the Kwantung Army, Unit 731 had a staff of several thousand and was housed in 150 buildings equipped with laboratories, operating rooms, military barracks, and several cremation facilities. It was presided over by ultra-nationalist fanatic Ishii, who received significant government funds and the blessing of Emperor Hirohito, who approved the policies and methods set out to him. While babies were born in Unit 731, all of the hundreds of prisoners who were alive when Japan surrendered at the end of the war were murdered and buried as the imperial army tried to conceal its crimes. Try as they might to destroy the evidence, the Ping Fan headquarters today - now a museum - still contains remnants of the countless atrocities, including rows of cages that housed giant rats which Japanese doctors used to produce the bubonic plague. The horrendous disease was later unleashed on hundreds of thousands of Chinese civilians, after plague-carrying fleas were dropped on villages as part of experiments in biochemical warfare. In fact, enough germs were apparently created by the unit to slaughter everyone on earth many times over, with 300 kilos of plague bacteria produced every month, 500 kilos of anthrax, and nearly a tonne of dysentery and cholera. Children were given chocolates laced with anthrax and biscuits infected with plague, while older inmates were fed typhoid-infected dumplings and drinks. Men were infected with syphilis and then forced to rape other inmates so doctors could ascertain how the disease was transmitted. Inmates or 'logs' were used for flamethrower practice, forced inside low-pressure chambers until their eyeballs burst, and were injected with animal blood before their torturers sliced them open alive. They also had limbs amputated and organs removed before the depraved surgeons reattached their body parts - often in the wrong place - to see the effects. As a result of American immunity, Ishii was never tried for his crimes and died of cancer in 1959, while other members of Unit 731 went on to become high-ranking officials in the Japanese government and the medical profession. An immobile body eerily suspended and preserved in a tank during the Chinese film 'Evil Unbound', presumably for the purposes of scientific experimentation Shiro Ishii was a charismatic surgeon and ultra-nationalist who is considered the architect of Unit 731's atrocities The ruins of one of Japan's germ warfare facilities during WWII in China's northeastern city of Harbin Picture shows inmates - known as 'maruta', meaning logs - and guards at the death camp The ruins of one of the germ warfare facilities, featuring two large chimneys It's not just the film 'Evil Unbound' that's been forcing Japanese war crimes into public debate in China, but also 'Dead to Rights', directed by Shen Ao. Released in summer, it depicts the Nanjing Massacre of late 1937, during which the Japanese army killed more than 300,000 civilians and Chinese soldiers and allegedly raped around 20,000 women. State media rigorously promoted both films, with the Communist Party's official outlet People's Daily praising 'Dead to Rights' as a 'global lesson in historical justice', declaring: 'Real history is undefeated.' The Global Times compared the film to 'Schindler's List' and called 'Evil Unbound' a 'history lesson Japan must not miss'. 'History is the best textbook,' the article said. 'For many years, the Japanese right wing has shown a serious lack of reflection on that war. 'From altering history textbooks and downplaying or even glorifying acts of aggression, to politicians year after year visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, which honours Class A war criminals, and even attempting to revise the post-war pacifist constitution, Japan is gradually deviating from its commitment to post-war peaceful development.' Following the unexpected postponement of 'Evil Unbound' from July to September, China Central Television reposted the trailer on Weibo with the message: 'The truth cannot be forgotten.' Indeed, the Japanese government has never apologised for Unit 731's actions, and insists that it has found no evidence that the unit experimented on Chinese prisoners. In 1997, eminent professor Saburo Ienaga won a 32-year-long legal battle with the Ministry of Education after Japan's Supreme Court ruled that the censorship of school textbooks is unlawful. He had written a textbook about the Nanjing Massacre and Unit 731 but the Ministry of Education demanded that passages dealing with those atrocities be deleted or revised. In 2002, a Japanese court rejected claims for compensation brought by 180 Chinese people who claimed they were victims of war crimes in the 1940s. The group sued the Japanese government, demanding an apology for its use of germ warfare against Chinese citizens and ten million yen (48,000) each in compensation. The court ruled against handing over compensation, but the three judges did acknowledge the facts of the case - the first time a Japanese court has admitted Japan conducted biological warfare during the World War Two. A scene from the Chinese film 'Evil Unbound' showing a prisoner suffering with a skin disease During 'Evil Unbound', one of the researchers experiments on a prisoner by burning them alive November 1940: Staff of the Manchukuo puppet state carrying out bacteriological tests on babies and small children, as directed by the Japanese Army's Unit 731 Workers were ordered to bury the burnt bones of murdered inmates in an effort to conceal the unit's crimes towards the end of the war. Pictured: Digging at Unit 731 Chinese archaeologists in 2023 excavated a research facility hidden five feet underground, they that believed was the largest and most frequently used test site for Unit 731. The U-shaped bunker, built in 1941, is an interconnected network of laboratories, dissection rooms and holding cells, measuring 108 feet long and 67 feet wide. Located near the city of Anda in Heilongjiang province, the torture chamber was used for sadistic experiments, including subjecting victims to dehydration, frostbite and anthrax bombs. Over a decade ago, excavations began at the site of a former medical school in western Tokyo, after a nurse came forward with evidence about the Japanese army's wartime illicit activities. Toyo Ishii said workers were made to bury dozens of bodies there after Japan's surrender. A nurse in the hospital's oral surgery department, she said she had no knowledge of any experiments on humans at the site, but she and her colleagues were ordered to take bodies and body parts for burial in the compound before US troops arrived. 'We took the samples out of the glass containers and dumped them into the hole,' she wrote in a statement in June 2006. 'We were going to be in trouble, I was told, if American soldiers asked us about the specimens.' Despite being sworn to secrecy, former members of Unit 731 have been driven by guilt to speak out about the crimes they were complicit in during the war. Hideo Shimizu, now 95, was only 14 when he was drafted as a cadet to the city of Harbin in March 1945. In 2015, 70 years after the war, innocent pictures of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren reminded him of the faces of the many victims he came across in the slaughterhouse. The veteran realised that he had to break his silence for the sake of the next generation, and began delivering lectures about what he witnessed in his six months at the germ warfare prison. When he arrived in Harbin, Shimizu expected he would be sent to a factory, but instead, he and five other boys from his village were packed off on a train to China to start work in Unit 731's laboratories. He says he still has terrifying nightmares even now about the day in July 1945 when he was taken to a specimen room inside the auditorium on the second floor of a facility. The room was lined with jars, he said, some as tall as an adult - each containing severed human limbs preserved in formalin. He even saw the corpse of a pregnant woman and a fetus with hair visible from her flayed side. 'There were ones that had been sliced in two vertically, so you could see their organs,' Shimizu said. 'There were children; ten or twenty of them, perhaps more. I was dumbfounded. I thought: "How could they do this to a small child?"' It was the first time Shimizu had seen corpses, and he couldn't stop shedding tears, while the person who took him on the tour remained silent. 'I think they took me there because they wanted to see my reaction to the sight of the logs. All I could think of was: "What will they make me do?"' he said. Shimizu soon realised that he was being trained to carry out dissections himself. Thankfully, the child soldier was saved by the course of the war - which would end abruptly weeks later with Japan's surrender. Three days after the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Shimizu was called to the camp prison - morbidly dubbed the 'log cabin' - to bury the burnt bones of murdered prisoners in an effort to conceal the unit's war crimes. Soviet forces invaded the former Manchuria in August, and he and other members of the unit retreated back to Japan. The soldiers and technicians were even given a cyanide compound and ordered to take their own lives rather than be captured. 'So many "marutas" died, and the Japanese soldiers were also dissected. I often wonder why on earth Unit 731 had done so many evil things?' Shimizu said. Over the years, the great-grandfather has paid the price for his honesty. An architect and resident of Miyata village in Nagano Prefecture, Shimizu has been subjected to slander and abuse countless times over the past decade for speaking out. On Japanese social media, people dub him 'senile old man' and 'elderly public nuisance'. Other meanspirited comments say: 'Old man, you are lying.' Speaking to the Asahi Shimbun on the way back from a lecture, Shimizu appeared dejected and exhausted by the claims that he's a liar when it comes to exposing Unit 731. 'If you say something did not happen 100 times, it becomes as if it really never did. That is frightening,' he said. 'I am getting tired these days. This might be the last time,' he added, in reference to his public speaking. But Shimizu isn't the only witness speaking out about the abominable events. A former medical assistant at Unit 731, a farmer in his 70s who wanted to remain anonymous told the New York Times in 1995 about the first time he cut open a live man. 'The fellow knew that it was over for him, and so he didn't struggle when they led him into the room and tied him down,' he said. 'But when I picked up the scalpel, that's when he began screaming. 'I cut him open from the chest to the stomach, and he screamed terribly, and his face was all twisted in agony. He made this unimaginable sound, he was screaming so horribly. But then finally he stopped. 'This was all in a day's work for the surgeons, but it really left an impression on me because it was my first time.' When one imperial army general inspected a unit, supposedly set up to support Japan's war effort, he shared his disgust at its activities in his memoir. 'It was said that it was for national defence purposes, but the experiments were performed with appalling brutality and the dead were burned in high-voltage electric furnaces, leaving no trace,' he wrote. Nevertheless, widespread denial about the scale of the war crimes persists in Japan. When former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was asked in parliament earlier this year about Unit 731's actions, he said the means to verify the facts had been 'lost with history', Japanese media reported. People show their tickets of the film 'Evil Unbound' at a movie theater in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, September 18, 2025 Picture shows some of the facilities at the notorious germ test camp Unit 731 A town called Ping Fan, 15 miles south of the regional capital Harbin, was selected as the site for Unit 731. Picture shows: Ping Fan after it was blown up by the Japanese Hideo Shimizu, now a great-grandfather, has revealed the horrors that he saw as a member of Unit 731 Hideo Shimizu, centre, in 1945 when he was a teenage cadet who had just been recruited to Unit 731 Over the summer, Tokyo called on Beijing to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in China after reports of increased violence between the nationalities. It came as Taiwan's United Daily News reported that a Japanese woman and her child were attacked in a Suzhou underground station on July 31. But the apparent spike in violence goes both ways. The Chinese embassy in Japan reported on July 31 that two Chinese men were seriously injured in an assault by four unidentified men in Tokyo. The incidents arrive at a time where both countries are having to confront the darkest chapter in their shared history - as wartime films such as 'Evil Unbound' and 'Dead to Rights' plunge unresolved atrocities into the spotlight. The winter has also seen Beijing and Tokyo engage in an increasingly tense war of words over Taiwan, escalated when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a Chinese attack on the self-governed country could create a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan. If such a situation arose, Japan's self-defence forces could be activated to respond to the threat. As the year comes to an end, military tensions between China and Japan have reached the highest level in more than a decade, while civilians reckon with the painful scars of the past that still cause tension today. In public, he presented himself as a calm and confident leader, dressed in neat suits and speaking with a promise of peace and rebuilding Liberia. But behind that persona stood a man linked to some of the worst violence in modern African history. Under Charles Taylor's influence, armed groups in Liberia and Sierra Leone carried out killings, mutilations, forced recruitment of children and widespread sexual violence. His reign of terror has been documented as one of the most brutal in the history of the world. Rights groups say that during his rise to power and barbarous presidency, 250,000 Liberians were murdered, while hundreds of thousands were raped, maimed, and mutilated across the two Liberian civil wars. Liberia was already deeply unstable long before Taylor rose to power. In 1980, Master Sergeant Samuel Doe seized control of the country in a violent coup, and his forces soon became notorious for torture, ethnic killings and executions. His rule deepened mistrust between communities and drove Liberia into a political and social collapse that created the perfect opening for Taylors rebellion. Doe's own fighters massively contributed to the atrocities. Children were among the very first victims - Human Rights Watch documented the recruitment of boys as young as ten in Liberia. Many were taken from villages or caught at roadblocks. One boy told Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that he was dragged from hiding and forced to hold a rifle while fighters ordered him to shoot a captive. When he hesitated, he said the fighters threatened to kill him. He said ultimately, he fired the weapon because he believed he had no other choice. Other boys interviewed by investigators described seeing adults executed and being told they would be killed as well if they refused to join. One of the most cruel accounts involves child soldiers who were forced to participate in the murder of their own parents as a form of initiation. Refusal often ended in their own deaths. Charles Taylor in his days as a rebel leader in May 1990. Liberia still carries deep scars from the atrocities that were committed by fighters loyal to him and Doe Older rebel fighters wrestle a gun out of the grips of a young fighter who was caught looting with it in Monrovia in 2003 A 12-year-old fighter seen with his gun in January 1997. He was recruited to fight in the war when he was just eight Once recruited, many children were drugged. Horrific accounts have described the use of a mixture known as brown brown, a blend of cocaine and gunpowder that fighters rubbed into cuts on children's skin. Survivors said the drug made them dizzy and confused, with some saying they fired their guns without control because their hands shook. Commanders sometimes tied ropes around the waists of the smallest boys so they could pull them forward during attacks. Many children were also forced to watch as soldiers beheaded, burned alive, and tortured people they knew in their communities. They were threatened that they would be killed if they screamed while witnessing the brutalities. This was seen as a tactic to disassociate them from their communities and dehumanise them so that they become cold-blooded killers. The Small Boys Unit in Liberia saw boys as young as eight serve as fighters, porters and bodyguards. Many died in ambushes or during reckless attacks. In Sierra Leone, UNICEF reported similar groups known as Small Boys Units and Small Girls Units. Boys were used as scouts and messengers and faced severe punishment if caught. In 2012, a former child soldier, Prince 'Small Soldier' Kamara, described some of the battles he was forced to engage in to the Independent. He said: 'The scent of gunpowder, eyes stinging from smoke, your friend crying... it was terrible. 'I missed my mother at that moment. But then we captured some Nigerian peacekeepers, took them to our HQ. Then I felt so proud. People called me a big man.' Some children also joined the fighters to avenge the deaths of their loved ones, while for others, it was simply a case of survival as they had been left orphaned. Join the debate Should war criminals like Charles Taylor spend life in prison or face harsher consequences? A child soldier fighting for Charles Taylor's government. While some children joined to avenge the deaths of their parent's, others simply wanted to survive Samuel Doe, the country's president at the time Taylor rose to prominence also took part in the atrocities. His fighters committed many massacres, burning whole communities down The suffering was not only limited to boys - Amnesty International and the Special Court for Sierra Leone recorded widespread abductions and sexual slavery of young girls. Fighters took girls and kept them as what survivors called bush wives. They were raped repeatedly, beaten for resisting and forced to cook and clean. One woman, Diana Korgbaye, describing her ordeal, which began when she was a minor, said: 'In war-time, there's no real love. I was raped before I knew about those things. He forced me to be his wife. He had about 30.' Another girl testified that she was taken in her early teens and raped over a long period. She said: 'They abducted five girls coming from church. They took us to the front line. 'We had to cook and carry ammunition in the bush. They treated us bad; if I didn't go [have sex] with them, they would kill me I want to go to school. I want to go back to Nimba to my people.' A teenage girl told investigators she fainted after several fighters raped her. Medecins Sans Frontieres staff treated women with life-threatening injuries caused by repeated assault. There were several cases of girls forced to give birth in the bushes with no medical assistance whatsoever. Others who managed to seek help at clinics arrived unable to walk because of severe injuries. Many died attempting to give birth. In 2004, it was determined that between 60 and 70 per cent of the country's civilian population had either been raped or sexually abused. Women were often rounded up and gang raped in front of their helpless children and husbands. Alongside the atrocities committed against minors, entire communities were destroyed. One of the worst massacres took place at St Peter's Lutheran Church in Monrovia in July 1990, where more than 600 civilians were killed. Most were women, children and elderly people who had sought shelter inside the church. The bloody aftermath of the church massacre. Items of clothing are seen scattered across the floor as pools of blood remains In 2009, villagers exhumed the remains of several people thrown in mass graves in Kpolokpai for reburial. The Kpolokpai massacre killed an estimated 250,000 people between 1989 and 2003 The horrific killing was carried out by soldiers loyal to president Doe, who believed that civilians hiding inside were sympathetic to the rebels fighting against his regime. Fighters surrounded the building and fired through the windows and doors. Survivors told investigators that people fell on top of one another as they tried to hide. One woman described bullets coming from every side and said she believed no one inside was meant to survive. When fighters entered the church, they stabbed and shot anyone who was still alive. UN investigators later described the interior as a scene of overwhelming devastation. Other villages faced a similar fate. UN teams sent to communities in Lofa County found huts burned to the ground, bones scattered on the ground and homes reduced to ash. Medecins Sans Frontieres reported finding burned bodies inside houses in places like Buchanan and Totota. Villagers who returned said they found personal belongings among the rubble but no survivors. Liberia's TRC collected testimony from people who said relatives were taken from their homes and never seen again. Torture was widespread. Survivors told investigators that fighters used nails, ropes and rifle butts to punish captives. Some said they were nailed to trees through their hands or feet. Others described being beaten until they lost consciousness. Witnesses told the TRC that men were buried up to their necks and left under the sun with insects crawling over their faces. A BBC correspondent detained by fighters said he heard screams through the night from nearby buildings. Across the border in Sierra Leone, the brutality escalated - the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), supported by Taylor, carried out mutilations that shocked the world. The RUF fought an 11-year war in an attempt to overthrow president Joseph Momoh. Gruesome images showed how innocent citizens were buried in mass graves after executions at the hands of barbaric fighters Rights groups documented the practice known as short sleeve or long sleeve, in which rebels forced civilians to choose between having their hands cut off at the wrist or their arms severed above the elbow. One widely documented survivor, Mariatu Kamara, was 12 when rebels cut off her hands. She later told UNICEF that she had not understood the choice rebels demanded, so they made it for her. Another survivor described being cut in front of neighbours before being left to bleed. Some of the worst violence involved large-scale executions. In Liberia, the Maher Bridge massacre was one of the deadliest incidents of the late years. Amnesty International reported that in 2002, government forces rounded up around 175 civilians in Bomi County. Witnesses said the victims were taken to a bridge, shot and thrown into the Maher River. Liberia's Independent National Commission on Human Rights later confirmed the site as one of the country's major massacre locations. Sierra Leone suffered similar horrors - during the 1999 assault on Freetown, known to fighters as Operation No Living Thing, Human Rights Watch reported that more than 7,000 people were killed, at least half of them civilians. Rebels burned homes with families trapped inside. Survivors described people being shot at close range while trying to flee. Colonel Michael Tilly, right, seen with his fighters. He was the leader of the Death Squad, a faction of president Doe's armed forces and oversaw the killing of the 600 people at the St Peter's Lutheran Church A government soldier opens fire against rival factions at the Via Town bridge in April 2004 UN investigators reported that civilians were used as human shields as rebels fought their way through the city. Even water sources became sites of horror. The World Health Organisation reported in 2003 that the Liberian Red Cross found bodies dumped in wells in Buchanan. Witnesses said the remains were thrown in during fighting, contaminating water that survivors needed to drink. Later prosecutions in Europe concerning wartime crimes included witness descriptions of civilians thrown into wells or rivers across rural areas. The origins of Liberia's collapse ran deep - for more than a century, political power was held by Americo Liberians, a small elite who dominated government and commerce. Many indigenous communities felt excluded. Tensions grew for decades, and in 1980, Samuel Doe led a coup that overthrew the old order. Doe came from the Krahn ethnic group and soon filled senior positions with Krahn allies. His rule became known for corruption, political arrests and executions. The economy weakened. Relations between Doe's supporters and the Gio and Mano communities in the north worsened. By the late 1980s, the country was unstable and close to collapse. Charles Taylor entered this environment in 1989 - he had studied in the United States and had escaped from a Massachusetts jail after being accused of embezzling government funds. He later travelled to Libya, where he received military training. In December 1989, he crossed into Liberia from Cote d'Ivoire with a small armed group. They captured towns quickly. Other factions formed soon after, including groups that opposed both Taylor and Doe, sparking huge fighting across the country. Bones and skulls seen in Kpolokpai, Liberia in September 2009. A church service was organised for the dead after their remains were dug up Charles Taylor addressing journalists in 2003. He entered Liberia's political space with the promise of reform and change. What ensued, however, was some of the bloodiest atrocities ever recorded Markets were burned, schools destroyed, and villages forced to flee. By 1996, Monrovia had been destroyed several times during battles between rival militias. The 1997 elections offered a fragile chance to end the war, with a win for Taylor. Some voters told journalists they supported him because they feared that refusing to do so would bring more fighting. Once in power, he consolidated control. UN reports later described how he supported the RUF in Sierra Leone with weapons, communications equipment and political backing. Taylor denied these allegations, but evidence of his support appeared in several international investigations. In 2003, the Special Court for Sierra Leone indicted him. Under pressure from regional leaders, he resigned and went to Nigeria. Olusegun Obasanjo, president of Nigeria at the time, granted him asylum, drawing international criticism. In 2006, he attempted to flee but was arrested near the Cameroon border. He was flown to The Hague to stand trial. The trial lasted almost six years and became one of the most significant war crimes cases since the Second World War. The Special Court for Sierra Leone moved the proceedings to The Hague for security reasons. Judges heard from amputees, rape survivors, child soldiers, former fighters, UN experts and people who had once been close to Taylor. Taylor at the Special Court for Sierra Lone in The Hague, Netherlands in July 2009, where he answered for chargers of leading rebels murdered, raped, and mutilated villagers Many walked into court without arms or legs, while others carried scars from burns or beatings. Prosecutors argued that Taylor supported the RUF, knowing that the group was committing murder, rape, mutilation, enslavement and the recruitment of children. They presented radio logs and documents showing contact between Taylor's office and RUF commanders during major attacks. UN panels and groups like Global Witness provided evidence connecting diamonds mined under violent conditions to networks linked to Taylor's presidency. Some insider witnesses gave mixed accounts - a former fighter testified that he helped transport weapons into Sierra Leone and said that rebels carried diamonds back into Liberia. Judges treated some of his more extreme claims with caution. Taylor's former vice president testified that he never saw Taylor take part in ritual acts but said he could not rule out that such acts might have taken place beyond his view. Former RUF leader Issa Sesay testified for the defence. He said he did not fight for Taylor and did not personally give him diamonds. Victims also told their stories. An amputee said rebels who cut off his arms told him they wanted him to carry a message of fear. A woman described being raped by fighters who said they were waiting for support from Liberia. Former child soldiers said they saw ammunition arrive before major attacks. Bullet casing filled the streets of Monrovia as fighters battled it out, killing many cilvilians in the process Their accounts helped judges build a picture of how the RUF operated and how outside support allowed them to continue. In April 2012, the court found Taylor guilty on all 11 counts, with judges ruling that he aided and abetted war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, sexual slavery, mutilation, enslavement, acts of terrorism and the use of child soldiers. In May 2012, he was sentenced to 50 years in prison, and his appeal was eventually rejected. He was moved to HM Prison Frankland, a high-security prison in the United Kingdom, where he remains. As for Samuel Doe, he faced his own gruesome reckoning much earlier. In September 1990, he travelled to the headquarters of the rebel group INPFL, believing it would be for peace talks. Instead, he was ambushed by fighters loyal to warlord Prince Johnson, who was affiliated with Taylor. Johnsons men seized him, stripped him, beat him and taunted him while a video camera recorded the entire ordeal. The footage, which later circulated internationally, showed Doe bleeding heavily as the rebels cut off his ear and continued to interrogate him. He was tortured for 12 hours, with some of his toes and fingers amputated. By the time the fighters finished with him, Doe was barely conscious. He eventually died from his injuries. His mutilated body was displayed naked publicly, signalling the complete collapse of his regime and the total fracture of Liberias political order. Doe was captured and tortured for hours in September 1990. His naked, mutilated body was displayed in the streets Liberia still carries deep wounds - former child soldiers struggle with trauma, addiction and unemployment. Many never returned to school. Several infrastructures, like schools and hospitals, were destroyed. Women who survived rape face stigma and limited access to support. Communities destroyed during the conflict remain impoverished. Sierra Leone still has thousands of amputees who rely on aid. Families remain separated. Mass graves across both countries hold the remains of people who never made it home. The legacy of Charles Taylor is seen in the burned villages, the missing limbs, the abandoned fields and the survivors who still whisper the names of those they lost. He sits in a British prison, far from the countries where his decisions caused so much pain. To many in Liberia and Sierra Leone, he is not remembered as a president but as the man whose wars scarred a generation and left behind suffering that will not fade for decades. Almost 1 million of taxpayer cash is being spent on compiling an archive of African films in a reparatory justice project. The UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is paying 850,000 for scholars to explore Africas audiovisual heritage. A further 250,000 is being provided by Oxford, Kings College and Liverpool universities, which are leading the work. One of the focuses will be films about decolonisation of African countries and exploration of anti-colonial movements. Scholars also aim to repatriate footage currently kept in the Global North so that it can be more easily seen by people in Africa. They will take the archives on tour in Africa to sites of encounter with young African creatives. It comes following a long-running campaign at Oxford to tear down a statue of the British Imperialist Cecil Rhodes by those who want 'decolonisation' of the university. The project also comes at a time when public funding is tight. Almost 1 million of taxpayer cash is been spent on compiling an archive of African films in a 'reparatory justice' project (pictured: students marching in a 2020 anti-colonialism protest at Oxford, which is taking part in the research) AHRC, which hands out 70 million a year in grants, is a subsidiary of UK Research Innovation (UKRI) which is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The three universities are funded by a mixture of Government grants, taxpayer-provided tuition fee loans and some private cash. Last night, Professor Anthony Glees, politics expert at Buckingham University, said: They are funding this project for cynical political reasons. They are beyond woke. It looks very like theyre trying to use the money to appease the Rhodes Must Fall campaigners, building on the idea of systematic racism in British institutions and the UKs former African colonies. Using films to make a political point and getting almost 1 million for doing so is hardly a sensible use of money when theres so little of it, especially in some universities. William Yarwood at the TaxPayers' Alliance added: At a time when families are being squeezed from every angle, pouring almost 1 million into an academic project involving decolonisation film archives is staggeringly out of touch. AHRC's funding record increasingly looks like a conveyor belt for activist scholarship that delivers no meaningful benefit to British taxpayers. AHRC should be defunded and abolished. The UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is paying 850,000 for scholars to explore Africa's 'audiovisual heritage' (pictured: Oxford professor Dan Hodgkinson, who is part of the research team and has campaigned on 'decolonisation') It comes following a long-running campaign at Oxford to tear down a statue of the British Imperialist Cecil Rhodes (pictured) by those who want 'decolonisation' of the university The two-year project looks at films spanning a period from colonial rule to the early 2000s. It is led by Professor Erica Carter, professor of German and Film at Kings, who will work with 12 international experts including Oxford's Dr Dan Hodgkinson, who has been involved in 'decolonising' activism in the past. Dr Hodgkinson was among a group of academics at Oxford who carried out an academic boycott of Oriel College in 2021 over its decision to keep the Rhodes statue in place. The African film heritage restitution process will focus on two countries, Ghana and Sudan, with the researchers gathering footage to form new archives. They will then look for Africa-led solutions to overcome copyright and technology issues to make them more accessible to people in those countries. Scholars, archivists and film makers in Cairo, Accra, Tamale, Berlin, Khartoum and London will develop and test new approaches to audiovisual heritage restitution. A brief for the project says: For twentieth-century anti-colonial movements and postcolonial states, cinema was a key medium for articulating and popularising decolonisation. Yet years of resource poverty and political inaction have left a film heritage landscape marked by neglect and material destruction. Vast swaths of newsreels, documentary and feature filmsfilms that captured the major events and experiences of the decolonisation yearsare either lost, or sequestered in the archives of the Global North. Project organisers said it comes in a climate of demands for repatriation of treasures taken during British colonial conquest and rule. This includes the Benin Bronzes, some of which have been returned to Nigeria from British institutions. Dr Hodgekinson said: There's a lot of talk these days about redress, decolonisation, and restitution, relating to all sorts of historical artefacts and issues. But theres much less clarity on what actually needs to be done. [Our project] tackles these issues head on and all of us in the project, from Tamale to Cairo, cant wait to get started. Featuring prominently in the project will be the work of Sudanese artist and film-maker Hussein Shariffe, who studied at Cambridge in the 1950s and later went on to make films touching on his both his country's history and his experience of being in exile. The African film project is the latest to raise questions about how British taxpayers money is being spent in higher education. Other controversial AHRC grants include nearly 850,000 on a study entitled The Europe that Gay Porn Built, 1945-2000 and funding for PhDs in subjects such as lesbians living on canal boats, performance practice in sex work and the history of queer fat activism. Meanwhile another UKRI subsidiary, the Economic and Social Research Council, awarded 668,244 in funding to Pregnant Men: An International Exploration of Trans Male Experiences and Practices of Reproduction. A recent analysis of around 150,000 grants approved by UKRI since the early 2000s found the terms equity, diversity and inclusion rose four-fold in frequency from the mid-2000s to 2020 before doubling again in the four years up to 2024. The study by Buckingham University Centre for Heterodox Social Science warned that spending on explicitly activist research had huge political risks for UKRI given that much of the public does not share its priorities. A UKRI spokesman said: UKRIs investments in the arts, humanities and social science research broaden our knowledge, support the growth of key sectors such as the creative industries, and find new and innovative ways to benefit citizens. This includes advancing knowledge by exploring challenging subjects, asking difficult questions about our society and working with international partners to investigate our shared history. A Kings College spokesman said: It is not true that this project is about decolonisation, the purpose is to preserve digital archives that document major events in the 20th century and restore films and documents that may otherwise be lost to authoritarian regimes and war. Public sector workers risk suffering diversity 'fatigue' if they are told to mark too many awareness days and religious festivals, bosses have privately admitted. A calendar prepared for staff at one quango included 225 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) events covering everything from Nirvana Day commemorating the death of Buddha to 'Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week' in honour of people who do not feel romantic attraction. As well as the ancient pagan harvest festival of Lughnasadh it also included American dates such as the anniversary of the killing of George Floyd by a policeman, which sparked Black Lives Matter protests, and the federal holiday of Juneteenth that marks the end of slavery. But managers at The Pension Regulator were advised to prioritise just a handful of key events each month to keep employees interested. An internal report obtained by the Daily Mail urges 'the need to maximise impact, avoid oversaturation and EDI fatigue through a maximum of 2-3 key EDI events per month.' At a meeting to discuss a review of the EDI calendar, one member backed the 'less is more approach'. The report went to say that the 2024 calendar would focus on a handful of topics including religion and belief. Bosses aimed to 'upskill people managers and colleagues' on the most significant holy days for each of the main faiths. Public sector workers risk suffering diversity 'fatigue' if they are told to mark too many awareness days and religious festivals (File image) For Christians this was identified as 'Christmas Day (25 December), and the report said there needed to be a 'full communications package' on it including a briefing 'delivered a month in advance of the event to provide guidance on how People Managers can support colleagues and the practical issues people managers need to consider and respond to'. An email by the pension regulator's EDI lead told staff about internal events held the previous year including National Inclusion week, 'where we discussed topics like the diversity pay-gap, cultural awareness and inclusivity, and challenging 'anti-wokeness'. It alerted employees to a 'piers and queers history walk' that would be taking place in Brighton, while a section on Holocaust Memorial Day began with a 'trigger warning'. William Yarwood, media campaign manager of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Reassuringly, many public sector workers are as sick of having the woke agenda shoved down their throats as taxpayers are. 'But a minority of pen-pushers employed into these pointless roles continue to make life difficult for their colleagues, with endless rules, regulations, reporting requirements as well as events to mark and training sessions to attend. 'The pensions regulator clearly needs to take its own advice and dramatically cut down on the EDI agenda it seems addicted to pushing.' A spokesman for The Pensions Regulator said: 'Diversity drives better outcomes for savers, and we are committed to leading by example as a fair and inclusive employer. 'We are also working closely with the pensions industry to share best practice and encourage inclusive governance and will publish our refreshed 2026-2029 EDI approach early next year.' Yearender-China Focus: How China powers its space endeavors Xinhua) 12:02, December 27, 2025 BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- In a recent demonstration of speed and coordination, China's manned space program safely returned the Shenzhou-20 crew. It launched the new spaceship Shenzhou-22 within just 20 days, after the original return vehicle suffered minor impact damage from space debris. The China Manned Space Agency attributed the successful implementation of the first such contingency plan in its history to the strengths of the country's distinctive new system for mobilizing resources nationwide. From manned spaceflight and the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System to the Chang'e lunar exploration program, China's space endeavors rely on comprehensive planning, long-term advancement, and collaboration among thousands of entities, all underpinned by such a system. While adhering to national strategic planning, the new system deeply integrates market mechanisms and technological innovation. Through systematic coordination, it stimulates the vitality of multiple innovators across the country. This has not only driven sci-tech innovation and breakthroughs but also provided sustained momentum for the country's overall development. NATIONWIDE COORDINATION According to the developer of the Shenzhou spaceship, the China Academy of Space Technology, the window anomaly caused by the impact triggered a rapid mobilization of experts across the country. The study of window cracks alone involves experts from institutions such as Beihang University, Beijing University of Technology, the University of Science and Technology Beijing, and the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Within 20 days, research and testing teams completed tasks including risk analysis and assessment, solution evaluation and decision-making, personnel and material mobilization, crew return, and emergency spacecraft launch. China's manned space program, implemented since 1992, now comprises 14 major systems and hundreds of subsystems, involving thousands of participating units and hundreds of thousands of personnel. "Engines, solar cells, electronics, and propellant -- parts from factories across the country can be sent to the assembly workshop in Beijing within a day once a command is issued," said a veteran expert describing how the system pools resources nationwide. COLLABORATION AMONG INNOVATORS A key advantage of the system is its ability to coordinate diverse innovators. State-owned research institutions and enterprises are responsible for top-level design and system integration, while private enterprises and academic teams contribute specialized expertise and skills. As the most sophisticated aerospace engineering project in China to date, the Chang'e lunar exploration program illustrates this collaborative model. The program comprises five major systems: probes, launch vehicles, launch sites, TTC (tracking, telemetry and command), and ground applications, which involve about 3,000 organizations and nearly 100,000 people. Take the Chang'e-6 mission, which made history by bringing 1,935.3 grams of lunar far-side samples back to Earth, as an example. The mission combined research institutions and academic teams to develop a lunar soil structure detector and a mechanical sampling arm, with coordinated support across multiple provincial regions and technical disciplines. The optical components for the mechanical arm's camera and the bearing parts of the rocket launch system's servo mechanism are developed by private enterprises in Jiangsu and Fujian, respectively. Such integration ensures complex lunar missions proceed on schedule and achieve scientific objectives. "Without the support of the new system for mobilizing resources nationwide, the three-step plan for China's lunar exploration program could not have been completed on schedule," said Hu Hao, chief designer of the Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions. MARKET BENEFITS The new system has also leveraged the market's decisive role in allocating resources, ensuring that the massive investment in R&D not only achieves research and development goals but also generates market benefits, thereby forming a cycle between R&D and application. The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, the country's largest, most extensive, and most people-connected aerospace project, has mobilized over 400 organizations and more than 300,000 technical personnel nationwide to participate in its development and construction. At the same time, it is a model that balances achieving scientific objectives with a focus on benefits. It has given rise to the new industry of satellite navigation and location services. To date, there are about 14,000 related domestic entities, employing over 500,000 people, and their services cover more than 200 countries and regions globally. In 2024, the total output value of China's BeiDou industry reached 575.8 billion yuan (about 82 billion U.S. dollars), up 7.39 percent year on year. BeiDou applications are increasingly integrated into people's daily lives, accounting for over 70 percent of various terminal types. China's new nationwide resource mobilization system will continue to drive innovation in the country. As noted in a recommendations document for the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), China will further improve the system and promote decisive breakthroughs in core technologies across entire chains in key fields such as integrated circuits, industrial machine tools, high-end equipment, basic software, advanced materials and biomanufacturing. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liu Ning) A 36-year-old woman was stabbed to death last month in an unprovoked attack outside a Dollar General store in Florida, according to police. The Putnam County Sheriff's Office said Cheyenne Kastens was ambushed by Lemar Beasley, 54, in the parking lot in Fruitland Park, a town in Central Florida. Beasley stabbed her more than 40 times, according to the State Attorney's Office. There is no indication that Kastens knew Beasley, nor is there evidence the two interacted before the attack. Kastens was rushed to the hospital and was pronounced dead. Beasley ran away and was found inside a nearby camper, where he was apprehended and taken to jail. 'No words can bring back the irreparable harm to Ms. Kastens' family and friends caused at the hands of a stone-cold killer,' Sheriff H.D. 'Gator' DeLoach said. 'However, I hope they can take solace in knowing the intent to hold Lemar Beasley accountable for his actions.' Beasley is a convicted sex offender who was released from prison in July after serving just over four years for not complying with registered offender requirements. Beasley was convicted of a series of violent offenses throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, including burglary, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery with a firearm and sexual battery. Cheyenne Kastens, 36, was killed last month in a random attack outside a Dollar General in Fruitland Park, Florida Kastens was attacked in the parking lot of Dollar General in Fruitland Park, a town in Central Florida. Police and prosecutors are treating this as an unprovoked stabbing Records also indicated he was charged with escaping from law enforcement custody in May 2000, but those charges were never pursued. Beasley was indicted by a grand jury on December 1 for first-degree murder in the killing of Kastens. On December 18, prosecutors filed a motion with the court stating their intent to seek the death penalty. 'The capital felony was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel,' Assistant State Attorney K. Mark Johnson wrote in a signed letter. '[It] was a homicide and was committed in a cold, calculated, and premeditated manner without any pretense of moral or legal justification.' In her obituary, Kastens was remembered as someone who 'filled the world around her with light, humor, and an unmistakable spark that was entirely her own'. She was described as 'kind, intelligent, and genuine, someone who cared deeply for the people and animals she loved'. Police say career criminal Lemar Beasley, 54, stabbed Kastens 40 times. Prosecutors have announced their intent to seek the death penalty for him Shawn Kastens, the victim's brother, started a GoFundMe to pay for his sister's funeral costs. 'She worked on boats and absolutely loved the life that came with it. She was fun-loving, kind, smart, and always ready with a joke to make someone smile. She loved her cats and animals, cherished time with her friends, and brought joy to every room she walked into,' he wrote. 'This loss has shattered our family. While the suspect is currently in custody, nothing can ease the pain of losing Cheyenne far too soon,' he added. The SNP has been accused of causing chaos for islanders with more than 5,000 sailings a year cancelled by the state-run ferry operator because of breakdowns. CalMac was forced to ditch 16,039 sailings between January 2023 and the end of October this year due to technical faults with its ageing fleet, according to latest figures. Faults accounted for almost half the 36,707 cancellations over the period, with most of the rest due to the weather. Jamie Greene, transport spokesman for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said: These figures reveal just how much chaos the SNP are causing. Our island communities are being treated as second class citizens, lacking the basic right to access the same public services as mainland Scots. Mr Greene said that communities, such as Cumbrae, in his own West Scotland region had suffered endless disruption. The Glen Sannox ferry has endured a saga of costly delays and technical problems Lib Dem transport spokesman Jamie Greene has criticised the SNP over ferry failures He added: The SNPs failure to deliver new lifeline ferries has anchored islanders with an ageing fleet in constant need of repair, at constant risk of cancellation and costing millions in repair bills. The figures show not a single route was unaffected by technical faults, with all 30 seeing at least 31 cancellations. The journeys with the most technical fault cancellations were Gourock to Dunoon with 6,180, Tarbert Loch Fyne to Portavadie (2,206), and Mallaig to Armadale (1,284). Mallaig to Lochboisdale saw 21 per cent of sailings axed because of breakdowns, while Kennacraig to Islay/Colonsay/Oban, and Tarbert Loch Fyne to Lochranza both had 17 per cent of sailings cancelled. The Scottish Government is the sole shareholder in both CalMac and the state-owned ferry procurement body CMAL. Last week it emerged the second of two CalMac ferries ordered by SNP ministers in 2015 for 97million had been delayed yet again. Due in 2018, the MV Glen Rosa, which was delayed in May this year from September to mid-2026, was postponed another six months until the end of next year. Already expected to cost 185million, a further price hike will be announced in January. Delivery of the MV Isle of Islay, which is being built in Turkey, had been due by Christmas. But last week it emerged that the date has been pushed back into next year. CalMac said: Only a tiny percentage 3 per cent of all sailings since 2023 have been cancelled due to technical reasons, with weather continuing to be the main reason for a cancellation. 'More than 92 per cent of sailings were successfully completed during this period. Technical problems do happen with an ageing fleet and in operating that fleet in increasingly challenging weather. 'However, the arrival of five major and seven small vessels by 2029 will improve the reliability and resilience of services across the network. The government said: We are investing in six new major vessels to serve Scotlands ferry network, which started with MV Glen Sannox in January this year ...We know that Scotlands island communities face distinct challenges. 'That is why we have opened the 4.4million Islands Business Resilience Fund to help address issues, such as travel disruption, that can have a disproportionate impact. A 19-year-old Texas woman vanished without a trace during a Christmas Eve morning walk, disappearing just minutes after leaving her home in a region long flagged by authorities as a human-trafficking corridor. Camila Mendoza Olmos was last seen shortly before 7am on Wednesday, Christmas Eve, after leaving her home in northwest Bexar County, Texas on the outskirts of San Antonio, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. A CLEAR Alert - Texas' statewide system for locating missing and possibly endangered adults - has been issued as the desperate search continues. Surveillance video from that morning shows an individual believed to be Camila standing near her vehicle with the lights on, appearing to search inside the car for an unidentified item, investigators said. Moments later, the footage ends. Camila's car was still parked at the home, leading authorities to believe she left the area on foot. She has not been seen since. Deputies described Camila as 5ft 4in tall, weighing about 110 pounds. She was last seen wearing a baby blue and black hoodie, baby blue pajama bottoms and white shoes. Authorities say the only items she is believed to have had with her were her car keys and possibly her driver's license. Camila Mendoza Olmos is 19 years old and lives in northwest Bexar County, Texas. She was last seen around 7am on Wednesday, Christmas Eve A CLEAR Alert has been issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety, classifying Camila Mendoza Olmos as a possibly endangered missing adult Surveillance footage shows an individual believed to be Camila near her vehicle shortly before she vanished. Pictured, the family car near where she was seen Authorities have not shared any evidence of foul play, but the circumstances including her abandoned phone, her sudden disappearance on foot, and the lack of any confirmed sightings have fueled growing concern. According to her mother, Rosario Olmos, Camila typically went for morning walks - a routine that made her sudden disappearance all the more alarming. Rosario told CBS affiliate KENS that she and her daughter had been sleeping together early Christmas Eve morning when she felt Camila get out of bed. About 90 minutes later, Rosario woke up and realized her daughter was gone. 'I called her cell phone, but the cell phone was there on the bed and it was turned off,' Rosario Olmos said. '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,' but Camila never appeared. After checking with Camila's boyfriend and her father, both of whom said they had not seen her, Rosario contacted the sheriff's office to report her daughter missing. Family members and friends spent Christmas Day searching the area around the home, but found no sign of the 19-year-old. Camila is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs about 110 pounds Her mother, Rosario Olmos said she went searching for her daughter, believing she would find her walking as she had many times before Neighbors are seen coming out on the street to comfort Camila's mother, Rosario After checking with Camila's boyfriend, pictured, and her father, both of whom said they had not seen her, mom, Rosario contacted the sheriff's office to report her daughter missing 'It is not normal for her to disappear,' Rosario said, adding that she usually knows where her daughter is at all times. 'I only ask God to please bring her back home,' she said. 'Bring her back to me.' As the search stretched into Christmas Day, Camila's aunt, Nancy Olmos, issued an emotional public plea online, urging people to share information and pray for the teen's safe return. 'Please help me and my family continue to share this,' Nancy Olmos wrote. 'We are still searching for my sweet angel, my niece, Camila Mendoza Olmos, 19 years old.' She added that Camila had recently been baptized and was deeply religious. 'She loves God with all her heart, and we are desperately looking for her,' she wrote. Acknowledging the timing of the disappearance on one of the year's most sacred holidays, Olmos appealed directly to families celebrating together. Camila, left, is seen here with Aisley Garcia in a Facebook post asking for her safe return When Camila did not return, her mother, Rosario contacted her boyfriend and father before calling authorities Family and friends searched nearby areas on Christmas Day but found no sign of the girl 'I know many of you are gathered with your children and loved ones this Christmas, opening presents and celebrating together,' she wrote. 'As a sister in Christ, I am humbly asking for one special gift this year in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 0 please help us by sharing these posts and, most importantly, by lifting Camila up in your prayers. 'We believe in God's protection, and we have faith that Camila will come home,' she added. 'Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.' The Texas Department of Public Safety issued the CLEAR Alert identifying Camila as a missing adult who is 'possibly endangered,' a designation that allows law enforcement to rapidly share information statewide. A Michigan principal took a chance on a troubled foster teen three years ago when she was left with nowhere to go for Christmas, but her two-week stay didn't go as planned when he realized she completed their family, and she was legally adopted. Jeremy Wright, 49, was working as a principal in Plainwell, a small town about a half hour south of Grand Rapids, when he learned that one of his students, Bridgett, then 15, was being kicked out of her foster home. Jeremy revealed in an interview with PEOPLE that Bridgett would have to be alone in an office building over the holiday, so he asked his wife, Jennifer, if they could take her in. Initially, Jennifer said no because they already had two kids, and Bridgett had a difficult upbringing. The Wrights told PEOPLE that Bridgett had addictions to marijuana and alcohol, and was kicked out of her last foster home for stealing $300. Bridgett had been removed from her biological mother's home when she was only eight years old. Her biological mom had a drug addiction and was a sex worker. Bridgett and her brothers were separated and placed into the foster care system. She had lived with 20 different foster families before her initial two-week stay with the Wrights. Bridgett, 18, was struggling with addictions and mental health when she was kicked out of a foster home before Christmas Even though she was initially set to stay for two weeks, the Wrights decided to take her in and she was adopted in 2024 Jennifer confessed that the first few days were difficult, as Bridgett continued to smoke, steal alcohol, and sneak out of their house. Bridgett then opened up about the sexual abuse she endured, and the family decided to get her help with her mental health. 'It was like how in all my years of teaching, 25 years of teaching, I'd never heard a story like that. It was just so horrible,' Jeremy told People. The Wrights checked Bridgett into a hospital in Wisconsin and said she came back calm and focused. 'I knew that if we could get her to go and get some help and get on the right medicine and get on the right track, that we could help her,' Jeremy said. Bridgett continued to live with the couple and their two children, Jacob, 18, and Kaylee, 21. She initially didn't want to be adopted by the family, but eventually came around to being a Wright and was legally adopted through the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in May 2024. Since she came into the Wrights' care, Bridgett went from barely passing her classes to getting all As and Bs, and joined the cheer team. Jeremy and his wife, Jennifer, described Bridgett as a loving girl who completed their family Bridgett said in an interview with People that she's been 'living my princess life' since she was adopted by the Wrights Bridgett told PEOPLE that it was difficult to describe the feeling of having a permanent family, but confessed that she's 'living my princess life.' The couple said that it was a treat to watch Bridgett grow and that she completed their family. 'Bridgett is fun, she's feisty, she's just a sweet girl. She's got a really big heart and is loving,' Jennifer told the publication. Bridgett is a senior and will graduate from high school next year. Jeremy now serves as a superintendent. A former writer for South Park pulled off a long-term troll job by purchasing 'Trump-Kennedy' domain names on the web months in advance of the president's renaming of the Kennedy Center. Last week, the White House announced that the government-owned arts theater would be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, something writer Toby Morton anticipated. Morton purchased the domain names 'trumpkennedycenter.org' and 'trumpkennedycenter.com' last August, after learning of the president's plans to remake the center's programming. 'As soon as Trump began gutting the Kennedy Center board earlier this year, I thought, "Yep, that name's going on the building,"' Morton told The Washington Post. 'The rest followed on schedule,' he said of Trump's December move to officially rename the building. Morton - who wrote for the show from 2001 to 2003 and even voiced the infamous character Scott Tenorman - frequently buys domain names and turns them into comedic websites, he claims, as a form of political activism. 'The Kennedy Center has always been a cultural institution meant to outlast any one administration or personality. It's meant to honor culture, not ego. Once it was treated like personal branding, satire became unavoidable,' Morton said. 'Creator of Anti-Fascists Websites,' reads Morton's Instagram bio. A former writer for South Park pulled off a long-term troll job by purchasing 'Trump-Kennedy' domain names on the web months in advance of the president's renaming of the Kennedy Center Toby Morton - who wrote for the show from 2001 to 2003 and even voiced the infamous character Scott Tenorman - buys domain names frequently and turns them into comedic websites, he claims as a form of political activism He currently owns sites about Nancy Mace's 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial run and a potential Marjorie Taylor Greene 2026 Senate campaign. 'I'm not here to serve, I'm here to brand. If that means mocking trans kids, defaming exes, inflating reimbursements, or screaming "groomer" on the House floor for likes, so be it,' the mock Mace website reads. The satire on the MTG's fake site is a little more blatant, reading: 'Building a Whiter Tomorrow.' However, he also targets Democrats he sees as insufficient in their fight against Donald Trump, namely Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. 'I've spent years perfecting the art of bowing, not to the people who elected me, but to the ones who bought the room,' the site ResignChuck.com says. He also occasionally buys billboard space to troll his political opponents, funding it with both Morton's money and small-dollar donations. Neither of the Trump-Kennedy domains has been turned into anything by Morton just yet, but he claims he has plans. 'It'll absolutely reflect the absurdity of the moment. Lots of surprises. Some things are truly hard to parody, though.' Join the debate Should public cultural institutions ever be renamed to honor sitting presidents? Last week, the White House announced that the government-owned arts theater would be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, something writer Toby Morton (pictured) anticipated. Morton purchased the domain names 'trumpkennedycenter.org' and 'trumpkennedycenter.com' last August Both of the Trump-Kennedy domains haven't been turned into anything by Morton just yet but he claims he has plans The Trump administration has yet to reach out to Morton, nor has anyone tried to buy the domain names. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Trump-Kennedy Center for comment. Trump's renaming of the center has become the latest flashpoint in the culture war during his presidency. President John F Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, and Congress passed a law the following year naming the center as a living memorial to him. The Kennedy Center's name change was poorly received by many members of the Kennedy Family, including former President Kennedy's niece Kerry Kennedy, who pledged to take a 'pickax' to the letters forming Trump's name on the building after he leaves office. Former House historian Ray Smock is also among those who say any changes would have to be approved by Congress. The law explicitly prohibits the board of trustees from making the center into a memorial to anyone else, and from putting another person's name on the building's exterior. Trump told reporters he was 'surprised' the board voted to rename the center after him and that he was 'honored' by the decision. President Trump (pictured with his wife First Lady Melania at the 48th Kennedy Center Honors on December 7) said he was 'surprised' the board voted to rename the center after him and that he was 'honored' by the decision But he hinted at the looming name change earlier this month when he referred to the performance arts venue as the Trump Kennedy Center. Trump, a Republican, has been deeply involved with the center named for an iconic Democrat after mostly ignoring it during his first term. He has forced out its leadership, overhauled the board while preparing to head it, and personally hosted this year's Kennedy Center Honors, breaking a long tradition in which presidents mainly serve as spectators. The changes at the Kennedy Center are part of the president's larger mission to fight 'woke' culture at federal cultural institutions. The jazz musician is just one of numerous artists to call off Kennedy Center performances since Trump returned to office, including Issa Rae and Peter Wolf. Lin-Manuel Miranda also canceled a planned production of Hamilton. Kennedy Center Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravi told the Daily Mail that the action to rename the center is 'in line with the precedent of the State Department adding President Trump's name to the Institute of Peace. And the previous Administration renaming military bases.' During an appearance on WMAL's O'Connor and Company, Daravi noted that the 'Kennedy Memorial is not impacted at all by this name addition,' also stating that adding Trump's name to the building gets back to the original bipartisan roots of the Center, as it was created by President Eisenhower and then dedicated to Kennedy after his death. A packed courtroom waited with bated breath to hear Ashlee Buzzard's plea in her daughter's murder case on Friday, and reacted in shock when she declared that she was not guilty in Melodee's death. Ashlee, 40, appeared in a California courthouse for her arraignment just days after she was sensationally arrested in the murder of her nine-year-old daughter, months after Melodee's disappearance captivated the nation. Videos of the arraignment revealed gasps from the courtroom as officials asked those seated for the hearing to keep it down. One person seated in the gallery could even be heard muttering, 'Oh my god,' as Ashlee's public defender spoke. After her lawyer entered the plea, the accused mother then agreed to waive her right to a speedy preliminary hearing. The New York Post reported that some in the gallery broke down in tears and erupted in anger during the court hearing. Ashlee, who was frequently spotted near her Santa Barbara home in wigs before her arrest, appeared in court on Friday with her natural blonde curly hair, no makeup, and a blouse. In addition to her not-guilty plea, Ashlee denied the special allegation charge of lying in wait. Ashlee Buzzard, 40, appeared in court on Friday for her arraignment in connection to her daughter's murder case Ashlee has been accused of murdering her nine-year-old daughter, Melodee. The two were last seen on a road trip together in October wearing wigs Melodee, 9, was reported missing in October after school administrators said they hadn't seen her for months The court appearance marks a new chapter in the devastating hunt for justice in Melodee's death. Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown announced on Tuesday that Melodee's remains were located in a rural area in Utah on December 8. The coroner's office determined that the child died from gunshot wounds to her head. Cartridge cases recovered in Utah matched those found in Ashlee's home. 'This is an extraordinarily tragic case involving the murder of a child by the very person she relied upon and trusted the most,' Sheriff Brown said. 'While maternal filicide is rare and difficult to comprehend, the evidence in this case clearly indicates a calculated, deliberate, and ruthless act.' Melodee's paternal uncle, Marvin Meza, told the New York Post after the arraignment that Ashlee's actions were 'despicable.' 'As far as what happened today and her pleading not guilty, I dont have any words for that,' he added. 'Everybody says to themselves "Why did she do this," and that question I cannot answer because I dont even know,' Melodee's paternal grandmother, Lily Denes, told the publication outside of the courthouse. Melodee's remains were found in Utah at the start of December. A crime lab determined they were a familial match to her mother, Ashlee Investigators arrested Ashlee on Tuesday after they discovered cartridge cases in Utah that matched ones found in her home 'Youre a mother, Im a mother, Im a grandmother how can you do that to a baby?' she added. Denes told reporters outside the courthouse that she was outraged by the not-guilty plea. Detectives said that Ashlee was uncooperative throughout the months-long investigation into her daughter's disappearance, encountering 'deliberate efforts to prevent them from locating Melodee and uncovering the truth.' Melodee was first reported missing on October 14 by a school administrator who was concerned about her prolonged absence. The nine-year-old was homeschooled at the time, but her program required her and a parent to pick up coursework from the Lompoc Unified School District. Administrators hadn't seen Melodee since August when they first reported her missing. Investigators traced the mother and daughter on a multi-state road trip in a rented vehicle throughout Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California. Melodee and Ashlee were last seen on surveillance video on October 9 near the Colorado-Utah border in wigs. Ashlee was seen escorted by police officers at her California home after she was arrested for murdering her daughter Melodee's disappearance gained national attention as many waited for months hoping she would be found alive The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office believes Melodee was killed shortly after this sighting, and her body was left in the rural area. Ashlee allegedly switched license plates and backed into gas stations to avoid surveillance cameras during the road trip. 'This level of criminal activity is particularly shocking given the calculated, cold-blooded and criminally sophisticated premeditation and heartlessness that went into planning it,' Sheriff Brown said in a press conference. It wasn't until December 6 that Melodee's body was discovered. Deputies with the Wayne County Sheriff's Department responded to a call from a couple taking photos at the Capitol Reef National Park. Sheriff Brown said that the body had already decomposed, but an FBI Crime Lab analysis confirmed the remains were a familial DNA match to Ashlee. Ashlee was arrested at her home in California (pictured) and is being held without bail as she awaits trial In a press conference on Tuesday, Brown said that although authorities concluded the case was maternal filicide, they have yet to uncover a motive. 'Today we stand together in grief, but also with resolve. Melodee deserved a far better life than she had,' the sheriff said. Family members have previously spoken out about how Ashlee isolated Melodee after her father's death. Melodee's father, Rubiell Meza, died in a motorcycle accident, the Daily Mail previously reported. Meza's mother, Lilly Denes, told Fox News that Ashlee suffered from mental health issues and cut the girl off from the world. Lizabeth Meza, Melodee's aunt, previously told the Daily Mail that Ashlee even lost custody of the child at one point and was in significant debt. Melodee's paternal family previously told the Daily Mail that Ashlee (pictured) isolated the child Melodee's father, Rubiell Meza, died in a motorcycle accident. His family spoke outside the courtroom on Friday and called Ashlee 'despicable' 'There were so many hurdles, just so much going on within the family,' Meza said in tears. 'And it just saddens me that there was so much going on at that time that we weren't able to keep in contact with Melodee, and nobody had a relationship with her. 'The system failed her by giving her back to a mother time and time again when she was unstable. There is just so many emotions that go through my mind when I think of that little girl.' Prosecutors in the case said they were taking the death penalty off the table, but would seek life in prison without parole if Ashlee is convicted. Ashlee will continue to remain in jail without the possibility of bail. Her next preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 7. The Daily Mail has reached out to Ashlee's representation for comment. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the permanent shutdown of the bureau's iconic Washington D.C. headquarters on Friday. Patel declared the end of the J. Edgar Hoover Building, fulfilling a once-provocative pledge to strip the FBI of what he had called its 'deep state' nerve center. In a sweeping statement posted to X, Patel said the decades-old building would be closed for good, marking a dramatic physical and symbolic break from the FBI's past. The closure of the famed building will also present a major logistical overhaul for one of the federal government's most powerful agencies. 'After more than 20 years of failed attempts, we finalized a plan to permanently close the FBI's Hoover headquarters and move the workforce into a safe, modern facility,' Patel wrote. 'Working directly with President Trump and Congress, we accomplished what no one else could.' The announcement immediately reignited controversy around Patel whose rise to the FBI's top job has been defined by his aggressive attacks on the bureau's culture, scale, and leadership - and by his vow to dismantle what he has described as entrenched bureaucracy in Washington. The J. Edgar Hoover Building, which takes up a full block along Pennsylvania Avenue, has housed FBI headquarters since 1975. FBIDirector Kash Patel announced the permanent shutdown of the bureau's iconic Washington D.C. headquarters on Friday The shutdown of the Hoover Building ends nearly half a century of the FBIs physical presence on Pennsylvania Avenue Patel announced the decision during a lengthy tweet on Friday Planning for the structure began in 1962, and it was formally dedicated during the presidency of Gerald Ford. For decades, it has stood as a fortress-like symbol of federal law enforcement power - but for critics like Patel, a monument to institutional excess. Before taking office, Patel publicly argued that the FBI's Washington footprint had grown far beyond necessity. In a 2023 appearance on podcaster Shawn Ryan's show, he laid his vision for the building's fate. 'I'd shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day oneand reopen it next day as a museum of the Deep State,' Patel said at the time. He added that he would disperse thousands of employees nationwide, asking, 'What do you need 7,000 people there for?' On Friday, Patel framed the closure not as a symbolic gesture, but as a cost-saving and operational necessity. According to his statement, previous plans would have left taxpayers paying nearly $5 billion for a new headquarters that would not open until 2035. 'I'd shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day oneand reopen it next day as a museum of the Deep State,' Patel said during a 2023 appearance on podcaster Shawn Ryan's show Patel said the FBI will relocate most of its headquarters workforce to the existing Ronald Reagan Building, pictured above, allowing the transition to begin immediately 'When we arrived, taxpayers were about to be on the hook for nearly $5 billion for a new headquarters that wouldn't open until 2035,' Patel wrote. 'We scrapped that plan.' Instead, Patel said the FBI will relocate most of its headquarters workforce to the existing Ronald Reagan Building, allowing the transition to begin immediately while avoiding years of construction delays and ballooning costs. 'We selected the already-existing Reagan Building, saving billions and allowing the transition to begin immediately with required safety and infrastructure upgrades already underway,' he wrote. Patel said most headquarters staff will move into the Reagan Building once upgrades are complete, while others will be reassigned as part of what he described as an ongoing effort to push more agents and personnel into the field. Join the debate Is closing the Hoover Building a bold step toward reform or a reckless move that hurts national security? Federal Bureau of Investigation Director J. Edgar Hoover outside the FBI building in Washington, pictured in 1950 A group of people examine fingerprint cards during preliminary fingerprint classification at the J Edgar Hoover Building, FBI headquarters in Washington, DC, in 1971 (file photo) 'This decision puts resources where they belong: defending the homeland, crushing violent crime, and protecting national security,' Patel wrote. 'It delivers better tools for today's FBI workforce at a fraction of the cost.' 'The Hoover Building will be shut down permanently.' The move comes as Patel faces mounting scrutiny over his leadership style and spending decisions. Earlier this week, MSNOW reported that Patel ordered a fleet of four luxury armored BMWs to replace the Chevrolet Suburbans traditionally used by the bureau. He has also drawn criticism for using FBI aircraft for personal travel, responding to backlash by saying, 'I'm entitled to a personal life.' Sadiq Khan has claimed that Donald Trump routinely attacks 'incredibly successful' London because he is jealous. The Mayor of London reignited his war of words with the US President yesterday as he said the capital is safer than any American city. Sir Sadiq claimed that Mr Trump only attacks the capital because he is 'jealous he hasn't got any global cities in America that can compete with London'. The Mayor, who has been in office since 2016, also said that MPs who criticise the capital are 'unpatriotic' as he accused them of attacking London because it's 'incredibly successful'. It is the latest skirmish in a long-running feud between the Labour Mayor and the US President, with Mr Trump earlier this month branding Sir Sadiq a 'horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor'. Sir Sadiq questioned whether Mr Trump was 'obsessed' after the President said: 'He's an incompetent mayor, but he's a horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor. I think he's done a terrible job. London's a different place.' Mr Trump has also claimed that parts of London had become no-go zones for the police, while vice-president J. D. Vance claimed in 2024 that London was becoming an 'Islamist country'. In an interview with the Financial Times yesterday, Sir Sadiq said London has become a proxy in a bitter culture war, which he claimed had spilled over into an increase in racism in the capital. Sadiq Khan has claimed that Donald Trumproutinely attacks 'incredibly successful' Londonbecause he is jealous Mr Trump has also claimed that parts of London had become no-go zones for the police, while vice-president J. D. Vance claimed in 2024 that London was becoming an 'Islamist country' He said: 'I think some of this may be a President who's jealous he hasn't got any global cities in the US that can compete with London. New York is a great city, it's probably the second greatest city in the world. 'But I'd be happy to compare Trump's favourite city's subway with our Elizabeth Line. 'There are far fewer homicides in London than in any state in the US, far fewer than in New York, LA or Chicago.' Sir Sadiq said he understands why Mr Trump would want to talk down a rival global metropolis, but said he was more disappointed that 'unpatriotic' British MPs would follow suit. 'I can see that they are worried about London's success,' he said 'That's because we are a diverse, progressive, liberal and multicultural city that's incredibly successful. We're the antithesis of all the stuff they talk about.' The Mayor also warned Sir Keir Starmer not to adopt tax policies that are driving away the rich. 'The idea that all non-doms are bogeymen is not my experience,' he told the newspaper. Three people were shot - including one officer - when a gunman rampaged through a northern Idaho community and stormed into the local sheriff's office. The shooting in Wallace, a small town near the Montana border, broke out at around 2:30pm local time. That's when the gunman shot two women who were inside a parked pickup truck, according to Shoshone County Sheriff William Eddy. During a press conference after the shooting, Sheriff Eddy said the man shot through the windshield of the vehicle and hit both women in their legs. The gunman also shot an officer. The man had fired shots into an Ace Hardware store before turning his attention to the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office across the street. The sheriff's office building also houses the county courthouse and the jail. The suspect gained access to the lobby, where there were no staff at the time, and began firing into the dispatch center. None of the dispatchers were injured, according to Sheriff Eddy. 'The lobby is always open so people can walk in and fill out reports or make contact with dispatch,' Sheriff Eddy said. 'And so that's how he just walked in.' The gunman managed to shoot an officer inside the lobby, but it was confirmed that a member of a SWAT team returned fire, killing the suspect. At the press conference, law enforcement did not shed any light on the identity of the now-dead attacker, but Sheriff Bob Norris of Kootenai County mentioned that the suspect 'had access to the jail'. Pictured: There is a heavy police presence outside the Shoshone County Sheriffs Office in Wallace, Idaho. Authorities have confirmed there is an active shooter situation Pictured: A militarized vehicle outside the sheriff's office at around 4:30pm local time Sheriff Norris, who had announced roughly an hour earlier that the shooter had been neutralized, did not elaborate any further on the suspect's connection to the jail. The jail was not attacked during the shooting, Sheriff Eddy said during the presser. He added that he will have to look into changing the security protocols at the sheriff's office. The assailant's three victims, the police officer and the two women outside the sheriff's office, all sustained minor injuries. At least eight law enforcement agencies from Idaho, Washington and Montana converged on the scene throughout the afternoon into the evening. As the situation unfolded, Julie Swindell-Ward posted a series of videos to Facebook showing the heavy police presence outside the sheriff's office. 'There are sheriffs everywhere. Long guns out, handguns out, I've already heard multiple shots fired,' she said in one video. 'Pray for safety for those officers.' Swindell-Ward said she was grocery shopping when she heard the shots. She quickly retreated to her car to watch from a distance. The Mineral County Sheriff's Office, which is just across the border in Montana, was the first to confirm reports of an active shooter. The Daily Mail has approached authorities in Mineral, Shoshone and Kootenai Counties for further comment. As of 2024, Wallace had a population of 823. It was founded in 1884 and was named William R. Wallace, a local farmer at the time. The town boomed when silver deposits were found, which gave way to it becoming a mining colony for decades. GPs are being offered 135,000 a year to provide first class healthcare to foreign criminals and illegal migrants facing deportation. Salaries of up to the equivalent of 11,250 a month are being waved at doctors to look after migrants held in immigration removal centres (IRCs). Healthcare provider Practice Plus Group, a contractor acting on behalf of the Home Office, is advertising for a taxpayer-funded GP at Heathrow Airport IRC. The job involves delivering first-class healthcare to a diverse patient population and adds that doctors will develop knowledge in areas which are not usually experienced in standard GP practices or A&E settings. Within this role you will be working closely with the multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality patient care, the job advert states. You will deliver clinical sessions, inpatient ward rounds and blood screening. Ideal applicants would enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, and have some experience with patients who have a history of substance misuse needs and detox. Promotional material also urges potential applicants to not let stereotypes hold you back from working with foreign criminals and illegal immigrants. Our residents are vulnerable, and they deserve the same level of care as anyone else, a principal pharmacist at Heathrow IRC said. GPs are being offered 135,000 a year to provide first class healthcare to foreign criminals and illegal migrants facing deportation Many dont have access to medical records or even speak English, so every day brings new challenges. But thats what makes the job so rewarding. It requires emotional intelligence and empathy. The 40-hour-a-week role is in stark contrast to an NHS GP, who earns an average of 79,000 a year. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said that it is disgraceful the red carpet treatment is being given to potential foreign criminals. No wonder illegal immigrants from all over Europe flood across the English Channel when the Government spends billions of pounds of our money to cosset them, he added. We need to leave the ECHR and then these illegal immigrants can be deported within a week of arrival. Detained migrants are given the same range and quality of NHS treatment available to the public due to Home Office rules. A Home Office spokesman said: We do not directly fund these roles. We are making sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration, which will make Britain a less attractive destination for illegal migrants and allow us to remove and deport people more easily. We have already returned nearly 50,000 people with no right to be here and delivered millions of pounds in savings across the immigration system. Practice Plus Group was contacted for comment. The tiny Pacific island nation of Palau has agreed to accept up to 75 illegal migrants from the United States in a deal worth $7.5million. Donald Trump, who campaigned on a promise to expel undocumented migrants, has accelerated deportations and cracked down on border crossings since returning to power. The country of Palau is about 500 miles off the Philippines, and part of an archipelago of small island nations. The island was also the location for the filming of Survivor: Palau, the 10th season of the reality show. Under a new memorandum of understanding, Palau will let the migrants live and work on the sparsely populated archipelago, officials said Wednesday. The $7.5 million return from the US will be used for public service and infrastructure projects in Palau. With some 18,000 people spread across hundreds of volcanic isles and coral atolls, Palau is by population one of the smallest countries in the world. The migrants from the United States have not been charged with crimes and will help to fill needed jobs in Palau, both sides said. 'Palau would have to agree on a case-by-case basis as to individuals who will be arriving in Palau under the arrangement,' the Pacific nation said in a statement. The deal was announced following a call between Palau President Surangel Whipps and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. The tiny Pacific island nation of Palau has agreed to accept up to 75 illegal migrants from the United States in a deal worth $7.5 million Donald Trump, who campaigned on a promise to expel undocumented migrants, has accelerated deportations and cracked down on border crossings since returning to power The country of Palau is about 500 miles off the Philippines, and part of an archipelago of small island nations 'Through this partnership, the United States and Palau are taking concrete steps to strengthen our security and protect our communities, while also fostering a safe, more secure, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region,' the US State Department said in a separate statement. During the call with Whipps, Landau said the United States was committed to building a new hospital and improving Palau's capacity to respond to national disasters. Washington will also provide an additional $ 6 million to support reforms to prevent the collapse of Palau's civil service pension plan, while adding another $2 million for law enforcement initiatives. The Palauan archipelago -- a string of limestone islands and coral atolls -- lies about 500 miles east of the Philippines. Whipps has overseen the expansion of US military interests since winning power in 2020, including the construction of a long-range US radar outpost, a crucial early warning system as China ramps up military activity in the Taiwan Strait. Palau gained independence in 1994, but allows the US military to use its territory under a longstanding 'Compact of Free Association' agreement. In return, the United States gives Palau hundreds of millions of dollars in budgetary support and assumes responsibility for its national defense. Earlier in December, the Department of Homeland Security claimed it had secured 2.5million deportations since Trump returned to office on January 20. Join the debate Should small nations like Palau be pressured to solve Americas immigration challenges? Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been the face of Trump's deportation campaign Under a new memorandum of understanding, Palau will let the migrants live and work on the sparsely populated archipelago, officials said Wednesday That includes 1.9million illegal migrants who chose to self-deport, in exchange for a $1,000 bonus and a free flight home. 'Illegal aliens are hearing our message to leave now. They know if they don't, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return,' said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. The final year of Joe Biden's presidency saw just 271,000 removed, up from 142,000 in 2023. Officials surrounding the president have noted that the Trump administration has achieved its goals despite the courts getting in the way. Princess Diana's press team was branded 'predatory' by Charles's own entourage and accused of trying to 'upstage' him, newly released documents show. The revelations are found in memos from Charles's press officers to Irish officials ahead of his two-day visit to Ireland in June, 1995 - and shine a light on tensions between the two camps after the high-profile split three years earlier. One of the Prince's staff suggested that Diana's team, which they claimed was 'more predatory and skilled' with the media, would likely stage a visit of their own soon afterwards. The files also note that Charles's team saw coverage of the Ireland excursion as 'part of a long-term public relations strategy to rehabilitize the Prince in the eyes of the British public'. Led by his press secretary Alan Percival and successor Sandy Henney, the Prince's team told Irish officials that they felt the visit was 'the best public outing the Prince has had in a very long time'. Ms Henney was described in the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs' document as 'fiercely loyal' to Charles and 'alive to every opportunity to advance his cause'. A Department of Foreign Affairs note shows officials were confused by her suggestions Diana might follow in Charles's footprints, and were unsure if she was joking. The document reads: 'Henney (who would have been less aware of the political dimension than the more restrained Percival) told me that if she had any say in it the Prince would be here again before the summer was out.' New documents show evidence of a rivalry between the press teams associated then Prince Charles and Princess Diana after their split Charles, seen here with the then president of Ireland Mary Robinson, made a two-day visit to Dublin in 1995 'She also remarked that if practice to date was any guide we could shortly expect an approach from Princess Diana!' Department of Foreign Affairs official Joe Hayes added: 'I took this as a joke until she repeated it and assured me that in the media battle between the two, the Princess was by far the more predatory and skilled and her staff devoted a great deal of time to finding ways and means of upstaging St James' Palace.' Charles's team suggested that Diana's people might encourage her to make a similar trip of her own Charles's officials agreed with the Irish diplomats that coverage of the visit in the UK was, while positive, 'relatively light' compared with that in Ireland. Then 46-year-old Charles's two-day visit to Dublin in 1995 was the first by a member of the Royal family since Ireland gained independence from Britain. He went within a year of the ceasefire announced by the IRA, who had assassinated his great-uncle Lord Mountbatten in a bomb explosion off the coast of Mullaghmore in 1979. The trip was considered a success and a turning point in British-Irish relations which helped pave the way for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, to make a historic visit herself in 2011. Charles and Diana made a number of public visits together, but they struggled to keep their marriage struggles hidden from view. In November 1992, the pair embarked on the ill-fated 'Togetherness Tour' that took in Soeul, South Korea for four days - but earned them the nickname 'The Glums'. It was intended to reassure the public that the couple, now parents of a young Prince William and Prince Harry, remained happily married and that any speculation of a separation was mere hearsay. Yet, this facade proved near impossible for neither Charles nor Diana to maintain, with striking video footage capturing their looks of angst and sorrow. The former couple popped up unexpectedly last week when a photograph of them appeared in the Epstein files. Inexplicably framed and hung in the back of one of Epstein's wardrobes was the front page of The Times from June 1994, when the then-Prince Charles told interviewer Jonathan Dimbleby that divorcing Princess Diana would not prevent him from becoming King. The story was accompanied by a full-length photo of Diana in her so-called 'revenge dress' - an off-the-shoulder evening gown that has been described as the most iconic little black dress of all time, which she wore for a high-profile gala in London on the night the interview aired on ITV. Criminal gangs delivering contraband to prisons by flying drones into the grounds are making up to 50,000 per delivery, it has been claimed. The use of drones has soared in recent years with HMP Manchester, also known as Strangeways, recording at least 220 dropoffs in just 12 months the highest figure across prisons in England and Wales. Gangs typically work in teams of two and use the remotecontrolled devices, which can cost from a few hundred to tens of thousands of pounds, to fly in contraband such as phones, drugs and even takeaways. Cheap mobile phones can be sold in prisons for 2,000 while paper soaked in spice a dangerous synthetic cannabinoid or cocaine can fetch 1,000, one former inmate told The Sun. 'Some gangs are raking in 50,000 a go,' the exprisoner, who spent 20 years in jails including Manchester and HMP Hull, said. 'If you put five phones on a drone and deliver them, that's 10,000. Drugs change hands for huge amounts, and lots of sheets can be attached to a drone. Some prisoners are even ordering McDonald's to show off.' The gangs typically employ a drone pilot, known as an 'eagle', and a spotter who speaks to prisoners awaiting deliveries. The Ministry of Justice recorded more than 1,000 drone 'drops' last year across the prisons estate. Sources told the Daily Mail that drone drops can be completed in as little as 20 seconds carrying packages which can weigh as much as 7kg. The use of drones has soared in recent years with HMP Manchester (pictured), also known as Strangeways, recording at least 220 dropoffs in just 12 months Pictured: A 'no drone zone' sign hangs on the outer wall of the Manchester prison Last month, Greater Manchester Police said more than 500 mobile phones and SIM cards were seized from inmates at HMP Manchester. Detective Sergeant Carla Dalton said phones behind bars are 'used to arrange drug deals, weapon drops and even plan violent attacks.' In an interview with this newspaper earlier this year, Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, warned that drones could soon even be delivering explosives, after reports of large 'zombie' knives being delivered. 'If zombie knives [can] go over, then what else?' Mr Taylor said. 'Heaven forbid, something like explosives and prisoners attempting to escape.' A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: 'We are investing 40million in security measures to clamp down on the contraband that fuels violence behind bars including 10million on antidrone measures such as window replacements, external window grilles and specialist netting.' Seven people have been taken to hospital One of the utes was towing a caravan Two utes and SUV collided near coastal town Seven people have been rushed to hospital after three cars and a caravan collided on a busy highway in a horror Christmas holiday smash. Three ambulances, two firetrucks and multiple police cars raced to Sapphire Coast Drive on the NSW Sapphire Coast about 10am on Saturday. Paramedics treated seven people for minor injuries before transporting all of them to Bega Hospital, just under a six-hour drive from Sydney. It's understood the patients include holidaymakers visiting the area for Christmas. Images from the scene show a ute towing a caravan, kayaks strapped to its roof, crumpled against metal barriers. A red SUV appeared to have been rear-ended, while a second ute suffered severe front-end damage. Both lanes of Sapphire Coast Drive remained closed for several hours as firefighters and tow trucks worked to clear wreckage from the road. Road authorities said Merimbula, a popular coastal resort town, is experiencing high volumes of tourist traffic during the Christmas and New Year period. Three cars - one towing a caravan - collided on Sapphire Coast Drive in southern NSW The road remained closed as police cleared the wreckage from the crash A ute towing a caravan was involved in the three-vehicle crash on Saturday Three ambulances rushed to the scene where seven people were injured Two utes - one towing a caravan - were involved in the crash on the NSW Sapphire Coast A patient is seen being stretchered onto an ambulance after the three-car smash Firefighters, police and paramedics were called to the scene on Saturday Seven people were taken to hospital with minor injuries 'Traffic diversions remain in place and inquiries are continuing,' NSW Police said. Daily Mail has contacted NSW Ambulance regarding the incident. The Bayeux Tapestry is set to be covered by a UK Treasury indemnity of around 800million during its forthcoming loan to the British Museum more than twice the value of the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. The indemnity, backed by the taxpayer, will cover the almost 1,000-year-old embroidery against damage or loss during its transfer from Normandy. The Treasury told the Financial Times that it had received an estimated valuation of the Bayeux Tapestry which has been provisionally approved. The newspaper reported that officials expect the final valuation to be around 800million. The Treasury did not dispute that figure, but declined to comment on the price. The loan next September is part of a cultural exchange agreed by French president Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Chancellor Rachel Reeves will have to sign off the indemnity for the tapestry, which tells the story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066 and is thought to have been made by nuns in England in the 11th century. It will be moved to London in a special crate and displayed behind a protective screen for ten months before returning to France. The Government Indemnity Scheme allows museums and galleries to borrow high-value works for major exhibitions without paying massive commercial insurance premiums. A lawyer who owns a chain of beauty salons is rejoining the Trump administration to help oversee approvals for immigrants coming to the United States. Mora Namdar was named the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs in the State Department on Monday. Its her second time in the role, as she'd also served on an interim basis under Trump in 2020. She has previously worked in the second Trump administration as a Senior Bureau Official in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, where her post involved diplomacy in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Namdar ran a law firm named after herself with two locations in Dallas and Washington DC. She also owns Bam, a chain of beauty salons in her native Texas. Bam has locations in her hometown of Dallas, as well as in Fort Worth and Plano, and specializes in blowouts. 'It dawned on me that there is a need for a gorgeous place that treats the styling of women like a form of art,' she said of her business to DMagazine back in 2017. The website for Namdar Law recently announced that she was no longer in active practice due to her new position, as requested by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Mora Namdar was named the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs in the State Department on Monday Namdar appears to fit in with Donald Trump's hardline stance on immigration Her work as Assistant Secretary will see Namdar - a child of Iranian immigrants - in charge of visa approvals and revocations, as well as issuing passports, and she appears to fit in with the president's hardline immigration stances. She said in her Senate confirmation hearing that anyone who 'undermine[s] our foreign policy, [then] consular officers have the authority to revoke their visa.' Her State Department bio cites work on Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan and work on stopping Iran's nuclear program. Namdar was hugely critical of Joe Biden's attempts to negotiate with the Iranians during his time in office. She said that the Iranian government was committing 'genocide' against its own citizens and told staffers to rewrite memos as 'more pessimistic toward the Iranian governments prospects.' Columbia Journalism Review cited Namdar as a contributor to Project 2025, a conservative political manifesto meant as a north star for a second Trump term. In Project 2025, Namdar called for reforming or ending USAGM, which funded Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, for spreading 'anti-US talking points.' She has proven controversial with liberals during her time working in the Trump administration. Namdar - the child of Iranian immigrants - was hugely critical of Joe Biden's attempts to negotiate with the Iranians during his time in office In October, Responsible Statecraft, the mouthpiece of anti-war think tank The Quincy Institute, said that there had been 'infighting' after Namdar 'elevated loyalists and sidelined more experienced diplomats' during her time at the Middle East bureau, playing 'a game of promotions and demotions.' 'If you're not inside her specific circle, you're truly left out,' a source told the website, saying her work had 'affected morale.' 'Instead of having experts in leadership positions, people who are either chummy with Mora or have specific ideological viewpoints end up being elevated over people who have done their time and their work in specific areas,' the source added. A State Department spokesperson trashed the reports at the time, saying that Namdar has been 'elevating personnel who have proven that they have the merit, expertise and experience to best implement President Trumps agenda.' More recently, a State Department spokesperson hit out at mainstream media for their characterizations of Namdar's business experience. 'What a shameful, pathetic, and quite frankly sexist way to describe her career. Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar is an accomplished lawyer, business owner, and government official,' Tommy Pigott told The Daily Beast. 'Americans can be proud that patriotic public servants like her are stepping forward to serve our country and advance our national interests.' Namdar was confirmed by a 53-43 margin in the Senate, with no Democrats supporting her nomination and no Republicans voting against her. A Montana cattleman and his wife have made a jaw-dropping decision to give away a $21.6 million ranch that has been in the family for generations, ensuring it remains a working ranch. In a move that could have been plucked from the TV drama Yellowstone, Dale and Janet Veseth have donated their roughly 38,000-acre cattle ranch in southern Phillips County, Montana, to the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA). The RSA is a rancher-founded nonprofit dedicated to keeping land in production agriculture. The gift is believed to be the largest recorded donation of a working ranch in Montana history, according to the organization. The Veseths will continue to manage the ranch during their lifetimes, but ownership will pass to the RSA. It means the land's future is secured and will be devoted to cattle, grass, wildlife, and rural communities rather than being carved up, sold off, or converted to other uses. For Dale, 63, the decision reflects both hard economic realities and a deeply personal reckoning with what ranching has become in the modern West. At the heart of the ranch is a lineage that predates Dale himself. Dale and Janet Veseth made a rare and dramatic decision to give away their $21.6 million Montana ranch rather than sell it The Veseths, pictured here on the ranch in 2008, will continue managing the land during their lifetimes despite donating ownership The move echoes themes from Yellowstone, the hit TV series starring Kevin Costner, pictured His father ran cattle on the same land, as did his grandfather. Over the decades, Veseth has refined a rotational grazing system he's worked on for 35 years, even adopting remote-controlled collars that allow him to move cattle up to 170 times a year across more than 38,000 acres. But while the tools have evolved, the pressures have intensified. Competing interests now vie for ranchland across Montana's high northern plains - a landscape once defined by family homesteads, now increasingly shaped by conservation groups, investors, and soaring land prices. Veseth said those pressures have made it nearly impossible for younger generations to enter the business. 'The capitalization to get in and maintain a ranching business was out of the reach of most Americans,' Veseth told Cowboy State Daily. 'Land is just one aspect. You have cattle. You have equipment, you have labor. 'And (everything) to make all these things go,' he added. 'We thought it was pretty hard to recruit the next generation of people who produced our food.' Veseth said at least 76 homesteads are now incorporated into his deeded acres. The couple said they wanted to make sure the ranch stayed complete, working, and stayed in the hands of people who understand the land The $21.6 million has been in the family for generations. The Veseths have now donated their roughly 38,000-acre cattle ranch in southern Phillips County, Montana, to the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) The ranch will remain a working cattle operation under the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance When factoring in Bureau of Land Management grazing lands, he estimates roughly 100 families once worked the land that now supports just three. 'They all had dreams and interests,' Veseth said. He recalled how, in 1926, a struggling neighbor approached his grandfather and said, 'maybe if I lease my place to you that between us we can make it'. The family eventually left ranching altogether, later finding success in the air-conditioning business in Southern California and Hawaii - never returning to the land. Today, Veseth said, the economics no longer add up. 'For people to go out and pay $20 million to have an average job, that probably isn't going to work,' he said. Rather than selling the ranch to the highest bidder, Veseth and his wife chose a different ending - one more in line with the moral code of Yellowstone's fictional Dutton family than modern real estate logic. In October, they announced they were gifting the ranch to RSA, a nonprofit Veseth helped establish 22 years ago amid growing concern over outside acquisition of ranchland in Phillips County and across northern Montana. 'We've watched RSA grow into something pretty special,' Veseth told the Whitefish Pilot. 'We're proud to know the ranch will be part of that. They'll keep it working the way it's meant to be.' Dale Veseth, who is also Vice President of the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, has spent decades refining rotational grazing practices across the vast property The gift is believed to be the largest recorded donation of a working ranch in Montana history Like the fictional Dutton family, the Veseths chose legacy and land stewardship over profit. Pictured, Kevin Costner as John Dutton, left, Jefferson White as Jimmy Hurdstrom, Denim Richards as Colby RSA President Conni French said the news stunned the organization. 'I think we were all completely taken aback, and honestly, I don't think the shock has worn off,' French said. 'It's hard to put into words what a gesture like this means, not just for RSA, but for the future of ranching and conservation here at home.' RSA Executive Director Angel DeVries told Cowboy State Daily the organization was formed when 'ranchers started to stand up a little bit more to say, "Hey, we've been the ones stewarding the land." 'People who were not on the ground were saying what needed to be done or changed in this landscape,' DeVries said. 'And that's really where the RSA, the Rancher Stewardship Alliance, was born out of.' RSA Communications Director Haylie Shipp described the group's mission as a simple one: 'What can we do for ranchers so that they never have to sell their ranches out of production agriculture?' 'American Prairie at the very, very base level, was perhaps a catalyst for why we got started,' Shipp said. For the Veseths, the couple wanted to ensure the land remained in the hands of people who work it. Dale Veseth says the decision is rooted in real economic pressure and long-term planning The donation is meant to preserve ranching, wildlife habitat and rural communities together With the average rancher now about 60 years old and full-time ranchers under 35 making up just 12 percent of the agricultural population, Veseth said his donation is meant to create access for people who don't have tens of millions of dollars. The ranch will eventually support education and access programs through RSA, offering carefully structured leasing opportunities to aspiring ranchers who lack the capital to buy land outright. 'RSA is going to have a forum,' Veseth said. 'They will have an avenue for people that have spent their life on the land and want other people to have that opportunity, raise food, and be the backbone of these rural local communities.' 'I'm extremely happy I'm a rancher,' he added. 'I think I had one of the few opportunities that most people will never have.' The riot squad has descended on Cronulla Beach amid fears a planned 'bashing day' protest could go ahead despite stern warnings from police. A flyer advertising the event in south Sydney was widely circulated on social media earlier this week. 'WE RIOT. WOG/MIDDLE EASTERN BASHING DAY. SATURDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2025,' the poster stated. 'SPREAD THE WORD AUSTRALIA! STAND THE F*** UP.' While not explicitly stated in the poster, it's understood the 'bashing day' was a response to the mass shooting at Bondi Beach - which saw two men allegedly open fire during Hanukkah celebrations, killing 15. On Saturday, scores of police officers could be seen patrolling the Cronulla promenade, with mounted police and riot squads on high alert. The marine area command could also be seen hovering off the coastline. Vanessa Crown, who was at the beach on Saturday morning, said the heavy police presence began building around 11.30am. 'Cars, vans, horses. We'd had out swim and were leaving just as the police numbers were revving up,' she said. Police are urging anyone hoping to attend a 'bashing day' at Cronulla Beach in south Sydney on Saturday to stay home instead Police officers were seen patrolling the popular promenade at Cronulla amid fears of a riot The Public Order & Riot Squad was also deployed to Sydney's south to monitor activity It comes as Aussies slammed the event organisers and those considering attending for fuelling divisions within the community. Local resident Calum Rhys said people from the Shire wouldn't condone the event. 'I too am hurting like the majority of the population is after hearing that this s**t has happened in our beautiful country, but more violence is not the answer, especially unnecessary bashing of completely innocent people based on some white supremacist bulls**t,' Mr Rhys said. 'They owe you nothing, we also owe you nothing and we will not condone the type of stupidity that arose in Cronulla 18 years ago.' 'Hurting innocent people is not the answer to violence it will only feed the situation,' another person wrote. 'Police warn of zero tolerance to 'bashing day' plan in Sydney's Cronulla - it saddens me that we need such laws but, unfortunately, we do!' a third wrote. NSW Police on Friday shared concerns the event may spark a riot similar to the 2005 Cronulla riots, when 5,000 people attacked minorities. 'Everyone in NSW deserves to be safe and feel safe,' NSW Acting Assistant Commissioner Brendan Gorman told reporters. Officers fear it could descend into chaos similar to the racist Cronulla Riots of 2005 (pictured) Two officers on horseback were also seen patrolling the streets on Saturday afternoon Marine area command kept watch from the sea as beachgoers relaxed on the sand Locals and beachgoers were warned of the heavy police presence in the area 'Now is not the time for any behaviour that will cause division. Action will be taken against anyone who engages in criminal activity that is motivated by hate.' Ryder Shaw, who is accused of organising the 'bashing day', faced court on Monday over his 'violent call to action' on Cronulla Beach. The Central Coast barber, 20, was 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 carry jail time if proven. 'I don't 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. 'This young man seems to be a Muslim hater. That is what his text suggests.' 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' NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon announced restrictions on unauthorised public gatherings after the Bondi attack will remain until January 7 Magistrate Quinn said the alleged offending was made even more serious by the fact 'feelings are running high at the moment' and that the details were clearly 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. Shaw was denied bail and will remain in custody Donald Trump has called for his Department of Justice to 'release all names' in the Epstein files in hopes that it will 'embarrass' the Democrats involved. The president's comments come after the DOJ revealed on Christmas Eve that there are over one million files related to Epstein that they are actively working to make public in the coming weeks. 'Now 1,000,000 more pages on Epstein are found. DOJ is being forced to spend all of its time on this Democrat inspired Hoax. When do they say NO MORE, and work on Election Fraud etc,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. Trump called for transparency and believes it only stands to backfire on the Democrats over those in the party, like former President Bill Clinton, who were connected to Epstein. 'The Dems are the ones who worked with Epstein, not the Republicans. Release all of their names, embarrass them, and get back to helping our Country! The Radical Left doesnt want people talking about TRUMP & REPUBLICAN SUCCESS, only a long ago dead Jeffrey Epstein - Just another Witch Hunt!!!' Earlier this week, Trump defended Bill Clinton after photos of the former Democrat president alongside Jeffrey Epstein were released, calling it 'a terrible thing'. Clinton and his fellow Democrats have previously also urged the Trump administration to release the names of all of the other alleged co-conspirators whose names were redacted from the files. The DOJ said on Christmas Eve: 'The US Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI have informed the Department of Justice that they have uncovered over a million more documents potentially related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Donald Trump has called for his Department of Justice to 'release all names' in the Epstein files in hopes that it will 'embarrass' the Democrats involved A picture of Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein relaxing in the Queen's log cabin at Balmoral was shown at her sex trafficking trial 'The DOJ has received these documents from SDNY and the FBI to review them for release, in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, existing statutes, and judicial orders. 'We have lawyers working around the clock to review and make the legally required redactions to protect victims, and we will release the documents as soon as possible. 'Due to the mass volume of material, this process may take a few more weeks. 'The Department will continue to fully comply with federal law and President Trumps direction to release the files.' It came after the Trump administration was criticized as newly released files suggest at least ten others were involved in Epstein's child sex trafficking ring. The damning evidence of Epstein's accomplices came to light in an email that was sent between federal investigators trying to contact around 10 'co-conspirators' after the late pedophile's arrest in 2019. Congressman Ro Khanna, a California Democrat who co-led the congressional push to release the Epstein files, accused the DOJ of 'spending more time protecting the Epstein class than the survivors, whose names are required by law to be redacted.' Republican Thomas Massie, who partnered with Khanna on the Congressional discharge petition to release the files, asked Wednesday who was 'controlling the DOJ X account on Christmas Eve and using words like dope to refer to reporters?' in a post on X. Trump believes that the push to release the files is 'a Democrat hoax' wasting the DOJ's time. Pictured: Attorney General Pam Bondi On Tuesday, the Justice Department released a major new batch of Epstein-related recordsover 11,000 files totaling nearly 30,000 pages of photos, court records, FBI and DOJ documents, emails, news clippings, and videos. Those files included Epstein having denied that he would commit suicide days before dying alone in his jail cell. 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. Recent reports have suggested that Trump's White House has taken control of the Department of Justice's X account in an effort to more aggressively combat the narrative surrounding the Epstein files release. The move became apparent this week as the Department of Justice came out swinging on social media to counter online speculation about Trump and unproven allegations made in the latest Epstein files release. This included claiming that a prison postcard allegedly written by Epstein to former US Olympic doctor Larry Nassar was faked, after the letter read that 'our president' loves 'young, nubile girls.' Khanna noted the files revealed Trump flew on Epstein's plane at least eight times between 1993-1996'many more times' than a federal prosecutor previously knew, according to a 2020 email. Earlier this week, Trump defended Bill Clinton after photos of the former Democrat president alongside Jeffrey Epstein were released, calling it 'a terrible thing' The files revealed Trump flew on Epstein's plane at least eight timesbetween 1993-1996'many more times' than a federal prosecutor previously knew, according to a 2020 email The allegation was found in an email sent in 2020 from a New York assistant US attorney, which states that Trump was listed as a passenger on eight flights between 1993 and 1996, including at least four where Epstein's co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell was also present. Trump's presence in the Epstein files does not imply any wrongdoing. The president has not been accused of any wrongdoing concerning the disgraced financier. Legal and transparency experts caution that the documents, while significant, should be interpreted with care: many are duplicates, heavily redacted, or contain allegations or inferences rather than proven facts. Under the law that passed overwhelmingly in Congress, the Department of Justice could not redact names and information that may be embarrassing or cause 'reputational harm'. It specifically asks the Department of Justice for internal communications and memos detailing who was investigated and decisions concerning 'to charge, not charge, investigate or decline to investigate Epstein or his associates.' Lawmakers in both parties have said they are examining legal options to force more transparency, with Khanna and Republican Congressman Thomas Massie saying they are considering bringing contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi. But Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said that Department of Justice attorneys were still working to redact information and photos related to Epstein's victims. 'We're going through a very methodical process with hundreds of lawyers looking at every single document and making sure that victims' names and any of the information from victims is protected and redacted, which is exactly what the Transparency Act expects,' Blanche said on Meet the Press last weekend. She was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries An Austrian woman has narrowly avoided death after slipping from a steep ledge while she was climbing a popular tourist spot. The 31-year-old woman fell six metres from a rock at Bushrangers Bay near the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne, about 1.15pm on Saturday. Emergency services rushed to the scene where they are believed to have found her choking on water while she was unconscious. Crews moved her to higher ground on a stretcher to avoid the tide coming in. The young woman was winched by Ambulance Victoria's HEMS and airlifted to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne with non-life threatening injuries. 'She was missing her teeth, so we believe she may have had a head injury as well,' paramedic Jo Wilton told 9News. 'On further examination, it looks like a hip injury, a wrist injury (as well).' Ms Wilton said the tourist is believed to have climbed the roughly 12m-tall Elephant Rock before she fell. An Austrian tourist was found unconscious and choking on water at Bushrangers Bay, in Victoria, on Saturday after she fell from a rock One of the rescue workers who helped recover the 25-year-old said she was missing teeth and had likely suffered a head injury after falling six metres 'There's no actual tracks to get up to it, and on the way down, she has fallen, where there might have been some loose rocks,' she said. 'We walked across the rough terrain to reach her and rescuers had to carry their equipment along the beach and so it's very dangerous for our crews as well.' The Austrian woman is one of several holidaymakers who have needed rescuing in Victoria during the week. A woman and her stepson had gone paddleboarding from Portarlington caravan park jetty, west of Geelong, at about 3pm on Christmas Day when conditions quickly deteriorated, and they drifted into the bay. Rescue crews sprang into action after another family member raised the alarm when the pair failed to return after 5pm. Local police, aerial units, lifesavers and a coastguard team scoured the waters before a rescue helicopter spotted the pair lying on their paddleboards and waving for help. They were not wearing lifejackets and had been swept more than 10km before being pulled from the water at Wyndham Harbour. The family expressed their thanks and commended the efforts of those involved in their rescue. Earlier this week, emergency services rescued a woman and her stepson who had gone paddleboarding from Portarlington caravan park jetty and drifted into the bay A rescue helicopter spotted the pair lying on their paddleboards and waving for help 'We are so grateful for the outcome but still trying to come to terms with how quickly a beautiful, carefree afternoon turned into an almost-tragedy,' they said in a statement. 'We are exhausted, very shaken and feel so lucky we were able to stay together.' In another incident, a mother and her two teenage daughters were winched to safety by a rescue helicopter after encountering difficulty while kayaking. They were trying to retrieve a kayak adrift near the Corinella jetty, southeast of Melbourne, when the current and strong winds swept them from shore. The women had lifejackets on and did not suffer any injuries. 'Kayaking requires constant awareness and good decision-making. Conditions can change quickly,' Life Saving Victoria said. In a third Christmas rescue, a 41-year-old man missing for about two hours was spotted by searchers on Lake King in Paynesville, east Gippsland, just before 3pm. He was seen struggling before his kayak rolled, then picked up by the coastguard and returned unharmed to shore. Nato was forced to scramble fighter jets as Vladimir Putin unleashed a missile and drone barrage on Ukraine just hours before Volodymyr Zelensky was due to meet Donald Trump in Florida for talks on a US-brokered peace plan. Polish and allied warplanes were deployed near Ukraine's border amid the overnight onslaught, which saw drones slam into apartment blocks and multiple power and heating plants knocked offline. 'Fighter jets have been scrambled, and ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems placed on a state of readiness,' said Poland's operational command. This was 'preventive' and 'aimed at securing and protecting the airspace, particularly in areas adjacent to the threatened regions'. The command added that forces and assets remained ready for an immediate response as the situation was monitored in real time. There was also an alert in Nato member Romania after Russian drones struck Ukrainian port infrastructure close to its border overnight, prompting nighttime warnings in two counties. The move followed similar Nato airspace measures earlier in the week. Vladimir Putin unleashed savage overnight strikes on Kyiv, hammering residential tower blocks and energy infrastructure just hours before Volodymyr Zelensky is due to meet Donald Trump in Florida for talks on a US-brokered peace plan A drone hits an apartment building during a Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, December 27 The overnight assault - which included drones slamming into apartment blocks and the disabling of multiple power and heating plants - raises profound questions over whether Putin has any genuine intention of ending the war In Ukraine, the strikes hit residential buildings and critical energy facilities, triggering power cuts in Kyiv and surrounding regions. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said around a third of the capital lost heating. At least two civilians were killed a 76-year-old woman and a four-year-old girl with ten others injured, including three children. Rescuers pulled survivors from the ruins of destroyed homes in the wider Kyiv region, including Vyshgorod. Explosions were reported across multiple regions, including Kharkiv, Rivne, Ivano-Frankivsk, Cherkasy and Khmelnytskyi, as Russia deployed missiles in what appeared to be a calculated show of force on the eve of the talks. Ukraine's air force said Russia fired a total of 673 missiles and drones among the heaviest assaults of the war but claimed its defences downed or disrupted 621 of them, including 587 Shahed and Gerbera drones and 34 cruise missiles. Despite the high interception rate, the strikes killed and wounded civilians and caused widespread destruction. The onslaught came after Trump warned that Ukraine's leader would need to convince him at the summit, saying: 'We'll see what he's got,' as pressure mounts to end the war Firefighter crews work to extinguish flames following a Russian attack on Kyiv Ahead of the attacks Volodymyr Zelensky claimed Putin was addicted to killing and would not give up the war Russia fired a total of 673 missiles and drones at Ukraine today - among the heaviest onslaughts of the war, as Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of being addicted to killing Ahead of the bombardment, Zelensky accused Putin of being 'addicted to killing' and incapable of ending the war, even over Christmas. 'After so many years first of hybrid warfare and now of full-scale war it is hard to believe that Putin is capable of living without killings and invasions,' he said. The assault came as Zelensky prepared to travel to the United States for Sunday's meeting with Trump, talks now overshadowed by renewed bombardment and fresh Russian accusations. Trump has insisted Russia 'wants' peace. The Kremlin signalled its opposition to the proposed plan ahead of the Florida talks, with senior officials accusing Kyiv and its European backers of attempting to 'torpedo' negotiations. Zelensky said discussions with Washington continued over sensitive issues including territorial concessions, security guarantees and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, which remains under Russian control. He said any territorial concessions would require the approval of the Ukrainian people. A New Year greetings card to his henchmen from Putin promised 'changes for the better' and urged them to 'share their warmth with our loved ones' Russia deployed the full force of its Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bombers, firing hypersonic Kinzhal missiles alongside Iskander and Kalibr cruise missiles, and swarms of Shahed drones in what appeared to be a calculated show of force on the eve of the talks Rescuers work as they search for bodies at the site of an apartment building hit during Russian missile and drone strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine in Kyiv, December 27 This photograph taken on December 27, 2025 shows Ukrainian air defence firing at drones during a Russian drones and missiles attack in Kyiv In Vyshgorod, in the wider Kyiv region, rescuers pulled a man from the ruins of a house destroyed in a Russian strike. Pictured: A building damaged during a Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv 'I think we will know their official response in the coming days,' Zelensky said. 'Russia is always looking for reasons not to agree.' The Russian onslaught came a day after high-ranking Russian Lt-Gen Fanil Sarvarov, 56, was killed in a suspected Ukrainian assassination operation in Moscow. A day earlier, Nato forces were forced to scramble F-16 fighters over Romania. Territory close to the Romanian border was again hit on Saturday, with Kh-22 cruise missiles launched from Tu-22M3 long-range bombers striking Ukraine's Odesa region. Ukrainian war commentator Denis Kazansky said the attacks showed Russia's contempt for calls for a ceasefire over New Year and Christmas. 'They again struck residential buildings and civilian targets with drones and missiles,' he said. Kyiv was bathed in smog from burning buildings following the attacks from hell Mayor Vitali Klitschko said around one third of the capital had lost heating, while at least 11 people were injured, eight of them hospitalised, as smog from burning buildings blanketed the city Ukrainian war commentator Denis Kazansky said the attacks showed Russia's contempt for calls for a ceasefire over New Year and Christmas 'To leave people without heat in freezing cold the most vulnerable left to freeze in their apartments.' Putin's New Year message spoke of 'changes for the better', urging officials to 'share their warmth with our loved ones'. Zelensky said Ukrainian negotiators were not in direct contact with Moscow and that the United States was acting as intermediary as Kyiv awaited Russia's formal response to the latest proposal. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are set to lose their eleventh publicist in just five years - having also parted with their US-based PR agency and amid continuing accusations the couple are 'difficult' to work with. Meredith Maines, who worked as their chief communications officer, has revealed she is stepping down after just a year in the role with Meghan and Harry. Her departure comes as US-based Method Communications PR announced it too would be ending its tenure with the Sussexes after just seven months. Ms Maines's exit follows in the wake of Emily Robinson leaving as director of communications for the couple only two months ago. Insiders had suggested Ms Maines was experiencing a 'difficult' time since her colleague left. The high-flying PR professional had also been at the centre of a media storm over the summer when she was pictured meeting with King Charles's communications secretary Tobyn Andreae in London. The rendezvous was said to have been part of a secret 'peace summit' between the two camps. Both Harry, 40, and his father, 76, are said to be keen to reconcile, especially after the King was diagnosed with cancer last year. However, Harry and Meghan are said to have been frustrated that photographs of the extraordinary meeting - which took place in July at a private members' club in Mayfair - were published in an exclusive for The Mail on Sunday. Sources close to Prince Harry insisted the Sussexes were not responsible for passing details of the meeting on to the newspaper. Meredith Maines, who was appointed as chief communications officer, is parting ways with Harry and Meghan after a year in the role Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are set to lose their eleventh publicist in just five years after their 'cheerleader' spin doctor announced she is stepping down Of her now imminent departure, Ms Maines issued a statement speaking of her 'gratitude and respect' for the couple. She said: 'After a year of inspiring work with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archewell, I will be pursuing a new opportunity in 2026. 'I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and the good they are doing in the world.' Meanwhile a spokesman for the couple said: 'Meredith Maines and Method Communications have concluded their work with Archewell. 'The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well.' It is understood that Liam Maguire, their UK and Europe director of communications, will now lead on all publicity-related work. According to her LinkedIn, Maines started working as chief communications officer (CCO) for the Sussexes in March 2025. She wrote that as CCO, she oversees 'all external communications' for Harry and Meghan. This includes Meghan's lifestyle brand As Ever, launched in April this year; their media production company, Archewell Productions; and their joint charity, Archewell Philanthropies. Maines said earlier this year that the hiring of Method Communications in the Sussex PR team would give international media and stakeholders 'better access' as well as a faster response time to inquiries. The departure of Ms Maines follows the departure of Ms Robinson, who joined Harry and Meghan's team as director of communications in June, but had already jumped ship by October. Ms Robinson was a controversial hire as she had worked on The Crown for years a show which aired a number of damaging narratives about the Royal Family. Her departure comes five months after Ms Maines met with King Charles's communications secretary Tobyn Andreae in London as part of a secret 'peace summit' between the two camps The final series included scenes in which the 'ghost' of Princess Diana appeared to speak to The Queen and Prince Charles, which many found insensitive. One friend of LA-based Robinson, who built up a reputation as a 'tough cookie' at Netflix, said: 'It was her decision. She left a few weeks ago. She's not a quitter, so things must have been pretty horrible for her to go.' The departure of Ms Robinson and now Ms Maines in a matter of months means the couple have lost 11 publicists since leaving the UK for California five years ago (although two former publicists, James Holt and Miranda Barbot, have been promoted into non-PR roles). In the last year alone, the couple have suffered numerous PR disasters, most recently the duchess's surprise trip to Paris Fashion Week in October. She posted a video to Instagram which showed her being driven at night along the Seine a similar route to that taken by Princess Diana on the night she died. There was also criticism of her appearance that same month in Washington at Fortune magazine's Most Powerful Women event. Meanwhile the couple had to navigate an unflattering cover story in Vanity Fair in February which included the claim: 'The person who worked in media projects read stories in the tabloids about Meghan "bullying" palace aides and couldn't imagine such behaviour actually happening. 'After working with her, though, this person realized, "Oh, any given Tuesday this happened".' The departure of Emily Robinson (pictured) and now Ms Maines in a matter of months means the couple have lost 11 publicists in just five years The Sussexes hit back with a feature in People magazine with a number of employees and associates attesting to their kindness. One Netflix crew member said of the Prince while filming With Love, Meghan: 'Whenever Harry visited set, he was always super polite and friendly.' The director of the series added: 'Everyone has this one version of [Meghan], but she's just someone who is hustling and working and doing.' There were however more PR obstacles ahead for the couple including a piece in The Hollywood Reporter last September. One source was quoted as saying: 'Everyone's terrified of Meghan. She belittles people, she doesn't take advice. 'Harry is a very, very charming person no airs at all but he's very much an enabler. And she's just terrible.' A second source added: 'She marches around like a dictator in high heels. I've watched her reduce grown men to tears.' But an insider close to the couple denied the allegations, saying they had been 'fabricated by someone with no knowledge of our company'. Some sources claimed Ms Maines had been enduring a 'difficult' time as the couple's chief communications officer prior to the announcement of her departure. The Daily Mail has reached out to the couple's representatives for comment. The former Head of the British Army has called on the government to spend more on defence, warning that theres no point having a great welfare budget if we are under the domination of the Russians. Lord Richard Dannatt said the Government needed to urgently change its attitude about the threat being posed to the UK and to its allies and increase defence spending. The mindset has to be changed through leadership. It comes from the top, said Lord Dannatt, who has previously warned that the world is more dangerous today that at any time since the cold war. If the government is really serious about getting the population of this country to understand we are facing serious security challenges then this government from the Prime Minister down has got to be much clearer that there is a problem out there and that there is a security threat and resources have got to be found to address it. It is one thing to have a great welfare budget but if we are under the domination of the Russians - forget it! His candid comments to the BBC came as he broadly welcomed a new MOD paid gap year scheme as a good idea but suggested it was fiddling around the margins if it was intended to be a serious attempt to boost forces recruitment. The scheme launches next year to offer an initial 150 school leavers under the age of 25 a paid year in the armed services, eventually rising to 1000. It was a recommendation of the government's strategic defence review in June inspired by a similar scheme by the Australian Defence Force, and part of several proposals to boost the number of people with military experience. Lord Richard Dannatt (Pictured on January 15, 2009) has urged the UK government to increase its defence spending It is one thing to have a great welfare budget but if we are under the domination of the Russians - forget it,' the former Army chief said (Pictured: Vladimir Putin) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer leaves Downing Street for PMQs on December 17, 2025 The MOD has said that those who join the programme will learn leadership, teamwork and problem solving skills to set them up for life whether they pursue a career in the armed forces or not. Lord Dannatt, who headed the army between 2006 and 2009, agreed, commenting: It gives a number of people who may go on to choose a different career path in life some experience of the armed forces and some exposure to the armed forces and to the discipline and problem solving skills and other benefits that the armed forces can bring. Whether any or many stay on in the army, navy or air force is one matter but it means that those young people have some exposure to and some experience of the benefits that some time in the armed forces can bring and many civilian employers actually recognise that ex servicepeople make extraordinarily good employees. But he told Radio 4s Today programme that while the scheme was important in its own right, the government must do more to recognise the threat Russia posed and increase defence spending. The issue of the threat posed to us and our Nato allies is considerable and one we will only address when this government and the other European governments find the necessary resources and the necessary money to increase the percentage we are spending on defence and the capability of our armed forces so that we can properly deter further expansionism and further opportunities that Vladimir Putin is tempted to embark on. The government has currently pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, and 3 per cent by the end of the parliament but critics including Lord Dannatt have slammed the slow pace of delivery. He has called for the government to go further and faster to meet the challenges we face, commenting: Britains military capabilities must be strengthened to deter aggression, safeguard our interests and maintain a credible global presence. Meanwhile Defence Secretary John Healey said the new gap year scheme would offer young people incredible skills and training. Criticising the low numbers involved in the scheme, shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge said: As ever with Labour, the reality does not match the spin. A scheme involving just 150 participants is barely a pilot, let alone the "whole-of-society" response they claim to be delivering. A photo of Bill Clinton shaking hands with Gerry Adams during a historic trip to Ireland in 1995 would never have happened if the White House had got its way, documents have revealed. The photo of President Clinton warmly receiving Adams before a Belfast reception made headlines around the world but almost never existed due to US officials wanting to carefully manage his interactions with political figures. The annual release of documents from the National Archives in Dublin showed the extensive engagements between Irish and US officials to co-ordinate the Clintons' visit to the island of Ireland. During the two-day trip to northern Ireland a reception was organised at Whitla Hall at Queens University in Belfast for November 30. Greeting Adams outside in front of crowds of wellwishers and the media, Clinton embraced the then-Sinn Fein leader, creating the first photograph of the pair shaking hands in what the President called a 'big deal'. Yet the archived documents show that just two days before the trip, UK government official Peter Bell told an Irish counterpart that 'the Americans would prefer to avoid a handshake photograph between the president and Adams'. Also included in the release are papers disclosing discussions on whether the Clintons should stay in Northern Ireland as part of the visit. A report from a genealogy expert researching Mr Clinton's ancestry has also been published - it concludes that the suggestion his ancestors were from Co Fermanagh was based 'on fantasy' - although they may have come from a separate part of Ulster. President Bill Clinton was photographed shaking hands with then-Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams for the first time in Belfast on November 30, 1995 Clinton is pictured greeting crowds in Belfast on November 29 on the same trip, which saw him visit both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland The Clintons made the trip to Northern Ireland in 1995 before travelling to Dublin. Clinton and Adams shook hands for the first time in March of that year at the White House, as part of events held to mark St Patrick's Day - but after photographers had left the room. Clinton was reportedly put under pressure at the time from then-British prime minister John Major not to give Adams a warm embrace at the luncheon, according to the New York Times. Then, on the morning of November 30, before the reception in Belfast that evening, Clinton met Adams on the Falls Road in Belfast. As he left his car he paused to shake Mr Adams's hand - a moment captured by an official White House photographer. Clinton would later say of the handshake that it was a 'big deal' and it felt at the time as though 'the pavement was about to crack open'. The handshake was a huge moment following decades of violence in Northern Ireland and was a significant step towards the final peace plan, which led to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. A letter from the Irish joint secretary of the Anglo-Irish Secretariat, David Donoghue, sent to Sean O hUiginn at the Anglo-Irish Division, said that 'the Americans' originally wanted to hold the Belfast reception and 'confine' it to 120 people. Bill Clinton is greeted with large crowds waving American flags during a speech in Dublin on December 1, 1995 Adams and Clinton would go on to be photographed meeting warmly on many occasions, including on a separate trip made by the President to Dublin in 2000 (pictured) He said the British side 'insisted' that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Patrick Mayhew, should host it, which was agreed, and the guest list was expanded to 300 people. 'The ostensible intention is to enable the president to meet a wider range of people in Northern Ireland' he wrote on November 28 1995. 'The real purpose, of course, is to de-emphasise the political nature of the occasion and to create a broader 'community' event which, the British calculate, will make it easier for unionists to attend alongside Sinn Fein.' Mr Donoghue said that the representatives would form 'pods' at the reception - 'a UUP pod, an Alliance pod etc' - determined on a 'pro rata basis in light of respective electoral strengths'. 'In other words, each will form a distinct cluster of people to whom the president will be introduced in turn (on the lines of Buckingham Palace receptions).' He also said that Peter Bell, from the Northern Ireland Office, had indicated 'the Americans would prefer to avoid a handshake photograph between the president and Adams'. He also said that while one-on-one meetings had been planned with John Hume in Derry and David Trimble in a car journey after the reception at Queens, there was a 'general US reluctance' to meet one-on-one with Adams, Ian Paisley, or John Alderdice. Plans for the Clintons visit to Dublin, from December 1-2 1995, show that a US embassy official estimated that there was a '50/50' chance the visit would go ahead. An Irish genealogy expert also said claims that Clinton had Cassidy ancestors, who were from Co Fermanagh, were 'based largely on fantasy' - but the White House still wanted Cassidy aspects added to the visit. It had been claimed that Clinton had Irish ancestry through his mother, Virginia Cassidy. Genealogist Sean Murphy, from Bray, Co Wicklow, undertook the task of tracing Bill Clinton's Irish ancestry after 'media dissemination of claims concerning the president's Irish ancestry which proved to be baseless, yet were left uncontradicted by any authoritative source'. He told the taoiseach's office that the earliest trace of the president's maternal ancestors of this line is 'probably' Zachariah Cassidy, born in about 1750-60 in South Carolina, and his son Levi. 'The Cassidy "clan" claim that the earliest ancestor was a Luke or Lucas Cassidy of Roslea, Co Fermanagh, appears to be based largely on fantasy,' he wrote on October 16. 'The biblical forenames Zachariah and Levi suggest a Protestant, and probably Presbyterian or Dissenter, as opposed to Catholic origin, and it is reasonable to speculate that the Cassidys would have been most likely to have emigrated to America from an Ulster county.' In notes of a meeting with the US embassy held three days later, Irish officials said that a planned stop off in Lismore, Co Fermanagh, was being dropped, but the White House was 'still interested in using the Cassidy connection in a low-key way'. They said this could mean '"casually" passing a Cassidy premises'. Clinton would go on to visit Cassidy's Bar in Dublin for an hour during the 1995 trip. He was injured during the Bondi Beach shooting The young Texan rabbi who protected a wounded police officer during the Bondi Beach shooting has been pictured for the first time since the massacre. Leibel Lazaroff, 20, was visited by the Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek in his Sydney hospital room on Saturday. The student found himself caught up in a nightmare when two gunmen opened fire on a crowd during the Hanukkah by the Sea event. Almost two weeks later, he has been reunited with his family and is recovering from severe injuries. 'It was very moving to meet Rabbi Leibel Lazaroff and his family,' Plibersek wrote on social media next to a photo of her beside the smiling young man and his family. 'Leibel has a long road to recovery after being shot in the abdomen and thigh while volunteering at the Hanukkah celebration targeted in the Bondi terror attack. 'In the chaos, he rushed to help a critically wounded Australian police officer, using his own shirt to stem the bleeding. 'It was one of many acts of bravery that showed us the best of humanity that day. Thank goodness his family (has) been able to fly in from the US to support him.' Leibel Lazaroff, 20, was pictured surrounded by his family and the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, for the first time since the Bondi Beach attack Mr Lazaroff has also been visited by Deputy Israeli Ambassador to Australia, Amir Meron The young rabbi did a mitzvah for Mr Meron (both pictured) this week from his hospital bed Mr Lazaroff had moved to Australia in September for an internship with Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was one of 15 innocent people killed in the attack. Leibel's parents, Rabbi Yossi Lazaroff and Manya Lazaroff, flew across the world to be by his bedside while he fought for his life in intensive care. On Friday, his wider family - The Friedmans - shared a moving update on Mr Lazaroff's improved health through a GoFundMe page, including smiling photos. 'By the grace of God, he has been transferred out of the Intensive Care Unit,' they wrote. 'This progress is due in no small part to the extraordinary outpouring of support: the donations, prayers, messages, and acts of kindness that have surrounded Leibel and his family during this critical time. 'While this milestone brings hope, Leibels injuries were severe, and his medical journey is far from complete. He faces many months of continued hospitalisation, further surgeries, and complex treatment to support long-term healing.' The donations from the fundraiser are going towards his specialised care and helping his parents remain at his side. Mr Lazaroff has also been visited by Deputy Israeli Ambassador to Australia, Amir Meron, for whom the young rabbi did a mitzvah. Mr Lazaroff (pictured with his father Rabbi Yossi Lazaroff) was shot in the abdomen and thigh while volunteering at the Hanukkah celebration targeted in the Bondi terror attack During the shooting, Mr Lazaroff helped save the life of a wounded Australian police officer Leibel moved to Australia in September after becoming a rabbi a few months ago Leibel's brother, Rabbi Menachem Lazaroff told the Daily Mail last week that his brother had undergone lengthy surgery during which shrapnel was removed from his abdomen and his leg. 'There's liver damage, and rib damage and tissue damage, but the doctors think he's going to make it,' he said. Leibel moved to Australia in September after becoming a rabbi a few months ago, Menachem said. Before that, he had spent most of his life in the Lone Star State where his father leads the Jewish Center at Texas A&M University. The third oldest of nine siblings and a talented pianist, Leibel recently studied in a Brooklyn yeshiva, a Jewish educational center. 'Being a rabbi kind of runs in the family,' Menachem added. 'He was very busy (in Australia) organising and helping others.' A woman was allegedly cut with a knife during an attempted aggravated carjacking outside an unstaffed police station in Victoria, sparking fury from the state opposition. A 32-year-old woman was sitting in her vehicle about 2.40am on Saturday at the Mahoney's Road intersection of Edgars Road near Reservoir Police Station. Police allege that a man, who was known to her, approached the front passenger door. He demanded the keys to her vehicle and, when she refused, he cut her upper arm before fleeing the scene in his vehicle. The police station was closed at the time of the incident, so the woman and her front passenger, a 22-year-old woman, drove to a nearby shopping centre car park. The pair then waited for emergency services who arrived at the scene and treated the driver for her minor injury. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information or dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Following the incident, Victorian Opposition Leader, Jess Wilson, described the incident as 'appalling'. A 32-year-old woman was injured in an attempted aggravated carjacking and assault outside unstaffed Reservoir Police Station (pictured) on December 27 Victorian Opposition leader Jess Wilson said the incident was 'appalling' Re servoir Police Station is one of 43 stations in Victoria that have cut reception hours due to staffing shortages (stock image) 'This is the very situation we've all been fearing,' Jess Wilson told 9News on Saturday. 'Someone seeking help. Someone (allegedly) under attack and going to a police station and finding it shut because there's not enough police and the government doesn't have enough money to hire more police. It's appalling.' Reservoir Police Station is one of 43 stations in Victoria that have cut reception hours due to staffing shortages and was closed at the time of the incident. The Police Association said in a statement that these closures were a 'frustrating necessity' due to staff shortages which have fuelled a 'resourcing crisis'. 'Greater clarity and consistency regarding opening hours is required to enable the public to quickly determine which stations are open and when,' a statement read. It is understood that, when a police station reception counter is closed, police continue to respond to urgent incidents and prevent crime in the community. An aim of the policy is to have more police out proactively patrolling the local community and responding to urgent incidents at any time of the day. The closures at Reservoir occur in the evening and overnight, when police have seen reception counters rarely attended. Preston Police Station, which is about 6km away, is open 24 hours a day. There have been calls within policing for greater clarity and consistency regarding opening hours to enable the public to quickly determine which stations are open and when, during the temporary period of counter service reductions. Victoria Police is consulting with The Police Association Victoria to establish a consistent, statewide approach to improving arrangements. A Democratic congresswoman from Florida accused of stealing $5 million in disaster relief funds was blasted online for editing out a flashy diamond ring from her official portrait. Representative Sheila CherfilusMcCormick, 46, who represents a heavily Democratic district in Southeast Florida, uploaded the photo Thursday as she wished her followers a Merry Christmas. However, online users were quick to spot that the sparkler typically found on her left hand was completely missing from the holiday postcard. Last month, CherfilusMcCormick was charged with stealing federal disaster funds, laundering the proceeds, and using the money for her 2021 congressional campaign. Federal prosecutors alleged she stole the funds her family's health care company received during the COVID19 pandemic and used them to support her political aspirations and for her personal benefit. The indictment from CherfilusMcCormick's case said she purchased a 3.14carat 'Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond' ring from a New York jeweler for $109,000, per CBS12. The congresswoman's official house portrait appears to show a similar piece of jewelry adorning her finger, although no link has been confirmed. CherfilusMcCormick's post was accompanied by a community note a feature which allows users to add context to potentially misleading posts saying that her portrait had 'been altered to remove a ring off of her left hand'. Representative Sheila CherfilusMcCormick, 46, was pictured with a large diamond ring on her hand in her official portrait However, the piece of jewelry was scrubbed from her Christmas greeting posted Thursday. The Florida Democrat was mocked online for the photo alteration The portrait quickly drew the ire of social media users. 'Your Photoshop skills are lacking,' one X user said. One user posted a sidebyside picture showing how the luxury accessory was missing from the Florida Democrat's hand. Another user said CherfilusMcCormick had triggered a 'Streisand Effect,' in which attempts to suppress information only draw more attention to it. The comment section on the congresswoman's post was flooded with similar accusations and questions about the ring. 'Where is the ring you bought with stolen funds?' one user asked. 'What happened to your ring?' another insisted. CherfilusMcCormick's chief of staff claimed that the altered image posted on X had not been 'directed, approved, or authorized by the Congresswoman' CherfilusMcCormick's staff claimed that the edited image had not been 'directed, approved, or authorized by the Congresswoman.' 'It was a stafflevel decision made by wellintentioned individuals seeking to protect the Member's reputation,' Naomie PierreLouis, CherfilusMcCormick's chief of staff, told CBS12. She added that the change to the Democrat politician's photo 'should not have occurred.' 'The image is the Congresswoman's official portrait, and she has no intention of altering or editing it now or in the future,' PierreLouis told the outlet. In November, federal prosecutors alleged CherfilusMcCormick was the CEO of her familyrun company, Trinity Health Care Services, when it received a contract at the start of the pandemic to conduct COVID testing and outreach in minority communities. When the company received an overpayment of $5 million in FEMA funds in July 2021, CherfilusMcCormick and her brother Edwin Cherfilus, 51, allegedly worked to 'steal' the cash. They were accused of having 'routed it through multiple accounts to disguise its source'. Federal prosecutors alleged CherfilusMcCormick stole the funds her family's health care company received during the pandemic and used them to support her congressional campaign The congresswoman allegedly used a 'substantial portion' of the funds as 'campaign contributions to CherfilusMcCormick's 2021 congressional campaign and for the benefit of the defendants.' She was also charged with conspiring to file a false federal tax return after having 'falsely claimed political spending and other personal expenses as business deductions'. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that 'using disaster relief funds for selfenrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime'. She added: 'No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain. We will follow the facts in this case and deliver justice.' CherfilusMcCormick faces up to 53 years in prison if convicted. She has denied the charges. 'This is an unjust, baseless, sham indictment and I am innocent,' she said in a November 20 statement. 'The timing alone is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues. From day one, I have fully cooperated with every lawful request, and I will continue to do so until this matter is resolved.' The Daily Mail has reached out to CherfilusMcCormick's office for further comment. A neighbor's surveillance camera captured the last known moments of a Texas teenager who vanished without a trace on Christmas Eve. Camila Mendoza Olmos, 19, was last seen at 6.58am on Wednesday, after leaving her home in northwest Bexar County, a region on the outskirts of San Antonio that has long been flagged by authorities as a human-trafficking corridor. Surveillance video obtained by KENS showed an individual believed to be Mendoza Olmos standing near her vehicle with the lights on. She appeared to search inside the car for an unidentified item, investigators said. Moments later, the footage ends. Her car was still parked at the home, leading authorities to believe she left the area on foot. She has not been seen since. The teen's loved ones confirmed she typically goes for a morning walk, but always takes her phone with her - a routine that made her sudden disappearance all the more alarming. Authorities say the only items Mendoza Olmos is believed to have had with her were her car keys and possibly her driver's license. Her phone was reportedly turned off and left in her bedroom. A CLEAR Alert, the statewide system for locating missing and possibly endangered adults, has been issued for the teen as more than 100 people joined the desperate search for her. Camila Mendoza Olmos is 19 years old and lives in northwest Bexar County, Texas. She was last seen around 7am on Wednesday, Christmas Eve Footage from a neighbor's surveillance camera showed an individual believed to be Mendoza Olmos standing near her vehicle with the lights on. She appeared to search the inside the car for an unidentified item, investigators said. Moments later, the footage ends Deputies described Mendoza Olmos as 5ft 4in tall, weighing about 110 pounds. She was last seen wearing a baby blue and black hoodie, baby blue pajama bottoms and white shoes. Authorities have not shared any evidence of foul play, but the circumstances, including her abandoned phone, her sudden disappearance on foot, and the lack of any confirmed sightings, have fueled growing concern. The teenager's best friend, Camilla Estrella, told KSAT how the pair would 'always be on the phone together when she walks'. Another close friend, Isabela, described Mendoza Olmos's behavior as being 'very out of the norm.' 'It's not like her. She's always been the one to always stalk on us and like, "why aren't you doing this?" [She would] make sure that her phone's always charged,' Isabela added. The missing woman's mother, Rosario Olmos, told KENS that she and her daughter had been sleeping in the same bed early Christmas Eve morning when she felt Mendoza Olmos get up. About 90 minutes later, Olmos awoke and realized her daughter was gone. Authorities have not shared any evidence of foul play, but the circumstances including her abandoned phone, her sudden disappearance on foot, and the lack of any confirmed sightings have fueled growing concern Surveillance footage shows an individual believed to be Camila near her vehicle shortly before she vanished. Pictured, the family car near where she was seen Family and friends searched nearby areas on Christmas Day but found no sign of the girl After checking with Camila's boyfriend, pictured, and her father, both of whom said they had not seen her, mom Rosario contacted the sheriff's office to report her daughter missing 'I called her cell phone, but the cell phone was there on the bed and it was turned off,' Olmos said. '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.' After checking with the teen's boyfriend and her father, both of whom said they had not seen her, Olmos contacted the sheriff's office to report her daughter missing. Family members and friends spent Christmas Day searching the area around the home, but found no sign of the 19-year-old. 'It is not normal for her to disappear,' Olmos said, adding that she usually knows where her daughter is at all times. 'I only ask God to please bring her back home,' she said. 'Bring her back to me.' As the search stretched into Christmas Day, Mendoza Olmos's aunt Nancy Olmos issued an emotional public plea online, urging people to share information and pray for the teenager's safe return. Her mother, Rosario Olmos, said she went searching for her daughter, believing she would find her walking as she had many times before Camila is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs about 110 pounds Camila, left, is seen here with Aisley Garcia in a Facebook post asking for her safe return 'Please help me and my family continue to share this,' Nancy Olmos wrote. 'We are still searching for my sweet angel, my niece, Camila Mendoza Olmos, 19 years old.' She added that her niece had recently been baptized and was deeply religious. 'She loves God with all her heart, and we are desperately looking for her,' she wrote. Acknowledging the timing of the disappearance on one of the year's most sacred holidays, Olmos appealed directly to families celebrating together. 'I know many of you are gathered with your children and loved ones this Christmas, opening presents and celebrating together,' she wrote. 'As a sister in Christ, I am humbly asking for one special gift this year in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ please help us by sharing these posts and, most importantly, by lifting Camila up in your prayers. 'We believe in God's protection, and we have faith that Camila will come home,' she added. 'Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.' Iconic California socialite and television personality Pat Montandon has died at the age of 96. Montandon, who The San Francisco Chronicle famously dubbed 'blonde beauty,' captured the hearts of the city in the 1960s and 1970s with an extravagant lifestyle filled with lavish parties and elite luncheons attended by celebrities such as Frank Sinatra. Moving to the Bay Area with just $400 to her name, she built a multifaceted career as an author, gossip columnist, activist, philanthropist and beloved television host. Her son, Sean Wilsey, announced on Facebook last week that Montandon died surrounded by loved ones on December 21 'My mom stopped eating a week ago and stopped drinking a few days later. I flew out from New York yesterday and spent the night at her side,' Wilsey wrote. 'She passed away this morning but was able to see her two grandchildren, Owen and Mira Wilsey, last month,' he added. 'Owen and Mira called and gave her their love last night, and it was clear that she heard them. She passed surrounded by love.' While no cause of death was revealed, Wilsey said his mother had spent her final months at De Anza House in Palm Desert, which he described as a 'truly immaculate and serene' elder care home. Iconic California socialite and television personality Pat Montandon died just days before Christmas at the age of 96 Her son, Sean Wilsey, announced on Facebook last week that Montandon died on December 21 surrounded by loved ones Montandon captured the hearts of the Bay Area in the 1960s and 1970s with an extravagant lifestyle filled with parties and luncheons attended by celebrities such as Frank Sinatra In 1969, Montandon tied the knot with businessman Al Wilsey, her fourth husband, and welcomed her only child, Sean, the following year He explained that in her remaining days, Montandon was attended to 'with great love and dignity' by dear friends and staff members. Wilsey recalled that just weeks ago, on Thanksgiving, the family was sharing stories when the icon - who had mostly been listening - suddenly spoke up. According to her son, the socialite told the family: 'I want you to carry on as if you weren't afraid.' 'There was no arguing with that,' Wilsey wrote on Facebook. 'We will.' 'Thank you for all your support over the years. This community meant so much to her and was a source of great joy,' he added. Montandon was born in Texas in 1928 and later moved to Oklahoma. She grew up as one of eight children of an impoverished preacher during the Great Depression and escaped several unsuccessful marriages before her life took a dramatic and pivotal turn in 1960. At just 32, Montandon packed her bags, took what little money she had, and moved to California, where she landed a job at the upscale I. Magnin department store in Union Square. Wilsey said his mother had spent her final months at De Anza House in Palm Desert - an elite elder care home The star's son said that in her remaining days, Montandon was attended to 'with great love and dignity' by dear friends and staff members Montandon became a fixture in the cocktail scene. Described for decades as a vivacious blonde and stunning party girl, she caught the attention of newspapers and tabloids Later in life, as a peace ambassador, Montandon met 26 world leaders, including the Pope and Mother Teresa, and made 37 international trips with grade-school children 'To me, the city was a fairyland in every way. It was magical. I loved the fog rolling in,' Montandon said about the 60s in an interview with SFist back in 2012. 'I loved the hills, even though I had to walk a lot, which was very hard for me because I always wore high heels, like an idiot,' she added. 'And everywhere we'd go, we'd get dressed up. It was a really dressy city. I liked that. Hats and gloves. High-heeled shoes.' CBS host Jack Hanson once said Montandon is 'one of those people who just seems famous.' It didn't take long until she became a fixture of the Bay Area cocktail scene. Described for decades as a vivacious blonde and stunning party girl, she quickly caught the attention of newspapers and tabloids. Photos of San Francisco's 'Golden Girl' at high-society events frequently flooded West Coast media, and before long, she earned the label 'socialite.' The Oakland Tribune called her 'the Queen of the San Francisco Jet Set,' while writer Armistead Maupin modeled the society columnist Prue Giroux in Tales of the City after her. Montandon ventured into media in the 60s, hosting several shows - including The Prize Movie and The Pat Montandon Show on KGO-TV - where she reviewed films and discussed society and celebrity. Montandon hosted several shows in the 60s - including The Prize Movie and The Pat Montandon Show on KGO-TV During her career, Montandon wrote the bestselling novel How to Be a Party Girl and her memoir Oh the Hell of It All, detailing her high-society life The Golden Girl lived on the notorious Lombard Street - dubbed the 'crookedest street in the world' - which she later famously claimed to be cursed She further bolstered her resume as a gossip columnist for the San Francisco Examiner. The Golden Girl lived on the notorious Lombard Street - dubbed the 'crookedest street in the world' - which she later famously claimed to be cursed. By the mid-1960s, Montandon was receiving hundreds of fan letters daily, all addressed to her white mansion at 1000 Lombard, from admirers across the state. However, the 6,000-square-foot luxury apartment she rented became the scene of misfortune in 1967, when a tarot reader - angry at Montandon for being denied a drink - reportedly 'cursed' the home during an occult-themed party. Bad luck seemed to haunt the iconic address: a tiger-skin rug stolen in a burglary, an assault and kidnapping by a former boyfriend, a fire and the mysterious death of her assistant and close friend. The stars marriages - and, naturally, her divorces - became a staple of newspaper columns in the years that followed, including her split from famed San Francisco lawyer Melvin Belli. In 1969, Montandon tied the knot with businessman Al Wilsey, her fourth husband, and welcomed her only child, Sean, the following year. She became known for her roundtable luncheons throughout the 70s, which regularly brought together celebrity friends such as Danielle Steel, the Gettys, Andy Warhol and Sinatra, whom she previously dated for a brief time. Montandon further bolstered her resume as a gossip columnist for the San Francisco Examiner The stars marriages - and, naturally, her divorces - became a staple of newspaper columns throughout her career The socialite also founded several other charities focused on climate action, gun control and womens rights In 1979, Montandon launched the Napa Valley Wine Auction, collaborated with local vintners, and gave her portion of the proceeds to two area hospitals In 1980, her marriage took a scandalous turn when Wilsey had an affair with her best friend, Diana Dow Traina, leading to their divorce that same year. Despite her romantic ups and downs, Montandon stayed a California favorite with works like the bestselling novel How to Be a Party Girl and her memoir Oh the Hell of It All, detailing her high-society life. 'I dedicated my first book to San Francisco because I felt as if - and still do - San Francisco is a living, breathing entity. It's not like other cities. It lives,' Montandon told SFist in 2012. In 1979, she launched the Napa Valley Wine Auction, collaborated with local vintners, and gave her portion of the proceeds to two area hospitals. In her later years, Montandon focused on humanitarian efforts as a peace ambassador, founding Children as Teachers for Peace and leading childrens delegations to meet world leaders in pursuit of the mission. She met 26 world leaders, including the Pope and Mother Teresa, and made 37 international trips with grade-school children, earning three Nobel Peace Prize nominations along the way. The socialite also founded several other charities focused on climate action, gun control and womens rights - including The Name Choice Center in 1970, which advocated for womens legal right to retain their surnames after marriage. A former MI6 spy has claimed a new 9/11 or 7/7 attack could come at any time due to the presence of 'hundreds' of potential Al-Qaida sleeper agents living in the UK. Aimen Dean, a former member of Al-Qaida who spent eight years working in the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) gathering vital intelligence for MI5 and MI6, says the biggest threat to the west is the spread of Islamic extremism and Iranian influence. 'It's not about if another 9/11 or 7/7 attack will happen; it's about when,' he told the Sun. Mr Dean's risky work while a member of the terror group helped to foil significant Al-Qaida terror plots, including one that would have targeted passengers on the subway in New York. Now he has shared his concerns that there could be 'hundreds' of sleeper members of the organisation in the UK and that the west is wrongly focussing on Russia as the number one enemy. Mr Dean claims it is Iran that should be the focus of government policy in order to protect the British people. He says the country was responsible for 'hosting' Al-Qaida for 25 years, opening up opportunities for so-called 'sleeper cells' to carry out attacks on British nationals, including fatal assaults on Brits in the UAE. 'Unfortunately, I would love to tell you the world is an amazing place, but it's not,' Mr Dean said. Aimen Dean, a former member of Al-Qaida who spent eight years working in the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) gathering vital intelligence for MI5 and MI6, says the biggest threat to the west is the spread of Islamic extremism and Iranian influence He has claimed that it is a matter of 'when' another attack such as 9/11 (pictured) or the 7/7 bombings happens and that there are 'hundreds' of Al-Qaida sleeper agents in the UK 'A threat like Iran needs to be countered because of the fact that they are a nation that has sponsored terrorism.' He is predicting more 'lone-wolf' style attacks in the future and says that although it is 'impossible' to estimate exactly how many potential Al-Qaida members are in the UK, it is at least 'hundreds'. Mr Dean argues these sleeper agents could be utilised to carry out a terror attack at any time. The father-of-one was 17 when he met Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, after spending a year fighting in the Bosnian war. At 18, he travelled to the mountains in Afghanistan where he spent 11 months learning how to build bombs. Mr Dean told how as a self-confessed 'nerd', the mathematical side to the process appealed to him. He went on to spend time bomb-making in the company of some of the world's most wanted men, including Moez Fezzani, now an ISIS leader in Libya, and terror mastermind Abu Khabab. Khabab was in charge of developing Al-Qaida's mass-casualty weapons up until his death thanks to a CIA drone strike in 2008. But Mr Dean, who had originally pledged his allegiance to Al-Qaida's Osama Bin Laden in person, had been in the group barely a year when a devastating suicide bomb attack in East Africa changed his outlook on life for good. The attacks on American embassies in 1998 in Nairobi, Kenya and Tanzania killed 200 people and injured another 4,000. Mr Dean originally pledged his allegiance to Al-Qaida as a teenager in person to Osama Bin Laden (pictured) Mr Dean says it was this moment that made him realise he had taken the wrong path. To escape the group's clutches, Mr Dean pretended to have fallen ill and travelled to Qatar, where he renounced Al-Qaida. But his life took another dramatic turn when he was approached by MI6 agents just nine days later. After confirming he had truly left the group, and recognising his knack for key skills such as map reading, the spy agency rushed him back to the UK as their latest asset. Mr Dean was later able to return to working with Al-Qaida, all the while smuggling secrets to MI6 which are thought to have helped save hundreds, if not thousands of lives. But he revealed the terror of being discovered by the group, recounting how he once was certain he had been found out after being summoned to meet with one of Osama bin Laden's closest allies in 2001. Fortunately for Mr Dean, at the meeting he was instead asked to deliver a message to four 'brothers' in London and tell them to leave the country. He said the message read: 'They must leave the country and come here before September 1. Something big is going to happen and we expect the Americans to come to Afghanistan.' A few months later, the 9/11 attacks took place killing around 3,000 people. Mr Dean did not have any prior knowledge of the attacks themselves. It was soon after this that Mr Dean caught wind of the plot for the New York subway, organised by Khabab. His tip meant the attack was foiled, no doubt saving countless lives. While a member of the group, Mr Dean managed to penetrate the ranks of al-Qaida, from Osama bin Laden at the top, to sinister recruiting agents and rabble-rousers such as hook-handed Abu Hamza in the Finsbury Park Mosque in London. Aimen Dean's cover was blown after an article was published on the website of Time magazine. He was not named, as such, but enough of the story was true for al-Qaeda to put two and two together and identify him. He was swiftly in touch with his MI5 and MI6 minders and raced to London, where he was put in a safe house and given a new name. He later published a tell-all memoir about his time as an undercover agent. The US has vowed to carry out further strikes on Islamic State targets in Nigeria after launching Christmas Day attacks that Donald Trump said were aimed at stopping the slaughter of Christians. US defence secretary Pete Hegseth warned militants that more action was coming after American forces hit camps in north-western Nigeria in coordination with Abuja. Writing on X, Hegseth said the president had been clear that 'the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end', adding that the Pentagon was ready and that ISIS 'found out tonight on Christmas. More to come'. Nigeria's foreign minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed the strikes were part of joint operations, following a diplomatic row sparked when Donald Trump accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians. 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. This screen grab from shows a missile launch from a naval vessel as President Donald Trump says US forces conducted 'powerful and deadly' strikes against Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria on December 25, 2025 US defence secretary Pete Hegseth warned militants that more action was coming after American forces hit camps in north-western Nigeria in coordination with Abuja 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.' Following surprise US strikes targeting militants in Nigeria, it remains unclear who or what was actually hit as Washington and Abuja tell slightly different stories. Complicating matters is the fact that the strikes were delayed by American President Donald Trump, apparently to prioritise the symbolism of launching the attack on Christmas - and allegations that Washington backed out of issuing a joint statement with the Nigerians. Writing on X, Hegseth (pictured) said the president had been clear that 'the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end', adding that the Pentagon was ready and that ISIS 'found out tonight on Christmas. More to come' 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 The two countries agree that the strikes hit targets linked to Islamic State, but neither one has provided details on which of Nigeria's myriad armed groups were targeted. 'Twenty-four hours after the bombing, neither Nigeria nor its so-called 'international partners' can provide clear, verifiable information about what was actually struck,' activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore said Saturday. Nigeria is battling multiple jihadist organisations, including several linked to Islamic State. Neighbouring countries are also fighting IS-linked groups, and there are worries those conflicts are spilling into the country. Mohammed Idris, the country's information minister, said late Friday that the strikes 'targeted ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria from the Sahel corridor.' In an interview with Sky News, Daniel Bwala, adviser to President Bola Tinubu, named Islamic State, a murky armed group named Lakurawa, or 'bandits' - non-ideological armed gangs that dominate northwestern Nigeria - as potential targets of the strikes. But analysts and the opposition People's Democratic Party slammed the government for allowing 'foreign powers' to 'break the news of security operations in our country before our government does'. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu (pictured) has also said that the country 'welcomes' the American help Taking to social media the night of the strike, Trump was the first to take credit for the overnight Thursday into Friday strikes in northwestern Sokoto state - sparking worries from Nigerians that their sovereignty had been violated. Trump also told US outlet Politico that the strikes had been scheduled earlier than Thursday, 'And I said, 'nope, let's give a Christmas present'.' The following morning, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar insisted it was a joint operation, with Tinubu ultimately giving the go-ahead and Nigeria supplying intelligence for the strikes. He later told broadcaster Arise News that, while he was on the phone ahead of the strikes with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the two had agreed on issuing a joint statement, but Washington rushed out its own. Late Friday, almost 24 hours after the strikes, it was Nigeria that finally provided clarity around what the targets were: 'two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves' in Sokoto state's Tangaza district, according to Idris. Other villages were hit by what the information minister said were debris from the strikes. Images from an AFP photographer in Offa, in neighbouring Kwara state, showed crumbled buildings, destroyed by the debris, with roofs caved in and belongings scattered among the wreckage. Explosions in Sokoto state's Jabo town, also apparently from the debris, shook the community and 'surprised us because this area has never been' a stronghold for armed groups, local resident Haruna Kallah told AFP. No civilian casualties were reported. The munitions used were unclear. The US military released a video showing a navy ship launching what appeared to be missiles. Idris said 'the strikes were launched from maritime platforms domiciled in the Gulf of Guinea'. He also said 'a total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper' drones. The choice to strike the northwest has also sowed confusion among analysts, as Nigeria's jihadists are mainly concentrated in the northeast. Some researchers have recently linked some members of the armed group known as Lakurawa - the main jihadist group located in Sokoto State - to Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), but other analysts have disputed those links. The strikes also come after a diplomatic spat between Washington and Abuja sparked by Trump saying the violence in the country amounted to 'persecution' against Christians - a framing long used by the US religious right. The Nigerian government and independent analysts reject the accusations. The framing of Nigeria's violence in religious terms, the lack of clarity around the targets and the fact that the strikes were delayed til Christmas all add to concerns from critics that the attack was bigger on symbolism than substance. Both countries have said that more strikes are on the table. The heirs of a late billionaire accused of being a tax cheat have agreed to pay $750 million to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to settle a mammoth civil fraud case against him. The estate of tech entrepreneur Robert Brockman reached the deal Tuesday to end a yearslong legal battle that started when he was indicted in 2020 on 39 counts. Brockman was accused of running a 'scheme' to hide about $2billion in income from the IRS. That marked the largest tax evasion claim ever made against a single person by American prosecutors. Charges against Brockman also included wire fraud and money laundering. He died in August 2022 while in the middle of his criminal case, about a month after a judge ruled that he was competent to stand trial despite suffering from dementia. Brockman was survived by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy, his son Robert II, his brother David, a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. Now, his estate has agreed to pay back $456million in back taxes and $294million in penalties as part of a separate civil case, per the Wall Street Journal. In 2020, Robert Brockman was charged with running a 'scheme' to hide about $2billion in income from the Internal Revenue Service Brockman was survived by his wife Dorothy (right), his son Robert II, his brother David, a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren Brockman was worth about $4.7billion when he died, according to Forbes. Prosecutors said he owned a Houston mansion worth about $8million, a ski cabin in Aspen, Colorado, a Bombardier private jet and a 209-foot yacht. The former chief executive of Reynolds & Reynolds Co was accused of hiding his vast income from the IRS over two decades. He allegedly used a web of off-shore companies in Bermuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis. The indictment alleged Brockman appointed nominees to manage those entities for him as a way to hide his involvement. He even established an encrypted communications system and would use code words such as 'Permit,' 'Red fish' or 'Snapper' to communicate. The tech billionaire was also accused of directing 'untaxed capital gains income to secret bank accounts' across Bermuda and Switzerland. Join the debate Should billionaires face harsher penalties for hiding massive wealth from the taxman? Brockman lived in a $8million mansion (pictured) in Houston, Texas. He also owned a 143-acre Colorado property and fishing lodge on the Frying Pan River Brockman's lawyers argued he was unfit to stand trial, claiming that his Parkinson's disease had only grown worse and led to dementia As he awaited trial, Brockman's lawyers argued he was unfit to take the stand, claiming his Parkinson's disease caused dementia which had only grown worse after also contracting COVID. In filings, his attorneys said Brockman had been hospitalized with toxic metabolic encephalopathy, which threatened to exacerbate his apparent cognitive decline. However, a judge ruled that the tech billionaire was competent to face the charges. That happened in May 2022, just weeks before Brockman passed on August 5. Attorneys said Brockman was bedridden and in hospice care in the weeks before his death. However, a civil case continued in tax court even after Brockman's passing. Brockman's former associates and employees long described him as a frugal billionaire who would stay at budget hotels and eat frozen dinners while on business trips. Prosecutors said he also owned a Bombardier Inc. Global 6000 private jet, valued at roughly $62million Brockman's attorneys said the former Reynolds & Reynolds Co chief executive was bedridden and in hospice care in the weeks leading to his death He bought used furniture for his offices and banned his employees from smoking so that his company could save on health insurance. The tech businessman believed the IRS unfairly went after taxpayers. The agency had originally sought back $1.4billion including interest, per the Wall Street Journal. Instead, Brockman's estate will pay $456 million in back taxes and $294 million in penalties covering tax years 2004 to 2018. Brockman's tax evasion charges were deemed historic after he was indicted in 2020. 'The allegation of a $2billion tax fraud is the largest ever tax charge against an individual in the United States,' US Attorney David Anderson said in a press conference in San Francisco. The order directing Brockman's estate to reimburse the IRS was signed Tuesday by US Tax Court Judge Kathleen Kerrigan. It was not immediately clear how much interest would apply. The Daily Mail has reached out to McDermott Will & Schulte, which represented Brockman's estate, for comment. With the departure of their eleventh publicist in just five years, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are probably wondering how Team Sussex can stop the revolving door of her communications team. The latest casualty is 'cheerleader' PR boss Meredith Maines, who announced she was stepping down after only a year with the couple - and mere months into her role as chief communications officer. In a short statement, Ms Maines revealed she would be 'pursuing a new opportunity' in 2026. Astonishingly, her exit marks the fifth key member of publicity staff to have left their employment with Harry and Meghan in the second half of 2025 alone, amid continuing accusations the couple are 'difficult' to work with. Adding to their woes, US-based Method Communications PR announced it too would be ending its tenure with the Sussexes after just seven months. It is understood that Liam Maguire, their UK and Europe director of communications, will now lead on all publicity-related work, but his appointment comes off the back of nearly a dozen employees who have quit the PR team since 2020 (although two of those are now working for the couple in non-PR roles). While some have started up their own firms or work in communications elsewhere, two have tellingly scrubbed any mention of working for Harry and Meghan on their CVs altogether - and one is now the director of a large insurance firm. So just where are Meghan's past PR advisers now? Meredith Maines - Chief Communications Officer The latest departure from Team Sussex, Meredith Maines announced today she would be stepping down as chief communications officer after less than a year in the role to pursue 'a new opportunity'. According to her LinkedIn, Ms Maines began working for the couple in March 2025. She wrote that as CCO, she oversees 'all external communications' for Harry and Meghan. This included Meghan's lifestyle brand As Ever, launched in April this year; their media production company, Archewell Productions; and their joint charity, Archewell Philanthropies. Ms Maines said earlier this year that the hiring of Method Communications in the Sussex PR team would give international media and stakeholders 'better access' as well as a faster response time to inquiries. In a statement, she said: 'After a year of inspiring work with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archewell, I will be pursuing a new opportunity in 2026. 'I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and the good they are doing in the world.' The high-flying PR professional was at the centre of a media storm over the summer when she was pictured meeting with King Charles' communications secretary Tobyn Andreae in London. The rendezvous was said to have been part of a secret 'peace summit' between the two camps. Meredith Maines, who was appointed as chief communications officer, is parting ways with Harry and Meghan after a year in the role Both Harry, 40, and his father, 76, are said to be keen to reconcile, especially after the King was diagnosed with cancer last year. However, Harry and Meghan are said to have been frustrated that photographs of the extraordinary meeting - which took place in July at a private members club in Mayfair - were published in an exclusive for The Mail on Sunday. Emily Robinson - Director of Communications The departure of Meredith Maines comes hot off the heels of Emily Robinson, who was hired as director of communications in June 2025 - but had already jumped ship by October. With a background in TV publicity, Ms Robinson was considered a controversial hire as she had worked on Netflix series The Crown for years a show which aired a number of damaging narratives about the Royal Family. One friend of LA-based Robinson, who built up a reputation as a 'tough cookie' at Netflix, said at the time: 'It was her decision. She left a few weeks ago. She's not a quitter, so things must have been pretty horrible for her to go.' On her LinkedIn profile there is no mention of her three-month role with Meghan and Harry. Returning to her roots, she is currently listed as the senior vice president in the US & Canada for drect and consumer at streaming service Paramount+. On her LinkedIn profile there is no mention of Emily Robinson's role with Meghan and Harry, which she left after just three months Ashley Hansen Global Press Secretary The well-respected PR strategist worked for the Sussexes between May 2022 and October 2024 as their global press secretary. Ms Hansen said at the time of her departure that she had left to launch her own firm, Three Gate Strategies, a role she stayed in until September 2025. Prince Harry and Meghan were understood to have worked with her as 'part-time' clients. For the last four months she has worked as a managing partner at the Los Angeles branch of Forward Global in Los Angeles, a business consulting and services firm. Last month her former colleague Kyle Boulia, who worked under the Sussexes as press secretary, joined the team at Forward Global. Ashley Hansen departed from Meghan and Prince Harry in 2024 to start up her own agency Kyle Boulia - Press Secretary / Director of Communications The senior communications leader worked for the couple between April 2024 and June 2025. Mr Boulia is understood to have left amid a 'broader communications reshuffle'. On his LinkedIn, the PR professional states that he has 'a track record of managing global media strategy and brand reputation at the highest levels.' He adds: 'Most recently, I served as Press Secretary to Prince Harry and Meghan and Director of Communications at Archewell, where I led international press operations, crisis response, and global launches with Netflix, Spotify, and major philanthropic initiatives shaping narratives that reached hundreds of millions worldwide.' Since November he has started a new position as Principal at Forward Global, working alongside his former colleague Ashley Hansen. Mr Boulia is understood to have left in June 2025 amid a 'broader communications reshuffle' Charlie Gipson - European Communications Director With a seasoned background in communications, Charlie Gipson first started working for the Sussexes in April 2024, before leaving in July 2025. According to his LinkedIn, Mr Gipson 'led UK and European media strategy, delivering high-impact communications for their global charitable initiatives. 'I provided senior counsel on strategic planning and crisis management, supported international engagements, and drove campaigns that reached billions worldwide.' Mr Gipson is now a senior communications consultant for business consultancy firm CG Strategies. Charlie Gipson first started working for the Sussexes in April 2024, before leaving in July 2025 Toya Holness - Head of Communications Described as 'Meghan's shadow' - having often been seen wearing the same style of power suits and Hollywood sunglasses - Toya Holness worked for the couple from October 2020 to Jul 2021 as their press secretary, before being promoted to head of communications. She stayed in the post for 11 months until leaving in May 2022. Since then Ms Holness has held a number of roles, including as vice president of public relations and chief communications officer at video game company Activision Blizzard. She also co-founded communications agency Rostra, in February 2024 before leaving at the start of this year. In July she took on a role in corporate communications for AI safety and research company Anthropic. Toya Holness was described as 'Meghan's shadow', having often been seen wearing the same style of power suits and Hollywood sunglasses Josh Kettler - Chief of Staff and PR Guru Harry appointed Josh Kettler as his chief of staff in May 2024 and it was said that he was the perfect man to 'guide' Harry 'through his next phase'. Mr Kettler joined Harry that month on his visit to London and was seen entering St Paul's Cathedral with the Duke for the Invictus Games anniversary service. Later in May 2024, Mr Kettler was a key figure on the Sussexes's three-day tour of Nigeria. But he suddenly quit from the role in August just ahead of the couple's trip to Colombia, after just three months in the role. Mr Kettler does not publicly state his role with the couple on his LinkedIn profile, posting instead that he was a 'chief of staff and strategy consultant' during this period. He is currently the president at insurance firm The Buckner Company, as of May of this year. Josh Kettler suddenly quit from his role with Harry and Meghan after just three months in 2024 Christine Schirmer - Senior Communications Advisor Ms Schirmer began her role as head of communications for Archewell in October 2020. In July 2021 she was promoted up to senior advisor, before departing from the couple in 2023. She is now a partner at global advisory firm Brunswick Group in San Francisco Ms Schirmer began her role as head of communications for Archewell in October 2020 Miranda Barbot - Director of Global Communications The couple first hired Miranda Barbot as a communications manager for Archewell in October 2021. She was swiftly promoted to director of global communications by the following May and stayed in that role until October 2024. Barbot then moved into a non-PR role as VP of programs and media operations. For last nine months she has held the position of Chief of Staff and remains working for the couple. Miranda Barbot has worked for the couple since October 2021, moving away from the PR team and now serving as their chief of staff James Holt - Head of Engagement and Communications Having previously worked as head of communications for Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats, James Holt has remained with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for nearly five years. He was formerly a senior communications officer for the couple when they shared the same PR team as the Prince and Princess of Wales, before going on to become their head of communications post-Megxit. Mr Holt currently serves as the couple's executive director at Archewell. Having previously worked as head of communications for Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats, James Holt has remained with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for nearly five years Deesha Tank - Communications Director at Archewell As another key PR person to leave the Sussexes this year, Deesha Tank first worked for Meghan and Harry in June 2022 as a communications manager. She was promoted in May 2024 to director of communications, before leaving just over a year later in June 2025. Ms Tank is now director of communications at the Rare Impact Fund for cosmetics brand Rare Beauty in Los Angeles, California. Kennedy heir Jack Schlossberg cracked out a book about anti-materialism while celebrating the holidays with his billionaire family. Schlossberg, 32, shared a few snapshots on Thursday showing him lounging in front of a fire while reading the 1992 text. The congressional hopeful posed in front of a burning fireplace reading a copy of Michael Lerner's anthology Tikkun...to Heal, Repair and Transform the World. The book features a collection of writings addressing the 'materialism, anti-intellectualism, conservatism and spiritual deadness' that, according to Learner, 'too often permeate some sectors of the organized Jewish community'. Schlossberg also posed with an embroidered throw pillow bearing the sentence: 'If you met my family, you'd understand.' 'I love my family,' he captioned the carousel of images, before adding: 'Tikkun olam is a powerful concept in the Jewish tradition improve the world!' Tikkun Olam - Hebrew for 'repair of the world' - is a core concept in Judaism that urges the faithful to work alongside God and improve humanity through acts of social justice, charity and ethical living. Schlossberg was raised Catholic but identifies as being culturally Jewish through his father's side. He is one of the heirs to the Kennedy family fortune which was worth approximately $1.2 billion in 2015 - the last time it was publicly estimated by Forbes. Kennedy heir Jack Schlossberg quasi promoted a book about anti-materialism - Michael Lerner's 1992 anthology Tikkun...to Heal, Repair and Transform the World - while celebrating the holidays with his billionaire family He made several Instagram posts over the holidays, offering his more than 800,000 followers a slight glimpse inside the Kennedy family's Christmas soiree Schlossberg, the grandson of late President John F. Kennedy, seemingly spent the holidays with his billionaire family. He made several Instagram posts over the holidays, offering his more than 800,000 followers a slight glimpse inside the Kennedy family's Christmas soiree. He shared a light hearted video of himself sporting his congressional campaign shirt and trying to crack a chestnut. He captioned the video 'next year I'll be at my in-laws,' seemingly poking fun at his current relationship status - or rather lack thereof. Last month, in a New York Times profile, Schlossberg revealed he hopes to have a wife and kids 'one day', but is currently single. 'I went on dates for a while and they didn't really lead me to find love,' he told the newspaper. Schlossberg is running for Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. He announced his candidacy last month with a social media post highlighting the soaring cost of living while attacking the White House. He called out a 'crisis at every level,' pointing to cuts to education, health care and social programs, as well as alleged corruption. Schlossberg also posed with an embroidered throw pillow bearing the sentence: 'If you met my family, you'd understand' He shared a light hearted video of himself sporting his congressional campaign shirt and trying to crack a chestnut. He captioned the video 'next year I'll be at my in-laws,' seemingly poking fun at his current status as a single man Schlossberg, known for his quirky social media clips, is seen as a progressive on the left of the Democratic Party and has vocally called for the party to change. He has backed leftists including New York mayor-elect and self-described democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. Schlossberg - one of several political nepo babies running for office next year - is looking to replace Jerry Nadler of New York's solidly Democratic 12th Congressional district, who is retiring. But he faces a crowded field to reach election in New York City's oldest and wealthiest district, including two members of the state assembly, a city council member and Parkland school shooting survivor Cameron Kasky. He announced in September that he had formed an exploratory committee after Nadler said he would step down from representing the district which includes the middle portion of Manhattan. 'This district should have a representative who can harness the creativity, energy and drive of this district and translate that into political power in Washington,' he said in his announcement video. 'I'm not running because I have all the answers to our problems. I'm running because the people of New York 12 do.' He previously told The New York Times that 'if Zohran Mamdani and I have anything in common, it's that we are both trying to be authentic versions of ourselves.' President John F. Kennedy's grandson Jack Schlossberg (pictured in May 2025) has launched a campaign for a sought after New York City House seat Schlossberg is pictured here with his mother, Caroline, and sister, Tatiana, speaking with Prince William in 2022 Schlossberg has cultivated his online presence with frequent posts weighing in on national political issues and frequently attacks President Donald Trump. 'The President has made almost $1 billion this year. He's picking winners and losers from inside the Oval Office. It's cronyism, not capitalism,' he said in his campaign announcement. He also regularly takes aim at his cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's health and human services secretary who's been a vocal vaccine skeptic. In October, he posted on Instagram an image of a Halloween costume for 'MAHA Man,' in reference to Kennedy's Make America Healthy Again message and described it as including such things as measles. Schlossberg previously accused Kennedy of 'spewing lies' that the CIA was involved in JFK's assassination and appeared to mock Kennedy's spasmodic dysphonia - a neurological disorder that makes it difficult for him to speak. He deleted his social media afterward, as he received flack for that and for falsely accusing renowned lawyer Alan Dershowitz of killing his own wife. Schlossberg said he sees his grandfather as a role model. The former president is pictured with his wife, Jackie Onassis, JFK Jr and Schlossberg's mother Caroline in 1962 But his social media hiatus only lasted about a month, after which he posted an unhinged video in which he made kissy faces at RFK's wife Cheryl Hines and told her she should apologize for the recent death of an unvaccinated child with measles. Schlossberg also appeared to have flirted with the second lady when he uploaded a photo of Vice President JD Vance and Usha holding their infant daughter and wrote, 'could have been US'. He also repeatedly claimed Megyn Kelly is a man as a response to the conservative pundit's support for banning transgender athletes from women's sports. Despite his controversies, Schlossberg has a 30 percent chance of winning the seat in New York's 12th congressional district, according to exchange and prediction market site Kalshi. It also predicted New York State Assemblyman Micah Lasher had a 71 percent chance of victory and Alex Bores, another candidate, has a 10 percent chance. Meanwhile, Schlossberg's campaign manager Annabel Lassally stepped down earlier this month. A spokesperson for his campaign seemed undeterred by her exit. 'We continue to grow post-launch as the only campaign focused on local issues and progressive policy,' the spokesperson said. The 32-year-old is a graduate of both Harvard and Yale, and has been active in progressive politics, as well as the media. Schlossberg is the son of JFK's daughter Caroline Kennedy 'We will be announcing our new campaign headquarters very soon,' he added, declaring: 'It's all systems go!' Schlossberg's other staffers - including finance director Paige Phillips, an alum of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's campaign, and Eli Hinerfeld, a former deputy campaign manager for NYC Comptroller candidate Justin Brannan - remain on the team. They have touted the Kennedy heir's social media acuity as a way for him to break through the crowd - and have even defended some of his 'crazy' antics. A family unknowingly cremated the body of a stranger following a mix-up at a scandal-hit NHS hospital in Scotland. Mortuary staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow passed a wrongly labelled corpse to undertakers. As a result of the blunder, a service organised by one family to remember their loved one saw the wrong body cremated. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde - Scotland's largest health board - accepted 'two families have been caused significant additional distress at an already very difficult time' as a result of the incident. It is understood human error was to blame for the 'wrongful release' of the body from the health board's mortuary at the hospital. The tragic mistake is only the latest in a series of scandals to hit Scotlands biggest hospital, which opened ten years ago. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde confirmed a full investigation is now under way, with staff involved suspended while this takes place. Mortuary staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow (pictured) passed a wrongly labelled corpse to undertakers The families affected were informed of what had happened, with 'full support' being offered to them after the incident, reported to have taken place last month. Dr Scott Davidson, medical director at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: 'I would like to offer my sincere apologies to both families affected. 'We have very rigorous processes for the identification and labelling of bodies from arrival in our mortuaries until their release into the care of an undertaker. 'It is of deep regret that these processes have not been adhered to on this occasion, and that as a result two families have been caused significant additional distress at an already very difficult time. 'We launched an immediate investigation into this incident and will ensure that learning is applied.' Scottish Conservative public health spokesman Brian Whittle branded the incident a 'shocking and unforgivable failure'. The MSP added: 'Families entrust the NHS with their loved ones at their most vulnerable moment, yet basic procedures have been ignored with devastating consequences. 'After previous mix-ups at this very hospital, there is no excuse. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde must be held fully accountable and explain how on earth this was allowed to happen.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'We wish to express our sincere condolences to the families involved with this terrible incident. 'We are deeply concerned by what has happened and have been clear with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde that they must fully investigate the circumstances.' Earlier this month, it was confirmed that a QEUH nurse is to stand trial on a charge of culpable homicide after allegedly giving a man a fatal dose of a drug meant for another patient, in 2022. Just a year after the hospital opened, reports began to emerge of sewage leaks and ventilation problems at the site, according to The Times. Then, in 2017, ten-year-old patient Milly Main died during cancer treatment after contracting an infection found in water at the hospital. Two child cancer wards closed the following year in connection with infection fears, while, in 2019, it was revealed two patients died after contracting fungal infection linked to pigeon droppings. Billionaires are planning to pack up and leave California in protest over a proposed ballot measure seeking to heavily tax the states wealthiest residents. Venture capitalist Peter Thiel and Google co-founder Larry Page are among those plotting to flee, according to The New York Times. Three companies associated with Page have filed documents of incorporation in Florida, the outlet reported. Tech investor Chamath Palihapitiya also confirmed earlier this week that he has given 'serious consideration' to relocating to Texas if the measure goes ahead. He said: 'The inevitable outcome will be an exodus of the state's most talented entrepreneurs who can and will choose to build their companies in less regressive states.' The threats come in response to a ballot measure proposed by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West union, which was cleared for campaign by the state Attorney Generals Office. The union proposes hitting Californians worth over $1 billion where it hurts most with a 5 percent tax on every dollar of their vast fortunes. If the measure gathers enough signatures, lands on the November ballot and wins voter approval, it would affect anyone living in the West Coast state as of January 1, 2026. Venture capitalist Peter Thiel is among the billionaires reportedly plotting to flee California over a proposed super wealth tax Two sources familiar with the private discussions told the NYT that Google founder Larry Page, a longtime Palo Alto resident, had discussed leaving California before the end of the year Tech investor Chamath Palihapitiya confirmed earlier this week that he has given 'serious consideration' to relocating to Texas if the measure goes ahead High-net-worth tax adviser David Lesperance says nearly all of his clients are 'taking steps as quickly as possible both to sever California residence and to move assets out of the state' High-net-worth tax and immigration adviser David Lesperance admitted that nearly all of his clients are 'taking steps as quickly as possible both to sever California residence and to move assets out of the state', according to the NYT. Miami real estate agent Brett Harris also told the outlet that five California billionaires had already contacted him, exploring a move to Florida to 'offset their risk of exposure to the billionaire tax'. However, Harris noted, if the measure fails, those same billionaires 'may end up moving back to California.' According to the union, the measure aims to tackle the 'growing gap' between hefty executive salaries and the real-world challenges faced by patients and frontline staff. 'At a time when healthcare executives are collecting multimillion-dollar paychecks while patients delay care and frontline workers struggle to make ends meet, it's clear the system is broken,' ultrasound technologist Mayra Casteneda said. 'This initiative is about putting healthcare dollars where they belong - into patient care, safer staffing and expanding access - instead of rewarding healthcare executives for maintaining a status quo that puts profits over patient care.' One term of the measure would cap pay for executives, administrators and managers at both nonprofit and for-profit hospitals and medical groups at $450,000 per year. Miami real estate agent Brett Harris revealed that five California billionaires have already contacted him to explore a move to Florida Suzanne Jimenez, the unions chief of staff, said some ideas in their proposal stem from her belief that California billionaires are the 'most fortunate people in this state' California Governor Gavin Newsom described the proposed wealth tax as 'not pragmatic' Newsom has even raised funds for a committee dedicated to opposing the measure, which has since received a $100,000 donation from venture capitalist Ron Conway, pictured Frontline staff argue that the cap is ample and that investing the excess in the workforce is long overdue. Californians with $20 billion in assets would also owe a one-time tax of $1 billion, with five years to pay under the proposed measure. This means that Page, who is worth roughly $258 billion, would be hit with a $27.5 billion one-time tax, while Thiel, with $27.5 billion, might owe $1.2 billion. The union said the proposed tax could generate up to $100 million from roughly 200 billionaires, potentially offsetting federal budget cuts, as reported by the NYT. However, Californias Legislative Analysts Office and Department of Finance project that the wealth tax 'would collect tens of billions of dollars' in one-time payments. Suzanne Jimenez, the unions chief of staff, said some ideas in the proposal stem from her belief that California billionaires are the 'most fortunate people in this state'. 'We looked at how could we generate the revenue to fix this kind of hole, and this group of folks just made sense,' she told the outlet. Thiel, who runs a personal investment firm in Los Angeles, has reportedly begun seeking to open Thiel Capital - an office for his firm - in another state, according to three close sources who spoke to the NYT. The proposal would tax the states wealthiest residents a five percent tax on every dollar of their riches Two sources familiar with the private discussions told the NYT that Page, a longtime Palo Alto resident, had discussed leaving California before the end of the year. Governor Gavin Newsom and other Silicon Valley investors have also criticized the measure, with Newsom describing the proposed wealth tax as 'not pragmatic,' as reported by the outlet. A spokesman said the governor continues to oppose 'state-level wealth taxes', arguing they give people an incentive to relocate to another state. Newsom has even raised funds for a committee dedicated to opposing the measure, which has since received a $100,000 donation from venture capitalist Ron Conway. But tax advisor Lesperance said it would be a lengthy and challenging process for people to successfully claim non-residence in California, according to the NYT. Known for its aggressive revenue collection, the states tax agency considers multiple factors to determine residency: principal residence, voter registration, driver's license information and precise locations of their banks, investments, and family members. Meanwhile, the state's Department of Finance warned that California could lose hundreds of millions annually in income tax revenue if these billionaires were to leave, according to the outlet. The wealth tax debate emerges amid widening income inequality in the United States, which increased consistently over a 33-year span ending in 2022. The result is striking, according to data from the Congressional Budget Office. The top 10 percent hold 69 percent of the nation's riches, while the bottom 50 percent share a mere 3 percent. Thiel, Page and Palihapitiya did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment. A leading union boss is piling the pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to rejoin the EU customs union as he calls for the 'closest possible' economic relationship with the Euro bloc. Paul Nowak, the leader of the Trades Union Congress and the most senior trade unionist in the UK, said the government should look at 'every possible' opportunity for relations with the EU, including re-entering the customs union. In an interview with the BBC, he said the Prime Minister should pursue the 'closest possible economic and political relationship with the European Union' going into 2026. Labour's election manifesto explicitly ruled out rejoining the customs union, but there have been growing tensions over the issue in government. The Prime Minister previously said he wants to 'reset' the UK's relationship with the EU, before his Health Secretary - and some would say leadership rival - went one step further. In an interview with The Observer on Sunday, Wes Streeting suggested he might like to see a return to the customs union, saying the best way to boost the economy would be a 'closer trading relationship' with the EU. 'The reason why leaving the EU hit us so hard as a country is because of the enormous economic benefits that came with being in the single market and the customs union,' he said. 'This is a country and a Government that wants a closer trading relationship with Europe. The challenge is that any economic partnership we have can't lead to a return to freedom of movement.' Paul Nowak, the leader of the Trades Union Congressand the most senior trade unionist in the UK, said the government should look at 'every possible' opportunity for relations with the EU Sir Keir Starmer is facing Cabinet splits over the issue, but Downing Street says it will stick to Labour's manifesto, which ruled out rejoining the customs union And earlier this month 13 Labour MPs rebelled against Starmer and support a motion from the Liberal Democrats calling for negotiations for a bespoke customs union arrangement. But Downing Street claims it is still committed to its manifesto pledge and the UK will not rejoin any such agreement anytime soon. Now trade unionist Mr Nowak has become the latest voice to put pressure on Starmer. 'Absolutely the Government should rule nothing out,' he told the BBC. 'They should look at every option for our relationship with the European Union, up to and including a customs union. 'I go round workplaces week in, week out aerospace, automotive, steel and having a good deal with Europe is essential.' Mr Nowak added: '2026 really needs to be the year when the government gets to grips with the cost of living crisis.' He also argued that a closer relationship with Brussels has become ever more important since Donald Trump returned to the White House, arguing the President is not a 'reliable ally' to Britain. As head of the TUC, Mr Nowak represents 47 trade unions with a collective membership of more than five million, having taken up the role in 2023. His comments on the customs union are sure to make an already tricky situation for Starmer even more difficult. The Conservatives and Reform UK vehemently oppose rejoining, arguing that any such move would essentially hand control of Britain's ability to negotiate bespoke trade deals with other countries back to the EU. But Labour will also be keen to keep the unions onside as they make up an important part of the party's membership and funds - giving around 10 million last year. Yet if the UK were to rejoin the customs union, it would likely have to adopt the EU's tariff rates, including the higher tariff imposed on imports from Europe by the US. It is also unclear what would happen to the trade deals secured with countries outside of Europe since Brexit. As well as his comments on trade, Mr Nowak also had a message for the government on the rising influence of Nigel Farage's Reform UK. He said Starmer should not try to match Farage's immigration policies and that the solution is not to try and 'out-Reform Reform'. 'My job isn't to tell union members they have voted the wrong way. The responsibility is on the government to demonstrate that mainstream politics can deliver the change people want,' Mr Nowak said. Much has been said about President Trumps reverence for William McKinley, his predecessor in the White House who used tariffs to assert Americas mercantile supremacy. Now it is another distinguished forerunner who is in the spotlight: James Monroe, fifth President of the United States and the man who, in 1823, proclaimed the so-called Monroe Doctrine. This, in essence, was an attempt to deter European influence in the Americas, north and south while giving Washington freedom of action in what it saw as its own back yard. To put it another way, the US was carving out a sphere of influence in return for which it agreed not to interfere in Europe. ames Monroe, fifth President of the United States, proclaimed the so-called Monroe Doctrine in 1823 The President and First Lady ring servicemen and women on Christmas Eve. If there was a sense of reciprocity to it, the priority was clear: within its own ambit, America was free to pursue American interests. Today, the echoes are unmistakable. Some commentators laugh when Trump talks of annexing Greenland or Canada becoming the 51st state, but the president is in deadly earnest. These landmasses are part of, or at least attached to, the American continent. Just how serious he is about establishing a sphere of US influence can be seen Trumps decision to intervene so directly in Venezuela, seizing oil tankers and cutting off a lucrative trade that supports the renegade Leftist and very anti-American - regime in Caracas. Indeed, the Trump administrations 2025 National Security Strategy, published last month, recognised formally that the US officially views Latin America as its back yard. According to critics, the US is applying 'gunboat diplomacy' against Venezuela. Yet there are sound reasons for Washington's approach, plus clear - and recent - parallels. Collective security became the norm in the Americas all the way back in 1948 with the establishment of the Organisation of American States. Collective security means that nation states pledge mutual defence and treat an attack on one as an attack on all. In the modern world, it is entirely reasonable to take cybercrime, terrorism, and drug trafficking as modern forms of warfare - -and Venezuela has been accused of sponsoring all these things. And this is why the Trump administration is relying on using naval muscle to contain what is, in its view, a dangerous enemy. Just how serious he is about establishing a sphere of US influence can be seen Trumps decision to intervene so directly in Venezuela, seizing oil tankers and cutting off a lucrative trade that supports the renegade Leftist and very anti-American - regime in Caracas This assertive approach, it reasons, will brings more security and prosperity not just to the region, but to the world. We only have to look east and see the destruction in blood and treasure caused by Russia's interference in Ukraine. It is a clear threat to the well-being of all and must not be permitted. Europe is surely right to insist on collective security. But if Europe is permitted to step in and oppose Russia - as it has been doing now for four years - what is to stop the US from doing the same in the Americas? The wider point of Trump's application of the Monroe Doctrine is to push its main geopolitical rival, China, from the region, of course. Washington is particularly keen to prevent two companies, COSCO Shipping Ports and Hutchison Ports, from operating the Panama canal - so vital for US shipping. The first of these is a Chinese company. The other is Hong Kong-based. President Donald Trump calls children as he participates in tracking Santa Claus' movements with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Santa Tracker on Christmas Eve at Mar-a-Lago Although its rivals DP World of Dubai and MAERSK of Denmark are by no means from the Americas, but Trump judges them to be free of Chinese influence and very much preferable as candidates. There is nothing about the Monroe Doctrine that stops the US making exceptions when it suits. Practicality is all. Practicality is, in fact, the driving force. Whatever the origins of NATO's expansion in the east and Putin's furious - and bloodthirsty - response, it is no longer possible for America to underwrite the collective security of Europe. Those days are gone. Today, we are in a new world, where clusters of nations must be responsible for their own security. The Monroe Doctrine will apply whether Europe likes it or not. It is the new reality. Mormon leader Jeffrey R. Holland, a senior apostle and president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has died aged 85, the church announced. Holland died at about 3.15am MST on Saturday from complications linked to kidney disease, the Church confirmed in a statement. He was surrounded by his family at the time. Paying tribute, Quentin L. Cook, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said: There [was] nobody better in the Church at teaching. The church said on Christmas Eve that Holland had recently been hospitalized, prompting prayers from members around the world. Holland had served as an apostle since June 1994, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the faith. Before that, he was a member of the churchs First Quorum of the Seventy, which oversees operations across geographic regions. At the time of his death, Holland was the second most senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, behind church president Dallin H. Oaks, placing him next in line under the churchs long-established succession system. Henry B. Eyring, one of Oaks two counselors in the First Presidency, is now next in line to assume the church presidency. A respected figure in the church, Holland stoked controversy a few years ago with fiery remarks against same sex marriage. Jeffrey R. Holland, a senior apostle and president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died early Saturday aged 85 Holland is survived by their three children, 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren Hollands public duties had been scaled back in recent years due to ongoing health problems. In April 2023, church leaders announced that Holland would step away from meetings for at least two months while recovering from coronavirus and undergoing dialysis for a kidney condition. He was hospitalized again in August for further observation and treatment. The church confirmed that Holland was hospitalized again during the Christmas holiday to receive care for persistent health challenges. Signs of his declining health had been apparent to church observers since October, when Oaks did not name him as a counselor. That same month, Holland was seen using a wheelchair while attending church functions. Born in St. George, Utah, Holland devoted much of his early career to education and teaching, a role church leaders repeatedly cited as central to his legacy. He served as commissioner of the churchs global education system and spent nearly a decade, from 1980 to 1989, as the ninth president of Brigham Young University, the faiths flagship institution. He also previously served as dean of BYUs College of Religious Education. Holland earned undergraduate and masters degrees from BYU before obtaining masters and doctoral degrees in American studies from Yale University. The headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah, where Holland served as a senior apostle for nearly three decades Mormon Apostles sit to the side listening to President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints answer questions at a press conference after Nelson was announced as the 17th president of the Mormon Church on January 16, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah During his tenure at BYU, Holland focused on strengthening interfaith ties and oversaw the establishment of the Jerusalem Center, efforts that earned him the Anti-Defamation Leagues Torch of Liberty Award for fostering dialogue between Christian and Jewish communities. Former church leader Marion D. Hanks once described Hollands defining trait as teaching, saying: Jeffrey Holland is by nature a teacher. He is a gentleman, a scholar, and a diplomat - but in all those things he is a teacher. In later years, however, Holland became a more polarizing figure following a 2021 address known as the musket fire speech, in which he urged church members to use metaphorical muskets to defend traditional teachings against same-sex marriage. The speech was later assigned as required reading for BYU freshmen in 2024, sparking criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and students. Holland was married to Patricia Terry Holland, who died in July 2023. Speaking about her husbands faith, she once said: Nobody but [me] knows the kind of faith that this man has. It is pure. He is survived by their three children, 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. A paramedic who claimed her sister was in hospital to get off work has been fired, after her sibling's Facebook account showed her putting up Christmas decorations at home. Natalie Twomey emailed her bosses in the London Ambulance Service to tell them her sister, who she previously claimed was in intensive care, had 'deteriorated' and she needed to be with her. She sent the message in November 2022, writing: 'I've had to phone in sick as my sister has deteriorated again and had to drive back to Norfolk to be with her.' But the ambulance service found Facebook posts shared by her sister showing her house decorated for Christmas. Ms Twomey had also shared a memory of a holiday in Mexico, writing: '8 days till this paradise again.' When she was challenged on this in April 2023, she claimed that her sister had been in an ICU. Despite her claims that it was her brother-in-law who had shared the post, it was later determined that she knew her sister was not sick at the time. In separate incidents at a later date, she attended work smelling of alcohol, which led to her being removed from front-line duties. Despite her claims that it was her brother-in-law who had shared the post, it was later determined that Natalie Twomey (pictured) knew her sister was not sick at the time Ms Twomey emailed her bosses in the London Ambulance Service to tell them her sister, who she had previously claimed was in intensive care, had 'deteriorated' and that she needed to be with her She did not tell the Health & Care Professional Tribunal Service (HCPTS) about her restrictions to practice when renewing her registration, claiming she was not doing patient-facing duties at the time due to an injury to her back and knee. She was dismissed in November 2023. But in future interviews, she said she had resigned from the ambulance service, and claimed she had never been subjected to a disciplinary hearing. Ms Twomey was arrested in April 2024, having been caught drink-driving, and was disqualified from driving. The case was then taken to an HCPTS tribunal, which concluded Ms Twomey's 'deliberate dishonesty' had undermined 'public confidence in her and the profession'. She has now been struck off from the medical register. The hearing concluded: 'A finding of dishonesty is a serious finding that undermines public confidence in her and the profession. 'It was deliberate dishonesty, for personal gain, sustained over a period of time between 28 November 2022 and 20 March 2024, and involved ten individual findings of dishonesty, involving two employers and the regulator. 'The Panel considered that [Ms Twomey's] attitude is long-standing and deep-seated. 'The imposition of a Striking Off Order sends a clear message to [Ms Twomey] and to other members of the profession that such dishonesty and such criminal behaviour is entirely unacceptable for members of the profession. 'The Panel concluded that the appropriate and proportionate sanction in this case was a Striking Off Order.' Fears of a Texas serial killer resurfaced in Houston after three more bodies were recovered from the city's bayous this week. The latest discoveries bring the number of bodies found in the waterways in 2025 to at least 34, according to KTRK, just one less than last year's total. Authorities have repeatedly denied that the high figure is the work of a mystery murderer, as terrified locals have demanded answers. On Monday, a body was found in the Buffalo Bayou near the 100 block of Crawford Street, per Houston Public Media. The deceased was recovered after someone spotted a body in the water and called 911, bringing a response from the Houston Police Department's dive team. That same day, another body was found near the Brays Bayou at the intersection of Texas Spur 5 and Old Spanish Trail. The person was found on Christmas Eve in the Buffalo Bayou around 3500 Memorial Parkway, Houston police said on X. Since 2017, at least 198 dead bodies have been found in Houston's bayous, per Harris County Medical Examiner's Office records obtained by KPRC 2. Three more bodies were recovered from bayous across Houston this week, with two found Monday and one on Christmas Eve Houston residents have speculated about a serial killer, which has been shot down by authorities, ever since five dead bodies were found over a fiveday period in September Your browser does not support iframes. Speculation about a possible serial killer started in late September after officials announced that five dead bodies had been found in Houston bayous over a fiveday period. However, the social media rumors have been repeatedly shot down by the city's authorities. Houston mayor John Whitmire said that 'we do not have any evidence that there is a serial killer loose', as he addressed the media following a string of recoveries in September. He added that the drownings in the bayous were not a 'new phenomenon' and partially attributed the volume of deaths to homelessness, drugs and alcohol. 'What do you think happens when a homeless person dies from an illness, diabetes or cancer? What do you think his friends and associates do?' Whitmire said. 'They do not take him to a funeral home,' he added. 'Unfortunately, the homeless, when they pass, often end up in the bayou.' However, some of the bodies found over the last months do not match that description. Jade Elise McKissic, 20, and Kenneth Cutting Jr., 22, were among the bodies found near the bayous Raymond Hatten, 30, and Anthony Curry, 35, were also discovered dead in Houston's waterways Jade McKissic, 20, who studied at the University of Houston, was found in September and is among the unexplained deaths. McKissic was seen leaving a local bar four days before her death, leaving her cellphone behind and going to a gas station next door to buy a drink, the Houston Police homicide division said. She then walked towards Brays Bayou, where her body was found on September 15 around 10am. Houston police said there were no signs of trauma or foul play. Another highprofile case involves Kenneth Cutting Jr., 22, whose body was found in Buffalo Bayou after he disappeared following a night out in downtown Houston last June. The cause and manner of the young man's death were undetermined by an autopsy, which found no traces of physical injury or drug use. Cutting's father said he was not convinced by the Houston mayor's explanations for the possible deaths. Nearly 200 bodies have been found in Houston's bayous since 2017, according to Harris County Medical Examiner's Office records. Pictured: Police at the scene of another discovery this week Retired NYPD sergeant Joseph Giacalone told the Daily Mail that the deaths around Houston's bodies of water merited 'further investigation' 'All them people didn't commit suicide or fall into the bayou accidentally and drown,' Kenneth Cutting Sr told Fox News Digital. 'It's ridiculous. There's been so many of them in the last three years.' Cutting's cousin, Lauren Freeman, pointed out the similarities between his death and McKissic's. Both left a bar by themselves and did not have their cellphones on them when they were last seen alive. In 2025, authorities have only publicly confirmed 24 fatalities, according to the Houston Chronicle. Those bodies were: Douglas Swearingen, 44, found on January 11; Carl Newton, 24, on February 14; Rodolfo Salas Sosa, 56, on March 22; Anthony Azua, 33, on March 30; Juan Garcia Loredo, 69, on March 31; Kenneth Jones, 34, on May 7; George Grays, 54, on May 9; Culcois Racius, 39, on May 9; Anthony Curry, 35, on May 17; Shannon Davis, 14, on May 30; Ernest Armstrong, 62, on June 9; Brent Brown, 28, on June 12; Raymond Hatten, 30, on July 7; Latrecia Amos, 57, on August 21; Jamal Alexander, 31, on August 27; Jade McKissic, 20, on September 15; Rodney Chatman, 43, on September 15; and Michael Rice, 67, on September 20. Houston authorities have repeatedly denied the possibility of a serial killer, but not everyone is convinced. 'Just the sheer number of cases, the fact that a few of them could be connected, I think that the percentage of something being connected at least one or two of them is pretty high,' Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and criminal justice professor at Penn State Lehigh Valley, previously told the Daily Mail. He said the bodies found in the bayous were 'worthy of further investigation', as he urged authorities to explore the possibility of 'companion cases, or dare I say, patterns.' Houston mayor John Whitmire has denied 'evidence that there is a serial killer loose' in the city, as unfounded rumors swirl around social media Nearly 200 dead bodies have been found in Houston's bayous since 2017. Among the deaths, 17 were categorized as murders, while 75 were marked as 'undetermined'. People between the ages of 30 and 39 accounted for the largest share of bodies recovered, at a quarter of the total. The leading cause of death was accidental drowning, with 45 cases recorded. Suicide, which accounted for 25 deaths, was the second most common. About a quarter of the deceased were aged between 30 and 39 years old. Locals have urged for greater safety measures around Houston's bayous to be enacted so that future deaths can be prevented. In September, Whitmire pointed to the existing barricades as a strong precaution. 'I don't know of a failsafe way when bayous are such a part of our lifestyle and our environment,' he said. 'Other than everyone should be smart [and] we should look out for each other. 'But I think when the facts are reported from these instances, you're going to see each one was very unique.' The Daily Mail reached out to Houston police outside regular working hours for further comment and did not immediately hear back. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been spotted driving alone in his Range Rover near Windsor Castle as he spent Christmas away from his family. The former Duke was photographed behind the wheel during a drive in Berkshire today as he continued to be shunned by the royals in response to his close friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He made no appearance at the royal family's traditional festive events and was not in attendance at their celebrations in Sandringham on Christmas Day, having been stripped of his royal titles earlier this year. Andrew's daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, were invited to the annual gathering, which was also attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla, 78, in the St Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas morning. A tranche of new court documents related to the disgraced financier were published on Monday and included allegations of so-called 'paedophile ring parties' said to have involved high-profile figures in the UK. The unverified claims were made by a US individual whose account appears in files released by the US Department of Justice. The alleged victim, now aged 35, claims they were drugged and taken to the parties by their own father. In further unverified claims they say they were allegedly once taken to 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. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was spotted driving alone in his Range Rover near Windsor Castle on Saturday 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 Andrew's daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, alongside Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi during the royal family's Christmas Day Church Service 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. Maxwell was convicted of numerous offences including sex trafficking in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. The files also include allegations about 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. Reacting to the new 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.' 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. Violent criminals have been allowed to roam the country for up to a year after being released by mistake in prison blunders, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. In the past decade, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has accidentally freed 55 inmates, including 13 violent offenders. Data obtained by The Mail on Sunday shows some were at liberty for months before being caught and returned to prison, while in one case an offender was on the loose for more than a year. The public has been kept in the dark, with the SPS and the government never mentioning that they had let violent criminals loose for long periods of time. Scottish Labour justice spokeswoman Pauline McNeill called for more transparency over the errors. It is clear that our justice system is in total chaos under this SNP government, she said. Prisons are operating at dangerous capacity levels, police officers are overstretched and our communities are at breaking point. Since April 2015, 55 prisoners have mistakenly been released, including 13 who were free for more than a month, according to data obtained from the SPS. In 2019-20, a prisoner was on the loose for 162 days before being caught. Another offender didnt return to custody for 158 days in 2021-22, while the following year one was at large for 161 days. Eleven prisoners have been mistakenly released from HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow since April 2015 A total of 10 prisoners were accidentally released from HMP Addiewell in West Lothian In 2023-24, six prisoners were released in error across Scotland, with one remaining on the run for a staggering 367 days. This year five prisoners have been freed by accident, with one not captured for 120 days. A Scottish Conservative spokesman said prisoners should be expected to serve their sentences in full rather than be released in error. Scots will be furious that blundering Nationalist ministers have let dangerous criminals roam free for months on end, he said. Scotlands largest prison, HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow, has mistakenly released 11 prisoners since April 2015 while HMP Addiewell, in West Lothian, accounted for 10 of the total. Four people were mistakenly let out of the young offenders institution (YOI) at Polmont, Stirlingshire, including one this year, while at HMP and YOI Stirling three criminals have been freed by accident all since 2023. HMP and YOI Grampian have also released three offenders in error in the last decade. Seven inmates at HMP Low Moss, in East Dunbartonshire, have been released earlier than they should have been since 2015, while HMP Edinburgh has seen six prisoners let out by mistake. HMP Greenock, in Renfrewshire, and HMP Glenochil, in Clackmannanshire, have had just one accidental release each in the past 10 years; HMP Inverness has freed two people by mistake; HMP Kilmarnock has released four; and three convicts from HMP Perth have been liberated in error. An SPS spokesman said: Where errors do occur in a very small minority of cases we are open and transparent and work with Police Scotland to return prisoners to custody. A Scottish Government spokesman said: We take the release in error of any individual very seriously and have robust procedures in place to respond swiftly. In the past 10 years, liberations in error have accounted for 0.03 per cent of all liberations. Twenty Scots soldiers have been booted out of the Army after they were caught taking drugs - as a further TEN squaddies are under investigation. An astonishing 30 soldiers in the Royal Regiment of Scotland have tested positive for drugs this year including cannabis and Class-A cocaine. Twenty soldiers have been discharged while 10 are currently facing disciplinary proceedings. The ranks of the soldiers involved were private, lance corporal and corporal, sergeant and warrant officer class 2. The problem of drug use among the armed forces has become such an issue in recent years that hundreds of soldiers in the UK are kicked out every year for substance misuse. Meanwhile, Ministry of Defence figures have shown cocaine to be the most popular drug used by British troops, followed by cannabis and ecstasy. Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: It is incredibly alarming to see positive drug tests in those serving in our armed forces. The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the senior and only Scottish line infantry regiment of the British Army and boasts around 2,300 serving soldiers Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said drug use in the armed forces was 'alarming' While this points to stress levels increasing among our troops, it is unacceptable for them to be taking dangerous and illegal substances at any time. This could ultimately have had consequences for other soldiers and the wider public. The Ministry of Defence must work closely with the Royal Regiment to ensure that this level of drug misuse is stamped out, while offering support to soldiers who are turning to these substances. The 30 soldiers in Scotland who failed drug tests this year is three times the 10 service personnel who tested positive in 2024 all of whom were discharged. The latest cases bring the total number of squaddies in Scotland caught out after taking drugs in the last five years to 130, with the vast majority 110 discharged as a result. Army top brass regularly carry out spot checks on military personnel, both when they are serving in war zones and when they are stationed at home. The failed drugs test remains on their Army records for life, making it difficult for them to find civilian jobs. Experts have warned of an increasing level of combat stress among troops, with many turning to alcohol and drugs to deal with traumatic illness. It has also been claimed that some soldiers deliberately fail tests to avoid going to conflict zones. Formed in 2006, The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the senior and only Scottish line infantry regiment of the British Army. It was founded on the fighting heritage of six historic Scottish infantry regiments representing more than 390 years continuous service to the Crown. Today, it consists of three regular battalions, two reserve battalions, and an incremental company dedicated to ceremonial duties. With 2,300 serving soldiers and more than 9,000 veterans and families, the regiment has been one of the most deployed in the past two decades, acting in almost every theatre of operations the British Army has been involved in. Its soldier have served in conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, as well as supporting peace operations in Cyprus, West and North Africa. Failing a drug test is not the only grounds for dismissal related to illegal substances. Those found to have committed a criminal offence in relation to the possession or supply of illegal substances can also expect to be discharged and punished. The regiment has been one of the most deployed in the past two decades, acting in almost every theatre of operations the British Army has been involved in Cocaine is one of the narcotics most frequently used by drug-taking soldiers In 2019, a soldier was kicked out of the Royal Regiment of Scotland for dealing cocaine to fellow service personnel. He was dishonourably discharged after almost 22g of the drug, worth about 2,000, was found in his car. The squaddie had admitted being concerned in the supply of drugs at Fort George and was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid community work. His lawyer told a court that the soldier deeply regretted what he called a serious error of judgment. The problem of drug use is not solely contained to service military personnel, with some veterans also known to have substance issues. A report into by the Scottish Government in 2018 stated there was a growing sense that self-medication using both prescription and non-prescription drugs amongst UK veterans was on the rise, in line with trends in the wider community. The Army said exceptions are occasionally made under specific circumstances, so that in rare cases individuals may be retained rather than being discharged from the service. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: Substance abuse is unacceptable in the Armed Forces. We robustly enforce a zero-tolerance policy to drug use by all those who serve and provide an education programme to inform all personnel of the dangers and consequences of substance misuse. We maintain a comprehensive programme of compulsory random drug testing to ensure maximum deterrence. Anyone found to have misused drugs faces severe consequences, including discharge from service. John Swinney was informed about a spying incident against one of his female MSPs months ago despite claims he had no knowledge of the scandal. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that three senior sources have confirmed the First Minister was present during an SNP Holyrood group meeting in September when an MSP discussed having been spied on by a male aide, in what has been dubbed Spygate. Reports emerged earlier this month about one female Nationalist MSP who had been covertly recorded by a male staff member, allegedly in an effort to gather evidence to later use against her. The man is also believed to have leaked embarrassing private messages sent by the MSP after leaving her employ. Two other female MSPs were reported to have been bugged by male staffers in similar incidents. One of the aides involved left the employ of the MSP and went to work for a Nationalist MP until last year. He still holds a prominent position in a local SNP branch. The First Minister condemned the practice and said it was completely unacceptable. SNP spin doctors later claimed neither he, nor any previous first minister, had any knowledge of the incidents. But The Mail on Sunday has heard from three SNP sources who said one of the targeted MSPs raised the issue in Mr Swinneys presence. Three senior SNP sources have confirmed to the Scottish Mail on Sunday that John Swinney was informed about a spying incident against one of his female MSPs months ago They said: John knew about this so I dont understand why he claims he didnt. [The MSP] brought this up at a group meeting and he was there. 'It was in the context of the toilet spy camera scandal. They were challenging the idea that MSPs being spied on was in some way unusual, given what happened to them. Colin Smyth, a former Labour MSP, was arrested and charged in August after a spy camera was found in a toilet at the Scottish parliament. The South Scotland MSP, who was separately charged in connection with possession of indecent images, denied the allegations and will appear in court next year. A second SNP source said: I remember the spying issue being brought up because it was just after we returned from the summer recess, which is when the Colin Smyth stuff had been going on. There had been advice issued about safety and there was a discussion at the group meeting where [an MSP] mentioned what had happened to them. Im sure it happens a lot more than we know. A third MSP who attended the meeting also said they remember the discussion about spying, and confirmed Mr Swinney was present. Holyrood officials and the SNP have been accused of diminishing the seriousness of the Spygate affair by refusing to have an investigation, instead issuing guidance to MSPs earlier this month. Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone said the authorities were aware of two historic cases involving MSPs and their employees. She stated the issue related to constituency offices and described both incidents as employment matters. Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie previously said the incidents raised serious questions about safety and security and that it was the parliaments duty to step up and ensure this is a safe place to work. The SNP last night said it would not comment on anonymous speculation on discussions at a group meeting. But a spokesman said it was categorically untrue to suggest these allegations were brought to any first minister or asked to be handled under party complaints procedures. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the 'barbarism' of the latest bombardment of Ukraine as he met with Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of his crunch talks with Donald Trump. Nato was forced to scramble fighter jets as Vladimir Putin unleashed a missile and drone barrage on Ukraine just hours before Zelensky was due to meet Trump for talks on a US-brokered peace plan. Russia claimed on Saturday to have captured two more towns in eastern Ukraine, Myrnograd and Guliaipole, a day before Zelensky is due to land in Florida for his meeting with Trump. Around 500 drones and 40 missiles pounded Kyiv and its surrounding region overnight, killing two, wounding dozens and cutting power and heating to hundreds of thousands amid freezing temperatures, Ukrainian authorities said. Some 2,600 residential buildings were hit in the attack, as well as more than 300 schools, pre-schools or social services buildings, said Kyiv mayor Vitaliy Klitschko. Zelensky stopped in Halifax, en route to Florida, to sit down with Canadian leader Carney, who said that establishing a lasting peace in Ukraine requires 'a willing Russia'. 'We have the conditions of a just and lasting peace, but that requires a willing Russia, and the barbarism that we saw overnight shows just how important it is that we stand with Ukraine,' Carney said. Carney announced $2.5 billion (US$1.82 billion) in fresh economic assistance for Ukraine that he said would help unlock international financing 'to begin this process of rebuilding'. Around 500 drones and 40 missiles pounded Kyiv and its surrounding region overnight, killing two, wounding dozens. Pictured: A private residential building in the Darnytskyi district of Kyiv A power blackout in Kyiv, Ukraine, on December 27 after critical civil infrastructure was hit by recent Russian missile and drone strikes Zelensky stopped in Halifax, en route to Florida for his talk with Donald Trump, to sit down with Carney who said that establishing a lasting peace in Ukraine requires 'a willing Russia' Joined by Carney, Zelensky held a video call with European leaders from Halifax, before continuing his journey to Florida for what he said he hoped would be 'very constructive' talks with Trump on a new, 20-point plan to end the war. The Ukrainian leader said the 10-hour bombardment on Kyiv and surrounding regions overnight was 'Russia's answer to our peace efforts'. He added: 'And this really showed that Putin doesn't want peace, and we want peace.' In the call, French President Emmanuel Macron said the overnight strikes showed that Moscow was not interested in ending the war in Ukraine, Elysee officials said. Macron highlighted what he called the 'contrast' between 'the willingness of Ukraine to build a lasting peace and Russia's determination to prolong the war that it started', the officials said. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Zelensky had 'the full support' of European leaders and of Canada, ahead of his talks with Trump. They and the leaders of Nato and the EU said they would work 'in close coordination with the United States for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine', Merz said in a statement issued by his spokesman. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) Zelensky said the European leaders 'discussed our current progress along the diplomatic track'. Joined by Carney, Zelensky was to hold a video call with European leaders from Halifax, before continuing his journey to Florida for what he said he hoped would be 'very constructive' talks with Trump on a new, 20-point plan to end the war Police and rescue workers operate at the site of a Russian drone strike on private residential buildings in the Darnytskyi district on December 27, 2025 in Kyiv Carney announced $2.5 billion (US$1.82 billion) in fresh economic assistance for Ukraine that he said would help unlock international financing 'to begin this process of rebuilding.' Pictured: President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (right) He added: 'We went over the most important priorities together. Ukraine values all of the support. 'Tomorrow, after the meeting with President Trump, we will continue our discussion. 'Strong positions are needed both at the front and in diplomacy to prevent Putin from manipulating and evading a real and just end to the war.' A Kremlin statement said Putin had received a report from military command on 'the liberation of Dimitrov (the Russian name for Myrnograd) and of Guliaipole'. Myrnograd is in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, while Guliaipole is in the eastern part of Zaporizhzhia. Putin said the offensives on both areas of the front were 'intensifying the pressure' on the Ukrainian army, in comments broadcast on television. 'If the authorities in Kyiv don't want to settle this business peacefully, we'll resolve all the problems before us by military means,' Putin said Saturday. 'Russian representatives engage in lengthy talks, but in reality, Kinzhals (missiles) and Shaheds (drones) speak for them,' Zelensky said. 'They do not want to end the war and seek to use every opportunity to cause Ukraine even greater suffering,' he added. Vladimir Putin unleashed savage overnight strikes on Kyiv, hammering residential tower blocks and energy infrastructure just hours before Volodymyr Zelensky is due to meet Donald Trump in Florida for talks on a US-brokered peace plan Cars move along a dark street during a power blackout in Kyiv amid Russia's attack on Ukraine A drone hits an apartment building during a Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, December 27 The overnight assault - which included drones slamming into apartment blocks and the disabling of multiple power and heating plants - raises profound questions over whether Putin has any genuine intention of ending the war Polish and allied warplanes were deployed near Ukraine's border amid the overnight onslaught, which saw drones slam into apartment blocks and multiple power and heating plants knocked offline. 'Fighter jets have been scrambled, and ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems placed on a state of readiness,' said Poland's operational command. This was 'preventive' and 'aimed at securing and protecting the airspace, particularly in areas adjacent to the threatened regions'. The command added that forces and assets remained ready for an immediate response as the situation was monitored in real time. There was also an alert in Nato member Romania after Russian drones struck Ukrainian port infrastructure close to its border overnight, prompting nighttime warnings in two counties. The move followed similar Nato airspace measures earlier in the week. In Ukraine, the strikes hit residential buildings and critical energy facilities, triggering power cuts in Kyiv and surrounding regions. Mayor Klitschko said around a third of the capital lost heating. The onslaught came after Trump warned that Ukraine's leader would need to convince him at the summit, saying: 'We'll see what he's got,' as pressure mounts to end the war Firefighter crews work to extinguish flames following a Russian attack on Kyiv Ahead of the attacks Volodymyr Zelensky claimed Putin was addicted to killing and would not give up the war Russia fired a total of 673 missiles and drones at Ukraine today - among the heaviest onslaughts of the war, as Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of being addicted to killing Some 2,600 residential buildings were hit in the attack, as well as more than 300 schools, pre-schools or social services buildings, said Kyiv mayor Vitaliy Klitschko Residents salvage what they can from an apartment that was badly damaged during Russian air strikes, on December 27 in Kyiv, Ukraine Rescue workers remove rubble from a residential building that was badly damaged during the Russian air strikes At least two civilians were killed a 76-year-old woman and a four-year-old girl with at least 46 injured, including three children. Rescuers pulled survivors from the ruins of destroyed homes in the wider Kyiv region, including Vyshgorod. Explosions were reported across multiple regions, including Kharkiv, Rivne, Ivano-Frankivsk, Cherkasy and Khmelnytskyi, as Russia deployed missiles in what appeared to be a calculated show of force on the eve of the talks. Ukraine's air force said Russia fired a total of 673 missiles and drones among the heaviest assaults of the war but claimed its defences downed or disrupted 621 of them, including 587 Shahed and Gerbera drones and 34 cruise missiles. Despite the high interception rate, the strikes killed and wounded civilians and caused widespread destruction. Ahead of the bombardment, Zelensky accused Putin of being 'addicted to killing' and incapable of ending the war, even over Christmas. 'After so many years first of hybrid warfare and now of full-scale war it is hard to believe that Putin is capable of living without killings and invasions,' he said. The assault came as Zelensky prepared to travel to the United States for Sunday's meeting with Trump, talks now overshadowed by renewed bombardment and fresh Russian accusations. Trump has insisted Russia 'wants' peace. Russia deployed the full force of its Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bombers, firing hypersonic Kinzhal missiles alongside Iskander and Kalibr cruise missiles, and swarms of Shahed drones in what appeared to be a calculated show of force on the eve of the talks Rescuers work as they search for bodies at the site of an apartment building hit during Russian missile and drone strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine in Kyiv, December 27 This photograph taken on December 27, 2025 shows Ukrainian air defence firing at drones during a Russian drones and missiles attack in Kyiv In Vyshgorod, in the wider Kyiv region, rescuers pulled a man from the ruins of a house destroyed in a Russian strike. Pictured: A building damaged during a Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv A New Year greetings card to his henchmen from Putin promised 'changes for the better' and urged them to 'share their warmth with our loved ones' The Kremlin signalled its opposition to the proposed plan ahead of the Florida talks, with senior officials accusing Kyiv and its European backers of attempting to 'torpedo' negotiations. Zelensky said discussions with Washington continued over sensitive issues including territorial concessions, security guarantees and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, which remains under Russian control. He said any territorial concessions would require the approval of the Ukrainian people. The new, 20-point plan is a marked departure from an initial 28-point proposal by Washington last month that adhered to many of Russia's core demands. Trump, speaking to news outlet Politico on Friday, said of Zelensky's plan that 'he doesn't have anything until I approve it'. He added: 'So we'll see what he's got.' The Russian onslaught came after high-ranking Russian Lt-Gen Fanil Sarvarov, 56, was killed in a suspected Ukrainian assassination operation in Moscow on December 22. A day earlier, Nato forces were forced to scramble F-16 fighters over Romania. Territory close to the Romanian border was again hit on Saturday, with Kh-22 cruise missiles launched from Tu-22M3 long-range bombers striking Ukraine's Odesa region. Kyiv was bathed in smog from burning buildings following the attacks from hell Mayor Vitali Klitschko said around one third of the capital had lost heating, while at least 11 people were injured, eight of them hospitalised, as smog from burning buildings blanketed the city Ukrainian war commentator Denis Kazansky said the attacks showed Russia's contempt for calls for a ceasefire over New Year and Christmas Ukrainian war commentator Denis Kazansky said the attacks showed Russia's contempt for calls for a ceasefire over New Year and Christmas. 'They again struck residential buildings and civilian targets with drones and missiles,' he said. 'To leave people without heat in freezing cold the most vulnerable left to freeze in their apartments.' Putin's New Year message spoke of 'changes for the better', urging officials to 'share their warmth with our loved ones'. Zelensky said Ukrainian negotiators were not in direct contact with Moscow and that the United States was acting as intermediary as Kyiv awaited Russia's formal response to the latest proposal. Inmates at a Michigan jail came together in prayer on Christmas Eve. A video shared by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office shows detainees voluntarily forming a large prayer circle inside the correctional facility. 'I've NEVER posted a jail surveillance video like this one,' the Sheriff's office wrote in a Facebook post. 'Last night on Christmas Eve, inmates on one of the biggest pods came together on their own. No direction. No prompting. They joined hands and quietly recited the Lord's Prayer. 'In a place that's often defined by mistakes and consequences, I saw unity and hope. I saw people choosing something better for themselves and for each other. When this happens, communities are safer and generational incarceration is broken. 'This is what real culture change looks like and it doesn't happen overnight. 'Please join me in thanking the entire jail staff for being a part of the culture change. It matters! Merry Christmas!' The video, which had amassed nearly half a million views and hundreds of comments, drew an outpouring of praise online, with many viewers describing the moment as deeply moving. One commenter said the prayer itself was less important than the sense of kinship and belonging on display. Inmates at the Genesee County Jail formed a large prayer circle on Christmas Eve in footage shared by the Genesee County Sheriffs Office The moment drew praise online, with viewers calling the scene a powerful display of unity, faith and shared humanity behind bars. Others pointed to the role of faith-based outreach behind bars, with one woman noting that her church partners with a prison where inmates submit prayer requests that are shared with a pastor during Sunday services. 'Peeping humans human is exactly what Jesus called us to do,' the user wrote. This is not the first time the Genesee County Sheriff's Office has gone viral for acts of kindness. In 2020, the department drew national attention after Sheriff Chris Swanson removed his riot gear and joined protesters marching in Flint Township during demonstrations sparked by the killing of George Floyd. As hundreds of demonstrators moved down Miller Road, deputies initially prepared for a possible confrontation. Instead, Swanson laid down his helmet and baton after a brief exchange with protesters that began with a simple fist bump. The sheriffs office previously went viral in 2020 when Chris Swanson removed his riot gear and marched with protesters in Flint Township 'We want to be with y'all for real,' Swanson said in widely shared footage. 'I want to make this a parade, not a protest.' After a protester asked police to walk alongside the crowd, Swanson and several deputies marched more than a mile with demonstrators back to where the march began, a decision he later said went against much of his training but helped ease tensions on both sides. Swanson later described the moment as the most meaningful of his career, saying it showed that communication and trust between law enforcement and the community were still possible during a period of intense national unrest. Britain's leading abortion charity has been criticised for encouraging 'sex-selective' terminations - amid fears these are on the rise among the country's Indian women. The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), which carries out 110,000 terminations a year, suggests that aborting a baby on the basis of sex is not illegal - despite Government advice explicitly stating it is against the law. Furious campaigners called the advice 'irresponsible' and pointed out that many pregnant British-Indian women are under huge pressure to have boys, and may be coerced into having an abortion as soon as a scan reveals a female foetus. Women of Indian origin are likely to have aborted 400 girls on the basis of their sex in the five years up to 2021, the latest figures reveal. But Department of Health guidance issued to doctors in 2014 states: 'Abortion on the grounds of gender alone is illegal. Gender is not itself a lawful ground under the Abortion Act.' But the BPAS website says: 'The law is silent on the matter. Reason of foetal sex is not a specified ground for abortion within the Abortion Act, but nor is it specifically prohibited.' BPAS carries out almost half the abortions in the UK, through drugs it sends by post or surgical procedures at its 55 clinics nationwide. For 2024/25, the charity netted an income of 64 million - of which 63 million came from its work for the NHS. Dame Jasvinder Sanghera, a campaigner against forced marriages, said: 'Without a shadow of a doubt, sex-selective abortions are going on. There are many reasons. There is still the practice of dowry, which means girls immediately become a financial burden. 'Health professionals need to stop turning a blind eye because of cultural sensitivities or the fear of being accused of racism.' Britain's leading abortion charity has been criticised for encouraging 'sex-selective' terminations. Pictured: An ultrasound of a baby in a womb Khadija Khan is a journalist and broadcaster who says aborting a baby based on gender is 'a repugnant practice' Rani Bilkhu, the founder of Jeena International, a charity for Asian victims of domestic violence, said: 'The authorities are reluctant to talk about this issue, because they feel it might be based on racism, but it isn't. 'This is lived experience from our communities, and we need to talk about it.' Senior Tory peer Baroness Eaton said: 'This is a great tragedy to which society must not turn a blind eye. Parliament needs to change the law to ensure there is an explicit prohibition on sex-selective abortions, protecting both baby girls and women at risk of being coerced into abortions.' Catherine Robinson, of pro-life campaign group Right To Life, said: 'It's irresponsible for BPAS to publish advice suggesting that sex-selective abortion is not illegal, because it risks normalising sex-selective abortion and is likely encouraging abortions sought purely because of a baby's sex.' Ms Robinson added that BPAS's advice makes it harder 'for women to push back' against pressure to have an abortion simply because they are expecting a girl. 'Women trying to resist by pointing out sex-selective abortion is unlawful may be met with the response from coercive third parties that the UK's largest abortion provider says it is not illegal.' The latest Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) figures show that women of Indian origin had a sex ratio for their first and second child that was similar to the national average of 105 boys to 100 girls. But on the birth of the third child, there was significant gender imbalance, where the ratio jumped to 113 boys to 100 girls. The DHSC report says: 'It is estimated that approximately 400 sex-selective abortions may have taken place to female foetuses over the five-year period from 2017 to 2021.' Ms Bilkhu said: 'There is a lot of burden on the woman to give birth to a male, even more so if she has given birth to one or two girls. Pressure is imposed by the in-laws and the husband. 'And it's regardless of whether they are first-generation or second-generation immigrants, or educated or not.' Katie Saxon, a spokesman for BPAS, said last night: 'As our website correctly states, foetal sex is not mentioned in abortion law in the UK. 'The reasons women may seek abortion care are diverse and complex, and our experience caring for more than 100,000 women every year is that it is vanishingly rare for any woman to seek an abortion on the grounds of foetal sex. 'However, as the DHSC itself recognises, there are instances - such as serious health conditions specific to one sex - where foetal sex may form a part of both women's and doctors' decision-making.' DHSC said in a statement: 'This Government's position is unequivocal: sex-selective abortion isillegal in England and Wales and will not be tolerated. 'Sex is not a lawful ground for termination of pregnancy, and it is a criminal offence for any practitioner to carry out an abortion for that reason alone. 'Anyone with evidence that this illegal practice is occurring must report it to the police immediately.' Additional reporting: Claudia Joseph An illegal migrant has been nabbed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Louisiana after she ran a red light and crashed her car into one of the agency's vehicles, officers said. The Honduran national accidentally plowed her car being into one being used by ICE during the Operation Catahoula Crunch raid in Slidell, according to US Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino. 'Apparently she never learned the lesson that red means stop, not 'accelerate and collide with a government vehicle actively enforcing federal law'.' Bovino, the Commander of Operation At Large in California, said in a Facebook post. No injuries were reported, but the unnamed woman was taken into custody. 'Unlucky for her. Lucky for us,' Bovino added. Operation Catahoula Crunch is Homeland Security's large-scale immigration crackdown targeting New Orleans. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that roughly 370 people have been arrested as part of the operation, WVUE reported. ICE has only publicly identified around 30 arrestees, with a DHS official telling that they 'do not expect' the entire list of detainees to be released. An illegal migrant from Honduras was detained in Sidell, Louisiana after allegedly running a red light and crashing into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency vehicle She accidentally plowed her car being used in the Operation Catahoula Crunch raid, a US Border Patrol chief said in a Facebook post Federal authorities have released few details about the arrests made last week as part of Catahoula Crunch, prompting calls for greater transparency from local officials who say they've been kept in the dark about virtually every aspect of the operation. Immigration authorities have insisted the sweeps are targeted at 'criminal illegal aliens.' The DHS last week said in a press release that the migrants detained under the operation are 'some of the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens arrested.' Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said 'illegal alien drug dealers, hit-and-run criminals and one monster who was convicted for arson' were among those detained. DHS and Republican leaders have framed the crackdown as targeting the most violent offenders. But there is concern that Catahoula Crunch is going beyond its stated goal of 'targeting criminal illegal aliens roaming free thanks to sanctuary policies.' A Customs and Border Patrol agent knocks on a residential door during a walk through the Kenner neighborhood in New Orleans with Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino (left) and other law enforcement officers on December 15, 2025 Customs and Border Patrol agents walk through a residential neighborhood in Kenner, New Orleans on December 10 as part of Operation Catahoula Crunch Records released at the start of December detailed criminal histories for less than one-third of the 38 people arrested in the first two days of the operation. New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell previously said that the stated goals of the operation to arrest violent offenders did not align with the reality of what is taking place. 'There's literally no information being given to the city of New Orleans whatsoever,' Morrell said earlier this month. 'If the goal was for them to come here and augment existing law enforcement, to pursue violent criminals or people with extensive criminal histories, why wouldn't you be more transparent about who you've arrested and why?' Some local officials said they had been unaware of the state's role in the online monitoring. Louisiana State Police pledged 'operational support' to immigration authorities and warned the public that troopers will arrest anyone who assaults a federal agent or causes criminal damage to property. Immigrants rights activists stage a traditional Mexican posada, reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, to symbolize immigrants seeking refuge from ICE during Catahoula Crunch in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 18, 2025 Congressman Troy Carter told WVUE just four days ago that his office is struggling to get information from the feds about the operation. 'We get inundated with phone calls from individuals nearly every day from everyone who wants to know how to protect themselves,' he explained. He said there will be a Congressional hearing about Catahoula Crunch held in New Orleans in the coming weeks. The date of the hearing has not yet been set. The Daily Mail has contacted ICE for comment. A Texas father rescued his 15-year-old daughter by tracking her location on her phone after she was kidnapped from the street at knifepoint, police said. The teenager was allegedly abducted by Giovanni Rosales Espinoza, 23, of Porter, while she was out walking her dog on Christmas Day, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. When she failed to return at her usual time, her parents began to panic, and cops were dispatched around 4.50pm. Her father was able to access her location through her phone's parental controls and tracked her to a secluded wooded area in neighboring Harris County, nearly two miles away. Deputies said the dad found his daughter and her dog inside a maroon pickup truck with Espinoza, who was partially nude. He helped her escape from the vehicle and contacted law enforcement. Investigators said the suspect had threatened the girl with a knife and abducted her from the street. Witnesses provided deputies with a description of the vehicle, which was later located by law enforcement. Giovanni Rosales Espinoza, 23, was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping and indecency with a child after a 15-year-old girl was rescued in Porter, Texas, authorities said Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle said deputies worked swiftly to rescue the teen and arrest the suspect on Christmas Day Detectives with the sheriff's office Major Crimes Unit responded and continued the investigation. Espinoza was taken into custody without incident. He was charged with aggravated kidnapping and indecency with a child and remains held in the Montgomery County Jail without bond. 'Christmas is a day meant for joy, but this man chose to shatter that joy by targeting a child,' Wesley Doolittle said. 'I am incredibly proud of our deputies and detectives who worked tirelessly to ensure this dangerous predator was swiftly apprehended and is now off our streets.' The sheriff added that the office remains vigilant 'every hour of every day' to keep families safe. The dad tracked his daughter to a secluded wooded area in neighboring Harris County, nearly two miles away (pictured) Authorities said the investigation remains active and that no further information can be released at this time. The Daily Mail has contacted the Sheriff's Office, which has no further comment. The alleged kidnapping in Harris County, Texas unfolded a three-hour drive away from a separate search underway for 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, who vanished on Christmas Eve. Olmos was last seen at 6.58am on Wednesday, after leaving her home in northwest Bexar County, a region on the outskirts of San Antonio that has long been flagged by authorities as a human-trafficking corridor. Surveillance video obtained by KENS showed an individual believed to be Mendoza Olmos standing near her vehicle with the lights on. She appeared to search inside the car for an unidentified item, investigators said. Moments later, the footage ends. Her car was still parked at the home, leading authorities to believe she left the area on foot. She has not been seen since. The alleged kidnapping in Texas unfolded a three-hour drive away from a separate search underway for 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, who vanished on Christmas Eve Olmos was last seen at 6.58am on Wednesday, after leaving her home in northwest Bexar County, a region on the outskirts of San Antonio that has long been flagged by authorities as a human-trafficking corridor The teen's loved ones confirmed she typically goes for a morning walk, but always takes her phone with her - a routine that made her sudden disappearance all the more alarming. Authorities say the only items Mendoza Olmos is believed to have had with her were her car keys and possibly her driver's license. Her phone was reportedly turned off and left in her bedroom. A CLEAR Alert, the statewide system for locating missing and possibly endangered adults, has been issued for the teen as more than 100 people joined the desperate search for her. Nigel Farage has pledged to cancel the gold-plated pensions of civil servants deemed responsible for allowing sex-offender migrants into the country. The Reform UK leader made the vow in the wake of reports that Home Office officials have waved through claims regardless of the background of the applicants, to whittle down a 150,000-strong asylum backlog. Under the plans, if Mr Farage becomes Prime Minister, any individual civil servant found responsible for allowing a foreign national into the country who then went on to rape or sexually assault a British citizen, could be prosecuted and have their Government pension forfeited with the proceeds donated to victims charities. Official figures show that convictions of foreign nationals for sexual offences including rape have risen by 62 per cent in four years, with one in seven of the crimes now committed by non-Britons. There has been a rash of high-profile cases this month, including two 17-year-old Afghan asylum seekers who pleaded guilty to the brutal rape of a 15-year-old girl in Leamington Spa. Mr Farage told The Mail on Sunday that a Reform administration would focus on members of the Civil Service blob that failed to weed out dangerous asylum-seekers. He said: Any civil servant who wilfully allows migrants to enter the UK when they know that they pose a risk will be held accountable for their actions. I will not allow the safety of our women and girls to be sacrificed on the altar of misguided liberalism. Reform UK sources highlighted figures that show, for example, that Afghan nationals are more than 20 times more likely to be convicted of sexual offences than British citizens. Mr Farage told The Mail on Sunday that a Reform administration would focus on members of the Civil Service blob that failed to weed out dangerous asylum-seekers Small boat migrant Amin Abedi Mofrad, 35, who was sentenced to 12 years in jail for raping a 15-year-old in an alleyway on Valentine's Day One source claimed that both Conservative and Labour governments had betrayed the British people by wilfully concealing sex offences. Last month, an experienced case worker in the UKs asylum system was quoted as saying: I think its inevitable that one day I will turn on the TV news and there will be some man I have granted asylum to and he will have raped or murdered a young girl just like my girls. She pointed the finger firmly at the system, rather than individual officials, for allowing dangerous asylum seekers into the country, describing it as a crazy carousel in which tens of thousands of applicants or customers were often assessed without any identity documents. The case worker said: Most people I assess are lying. Even if they eventually get a deportation order, its mainly voluntary. Very few of them ever get sent home the Home Office hasnt the resources or the willpower to do it. They just disappear. This month, the rape in Leamington Spa had a reporting restriction placed on the case, because a defence lawyer said a video the victim took of the attack was so harrowing that it risked disorder if the public saw it. In addition, Sultani Bakatash, also an Afghan national, was charged with the rape of two teenage girls in Bolton and Dawajan Ahmadzai, another Afghan national, was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault of a child. One senior Home Office case worker was disciplined for refusing to approve an Afghan mans application because he had been arrested several times for indecently exposing himself in a childrens play area. A Reform UK source said: It is unlawful to give individuals who pose a danger to the United Kingdom refugee status under the immigration rules. However, under huge pressure from the Labour Government, Home Office case workers are approving asylum claims even where individuals have been charged with crimes. A Reform government will hold accountable Home Office case workers and managers. A Reform government will create a new criminal offence of dishonestly determining an asylum claim, punishable by up to two years imprisonment. We will stop their civil service pension payments and ultimately strip pensions in the most egregious cases, donating employer contributions to victims charities. A government spokesman said: Civil servants do vital work securing UK borders and processing returns. We have removed nearly 50,000 people with no right to be on British soil and asylum-related returns are up 27 per cent compared to the previous year. We will not allow foreign criminals and illegal migrants to exploit our laws. We are reforming human rights laws and replacing the broken appeals system so we can scale up deportations. Sir Keir Starmer is facing fresh embarrassment over his pledge to 'smash the gangs', after French police refused to stop smallboat migrants from crossing the Channel by incapacitating their vessels. Unions representing the officers have blocked plans for police to stop the dinghies by using tactics such as jamming the propellers, on the grounds that they could face prosecution if any migrants died as a result. This comes despite yearlong negotiations between Sir Keir and French president Emmanuel Macron over the interceptions and the payment of 500 million by the Government to France. In return for the money, which covers a threeyear period, Paris is meant to act to prevent migrants from reaching British shores. In a letter written by Sir Keir to Mr Macron last month, the Prime Minister said: 'It is essential that we deploy these tactics this month,' adding: 'We do not have an effective deterrent in the Channel.' But now Alliance, the largest police union in France, has said it is too dangerous for its members to carry out arrests at sea while trying to force a boat to change course. A source at the French interior ministry told The Mail on Sunday: 'The police want guarantees that there will be no prosecutions in case of death or injury, but prosecutors say that is impossible. Meetings between lawyers and police chiefs have taken place over the past month, but the judicial authorities remain firm there will be no waiving of criminal liability if things go wrong. 'Any interceptions at sea are extremely dangerous, and the risk has to be accepted by those involved in policing immigrant boats.' Last night the Home Office tried to put a brave face on the latest setback, with a source insisting the Government was still 'committed to working in partnership' with the French to 'drive down smallboat crossings and break the model of the criminal smuggling gangs'. Unions representing the officers have blocked plans for French police to stop the dinghies by using tactics such as jamming the propellers Sir Keir Starmer is facing fresh embarrassment over his pledge to 'smash the gangs', after French police refused to stop smallboat migrants from crossing the Channel by incapacitating their vessels (Sir Keir,left, pictured with French President Emmanuel Macron, right, earlier this month) But the Conservatives said the revelation demonstrated that it was a serious mistake for Labour to cancel Rishi Sunak's plan to deter migrants by threatening to deport them to Rwanda. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'Keir Starmer promised interceptions at sea near the French coast, and that's proved to be another gimmick that won't happen just like his claim to smash the gangs and return many illegal immigrants. 'Starmer himself has admitted there is no deterrent. It was a huge mistake to cancel Rwanda just before it started, and illegal immigrants have flooded over the channel since the election as a result. 'The Conservative plan is to exit the European Convention on Human Rights, which will enable us to deport all illegal immigrants within a week of arrival. Then the crossings would soon stop.' The move by the officers who have arranged emergency meetings with the legislative comes despite orders being given by the French local authorities in key sections of the Channel and North Sea coast last month for tougher intercept measures to start. These included stopping boats off the Calais and Dunkirk beaches, from where thousands of migrants head off to England each week. The plans were at the centre of negotiations between London and Paris over the past year, during which time more than 40,000 migrants crossed the Channel by small boat. Most were asylum seekers from countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Eritrea and Sudan. France's Maritime Gendarmerie was set to start the new operations, focusing initially on ports and rivers which lead into the sea. During interceptions, police were to 'order the boats to stop' before 'immobilising them, diverting them back to France, and then handing those on board to the authorities,' said the interior ministry source. But a senior source at Alliance said: 'People don't seem to realise how dangerous it is to try and carry out arrests at sea, while trying to force a boat to change course. If there are 80 people on an overcrowded boat, including women and children, then it is extremely dangerous to try and stop them.' Join the debate Should France risk police safety to stop migrant boats, or are there better ways to tackle the crossings? A group of migrants on an inflatable dinghy leave the beach of PetitFortPhilippe in northern France in an attempt to cross the English Channel to reach Britain in September 2025 The French Navy also objected to intervening at sea. One senior officer said: 'Disaster, including drownings, can easily happen.' France's previous interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, approved a plan to allow sea interventions in certain circumstances, including shallow water, but these appear to have been put on ice. His successor, Laurent Nunez, a former Paris police prefect, is understood to be concerned about the dangers the new tactics pose to serving officers. 'He agrees that intervening in boats at sea is incredibly dangerous and should be avoided at all costs,' said a French National Police source. Martin Hewitt, who is in charge of border security in the UK, has expressed 'frustration' at French delays in implementing a new 'maritime doctrine' which would see patrol boats attempt to intercept inflatable boats at sea. A Home Office spokesman said: 'Independent operational matters are for the French authorities. France remains a critical partner in securing our borders and our joint work has prevented over 22,000 smallboat crossing attempts this year. 'The Home Secretary has set out the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times. These new reforms will restore order and control to our border, removing the incentives which draw people to the UK illegally and increasing removals of those with no right to be on British soil.' A Home Office source said: 'This government has transformed the UK's illegal migration relationship with France. Our historic oneinoneout scheme means we can now send those who arrive on small boats back to France and we are working to ramp this up.' A luxury cruise ship has run aground off Papua New Guinea with dozens of passengers onboard weeks after the same vessel left behind an Australian grandmother to die on an island during a stopover. The Coral Adventurer struck a reef about 30km off the coast of Lae, north of the PNG capital Port Moresby, at about 6am on Saturday. Daily Mail understands that 80 passengers and 43 crew members who were onboard have now been taken off the ship, although it is not clear whether they have been taken ashore. A marine medical expert said that it now depends how 'firmly stuck' the ship is on the reef as to whether it can be refloated at high tide later on Sunday. Dr Paul Luckin, a medical advisor to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority told Weekend Sunrise that the 123 people onboard would have been 'perfectly safe' if they had 'shelter, breathable air, lots of water and food'. An officer from the PNG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre has boarded the vessel to assist crew in managing the incident, and attempts will continue today to dislodge the boat from the reef. The incident has sparked a fresh controversy for the vessel's operators, Cairns-based Coral Expeditions, two months after its most recent voyage ended in tragedy. 'All passengers and crew are safe,' a spokesman told Daily Mail. The Coral Adventurer cruise ship (above) ran aground off PNG on Saturday, just two months after an elderly passenger died when she was left behind on an island The Coral Adventurer struck a reef about 30km off the coast of Lae, north of the PNG capital Port Moresby at about 6am on Saturday stranding around 123 people onboard The cruise ship struck a reef off the coast of Lae (above) 'An initial inspection indicates no damage to the vessel. 'The incident has been reported to authorities and will undergo further official inspections to the hull and marine environment.' The current voyage departed Cairns on December 18 and was due to end on December 30. Passengers each forked out at least $13,280 for the 12-night voyage. Coral Expeditions is still reeling from the death of NSW woman, Suzanne Rees, 80, who died after being left behind on Lizard Island in October during a stopover on a $80,000-a-ticket circumnavigation of Australia. Ms Rees had been hiking to the summit of the Great Barrier Reef islands highest peak but left the group to return to the ship after becoming too tired to continue. Serious questions were raised about the five-hour delay in launching a search for the grandmother after she failed to reboard. Multiple investigations by authorities into the tragedy continue. Suzanne Rees, 80, died after being left behind on Lizard island during a Coral Adventurer cruise around Australia Ms Rees' grieving family have also demanded answers. 'From the little we have been told, it seems that there was a failure of care and common sense,' her daughter Katherine said. Dr Luckin said the latest incident on the Coral Adventurer was uncommon but not unknown. 'One of the problems in waters like that is that there can be reefs that are uncharted, and with perfectly good navigation and perfectly good equipment, it is possible for a ship to hit an unchartered reef,' he explained. 'And reefs do of course change over time. There is of course a possibility of mechanical failure onboard with the navigation system or propulsion system but that's pure speculation.' Dr Luckin added that depending on whether the ship's hull now had a hole in it from striking the reef, the operators may have to 'leave the ship where it is', or reduce its weight by pumping off bilge water. Hairdressers are following in the footsteps of publicans by banning Labour MPs over what they are calling the Government's business rates betrayal. More than 1,000 pubs have already barred the party's parliamentarians from their premises in a growing backlash against Rachel Reeves' Budget. Now barbers and salons are doing the same. Firms are fuming after the Chancellor promised to pay for a reduction in bills for smaller firms by hiking taxes on larger properties to 'level the playing field between the high street and online giants'. But small businesses will only receive a 5p discount on the 'multiplier' used to calculate a final bill despite pleading for a 20p reduction. And this discount will be wiped out by increases to businesses' rateable values. Collette Osborne, who runs two Hairven salons in Nottinghamshire, has put up a 'No Labour MPs' sign because she feels businesses like hers are 'desperate and hanging on by a thread'. Ms Osborne, whose local Labour MPs are Juliet Campbell and Michael Payne, is facing an increase in her business rates bill of more than 10,000 a year. She said: '[Ms Reeves] promised she would act to protect small businesses and high street salons. I am furious that the Government now seem to have their fingers in their ears. There is no spare capacity to absorb business rate increases on top of rising wages, utilities, finance costs and Covid debt repayments. So no Labour MPs are allowed.' British Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Budget Day outside her office in Downing Street in London Barbers and salons are following pubs and have banned Labour MPs from their premises in a growing backlash against Rachel Reeves' Budget (file photo) Join the debate Are small businesses being unfairly squeezed by the latest changes to business rates? Emma Vicary, a hairdresser in Nottingham, said: 'I am proud to have supported public finances through tax and employment contributions for nearly four decades, but it is becoming financially unsustainable. Without urgent support or recognition of the challenges faced by small employers, businesses like mine will disappear.' Toby Dicker, from the Salon Employers' Association, said: 'Our members are all decent, hard-working, kind people the people who would expect a Labour government, who triumphantly said they would 'make work pay', to support them for being the backbone of the high street. [They] feel betrayed.' Tory business spokesman Andrew Griffith, said: 'This government won't listen to small businesses so it's no wonder that salons have joined pubs in banning their Labour MP. Perhaps if they feel just a fraction of the misery that they are inflicting on Britain's high streets, things will change.' A Labour source said: 'The Government is backing high street businesses across the country, including hairdressers and salons. That's why the Chancellor announced a support package worth 4.3 billion at the Budget last month.' From state banquets and commemorative services to red carpet moments and television appearances, the royal women have delivered a standout year in style. We take a look back at the fashion moments that have defined it. The Princess of Wales The Princess of Wales has delivered a run of style wins this year, spanning glittering state banquets and casual daytime engagements. Her style continues to evolve towards a more regal, traditional aesthetic, reinforcing her role as a Queen-in-waiting. Yet Kate has not shied away from taking sartorial risks. A standout example came with her Victoria Beckham chartreuse trouser suit, worn while presenting the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design at the British Fashion Council. This confidence extended to her jewellery choices. Rather than relying on familiar favourites, Kate debuted Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet tiara - originally commissioned by Prince Albert - for the state banquet held in honour of the German president. Paired with a sequin caped gown by Jenny Packham, the historic headpiece made a striking and symbolic statement. At a separate state banquet hosted for Donald and Melania Trump, she wore a couture Phillipa Lepley ensemble: a silk crepe gown layered beneath a hand-embroidered gold Chantilly lace coat. Finished with gold Aquazzura court shoes and the Lover's Knot tiara, the look was widely hailed as one of her most accomplished to date. Kate also continued her subtle tributes to Diana, Princess of Wales. At Trooping the Colour, she wore an aquamarine Catherine Walker coat dress with a coordinating Juliette Botterill hat, echoing an outfit Diana wore to the same event in the 1990s. Given that Catherine Walker was one of Diana's go-to designers, the choice felt like a powerful homage. Kate completed the look with Gianvito Rossi suede court shoes, Queen Elizabeth II's Bahrain Pearl and Diamond earrings, and the Irish Guards Regimental Brooch. Kate debuted Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet Tiara - originally commissioned by Prince Albert - for the state banquet held in honour of the German president The Princess of Wales' style continues to evolve towards a more regal, traditional aesthetic, reinforcing her role as a Queen-in-waiting Kate also continued her subtle tributes to Diana, Princess of Wales. At Trooping the Colour, she wore an aquamarine Catherine Walker coat dress with a coordinating Juliette Botterill hat, echoing an outfit Diana wore to the same event in the 1990s The Duchess of Edinburgh The Duchess of Edinburgh embraced quiet luxury this year, favouring knitted dresses, refined florals and sharp tailoring. Her wardrobe felt modern, polished and seasonally considered. A key favourite remains Erdem, and during her visit to Canada she wore two designs from the label, each featuring figure-skimming silhouettes and ruched detailing. While one made a statement in vibrant red and pink hues, the other offered a more understated appeal highlighting Sophie's versatility. Her approachable sense of style was evident at an afternoon tea in Windsor, where she chose a cornflower blue broderie dress from Aspiga, which sold out soon after her appearance. With its fit-and-flare silhouette and breathable fabrication, the look struck a considered balance between relaxed and refined. She completed the ensemble with her well-loved Penelope Chilvers espadrille wedges - worn for the thirteenth time - alongside delicate jewellery from Monica Vinader and Asprey. For more formal occasions, Sophie turned to her trusted designers. At Trooping the Colour, she wore the emerald green Francine Dress by Beulah, a familiar silhouette featuring puff sleeves and a midi length. The look was expertly finished with a Jane Taylor London hat and her signature Sophie Habsburg clutch. She also embraced autumn's defining shade, burgundy, choosing a rich Alaia coat for the Together at Christmas carol service - a nod to seasonal dressing with a contemporary edge. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh's approachable sense of style was evident at an afternoon tea in Windsor, where she chose a cornflower blue broderie dress from Aspiga, which sold out soon after her appearance The Duchess of Edinburgh embraced quiet luxury this year, favouring neutral knit dresses, refined florals and sharp tailoring. Her wardrobe felt modern, polished and seasonally considered The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle delivered a masterclass in festive style while promoting her As Ever Christmas special and accompanying collection - from laid-back denim and cosy pyjamas to elevated eveningwear. A standout moment came courtesy of a satin gown by Galvan - a design that may have looked familiar since Meghan first wore it for Variety's October 2022 issue. Crafted from lustrous bias-cut satin, the gown featured a sleek asymmetric halterneck, offering a modern update on a timeless evening silhouette. Her penchant for satin continued throughout the special. Meghan wore a khaki co-ord from New York-based label Argent, combining a long-sleeved top with a matching bias-cut midi skirt for understated glamour. Elsewhere, she opted for a burgundy slip dress by Heidi Merrick. With its plunging V-neckline and delicate tie-shoulder detailing, the design delivered a refined take on classic eveningwear. Naturally, Meghan completed each look with lashings of jewellery, including Princess Diana's Cartier watch and her iconic Love bracelet. A standout moment came courtesy of a satin gown by Galvan - an elegant design that may have looked familiar since Meghan first it for Variety's October 2022 issue Meghan Markle delivered a masterclass in festive style while promoting her As Ever Christmas special and accompanying collection Zara Tindall Zara Tindall continued to define her signature blend of equestrian polish and modern glamour, favouring familiar designers for both race days and evening events. At Cheltenham Festival, she leaned into Fairfax & Favor's country aesthetic, while Rebecca Vallance and Laura Green provided elegant looks elsewhere. Zara was a standout at Royal Ascot, making an impression across three consecutive days. Her looks included a blue lace dress by Rebecca Vallance, a floral design from Anna Mason, and a monochrome ensemble by Laura Green. The latter proved particularly memorable. Crafted in ivory, it featured a classic collar and flattering fit-and-flare silhouette with a contrasting navy trim. Zara styled it impeccably with a Mulberry handbag and Laurence Coste's Cosima earrings. Known for her preference for midi styles, Zara surprised by switching things up with a playful mini dress - worn to both a designer-hosted cocktail party and the Tusk Conservation Awards on the same evening. The Narcissa black mini dress by Rebecca Vallance featured statement puff sleeves, crystal-embellished buttons and a voluminous skirt, perfectly capturing Zara's fun-loving personality. For the Princess of Wales' carol service, she elevated her eveningwear further with a sumptuous velvet coat by Alice + Olivia, a label favoured by Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. The mid-length design, complete with contrasting satin lapels and a single-button fastening, created a regal silhouette befitting the festive occasion. Zara was a standout at Royal Ascot, making an impression across three consecutive days. A striking monochrome ensemble by Laura Green was particularly memorable Known for her preference for elegant midi-length styles, Zara surprised by switching things up with a playful mini dress Princess Beatrice Princess Beatrice's style this year was defined by classic prints and modern tailoring, worn across a busy calendar of events in London and internationally. A longtime supporter of Beulah, Beatrice looked particularly striking at Royal Ascot in a pink gingham co-ord from the brand's collaboration with VCH and The FairGround founder Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey. The tweed ensemble, comprising a puff-sleeve peplum top and coordinating midi skirt, felt both classic and contemporary. At the 2025 Matrix Awards in New York, Beatrice demonstrated her commitment to sustainable fashion by rewearing her Rebecca Vallance Eliana dress, debuted at the designer's Christmas collection launch the previous October. With its dramatic puff sleeves, flattering silhouette and feminine bow detailing, the look served as a refined take on the little black dress. She also embraced a pared-back aesthetic at the BGC Annual Charity Day in Canary Wharf, opting for a timeless black shirt dress by Ralph Lauren. From the brand's Lauren diffusion line, the knee-length design featured rolled-up sleeves and a button-down front, offering effortless sophistication. She completed the look with a pair of much-loved Zara heels - a trusted staple she has worn since 2016. A longtime supporter of Beulah, Beatrice looked particularly striking at Royal Ascot in a pink gingham co-ord from the brand's collaboration with VCH and The FairGround founder Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey Princess Beatrice's style this year was defined by classic prints, modern tailoring and sentimental touches, worn across a busy calendar of events in London and internationally Princess Eugenie Princess Eugenie has quietly refined her personal style, blending high street pieces with designer labels to create a confident, streamlined aesthetic. The clashing colours and mismatched accessories of earlier years have been replaced with considered choices. She ended Royal Ascot on a high in a figure-skimming red Whistles dress, styled with an Emily London pillbox hat and nude Aquazzura Bow Tie heels. It was one of several recent successes. At the Chelsea Flower Show, Eugenie chose a Rebecca Vallance halterneck dress with blue and white blooms. With its cinched waist and A-line skirt, the look had a distinctly retro charm, complemented by kitten heels. On holiday in Portugal with Robbie and Ayda Williams, she revealed a more relaxed side in a khaki Michael Kors dress, featuring a smocked bodice and tiered georgette skirt. Oversized sunglasses and flat sandals completed the off-duty look. She also embraced summer dressing in a white linen Self-Portrait peplum dress with intricate laser-cut detailing, accessorising with an orange Chanel top-handle bag and nude Staud mules. Princess Eugenie ended Royal Ascot on a high in a figure-skimming red Whistles dress, styled with an Emily London pillbox hat and nude Aquazzura Bow Tie heels, creating a polished look Eugenie has quietly refined her personal style, blending high street pieces with designer fashion to create a confident, streamlined aesthetic Queen Camilla Since becoming Queen, Camilla has come into her own sartorially, with a signature look that blends classic tailoring with luxurious finishing touches. Designer handbags, Chanel heels and statement Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery have become key elements of her wardrobe. For the Thanksgiving Service marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day at Westminster Abbey, Camilla chose a pristine white Anna Valentine coat dress, completed with a Philip Treacy hat and Eliot Zed shoes. Black blanket stitching added a graphic edge to the otherwise classic design, giving the look a contemporary feel. She also returned to trusted favourites. During a visit to HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, Camilla wore a cobalt blue Fiona Clare dress featuring softly puffed shoulders, embroidered bib detailing and a signature front zip. On her tour of Canada, the Queen opted for a pastel pink Anna Valentine coat dress - first worn to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's wedding - again pairing it with her favoured Chanel heels, reinforcing her preference for timeless pieces. Black blanket stitching added a graphic edge to Queen Camilla's otherwise classic coat by Anna Valentine, giving the look a contemporary feel Hear the phrase 'hand-me-down' and many of us think of bobbly jumpers we begrudgingly inherited from our siblings. But thanks to Princess Anne's youngest granddaughter, seven-year-old Lena Tindall, hand-me-downs have been given the royal stamp of approval. She stepped out for the Christmas Day service at Sandringham wearing a coat that has had not one but two previous royal owners. Talk about thrifty. Lena's cousin, Savannah, first wore the coat for Christmas in 2017, when she was the same age. Lena's older sister Mia, then eight, wore it to attend Prince Philip's memorial service in March 2022. Proof that even High Street purchases can withstand the test of time, the coat is from British chain Monsoon and is believed to have cost 79. Lady Louise Windsor, in her final year at the University of St Andrews, did what most students do when they come home for the holidays: raided her mother's closet. Luckily, her mother is the Duchess of Edinburgh, whose wardrobe is more Prada than Primark. Lady Louise's coat was a Prada design her mother wore for Ascot's Christmas racing weekend in 2015. Her hat, by esteemed London milliner Jane Taylor, was first worn by her mother in 2017. The bag, from Belizean brand Studio Perera, was also her mother's. Lena Tindall and Zara Tindall attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on Christmas day Princess Anne's youngest granddaughter borrowed Mia's military-inspired navy coat from Monsoon, which she wore to the late Prince Philip's service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in 2022 Queen Camilla was even sporting a hand-me-down yesterday if one can call a yellow diamond brooch owned by Queen Elizabeth a 'hand-me-down'. The takeaway? The ultimate 2025 style flex isn't buying new it's breathing new life into years-old items by styling them in modern ways. This isn't something new for the royals they've chosen high-quality clothes with time-enduring appeal for years, long before 'responsible consumerism' became trendy. Lena, Mia and Savannah's grandmother is Princess Anne, famed for rewearing outfits, often decades later. And British aristocrats have always worn their clothes to the point of disintegration a duke would far rather darn his socks than buy a new pair. Lena's coat and Louise's outfit look familiar, yes, but your first thought isn't 'Oh, I've seen that before!' Rather, it's 'That's a beautiful outfit'. That's the power of restyling done well and great news for all our bank balances post-Christmas. A new 'city within a city' is springing up in the Arizona desert offering people the chance to own an affordable home. The master-planned Teravalis community in Buckeye is situated between the White Tank Mountains and the Belmont Mountain Range, about 30 miles west of Phoenix, and will see 100,000 homes constructed on the 37,000 acre site. It has been developed by Howard Hughes Communities and will eventually have 300,000 residents living there. Project leaders celebrated the grand opening of the project last month. 'Howard Hughes has a long history of creating what are in essence cities within cities,' Charley Freericks, Arizona Region President of Howard Hughes Communities, told Daily Mail. Freericks added that Teravalis will grow into a community with schools, healthcare, jobs, and services all within a stone's throw. 'The community is designed to be an employment hub, ensuring that residents can live and work - enjoying an exceptional quality of life and career growth opportunities within the same community for generations to come,' Freericks said. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has supported the project and said the state needs to build more homes and lower housing costs. There are seven builders - Century Communities, Courtland Communities, DRB Homes, KB Home, Lennar, Meritage Homes, and New Home Company - constructing properties that will start around $324,990. Teravalis celebrated its opening last month. The first properties to open are pictured. Eventually it will be home to 300,000 residents The community spans 37,000 acres and will have 100,000 homes once construction is completed A cozy living room inside a model home in the Teravalis development Your browser does not support iframes. The average home in the Phoenix area is around $400,000, according to Zillow. 'Features like energy efficiency, open layouts, and modern desert-inspired architecture have resonated strongly with buyers who value thoughtful design and sustainable living,' said Freericks. He added that demand had been strong even before the grand opening, with families already moved in and many homes under contract. Teravalis, meaning 'Land of the Valley,' will feature miles of trails for locals to enjoy, as well as the Echo Community Center. The center, expected to open in 2027, will offer residents resort-style pools, spa, and water-activated playground in addition to a fitness center and lounge area for events and even weddings. More than 7,000 acres of the community will remain natural open space, complemented by miles of trails, conservation corridors, and native landscaping, the developer said. Not only is integrating nature an essential part of the community, but maintaining and respecting the water supply was one of the main objectives of the project. Freericks added: 'Water stewardship has been a priority for Teravalis from the start. The community offer properties that will start around $324,990. The average home in the area is $400,000, according to Zillow The interior of a home in Teravalis. Families have already started moving in and homes are under contract Teravalis is a brand-new community in the desert that will become a 'city within a city' 'The community goes beyond regulatory standards to establish a model for sustainable water management in the desert, targeting a 35 percent reduction in average water consumption through innovation and forward-thinking design.' He added that each home will feature EPA WaterSense fixtures and ENERGY STAR-certified appliances, and all landscaping will use drought-tolerant plants with efficient drip irrigation. Freericks noted that Teravalis has also constructed on-site water reclamation facilities that capture, treat, and reuse 100 percent of the wastewater generated within the community. Locals have expressed concern online, questioning the water security of a community of such proportions, but Freericks insisted sustainability is part of the long-term vision for Teravalis. 'The focus is on more than just growth - its about building a lasting, balanced community centered on lifestyle, innovation, and environmental stewardship that defines the future of the West Valley,' he added. Buckeye Mayor Eric Osborn echoed the town's commitment to sustainability. 'Teravalis embodies that vision and will serve as a cornerstone of our citys future. This community reflects the best of partnership - thoughtful planning, economic opportunity, and respect for the character of our land,' said Osborn. Governor Hobbs also noted that 'water sustainability and growth are not trade-offs.' Locals have questioned the water security of a development of its size but developers say it has sustainability at the heart of the community A rendering of how the community will look. The Echo Community Center will be a meeting place for residents with pools and a gym The community features miles of trails and parks and play areas for children 'They go hand in hand. Growth cannot happen without water sustainability, and that is why Im so pleased to see the innovative water conservation measures that Howard Hughes is employing right here.' 'And despite what some might say, we can make home ownership a reality for more Arizonans while protecting our water future,' she added. A Massachusetts island is giving away multi-million dollar homes for free, but the exciting offer comes with a catch... the new owners will need to physically move the whole property themselves. On Nantucket, law states that anyone looking to demolish a home there must first offer it up for free to any takers. After acquiring the property, the new homeowner has 180 days to move the home to a new plot of land. Those looking to snap up a historic property that is often worth millions, can keep an eye on local publications, The Inquirer & Mirror and the Nantucket Current. Residents looking to offload their homes have to legally advertise it for 30 days, as the island's bylaws dictate. Realtor Brent Tantamella told Daily Mail that house-moving season begins September 15 and runs until June 15. Within that window, it is not an unlikely sight to see a stunning multi-million dollar saltbox house on a wide-load trailer being trucked to the other side of the 3.5-mile island to a new home. 'It's pretty common,' Tantamella said. 'It's been going on since the 1700s... It's kind of something we're known for doing.' House moving has been a long tradition in Nantucket since the 1700s. Residents who wish to demolish their homes must allow a 30-day period where residents can snap it up for free and move it to a different location - some homes are even worth millions Nantucket is known for attracting the rich and famous. The Biden family regularly spend time there When settlers first moved to the island, buildings were heavily concentrated as the community grew. But as time went on and erosion occurred on the shoreline, residents were forced to move inward. The island was full of amazing shipbuilders, but with the scarcity of lumber, picking up homes and moving the whole thing across the island became the norm, rather than building a property from scratch. 'They would just put out greased timbers and big wooden rollers and then team up horses, then these houses were moved to take advantage of better land or safer areas from erosion or just changing neighborhoods,' Tartamella explained. Although you won't see a team of mighty horses dragging a gigantic house through the streets of Nantucket anymore, moving houses is still very much a thing, just remote-controlled now, the realtor said. 'It's a crazy thing to watch,' he said. To move a home is not an easy process. It can involve the police, the electricity company, and the public works office, plus move teams, just to coordinate it. Sometimes power lines have to be moved upward or turned off to avoid being tangled in the roof. And some homes even have to be deconstructed in order to fit down the tight lanes. 'It's houses you wouldn't even think could be moved,' Tartamella said. Homes as small as one-floor cottages built in the 1960s to mansions can be moved, he said. 'It's pretty common,' realtor, Brent Tantamella, told Daily Mail. 'It's kind of something we're known for doing' In the early days, the buildings were heavily concentrated as settlers built a community. But as time went on, they were forced to move inward. With a lack of lumber, they had to pick up their homes and move them 'They can be pretty big structures,' Tartamella, who moved to the island in 2004, said. Homes are usually moved on Wednesdays, unless there is rain, then on Thursdays. And moving a home isn't cheap either - although only a fraction of the home's estimated value - as the cost can be between $100,000 and $200,000, according to Tartamella. 'I've seen houses moved with all the furniture right inside it,' he told the Daily Mail. Once the houses are put back together and settled on a new foundation, the new homeowners can move in within months. 'They're livable pretty quickly,' Tartamella said. However, for those off-islanders hoping to snap up a multi-million dollar saltbox home and move to the ritzy Nantucket, it would be quite the challenge, the realtor said. With the tight timeframe of 180 days, having land for the home to go on prior to the acquisition is vital. 'They would just put out basically greased timbers and big wooden rollers and then team up horses, then these houses were moved to take advantage of better land or safer areas from erosion or just changing neighborhoods,' Tartamella said However, finding a million-dollar home to move is a rare gem on Nantucket as many have switch to bringing modular homes onto the island Many takers move homes onto land their families acquired in the 1970s and 1980s, when plots were cheap. So being quick to respond when a free home is advertised and having the land already in place to move it to is vital. If a home is advertised and no one is interested in saving it then the homeowner is allowed to raze it to the ground. However that's not much cheaper than it is to move the home. Not only do they have the demolition cost, but it costs around $500 per ton of waste to bring the scraps to the junkyard, Realtor.com reported. With the average home weighing around 80 tons, that could easily lead to a more than $40,000 bill. Nantucket has a year-round population of around 10,000 residents. In the summer months this swells to around 60,000 people. The island, known for attracting celebrities, was designated as a historic landmark in 1972. This means that residents need to get permission from local authorities to change outdoor appearance of their homes and businesses. The windswept paradise is a favorite of for President Joe Biden and his family and also attracts stars including Beyonce, Kourtney Kardashian, Dave Portnoy and Ben Stiller. A study has laid bare the shocking true cost of climate change as heatwaves, wildfires, droughts and storms cause havoc around the world. The 10 most costly climate disasters alone cost the world more than $120 billion (88.78 billion) in 2025, according to a report from Christian Aid. Each was made significantly more likely and more devastating by the effects of human-caused climate change. And scientists warn that these calculations only reflect insured losses, with the true cost of climate-influenced disasters likely to have been even higher. America took the brunt of the damage this year as the Palisades and Eaton wildfires swept through Los Angeles in January. This devastating fire alone caused more than $60 billion (44.4 billion) in damages and killed 40 people. This was followed by the cyclones which struck Southeast Asia, causing $25 billion (18.5) in damage and killing more than 1,750 people across Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Viet Nam and Malaysia. The researchers also highlighted 10 less costly but equally shocking climate disasters, including the destructive wildfires which struck the UK this summer. The 10 most costly climate disasters cost the world more than $120 billion (88.78 billion) in 2025. The most damaging were January's Los Angeles Wildfires, which caused more than $60 billion (44.4 billion) in damages and killed 40 people Scientists have gathered a vast amount of evidence showing a clear, incontrovertible connection between a warming climate and more intense climate disasters. It is not that human-caused climate change creates extreme weather events, but it does make them more likely to occur and more intense when they do. Dr Davide Faranda, Research Director in Climate Physics in the Laboratoire de Science du Climat et de l'Environnement (LSCE), who was not involved in the report, says: 'The events documented in this report are not isolated disasters or acts of nature. 'They are the predictable outcome of a warmer atmosphere and hotter oceans, driven by decades of fossil fuel emissions.' In this report, researchers have tallied the total costs of the biggest disasters that have been intensified by the changing climate. Even though extreme weather events in rich countries where property prices are higher typically incur greater costs, the worst-affected countries have been poorer. Of the six most costly climate disasters in 2025, four hit Asia for a combined cost of $48 billion (35.5 billion). That includes devastating floods which struck China in June and August, killing more than 30 people and creating $11.7 billion (8.6 billion) of damage. Four of the six most costly climate disasters were in Asia, including cyclones that struck Southeast Asia, causing $25 billion (18.5) in damage and killing more than 1,750 people. Pictured: People flee flood waters in Hat Yai, Southern Thailand China experienced some of the most severe flooding in recent history, as rising waters killed more than 30 people and created $11.7 billion (8.6 billion) of damage. Pictured: Flood-affected areas in Congjiang, southwestern China Throughout 2025, China was hit by devastating floods in regions where such weather was previously unheard of, as unusually high rainfall followed months of drought. This year also saw the Caribbean face the 'storm of the century' as Hurricane Melissa made landfall over Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas, costing at least $8 billion (5.9 billion). Since hurricanes are driven by warm ocean waters, humans' continued creation of planet-warming greenhouse gases directly contributes towards making these storms more frequent and more powerful. In a cooler world without climate change, a Melissatype hurricane would have made landfall once every 8,000 years, according to research. But in today's climate, with 1.3C warming, it has become four times more likely with such an event now expected once every 1,700 years. Professor Joanna Haigh, an atmospheric physicist from Imperial College London, who was not involved in the report, says: 'These disasters are not "natural" - they are the inevitable result of continued fossil fuel expansion and political delay. 'The world is paying an ever-higher price for a crisis we already know how to solve. While the costs run into the billions, the heaviest burden falls on communities with the least resources to recover.' However, no inhabited continent on Earth was unaffected by climate disasters this year. Jamaica was hit by the 'storm of the century' as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, costing at least $8 billion (5.9 billion). Pictured: Destroyed houses in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica Scientists say that climate change warmed the waters over which Hurricane Melissa (pictured) formed, making the deadly storm four times as likely Besides the 10 most destructive events, Christian Aid also analysed 10 other extreme weather incidents that have lower financial cost but are equally concerning. Chief among these are the enormous wildfires that burned through large parts of the UK in late summer this year. Across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, fire crews responded to the highest number of wildfire incidents on record, with over 1,000 separate outbreaks by early September. Early estimates suggest that more than 47,000 hectares (184 square miles) of forest, moorland, and heath were burned - the largest annual area since records began. In June, the Carrbridge and Dava Moor blaze consumed 11,000 hectares (42.5 square miles) of land to become the UK's first recorded 'mega fire'. According to climate and wildfire researchers, the increased intensity and frequency of these blazes were a direct product of climate change. An exceptionally wet winter followed by one of the hottest, driest springs on record led to an unusually large amount of dead, dry plant matter that fuelled the fires. Likewise, the report points to the Iberian Wildfires, which were caused by record-breaking extreme temperatures. Outside of the 10 most expensive events, the report also tracked a number of notable climate incidents. These included the record-breaking wildfires, which destroyed 47,000 hectares (184 square miles) of forest, moorland, and heath in the UK. Pictured: Wildfires rage in the Isle of Arran, Scotland Spain and Portugal were also hit by the Iberian Wildfires, which were caused by record-breaking extreme temperatures. Pictured: Fires burning in Vesu, Portugal Weeks of extreme heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 40C (104F), combined with low humidity, created explosive fire conditions. These fires consumed 383,000 hectares (1,480 square miles) in Spain and 260,000 hectares (1,000 square miles) in Portugal - about three per cent of the country's land. Preliminary estimates suggest that these fires caused direct economic losses of $810 million (600 million). Scientists estimate that climate change made this event around 40 times more likely and increased the intensity of fire conditions by about 30 per cent. The report also analysed Japan's year of extreme weather, after the country was battered by back-to-back snowstorms and heatwaves. Unusually heavy snowstorms and winds killed 12 people and destroyed several houses at the start of the year, followed by the hottest summer ever recorded, with average temperatures 2.36C (4.25F) above the average. Scientists call this phenomenon 'climate whiplash', and research shows that it is likely to become more common as climate change alters global weather patterns. Ceramic fragments found near a site believed to be the last resting place of Noah's Ark could prove the biblical boat really did exist. Prof. Dr Faruk Kaya of Agri Ibrahim Cecen University said the pieces were found close to the alleged Ark outline at the Dogubayazit site on Turkey's Mount Ararat, according to Turkish media. The fragments were uncovered during road construction near the Durupinar Formation in Agri province, a boat-shaped geological structure that has been at the centre of Noah's Ark claims for decades. Academics involved in the research said the ceramic material points to human activity in the region during the Chalcolithic period, roughly between 5500 BC and 3000 BC, a timeframe that some scholars and believers associate with the era traditionally linked to the Biblical figure of Noah. Prof Dr Kaya said: 'The ceramic fragments show that there was human activity in this region during the Chalcolithic period, between 5500 and 3000 BC.' The fresh revelations have also prompted renewed calls for the site to be formally protected, amid concerns that visitors are removing stones and fragments as souvenirs. Prof Dr Kaya said: 'This formation and its surroundings must be protected, and the removal of stones, rocks or similar material from the site must be prevented.' He warned that tourists had been taking material from the area, including stones bearing markings, potentially damaging what researchers believe is an important archaeological and religious heritage site. Ceramic fragments found near a site believed to be the last resting place of Noah's Ark could prove the region was settled by humans at the time of the Great Flood The fragments were uncovered near the Durupinar Formation in Agri province, a boat-shaped geological structure that has been at the centre of Noah's Ark claims for decades Prof Dr Faruk Kaya (pictured), of Agri Ibrahim Cecen University, said the pieces were found close to the alleged Ark outline at the Dogubayazit site on Turkey's Mount Ararat, according to Turkish media The Durupinar Formation was first identified on 11th September 1959, by Captain Ilhan Durupinar, a Turkish surveying engineer who spotted the structure while mapping eastern Anatolia from an aircraft operated by the Turkish Armed Forces. Heavy rain and earthquakes later eroded surrounding earth, exposing more of the formation's outline. The structure has long drawn attention because of its boat-like shape and its proximity to Mount Ararat, Turkey's highest peak, which has been associated with the Ark in Christian tradition for centuries. The Bible's Book of Genesis states that Noah's Ark came to rest on the 'mountains of Ararat' after a flood that submerged the Earth for 150 days. Biblical measurements describe the Ark as 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide and 30 cubits high, dimensions that some researchers argue broadly correspond to the scale of the Durupinar site. Prof Dr Kaya said the dating of the pottery broadly aligned with traditional estimates of Noah's lifetime. He said: 'This period roughly coincides with the time in which Prophet Noah is believed to have lived.' Scientific interest in the area has intensified in recent years. The Mount Ararat and Noah's Ark Research Team was formally established in 2022 through a collaboration between Agri Ibrahim Cecen University and Istanbul Technical University, bringing together experts in geophysics, chemistry and geoarchaeology. Rock and soil samples collected from the formation were analysed in laboratories at Istanbul Technical University. Researchers said the results indicated that sustained human life in the region was possible from the Chalcolithic period onwards, adding further basis to the claim that it could be the real-life Biblical site. The pottery fragments discovered during the recent roadworks are being viewed as a notable development, as ceramics are widely regarded by archaeologists as one of the clearest indicators of human settlement. Prof Dr Kaya said: 'There is no other structure like this identified anywhere else in the world,' describing the formation as unique in both scale and shape. He also raised concerns about natural threats to the site, warning that landslides - particularly during spring rains - were eroding both sides of the formation and accelerating damage. As part of wider preservation efforts, Prof Dr Kaya suggested that a dedicated Noah's Ark museum or research centre should be established near Mount Ararat, arguing that similar themed attractions already exist in countries such as the United States, the Netherlands and Hong Kong. Join the debate Should ancient religious sites like this be protected, even if their origins are disputed? Rebel Wilson's long path to fame and fortune was anything but easy, with the Australian actress overcoming extreme adversity throughout her early life and career. The Sydney-born star, 45, struggled with family turmoil and physical abuse before she finally made it in Hollywood. As a child, Rebel grew up in Sydney with her parents Warwick and Sue and her three younger siblings in a household marked by instability. In her 2024 memoir Rebel Rising, the actress reflected on the lasting impact of growing up with her late father Warwick, who died in 2013 aged 62 from a heart attack. She recalled his volatile temper, struggles with alcoholism, and bouts of violence, saying his pervasive 'dodginess' had a profound impact on her. Rebel made the heartbreaking admission that she and her siblings felt as though they were constantly walking on eggshells in his presence, having to be extremely careful not to do anything that would make him angry. Rebel Wilson's long path to fame and fortune was anything but easy, with the Australian actress overcoming extreme adversity throughout her early life and career Rebel grew up in Sydney with her parents Warwick and Sue and her three younger siblings in a household marked by instability. Pictured with her mother Sue and three siblings Liberty, Anna and Ryot However, despite their best efforts, they still faced the brunt of his anger on many occasions. She recalled one shocking incident when she was 12 and asked her father to buy her a Slurpee during a day out. Rebel's father was infuriated by the request and allegedly grabbed her leg and threatened to 'choke' and 'kill' her if she spoke again. On another occasion, she claims he struck her repeatedly after mistakenly thinking she had wet the bed, leaving visible marks on her arms and legs. The Bridesmaids actress opened up about her difficult upbringing on a podcast last year and admitted parts of it shaped who she was for better or worse as a person. 'Why I have certain parts of my personality, and I do comedy, is because my dad had dodginess everywhere,' she told The Diary of a CEO podcast. 'Alcoholism, addictions and also a mentality that is a bit dodgy. There is a dark side. If I didn't have that, I don't think I would be as interesting as a person.' Rebel has often credited the difficulties of her childhood with giving her the resilience to push through both personal and professional challenges. Rebel has also spoken publicly about her personal life and health. She came out as a lesbian at age 42. (Pictured: partner Ramona Agruma) Rebel has also spoken publicly about her personal life and health. The veteran performer struggled with being overweight for years, and only after making a firm commitment to healthy living did she finally manage to shed the kilos and change her outlook on life in the process. Her dedication to shedding the pounds saw her drop more than 36kg in 2021, after she began both eating healthier and hitting the gym regularly. Rebel previously said that her Pitch Perfect movie contract prohibited her from losing weight, as her comic relief character was literally defined by how big she was, being called 'Fat Amy'. In July 2021, she revealed on Instagram Live about her weight loss journey: 'It first started when I was looking into fertility stuff and the doctor was like, "Well, you'd have a much better chance if you were healthier." 'That's kind of what started it, that if I lost some excess weight that it would give me a better chance for freezing eggs and having the eggs be a better quality. It wasn't even really myself, it was more thinking of a future minime, really.' She spoke about her fertility again with People in May 2022. She shared: 'I only started thinking of fertility when I was 39 so you feel quite late but then there are women in their mid-40s who've been successful.' Rebel added, 'Look at Janet Jackson, it's pretty inspiring,' referring to Janet giving birth to her son at age 50. When she discussed fertility treatments with a doctor: 'He looked me up and down and said, "You'd do much better if you were healthier."' Rebel confessed: 'I was taken aback. I thought, "Oh God, this guy's so rude." He was right. I was carrying around a lot of excess weight.' She reflected at the time, 'It's almost like I didn't think of my own needs. I thought of a future child's needs that really inspired me to get healthier.' The veteran performer struggled with being overweight for years and only after making a firm commitment to healthy living did she manage to shed the kilos. Pictured in 2015 (left) and in 2025 (right) Rebel is now mother to two-year-old daughter Royce, who she welcomed via surrogate and co-parents with wife Ramona Agruma. In regards to how she achieved her weight loss, she focused on becoming more active by walking and doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with her personal trainer. She also came out as a lesbian in 2022 aged 42, introducing her partner, designer Ramona Agruma, on Instagram. At the time, she joked that she had spent years 'searching for a Disney Prince' only to realise what she really needed was a 'Disney Princess.' Friends later said by falling in love with Ramona and later having a child with her in November 2022, daughter Royce, Rebel headed into 'an amazing place' where she was happier than ever. Rebel has been open about emotional overeating and the long-term effects of stress, but said the process helped her regain control over her wellbeing and self-worth. The actress has also reflected on relationships, admitting she struggled romantically in her twenties but credits that period with allowing her to focus on her career. In recent years, she has described her current relationship with her wife Ramona who she married in September 2024 as 'equal' and 'healthy' an enormous contrast to her earlier experiences. In May 2024, Rebel said being with Ramona made her feel so much better about herself, as she did not initially believe she was 'worthy' of love. She admitted that her journey to self-love was anything but smooth. Rebel finally found her happy ending with partner Ramona Agruma 'I get a bit emotional about that because why does a girl feel like that? Just feel like not good enough and not lovable?' she said on Channel Ten's The Project. 'And then, yes, there have been things that have happened in my life, not massive traumas, but little things that have led to me feeling that way and I didn't feel lovable or worthy,' she continued. 'And that's why I was eating all that crap and junk food late at night because I felt like I was trash and treating my body like trash.' Rebel says that she processed her negative emotions after her father's death, and after beginning her weight loss journey, that saw her lose 36 kilos and led to her finding true love. 'I was being able to have true intimacy with somebody and really let somebody in and that happened to be my partner,' she said. Rebel has finally found her happy ending Ramona, 41, is now pregnant with their second child. She's the Australian actress who was the star of '90s US drama series Models Inc. And while Kylie Travis' star appeared to be rising exponentially throughout the 1990s, the UK-born Aussie seemed to fade from the spotlight in the noughties So, whatever happened to Kylie Travis? A spin-off of the iconic Aaron Spelling-produced series Melrose Place, Models Inc only ran for a single season, but quickly became a cult hit. It followed the machinations of the titular Los Angeles modelling agency run by Hillary Michaels (Linda Gray) the mother of Heather Locklear's Melrose Place character Amanda Woodward. Kylie, now 55, was not the only Aussie to star in the series, with Cameron Daddo starring as jet-setting photographer Brian Peterson. She's the Australian actress who was the star of 90s US drama series Models Inc. And while Kylie Travis' star appeared to be rising exponentially throughout the 1990s, the UK-born Aussie actress seemed to drop off the radar in the noughties In the series, Kylie played fan-favourite Julie Dante an ambitious Australian model with a reputation for trouble and frequent appearances in the gossip magazines. Despite being savaged by critics and cancelled after one season, Models Inc piqued the interest of soap fans, largely for its dramatic plotlines focusing on glamour, intrigue, murder, and blackmail. Following the show's abrupt cancellation in 1995, Kylie went on to star in Beverly Hills 90210 and Melrose Place creator Darren Starr's Central Park West. The series centred around the running of trendy fashion magazine Communique and starred the likes of Morgan Fairchild, Raquel Welch, and Mariel Hemingway. Kylie starred as Rachael Dennis the magazine's blonde bombshell fashion editor. While Central Park west proved to have a longer life than Models Inc, it was eventually cancelled in 1996. Speaking to Conan O'Brien in 1995, during the Central Park West run, Kylie recounted rubbing shoulders with future US President Donald Trump at a Lennox Lewis fight. 'I went with The Donald in the plane with all the beds and the whole thing it was actually really fun. In the series, Kylie played fan-favourite Julie Dante (top left) an ambitious Australian model with a reputation for trouble and frequent appearances in the gossip magazines Despite being savaged by critics, and cancelled after one season, Models Inc piqued the interest of soap fans, largely for its dramatic plotlines focusing on glamour, intrigue, murder, and blackmail Following the show's abrupt cancellation in 1995, Kylie went on to star in Beverly Hills 90210 and Melrose Place creator Darren Starr's Central Park West 'It was like military precision every place you'd get to, you'd just arrive and you'd be about to take a drink and it was like: "Okay, we're moving on." 'I was up until nine o'clock in the morning gambling with my girlfriend. It was really fun. We actually won quite a lot. Following Central Park West's cancellation in 1996, Kylie's acting roles became more and more sporadic. She starred in just three films Retroactive, Gia alongside Angelina Jolie, and Sanctuary following her soap exit. Her last credited role, according to IMDb, came in 2001, when she appeared in an episode of the NBC series Ed. Kylie also dipped her toe into the wellness space, opening the Lili Pili Health Bar in White Plains, New York. However, that venture appears to have closed back in 2015. Now seemingly retired from acting, Kylie married New York-based property developer Louis R. Cappelli. After Central Park West's cancellation in 1996, Kylie's acting roles became more and more sporadic. She starred in just three films Retroactive, Gia alongside Angelina Jolie (pictured), and Sanctuary following her soap exit Kylie also dipped her toe into the wellness space, opening the Lili Pili Health Bar in White Plains, New York. However, that venture appears to have closed back in 2015 Now seemingly retired from acting, Kylie married New York-based property developer Louis R. Cappelli According to her IMDB, Kylie now busies herself on the New York socialite and charity circuits. Speaking about Kylie in 2022, Louis was quick to gush about his actress wife. 'I have a beautiful wife, Kylie Travis Cappelli. We've known each other for twenty-five years. She's a movie actress from Australia,' he told the New York Real Estate Journal. 'When you come home after a long day, it's not possible to switch it off. I am thinking about work even when I come home,' he added. 'I wish it wasn't true. My wife has come to understand that's just the way I am. 'She understands, and we just go out for dinner a lot. In fact, before the coronavirus hit, we dined out almost every night for twenty years! We loved the time together.' Jules Neale has made a telling move online amid her marriage breakdown with Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale. The hairdresser and influencer, 35, has removed TGI Sport from her Instagram bio, which is the company that manages both her and Lachie. The couple once shared the talent management company, with Lachie, 32, managed by Tom Petroro, but it seems Jules has cast aside her partnership with the company. Jules once had the email address of her manager in her online bio, but has now deleted it in the wake of her split from Lachie. It comes after the mother-of-two launched a public attack on former friend Tess Crosley, who has found herself in the middle of the split between Jules and Lachie. On Monday, Jules demanded Tess remove photos from her Instagram account which showed the Brisbane Lions' recent grand final celebrations. Jules Neale, 35, has made a telling move online amid her marriage breakdown with Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale, 32 The post in question featured multiple images from the day, with several photos showing Jules and Lachie on the field and inside the sheds celebrating with friends. The now-deleted comment, which was captured in screenshots, shows Jules writing: 'Take these down, you idiot, you're embarrassing yourself.' Jules recently revealed the breakdown of her marriage when she denied news reports she was 'working through' issues with Lachie. 'I want to make it very clear that I am not 'working through' anything. I have been betrayed in the most unimaginable way,' she wrote. 'All I can do now is to heal and do what's best for my children.' She did not clarify what the 'betrayal' entailed, but went on to delete every photo of Lachie from her Instagram account within hours of posting the statement. Jules is also believed to have returned to WA to be with her family, while a moving truck was recently spotted parked in the driveway of her Brisbane marital home. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Tess. The hairdresser and influencer has removed TGI Sport from her Instagram bio, which is the company that manages both her and Lachie Neither party has made any public comment on the situation. Photos recently emerged of Jules and Lachie enjoying a holiday with Tess and her husband Ben before the very public falling out. The group looked to be having a great time in each other's company, with one photo showing the former friends, clad in bikinis and posing on the sand. Meanwhile, a video uploaded to Tess' TikTok in June, showed her, her husband Ben, Lachie and Jules taking part in a TikTok trend. The clip showed the foursome performing the 'hope our husbands like each other' skit. Jules was seen miming the phrase, 'I hope our husbands get along,' before Tess jumped in with: 'Me too.' The camera then cut to a shot of Lachie and Ben with their arms interlocked drinking a cocktail. The clip was captioned: 'Four best friends.' Jules and Lachie share two children, fouryearold daughter Piper, and son Freddie, born in December 2024. Britney Spears reportedly reunited with one of her two sons for Christmas this year. The pop star, 44, is a mother to two sons - Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden, 19 - from her past marriage to Kevin Federline. But her youngest son appeared to be the only family member with her in Los Angeles for the 2025 holiday. 'Britney had a fun time celebrating Christmas with Jayden,' a source told People about how the pop star spent time with Jayden just after she reconnected with her once estranged kids. The insider added, 'It's been such a special holiday.' The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Spears for comment. Britney Spears spent Christmas with only one of her two sons, Jayden James, 19, during the holiday season this year Meanwhile, her eldest son Sean Preston Federline, 20, spent the holidays in Louisiana with his aunt Jamie Lynn Spears and his grandmother Lynne Spears Sean Preston reportedly had to stay in Louisiana due to a work obligation so he spent the holidays with his aunt's family and his grandmother, per TMZ. On Christmas Day, Britney's younger sister Jamie Lynn Spears shared a festive post on Instagram and included a group photo with Sean. In the snapshot, the Zoey 101 actress was seen standing outside and posing with Sean Preston and the rest of their family. Sean Preston posed with his arms on the shoulders of his grandma and his cousin Maddie, Jamie Lynn's 17-year-old daughter. They were also joined by the Jamie Lynn's husband Jamie Watson and their youngest child, their seven-year-old daughter Ivey. Jamie Lynn also shared more photos of her two daughters, their Christmas gifts and more of an inside look at their holiday festivities in her social media post. Sean Preston only made a single appearance in the entire post. Britney was married Federline in 2004 and welcomed their two sons shortly thereafter before the couple called it quits just three years later. Their divorce was finalized in July 2007 with the couple agreeing to split custody of their young children. However, just several months later, a court ruled to grant Federline sole physical custody of their kids. Over the years, the exes had different custody arrangements for their kids. Join the debate What do you think made the Spears family drift apart, and how should they heal their fractured bonds? The pop star, 44, is a mother to two sons from her past marriage to Kevin Federline, and her youngest son appeared to be the only family member with her in Los Angeles for the holiday; pictured in December 2004 On Christmas Day, Britney's younger sister Jamie Lynn Spears shared a festive post on Instagram and included a group photo with Sean. He only made one appearance in her carousel post with multiple photos and a a 'Merry Christmas' caption Sean Preston reportedly had to stay in Louisiana due to a work obligation so he spent the holidays with his aunt's family and his grandmother Jamie Lynn also shared more photos of her two daughters, their Christmas gifts and more of an inside look at their holiday festivities in her social media post Britney was married Federline in 2004 and welcomed their two sons shortly thereafter before the couple called it quits just three years later. Their divorce was finalized in July 2007 with the couple agreeing to split custody of their young children; pictured in July 2013 For most of Sean Preston and Jayden's childhood, Federline would have majority of custody, however. They later moved to a different state to live with their father, becoming estranged from Britney in 2022, just after her father's conservatorship over her was terminated, before reconciling in 2024. Both Sean and Jayden have lived with their father in Hawaii since 2023. In Federline's newly released memoir, he opened up about his sons' strained relationship with their pop star mom and for allegedly 'emotionally traumatizing' Sean and Jayden. In 2024, Britney reconciled with Jayden and has since shared social media posts of their reunions on multiple occasions in the past year. In September, a source revealed that Britney and her eldest son Sean Preston are also 'slowly rebuilding' their relationship. However, just several months later, a court ruled to grant Federline sole physical custody of their kids. Over the years, the exes had different custody arrangements for their kids They later moved to a different state to live with their father, becoming estranged from Britney in 2022, just after her father's conservatorship over her was terminated, before reconciling in 2024 In 2024, Britney reconciled with Jayden and has since shared social media posts of their reunions on multiple occasions in the past year. In September, a source revealed that Britney and her eldest son Sean Preston are also 'slowly rebuilding' their relationship; pictured in April 2013 'He still has mixed feelings, but seeing Jayden reunite with Britney has given him hope for their own future,' a source told Us Weekly earlier this year. 'She's so grateful to have them in her life. She feels whole again.' In November, Federline talked about Britney's relationship with their sons as well as sharing whether or not he has been in contact with his ex-wife at all since his bombshell memoir, You Thought You Knew, was published. 'We haven't talked specifically, but I know that she's talked to our sons, which is good,' he said during a November appearance on the Talk Shop Live podcast. He also explained that Sean Preston and Jayden have been 'trying to find a way to mend a bond with their mom.' He added: 'They absolutely love their mom, right? I mean, they always, always have, always will. It's instilled in them. And I've always wanted for them to have a connection with their mom, the way I have with my mom.' Kim Kardashian shocked fans after revealing that she recently got her ears pierced at a famous accessory store during a trip to Hawaii. The 45-year-old SKIMS founder - who recently gifted her four children puppies for Christmas - told her fans in a Christmas Eve vlog shared to TikTok on Friday that she had the piercings done at Claire's. The retailer - which was founded back in 1961 in the state of Illinois - is known for being located inside shopping malls across the globe. While getting glammed up for her family's annual holiday bash, the star took her followers inside her spacious walk-in closet as she donned a gray silk robe with feathery details. 'Hey guys, so I just want you to know that I recently got my ears pierced at Claire's in Hawaii. And I have these tiny little earrings in,' Kardashian explained to the camera. 'All I like to wear is my Claire's earrings,' she continued while taking them out. 'Because for the longest time, I didn't have my ears pierced.' Kim Kardashian, 45, shocked fans after revealing that she recently got her ears pierced at a famous accessory store during a trip to Hawaii The SKIMS founder told her fans in a Christmas Eve vlog shared to TikTok on Friday that she had the piercings done at Claire's The TV personality then added, 'Every time I put in an earring, I would like... have to re-pierce it. So, I thought that I would make life easy and just get them done again. 'As much as I love my Claire's earrings, every once in a while, a girl's gotta step it up and put on some Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.' Kardashian then picked up a pair of eye-catching, dangly diamond earrings and said, 'Wow,' as she put them on. Social media users jumped to the comment section of the clip to share their thoughts on the star getting her ears pierced at the jewelry store chain. One penned, 'Did she say Claire's?' while another wrote, 'Ears pierced at CLAIRES.. i love it.' 'Claires collab coming,' a fan typed out, and one said, 'I got mine pierced at Claire's toooo lol.' Another TikTok follower jokingly commented, 'A Claire's ad randomly in there.' The reality star later paired the earrings as well as shimmering silver bracelets with a vintage Mugler ensemble. The retailer - which was founded back in 1961 in the state of Illinois- is known for being loacted inside shopping malls across the globe; Claire's store seen in 2021 in Idaho 'Hey guys, so I just want you to know that I recently got my ears pierced at Claire's in Hawaii. And I have these tiny little earrings in,' Kardashian explained to the camera The TV personality then added, 'Every time I put in an earring, I would like... have to re-pierce it. So, I thought that I would make life easy and just get them done again' Kardashian then picked up a pair of eye-catching, dangly diamond earrings and said, 'Wow,' as she put them on Social media users jumped to the comment section of the clip to share their thoughts on the star getting her ears pierced at the jewelry store chain The holiday look consisted of a long fitted skirt that clung to her figure and had a train that fell down behind her. She also opted for a matching, strapless corset top - with both pieces containing sparkling black fabric on the neckline and skirt hem. Kardashian did a quick FaceTime call with Schwartz to show the final outfit for the evening, and revealed the accessories were 'borrowed' for the party. 'Wow! Now that's fresh,' Schwartz gushed on the call. 'That is so different than everything - I love it.' The jewelry designer then could be heard saying, 'Look at her! Are there any hot guys there tonight?' While looking at her reflection in the mirror, Kardashian simply replied with, 'No... I doubt it.' And then referencing to the jewelry, the mom-of-four hinted to Schwartz, 'I hope Santa's good to me this year.' The designer humorously sang, 'All I want for Christmas are these earrings,' with the All's Fair actress adding with a smile, 'Exactly.' Kardashian did a quick FaceTime call with Schwartz to show the final outfit for the evening, and revealed the accessories were 'borrowed' for the party The jewelry designer then could be heard saying, 'Look at her! Are there any hot guys there tonight?' While looking at her reflection in the mirror, Kardashian simply replied with, 'No... I doubt it' Elsewhere in the clip, Kardashian and her children paused to take holiday photos together inside her $60 million Hidden Hills mansion. The interior was decked out for the festive season with numerous trees flocked with snow. The TV personality shares North, 12, Saint, 10, Chicago, seven, and Psalm, six, with ex-husband Kanye West. Kardashian was seen gathered together with her three youngest children in front of the trees - with her daughter North also spotted towards the end of the reel taking a selfie video with her famous mom. At one point, she also revealed to her glam squad the special present she was giving to each of her children: puppies. The star further unveiled the gift by taking to social media on Christmas Day - but was soon slammed by fans. Kardashian gave her kids four Pomeranian puppies and shared a clip to her Instagram stories as the adorable pups played inside their crates. However on Reddit, one social media user said, 'Puppies are not Christmas gifts for kids,' while another added, 'This is honestly so sad.' Elsewhere in the clip, Kardashian and her children paused to take holiday photos together inside her $60 million Hidden Hills mansion Kardashian was seen gathered together with her three youngest children in front of the trees - with her daughter North also seen towards the end of the reel taking a selfie video with her famous mom At one point, she also revealed to her glam squad the special present she was giving to each of her children: puppies 'If they each got a puppy then it's not special at all. How will they learn to love one pet as siblings when they each get a personal dog like it's a Tamagotchi?' a fan asked. Another said, 'They don't realize what a big responsibility having a pet is, they just have it for show and cause it's small and cute and it's something kids want but when the pup grows up they no longer care for it. Absolutely ridiculous.' This is not the first group of puppies to be introduced into the Kardashian home. Back in 2017, Kardashian adopted Sushi and Sake while with her older sister Kourtney. And when it came to the annual Kardashian/Jenner Christmas Eve bash on Wednesday, it was revealed the family went lowkey for the second year in a row. Khloe Kardashian had uploaded a clip to her own Instagram stories at the start of the night and offered an explanation - which involved their mother Kris Jenner. The star further unveiled the gift by taking to social media on Christmas Day - but was soon slammed by fans And when it came to the annual Kardashian/Jenner Christmas Eve bash on Wednesday, it was revealed the family went lowkey for the second year in a row 'We are not doing a big Christmas Eve party this year, because we just had my mom's huge 70th and we just wanted something more intimate.' She added, 'So we're doing just family, but of course, we have to still be so dressed up, because that's what we love to do. And so we are just celebrating the holiday very glam and fab.' It was also previously announced that the party would be hosted by model Kendall Jenner. The annual bash reportedly was additionally held at her $8.5 million Beverly Hills home last year as well. Kim Kardashian's daughter North West shared a cozy Christmas moment with her stepmom Bianca Censori. The 12-year-old nepo baby - who recently made her Instagram debut last week - reposted a screenshot to her Instagram stories on Friday which was originally shared by rapper Babyxsosa. In the snap, the preteen could be seen sitting closely next to Censori as they held a conversation with the music artist via FaceTime. Babyxsosa - whose real name is Jasia Makayla Abrams - added both a Christmas tree and money with wings emoji over the screenshot. While it is not known when exactly when the video call took place, it appears to have occurred around the holiday due to the emoji. Censori has spent time with North as well as her siblings since tying the knot with her father Kanye West in 2022. Kim Kardashian's daughter North West, 12, shared a cozy Christmas moment with her stepmom Bianca Censori In the snap, the preteen could be seen sitting closely next to Censori as they held a conversation with the music artist via FaceTime The Australian-born architect has also taken on stepmom duty on a number of occasions over the years. Back in August of this year, Censori - who is known for donning racy looks in public - notably covered up as she spent time with the rapper's children during an outing in Los Angeles at the time. It seems the 12-year-old has developed a bond with Censori, and has been seen tagging along with the media personality to dinners in the past as well as trips. Back in 2023, the pair were seen joining West for a meal at the celebrity hotspot Nobu located in Malibu. And last year, Censori took on stepmom duties once again as both she and North grabbed food at a Popeyes as well as McDonald's during a getaway to Paris. North's latest repost comes just days after she made her official Instagram debut on December 19. Her first post was a slightly blurred image of herself as she flashed peace signs toward the camera. Just one week after she joined the social media platform, the preteen has already garnered nearly a million followers. The Australian-born architect has taken on stepmom duty on a number of occasions over the years North's latest repost comes just days after she made her Instagram debut on December 19 Just one week after she joined the social media platform, the preteen has already garnered nearly a million followers Her next post was a close-up snap as she placed her hands over her face while partially showing off a stylish outfit. It comes after West had voiced his disapproval of his eldest daughter's social media activity under the supervision of her mother. Back in 2022, the Heartless rapper said that he told his ex-wife that he did not want their four kids on social media and added that he was also 'not allowing my daughter to be used by TikTok.' The bio on North's Instagram account currently reads: 'account managed by parents.' The nepo baby's third post to her new Instagram account was shared on Christmas Day - where she proudly showed off diamond 'shark teeth' grillz. She unveiled the extravagant custom-made set that was crafted by celebrity jeweler Johnny Dang. North proudly flashed the diamond-encrusted pieces across multiple photos. To complement the latest accessory, the tween sported what's become her signature turquoise-colored hair. She wore a white sweatsuit covered in black graphic print, completing the look with a pair of white, high-top Chrome Hearts sneakers. The big step comes after North's father Kanye West had voiced his disapproval of his eldest daughter's social media activity under the supervision of her mother The nepo baby's third post to her new Instagram account was shared on Christmas Day - where she proudly showed off diamond 'shark teeth' grillz North captioned the post with a single drip of water emoji, and her post has since raked in over one million likes. Dang reposted the photos and described his work as '1/1 shark grillz w/ baguette,' adding, 'Welcome to #flawlessgang.' The upload also featured snapshots of her posing in her billionaire mother's private jet, Kim Air. The fashionista, already known for her bold style choices, was fully glammed up in a face of makeup that included false eyelashes and lip gloss. She also flaunted a long manicure with sharp, pointed tips and spiky 3D designs. Erykah Badu showed love by dropping four blue heart emojis in the comments. And 18-year-old internet personality Lil Tay wrote, 'Swag overload.' Her new grillz and Instagram debut come not long after the preteen has previously sparked both concern and criticism for her style. Earlier this month, North clapped back at critics over her finger piercing - months after she first revealed the controversial bling. Dang reposted the photos and described his work as '1/1 shark grillz w/ baguette,' adding, 'Welcome to #flawlessgang' A few months later in October, the preteen took to her joint TikTok account she shares with her mom and debuted fake face tattoos as well as grillz In August, North showed off what appeared to be a dermal piercing on her right hand during a trip to Italy with her mother, which consisted of two small silver balls below her knuckle on her middle finger. A few months later, in October, the preteen took to her joint TikTok account she shares with her mom and debuted fake face tattoos as well as grillz. 'Fake piercings and fake tatts for life,' the preteen wrote in the caption of one of the posts. Some social media users speculated that the look could simply be a costume for Halloween, while others had differing opinions. North could also be seen sporting sparkling blue nails as well as blue eye contacts and what looked like fake eyelashes. Kardashian appeared to soon clap back after her eldest child was criticized by trolls over the look. Kardashian soon clapped back after her eldest child was criticized by trolls over the look 'North, if she ever posts a TikTok, it's on my phone, so she has to ask my approval, and then I post it, whatever. The comments, all that's on my phone,' Kardashian said The reality star responded to a TikTok video uploaded by Daily Mail Australia which covered the backlash and penned in the comment section, 'This is such a non-issue.' But it was later revealed that it was North herself who penned the short message. During an appearance on Complex's GOAT Talk YouTube series last month, the SKIMS founder labeled the harsh criticism from trolls as both 'disturbing' and 'horrible.' 'North, if she ever posts a TikTok, it's on my phone, so she has to ask my approval, and then I post it, whatever. The comments, all that's on my phone.' The star added, 'So her and her girlfriends, they love doing costumes, they love doing looks, and so, it's Halloween season, so they put on fake tattoos on their face, fake piercings. 'They all had their colored hair. They looked like an opium Powerpuff Girls [that's] what they were going for.' During an episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast in October, Kardashian reflected on her eldest daughter's bold style as well as her maturity; seen in October in Paris During an episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast in October, Kardashian reflected on her eldest daughter's bold style as well as her maturity. 'She's really mature in one sense where she'll be like, "Mom, I saw this and I don't really care that they don't like... my blue hair or this or that." She's really confident and is like, "I probably wouldn't be hanging out with those people."' When it comes to fashion mistakes and allowing North to wear certain looks, the star asked for a 'little bit of grace.' 'I'm like, okay, we're never wearing that again. Unfortunately, we made that mistake in front of the whole world,' Kardashian said while also adding that 'as a mom, you're kind of like learning at the same time.' Tabitha Willet was glowing in a white ensemble as she showed off her pregnancy bump at the Four Seasons Hotel in London in Instagram snaps on Friday. The Made In Chelsea star, 33, looked stunning in a white A-line long sleeve top which draped all the way down to her knee. She completed the effortless look with cream wide leg trousers and matching pumps as she posed in front of a Christmas Tree. Tabitha looked happier than ever as she smiled from ear to ear while holding her bump as she joked: 'Its 11:30 and the club is bumpin bumpin. Tabitha is already mum to Ottilie, six, whom she shares with her former partner Fraser Carruthers. Earlier this week the star revealed she is now pregnant with her second child, just weeks before she is due to marry wealthy heir Harry Hoare. Tabitha Willet was glowing in a white ensemble as she showed off her pregnancy bump at the Four Seasons Hotel in London in Instagram snaps on Friday The Made In Chelsea star, 33, looked stunning in a white A-line long sleeve top which drapes all the way down to her knee Tabitha, who returned to the long-running E4 show ahead of its 29th series in March, shared the news with her Instagram followers. She posted an adorable video of her getting a scan at the hospital, with daughter Ottille at her side. The reality star revealed she is getting married next month - less than a week after announcing her surprise engagement. Revealing her diamond studded engagement ring for the first time alongside various photos of herself alongside her new fiance, Tabitha wrote: 'Love you more than you'll ever know.' Just days after confirming the engagement, Tabitha took to Instagram to say that a 'low-key small wedding' is planned for January. Sharing a picture of wedding dresses, she wrote: 'It's starting... We are actually having a low-key small wedding in January so these are too wedding gowny but so fun to get in the mood.' In the next slide, Tabitha shared a mirror selfie from inside a bridal shop where she was wearing a fluffy white high-neck blouse and tailored trousers. 'If it's not white I'm not wearing it,' she wrote. A formal announcement of her and Harry's engagement was printed by The Times on the newspaper's births, marriages and deaths page on Friday morning. 'The engagement is announced between Henry (Harry), son of Mrs Virginia Hoare and the late Mr Timothy Hoare, and Tabitha, second daughter of Mr Daniel Willett and Miss Muffin Hurst,' it read. Tabitha completed the effortless look with cream wide leg trousers and matching pumps as she posed in front of a Christmas Tree She is already to mum Ottilie, six, whom she shares with former partner Fraser Carruthers Tabitha revealed she is pregnant with her second child, just weeks before she is due to marry wealthy heir Harry Hoare She told fans she is getting married to Harry Hoare (pictured) next month - less than a week after announcing her surprise engagement News of Tabitha's engagement would likely come as a surprise to Made In Chelsea fans, who recently watched her brief romance with co-star Arman Pouladian-Kari play out on screen. Tabitha originally joined the Made In Chelsea cast in 2018, during their annual trip to Croatia. She and her ex Fraser, a friend of Prince Harry, dated for four years after meeting when she was hired as a marketing director at his private members' club Albert's. In 2019, they were engaged in Miami with plans to marry at London's Hurlingham Club the following July but had to cancel their wedding due to the pandemic. However, in October 2020, a year after Ottilie was born, they announced they had split. Victoria Beckham wowed in a stunning satin teal dress from her own collection as she arrived with her daughter Harper and husband David at Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay's wedding on Saturday. Fashion designer Victoria, 51, looked sensational in her teal floor-length ensemble from her own brand, which retails for 1,290. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Harper followed in her mother's glamorous footsteps, appearing to wear a dress from Victoria's collection, which retails for 1,190. She looked stylish in a black satin floor-length dress, paired with a cropped black fluffy jacket and a matching Bottega Veneta clutch, retailing at 3,100. Victoria's chic outfit featured a plunging neckline, long sleeves, pleated waist detailing and a front skirt split. She accessorised with a silver diamond bracelet, oversized black sunglasses and a silver clutch to carry her essentials. Victoria Beckham wowed in a stunning satin teal dress from her own collection as she arrived with her daughter Harper and husband David at Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay's wedding The Beckhams' turned out in full force to show their support for their close friends the Ramsays, arriving at the venue together for the special day She also held what appeared to be a brown faux-fur coat or shawl, as she arrived, accompanied by her children and husband Sir David, 50. Meanwhile, Harper completed her look with a pair of black strappy heels as she walked alongside her fashionable mother. Both Victoria and Harper were both seen previously wearing the same furry jackets during a dinner at Gordon Ramsay's restaurant in Chelsea in November. Holly and Adam are getting married at Bath Abbey on Saturday, yet the lead up to the wedding has been filled with drama amid a bitter family feud which has seen Adam's parents disinvited from the ceremony. However, the Beckhams' turned out in full force to show their support for their close friends the Ramsays, arriving at the venue together for the special day. Sir David looked dapper in a brown double-breasted coat layered over a black-and-white tuxedo as he arrived alongside son Romeo, 23. Romeo sported a brown tweed coat over a similar black-and-white tuxedo. Meanwhile, Cruz, 20, arrived in a grey tweed coat layered over his tuxedo, stepping out with his family. However, one Beckham was notably absent: David and Victoria's eldest son, Brooklyn, 26. Join the debate Is Brooklyn right to cut contact with his family? Fashion designer Victoria, 51, looked sensational in her teal floor-length ensemble from her own brand, which retails for 1,290 The chic outfit featured a plunging neckline, long sleeves, pleated waist detailing and a front skirt split Later in the day, Victoria took to her Instagram Story to share a snap of her stunning dress as she got ready for the wedding, also linking it for her followers Victoria accessorised with a silver diamond bracelet, oversized black sunglasses and a silver clutch to carry her essentials She also held what appeared to be a brown faux-fur coat as she arrived, accompanied by her children and husband Sir David, 50 He is expected to be spending the festive period in America with his wife Nicola's parents, Nelson and Claudia, and her siblings at their Palm Beach mansion. Giving the wedding a miss means that they will, of course, escape an awkward encounter with Brooklyn's parents, with whom the pair are now in open war. Sources familiar with the nuptials say that Brooklyn, as someone who was once a central part of the Ramsay/Beckham gatherings, will of course be missed. But the truth is that his parents and siblings are not the only guests Brooklyn has distanced himself from. Despite being best friends since they were toddlers, the Daily Mail revealed that his relationship with Gordon and Tanas eldest son Jack now in the Marines has sadly fizzled out. They are believed not to have spoken for some time now. In fact, according to friends of both families, their bond began to unravel when Brooklyn began dating Nicola. And, like Brooklyns parents, there was no sign of Jack at Brooklyn and Nicolas service to renew their wedding vows in the summer. It is not known if Brooklyn was invited to Hollys wedding and declined or if he didnt make the guest list. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Harper followed in her mother's glamorous footsteps, appearing to wear a dress from Victoria's collection, which retails for 1,190 She looked stylish in a black satin floor-length dress, paired with a cropped black fluffy jacket and a matching Bottega Veneta clutch, retailing at 3,100 To complete her look, she added inches to her frame with black strappy heels Sir David looked dapper in a brown double-breasted coat layered over a black-and-white tuxedo as he arrived alongside son Romeo, 23 Meanwhile, Cruz, 20, arrived in a grey tweed coat layered over his tuxedo, stepping out with his family But informed sources suggest it would be unlike Holly to have snubbed him because, when it comes to Brooklyn, the Ramsays are thought to take the view the door is always open for him. And they feel it is a huge shame he isnt going as he and Holly were once very close he and Jack even closer. David and Victoria see Gordon and Tana almost as family. The kids all grew up together. Brooklyn always loved his time with them all but his and Jacks friendship isnt really there any more which is a great shame. Gordon and Tana have been upset at the fall-out too. They are very, very fond of Brooklyn. Theyve known him since he was tiny. Brooklyn doesnt appear to see many of his friends he hung out with before Nicola any more and that is very sad. These are people who he goes way back with and Holly is one of them. But then, should Brooklyn have been there, there would have been quite the scene, what with his parent being there. It comes after the Daily Mail exclusively revealed that sources close to David and Victoria insisted they would never unfollow their beloved son Brooklyn on Instagram. In fact, they believe that he has blocked them in a move that appears to be a sign of his 'complete estrangement' from his family. However, one Beckham was notably absent: David and Victoria's eldest son, Brooklyn, 26 He is expected to be spending the festive period in America with his wife Nicola's parents, Nelson and Claudia, and her siblings at their Palm Beach mansion Friends of the pair say that it is inconceivable that they would make a decision not to follow the 26-year-old influencer. 'David and Victoria will never stop loving Brooklyn,' said a source close to the couple. 'They will always be here for him and they always want him to know that, they are devastated at this fall out. 'So far from this being them, it appears that Brooklyn has blocked them to show them that's it, this is final. 'It is very clear that this is a sign of his complete estrangement from his family. 'For David and Victoria it was their last connection to Brooklyn as he has made it very clear he doesn't want to talk to them anymore, they haven't spoken for months and months now. 'By following him it was a message to him that they still love him and still want to follow his life. Now they can't do that, but it's not their doing.' Brooklyn's younger brother Cruz, 20, refuted reports his parents had unfollowed their son in an Instagram Story post on Saturday, instead claiming that he, David and Victoria had been 'blocked' by Brooklyn. 'My mum and dad would never unfollow their son... Let's get the facts right. They woke up blocked... as did I,' Cruz wrote. The Daily Mail reached out to representatives for Brooklyn for comment on Cruz's claims. Adam Peaty arrived hand in hand with his adorable son George as he prepares to marry Holly Ramsay at Bath Abbey on Saturday. The gold medalist, 30, arrived ahead of the ceremony appearing calm, cool and collected, wearing a smart black suit as he clung on to his five-year-old son George's hand. George matched with his father in a black tuxedo fitted with a waistcoat and white flower pinned to his jacket as he grinned from ear to ear prior to the ceremony. Adam shares George with his ex-girlfriend Eirianedd Munro. The former couple welcomed their son in 2020 before later splitting in 2022. Meanwhile Holly, 25, looked the vision of perfection as she wore a white silk cloak with a lace trim over her wedding dress. Adam and George clearly have a close bond and last year the star revealed his son told him I love you Daddy after his shock defeat at the Paris Olympics. Adam Peaty has arrived at his wedding hand in hand with his adorable son George as he prepares to marry Holly Ramsay at Bath Abbey on Saturday The gold medalist, 30, arrived ahead of the ceremony appearing calm, cool and collected, wearing a smart black suit as he clung on to his five-year-old son, George's hand The Team GB star failed to defend his 100 metres breaststroke title as he lost to Italian underdog Nicolo Martinenghi by just 0.02 seconds. Asked about his conversation with George after the race, the father-of-one said: He normally goes, Daddy, are you the fastest boy? and I would have said, Not today. But he just said, I love you Daddy, and thats all I care about. When I hugged George, as soon as I saw his curly hair, I was gone, I was crying. I feel like I've been stung by a bee because I feel so swollen in my face because I've been crying so much.' Meanwhile, as the celebrations prepared to get underway on Saturday it would have been hard to tell that Adam, and his soon-to-be-wife have been at the centre of a toxic family row that has captured the nation. But 120 miles away, in Staffordshire, his mother Caroline, father Mark and wider family are sat at home heartbroken as they will not be among the guests after they were reportedly barred from the wedding by the happy couple. Caroline had reportedly planned to crash the wedding but has since decided against it explaining it would be too sad and they dont want to spoil his big day.' Her change of heart came after shed previously insisted: I will be there, and I will watch from the street.' However, her husband Mark dissuaded her from crashing the wedding, telling her it would be too upsetting to be there. George looked incredibly sweet as he matched with his father in a black tuxedo fitted with a waistcoat and white flower pinned to his jacket The young boy was grinning from ear to ear as he sported his usual curly blonde locks and walked through the city with his family Holly Ramsay, 25, looked the vision of perfection as she wore a white silk cloak with a lace trim over her wedding dress Adam shares George with his ex-girlfriend Eirianedd Munro (pictured). The former couple welcomed their son in 2020 before later splitting in 2022 Instead, the Peatys remain at their home in Uttoxeter - the same home from which Caroline used to ferry her son to and from his countless training sessions and competitions, before his Olympic success. Meanwhile, at Kin House, the Wiltshire manor where the soon-to-be married couple's reception is set to take place, security guards and dogs were spotted patrolling the grounds of the Georgian manor. Wedding organisers put the finishing touches on the two brilliant rose flower arrangements outside Bath Abbey where her son will later be married to the love of his life and perhaps seal the point of no return for her relationship with him. In attendance are the Ramsay clan and their close friends the Beckhams, though David and Victoria's eldest son Brooklyn has snubbed the wedding due to their own ongoing family feud. Six weeks ago, Caroline revealed her hurt and bewilderment in the wake of an extraordinary family bust-up that had exploded into the public arena after Holly's very glossy hen-do, to which she was not invited. Photographs of the glamorous gathering, posted on Instagram, notably included the bride-to-be, her family and friends, Victoria Beckham, Adam's sister Bethany, but not Caroline. Bethany Peaty joined Holly Ramsay's sisters Tilly and Megan as they led the bridal party at the couple's wedding on Saturday. Holly and Adam Peaty tied the knot at Bath Abbey among their friends and family including the Beckhams. However the Olympic swimmer's parents were noticeably absent after a bitter family feud with his mother Caroline saw them disinvited from the ceremony. Adam's older sister Bethany is the only member of his side who appears to have survived the bitter family fallout. And she appeared beside fellow bridesmaids Tilly, 24, and Megan, 27, as they wowed in satin red dresses. Adam, 30, and his blushing bride Holly, 25, beamed as they made their grand exit from the historic 7th-century building following their ceremony. Bethany Peaty joined Holly Ramsay's sisters Tilly and Megan as they led the bridal party at the couple's wedding on Saturday (L-R Megan Ramsay, Tilly Ramsay and Bethany Peaty) The bridesmaids all wowed in satin red dresses as they arrived at Bath Abbey to watch Holly and Adam tie the knot in front of their friends and family including the Beckhams The Olympian swimmer, 30, and his blushing bride, 25, beamed as they made their grand exit from the historic building following their ceremony today They smiled as they made their way through an adoring crowd, keen to catch the loved-up couple, before they headed to the opulent Georgian manor, Kin House. Meanwhile, Holly's proud celebrity chef father, Gordon Ramsay, 59, was seen thanking members of the star-studded guest list, including the Beckhams, as they left the service. The bride kept her Christmas wedding dress firmly under wraps on her way inside the abbey, covering it with an embroidered lace cloak as hordes of onlookers were eager to catch a glimpse. She shivered as she emerged from the car into the near-freezing wintry temperatures despite clutching an ivory hooded satin cloak around her traditional ivory lace voluminous wedding dress. Holly looked visibly nervous as she paused for a moment in the icy wind while an attendant helped to ease her dress and its train from the Rolls Royce. Her father, as if sensing her hesitation, moved round to face her and whispered a few words into her ear. Then, in a touching moment between the two of them, they smiled tenderly at each other and he kissed her on the cheek before they moved forwards. Security guards holding umbrellas to the side to fend off unwanted attention flanked Gordon and his daughter, as the chef waved and said 'Merry Christmas'. They gleefully smiled as they made their way through an adoring crowd, keen to catch the loved-up couple, before they headed to the opulent Georgian manor, Kin House Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay outside of Bath Abbey today The couple making their way to the car as hordes of people try to catch a snap of the newlyweds Peaty and his new bride enter a car to leave Bath Abbey this afternoon Holly Ramsey stuns as she arrives in a white wedding gown with her father Gordon Ramsay Adam's older sister Bethany, who is the only member of his side who appears to have survived the bitter family fallout, carried a bunch of flowers in her hand as she arrived at the venue Proud father Gordon and his daughter Holly share a loving glance at one another ahead of the ceremony at Bath Abbey The 25-year-old bride smiles as she makes her way to Bath Abbey draped in a white cloak Back in November, The Sun reported that the real reason Bethany made the cut for the wedding is because she 'fits in' to the Ramsay's' glamorous world because 'she's blonde and pretty' Hordes of guests spill out of the historic building, where the cost of a wedding can be around 2,500 She kept her eyes cast downwards as if unprepared for the large and noisy crowds that had gathered to the front and sides of the abbey awaiting her arrival. Holly chose a dewy make-up look, coupled with an understated updo and veil, only giving crowds a short glimpse of a scalloped skirt underneath her long train. Back in November it was reported that the real reason Adam's sister Bethany made the cut for the wedding is because she 'fits in' to the Ramsays' glamorous world because 'she's blonde and pretty'. A friend close to the family told the publication: 'Bethany has always been very close to Adam and she is really taken with the celebrity lifestyle, she's had her head turned by all the glitz and glamour. 'She was over the moon to be at the hen party, hanging out with Victoria Beckham and couldn't wait to tell all her friends about it. 'She really fits in with the glam world she's blonde and very pretty.' Six weeks ago, Adam's mother Caroline revealed her hurt and bewilderment in the wake of an extraordinary family bust-up that had exploded into the public arena after Holly's very glossy hen-do, to which she was not invited. Photographs of the glamorous gathering, posted on Instagram, notably included the bride-to-be, her family and friends, Victoria Beckham, Adam's sister Bethany, but not Caroline. She was at home, looking after Adam's son, George, five, from his previous relationship. It comes after Adam broke his silence amid the toxic family rift, which has overshadowed his wedding to Holly. The Olympic swimmer took to Instagram last month, insisting there are 'two sides to every story' and that he and Holly 'will get through' the 'challenging times'. He penned: 'For those who know me personally, you know that I work so hard on trying to improve myself as a person who wants to contribute to making the world a better place. 'I am continuing to learn about myself and how I can be the man I want to be; a worthy partner, father, businessman, friend and athlete; even through these challenging times. 'Bethany [his sister], Holly and I will get through this - we do not ask for sympathy. We just need people to be aware that there are always two sides to every story. 'To those of you who have reached out and shown kindness and understanding - thank you. It is deeply appreciated.' He also explained that he, Holly and Bethany cannot go into detail due to 'an ongoing police investigation into serious matters that arose long before recent events'. Last month, it was revealed that Holly and Adam had banned his mother from their wedding after an astonishing family row over Holly's failure to invite her future mother-in-law to her hen party. The influencer daughter of fiery chef Gordon Ramsay welcomed her own mother, Tana, family friend Victoria, and Adam's sister to her pre-nuptial celebrations at the celebrity hotspot Soho Farmhouse. Victoria and David Beckham arriving in Bath ahead of the star-studded wedding Harper Beckham, 14, arrives at the ceremony in a stunning floor-length gown coupled with a fluffy black cropped jacket Cruz Beckham sports a grey long coat as he makes his way to Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty's wedding ceremony The aspiring musician was flanked by security on his way into the abbey Adam Peaty arriving at his wedding to Holly Ramsay today It comes after Adam insisted there are 'two sides to every story' amid 'challenging times' as he broke his silence over the toxic family rift that has overshadowed his wedding to Holly A source close to Adam's working-class family claimed the apparent snub happened after the swimmer, who was once close to his mother, had distanced himself from her after being seduced by the fame and glamour of the Ramsays. When the row came to light, Adam's aunt Louise blasted her nephew and his now wife Holly in a series of Instagram comments, where she also detailed the reason why her sister was not invited to the bride's hen party. Caroline also broke her silence on the rift in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, breaking down in tears as she claimed Holly's family are 'pulling him away from her'. You can read the full interview here. In a post on Instagram, Caroline shared the quote: 'The moment you realise: The little sister who once drove you crazy is now the one who keeps you sane - your loudest supporter and forever best friend. 'She eventually becomes the comfort zone which every elder sister secretly needed all along.' Caroline added the caption: 'Louise I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being my protector through this difficult time x 'To the people who are being so cruel to my sister, please stop! Sadly you obviously don't understand the bond of sisters.' Adam hunkered down at his father-in-law Gordon's home after the feud intensified when his brother James was arrested over claims he sent Peaty a barrage of verbal threats while the swimmer celebrated his stag weekend in Budapest. It's understood that Peaty's brother James, who works as a builder, was questioned for two days before being released on conditional bail. A family source previously told the Daily Mail: 'The boys have always been close, and Jamie, who is a builder, even helped Adam renovate his house. 'They've always got on, but Adam has changed with his new celebrity lifestyle and family. 'Now James has a potential charge hanging over his head and his parents have the headache of being disinvited and banned from their son's wedding. Last month it was revealed Holly and Adam had banned his mother from their wedding after an astonishing family row over Holly's failure to invite her future mother-in-law to her hen party (pictured with his mother Caroline and Holly in 2024) He penned: 'Bethany, Holly and I will get through this - we do not ask for sympathy. We just need people to be aware that there are always two sides to every story' 'This is so hurtful and distressing for our family.' Peaty was reportedly granted a huge police escort at Manchester airport after flying back home from his stag do. A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police told the Daily Mail: 'We arrested a 34-year-old man, from the Uttoxeter area, on 11 November 2025, on suspicion of harassment. 'The man was released on conditional bail while our enquiries continue.' The couple have also been accused of 'body shaming' his mother by his family, after it was claimed she wasn't invited to their wedding due to her appearance and not having the correct 'look'. Caroline recently broke her silence to the Daily Mail on the bitter rift that has emerged between her family and the one her son is marrying into. She told us: 'I know it's the end. 'But please, the message I want Adam to hear is no matter what happens in the future, please know I love you, your dad loves you, you can come home and talk to me at any point. A source close to Adam's working-class family claimed the apparent snub happened after the swimmer had distanced himself from her after being seduced by the fame of the Ramsays 'There's nothing you've done that I would not forgive. I love you so much. 'I hope your marriage is a good one, I don't wish any ill on you and I want you and Holly to have a long and happy marriage, like your dad and me. The reason I'm speaking out is I want all this to end.' Caroline is acutely aware of how different her world is from the one that her son now inhabits, and the family are said to be worried sick about the power and influence of the Ramsay family. 'He's in Gordon's clutches,' Caroline said. 'I can't help but feel like they are pulling him away from me. Their family is very insular.' A heartbroken Tori Spelling has announced she will no longer be appearing at a 90s party after coming down with an illness. The Beverly Hills, 90210 star was set to host a '90s After Dark party with former co-star Brian Austin Green at the Voltaire, a music venue at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, on Sunday. However, Spelling is now withdrawing on account of her health. Spelling, 52, broke the bad news with Instagram followers in a statement on Friday - however assured fans they would be re-scheduling. 'Hey loves,' Spelling began. 'This hurts to share, but I need to be honest with you. Im sick and have to postpone our After Dark event this Sunday night in Las Vegas. Ive been counting down the days to see you, and it truly breaks my heart to pause something I was so excited for. 'Right now, I have to listen to my body and choose my health. Thank you for always showing me so much love and understanding. A heartbroken Tori Spelling has announced she will no longer be appearing at a 90s party after coming down with an illness Spelling pictured with 90210 co-star Brian Austin Green, whom she was set to host the bash with 'A new date is coming very soon and I cant wait to see you After Dark soon. @brianaustingreen #BrianandToriAfterDarkinVegas.' The event was one that Spelling had been excitedly promoting in recent weeks, one which was set to feature the musical stylings of R&B group Color Me Badd. 'David + Donna are BACK in Vegas BABY! Same iconic duo different zip code' she recently posted of the bash. The one-night only party has been billed as one set to transport revelers back to the 90s. 'Voltaire is kicking it old school and welcomes acclaimed television personalities Brian Austin Green and Tori Spelling to host the ultimate '90s After Dark Party,' a description of the bash reads. 'On December 28, for one night only, fans are invited to a post-concert party and be transported back in time to the 1990s. Along with the iconic hosts, the evening will feature a DJ playing the 'greatest hits from the '90s as well as a throwback performance from 90210 alums and R&B group, Color Me Badd. 'Guests can expect an atmosphere buzzing with high-energy nostalgia, surprise moments and the kind of infectious party vibe Voltaire is known for.' Spelling has had a busy holiday season thus far. She celebrated Christmas with the five children she shares with ex-husband Dean McDermott - Liam, 18, Stella, 17, Hattie, 14, Finn, 13, and Beau, eight. The duo starred in Beverly Hills, 90210 as Donna Martin and David Silver Spelling, pictured with Brian in 1992, had been enthusiastically promoting the 90s bash with followers in recent weeks Spelling said it 'hurt' to break the news about her cancellation The star uploaded a photo of their fun-filled festivities to her Instagram, one which showed them all clad in pajamas as they posed beside their festive tree. 'A Beary Merry Christmas,' she captioned the post. Spelling shares Liam, 18, Stella, 17, Hattie, 14, Finn, 13, and Beau, eight, with McDermott, 59. The actress filed to end their marriage last year and their divorce was finalized last month, according to TMZ. Spelling has described their split as 'one of the easiest divorces in Hollywood.' 'I am officially divorced,' she said on her podcast misSPELLING last month. 'It's been quite a journey. I gotta say, you guys, this is something never said this was one of the easiest divorces in Hollywood. You can quote me there.' She celebrated Christmas with her five children she shares with ex-husband Dean McDermott Spelling officially ended her marriage with McDermott in late 2025 The star then added, 'Screw it take Hollywood out. This is one of the easiest divorces.' The podcast host mused that it's 'interesting' that despite experiencing marital woes, they did not have any during divorce proceedings. 'It's so interesting because Dean and I were together 20 years, married 18, and while we had our ups and downs and problems throughout our marriage, we've had absolutely no problems throughout the divorce,' she stated. She noted that the divorce going smoothly is 'a testament to the two of us and wanting to really step up and be there for the five humans we chose to create out of love and setting a good example.' PETA has torched Kim Kardashian after she gave each of her four children Pomeranian puppies for Christmas. The reality star, 45, introduced four dogs into her family this past week - and faced furious backlash by netizens over her decision to get her children a live animal as a present. Khloe Kardashian, 41, also got a new dog for her family during the holiday season - a pooch she obtained from a breeder. Now Ingrid Newkirk, the founder of PETA, has issued a statement decrying Kim's present and standing by those who 'rightly slammed' the star. Newkirk also called out Khloe for failing to adopt a dog from a local shelter. 'Puppies are not plushies, and its a damn shame that Kim missed the chance to be a spokesperson for shelter pups and instead is being rightly slammed on social media for that,' Newkirk said in a statement obtained by the Daily Mail. PETA has called out Kim and Khloe Kardashian after they welcomed puppies into their family for Christmas Kim announced she had given each one of her four children a Pomeranian puppy for Christmas 'Ignoring the homeless animals crisis is inexcusably callous, and so we ask Kim and Khloe, who did the same thing, to call PETA or a local shelter the next time they want to bring an animal into their homeand try to make some amends now by sending their kids to volunteer at a local shelter or paying for a local shelter adopt-a-thon or at least one spay day to help stop the growing homeless puppy crisis.' Kim faced the wrath of netizens after she announced each one of her children had received a puppy on Christmas. In one snap, which showed all four of the dogs cuddled up together on her cozy couch, she wrote, 'Each kid got a puppy.' Kim has four children, daughters North West, 12, and Chicago, seven, and sons Saint, ten, and Psalm, six, with her ex-husband Kanye West. Some fans took to Reddit to criticize her decision. 'Puppies are not Christmas gifts for kids,' one Reddit user wrote. Another agreed, 'Animals and pets are not gifts unless someone has really wanted that pet and will truly look after it. This is f**ked up.' 'If they each got a puppy then its not special at all. How will they learn to love one pet as siblings when they each get a personal dog like its a Tamagotchi?' someone else typed. The reality TV star (seen recently) also has dogs Sushi and Sake, whom she adopted with her sister Kourtney Kardashian in mid 2017 One user commented: 'They dont realize what a big responsibility having a pet is, they just have it for show and cause its small and cute and its something kids want but when the pup grows up they no longer care for it. Absolutely ridiculous.' 'This is honestly so sad,' another person chimed in. Someone else seconded, 'This is wrong on every level in every conceivable way.' The four new additions to the family aren't the only Pomeranians that Kim owns. She also has dogs Sushi and Sake, whom she adopted with her sister Kourtney Kardashian in mid-2017. In 2022, she came under fire after she appeared to show the dogs living in her garage. At the time, North, who shares a TikTok account with her mother, posted a video on the social media app that showed the pets walking around the garage in tiny coats. The dogs appeared to be in a large pen with pee pads inside. Khloe also expanded her growing family with a dog this Christmas The video, which seemed to be showing off the pups' festive setup, included a mini Christmas tree and stockings. But it was met with fierce backlash as many fans called out the SKIMS founder for not providing her dogs with a better living arrangement. Kim's brood wasn't the only one receiving a new furry friend - Khloe also welcomed a Labrador dog named Peppermint into her family for Christmas. 'I am going to cry shes the best in the world,' she gushed. She also tagged Big Creek Labradors, a Labrador retriever breeder based in Indiana. Khloe's daughter True, seven, and Tatum, three, had been asking for a puppy for Christmas, but there's an even deeper meaning behind the canine. Little Peppermint has been acclimating to her new family Khloe shared video of True playing on her swing set beside the new Labrador One of the family's Russian Blue cats was also adjusting to her new fur sibling The Good American founder previously owned a black lab named Gabbana, who died in 2018 at the age of fourteen. Khloe penned an emotional tribute to Gabbana after his passing, calling the pooch her 'first child'. 'Last night my sweet Gabbana passed away. She was more than a pet. She was my first child, my companion and my friend...' she wrote at the time. 'I never thought I would be this devastated over loosing [sic] a dog but 14 years, is a long time together. She filled a significant role in my life and I'm forever grateful. I love you Goober!! I'll remember you always!' Meanwhile, Peppermint is now adjusting to his new family, with Khloe posting videos of True and Tatum getting to know the dog. One of the family's Russian Blue cats is also acclimating to her new fur sibling - one photo showed the feline curiously watching Peppermint resting from atop her chair. Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright have celebrated their first Christmas as a family of three with their daughter baby Palma. The couple welcomed their first child together in March of this year, with Michelle's husband Mark, 38, by her side for the birth. In new pictures posted to social media, fans have been given an insight of their festive celebrations together. It was a family affair with former The Only Way Is Essex star Mark's sisters Jess and Natalya, mum Carole and brother Josh all gathered around the table for Christmas dinner. Michelle, 38, could be seen sat beside Mark smiling for the group snap as she held a champagne flute in her hand filled with orange. Mark, wearing a white t-shirt, had his arms around Michelle and his dad, Mark Snr. It was a family affair with former The Only Way Is Essex star Mark's sisters Jess and Natalya, mum Carole and brother Josh all gathered around the table for Christmas dinner The little one also bonded with her cousins during the day, with a snap showing mum Michelle crouching on the floor as they all gathered around a large doll house Palma looked festive in a red velvet outfit that featured a large bow at the back as they both posed beside a beautifully decorated tree Another capture showed Palma's proud aunt Jess, 40, holding her in her arms as she wore a gorgeous sheer white blouse. Palma looked festive in a red velvet outfit that featured a large bow at the back as they both posed beside a beautifully decorated tree. The little one also bonded with her cousins during the day, with a snap showing mum Michelle crouching on the floor as they all gathered around a large doll house. Jess captioned the photographs: 'Christmas all wrapped up. 'I feel beyond lucky to be surrounded by family. 'Thinking of all those without this year or missing loved ones.' Jess' Christmas update as Michelle and Mark have yet to upload their own festive snaps from the big day. Fool Me Once star Michelle last updated fans with a sweet capture showing her and Mark wearing matching pyjamas with Palma. Join the debate Do YOU think it's important for celebrities to share intimate family moments like Christmas on social media? The couple welcomed their first child together in March of this year, with Michelle's husband Mark, 38, by her side for the birth In November, Michelle and Mark revealed they had put their Christmas decorations up early at their 3.5million Essex mansion. They took to Instagram to reveal the sheer scale of the decor after enlisting 4 Seasons Events to makeover their huge abode. In the video, garlands with red baubles and giant bows framed the front entryway of the house. In the grand hallway, the staircase also had foliage running down the bannisters while a huge tree stood centre stage. Surrounded by presents, the tree was adorned with gold stars and more red baubles. They captioned the post: 'It's the most wonderful time of the year, an extra special one for us this time. 'Thank you @4.seasonevents for bringing the magic to our home again.' Before winding down for Christmas, Michelle partied with her cast-mates on The Blame. Earlier this year, Michelle and Mark enjoyed their first holiday with Palma The actress has been working on forthcoming TV drama, a six-part series centred on systemic corruption and internal police politics in a small English town. Taking to Instagram, she confirmed she was completing her last week on set with co-stars Nathan Mensah, Douglas Booth, Nigel Boyle and Joe Armstrong. Sharing a handful of behind-the-scenes photos, the actress - who has been filming the show at various locations across Hertfordshire, London, and Essex - wrote: 'The final week filming The Blame. IT'S A WRAP!' The new drama is based on author Charlotte Langley's debut novel of the same name and centres on the grim discovery of the body of a teenage figure skater, sending shockwaves through the town of Wakestead. Lounging on superyachts in string bikinis, there was a time when Camila Morrone was just another of Leonardo DiCaprio's impossibly beautiful girlfriends. That was before the Victoria's Secret model swapped catwalks for acting - to launch a stellar career guided by advice from her stepfather Al Pacino. Camila, 28, says the counselling from Pacino, 85, helped her overcome her struggle to convey emotion on camera and land the leading role opposite Tom Hiddleston in the long-awaited second series of The Night Manager, which starts on BBC1 at 9pm on New Year's Day. She is still close to Pacino, whose ten-year relationship with her mother Lucila ended in 2018, and drew heavily on his advice during a tearful, tense scene with 44-year-old Hiddleston's character Jonathan Pine in a hotel room. She says that at the start of her acting career, she told Pacino she 'didn't know how to act' or 'cry' on camera. She says he advised her: 'Just be yourself. If you don't cry that's fine, just react to the act and you'll be fine.' An industry expert adds: 'There was a period when she had Pacino as her stepdad and Leo as her boyfriend. That's got to be more valuable than a top acting school.' After the success of the first series, which aired ten years ago to rave reviews, producers knew the follow-up to the adaptation of John le Carre's novel needed an actress who conjured up the same red-hot chemistry Hiddleston shared with former co-star Elizabeth Debicki. 'They knew Camila was right to play Roxana from her first audition,' says an industry insider. 'She has a combination of incredible sex appeal with palpable intelligence. She's not arm candy, she's a force to be reckoned with.' Camila says: 'My character's this hustler. She's the smartest person in any room, which I love, and she has all the men eating out of the palm of her hand.' One much-anticipated scene sees her in a steamy three-way clinch with Hiddleston and Diego Calva, who plays villainous weapons boss Teddy Dos Santos Camila, 28, says the counselling from Pacino, 85, helped her overcome her struggle to convey emotion on camera As businesswoman Roxana Bolanos, she helps Hiddleston's Pine infiltrate a Colombian arms gang. One much-anticipated scene sees her in a steamy three-way clinch with Hiddleston and Diego Calva, who plays villainous weapons boss Teddy Dos Santos. Born to Argentine actor parents in Los Angeles in 1997, Camila went to the Beverly Hills school that also taught Nicholas Cage, Angelina Jolie and Carrie Fisher. She began modelling internationally at 18 and two years later bagged her first major film role as Bruce Willis's daughter in Eli Roth's action film Death Wish. Before The Night Manager, her most high-profile role was in 2023's Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six, for which she earned an Emmy award nomination. That secured her audition for The Night Manager, which is set to make her an international star. The James Bond-esque drama launched Hiddleston's career in 2016 and thrust his co-star Olivia Colman, 51, into awards territory. The six-episode version of Le Carre's 1993 book was an immediate hit with viewers and critics - 10 million tuned into the finale and it swept the board at the Baftas and the Golden Globe awards. In an industry ruled by viewing figures a follow-up seemed a given, though Le Carre never wrote a sequel and died in 2020. He admired the BBC adaptation and gave his blessing to a second series. But despite support from three sons who manage his estate, for a long time nothing made it past a development stage. When she stood on the red carpet at the London premiere of The Night Manager this month, Camila was happy to pose alone David Farr, 56, who penned the first series, wasn't immediately available to work on a second. Other scriptwriters tried and failed to create Le Carre's world. Then Farr finally dreamt the idea for a follow-up. 'I half woke up and thought, 'I think I know what that is. I realise what the story could be',' he told Radio Times earlier this month. At a memorial event after Le Carre's death, Farr relayed his dream to producers who immediately commissioned an episode. Set mainly in Colombia, the new season is directed by Bafta-winning Georgi Banks-Davies. This time Pine infiltrates an arms ring. His nemesis Richard Roper - played by Hugh Laurie in the first series - is supposedly dead but still wields influence over the criminal underworld. In a world of subterfuge and intrigue, Camila's character is persuaded to join Pine to track down one of Roper's evil aides. Later in the series she showcases her sexy side, going full Bond girl in a show-stopping blue dress for that clinch with Hiddleston and Calva. Off screen, she has moved on from her five-year romance with DiCaprio and is with music video director Cole Bennett, 29. Next year she will portray Countess Olenska in Netflix's The Age of Innocence, a character played by Michelle Pfeiffer in Martin Scorsese's 1993 film. She may have spent years in the shadow of two Hollywood greats, but when she stood on the red carpet at the London premiere of The Night Manager this month, Camila was happy to pose alone. Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher died exactly nine years ago Saturday - the day before her movie star mother Debbie Reynolds, in a haunting twist of fate. Fisher had been open about her battles with addiction and bipolar disorder, which she documented in her memoirs and romans a clef like Postcards from the Edge. The actress and writer died at the age of 60 after going into cardiac arrest on a plane with cocaine, morphine and ecstasy in her system. She was on a flight from London to Los Angeles when the health crisis occurred and was rushed to the hospital when the aircraft landed. Although she underwent treatment, she was pronounced dead in the hospital four days after the flight - at 8:55am on December 27, 2016. One day later her grief-stricken mother Debbie Reynolds died of a stroke at 84, after telling her son Todd Fisher: 'I miss her so much, I want to be with Carrie.' Star Warsicon Carrie Fisherdied exactly nine years ago Saturday - the day before her movie star mother Debbie Reynolds, in a haunting twist of fate; the pair pictured in 2015 The coroner's report on Fisher's death was not released until the following June and said she died of sleep apnea among other undetermined causes. However the toxicology report shed more light on the circumstances surrounding her death, revealing she had opiates, cocaine, methadone and ethanol in her system. Reynolds announced the death of her 'beloved and amazing daughter' in Facebook post that she heartbreakingly signed: 'Love Carries Mother.' One day later, she herself died of a stroke at the age of 84, after uttering her last words: 'I miss her so much, I want to be with Carrie,' according to TMZ. Their survivors include Fisher's daughter Billie Lourd, 33, whom she welcomed with her second husband, Hollywood super-agent Bryan Lourd. Billie has followed in her mother and grandmother's footsteps and become an actress, and she is now married to actor Austen Rydell, with whom she shares two children - her son Kingston, five, and her daughter Jackson, three. She marked her mother's ninth death anniversary this Saturday by posting two pictures to Instagram - one of herself with both her parents 25 years ago, and one taken in the same room this Christmas of her father with her children. 'It has been 9 years since my mom died. My daughter woke up earlier than usual this morning so we went outside together and she knowingly laid her little head on my chest. She looked up at me with her big soulful eyes and said I love you mama and grabbed my face with her little chubby hands and kissed me,' wrote Billie. Their survivors include Fisher's daughter Billie Lourd, 33, whom she welcomed with her second husband, Hollywood super-agent Bryan Lourd; all pictured 2000 She marked her mother's ninth death anniversary with two pictures - one of herself with both her parents, and one taken in the same room this Christmas of her father with her children 'She does this pretty much every morning and dare I say, there is no better way to wake up and no ritual I love more. I told her how much her grandmomby would have loved her and she looked up at me and kissed me again,' she added. 'Then we walked to breakfast with my dad and they ran around together like 2 old souls that have known each other forever,' she recalled. The happiness of that moment 'wouldnt be possible without my mom,' Billie noted, writing: 'This joy only exists because she existed. So even though she is not physically part of this joy, she is part of the reason for it. Even though she is not alive she lives on through this joy.' She observed: 'My grief takes on many shapes - today, right now in this moment, that shape is this joy I get to experience watching my kids with my dad. It could and will change shapes multiple times throughout this day because grief is never just one thing but right now I am relishing in this bittersweet grieful joy.' Billie went on: 'As my mom wisely said, Nothing is ever really over. Just over there. My mombys life isnt really over. Just over there - in my kids and in this joy Im able to experience because of her. Thank you momby. I will never stop missing you.' At the time of her death, Fisher was working on a sequel to her hit one-woman show Wishful Drinking, which she adapted into a memoir of the same name. Wishful Drinking was a blisteringly funny and open account of such turbulent experiences as her Star Wars fame, drug addiction, bipolar disorder, marriage to Paul Simon and celebrity parents Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher. Reynolds and Eddie Fisher were married from 1955 until 1959, when he deserted her and their two children for her friend Elizabeth Taylor. Fisher had been open about her battles with addiction and bipolar disorder, which she documented in her memoirs and romans a clef; pictured in 1977 in a publicity still for Star Wars Pointing to a photo-strewn blackboard onstage, Fisher explained: 'For those of you that are younger, try to think of it this way. Think of Eddie as Brad Pitt, Debbie as Jennifer Aniston and Elizabeth as Angelina Jolie. Does that help?' She described her worldview onstage during the show: 'If my life wasn't funny, it would just be true, and that is completely unacceptable.' At another point in the play, she vamped about the fact 'people are still asking me if I knew Star Wars was gonna be that big of a hit. Yes! I knew! We all knew. The only one who didn't know was George Lucas. We kept it from him, 'cause we wanted to see what his face looked like when it changed expression.' In 2008, she adapted the show - which she performed barefoot - into the first of what turned out to be three memoirs she would write over the course of her lifetime. Shockaholic followed three years later, covering such subjects as her experience with ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) to treat her bipolar disorder. The book also contains reminiscences of her relationship with her father during his final years, the Christmas she had with Michael Jackson during what turned out to be the winter before his death and her disastrous blind date with US Senator Chris Dodd. Months before she died, she published her last book The Princess Diarist, which aired out the journals she kept while filming the first Star Wars movie in England in 1976, along with newly-written commentary. Reynolds, pictured in 1955, announced the death of her 'beloved and amazing daughter' on Facebook, which she heartbreakingly signed: 'Love Carries Mother' The most famous revelation in the book was of the affair she had with her co-star Harrison Ford, who was 14 years her senior and still married to his first wife. The book describes the dalliance as a 'three-month one-night stand,' but expounds at length about her insecurity and her keen desire to impress him at the time. Before the memoirs, she wrote four semi-autobiographical novels, beginning with Postcards from the Edge, which follows actress called Suzanne Vale who emerges from rehab and struggles to reassemble her life and career. Fisher adapted the novel into a screenplay for a 1990 Mike Nichols film of the same name, in which Suzanne was played by Meryl Streep and her Debbie Reynolds-modeled mother Doris Mann was played by Shirley MacLaine. The next romans a clef were Surrender The Pink - which was inspired by her failed marriage to Paul Simon - Delusions of Grandma and finally a sequel to Postcards from the Edge entitled The Best Awful. Lachie Neale quietly fled Queensland over Christmas, retreating to his family's coastal hideaway in South Australia as his marriage to wife Jules continues to unravel in full public view. The two-time Brownlow Medallist is understood to have spent the festive period at a private holiday home in Robe, far from the glare of Brisbane's footy bubble and the growing storm surrounding his personal life, according to Adelaide Now. Neale, who grew up in Kybybolite about 130 kilometres inland, was spotted leaving the property in a packed four-wheel drive on Saturday morning. Back in Brisbane, the couple's Seven Hills home remained empty on Christmas Day, with the pair spending the holidays in different states amid mounting signs their seven-year marriage has reached breaking point. While Neale sought refuge in South Australia, his estranged wife was on the opposite side of the country. Jules, a hairdresser and influencer, shared a cryptic Instagram story from Busselton Jetty in Western Australia on Christmas Eve, accompanied by a wounded heart emoji, confirming she had returned home to be with her family. Lachie Neale quietly fled Queensland over Christmas, retreating to his family's coastal hideaway in South Australia as his marriage to wife Jules continues to unravel in full public view. Both pictured in September The separation has played out publicly over recent weeks, with Jules making a series of telling moves online. She has removed the shared talent management company, TGI Sport, from her Instagram bio, cutting professional ties with the firm that manages both her and her AFL star husband. Jules also deleted the contact details of her manager and now only lists her hairdressing business and children's clothing label on her profile. The change came after she made a stunning public declaration about the collapse of her marriage, denying reports she and Neale were quietly working through private issues. 'I want to make it very clear that I am not working through anything. I have been betrayed in the most unimaginable way,' she wrote in a now-deleted post. 'All I can do now is to heal and do what's best for my children.' Within hours, every photo of her husband vanished from her Instagram account. Jules has also found herself at the centre of a very public falling out with former close friend Tess Crosley, who recently appeared in grand final celebration photos alongside the couple. Back in Brisbane, the couple's Seven Hills home remained eerily empty on Christmas Day, with the pair spending the holidays in different states amid mounting signs their seven-year marriage has reached breaking point Jules has also found herself at the centre of a very public falling out with former close friend Tess Crosley, who recently appeared in grand final celebration photos alongside the couple. Pictured L - R: Tess, Lachie, Tess' husband Ben, Jules In screenshots that later circulated online, Jules demanded Tess remove the images, writing: 'Take these down, you idiot, you're embarrassing yourself.' The pair were previously inseparable, regularly holidaying together and even appearing in light-hearted TikTok videos alongside their husbands, with one clip showing the foursome joking about being 'four best friends'. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Tess. Adding further weight to rumours of a permanent split, a moving truck was recently seen parked in the driveway of the couple's Brisbane home, fuelling speculation that Jules is preparing to relocate back to Western Australia. The high-profile pair share two young children, four-year-old daughter Piper and baby son Freddie, who was born in December 2024. Daily Mail has reached out for comment. A controversial British porn star has been accused of disrespecting Indonesia after staging a provocative stunt outside the country's embassy in London - just weeks after she was deported from Bali and banned for a decade. Bonnie Blue, whose real name is Tia Billinger, appeared in a since-deleted video filmed outside the Indonesian Embassy, where she was flanked by masked men and appeared to mock local culture while referencing her recent arrest overseas. 'Apparently, I've disrespected the Bali culture, but that's nothing compared to the disrespect these boys are about to show me,' she says in the footage. Blue was then seen tucking the Indonesian flag into the back of her jeans and mimicking a sex act as she stood outside the diplomatic building, while those around her cheered. 'People said Ive disrespected Bali culture. Instead, I am going to use this to wipe the floor. I'm just here to pay my 8.50 (AU$20) fine,' she added. Daily Mail has approached Blue for comment. Bonnie Blue has been accused of disrespecting Indonesia after staging a provocative stunt outside the country's embassy in London - just weeks after she was deported from Bali and banned for a decade Blue appeared in a since-deleted video filmed outside the Indonesian Embassy, where she was flanked by masked men and appeared to mock local culture while referencing her recent arrest overseas Footage of the stunt quickly spread on social media platform X, triggering fury from users - including many who said the flag imagery crossed a serious line. 'I'm not even Indonesian and I got furious,' one user wrote. Another commented: 'She can do whatever she wants, but using the Indonesian flag... deeply disrespectful.' A third said: 'This act constitutes an insult to national dignity.' Others made it clear that her earlier behaviour in Bali was beside the point. 'What you did in Bali, we couldnt care less tbh but dragging our flag has crossed the line,' one person wrote. Indonesia's Foreign Ministry confirmed the incident had prompted an official response. Spokeswoman Yvonne Mewengkang told the Jakarta Globe the embassy had lodged a formal complaint with UK authorities. Blue was then seen tucking the Indonesian flag into the back of her jeans and mimicking a sex act as she stood outside the diplomatic building, while the men around her cheered Blue's latest controversy comes after she was arrested last month during a police raid on a studio in Badung, Bali, alongside 17 male tourists 'The red and white flag is a symbol of sovereignty, honour, and national identity that must be respected by everyone, wherever they are,' she said. Blues latest controversy comes after she was arrested last month during a police raid on a studio in Badung, Bali, alongside 17 male tourists. Fourteen of the men - all Australians - were released without charge, while police investigated Blue and three others. After two days of questioning, Badung Police later said they had not found any pornographic elements during the raid, with officials stating those present had admitted they were filming content for a reality show. Allegations of pornography were not substantiated, and Blue was ultimately found guilty only of a minor motor vehicle offence. She was fined the equivalent of AU$20 - or faced one month in jail - before being deported and banned from Indonesia for 10 years. Blue previously had her Australian visa cancelled in 2024. The 26-year-old was deported this month after police raided a studio in Badung, a popular tourist district near Bali's provincial capital of Denpasar. A box of condoms, lubricant, flash drives, two sheets of Viagra, and nine ink necklaces were seized by police from the studio villa. She was detained alongside two British men and an Australian man on suspicion of producing pornographic content. After checking Billinger's phone, police found 'private video' footage, but authorities did not press charges as the material was for 'private documentation, not for public distribution', the directorate general of immigration said in a statement. Indonesia strictly forbids the production of pornographic material, which carries penalties of up to 12 years in prison and a fine of $360,000. A helpful wrinkle in Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act is setting up what economists expect will be a record tax refund season in 2026, with average refunds to rise about $1,000 from the roughly $3,000 seen in recent years. But that doesn't mean that yearend tax planning is going to be any easier. After all, a sweeping new tax megabill passed in July quietly rewrote many of the rules on deductions, donations, retirement accounts and even Medicare premiums. And so, experts now say the prospect of a larger refund is no reason to sit back, with many of the biggest taxsaving moves under the new laws needing to be made before December 31. This guide is for middle and upperincome Americans who still have time to act on the changes. Here's what to do and what not to do before December 31. Do you itemize or not? Everything flows from this question, so begin here. Following the tax megabill, far more Americans should itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction especially homeowners in hightax states. For example, consider a hypothetical married couple living in New Jersey a hightax state who pay roughly $18,000 a year in property taxes and about $12,000 in state income tax. These amounts reflect what many middle and upperincome homeowners in hightax states actually pay. Under the old rules, in place for several years, the IRS capped the federal deduction for all state and local taxes at just $10,000. That meant that even though this couple paid $30,000 in total state and local taxes, only $10,000 of it could be deducted on their federal tax return. The remaining $20,000 simply did not count for federal tax purposes. Under the new law, that cap has been raised dramatically so that, for many filers, up to $40,000 in state and local taxes can now be deducted. In this example, the same couple would be able to deduct the full $30,000 they actually paid, rather than being stuck at the old $10,000 limit. President Donald Trump signs the sweeping One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law at the White House in July, triggering major changes to deductions, charitable giving and yearend tax planning for millions of Americans. That single change could wipe tens of thousands off taxable income but only if you itemize. If you don't run the numbers, you could miss the biggest break of the year. SALT is bigger but it's not free money State and local tax deductions (SALT) are now capped at $40,000, up from $10,000. But there are strings. The full break applies only if your income is under $500,000. It shrinks between $500,000 and $600,000. You must itemize to get it. If your income is close to the cutoff, timing matters. For example, a consultant expecting a big December bonus could push income over the limit and lose most of the SALT break. Delaying income into January could preserve it. Charitable giving: old tricks may now backfire Charity is where many Americans make costly mistakes. Starting in 2026, new limits kick in that reduce the tax value of charitable donations. In simple terms, large donors will no longer be able to deduct the full amount of their gifts in the same way they can today. One change introduces a new floor, meaning the first portion of charitable giving will no longer count toward a tax deduction at all. Another change caps the value of deductions for top earners, so each donated dollar saves less on their tax bill than it does today. That means 2025 may be the last year to get the full tax benefit for large gifts. For example, consider a couple earning $250,000 who donates $20,000 to charity each year. Under current rules, nearly all of that gift can reduce their taxable income. A mother and child pack up donations at home, as families weigh whether to give to charity before yearend to secure tax deductions. Starting in 2026, however, the first slice of their donation would no longer count toward a deduction, and the tax benefit on the rest would be capped. If they give in 2026, the first slice won't count and their tax benefit will be capped. Giving that money in 2025 could save thousands. If you want the deduction now but don't want to choose charities yet, a donoradvised fund lets you lock in the tax break and decide later. For seniors, there's an even better option: giving directly from an IRA. These gifts don't raise taxable income at all. Thinking about a Roth conversion? Read this first Many Americans are converting traditional IRAs retirement accounts funded with pretax income into Roth accounts, which are funded with aftertax dollars but allow taxfree withdrawals later in life. Roth conversions themselves aren't new, but the new tax law makes them easier to misjudge. When money is converted from a traditional IRA to a Roth, the amount converted still counts as income for the year, even if deductions later wipe out the tax bill. So a retired couple might convert $30,000, owe little or no federal tax on the move, and assume it was 'free'. But their reported income still rises by $30,000. That income increase can trigger higher Medicare premiums or other incomebased penalties in future years. The move may still be smart but only if you check the knockon effects. Inherited an IRA? The clock is ticking If you inherited an IRA in recent years, a temporary IRS grace period has ended. Under current rules, many nonspouse heirs are required to take annual withdrawals from inherited retirement accounts From 2021 through 2024, the IRS waived penalties for missed withdrawals because the rules were confusing. That leniency is now over. If you are required to take a withdrawal and fail to do so by December 31, penalties can once again apply. Parents: 529 money just got more flexible Families can now use up to $10,000 from a 529 plan for more than tuition including test prep, tutoring and books. A 529 plan lets parents, grandparents, or anyone else set aside money for a child's education. The money is invested, similar to a retirement account, and it can grow over time. This can be a smart way to use money that might otherwise sit unused. But check state rules not all states follow the federal changes. Homeowners: cleanenergy credits are about to vanish You can still claim up to $3,200 in tax credits for energyefficient home upgrades. But the work must be finished and operating by December 31. Ordering windows or a water heater isn't enough. If it's not installed, the credit is gone. ACTNOW CHECKLIST If you only skim one part of this guide, make it this. Before December 31, Americans should: Run the numbers on itemizing vs the standard deduction don't assume last year's choice still works Add up total state and local taxes paid to see if the new $40,000 SALT cap benefits you Check whether delaying income or bonuses into January could preserve SALT deductions Decide whether large charitable gifts should be made in 2025 rather than waiting Consider using a donoradvised fund to lock in a 2025 deduction Seniors should consider giving to charity directly from IRAs rather than cash Think twice before doing a Roth conversion without checking Medicare and AGI impacts Take required withdrawals from inherited IRAs if you're subject to annual RMDs Use 529 funds for newly eligible K12 expenses if applicable Finish not just order any energyefficient home upgrades Make sure IRA and HSA contributions are on track if planning to top them up before April Advertisement What you can still do after December 31 and what you can't Most tax moves must be done by yearend. But there are exceptions. IRA and HSA contributions can be made until April. Some business retirement plans allow even later contributions Everything else income timing, deductions, conversions, distributions locks in on December 31. The quiet perks that are gone or weaker Some tax breaks didn't disappear outright but they're less generous or harder to use than before. Here's what Americans are losing compared to last year: Large charitable donors are approaching the last year of full deductions before new limits kick in High earners will soon get a smaller tax benefit from itemized deductions Some retirement 'catchup' contributions lose their upfront tax deduction starting next year Energyefficiency credits that once ran into the 2030s now expire at the end of this year The IRS grace period on missed inherited IRA withdrawals is over Roth conversions now collide more often with Medicare premium thresholds None of these scream 'tax hike' but together, they can quietly cost thousands. The bottom line This year's tax law didn't just change the size of deductions. It changed how they interact and where the traps are. The biggest mistake Americans will make is assuming they can 'figure it out later'. By January, it's too late. AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:AU Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eight brokerages that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $86.00. Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of AngloGold Ashanti from $90.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. HSBC reaffirmed a reduce rating and issued a $55.00 price objective on shares of AngloGold Ashanti in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of AngloGold Ashanti from $128.00 to $131.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Scotiabank boosted their target price on AngloGold Ashanti from $90.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock a sector outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, Roth Capital increased their price target on AngloGold Ashanti from $84.00 to $92.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Get AngloGold Ashanti alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on AngloGold Ashanti Hedge Funds Weigh In On AngloGold Ashanti AngloGold Ashanti Stock Performance A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in AU. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in AngloGold Ashanti during the third quarter worth about $25,000. Financial Management Professionals Inc. bought a new position in shares of AngloGold Ashanti during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. SVB Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of AngloGold Ashanti during the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. UMB Bank n.a. raised its holdings in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 129.0% in the 3rd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 490 shares of the mining companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 276 shares during the period. Finally, Optimum Investment Advisors bought a new stake in shares of AngloGold Ashanti in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $35,000. 36.09% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Shares of AngloGold Ashanti stock opened at $91.25 on Wednesday. AngloGold Ashanti has a 52 week low of $22.45 and a 52 week high of $91.65. The company has a quick ratio of 1.98, a current ratio of 2.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $78.97 and a 200-day moving average price of $64.62. The company has a market cap of $38.30 billion, a PE ratio of 20.10 and a beta of 0.58. AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The mining company reported $1.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.34 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $2.42 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.53 billion. AngloGold Ashanti had a return on equity of 24.01% and a net margin of 26.25%. Equities analysts anticipate that AngloGold Ashanti will post 3.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. AngloGold Ashanti Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 28th were given a dividend of $0.91 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. This represents a $3.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.0%. AngloGold Ashantis dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 80.18%. About AngloGold Ashanti (Get Free Report) 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for AngloGold Ashanti Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AngloGold Ashanti and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BT Group plc (LON:BT.A Get Free Report) insider Alex Chisholm acquired 10,000 shares of BT Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 23rd. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 183 per share, with a total value of 18,300. BT Group Price Performance LON BT.A opened at GBX 184.80 on Friday. BT Group plc has a 12 month low of GBX 137.30 and a 12 month high of GBX 223.60. The firm has a market capitalization of 18.00 billion, a PE ratio of 19.25, a P/E/G ratio of 0.38 and a beta of 0.69. The companys 50 day simple moving average is GBX 181.10 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 192.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 187.58, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.83. Get BT Group alerts: BT Group (LON:BT.A Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The communications services company reported GBX 9.30 EPS for the quarter. BT Group had a return on equity of 6.33% and a net margin of 4.11%. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that BT Group plc will post 19.1185956 EPS for the current fiscal year. BT Group Company Profile BT Group is the UKs leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications and related secure digital products, solutions and services. We also provide managed telecommunications, security and network and IT infrastructure services to customers across 180 countries. BT Group consists of three customer-facing units: Consumer serves individuals and families in the UK; Business* covers companies and public services in the UK and internationally; Openreach is an independently governed, wholly owned subsidiary wholesaling fixed access infrastructure services to its customers over 650 communication providers across the UK. British Telecommunications plc is a wholly owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for BT Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BT Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Coupang, Inc. (NYSE:CPNG Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the eleven ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $33.25. CPNG has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Bank of America lifted their target price on Coupang from $36.00 to $38.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Arete Research initiated coverage on shares of Coupang in a research report on Thursday, September 18th. They set a buy rating and a $40.00 price objective for the company. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $31.00 target price on shares of Coupang in a research report on Sunday, December 14th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Coupang in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Barclays boosted their price objective on Coupang from $36.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Get Coupang alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on CPNG Coupang Stock Performance NYSE CPNG opened at $24.28 on Wednesday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $27.68 and its 200 day simple moving average is $29.34. The firm has a market capitalization of $44.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 115.60 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. Coupang has a 1 year low of $19.02 and a 1 year high of $34.08. Coupang (NYSE:CPNG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.05 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.04 by $0.01. Coupang had a return on equity of 6.95% and a net margin of 1.16%.The firm had revenue of $9.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.13 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.06 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 17.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Coupang will post 0.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In related news, VP Pranam Kolari sold 11,653 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.98, for a total value of $372,662.94. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president owned 147,023 shares in the company, valued at $4,701,795.54. This trade represents a 7.34% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 12.78% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Coupang A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of CPNG. Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new stake in Coupang in the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. Albion Financial Group UT acquired a new position in shares of Coupang during the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Orion Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Coupang during the third quarter worth about $32,000. Hilltop National Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Coupang in the 3rd quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, Fifth Third Bancorp lifted its position in Coupang by 1,250.0% in the 3rd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 1,080 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 1,000 shares in the last quarter. 83.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Key Stores Impacting Coupang Here are the key news stories impacting Coupang this week: Coupang Company Profile (Get Free Report) Coupang, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CPNG, is a South Korean e-commerce company headquartered in Seoul. Founded in 2010 by Bom Kim, the company grew rapidly by combining an online marketplace with a large direct-retail business model. Coupang completed a primary listing in the United States in 2021, and it has become one of South Koreas leading online retailers by focusing on convenience, speed and a wide product assortment across consumer categories. The company operates a vertically integrated e-commerce platform that includes a customer-facing marketplace and an extensive logistics and fulfillment network. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Coupang Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coupang and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Crane (NYSE:CR Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Buy by the eight ratings firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $221.8333. Several brokerages have weighed in on CR. DA Davidson set a $235.00 price target on Crane in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Crane in a research note on Monday. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on Crane from $202.00 to $200.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. CJS Securities upgraded Crane to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Wolfe Research set a $215.00 price objective on shares of Crane and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Get Crane alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Crane Institutional Trading of Crane Crane Trading Down 0.3% A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in CR. First Horizon Corp acquired a new stake in Crane during the third quarter worth about $26,000. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Crane during the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. Assetmark Inc. increased its position in Crane by 57.9% during the 3rd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 180 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. Kelleher Financial Advisors acquired a new stake in Crane during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its holdings in Crane by 63.4% in the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 219 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 85 shares during the period. 75.14% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Shares of CR stock opened at $187.75 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $10.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.87, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $186.76 and a 200 day moving average price of $186.71. Crane has a twelve month low of $127.04 and a twelve month high of $203.89. Crane (NYSE:CR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The conglomerate reported $1.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.46 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $589.20 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $578.54 million. Crane had a net margin of 13.10% and a return on equity of 24.45%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up .8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.38 EPS. Crane has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.750-5.950 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Crane will post 7.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Crane Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a dividend of $0.23 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. This represents a $0.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.5%. Cranes dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 14.74%. About Crane (Get Free Report) Crane Co, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, is a diversified manufacturer of engineered industrial products serving customers around the world. The company operates through two primary segments: Aerospace & Electronics and Engineered Materials. Its Aerospace & Electronics division designs and produces valves, fittings, manifolds, and filtration systems for aircraft fuel, hydraulics, and environmental control systems. The Engineered Materials segment focuses on advanced polymers, heat exchangers, and specialized composite solutions for industries including chemical processing, semiconductor manufacturing, and power generation. With roots dating back to its founding in 1855 in Chicago by R.T. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Crane Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crane and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF (NYSEARCA:FLEU Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 3,087 shares, an increase of 147.0% from the November 30th total of 1,250 shares. Approximately 0.2% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 5,834 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Based on an average daily volume of 5,834 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Approximately 0.2% of the companys stock are sold short. Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF Trading Up 0.4% Shares of Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF stock traded up $0.13 during trading on Friday, reaching $33.28. The stock had a trading volume of 13,295 shares, compared to its average volume of 14,207. The company has a market capitalization of $59.90 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.43 and a beta of 0.75. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $32.52 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $31.67. Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF has a 52 week low of $23.50 and a 52 week high of $34.32. Get Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $81,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC bought a new stake in Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $2,576,000. Cornerstone Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $461,000. Hedeker Wealth LLC grew its holdings in Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF by 238.8% in the 3rd quarter. Hedeker Wealth LLC now owns 22,752 shares of the companys stock valued at $730,000 after buying an additional 16,037 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. increased its position in Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF by 133.9% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 32,500 shares of the companys stock worth $1,005,000 after buying an additional 18,607 shares during the period. About Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF The Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF Franklin FTSE Europe Hedged Fund (FLEU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE Developed Eurozone index. The fund tracks a market cap weighted index of large- and mid-cap companies in the developed Eurozone. The currency exposure is not hedged FLEU was launched on Nov 2, 2017 and is issued by Franklin Templeton. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Miller Industries (NYSE:MLR Get Free Report) and Magna International (NYSE:MGA Get Free Report) are both auto/tires/trucks companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, earnings, profitability, valuation and dividends. Institutional and Insider Ownership 79.2% of Miller Industries shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 67.5% of Magna International shares are held by institutional investors. 4.4% of Miller Industries shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.5% of Magna International shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Miller Industries alerts: Dividends Miller Industries pays an annual dividend of $0.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.1%. Magna International pays an annual dividend of $1.94 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.6%. Miller Industries pays out 30.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Magna International pays out 53.0% 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. Miller Industries has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and Magna International has raised its dividend for 6 consecutive years. Magna International is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Risk & Volatility Analyst Recommendations Miller Industries has a beta of 1.26, meaning that its share price is 26% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Magna International has a beta of 1.53, meaning that its share price is 53% more volatile than the S&P 500. This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Miller Industries and Magna International, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Miller Industries 0 2 1 0 2.33 Magna International 1 14 3 0 2.11 Miller Industries currently has a consensus target price of $55.00, suggesting a potential upside of 43.89%. Magna International has a consensus target price of $50.33, suggesting a potential downside of 6.70%. Given Miller Industries stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe Miller Industries is more favorable than Magna International. Profitability This table compares Miller Industries and Magna Internationals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Miller Industries 3.59% 7.32% 4.76% Magna International 2.50% 11.88% 4.59% Earnings and Valuation This table compares Miller Industries and Magna Internationals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Miller Industries $1.26 billion 0.35 $63.49 million $2.60 14.70 Magna International $42.84 billion 0.35 $1.01 billion $3.66 14.74 Magna International has higher revenue and earnings than Miller Industries. Miller Industries is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Magna International, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Magna International beats Miller Industries on 10 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Miller Industries (Get Free Report) Miller Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells towing and recovery equipment. The company offers wreckers that are used to recover and tow disabled vehicles and other equipment; and car carriers, which are specialized flat-bed vehicles with hydraulic tilt mechanisms, which are used to transport new or disabled vehicles and other equipment. It also provides transport trailers for moving various vehicles for auto auctions, car dealerships, leasing companies, and other similar operations. The company markets its products under the Century, Vulcan, Challenger, Holmes, Champion, Chevron, Eagle, Titan, Jige, and Boniface brands. Miller Industries, Inc. sells its products through independent distributors in North America, and Canada, Mexico; and through prime contractors to governmental entities. Miller Industries, Inc. was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Ooltewah, Tennessee. About Magna International (Get Free Report) Magna International Inc. designs, engineers, and manufactures components, assemblies, systems, subsystems, and modules for original equipment manufacturers of vehicles and light trucks worldwide. It operates through four segments: Body Exteriors & Structures, Power & Vision, Seating Systems, and Complete Vehicles. The Body Exteriors & Structures segment provides body and chassis system, battery enclosures, and engineering and testing; and exteriors, including fascia and trims, front end modules, integration panels, liftgate modules, active aerodynamics, engineered glass, running boards, truck bed access products, breakthrough lightings, side doors, and greenhouse products. The Power & Vision segment offers electric drive systems and components, such as emotors, inverters, onboard chargers, gearboxes, and e-clutch; dedicated hybrid drives, dual and hybrid dual clutch, and manual transmissions; AWD/4WD products and rear drive modules; transmission, driveline components, and ICE; far camera module, remote camera heads, interior sensing camera, radars, thermal sensing, and domain controllers; interior and exterior mirrors, camera monitoring system driver/occupant monitoring systems, and smart actuators; forward and rear lighting, and lit grilles/panels/displays; latching system, door modules, charge port doors, power system, hinges, and door handles; and modular and textile folding roofs, and hard and soft tops. The Seating Systems segment provides seat structures, mechanism and hardware solutions, and foam and trim products. The Complete Vehicles segment offers vehicle engineering and manufacturing services. Magna International Inc. was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Aurora, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for Miller Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Miller Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust (NYSEARCA:FXC Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 5,437 shares, a drop of 70.6% from the November 30th total of 18,490 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 22,473 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.5% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Approximately 0.5% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 22,473 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust Trading Up 0.1% FXC stock traded up $0.04 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $71.51. The companys stock had a trading volume of 14,555 shares, compared to its average volume of 41,813. Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust has a 12 month low of $66.52 and a 12 month high of $72.21. The company has a 50 day moving average of $70.10 and a two-hundred day moving average of $70.63. Get Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust alerts: Institutional Trading of Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust by 45.0% during the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 725 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 225 shares during the last quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $136,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $204,000. Fiduciary Financial Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust by 5.1% during the 3rd quarter. Fiduciary Financial Group LLC now owns 3,372 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $237,000 after acquiring an additional 164 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MAI Capital Management raised its holdings in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust by 88,750.0% during the 3rd quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 3,554 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $250,000 after acquiring an additional 3,550 shares in the last quarter. About Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust Guggenheim CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust, formerly CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust, is a grantor trust. The Trust issues shares (the Shares) in blocks of 50,000 (a Basket) in exchange for deposits of Canadian dollars and distributes Canadian dollars in connection with the redemption of Baskets. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the price of Canadian Dollars. The Bank of New York Mellon serves as the Trustee. The Trusts sponsor is Rydex Specialized Products LLC, which is doing business as Rydex Investments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:PICB Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 8,529 shares, a decline of 96.5% from the November 30th total of 245,682 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 88,605 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 88,605 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF Trading Up 0.1% Shares of Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF stock traded up $0.02 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $23.96. 25,013 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 59,277. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $23.69 and a 200 day simple moving average of $23.76. Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF has a fifty-two week low of $20.99 and a fifty-two week high of $24.31. Get Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF by 1.9% during the 3rd quarter. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC now owns 51,401 shares of the companys stock worth $1,225,000 after buying an additional 958 shares in the last quarter. Pacifica Partners Inc. raised its position in shares of Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF by 8.2% during the third quarter. Pacifica Partners Inc. now owns 15,790 shares of the companys stock worth $376,000 after acquiring an additional 1,190 shares during the last quarter. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF during the second quarter valued at $31,000. Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF by 15.7% during the third quarter. Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. now owns 12,751 shares of the companys stock valued at $304,000 after acquiring an additional 1,728 shares during the period. Finally, Anderson Financial Strategies LLC bought a new position in Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF in the first quarter valued at about $40,000. Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF Company Profile PowerShares International Corporate Bond Portfolio (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of an index called the S&P International Corporate Bond Index (the Index). The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in the securities that comprise the Index. The Index measures the performance of investment grade corporate bonds issued by non-the United States issuers in the currencies: Australian Dollar, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Euro, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, Danish Krone, New Zealand Dollar, Norwegian Krone and Swedish Krona. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:HSCZ Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 552 shares, a decline of 98.2% from the November 30th total of 30,320 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 10,471 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 10,471 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Flow Traders U.S. LLC increased its stake in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF by 116.8% in the third quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC now owns 54,023 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,032,000 after purchasing an additional 29,101 shares during the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF by 25.0% in the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 18,726 shares of the companys stock valued at $705,000 after buying an additional 3,750 shares in the last quarter. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $384,000. First PREMIER Bank raised its stake in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF by 53.2% during the 3rd quarter. First PREMIER Bank now owns 10,078 shares of the companys stock worth $379,000 after acquiring an additional 3,498 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital Square LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF in the third quarter valued at $214,000. Get iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF Trading Up 0.1% NYSEARCA:HSCZ traded up $0.03 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $38.92. The companys stock had a trading volume of 24,311 shares, compared to its average volume of 18,937. The stock has a market capitalization of $175.53 million, a P/E ratio of 14.36 and a beta of 0.65. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $38.51 and a 200-day moving average of $37.20. iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF has a 52-week low of $28.57 and a 52-week high of $39.57. iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF Company Profile The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (HSCZ) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in small-cap stocks. The fund tracks an index of small-cap stocks from developed markets outside the US and Canada, hedged against movements in the underlying currencies for US investors. HSCZ was launched on Jul 1, 2015 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. (OTCMKTS:NPSCY Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 16,002 shares, a decline of 77.2% from the November 30th total of 70,178 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 252,266 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 252,266 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Stock Up 1.5% OTCMKTS:NPSCY traded up $0.06 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $4.05. The stock had a trading volume of 105,642 shares, compared to its average volume of 240,169. The stock has a market cap of $21.76 billion, a P/E ratio of -225.00 and a beta of 0.75. The businesss 50 day moving average is $4.04 and its 200 day moving average is $5.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 1.15 and a quick ratio of 0.54. Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal has a fifty-two week low of $3.66 and a fifty-two week high of $4.80. Get Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal alerts: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Company Profile (Get Free Report) Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation is a major Japanese steel producer formed in 2012 through the merger of Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company operates integrated steelmaking and rolling facilities and is widely recognized as one of the largest steel manufacturers in Japan and among the leading producers globally. Its business scope spans primary steel production, downstream processing, and a range of steel-related engineering and service activities. The companys product offering includes a broad portfolio of steel products such as hot- and cold-rolled flat products, plates, pipes and tubes, coated steels, stainless and specialty steels, and high-strength steels tailored for automotive, machinery, construction, energy and infrastructure applications. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nitto Denko Corp. (OTCMKTS:NDEKY Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 24,321 shares, an increase of 463.6% from the November 30th total of 4,315 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 47,266 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.5 days. Based on an average trading volume of 47,266 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.5 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Nitto Denko from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Nitto Denko has a consensus rating of Strong Buy. Get Nitto Denko alerts: View Our Latest Report on Nitto Denko Nitto Denko Stock Performance Nitto Denko Company Profile OTCMKTS:NDEKY traded down $0.28 on Friday, hitting $23.94. The stock had a trading volume of 17,880 shares, compared to its average volume of 39,074. Nitto Denko has a 1 year low of $14.50 and a 1 year high of $26.48. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $24.56 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $22.56. The stock has a market cap of $16.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.31 and a beta of 0.88. (Get Free Report) Nitto Denko Corporation, trading overthecounter in the U.S. under the symbol NDEKY, is a Japanbased manufacturer specializing in advanced materials and components. The companys core offerings include pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes, optical films, and functional polymers used across a broad spectrum of industries. With a focus on innovation, Nitto Denko develops solutions for electronics, automotive, and healthcare markets, leveraging proprietary coating, lamination and microfabrication technologies. The companys product portfolio spans display materialssuch as polarizing films for LCD panelssemiconductor device protection tapes, thermal interface materials for heat dissipation, and a range of industrial adhesive products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Nitto Denko Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nitto Denko and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of North American Construction Group Ltd. (TSE:NOA Get Free Report) (NYSE:NOA) have earned a consensus rating of Hold from the eight analysts that are covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is C$28.06. Several brokerages recently issued reports on NOA. CIBC decreased their price target on North American Construction Group from C$22.00 to C$20.00 in a report on Wednesday. TD Securities cut their price objective on shares of North American Construction Group from C$21.00 to C$19.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 19th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on shares of North American Construction Group from C$27.00 to C$25.00 in a research note on Friday, October 10th. National Bankshares set a C$28.00 target price on shares of North American Construction Group and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, ATB Capital set a C$26.00 price target on shares of North American Construction Group and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Get North American Construction Group alerts: View Our Latest Report on North American Construction Group North American Construction Group Trading Up 1.4% NOA opened at C$18.98 on Wednesday. North American Construction Group has a fifty-two week low of C$16.78 and a fifty-two week high of C$31.67. The firm has a market capitalization of C$551.84 million, a PE ratio of 14.94, a P/E/G ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 212.25, a current ratio of 1.13 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The companys 50-day moving average is C$19.78 and its 200 day moving average is C$20.34. North American Construction Group (TSE:NOA Get Free Report) (NYSE:NOA) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported C$0.67 EPS for the quarter. North American Construction Group had a return on equity of 15.24% and a net margin of 4.80%.The firm had revenue of C$317.25 million during the quarter. As a group, research analysts predict that North American Construction Group will post 4.0597484 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. North American Construction Group Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be paid a $0.12 dividend. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 26th. North American Construction Groups payout ratio is presently 37.80%. About North American Construction Group (Get Free Report) North American Construction Group Ltd is Canadas provider of heavy civil construction and mining contractors. The company has provided services to the oil, natural gas and resource companies. See Also Receive News & Ratings for North American Construction Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for North American Construction Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Novagold Resources Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:NG Get Free Report) (TSE:NG) has been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the six brokerages that are covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $10.1667. A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on NG shares. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of Novagold Resources from $7.00 to $12.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Zacks Research downgraded Novagold Resources from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. BMO Capital Markets started coverage on Novagold Resources in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. They issued an outperform rating for the company. B. Riley boosted their price target on Novagold Resources from $9.00 to $11.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, National Bank Financial raised Novagold Resources from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Get Novagold Resources alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Novagold Resources Novagold Resources Stock Performance Institutional Trading of Novagold Resources Shares of Novagold Resources stock opened at $10.18 on Wednesday. Novagold Resources has a 1 year low of $2.26 and a 1 year high of $10.90. The firms 50-day moving average is $9.10 and its 200 day moving average is $7.30. The stock has a market cap of $4.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -40.72 and a beta of 0.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 26.91 and a quick ratio of 26.91. A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in NG. Hantz Financial Services Inc. bought a new position in Novagold Resources during the third quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Shepherd Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Novagold Resources during the 2nd quarter valued at $41,000. Quadrature Capital Ltd bought a new position in shares of Novagold Resources during the 2nd quarter valued at $44,000. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC purchased a new position in shares of Novagold Resources in the 1st quarter worth $44,000. Finally, Abel Hall LLC purchased a new position in shares of Novagold Resources in the 2nd quarter worth $47,000. 57.56% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Novagold Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) Novagold Resources Inc is a mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. The firm is focused on advancing large-scale precious metals projects through disciplined project management, environmental stewardship and community engagement. Novagold maintains a lean corporate structure while leveraging partnerships and industry expertise to advance its projects toward production. The companys flagship asset is the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, a 50/50 joint venture with Barrick Gold Corporation. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Novagold Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novagold Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:NUHY Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 2,936 shares, a decline of 63.8% from the November 30th total of 8,115 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 27,248 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.1% of the companys shares are sold short. Approximately 0.1% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 27,248 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Price Performance NUHY remained flat at $21.61 on Friday. 9,719 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 23,721. Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF has a one year low of $20.17 and a one year high of $21.85. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $21.63 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $21.62. Get Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Olde Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF during the third quarter valued at approximately $696,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in shares of Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 42,942.6% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 26,256 shares of the companys stock worth $572,000 after purchasing an additional 26,195 shares in the last quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 79.7% during the 3rd quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 29,585 shares of the companys stock valued at $644,000 after purchasing an additional 13,122 shares during the last quarter. Finally, RMG Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $175,000. Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Company Profile The Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NUHY) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks an index of market-value-weighted US dollar-denominated high yield corporate bonds screened for favorable ESG criteria. NUHY was launched on Sep 25, 2019 and is managed by Nuveen. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (BATS:NUSC Get Free Report) traded up 8.3% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $43.07 and last traded at $45.5680. 67,227 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 21% from the average session volume of 85,065 shares. The stock had previously closed at $42.08. Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF Stock Up 8.3% The stock has a market capitalization of $1.27 billion, a PE ratio of 19.39 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a 50-day moving average of $44.68 and a 200 day moving average of $43.18. Get Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Allworth Financial LP increased its position in shares of Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF by 2.6% during the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 127,398 shares of the companys stock worth $5,190,000 after purchasing an additional 3,256 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. purchased a new position in Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $566,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its position in Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF by 87.9% during the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 5,288 shares of the companys stock worth $215,000 after buying an additional 2,473 shares during the period. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $4,373,000. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF by 5.3% in the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 529,710 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,580,000 after buying an additional 26,844 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF Company Profile The Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Small Cap index. The fund tracks a multi-factor-weighted index of small-cap companies listed on US exchanges. Holdings are screened for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. NUSC was launched on Dec 13, 2016 and is managed by Nuveen. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Olympus Co. (OTCMKTS:OLYMY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 15,789 shares, a drop of 66.5% from the November 30th total of 47,099 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 84,770 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 84,770 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Olympus Price Performance OLYMY traded up $0.03 during trading on Friday, reaching $12.67. The stock had a trading volume of 25,366 shares, compared to its average volume of 109,101. Olympus has a one year low of $11.09 and a one year high of $15.90. The stocks 50 day moving average is $12.90 and its two-hundred day moving average is $12.42. Get Olympus alerts: Olympus Company Profile (Get Free Report) Olympus Corporation is a Tokyo-based manufacturer specializing in precision technology for the medical, scientific and industrial markets. Established in 1919, the company has built an international reputation for optical and digital imaging solutions that encompass endoscopic systems, microscopes, cameras and related accessories. Olympus leverages its expertise in optics, mechanics and electronics to develop instruments designed to advance diagnostics and scientific discovery. In the healthcare sector, Olympus is best known for its endoscopy products and therapeutic solutions that support minimally invasive procedures in gastroenterology, pulmonology and urology. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Olympus Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Olympus and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Siemens Energy AG Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:SMNEY Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 75,072 shares, a growth of 137.5% from the November 30th total of 31,609 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 329,773 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Based on an average trading volume of 329,773 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have recently commented on SMNEY. Zacks Research raised Siemens Energy from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 1st. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Siemens Energy in a report on Monday, December 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating on shares of Siemens Energy in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of Siemens Energy in a report on Friday, November 21st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Siemens Energy from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, November 9th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Siemens Energy alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on SMNEY Siemens Energy Stock Up 0.0% About Siemens Energy Shares of SMNEY traded up $0.04 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $143.13. 51,327 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 177,869. The company has a market capitalization of $114.41 billion, a PE ratio of 80.86 and a beta of 1.94. The company has a quick ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The business has a 50 day moving average of $129.90 and a 200 day moving average of $117.74. Siemens Energy has a 1-year low of $50.00 and a 1-year high of $146.99. (Get Free Report) Siemens Energy AG is a global energy technology company headquartered in Germany that provides equipment, systems and services across the power generation and transmission value chains. Established as an independent public company through a spin-off of Siemens AGs energy businesses in 2020, Siemens Energy draws on a long industrial heritage to design, manufacture and service technologies used by utilities, industrial customers and the oil and gas sector. The companys product and service portfolio includes gas and steam turbines, generators, transformers and high-voltage transmission equipment as well as grid connection and power-conversion systems. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Siemens Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Siemens Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Standard Chartered PLC (OTCMKTS:SCBFY 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 159,664 shares, an increase of 303.5% from the November 30th total of 39,569 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 320,650 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.5 days. Based on an average trading volume of 320,650 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.5 days. Standard Chartered Price Performance Standard Chartered stock traded up $0.06 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $49.61. 36,456 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 157,461. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $43.66 and its 200 day simple moving average is $38.97. Standard Chartered has a fifty-two week low of $22.28 and a fifty-two week high of $49.99. Get Standard Chartered alerts: Standard Chartered Company Profile (Get Free Report) Standard Chartered PLC is a leading international banking group headquartered in London, with a heritage dating back to the 19th century. The bank was formed in 1969 through the merger of Standard Bank of British South Africa and Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, combining deep roots in emerging markets with a global footprint. Over more than 150 years of operations, Standard Chartered has built a reputation for expertise in trade finance, corporate banking and cross-border transactions. The company offers a broad range of financial products and services, including corporate and institutional banking, retail banking, wealth management, treasury and capital markets solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Standard Chartered Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Standard Chartered and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF Get Free Report) and SuperGroup (OTCMKTS:SEPGY Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, earnings, risk, institutional ownership, profitability and analyst recommendations. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Abercrombie & Fitch and SuperGroups revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Abercrombie & Fitch alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Abercrombie & Fitch $4.95 billion 1.17 $566.22 million $10.43 12.16 SuperGroup $655.98 million 0.01 -$177.94 million N/A N/A Analyst Ratings Abercrombie & Fitch has higher revenue and earnings than SuperGroup. This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Abercrombie & Fitch and SuperGroup, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Abercrombie & Fitch 0 6 6 0 2.50 SuperGroup 0 0 0 0 0.00 Abercrombie & Fitch presently has a consensus price target of $110.10, indicating a potential downside of 13.16%. Given Abercrombie & Fitchs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe Abercrombie & Fitch is more favorable than SuperGroup. Profitability This table compares Abercrombie & Fitch and SuperGroups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Abercrombie & Fitch 10.07% 38.01% 14.98% SuperGroup N/A N/A N/A Summary Abercrombie & Fitch beats SuperGroup on 9 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Abercrombie & Fitch (Get Free Report) Abercrombie & Fitch Co. engages in the retail of apparel, personal care products, and accessories. The firm operates through following geographical segments: Americas, EMEA and APAC. The Americas segment includes operations in North America and South America. The EMEA segment includes operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The APAC segment includes operations in the Asia-Pacific region, including Asia and Oceania. The company was founded by David Abercrombie in 1892 and is headquartered in New Albany, OH. About SuperGroup (Get Free Report) Superdry plc designs, produces, markets, and sells clothing, footwear, and accessories primarily under the Superdry brand for men and women in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates through Retail and Wholesale segments. The Company operates through stores, concessions, various Internet sites, multi-brand independents and distributors, franchise, and license stores. It operates 213 owned, and 410 franchised and licensed stores; and 18 international websites. The company was formerly known as SuperGroup Plc and changed its name to Superdry plc in January 2018. Superdry plc was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Cheltenham, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Abercrombie & Fitch Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abercrombie & Fitch and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. VanEck Africa Index ETF (NYSEARCA:AFK 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 17,521 shares, an increase of 484.4% from the November 30th total of 2,998 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 42,897 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. Approximately 0.5% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Approximately 0.5% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 42,897 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. VanEck Africa Index ETF Trading Up 0.6% AFK opened at $26.92 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $98.26 million, a P/E ratio of 11.91 and a beta of 0.73. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $24.74 and a 200-day moving average price of $22.94. VanEck Africa Index ETF has a 12-month low of $15.07 and a 12-month high of $27.47. Get VanEck Africa Index ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Synergy Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of VanEck Africa Index ETF in the third quarter worth about $2,536,000. Wealthfront Advisers LLC bought a new position in VanEck Africa Index ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $227,000. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. purchased a new stake in VanEck Africa Index ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $311,000. Barometer Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of VanEck Africa Index ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $139,000. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc purchased a new position in shares of VanEck Africa Index ETF during the third quarter valued at approximately $34,000. VanEck Africa Index ETF Company Profile The VanEck Africa Index ETF (AFK) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MVIS GDP Africa index, a GDP and market-cap-weighted index of companies generating a majority of their revenues in Africa. AFK was launched on Jul 10, 2008 and is managed by VanEck. Read More Receive News & Ratings for VanEck Africa Index ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VanEck Africa Index ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. VanEck China Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:CBON Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 859 shares, a growth of 264.0% from the November 30th total of 236 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 1,661 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Based on an average daily volume of 1,661 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Institutional Inflows and Outflows An institutional investor recently raised its position in VanEck China Bond ETF stock. Susquehanna International Group LLP boosted its stake in VanEck China Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:CBON Free Report) by 2.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 39,435 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 815 shares during the quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP owned about 4.93% of VanEck China Bond ETF worth $883,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Institutional investors and hedge funds own 14.60% of the companys stock. Get VanEck China Bond ETF alerts: VanEck China Bond ETF Stock Up 0.3% Shares of CBON stock traded up $0.06 on Friday, reaching $22.85. The companys stock had a trading volume of 5,170 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,217. The company has a market capitalization of $18.28 million, a P/E ratio of -175.77 and a beta of 0.12. VanEck China Bond ETF has a 12-month low of $21.34 and a 12-month high of $22.90. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $22.53 and its 200-day simple moving average is $22.40. VanEck China Bond ETF Company Profile The VanEck China Bond ETF (CBON) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ChinaBond China High Quality Bond index. The fund tracks an investment-grade, broad-maturity government\u002Fcredit onshore RMB-denominated China bond index. CBON was launched on Nov 10, 2014 and is managed by VanEck. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for VanEck China Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VanEck China Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. (NYSE:ITUB Get Free Report) has been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the six research firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, three have given a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $7.0909. ITUB has been the topic of several recent research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Itau Unibanco from $7.00 to $8.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Zacks Research downgraded Itau Unibanco from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Itau Unibanco in a research note on Monday. Get Itau Unibanco alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Itau Unibanco Institutional Inflows and Outflows Itau Unibanco Price Performance A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ITUB. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Itau Unibanco by 84.3% in the 3rd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 25,879 shares of the banks stock valued at $190,000 after purchasing an additional 11,834 shares in the last quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd grew its stake in shares of Itau Unibanco by 486.0% during the third quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 8,966 shares of the banks stock valued at $66,000 after acquiring an additional 7,436 shares in the last quarter. PharVision Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Itau Unibanco during the third quarter worth about $113,000. Voloridge Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of Itau Unibanco by 16.2% during the third quarter. Voloridge Investment Management LLC now owns 12,598,545 shares of the banks stock worth $92,473,000 after acquiring an additional 1,753,068 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wexford Capital LP acquired a new position in shares of Itau Unibanco in the third quarter worth about $158,000. Shares of ITUB opened at $7.30 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.33, a current ratio of 1.58 and a quick ratio of 1.58. Itau Unibanco has a 1-year low of $4.42 and a 1-year high of $8.13. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $7.43 and a 200 day moving average price of $7.02. The stock has a market cap of $78.45 billion, a PE ratio of 10.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.07 and a beta of 0.67. Itau Unibancos stock is set to split on Monday, December 29th. The 103-100 split was recently announced. The newly minted shares will be distributed to shareholders after the closing bell on Sunday, December 28th. Itau Unibanco Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.0033 per share. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, June 2nd. Itau Unibancos dividend payout ratio is presently 504.17%. About Itau Unibanco (Get Free Report) Itau Unibanco SA (NYSE: ITUB) is a Brazilian banking and financial services conglomerate headquartered in Sao Paulo. The company was formed by the merger of Banco Itau and Unibanco in 2008 and is one of the largest private-sector banks in Brazil and among the leading banks in Latin America. Itau Unibanco is publicly listed in Brazil and maintains an international listing on the New York Stock Exchange. The bank offers a full range of financial products and services across retail, commercial and wholesale banking. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Itau Unibanco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Itau Unibanco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yearender: A fair driver of peace by diplomacy and development -- China's 2025 role in the Middle East Xinhua) 13:24, December 27, 2025 CAIRO, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- In the Middle East, a region long defined by conflict, China has emerged in 2025 as a more visible force for stability. From Gaza to the West Bank, from Yemen to Iran, and from Sudan to Lebanon, China's engagement with the region is characterized by high-level diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and long-term development. Analysts say that Beijing's approach -- rooted in dialogue, mutual respect, and consensus-building -- stands in sharp contrast to traditional Western interventions, opening new pathways for regional cooperation. As 2025 draws to a close, hopes are running high that in the new year China's pragmatic, consensus-driven approach will help further advance the building of trust, peace, and development in one of the world's most volatile regions. BUILDING CONSENSUS THROUGH DIPLOMACY China's Middle East diplomacy, analysts say, is guided by mutual respect and consensus rather than imposed conditions, making it acceptable to regional actors skeptical of Western mediation. The approach manifested itself most clearly in the 2023 normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, a diplomatic breakthrough that surprised many observers after years of stalled regional efforts, and the July 2024 reconciliation talks hosted in Beijing among representatives of 14 Palestinian factions. Throughout 2025, China has repeatedly articulated its position at the United Nations and other international platforms, calling for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and sustained adherence to the two-state solution. Its firm upholding of international justice offers a counterweight to approaches overly tilted in favor of one side. "China acts as a safety valve in the UN Security Council," said Hassan Al-Daja, a professor of strategic studies at Jordan's Al-Hussein Bin Talal University. China has also used other occasions, including bilateral meetings and multilateral forums, to keep the Palestinian issue prioritized rather than sidelined. Abbas Zaki, a member of Fatah's Central Committee and commissioner for Arab and China relations, said China's position and actions on the Palestinian issue are regarded as a constructive example in international diplomacy, emphasizing consensus-building and long-term solutions. PROMOTING PEACE THROUGH CONCRETE ACTIONS In early December, China pledged 100 million U.S. dollars in aid to Palestine to help ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support recovery and reconstruction. That was just another example of China's support for the Palestinians and other crisis-hit countries in the Middle East and its commitment to regional stability. "China has played a visible role in supporting Palestine's infrastructure and institutional development, helping to strengthen the foundations of future Palestinian statehood," said Suleiman Bsharat, a Ramallah-based political analyst. Across the Middle East, Chinese-backed projects in transport, energy, and public services have helped address urgent civilian needs while bolstering long-term economic resilience. Such efforts, observers say, improve people's lives and reduce social pressure even when political solutions remain elusive. China's investment in development and infrastructure in crisis-affected countries helps create a favorable environment for pursuing effective political solutions, said Khalid Haroub, a professor of political science and political analyst at Northwestern University in Qatar. All 22 Arab states and the Arab League have endorsed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and China's four major global initiatives -- the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative -- have gained broad support across the region. "China is widely seen as a peacemaker, and this perception is not accidental," said Shraga Biran, head of Israel's Institute for Structural Reforms. "China has never pursued development by exploiting other nations or living off their resources, nor has it sought geopolitical advantage through chaos," he noted. "This consistent approach has fostered trust in the Middle East: China is not telling stories, but offering realistic, pragmatic, and executable solutions." SETTING AN EXAMPLE FOR REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT Over the past year, China has consistently emphasized respect for sovereignty, called for de-escalation and dialogue, and advocated fairness and justice on various Middle Eastern issues. When Israel and Iran exchanged direct strikes in June, China urged the international community to intensify efforts to promote negotiations and defuse tensions. Regarding the conflicts and crises in the Red Sea, Sudan, and Lebanon, Beijing always calls upon relevant parties to exercise restraint and seek peaceful settlements. China's fair stance on Middle Eastern issues and its consistent advocacy for peace and development have gained genuine appreciation and support from countries across the region. Bsharat noted that China has earned respect from many regional actors in recent years by facilitating cooperation through the BRI and adhering to a policy of non-interference in internal affairs. "China's involvement in international mediation reflects its deep understanding of the region's complex situation," said Haroub. "It is committed to proposing practical solutions that accommodate the interests of all parties, rather than imposing unilateral measures." "China's diplomatic approach, based on dialogue, balance, and respect for all parties' interests, sets an example for other countries and paves the way for stability and development in the region in the coming years," he added. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liu Ning) Nihon Kohden (OTCMKTS:NHNKY Get Free Report) and Artivion (NYSE:AORT Get Free Report) are both medical companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, institutional ownership, risk, profitability, analyst recommendations and earnings. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Nihon Kohden and Artivions gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Nihon Kohden alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Nihon Kohden $1.48 billion 1.25 $93.05 million $0.73 14.87 Artivion $388.54 million 5.65 -$13.36 million ($0.24) -192.94 Volatility & Risk Nihon Kohden has higher revenue and earnings than Artivion. Artivion is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Nihon Kohden, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Nihon Kohden has a beta of 0.45, indicating that its stock price is 55% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Artivion has a beta of 1.6, indicating that its stock price is 60% more volatile than the S&P 500. Insider and Institutional Ownership 0.1% of Nihon Kohden shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 86.4% of Artivion shares are held by institutional investors. 7.6% of Artivion shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Nihon Kohden and Artivion, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Nihon Kohden 0 0 0 0 0.00 Artivion 1 1 7 0 2.67 Artivion has a consensus price target of $49.11, suggesting a potential upside of 6.07%. Given Artivions stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Artivion is more favorable than Nihon Kohden. Profitability This table compares Nihon Kohden and Artivions net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Nihon Kohden 7.78% 9.28% 6.60% Artivion -2.16% 5.98% 2.61% About Nihon Kohden (Get Free Report) Nihon Kohden Corporation engages in development, manufacturing, sale, maintenance, and consultation of medical electronic equipment, and related systems and products in Japan, Americas, Europe, rest of Asia, and internationally. It offers physiological measuring equipment comprising electrocardiographs, electroencephalographs, and polygraphs for Cath-labs; patient monitoring systems, such as beside and central monitors; and treatment equipment including defibrillators, automated external defibrillators, ventilators, and pacemakers. The company also provides medical support system, which includes diagnostic and clinical information system; and in-vitro diagnostic equipment comprising hematology and clinical chemistry analyzers. In addition, it operates insurance brokerage and technology licensing business. The company was incorporated in 1951 and is headquartered in Shinjuku, Japan. About Artivion (Get Free Report) Artivion, Inc. manufactures, processes, and distributes medical devices and implantable human tissues worldwide. The company provides BioGlue, a polymer consisting of bovine blood protein and an agent for cross-linking proteins for cardiac, vascular, neurologic, and pulmonary procedures; cardiac preservation services; PhotoFix, a bovine pericardial patch; and aortic arch stent grafts including E-vita Open Plus and E-vita Open Neo. It offers E-xtra design engineering systems for the treatment of aortic vascular diseases; E-nside, an off-the-shelf stent graft for the treatment of thoraco-abdominal disease; E-vita THORACIC 3G for the endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms; E-ventus BX, a balloon-expandable peripheral stent graft for the endovascular treatment of renal and pelvic arteries; E-liac to treat aneurysmal iliac arteries, and aneurysmal iliac side branches; and E-tegra, a stent graft system for the treatment of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. In addition, the company offers synthetic vascular grafts for use in open aortic and peripheral vascular surgical procedures; PerClot, an absorbable powdered hemostat for use in surgical procedures; cardiac laser therapy products for angina treatment; CryoVein femoral vein and CryoArtery femoral artery vascular preservation services; On-X prosthetic aortic and mitral heart valves and the On-X ascending aortic prosthesis; CarbonAid CO2 diffusion catheters and Chord-X ePTFE sutures for mitral chordal replacement; and ascyrus medical dissection stents, as well as pyrolytic carbon coating services to medical device manufacturers. It serves physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, as well as cardiac, vascular, thoracic, and general surgeons. The company was formerly known as CryoLife, Inc. and changed its name to Artivion, Inc. in January 2022. Artivion, Inc. was incorporated in 1984 and is headquartered in Kennesaw, Georgia. Receive News & Ratings for Nihon Kohden Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nihon Kohden and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc (NYSE:AHT Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 307,174 shares, an increase of 375.1% from the November 30th total of 64,651 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 764,799 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. Approximately 4.9% of the companys shares are sold short. Approximately 4.9% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 764,799 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ashford Hospitality Trust Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. PFG Investments LLC raised its position in Ashford Hospitality Trust by 21.5% during the second quarter. PFG Investments LLC now owns 14,882 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $90,000 after acquiring an additional 2,630 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP bought a new stake in Ashford Hospitality Trust in the third quarter worth approximately $103,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP increased its stake in shares of Ashford Hospitality Trust by 49.2% during the 3rd quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 54,574 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $322,000 after purchasing an additional 17,991 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Citadel Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Ashford Hospitality Trust during the 3rd quarter worth $157,000. 41.04% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Ashford Hospitality Trust alerts: Ashford Hospitality Trust Price Performance NYSE:AHT opened at $3.76 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $24.07 million, a PE ratio of -0.08 and a beta of 1.67. Ashford Hospitality Trust has a fifty-two week low of $2.89 and a fifty-two week high of $10.35. The stocks 50-day moving average is $4.03 and its two-hundred day moving average is $5.42. Analyst Ratings Changes Ashford Hospitality Trust ( NYSE:AHT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The real estate investment trust reported ($2.85) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($1.14) by ($1.71). The firm had revenue of $266.06 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $273.80 million. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Ashford Hospitality Trust will post -0.68 earnings per share for the current year. AHT has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Ashford Hospitality Trust in a research note on Monday. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Ashford Hospitality Trust from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. 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. Check Out Our Latest Report on Ashford Hospitality Trust About Ashford Hospitality Trust (Get Free Report) Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc (NYSE: AHT) is a real estate investment trust that acquires, owns and operates upscale and upper-upscale full-service hotels in the United States. The companys portfolio spans a variety of urban, resort and convention-oriented markets and includes both well-known national brands and independent properties. Ashford Hospitality Trust seeks to generate long-term value through active asset management, strategic acquisitions, dispositions and selective joint venture partnerships. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Ashford Hospitality Trust invests in properties affiliated with leading hospitality brands, including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Starwood. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ashford Hospitality Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ashford Hospitality Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Celsius, Canadian Natural Resources, Canadian Solar, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Canadian National Railway, and Unifirst are the seven Canadian stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Canadian stocks are shares of publicly traded companies that are incorporated in Canada or listed on Canadian exchanges such as the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and TSX Venture Exchange. Investors buy Canadian stocks to gain ownership, potential capital appreciation and dividends, often noting the markets concentration in financials, energy and materials and the need to consider Canadian economic conditions, commodity exposure and Canadian dollar (CAD) currency risk. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Canadian stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM) Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S. 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. Read Our Latest Research Report on CELH Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Read Our Latest Research Report on CNQ Canadian Solar (CSIQ) Canadian Solar Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides solar energy and battery energy storage products and solutions in in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy. The CSI Solar segment designs, develops, and manufactures solar ingots, wafers, cells, modules, and other solar power and battery storage products. Read Our Latest Research Report on CSIQ Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers. Read Our Latest Research Report on CP Canadian National Railway (CNI) Canadian National Railway Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail, intermodal, trucking, and marine transportation and logistics business in Canada and the United States. The company provides rail services, which include equipment, custom brokerage services, transloading and distribution, business development and real estate, and private car storage services; and intermodal services, such as temperature controlled cargo, port partnerships, and logistics parks. Read Our Latest Research Report on CNI Unifirst (UNF) UniFirst Corporation provides workplace uniforms and protective work wear clothing in the United States, Europe, and Canada. The company operates through U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Manufacturing, Specialty Garments Rental and Cleaning, and First Aid segments. It designs, manufactures, personalizes, rents, cleans, delivers, and sells a range of uniforms and protective clothing, including shirts, pants, jackets, coveralls, lab coats, smocks, and aprons; and specialized protective wear, such as flame resistant and high visibility garments. Read Our Latest Research Report on UNF Read More Carindale Property Trust (ASX:CDP Get Free Report) declared a interim dividend on Tuesday, December 23rd, MarketIndexAU Dividends reports. Investors of record on Thursday, February 26th will be paid a dividend of 0.149 per share on Thursday, February 26th. This represents a dividend yield of 262.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 29th. Carindale Property Trust Stock Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $372.45 million, a PE ratio of 46.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.92 and a beta of 0.79. The company has a quick ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 0.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 42.51. Get Carindale Property Trust alerts: Carindale Property Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) See Also Westfield Carindale is situated in an affluent quarter of Brisbanes south-eastern suburbs approximately 12 kilometres from the CBD. The centre currently services a trade area population of nearly 700,000, and has a total accessible market of 1.4 million residents with the nearby Gateway Motorway offering convenient access to the centre. One of the citys leading retail and lifestyle destinations, Westfield Carindale is home to many of Australias most well-known retailers including David Jones, Myer, Big W, Target, Coles, Woolworths, ALDI and Apple, as well as a host of premium fashion brands. Receive News & Ratings for Carindale Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Carindale Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Bilingual Technology & Education Group (OTCMKTS:CATG Get Free Report) and Gaotu Techedu (NYSE:GOTU Get Free Report) are both small-cap consumer discretionary companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, dividends, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations and risk. Institutional and Insider Ownership 48.4% of Gaotu Techedu shares are owned by institutional investors. 44.9% of Gaotu Techedu shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Get China Bilingual Technology & Education Group alerts: Profitability This table compares China Bilingual Technology & Education Group and Gaotu Techedus net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets China Bilingual Technology & Education Group N/A N/A N/A Gaotu Techedu -6.45% -21.95% -6.86% Risk & Volatility Valuation and Earnings China Bilingual Technology & Education Group has a beta of -2.25, meaning that its stock price is 325% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Gaotu Techedu has a beta of 0.19, meaning that its stock price is 81% less volatile than the S&P 500. This table compares China Bilingual Technology & Education Group and Gaotu Techedus revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio China Bilingual Technology & Education Group N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Gaotu Techedu $623.84 million 0.95 -$143.71 million ($0.21) -11.12 China Bilingual Technology & Education Group has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Gaotu Techedu. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for China Bilingual Technology & Education Group and Gaotu Techedu, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score China Bilingual Technology & Education Group 0 0 0 0 0.00 Gaotu Techedu 1 0 0 0 1.00 Summary Gaotu Techedu beats China Bilingual Technology & Education Group on 5 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About China Bilingual Technology & Education Group (Get Free Report) Capstone Technologies Group, Inc. intends to operate as a holding company. It engages in customer data platform market, and provides software design, development, and other services. The company was formerly known as China Bilingual Technology & Education Group Inc. and changed its name to Capstone Technologies Group, Inc. in April 2017. Capstone Technologies Group, Inc. is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. About Gaotu Techedu (Get Free Report) Gaotu Techedu Inc., a technology-driven education company, provides learning services, educational content, and digitalized learning products in the People's Republic of China. The company offers traditional online academic subject tutoring services that covers academic subjects, such as mathematics, English, Chinese, physics, chemistry, biology, history, geography, and political science for students; non-academic tutoring services; personal interest courses comprising chess learning, family relationships and education, humanities, and science courses; and professional courses primarily for college students and adults preparing for professional qualification exams, such as teacher's qualification, Chartered Financial Analyst designation, Certified Public Accountant designation, and other exams. It also offers admission courses for admission tests and interviews, including national-post graduate entrance examination, civil service examinations, and others; foreign language courses; overseas study related services; and courses to prepare and pass certain language exams for study abroad, such as IELTS and TOEFL. In addition, the company designs and develops course outlines, interactive courseware, practice exercises, and lesson notes; publishes reference books comprising Chinese dictionary, dictionary of idioms, and past exam questions for the college entrance examination; and develops, expands, and upgrades education-centric digital products and solutions, as well as learning apps. Further, it offers books and digitalized auxiliary learning tools, such as smart devices and translation pens; and online tutoring services. The company was formerly known as GSX Techedu Inc. and changed its name to Gaotu Techedu Inc. in June 2021. Gaotu Techedu Inc. was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Beijing, China. Receive News & Ratings for China Bilingual Technology & Education Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Bilingual Technology & Education Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp (NYSE:SBS Get Free Report) announced a special dividend on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 29th will be given a dividend of 0.4772 per share by the utilities provider on Monday, May 11th. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 29th. Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp has decreased its dividend payment by an average of 0.2%per year over the last three years. Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp has a payout ratio of 41.0% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp to earn $1.13 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.73 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 64.6%. Get Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo - Sabesp alerts: Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp Price Performance NYSE SBS opened at $25.22 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $25.34 and its 200-day moving average price is $23.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $17.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.56, a PEG ratio of 3.80 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 1.17. Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp has a 1-year low of $14.04 and a 1-year high of $27.25. Shares of Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp are set to split on the morning of Monday, December 29th. The 1.02964697 split was recently announced. The newly minted shares will be issued to shareholders after the closing bell on Sunday, December 28th. Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp (NYSE:SBS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The utilities provider reported $0.34 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.07 by $0.27. Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp had a net margin of 22.32% and a return on equity of 16.08%. The firm had revenue of $4.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.07 billion. On average, equities analysts predict that Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp will post 2.17 earnings per share for the current year. About Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp (Get Free Report) Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo (SABESP) is a Brazilian utility that provides water supply and wastewater collection and treatment services. As the principal sanitation company serving the state of Sao Paulo, SABESP operates a wide range of infrastructure spanning water capture, treatment plants, distribution networks and sewage systems. The companys activities support residential, commercial and industrial customers and are focused on delivering potable water, ensuring water quality and expanding access to sanitation services. SABESPs service offering includes the operation and maintenance of water treatment and sewage treatment facilities, network expansion and rehabilitation, meter reading and billing, customer service and environmental programs aimed at improving sewage treatment rates and protecting water resources. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo - Sabesp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo - Sabesp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greenup Street Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 9,691 shares of the energy producers stock, valued at approximately $917,000. Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Truvestments Capital LLC boosted its stake in ConocoPhillips by 21.0% during the first quarter. Truvestments Capital LLC now owns 785 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $82,000 after buying an additional 136 shares during the period. WPG Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in shares of ConocoPhillips in the 1st quarter valued at about $64,000. GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. boosted its position in shares of ConocoPhillips by 39.5% during the 1st quarter. GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. now owns 9,950 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $1,045,000 after acquiring an additional 2,815 shares during the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board grew its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 6,041.6% during the first quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 1,177,101 shares of the energy producers stock worth $123,619,000 after purchasing an additional 1,157,935 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clough Capital Partners L P bought a new position in shares of ConocoPhillips in the first quarter worth approximately $1,324,000. Institutional investors own 82.36% of the companys stock. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director William H. Mcraven purchased 5,768 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $86.68 per share, with a total value of $499,970.24. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 5,768 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $499,970.24. This represents a increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Ryan Michael Lance sold 500,708 shares of the firms 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 completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 325,972 shares in the company, valued at approximately $30,152,410. This trade represents a 60.57% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Corporate insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes COP has been the subject of several research analyst reports. UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips from $117.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips from $110.00 to $105.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, December 15th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of ConocoPhillips in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on ConocoPhillips from $113.00 to $118.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Barclays dropped their price target on ConocoPhillips from $122.00 to $118.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Nineteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $114.08. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ConocoPhillips ConocoPhillips Stock Performance ConocoPhillips stock opened at $91.53 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $90.05 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $92.51. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. ConocoPhillips has a twelve month low of $79.88 and a twelve month high of $106.20. The company has a market capitalization of $113.10 billion, a PE ratio of 12.95, a P/E/G ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 0.32. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data 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 return on equity of 13.64% and a net margin of 14.25%.The firm had revenue of $15.03 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.51 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.78 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 EPS for the current year. ConocoPhillips Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th were given a $0.84 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. This is an increase from ConocoPhillipss previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. This represents a $3.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.7%. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio is presently 47.52%. 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for ConocoPhillips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConocoPhillips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greenup Street Wealth Management LLC lowered its stake in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 85.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 674 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 4,000 shares during the quarter. Greenup Street Wealth Management LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $233,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in UNH. Murphy Pohlad Asset Management LLC raised its position in UnitedHealth Group by 21.8% during the second quarter. Murphy Pohlad Asset Management LLC now owns 4,425 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $1,380,000 after purchasing an additional 791 shares during the period. Berkshire Hathaway Inc bought a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $1,572,193,000. Triumph Capital Management bought a new stake in UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter worth $1,324,000. Wealth Effects LLC increased its position in UnitedHealth Group by 14.4% during the second quarter. Wealth Effects LLC now owns 4,688 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $1,463,000 after acquiring an additional 591 shares during the last quarter. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc lifted its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 20.7% in the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 20,683 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $6,462,000 after acquiring an additional 3,545 shares during the last quarter. 87.86% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: UnitedHealth Group Trading Up 1.3% NYSE UNH opened at $331.76 on Friday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $333.71 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $318.99. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a one year low of $234.60 and a one year high of $606.36. The company has a market capitalization of $300.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.13 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 0.82. UnitedHealth Group Announces Dividend UnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.87 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $113.16 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $113.19 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 4.04% and a return on equity of 19.23%. UnitedHealth Groups revenue was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $7.15 earnings per share. Equities analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Investors of record on Monday, December 8th were paid a dividend of $2.21 per share. This represents a $8.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 8th. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio is 46.14%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts recently weighed in on UNH shares. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $433.00 to $440.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Bank of America increased their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $350.00 to $390.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $310.00 to $425.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $286.00 to $408.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of UnitedHealth Group from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Seventeen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, UnitedHealth Group has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $385.54. Get Our Latest Stock Report on UnitedHealth Group About UnitedHealth Group (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Inc is a diversified health care company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, that operates two primary business platforms: UnitedHealthcare and Optum. Founded in 1977, the company provides a broad range of health benefits and health care services to individuals, employers, governmental entities and other organizations. Its operations span commercial employer-sponsored plans, individual and Medicare and Medicaid programs, and services for customers and health systems in the United States and selected international markets. UnitedHealthcare is the companys benefits business, administering health plans and networks, managing provider relationships, and offering coverage products for employers, individuals, and government-sponsored programs. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. International Land Alliance, Inc. (OTCMKTS:ILAL Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 24,739 shares, an increase of 361.0% from the November 30th total of 5,366 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 1,168,469 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 1,168,469 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. International Land Alliance Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS ILAL opened at $0.28 on Friday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $0.20 and its 200-day simple moving average is $0.20. The firm has a market capitalization of $33.52 million, a PE ratio of -5.60 and a beta of -0.81. International Land Alliance has a fifty-two week low of $0.08 and a fifty-two week high of $0.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a current ratio of 0.31. Get International Land Alliance alerts: International Land Alliance (OTCMKTS:ILAL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The company reported ($0.02) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. International Land Alliance had a negative net margin of 196.48% and a negative return on equity of 41.90%. The business had revenue of $0.56 million during the quarter. International Land Alliance Company Profile International Land Alliance, Inc operates as a residential land development company with target properties located primarily in the Baja California, Northern region of Mexico, and Southern California. Its principal activities include purchasing properties; obtaining zoning and other entitlements required to subdivide the properties into residential and commercial building lots; securing financing for the purchase of the lots; enhance the properties' infrastructure and amenities; and selling the plots to homebuyers, retirees, investors, and commercial developers. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for International Land Alliance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Land Alliance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares Flexible Income Active ETF (NYSEARCA:BINC Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 228,219 shares, a decline of 83.2% from the November 30th total of 1,355,658 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,811,281 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,811,281 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the company are sold short. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in BINC. Trust Co. of Vermont acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Flexible Income Active ETF during the third quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Bessemer Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Flexible Income Active ETF in the third quarter valued at $53,000. Imprint Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Flexible Income Active ETF in the third quarter worth $74,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC boosted its position in iShares Flexible Income Active ETF by 547.6% during the 2nd quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 1,632 shares of the companys stock worth $86,000 after acquiring an additional 1,380 shares during the period. Finally, MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Flexible Income Active ETF by 17.0% during the second quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 2,263 shares of the companys stock worth $120,000 after purchasing an additional 328 shares during the period. Get iShares Flexible Income Active ETF alerts: iShares Flexible Income Active ETF Price Performance Shares of BINC traded up $0.01 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $52.76. 1,148,956 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,552,814. iShares Flexible Income Active ETF has a twelve month low of $50.84 and a twelve month high of $53.51. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $53.08 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $52.94. iShares Flexible Income Active ETF Company Profile The BlackRock Flexible Income ETF (BINC) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund provides an actively managed approach to multisector fixed-income exposure globally. It may hold debt and income-producing securities, of any credit quality or maturity, with the objective of maximizing long-term income and capital appreciation. BINC was launched on May 19, 2023 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Flexible Income Active ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Flexible Income Active ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (TSE:IVN Get Free Report) passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$13.89 and traded as high as C$15.90. Ivanhoe Mines shares last traded at C$15.65, with a volume of 1,128,302 shares changing hands. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently commented on the company. Scotiabank raised Ivanhoe Mines from a hold rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price target for the company from C$12.50 to C$17.00 in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Ivanhoe Mines from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their target price for the company from C$18.00 to C$16.00 in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$16.00 to C$18.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$14.00 to C$18.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, TD Securities upped their price objective on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$13.00 to C$16.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Ivanhoe Mines presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$17.25. Get Ivanhoe Mines alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Ivanhoe Mines Ivanhoe Mines Trading Down 1.8% The companys 50-day moving average is C$13.91 and its 200-day moving average is C$12.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.48, a quick ratio of 20.86 and a current ratio of 1.36. The firm has a market cap of C$22.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 71.14 and a beta of 1.96. Ivanhoe Mines (TSE:IVN Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported C$0.02 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of C$180.18 million during the quarter. On average, research analysts predict that Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. will post 1.0136483 earnings per share for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Mark Sean Farren sold 60,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$13.40, for a total value of C$804,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 174,923 shares in the company, valued at C$2,343,968.20. The trade was a 25.54% decrease in their position. In the last three months, insiders have sold 200,290 shares of company stock valued at $2,687,823. Insiders own 44.96% of the companys stock. About Ivanhoe Mines (Get Free Report) Ivanhoe Mines Ltd is a mineral exploration and development company. The company, together with its subsidiaries, explores, develops, and recovers minerals and precious gems from its property interests located in Africa. The group explores platinum, nickel, copper, gold, silver, cobalt, iron, vanadium, and chrome. It operates in four segments: Platreef property, Kamoa Holding joint venture, Kipushi properties, and the Companys treasury offices. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Ivanhoe Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ivanhoe Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Voya Investment Management LLC cut its position in shares of KeyCorp (NYSE:KEY Free Report) by 25.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 199,269 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 69,759 shares during the period. Voya Investment Management LLCs holdings in KeyCorp were worth $3,724,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in KeyCorp by 1.5% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 24,676,571 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $428,084,000 after buying an additional 359,573 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. lifted its stake in KeyCorp by 2.4% in the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 21,112,659 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $367,783,000 after acquiring an additional 488,730 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in KeyCorp in the second quarter worth approximately $195,642,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of KeyCorp by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 9,432,386 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $164,312,000 after purchasing an additional 79,670 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in shares of KeyCorp by 12.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 7,843,378 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $136,632,000 after purchasing an additional 879,678 shares in the last quarter. 79.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get KeyCorp alerts: KeyCorp Trading Up 0.3% KeyCorp stock opened at $21.20 on Friday. KeyCorp has a 52 week low of $12.73 and a 52 week high of $21.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 0.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.16 billion, a PE ratio of 26.17, a PEG ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 1.11. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $18.71 and its 200-day simple moving average is $18.31. KeyCorp Dividend Announcement KeyCorp ( NYSE:KEY Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.38 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $1.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.87 billion. KeyCorp had a return on equity of 10.14% and a net margin of 10.08%.The companys revenue was up 172.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted ($0.47) EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that KeyCorp will post 1.5 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were issued a $0.205 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 2nd. This represents a $0.82 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.9%. KeyCorps dividend payout ratio is 101.23%. Analyst Ratings Changes KEY has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a positive rating on shares of KeyCorp in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on KeyCorp from $19.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on KeyCorp from $20.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of KeyCorp in a research note on Monday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on KeyCorp from $19.00 to $19.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $21.79. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on KEY About KeyCorp (Free Report) KeyCorp is a bank holding company headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, that operates through its primary banking subsidiary, KeyBank. It provides a broad range of banking and financial services to individual consumers, small businesses, middle-market companies and large corporations. KeyBanks offerings span traditional deposit and lending products as well as more specialized financial solutions designed for commercial and institutional clients. The companys product and service mix includes retail banking products such as checking and savings accounts, consumer and residential mortgage lending, and auto financing. Read More Receive News & Ratings for KeyCorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KeyCorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. La-Z-Boy Incorporated (NYSE:LZB Get Free Report)s stock price crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $36.18 and traded as high as $38.02. La-Z-Boy shares last traded at $37.95, with a volume of 160,899 shares traded. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on LZB shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of La-Z-Boy in a report on Monday. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating on shares of La-Z-Boy in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Zacks Research upgraded La-Z-Boy from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st. KeyCorp reiterated an overweight rating on shares of La-Z-Boy in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Sidoti raised La-Z-Boy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $36.00 to $39.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $42.50. Get La-Z-Boy alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on La-Z-Boy La-Z-Boy Stock Down 0.6% The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $35.61 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $36.16. The firm has a market cap of $1.56 billion, a PE ratio of 17.31 and a beta of 1.28. La-Z-Boy (NYSE:LZB Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 18th. The company reported $0.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.54 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $522.48 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $517.63 million. La-Z-Boy had a return on equity of 11.19% and a net margin of 4.29%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up .3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.71 EPS. Research analysts expect that La-Z-Boy Incorporated will post 2.99 earnings per share for the current year. La-Z-Boy Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 4th were given a dividend of $0.242 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 4th. This is an increase from La-Z-Boys previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. This represents a $0.97 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. La-Z-Boys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 44.50%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On La-Z-Boy A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its stake in shares of La-Z-Boy by 208.8% during the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 1,492,928 shares of the companys stock valued at $51,237,000 after buying an additional 1,009,428 shares during the last quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. purchased a new stake in La-Z-Boy during the 1st quarter valued at about $10,806,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd grew its position in La-Z-Boy by 64.5% during the 2nd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 391,470 shares of the companys stock worth $14,551,000 after acquiring an additional 153,498 shares during the last quarter. CSM Advisors LLC purchased a new position in La-Z-Boy in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $3,958,000. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC increased its stake in La-Z-Boy by 18.7% in the 3rd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 721,029 shares of the companys stock worth $24,400,000 after purchasing an additional 113,396 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.62% of the companys stock. La-Z-Boy Company Profile (Get Free Report) La-Z-Boy Incorporated (NYSE: LZB) is a leading U.S. manufacturer and marketer of residential furniture, best known for its upholstered recliners, sofas, stationary chairs and sleeper sofas. The company offers a broad range of products in both fabric and leather, complemented by occasional tables, desks, lamps and other home furnishings through its branded retail network. Founded in 1927 by cousins Edward Knabusch and Edwin Shoemaker in Monroe, Michigan, La-Z-Boy pioneered the modern reclining chair. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for La-Z-Boy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for La-Z-Boy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:NUAG Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 745 shares, a decrease of 82.4% from the November 30th total of 4,244 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 6,610 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Based on an average trading volume of 6,610 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF stock. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new stake in Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:NUAG Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 40,354 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $860,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC owned approximately 1.35% of Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF as of its most recent SEC filing. Get Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF alerts: Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA:NUAG remained flat at $21.22 during trading hours on Friday. 30,500 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 16,189. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $21.29 and its 200 day moving average price is $21.14. Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a 1 year low of $20.33 and a 1 year high of $21.51. Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Company Profile The Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUAG) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a US broad-market investment-grade bond index, overweighting market segments with higher yield potential while maintaining the overall risk and credit profile of the broad market. NUAG was launched on Sep 14, 2016 and is managed by Nuveen. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rare Element Resources Ltd. (OTCMKTS:REEMF Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 16,155 shares, a decrease of 50.5% from the November 30th total of 32,610 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 476,308 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 476,308 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Rare Element Resources Stock Performance Shares of REEMF stock traded down $0.01 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $0.80. 244,651 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 246,338. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $0.99 and its 200 day simple moving average is $0.99. The company has a market capitalization of $412.99 million, a P/E ratio of -80.02 and a beta of 1.08. Rare Element Resources has a fifty-two week low of $0.33 and a fifty-two week high of $1.92. Get Rare Element Resources alerts: About Rare Element Resources (Get Free Report) Rare Element Resources is a U.S.-based exploration and development company focused on rare earth element deposits. The companys flagship asset is the Bear Lodge project in northeastern Wyoming, which hosts both light and heavy rare earth oxides such as neodymium, praseodymium and dysprosium. Rare Element Resources is working to advance this project through feasibility, permitting and eventual commercial production to establish a domestic supply of critical minerals. Incorporated in the mid-2000s and headquartered in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Rare Element Resources has conducted extensive drilling, metallurgical test work and engineering studies to refine its processing technology. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Rare Element Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rare Element Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Forestar Group (NYSE:FOR Get Free Report) and Grow Capital (OTCMKTS:GRWC Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, valuation, risk and dividends. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Forestar Group and Grow Capital, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get Forestar Group alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Forestar Group 0 3 4 0 2.57 Grow Capital 0 0 0 0 0.00 Forestar Group presently has a consensus price target of $32.00, suggesting a potential upside of 30.49%. Given Forestar Groups stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe Forestar Group is more favorable than Grow Capital. Risk and Volatility Institutional & Insider Ownership Forestar Group has a beta of 1.41, suggesting that its stock price is 41% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Grow Capital has a beta of 29.37, suggesting that its stock price is 2,837% more volatile than the S&P 500. 35.5% of Forestar Group shares are held by institutional investors. 0.5% of Forestar Group shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 43.9% of Grow Capital shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Forestar Group and Grow Capitals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Forestar Group 10.11% 10.08% 5.52% Grow Capital -117.42% N/A N/A Valuation & Earnings This table compares Forestar Group and Grow Capitals top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Forestar Group $1.66 billion 0.75 $167.90 million $3.29 7.45 Grow Capital $3.01 million 9.12 -$3.62 million ($0.03) -6.00 Forestar Group has higher revenue and earnings than Grow Capital. Grow Capital is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Forestar Group, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Forestar Group beats Grow Capital on 11 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About Forestar Group (Get Free Report) Forestar Group Inc. operates as a residential lot development company in the United States. The company acquires land and develops infrastructure for single-family residential communities. It sells its residential single-family finished lots to local, regional, and national homebuilders. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Arlington, Texas. Forestar Group Inc. operates as a subsidiary of D.R. Horton, Inc. About Grow Capital (Get Free Report) Grow Capital, Inc. operates in the financial technology sector. It provides software, technology, and services to financial services firms and advisors. The company's software suite delivers customized back office compliance, multi-pay commission processing, and new client application submission system, as well as digital engagement marketing services centric to financial services. It also provides software customization, licensing, and subscription service contracts, as well as ongoing customization and maintenance services; and ad hoc services, including web hosting, website development, and other complementary professional services. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is based in Henderson, Nevada. Receive News & Ratings for Forestar Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Forestar Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sampo PLC (OTCMKTS:SAXPY 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 28,947 shares, an increase of 97.1% from the November 30th total of 14,687 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 72,233 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily volume of 72,233 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Analysts Set New Price Targets SAXPY has been the subject of several recent research reports. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Sampo in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut Sampo from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Sampo alerts: View Our Latest Report on SAXPY Sampo Price Performance Shares of Sampo stock traded down $0.07 on Friday, hitting $24.10. The companys stock had a trading volume of 15,100 shares, compared to its average volume of 47,563. The company has a quick ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 0.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The company has a market capitalization of $128.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.39 and a beta of 0.45. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $23.14 and a 200-day moving average price of $22.55. Sampo has a 52-week low of $15.70 and a 52-week high of $24.23. Sampo (OTCMKTS:SAXPY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported $0.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.22 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $2.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.27 billion. Sampo Company Profile (Get Free Report) Sampo plc is a Finland-based insurance and financial services group that primarily underwrites property and casualty (P&C) insurance while also offering life insurance and related financial products. The company operates through subsidiaries that provide a mix of retail and corporate insurance solutions, claims handling and risk management services. Its business model emphasizes underwriting discipline and diversified exposure across personal, commercial and specialty insurance lines. Sampos operations include well-known subsidiaries that deliver core products and services: a Nordic P&C insurer that writes motor, property, liability and specialty lines, and a life insurance and wealth management arm that offers savings, pension solutions and asset management services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Sampo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sampo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HNI Corporation (NYSE:HNI Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 2,827,875 shares, a drop of 53.9% from the November 30th total of 6,139,043 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,372,926 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 2.1 days. Currently, 6.4% of the companys shares are short sold. Currently, 6.4% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,372,926 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 2.1 days. HNI Stock Performance HNI stock traded down $0.02 on Friday, hitting $42.31. The companys stock had a trading volume of 320,044 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,165,652. HNI has a 1 year low of $38.03 and a 1 year high of $53.29. The company has a current ratio of 1.33, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The stock has a market cap of $1.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.60 and a beta of 0.93. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $41.46 and a two-hundred day moving average of $45.16. Get HNI alerts: HNI (NYSE:HNI Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The business services provider reported $1.10 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.07 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $683.80 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $688.64 million. HNI had a return on equity of 20.33% and a net margin of 5.46%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.03 earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that HNI will post 3.6 EPS for the current fiscal year. HNI Dividend Announcement Hedge Funds Weigh In On HNI The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were given a dividend of $0.34 per share. This represents a $1.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.2%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. HNIs payout ratio is currently 45.64%. Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Cooke & Bieler LP acquired a new position in shares of HNI during the 3rd quarter valued at $28,744,000. Millennium Management LLC bought a new position in HNI in the 1st quarter worth about $10,666,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its stake in HNI by 196,733.6% during the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 234,232 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $10,388,000 after acquiring an additional 234,113 shares in the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of HNI in the 1st quarter worth approximately $10,301,000. Finally, UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC boosted its stake in HNI by 7.3% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 142,290 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $6,311,000 after buying an additional 9,730 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.26% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Wall Street Zen downgraded HNI from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of HNI in a research note on Monday. Finally, Benchmark reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of HNI in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $75.00. Read Our Latest Report on HNI HNI Company Profile (Get Free Report) HNI Corporation, founded in 1944 as the Heating & Novelty Company and headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa, is a leading manufacturer of office furniture and hearth products. Over its history, the company has evolved from producing gas heaters into two primary business segments: Office Furniture and Hearth & Home. HNIs Office Furniture division operates under well-known brands such as The HON Company, Allsteel, Gunlocke and Kimball, offering a comprehensive portfolio of workstations, seating, tables, storage solutions and acoustic products tailored for corporate, education, healthcare and government markets. In its Hearth & Home segment, HNI designs, manufactures and distributes fireplaces, stoves, fireplace inserts, logs and related accessories. Read More Receive News & Ratings for HNI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HNI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swedbank AB bought a new position in shares of Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor bought 188,272 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $14,644,000. Swedbank AB owned 0.11% of Unum Group as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Unum Group in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $1,113,353,000. Teewinot Capital Advisers L.L.C. purchased a new position in Unum Group in the first quarter valued at $58,881,000. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc increased its holdings in Unum Group by 762.9% in the second quarter. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc now owns 712,206 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $57,518,000 after buying an additional 629,665 shares during the last quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. raised its stake in Unum Group by 65.2% in the first quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. now owns 950,000 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $77,387,000 after buying an additional 375,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al purchased a new stake in Unum Group during the 2nd quarter worth about $27,601,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.57% of the companys stock. Get Unum Group alerts: Unum Group Price Performance Shares of NYSE UNM opened at $78.84 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $13.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.37, a P/E/G ratio of 1.55 and a beta of 0.20. Unum Group has a twelve month low of $66.81 and a twelve month high of $84.48. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $76.27 and a two-hundred day moving average of $76.02. The company has a current ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. Unum Group ( NYSE:UNM Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The financial services provider reported $2.09 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.15 by ($0.06). Unum Group had a net margin of 6.99% and a return on equity of 13.09%. The business had revenue of $3.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.31 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.13 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 5.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Unum Group will post 9.14 earnings per share for the current year. Unum Group announced that its board has approved a stock buyback program on Thursday, December 4th that authorizes the company to buyback $1.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the financial services provider to reacquire up to 8.2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are usually a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued. Unum Group Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 24th were paid a $0.46 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 24th. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.3%. Unum Groups payout ratio is currently 35.87%. Insider Activity In related news, CAO Walter Lynn Rice, Jr. sold 900 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.50, for a total value of $66,150.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 8,940 shares in the company, valued at $657,090. The trade was a 9.15% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Christopher W. Pyne sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $78.04, for a total value of $312,160.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 51,372 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,009,070.88. This represents a 7.22% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders sold 12,400 shares of company stock valued at $951,160. Insiders own 0.92% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently commented on UNM. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on Unum Group from $100.00 to $98.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley set a $85.00 price target on Unum Group in a report on Monday, December 15th. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Unum Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on shares of Unum Group from $96.00 to $99.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Barclays upped their target price on shares of Unum Group from $92.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Unum Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $94.91. View Our Latest Report on Unum Group Unum Group Profile (Free Report) Unum Group (NYSE: UNM) is a leading provider of employee benefits in the United States and selected international markets, specializing in disability, life, accident and critical illness insurance. Through both fully insured and self-funded arrangements, the company offers group coverage designed to protect income and mitigate financial hardship for employees and their families. Its portfolio includes short-term and long-term disability plans, group life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) policies, as well as critical illness and hospital indemnity products. In addition to its core product lines, Unum Group markets voluntary benefits under its Colonial Life brand, allowing employees to purchase supplemental insurance such as accident, cancer, and dental coverage directly through payroll deductions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Unum Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unum Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swedbank AB boosted its holdings in shares of Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY Free Report) by 2.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 873,001 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 24,833 shares during the period. Swedbank AB owned approximately 0.12% of Weyerhaeuser worth $21,642,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in WY. GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Weyerhaeuser during the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its stake in Weyerhaeuser by 86.3% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,125 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 521 shares in the last quarter. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Weyerhaeuser by 135.2% during the second quarter. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC now owns 1,404 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 807 shares during the last quarter. Operose Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Weyerhaeuser in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $41,000. Finally, CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC bought a new position in shares of Weyerhaeuser in the 2nd quarter worth $49,000. 82.99% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Weyerhaeuser alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on shares of Weyerhaeuser from $28.00 to $27.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 14th. DA Davidson cut their price objective on Weyerhaeuser from $35.00 to $31.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Weyerhaeuser in a research report on Monday. CIBC restated an outperform rating on shares of Weyerhaeuser in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Weyerhaeuser from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Weyerhaeuser has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $27.88. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO Devin W. Stockfish sold 90,162 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $23.33, for a total transaction of $2,103,479.46. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 1,024,861 shares in the company, valued at approximately $23,910,007.13. This represents a 8.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Sara Grootwassink Lewis bought 4,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $23.61 per share, for a total transaction of $106,245.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 25,978 shares of the companys stock, valued at $613,340.58. The trade was a 20.95% increase in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.27% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Weyerhaeuser Trading Down 0.1% Shares of WY stock opened at $23.74 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $22.77 and a 200 day moving average of $24.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 1.23 and a quick ratio of 0.78. Weyerhaeuser Company has a 1-year low of $21.16 and a 1-year high of $31.66. The stock has a market capitalization of $17.11 billion, a PE ratio of 52.75, a P/E/G ratio of 124.42 and a beta of 1.08. Weyerhaeuser (NYSE:WY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.06 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.07) by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $1.72 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.71 billion. Weyerhaeuser had a return on equity of 3.04% and a net margin of 4.68%.The businesss revenue was up 12.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.05 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Weyerhaeuser Company will post 0.78 earnings per share for the current year. Weyerhaeuser Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 28th were given a dividend of $0.21 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.5%. Weyerhaeusers dividend payout ratio is presently 186.67%. Weyerhaeuser Company Profile (Free Report) Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE: WY) is a leading integrated forest products company whose core businesses are timberland ownership and forest products manufacturing. The company owns and manages large tracts of timberland and harvests, processes and sells wood and wood-derived products used primarily in residential and industrial construction. Its manufacturing operations produce a range of building materials, including lumber, engineered wood products and wood panels, alongside fiber-based products that serve multiple commercial applications. Founded in 1900 by Frederick Weyerhaeuser and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company has a long history in the North American forest products industry. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Weyerhaeuser Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Weyerhaeuser and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Voya Investment Management LLC cut its holdings in Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV Free Report) by 35.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 111,710 shares of the airlines stock after selling 60,995 shares during the period. Voya Investment Management LLCs holdings in Southwest Airlines were worth $3,565,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LUV. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Southwest Airlines in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Southwest Airlines in the second quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its position in shares of Southwest Airlines by 81.4% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,056 shares of the airlines stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 474 shares during the period. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. bought a new position in Southwest Airlines during the second quarter worth $42,000. Finally, TD Private Client Wealth LLC increased its position in Southwest Airlines by 67.8% during the second quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC now owns 1,448 shares of the airlines stock worth $47,000 after acquiring an additional 585 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 80.82% of the companys stock. Get Southwest Airlines alerts: Southwest Airlines Stock Down 0.4% Shares of LUV opened at $41.30 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $35.32 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $33.55. The stock has a market cap of $21.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 63.53, a P/E/G ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.17. Southwest Airlines Co. has a 12 month low of $23.82 and a 12 month high of $43.54. Southwest Airlines Announces Dividend Southwest Airlines ( NYSE:LUV Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The airline reported ($0.38) earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $6.17 billion during the quarter. Southwest Airlines had a net margin of 1.38% and a return on equity of 6.39%. Equities analysts predict that Southwest Airlines Co. will post 1.55 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th will be paid a dividend of $0.18 per share. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 26th. Southwest Airliness dividend payout ratio is currently 110.77%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have weighed in on LUV shares. TD Cowen increased their price target on shares of Southwest Airlines from $31.00 to $42.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on shares of Southwest Airlines from $33.00 to $34.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their target price on Southwest Airlines from $31.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Raymond James Financial boosted their price target on Southwest Airlines from $42.00 to $49.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on Southwest Airlines in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $45.00 price objective for the company. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Southwest Airlines has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $39.44. Get Our Latest Research Report on Southwest Airlines About Southwest Airlines (Free Report) Southwest Airlines Co is a U.S.-based low-cost carrier that operates a point-to-point domestic and near-international airline network. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company primarily flies Boeing 737 aircraft and offers no-frills, single-class service designed to keep fares competitive. Southwests operating model emphasizes high aircraft utilization, quick turnaround times and an open seating policy, allowing customers to board and select seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King as Air Southwest Company, Southwest began commercial service in 1971, initially connecting Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Southwest Airlines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southwest Airlines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Derry-based Click Energy have raised 6,630 for their 2025 charity partner AWARE NI. The money raised will go directly towards strengthening mental health services across Northern Ireland. AWARE NI is the depression charity for Northern Ireland, and the only charity working exclusively for people with depression and bipolar disorder. Through this partnership, Click Energys customers were offered the opportunity to donate to AWARE NI when they top-up, directly contributing to the charitys ability to sustain and expand its services. Andy Porter, Managing Director at Click Energy, said Mental health challenges impact individuals, families, and workplaces across Northern Ireland. At Click Energy, we have always believed in giving back to the communities we serve. We are thrilled to be supporting the vital work of AWARE NI, who provide such essential services. Northern Ireland faces significant mental health challenges, with the overall prevalence of mental health problems in Northern Ireland estimated to be 25% higher than in England or Scotland. AWARE NI plays a critical role in addressing this need by offering peer-led Support Groups, mental health education, and resilience-building programmes in schools, workplaces, and community settings. The need for accessible and effective support has never been greater Mary Molloy, Corporate Relationship Officer at AWARE NI, said. We are delighted to have this wonderful support from Click Energy. Their commitment to mental health means we can reach even more people who need support, making sure no one has to face depression or anxiety alone. For more information about AWARE NI and its services, visit www.aware-ni.org. Back in March we spoke to Dundalk designer Elizabeth Adejoke Omowumi about her fashion. Local designer Elizabeth Adejoke Omowumi is a fashion designer, NCAD graduate, creative entrepreneur, and sewing tutor. She is the founder of local sewing academy DJK Creations. I started while I was young, Elizabeth recalls. After finishing secondary school, she enrolled in fashion school. It wasnt just a casual decision, it was a calling. Even before her formal training, she had been sewing by hand, creating clothes for herself. I could just finish up something, she says modestly, reflecting on her early knack for design. Elizabeths father was a tailor, and she believes the love of fashion runs in her blood. After moving to Ireland, she continued her education, earning a diploma in fashion design and later a BA in the field. But Elizabeth didnt stop at designing for herself or clients and wanted to pass on her skills. This drove her to create DJK Creations, where she holds sewing classes and teaches both adults and children. I actually take so much delight in training people, acquiring the knowledge, and passing it on, she says. Her designs fuse modern styles with bold African fabrics vibrant, colorful patterns known as African wax prints. She even has a brand of tracksuits that combines denim or jersey with these fabrics, creating unique, eye-catching pieces. I love colours, she explains. Read Next: Taoiseach presses Lebanon on justice for Dundalk soldier Sean Rooney Looking to the future, shes focused on expanding her academy. Shes particularly passionate about teaching sustainability, encouraging people to upcycle old clothes instead of discarding them. You can get something rather than just throw it away. We need to take care of our environment. Her advice to aspiring designers? Stay updated. This era now, the era of technology, has changed everything. You might not be able to survive without a good knowledge of technology. Everything has moved from what it used to be. For enquires Elizabeth can be contacted at: info@djk-creations.com June 3rd As many as 85 ambulances dispatched to non-cardiac life-threatening emergencies in Louth in 2024, took longer than one hour to get to a patient, according to information released to the Dundalk Democrat under the Freedom of Information Act. The longest wait time for a non-cardiac life-threatening incident in Louth in 2024 was two hours 50 minutes. ***** A planning application lodged by the Simon Community to demolish three buildings in Dundalk and construct 21 residential units has been withdrawn. ***** Dundalk Town Centre Commercial Manager Martin McElligott said that he and the team behind the SEEK Festival, announced that EPSO Seek Art Language Culture Fest would take place from Saturday 7 June to Sunday 15 June this year in Dundalk. EPSO will encompass a wider range of artistic disciplines and expressions, and offer the public a rich and immersive experience, reaching a broader and more diverse audience. ***** Maynooth University (MU) and Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) officially launched the MU-DkIT Regional Graduate Academy. The Regional Graduate Academy (RGA) will offer structured PhD programmes supervised by DkIT staff, with doctoral students jointly registered at both institutions and receiving their degree from Maynooth University. June 10th Bad driving, overcharging fares, and abusive and threatening behaviour from drivers were just some of the 41 complaints made against taxi drivers and Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) drivers in Louth between 2020 and 2024, Figures released to the Democrat by the National Transport Authority (NTA) under FOI show that action was taken against the driver in twelve of these cases. The actions taken varied, ranging from fines and cautions, to advice being given to the driver. ***** Two well-known local landmarks are set for a major transformation, with plans submitted to Louth County Council to redevelop the site of McManus' pub in Seatown into housing and retail units and the former Windmill Bar & Restaurant into a residential development. June 17th Dundalk has held on to its improved status in the latest Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey, ranking 25th out of 40 towns and maintaining its Clean to European Norms status which it achieved in the last survey released at the beginning of the year. ***** The Department of Justice has confirmed that the former St Joseph's Female Orphanage & Industrial School and St Malachy's Convent at Seatown Place in Dundalk will be used to accommodate people fleeing the war in Ukraine but there is no set date to move people to the north Louth location. ***** Louth County Councillor, Sean Kelly of Fianna Fail, was elected Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council at the Annual Meeting, held at the County Hall in Dundalk. June 24th Tributes have been paid to caring and hugely popular Blackrock teenager Kofi Owusu who died after getting into difficulty while swimming in County Meath ***** Louth County Council spent 20,600 on sending a delegation to New York for St Patricks Day this year. The figures were obtained under a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. ***** Serious concerns have been raised about the future of apprenticeships after it was revealed that the budget for them in Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) has been cut. ***** Fierce Mild, an independent Dundalk non-alcoholic specialty beer brand has been named as the first ever winner of the Taste of TV fund. One thing you can always guarantee about Christmas is that there will be lots of food leftover! When youre tired of picking over the turkey and just want something simple, Ive got a quick and stylish pasta dish which will help use up your cheeses and nuts. My tagliatelle with blue cheese and walnuts is a very chic supper for the days between Christmas and New Year. Any blue cheese will do for this, but I highly recommend piquant French Roquefort or Irelands creamy Cashel Blue as my cheeses of choice for the star of the show! Walnuts are a great addition to a cheeseboard and work really well in this pasta dish, but you could also use pecans, hazelnuts, cashews or chopped brazil nuts too. This recipe is very much about using what you have got, rather than buying extra ingredients For dessert, Im getting all indulgent with a favourite cake my kids absolutely love at Christmas. My Starry Night Cake has featured in this column previously, but I still get asked for the recipe so Im reproducing it here again this year. This dessert cake is all about rich dark chocolate and chocolate ganache, beautifully finished with chocolate stars, hence the name. It isnt the cheapest cake to make as chocolate has gone crazy pricewise, but its rich so you only need a small slice! You should get six good servings and eight smaller servings from this recipe. RECEIPT Main dish Tagliatelle 500g pack 69c Walnut pieces 200g pack, leftover Cashel Blue 150g, leftover Thyme pack 1.19 Sage pack 1.19 Total: 3.07 Dessert Large Free Range Eggs half dozen 2.49 Dark Chocolate bars x 3 8.37 Butter 2.39 Cocoa powder 250g 5.29 Cream 250ml 1.59 Raspberries 125g 2.79 Chocolate Stars 20g 4 Total: 26.92 GRAND TOTAL: 29.99 Blue Cheese and Walnut Tagliatelle Ingredients (serves 4 500g tagliatelle nests Extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 150g walnut pieces, chopped 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves Few sage leaves, finely shredded 150g blue cheese, crumbled, plus extra to taste for finishing Method Cook tagliatelle in a large pan of boiling slightly salted water with a dash of olive oil added, till its just al dente. While pasta is cooking, heat a good splash of extra virgin olive oil in a pan and add garlic and walnuts. Cook very gently over low heat till the walnuts are just lightly brown, stirring. Add herbs and season. Remove from heat and reserve. When the pasta is ready, drain well. Return to pan. Add cheese to walnut mix and pour over the hot pasta. Toss with two forks to coat the pasta in the sauce. Spoon into warmed bowls and scatter over some extra crumbled cheese to finish. Star Chocolate Cake Ingredients (serves 6- 8) 225g sugar 225g butter 25g cocoa powder 30g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), melted 4 large free range eggs, beaten 225g self raising flour sifted with 1 tsp baking powder splash of milk For the filling: 100g butter 200g icing sugar, sifted 1 tsp cocoa powder 25g dark chocolate, (70% coca solids) melted 4 tbsp raspberry conserve For the Ganache: 150mls cream 225g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), finely chopped To finish: 50g white chocolate Fresh raspberries White and milk chocolate stars Method Whisk sugar and butter till pale and fluffy. Whisk in cocoa powder and melted chocolate. Whisk in the eggs, a little at a time, with alternate spoonfuls of flour mix. When all eggs are incorporated, fold in remaining flour. Add a splash of milk to make a soft dropping consistency. Grease two 20cm sandwich tins with butter and line the bases. Divide cake mix between two tins, even out and smooth surface. Tap gently on worktop to knock out air bubbles. Bake in a pre-heated oven Gas 4 350F 180C for 15 minutes, or until the sponges are risen and firm to touch. Remove from oven and cool slightly in tins. Lift out of the tins and cool on a wire rack. For the filling, whisk the butter with the icing sugar till combined. Add the cocoa powder and melted chocolate and whisk again. Add a drop of milk if necessary to make it spreadable. Spread chocolate buttercream over one side of each cake. Spread raspberry jam over this. Sandwich together and smooth round the sides of the cake with a palette knife. For the ganache, heat the cream to just below boiling. Remove from heat. Stir in chocolate till melted, glossy and smooth. Cool slightly then spread over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with grated white chocolate, raspberries and chocolate stars. Leave to set Wine accompaniment Although this is a light pasta dish, the flavours are intense. So Im recommending a red which will handle the tastes of the cheese and herbs. Lidls Merlot Reserve Privada 2022 from Chile is a great choice. The Merlot grape can produce wines which are subtle and soft, but here the result is packed is full of ripe damson, mulberry and dark plum fruit, with bright ripe cherry notes and a smooth voluptuous ripeness to wrap around all the flavours in the dish. This wine works well here, and also would match a vintage cheddar or a ripe Brie or Camembert on the cheeseboard. Find it at Lidl stores now, as part of the huge Christmas wine selection, at just 8.99 a bottle. A handy screw cap also means you dont have to go hunting for the cork screw! HSE South West is holding free walkin clinics offering the childrens nasal flu vaccine (LAIV) in Cork. These popup clinics are designed to make vaccination more accessible for families during the busy festive period. The children's flu vaccine nasal spray is a quick and painless method of getting protection. Locally, the next clinic will be on Monday, December 29, from 10am 2pm at meeting rooms 1 & 2, First Floor, Bakers Road, Gurranabraher, Cork, T23 V09X. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are once again adjusting their inner circle after their chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, stepped down from her role after about 10 months. The change adds to ongoing staff turnover for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex since they moved to the United States in 2020. A spokesperson for the couple confirmed that Maines and Method Communications have ended their work with the Sussexes. Maines will remain through the new year to help with the transition. "The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well," the spokesperson said. According to People, Maines was hired in late February and officially began work in March. She became the couple's first chief communications officer and handled messaging for their nonprofit work, business projects, and public appearances. Her role covered both Meghan's and Harry's growing list of ventures. In her own statement, Maines said the decision was about moving forward. "After a year of inspiring work with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archewell, I will be pursuing a new opportunity in 2026," she said, adding that she has deep respect for the couple and their mission. Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys 11th publicist in 5 years quits less than a year into role: Time to go https://t.co/p86OdSKHb1 pic.twitter.com/EcYPMQcpb1 Page Six (@PageSix) December 26, 2025 Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Lose PR Staff Her departure comes during a period of frequent changes within the Sussexes' communications team. Over the past year, several staff members have left. Global press secretary Ashley Hansen stepped down after two years to start her own firm. More recently, three communications staffers exited, including UK-based Charlie Gipson and California-based Kyle Boulia, PageSix reported. Emily Robinson, who joined as director of communications, left after only four months. Maines worked closely with Method Communications, an outside firm that supported the couple's public relations, especially Meghan's projects. Prince Harry's communications have largely been handled by Liam Maguire, the UK and Europe director of communications, who remains in his role. Sources familiar with the situation said Maines' background in tech and venture capital initially raised questions, but many in the industry saw value in her experience. One source said she was deeply strategic and managed everything from Netflix projects to charity efforts without complaint. At this time, the Sussexes are not expected to hire another chief communications officer. Instead, Maguire will take on a larger role as lead communications director. An agency is believed to be lined up to replace Method Communications in the United States. Duane "Keefe D" Davis, the suspect in the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur, is pursuing a court bid to suppress evidence that he alleges was obtained as a result of an illegal search, according to court documents and reports. Davis's trial for murder has already been postponed and is now based on accusations that he was the one responsible for orchestrating the fatal shooting of Shakur in a drive-by in Las Vegas. Though Davis's case has gained public attention in recent years, he has actually pleaded and been charged with innocence. As reported by HotNewHipHop, Davis' lawyers have filed a motion on Monday, Dec. 22, to suppress evidence that was recovered from a nighttime raid conducted in his home in Henderson, Nevada, in July 2023. The reasons behind this motion are that the search warrant was not in compliance with Nevada law, especially in regard to conducting searches during night hours. In the court motion, Davis is represented by his legal team, who argue the points of the objection in the search. Within a legal filing presented to the court in Clark County District Court, the motion is quoted, "When officers obtain nighttime authorization through bad faith, courts agree suppression is appropriate." Also, within the same legal filing, it is alleged, "bad faith is evident from the face of the affidavit supporting the search warrant" The defense further continued by challenging the way Davis was presented to the court at the time when the warrant was issued. On this matter, the motion continues, "First, the court unwittingly relied on a misleading portrait of Davis as a dangerous drug dealer. When in fact, his drug convictions were [25] years old. He was a [60]-year-old retired cancer survivor that had lived quietly in the same Henderson home for nearly a decade." The pleading also disputes the rational for searching under the cover of darkness. Regarding this matter, it is argued that as regards nighttime searches, "The court overlooked the case-specific urgency or safety concerns that Nevada law requires as a basis for nighttime searches, opting instead for generalized safety justifications that could be asserted for a search of virtually any residence." Earlier, the prosecutors had justified the strength of their case. This was responded to by the Las Vegas District Attorney, Steve Wolfson, at a press conference. He focused on the gravity of the charges. Talking of the evidence available in the case, Wolfson said, "This is an important case." He added, "What we wanted to do was make sure we get it right. We wanted to make sure we had legally admissible evidence. We wanted to make sure that we felt comfortable that we had sufficient legal evidence." Wolfson also stressed the legal standards needed for these charges to be filed. "If you're going to charge a person with murder, he has a right to believe that the system would only bring charges if there was sufficient legal evidence." Davis is concurrently serving another prison term for fighting another inmate while awaiting trial. Davis' trial for murder is set to begin in August 2026. Duane "Keefe D" Davis, charged in the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur, has replaced his legal team months before trial and is teasing major announcements from his new attorneys, according to ABC News. Davis, who has pleaded not guilty and is jailed without bail, previously told ABC News he is innocent, saying he never killed anyone. His murder trial is currently scheduled for February 2026. Originally published on Music Times Support Us Your Support will ensure EPWs financial viability and sustainability. The EPW produces independent and public-spirited scholarship and analyses of contemporary affairs every week. EPW is one of the few publications that keep alive the spirit of intellectual inquiry in the Indian media. Often described as a publication with a social conscience, EPW has never shied away from taking strong editorial positions. Our publication is free from political pressure, or commercial interests. Our editorial independence is our pride. We rely on your support to continue the endeavour of highlighting the challenges faced by the disadvantaged, writings from the margins, and scholarship on the most pertinent issues that concern contemporary Indian society. Every contribution is valuable for our future. Family farms are heading into a year of major political change with greater certainty over their future, after inheritance tax reforms eased pressure on the sector, NFU Cymru president Aled Jones has said. In his New Year message, Jones said 2025 had ended with a sense of relief for many family farms following the UK governments decision to raise the threshold for agricultural property relief and business property relief from 1 million to 2.5 million. Combined with changes allowing spousal transfer, he said the reforms would mean for many up to 5m in qualifying agricultural or business assets will be able to be passed on to the next generation before paying inheritance tax. Jones said the change followed more than a year of sustained campaigning by NFU Cymru to amend the original proposals, which had sparked widespread concern across the farming sector. He pointed to high-profile lobbying efforts, including a petition backed by more than 270,000 people and the NO IHT mosaic display unveiled at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair on the eve of the Autumn Budget. Describing the announcement as a turning point, he said the governments decision would be welcome news to Welsh family farms, adding that it had been a crucial change for many, ensuring that the year would end not on the backfoot but with a clearer path ahead as families come together to welcome the new year. Looking ahead, Jones said attention would now turn to the Wales' Sustainable Farming Scheme, which is due to launch on 1 January 2026. He said the publication of guidance documents in recent days marked a significant step for a scheme that has been eight years in the making and will shape how farmers are supported in the years ahead. He said NFU Cymrus engagement with Welsh government had already delivered important changes since the schemes initial proposals were published in 2018. Over the past 18 months, discussions through roundtables and sub-groups had helped secure the removal of the proposed 10% tree cover requirement and a reduction in the number of universal actions from 17 to 12. Jones also highlighted the decision to maintain the farming budget at 340 million and the introduction of a social value payment within the universal layer of the scheme. He said this recognised the wider contribution Welsh farming makes to society and would provide much needed stability to our family farms. While supportive of the overall framework of the SFS, he warned that further progress was essential. His message to both the current and next Welsh governments, he said, was that there must be a commitment to continue to evolve the scheme so that it can support a productive, progressive and profitable farming sector in Wales. Jones said 2026 would also be a pivotal year politically, with the Senedd expanding to 96 members elected from 16 new constituencies under a new voting system. He pointed to NFU Cymrus manifesto, Welsh Farming: Growing Forward, which sets out priorities for the next government, including a farm-to-fork food strategy, a ring-fenced multi-annual farming budget and a comprehensive approach to tackling bovine TB. Reflecting on the past year, he said the industry had faced difficult conversations over inheritance tax, uncertainty around the SFS, the threat of animal disease and challenging weather conditions. He also criticised the four-yearly review of the Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations, saying it failed to reflect the sheer desperation of farmers in Wales in grappling with the impracticality and complexity of the Regulations. Despite those pressures, Jones said he remained encouraged by what he saw across the country, praising the ambition and can do attitude of our farming families and their desire to feed the nation whilst striving to leave the farm in a better place for the next generation to take the reins. As the UK enters a period of political change, Jones urged politicians from all parties to work with the farming sector to deliver the right policy and regulatory environment. He said this was essential to ensure farming families could continue producing world leading healthy and nutritious food whilst delivering for our environment, climate, economy our culture and language. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj rarely engages with post-release debates, preferring to let his films do the talking. But now, the architect of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe chose to address the media and speak candidly about the mixed reactions to his Rajinikanth-starrer Coolie. The director acknowledged that the film did not land with everyone and admitted that some of the criticism was valid. Whenever there is criticism for a film from the audience, it is important to accept it. At the same time, beyond all the criticism, many saw the film for Rajinikanth sir. I must also express my gratitude to them, filmmaker said. Lokesh added that he had been hearing negative feedback from multiple quarters and that he intends to actively work on correcting his mistakes in his next outing. According to him, he could not address the criticism immediately after the films release because he was occupied with the shoot of his upcoming project. The intense production schedule, he said, left him with little space to engage in public conversations at the time. On box-office talk and owning up to flaws One of the more eyebrow-raising moments from the interaction came when Lokesh revealed that his producer had told him Coolie had earned around 500 crore. While he did not go into the finer details of the numbers, the statement has already sparked discussion among trade watchers. For a director whose films are usually celebrated for tight screenplays and relentless pacing, the acknowledgement of flaws felt refreshingly honest. Lokesh is known to be self-critical, and his words hinted at a creative reset of sorts. Rather than deflecting or blaming circumstances, he seemed intent on absorbing the feedback and evolving. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) That approach has often been a hallmark of his career. From Maanagaram to Kaithi and Vikram, Lokesh has shown a steady willingness to rework his grammar with every film. With Coolie, the expectations were particularly steep given the presence of Rajinikanth, a star whose fanbase cuts across generations and geographies. The directors admission that many viewers watched the film purely for the superstar is also a nod to the responsibility that comes with handling such a cultural icon. A superhero film, acting debut and LCU expansion Even as he navigates the aftermath of Coolie, Lokeshs professional calendar is anything but empty. He is next set to direct Aamir Khan in a superhero film, a collaboration that has already set tongues wagging in both the Tamil and Hindi film industries. While details about the project remain tightly guarded, the combination of Lokeshs gritty storytelling sensibility and Aamirs commitment to scale suggests a genre-defining attempt. In a surprising career turn, Lokesh is also stepping in front of the camera as a leading man. He will play the protagonist in an upcoming action film directed by Arun Matheswaran, who is best known for the recent Captain Miller. This marks Lokeshs first full-fledged acting role after brief cameo appearances in films such as Master and Singapore Saloon. For a filmmaker who has spent over a decade shaping narratives from behind the scenes, the move to lead actor territory is both bold and intriguing. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) Adding to his growing footprint in the industry, Lokesh is also producing Benz, starring Raghava Lawrence and Nivin Pauly and directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan. The film is confirmed to be part of the ever-expanding Lokesh Cinematic Universe, a franchise model that has redefined shared storytelling in Tamil cinema over the last few years. From box-office debates to superhero dreams and an acting debut, Lokesh Kanagaraj finds himself at a fascinating crossroads. His decision to openly accept criticism for Coolie suggests a filmmaker unwilling to rest on past glory. If anything, it feels like the prelude to a new chapter, one that might just be his most unpredictable yet. Also Read: Arun Matheswaran Wraps Schedule of DC With Lokesh Kanagaraj and Wamiqa Gabbi Highlights: Expands TempraMed's product portfolio and adds a digital component to track and record medication use. First in the world platform that turns almost every insulin and GLP-1 pens to be connected and with a temperature shield. Unlocks significant pharma, healthcare provider, and real-time data opportunity to track compliance, efficacy, side effects, and other important information. Adds subscription-based business model to product offering with the connected mobile application. Digital offering adds recurring revenue through monthly subscriptions from existing valuable customer database and from new customers. Strategic step in TempraMed's transition toward a broader, whole-patient platform that combines physical device innovation with digital tools. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 26, 2025) - TempraMed Technologies Ltd. (CSE: VIVI) (FSE: 9DY) ("TempraMed" or the "Company"), a medical-technology innovator transforming how temperature-sensitive medications are stored and managed, is excited to announce that it has launched a new product, VIVI Cap Smart, an advanced evolution of its flagship VIVI Cap product. The new device expands TempraMed's product portfolio by integrating digital health functionality with its established passive temperature-protection technology. VIVI Cap Smart builds on the success of the original VIVI Cap, which provides continuous protection for insulin and GLP-1 pens against temperature fluctuations without the need for user intervention or maintenance. Insulin, and GLP-1 if exposed to temperatures outside of room temperature, can weaken or damage causing sub optimal treatment. Using its proprietary, space-grade technology, TempraMed's product portfolio protects and prevents insulin and other life-saving medication from being compromised, which reduces wasted medication, as well as negative patient outcomes. VIVI Cap Smart adds an integrated digital layer designed to support daily medication management by enabling users to track injection timing automatically and maintain an accurate log of insulin usage through an optional connected mobile application. This important data can be stored, tracked and shared with healthcare providers to ensure an integrated treatment plan. The introduction of VIVI Cap Smart represents a strategic step in TempraMed's transition toward a broader, whole-patient platform that combines physical device innovation with digital tools aimed at simplifying daily care for individuals managing chronic illnesses. VIVI Cap Smart is designed to complement TempraMed's existing product family by adding digital functionality that supports adherence, tracking, and communication with caregivers and healthcare professionals. Key capabilities include: Temperature protection: Maintains medication integrity using proprietary, patented technology: 24/7, fully passive, low maintenance, power-free. Maintains medication integrity using proprietary, patented technology: 24/7, fully passive, low maintenance, power-free. Injection timing display: Clearly shows the elapsed time since the last injection directly on the device. Clearly shows the elapsed time since the last injection directly on the device. Digital logbook: Records injection times and user-entered dose information through optional, mobile connected application. Records injection times and user-entered dose information through optional, mobile connected application. Data sharing: Enables export of information to support collaboration with caregivers healthcare providers and corporates in connected health and ai model. VIVI Cap Smart Device To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11815/279083_01.jpg "Living with a chronic condition requires constant attention and decision-making," said Ron Nagar, Chief Executive Officer of TempraMed. "We are excited to launch the commercial availability of VIVI Cap Smart, the next generation, digitally connected version of our core VIVI Cap product. With VIVI Cap Smart, we are extending our proprietary technology to address not only medication protection, but also the everyday challenges of remembering and managing important injections. This reflects our broader strategy to deliver practical, user-centered solutions that ease the burden of long-term care. Looking forward, we will continue to add to our product portfolio using our core technology to better serve patients globally." About TempraMed Technologies Ltd. TempraMed Technologies Ltd. is a global leader in innovative, temperature-controlled medication storage solutions. Founded with the mission to safeguard the effectiveness of life-saving medications, TempraMed develops patented, FDA-registered, space-grade thermal insulation devices that work 24/7 without batteries or external power. With a proven product line including VIVI Cap and VIVI Epi, and a smart technology platform on the horizon, TempraMed enables patients and healthcare providers to confidently manage temperature-sensitive medications anywhere, anytime. Headquartered in Israel with operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, TempraMed is advancing the future of medication protection and adherence. Cautionary Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements or information". Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: anticipate, intend, plan, goal, seek, believe, project, estimate, expect, strategy, future, likely, may, should, will and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements in this press release include statements made regarding information about future plans, expectations and objectives of the Company overall. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. The Company may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: the adequacy of our cash flow and earnings, the availability of future financing and/or credit, developments and changes in laws and regulations, consumer sentiment towards the Company's products, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, competition, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions, the impact of technology and social changes on the products and industry. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279083 Source: TempraMed Technologies Ltd 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. The film opened to positive responses from audiences and critics alike, however, its theatrical run was impacted by limited screen availability due to ongoing multiplex takeovers Audiences were in for a nostalgic ride as Kapil Sharma brought back his much-loved entertainer Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon, with a much-awaited sequel. The film opened to positive responses from audiences and critics alike, however, its theatrical run was impacted by limited screen availability due to ongoing multiplex takeovers by other releases. This was the time when Dhurandhar was smashing multiple records and continues to do so. Even with limited screens, Kapil Sharmas _Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2_ managed to make audiences laugh, entertain and relive the franchises charm with its light-hearted comedy and situational humour. Keeping the ongoing excitement of the fans in mind, Producer Mr. Ratan Jain have decided to re-release the film once again in January 2026. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Get ready to revisit the marriage mayhem as Kapil Sharma juggles not one, but four marriages in Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2. Directed by Anukalp Goswami. Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 is set to entertain audiences once again in January 2026, release date will be announced shortly. The vein is the same but the body has changed. This time, the makers have tried to incorporate the messaging of inclusivity. Theres a killer line about the Indian Constitution in the climax. So our funny man first gets married to a Hindu, then a Muslim, and then a Christian. And then he becomes a Punjabi. Hallelujah! However, the abode isnt the same. This is no menage a trois a la Cocktail (2012). What helps the film are the fluid performances by the veterans who power the film and the tried-and-tested jokes. The late Asrani as the polyglot emcee proves once a powerhouse, always a powerhouse. Their fragile relationship with Harrys family is no longer a secret. It has been revealed in his memoir and their documentary on Netflix too Ever since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have let go off their royal titles, the couple has been mired in multiple controversies thats for everyone to see. Their fragile relationship with Harrys family is no longer a secret. It has been revealed in his memoir and their documentary on Netflix too. To make matters worse, the couple has topped the Most Disliked Celebrity list of 2025. And netizens have all sorts of reactions. One wrote- No wayyyyy! There are MUCH worse celebrities doing MUCH WORSE things than her. This is propaganda STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A second said, I dont understand why she is so hated maybe because she is successful! And a third commented- Insanity and straight up envy of Meghan Markle. We love you Meghan. Who else is the Most Disliked? There are other names in the list including Sean Diddy Combs, Jada Pinkett Smith and Ellen DeGeneres. How strained are their relationships with their fathers? After a turbulent year marked by public family estrangements and health crises, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly choosing not to visit Meghans seriously ill father, Thomas Markle, over the holiday season, raising fresh questions about the couples family dynamics and public image. According to sources, Harry and Meghan will spend Christmas in Montecito, California, with Meghans mother, Doria Ragland, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Plans to fly to the Philippines to see Thomas, who recently had part of his leg amputated after complications from a blood clot, are not on the itinerary, despite the couples ability to use private jets for urgent travel. Games View All Thomas Markle, 81, has been in and out of medical care for years and remains in intensive care following emergency surgery, with family members urging well-wishers to keep him in their thoughts. A group of outsiders created chaos at Bangladeshi rock musician James scheduled concert at a local government school in Faridpur city on Friday (December 26) night. The Bheegi Bheegi singer was set to perform on the last day of the two-day event at the Faridpur Zila School to mark the institutions 185th anniversary, when a mob tried to storm the venue and take control of the stage. But why? Heres what we know A mob in Bangladesh disrupted popular Bangladeshi rock musician James scheduled concert at a local government school in Faridpur city. The clashes at the Faridpur Zila School campus left more than a dozen people injured. The chaos forced the organisers to cancel the concert by rock icon James, also known as Nagar Baul. The incident further puts the spotlight on the law and order situation in Bangladesh, which has been gripped by incidents of arson and violence since the killing of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We take a look. Chaos at James concert in Bangladesh Legendary rock musician James concert was cancelled on Friday (December 26) night after an attack by alleged outsiders. The concert was set to begin around 9:30 pm at the Faridpur Zila School campus, marking the institutions 185th anniversary, as per a Prothom Alo report. The organising committee said that a group of outsiders tried to storm the venue after being denied entry. While only registered former and current students were allowed to attend the concert, several thousand outsiders gathered outside the venue for James concert They turned violent when security personnel and organisers stopped them. Citing witnesses, the Bangladesh newspaper reported that these outsiders hurled bricks and stones at the stage and audience, triggering panic. The group also attempted to take over the stage. Unverified footage on social media shows one side throwing stones while the other using chairs as cover. On Friday, 26 December, James, the iconic voice of Bangladeshi rock was scheduled to headline the 185th anniversary concert of Faridpur Zilla School. What should have been a celebration turned into chaos when an extremist group attacked the venue, vandalized property, and forced pic.twitter.com/htpsEdxQys Dipanwita Rumi( ) (@dipanwitarumi) December 26, 2025 Students of Faridpur Zila School resisted the attackers, forcing them to retreat. At least 25 people, including students, were injured in the incident. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD James concert cancelled after chaos James, the voice behind hits like Bheegi Bheegi from the Bollywood film Gangster and Alvida from Life In A Metro, was to perform at the Faridpur Zila School, which was to be the closing event of the two-day anniversary programme. However, his concert, which drew thousands of students and alumni, was cancelled minutes before it was to begin. As the chaos unfolded, organisers decided to call off the event. Around 10:00 pm, convener of the organising committee, Dr Mustafizur Rahman Shamim, announced that the concert had been cancelled after orders from the Faridpur Deputy Commissioner. As per the media outlet bdnews24, Rajibul Hasan Khan, head of the anniversary publicity and media subcommittee, said: We had completed all preparations to make James concert a success. But we do not understand why, for what reason, or who carried out the attack. He added, At least 15 to 20 students were injured by the impact of the bricks. Considering the overall situation, we were compelled to cancel the programme following instructions from the district administration." James was rescued amid the chaos and taken away from the venue under security cover. There were no reported injuries to the artist or his band members. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Azmir Hossain said the exact number of injured was yet to be known. He also claimed that the attackers were not part of any militant or criminal group, as per The Business Standard. We believe they were fans of James. Out of frustration at being deprived of listening to their favourite artists performance, they carried out the attack. There is nothing beyond that, he added. ALSO READ: Dipu Chandra Das and Amrit Mondal: The tale of 2 lynchings in Bangladesh Recent attacks on cultural institutions in Bangladesh This is the third known attack on a cultural icon or group in recent days in Bangladesh. Last week, renowned classical musician Shiraz Ali Khan, a great-grandson of Ustad Alauddin Khan, vowed not to return to Bangladesh until artists, music and cultural institutions are respected and protected. He was to take part in an event at Chhayanaut Shongskriti Bhaban in Dhaka on December 19. However, the event was called off after the premises were attacked, vandalised, and set ablaze early that night. Later, in a Facebook post, he wrote that the decision did not stem from anger, but with responsibility to his familys legacy, art, and safety. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I still believe in the power of music to heal and unite. I only hope that one day, respect for art and culture returns strongly enough for that bridge to be rebuilt, he said. Last week, a mob set fire to the office of Udichi Shilpigosthi, one of the countrys most prominent cultural organisations, in Dhaka. Arman Khan, son of renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Ustad Rashid Khan, had called off his scheduled concerts in Bangladesh amid growing unrest following the death of Hadi. He was to perform in Bangladesh on December 25. However, citing safety concerns, including attacks on Hindus, and the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the neighbouring country, the musician cancelled his appearances. The situation in Bangladesh is unfit for any artist to visit or perform. I strongly condemn the torture which Hindus are being subjected to in Bangladesh, Arman told Metro. With inputs from agencies On December 27, 2007, Benazir Bhutto, a former Pakistani prime minister and the countrys first democratically elected woman leader, was assassinated at an election rally in Rawalpindi. Her death plunged Pakistan into grief and chaos. Also, on this day, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was formally established in 1945 A photograph of Pakistan's late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on the podium following an address by her husband, Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, September 25, 2009. Reuters On December 27, 2007, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. The former Pakistan prime minister and the countrys first democratically elected woman leader was killed while campaigning in Rawalpindis Liaquat Bagh. Bhutto was waving to the crowd through the vehicles sunroof when chaos erupted. A gunman opened fire on her bulletproof vehicle, and then a bomb exploded near the car, killing more than 20 people, including Bhutto, and wounding over 100 others. Also, on this day in 1945, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was formally established with more than two dozen members. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers ongoing series, History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto Hailing from one of the most famous political dynasties in South Asia, Benazir was the daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who was the founder of Pakistans Peoples Party (PPP). While she was studying abroad, her father was executed by Pakistans military regime. After her fathers death, she returned home to lead his party, and she was repeatedly imprisoned and placed under house arrest. According to several media reports, she was even denied the right to speak, to move, or even to mourn. In 1988, at the age of 35, Bhutto did the unthinkable. She became the first woman in the modern Muslim world to lead a nation. She served as the prime minister of Pakistan twice. Her government was dismissed twice, each time due to corruption charges and political rivalries. Bhutto left the country to escape corruption charges. However, she decided to return in 2007 to contest the 2008 general election. The day she landed back in Pakistan, Bhutto narrowly escaped a suicide bomb attack on her convoy. The bomb attack killed 136 people and wounded more than 450. However, Bhutto remained undeterred. On December 27, 2007, Bhutto was killed at a PPP rally in Rawalpindi. Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto at an election rally in Rawalpindi shortly before she was killed, December 27, 2007. Reuters She was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead later that night. According to a BBC report, Bhutto was murdered by a 15-year-old suicide bomber called Bilal. Her death caused civil unrest across Pakistan, with riots and demonstrations leading to violent police crackdowns. The nation plunged into grief and chaos, marking yet another tragic turning point in Pakistans history. The United Nations launched an investigation and found that Pakistani police reportedly made deliberate mistakes and showed carelessness. After Bhuttos assassination, her husband, Asif Ali Zardari, was elected president of Pakistan in September 2008. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When the IMF was formally established On this day, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was legally established in 1945. The bloc, which began with 29 members, witnessed more nations joining over time. This was because the Soviet Union and many of its allies and clients refused to do so due to the Cold War. In the 1970s, the International Monetary Fund began assisting poor nations with concessional financing. It offered financing terms more favourable than those available on the private market. The IMF achieved nearly universal membership in the 1990s. The IMF is an intergovernmental organisation that aims to create stability during the ongoing globalisation process, with a focus on maintaining international economic stability. Today, the IMF consists of nearly all sovereign states in the world and is headquartered in Washington, DC. This Day, That Year 1932: Radio City Music Hall, a magnificent Art Deco theatre in New York City, opens during the Great Depression. 1831: British naturalist Charles Darwin sets out from Plymouth, England, aboard the HMS Beagle. His five-year surveying expedition of the southern Atlantic and Pacific oceans would play a vital role in his theory of evolution. With inputs from agencies The Delhi Police launched Operation Aaghat 3.0, a preventive and deterrent exercise to ensure public safety on the New Year. To curb crimes, they arrested hundreds of suspects, seized illicit weapons and recovered stolen items in the South and South East districts. Security has also been tightened across the city ahead of the festivities The Delhi Police launched Operation Aaghat 3.0 ahead of the New Year. ANI The Delhi Police launched an operation to curb crimes ahead of the New Year. As the city gears up to ring in 2026, the police arrested hundreds of suspects, seized illicit weapons and recovered stolen items under Operation Aaghat 3.0. The action aimed to prevent crimes during the next weeks New Year celebrations. Security has also been tightened across the national capital, with special focus on reining in drunken driving, traffic violations and unruly behaviour. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. Delhi Police launch Operation Aaghat 3.0 The Delhi Police carried out coordinated raids and checks across vulnerable areas of two districts under Operation Aaghat 3.0. The joint operation launched by the South and South East district police led to the arrest of more than 660 people. According to senior police officers, Operation Aaghat 3.0 was envisaged as a preventive and deterrent exercise to ensure public safety ahead of and during the New Year, when there is usually a spike in mobility and crimes. As many as 1,306 people were rounded up overnight under preventive measures as police conducted checks, verifications and targeted raids based on local intelligence inputs, reported ANI. Over 280 people were taken into custody from the South East district alone during the increased security drive, police said. Operation Aaghat 3.0 | Key Outcomes from the South-East District- 285 accused arrested under the Excise Act, NDPS Act & Gambling Act. 504 persons apprehended under preventive action. 116 Bad Characters (BCs) apprehended. 10 property offenders and five auto-lifters arrested. pic.twitter.com/XVTHulCBPC ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2025 Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) South East Hemant Tiwari was quoted as saying by the news agency, 285 accused have been arrested under the Excise Act, [Narcotics Drugs and Psychotrophic Substances] NDPS Act and Gambling Act. A total of 504 persons were apprehended under preventive action, while 116 Bad Characters were also apprehended. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ten property offenders were also apprehended, he said. More than 350 people were nabbed for consuming liquor in public places. SK Jain, Joint Commissioner of Police (Security), Delhi Police, told NDTV that more than 2,800 people were questioned, calling it a very successful operation. About 850 people have also been detained in the two districts to ensure crime-free celebrations. The major focus of the entire drive was against organised crime, especially drug peddlers, bootleggers, gamblers, and habitual offenders. The message was loud and clear to the criminals and street crimes, the Joint CP said. Police seize illicit items, recover stolen mobiles The operation led to the recovery of 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges and 27 knives. The Delhi Police also seized 12,258 quarters of illicit liquor and over six kg of ganja during raids. The police recovered over Rs 2.3 lakh from gamblers. Thirty cases were registered under anti-gambling laws, and 68 gamblers were arrested in the two districts. Five auto thieves were nabbed to prevent vehicle theft during the festivities. Operation Aaghat 3.0 | Key Outcomes from the South-East District- 285 accused arrested under the Excise Act, NDPS Act & Gambling Act. 504 persons apprehended under preventive action. 116 Bad Characters (BCs) apprehended. 10 property offenders and five auto-lifters arrested. pic.twitter.com/XVTHulCBPC ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a major recovery, authorities said 310 mobile phones that had been snatched, robbed or reported lost were retrieved during the operation. The police said they will be returned to their rightful owners. They also seized or recovered 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler during searches and road checks in South East Delhi. Security beefed up in Delhi ahead of New Year The Delhi Police have strengthened security arrangements in the national capital ahead of the New Year. Around 20,000 police personnel, including traffic police and paramilitary forces, will be deployed across the city on New Year's Eve. Security has been heightened at borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh amid an expectation of a huge influx of people from the neighbouring states for the year-end celebrations, police said, as per PTI. Multiple pickets, barricades and vehicle-checking points will be set up across Delhi, especially at entry points, party zones, markets and nightlife hubs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The traffic police have drawn up a detailed plan to deal with drunken driving, rash driving and motorcycle stunts. Breath analysers will be used extensively at checkpoints and strict action will be taken against violators, a senior officer said. Special traffic arrangements will be made for areas where high footfall is expected on December 31, such as Connaught Place and Hauz Khas. Additional forces will also be stationed at India Gate, where large crowds are usually present to welcome the New Year, the officer said. Police teams will also check hotels, guest houses, night shelters, bus terminals and railway stations as part of routine verification drives, the officer said. Our teams are checking bus stands, railway stations, hotels, dharamshalas, night shelters and other locations to verify if anyone is staying without providing proper documents. We have already launched a special drive to identify people staying illegally in the national capital, he said. Anyone found violating traffic rules will be penalised. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies India has successfully concluded negotiations with New Zealand on a Free Trade Agreement, with PM Modi and his counterpart in Wellington saying it is expected to double bilateral trade in five years. We take a closer look at the trade pact and its benefits, and much more in our weekly roundup Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in New Delhi. The two countries have announced a FTA, which enhances market access and tariff preferences for Indian exports to New Zealand. File image/AP India will end 2025 on quite a high. The country announced the conclusion of negotiations of a free trade agreement with New Zealand and both nations are expected to sign the deal in the next two-three months. In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Concluded in just nine months, this historic milestone reflects a strong political will and shared ambition to deepen economic ties between our two countries The India-NZ partnership is going to scale newer heights. The FTA sets the stage for doubling bilateral trade in the coming five years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India also saw its space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), successfully launch the LVM3-M6/BlueBird Block-2 mission for its US-based commercial customer, AST SpaceMobile. This was the ninth flight of the LVM3 rocket, which has maintained a perfect track record so far. And following the IndiGo Airlines fiasco, Indias Civil Aviation Ministry granted approvals to new airlines. The move is an attempt to challenge the aviation duopoly that exists in the nation. But it wasnt just about the highs. The country also saw violent protests break out over the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh. From Kolkata to Delhi, angry Indians spilled out on the streets, highlighting the fragility in the relationship between India and Bangladesh. As we wrap up this year, we take a look at these big events in our weekly roundup. Activists burn posters of Bangladeshs flag in Ahmedabad during a protest against the brutal murder of Hindu youth Deepu Das in Bangladesh. File image/AP 1) The India-Bangladesh ties nosedived even further this week. The reason: the lynching of a Hindu man, identified as Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladeshs Mymensingh district over alleged blasphemy on December 18. The incident prompted many Hindus across the country to come out on the streets, demanding for justice. Several activists thronged the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi on Tuesday, resulting in Dhaka summoning the Indian envoy to lodge its protest over the incident. The angry protesters could be heard shouting slogans and accusing Bangladeshi groups of wrongly targeting minorities. They carried placards and banners with slogans including India will not tolerate torture of Hindus in Bangladesh and Our silence should not be mistaken as weakness, we are lions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Other parts of the country, such as West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh also saw agitations over the lynching, with protesters demanding justice. How bad was the situation? Our report explains it all. 2) India is looking to improve its trading ties with countries across the world. And this week, New Delhi announced that it had concluded negotiations with Wellington on a free trade agreement. This is one of Indias fastest-concluded FTAs talks on it began in March and concluded in December. 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. The agreement also opens opportunities for India to emerge as a key supplier of skilled workforce. How else does India benefit from this FTA? Read on to find out. Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) launches the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite of AST SpaceMobile, USA, onboard its launch vehicle LVM3-M6 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. File image/PTI 3) On Wednesday (December 23), Isro launched a LVM-3 rocket carrying its heaviest-ever satellite BlueBird Block-2 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The BlueBird Block-2 weighs 6,100 kilogrammes (over six tonnes), highlighting the space agencys ability to handle complex, high-stakes missions for global clients. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This mission extended LVM3s unbroken streak to nine consecutive successes. Even PM Modi congratulated Isro, writing on X, The successful LVM3-M6 launch, placing the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil the spacecraft of the USA, BlueBird Block-2 into its intended orbit, reinforces Indias growing role in the global commercial launch market. This is also reflective of our efforts towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. 4) Its been around two weeks since the frightful IndiGo crisis that saw multiple flights being delayed and thousands of passengers being severely inconvenienced. Now, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted permission to three new airlines Al Hind Air, FlyExpress, and Shankh Air to take to the skies in an attempt to break duopoly that exists in the Indian aviation sector. But how will this benefit Indian flyers? 5) Indians love to study abroad. We arent the ones saying it its a government report that reveals that the country continues to face a brain drain. In its report, the Niti Aayog stated that a whopping 13.36 lakh students went overseas to pursue their educational dreams. Moreover, for every one international student coming to India, nearly 28 Indian students went abroad, the Niti Aayog said in its report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The report also revealed that Canada remains the most preferred destination for Indian students. In 2024, the Western country hosted 4,27,000 Indian students, with another 3,37,630 Indian students visiting the US, followed by 1,85,000 to the UK, 1,22,202 to Australia and 42,997 to Germany. In our explainer, we dwell further into these numbers and also how this could be a problem for the country. Deliverymen of food aggregator Swiggy wait along a roadside in New Delhi. File image/PTI 6) Your New Years Eve plans may be in jeopardy, all thanks to the countless of gig workers connected to Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, Zepto and other such platforms. These delivery workers have announced they will be going on strike on December 31 against their deteriorating working conditions. Shaik Salauddin, National General Secretary of Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), told The New Indian Express, We want the government to come out with a Policy for gig and platform workers with a fixed minimum wage. What are their other demands? 7) An Oxford Union debate has garnered quite a lot of attention on social media this week. Why? Because a Mumbai-born student delivered a fiery address on India-Pakistan ties at the event. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the debate, Viraansh Bhanushali, who has become a social media sensation, argued against Islamabads Moosa Harraj, that New Delhis approach towards Pakistan is rooted in genuine national security concerns rather than political populism. He also said, We have learnt it the hard way, you cannot shame a state that has no shame, referencing major attacks, including Pathankot, Uri, and Pulwama. He stated that a country that harbours terror networks cannot claim moral superiority. But who is Viraansh Bhanushali? Read here to find out. Thats it from us for this week. If you liked what you read and are looking for more such explainers, bookmark this page. PS: We would like to wish each and one of you all a very Happy New Year! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to the United States to meet Donald Trump on Sunday (December 28) in Florida. He has said that the proposed 20-point peace plan to end Russias war in Ukraine was 90 per cent ready. However, the US president has stressed that Kyiv doesnt have anything until I approve it Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet his American counterpart, Donald Trump, on Sunday (December 28) in Florida, as efforts to end Russias nearly four-year war in Ukraine intensify. Zelenskyy told reporters on Friday (December 26) that he could not confirm whether the talks would result in a firm agreement, but that both sides hoped to finalise as much as we can. We are not losing a single day. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level with President Trump in the near future, the Ukrainian leader wrote in a post on X yesterday, adding that a lot can be decided before the New Year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As Zelenskyy heads to the US, heres what to expect. Zelenskyy to meet Trump Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to meet Donald Trump on Sunday at the US presidents Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Zelenskyy said that the proposed 20-point peace plan was 90 per cent ready. Our task is to make sure everything is 100 per cent ready. He later added: As of today, our teams the Ukrainian and American negotiating teams have made significant progress. However, in an interview with Politico published on Friday, Trump said his Ukrainian counterpart doesnt have anything until I approve it. The US president believed the meeting with Zelenskyy this weekend would be productive. I think its going to go good with him. I think its going to go good with [Vladimir] Putin, Trump said. He added that he expected to speak with the Russian president soon, as much as I want. US President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as US Vice President JD Vance reacts at the White House in Washington, DC US, February 28, 2025. File Photo/Reuters Zelenskyys US travel comes after the Ukrainian president spoke with Trumps chief negotiators, special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, for an hour over the phone on Christmas Day. He said the new round of discussions had generated new ideas on how to end the war, describing it as a really good conversation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Later on Thursday, Witkoff and Kushner had further talks with the Ukrainian negotiators as well as Russian officials. The Kremlin said Friday that Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putins top foreign policy aide, had held talks with American counterparts after Moscow received US proposals on a possible peace deal. Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev also recently met with US envoys in Florida. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov was positive about the developments, but accused Ukraine of trying to torpedo talks on the US peace plan. I think December 25, 2025, will remain in all our memories as a milestone when we truly came close to a solution. But whether we can make the final push and reach an agreement depends on our work and the political will of the other side, he told Russian state TV on Friday. Even as peace talks are on, the war continues between Russia and Ukraine. Early on Saturday (December 27), several powerful explosions sounded in Kyiv as Ukraines air defence units were repelling the attack. Authorities said Russian drones were targeting the capital and regions in the northeast and south. The massive aerial attack on Kyiv injured at least eight people, CNN reported, citing city officials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What will they discuss? The high-stakes meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy indicates significant progress in peace talks. The Ukrainian president said that he would focus on the US-brokered peace plan and separate proposals for US security guarantees, reported BBC. Zelenskyy told reporters on Friday that he would discuss several documents, including US security guarantees and a separate economic agreement, during the weekend talks. The two sides will also deliberate on reconstruction as well as the territorial control of the Donbas region and the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. This meeting is specifically intended to refine things as much as we possibly can, Zelenskyy said. The Ukrainian leader told Axios that the US offered a 15-year deal on security guarantees, subject to renewal. However, Kyiv was seeking a longer agreement with legally binding provisions to shield against further Russian aggression. Zelenskyy said he aimed to conclude a framework to end the war during talks with Trump. Sticking points in Ukraine peace plan While talks continue, major sticking points remain in the US-brokered peace deal proposed between Kyiv and Moscow. After the thorny issues stalled the talks, Kyiv has offered some concessions to bring the discussion back on track. Ukraines allies previously criticised the initial 28-point peace plan, which emerged in November after talks between the US and Russia, as being too skewed in favour of Moscow. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following weeks of discussions between Ukrainian and US officials, the current 20-point plan took shape, a slimmed version of the original proposal. A senior Russian official, however, said the plan was radically different to the one Moscow was negotiating with Washington. Ukraine is demanding security guarantees from the US and Europe as part of a peace deal that would mirror Natos Article 5, which requires all members to defend another member that has come under attack. Zelenskyy also said Ukraine was ready to withdraw its troops from parts of the Donetsk region not currently occupied by Russian forces. But the Ukrainian leader emphasised that any pullback of troops would have to be reciprocal, with Moscow surrendering as much Ukrainian territory as that ceded by Kyiv. He also said that those pockets of the Donbas should be demilitarised. The US has proposed that the areas from which Ukraines troops withdraw become a demilitarised free economic zone. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russia currently controls about 75 per cent of the Donetsk region, and some 99 per cent of the neighbouring Luhansk. The regions are collectively called Donbas. The main sticking point is Moscows demand that it control the entirety of the Donbas region under any deal. On Zelenskys potential willingness to concede territorial control for a peace deal, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told CNN that giving up the rest of Donetsk could contribute significantly. The deal also proposes maintaining Ukraines military at 800,000 personnel, a level that Moscow wants be slashed. If Russia does not agree to the current draft for a peace deal, Zelenskyy suggested exerting pressure on Moscow. If Ukraine shows its position, it is constructive and Russia, for example, does not agree, then the (existing) pressure is not enough, he said. He told Axios he was willing to put the 20-point plan to a referendum, given that Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire to allow Ukraine to prepare for and hold the vote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliates, the National Citizen Party and radical student wings, repetitively stoke religious nationalism as a springboard to political relevance and possible electoral success. They have nothing to go to people to ask for votes except for their religion Muhammad Yunus offered his condolences at the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi, a student leader who was shot in the head. Hadi's death has further fuelled anti-India demonstrations and anti-Hindu riots across the country. File image/Reuters The persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh signals the rot of radicalism that runs so deep in Bangladesh. Communal bigotry and anti-India jibes conflate to exacerbate the socio-political atmosphere beyond repair. The rhetoric of change and student-led revolution was a mere cosmetic cause. They were well-orchestrated moves to position Bangladesh as a chronic irritant and antithesis to Indias peaceful rise as a recognisable leader of the Global South. Religion was weaponised to impose geopolitical pressure on India from its immediate neighbourhood. The lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker, on December 18, 2025, in Mymensingh, discloses the debilitating conditions of the Hindus in Bangladesh. Blasphemy was weaponised to legitimise the gruesome killing of this Hindu youth. The underlying rationale was to deliver a political message of religious solidarity and anti-India mobilisation. This combination works for the radicals and the interim government to determine the scope and character of the forthcoming election in February 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The usual crocodile tears from the interim government were intended to clean its image and send signals of its non-involvement. The paradox is so obvious that it does not require any deep reading to uncover the interim governments intentions and political game. The stage is well set to harp on Islamism, radicalism, Hindu persecution and anti-India sloganeering to peddle the frenzy of religious nationalism to alter the character of the coming election. The same tactics were used to overthrow the Hasina government. It is repeated now to impact the February election. Religion, therefore, is made into an electoral issue, rather than the economy and other relevant and fundamental issues. Religious nationalism is used to overshadow other issues. The interim government has made the conditions in Bangladesh miserable for over a year since its forceful occupation of power through undemocratic means. Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliates, the National Citizen Party (NCP) and radical student wings, repetitively stoke religious nationalism as a springboard to political relevance and possible electoral success. They have nothing to go to people to ask for votes except for their religion. Electoral Parody The official schedule for the election in Bangladesh was declared on December 11, 2025. The date of the nationwide polling in Bangladesh has been finalised to be held on February 12, 2026. The date of the election was declared a year and a half after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from Bangladesh in August 2024. This is going to be the 13th general election in the history of Bangladeshs electoral journey since its independence from West Pakistans horror and hegemony. A simultaneous referendum has also been declared to be held on February 12, 2026, called July Charter, to undertake constitutional and state reforms. Bangladeshi expatriates can vote through postal ballots. This is a new addition. Its efficacy is yet to be seen. However, a cloud of uncertainty looms large on the political horizon of Bangladesh. The groundswell of discontent, disenchantment and fatigue is visually evident. The election is a hogwash. It is a fixed match. What is to be seen is a mere orchestration of what has already been planned. The electoral drama has yet to unfold. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An electoral fiasco is waiting to be revealed. More chaos and disruption are queued to unfold in both pre- and post-election scenarios. The parody of the election is perceptible from the lynching of the Hindu youth. The case of this lynching is reported, but many more cases of daily assault and regular aggression remain unreported, as the sources of information are handcuffed under the unwritten rule of restricted reportage. Political Mudslinging Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliates completely dominate the current political ecosystem. The National Citizen Party (NCP), in other words, the Jatiya Nagorik Party, has spiralled from the July fiasco. Its purpose was to oust Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh. After its purpose was delivered, its political objectives are also over. The sloganeering around the creation of a second republic through justice, anti-corruption, transparency, and constitutional reform was mere melodrama, designed to secure limelight, attention, and relevance. All verbosity is over. NCP holds no gravitas in the electoral process and no connection with the grassroots. The so-called rebels are alleged to have participated in extortion and other illegal and objectionable activities. Some protesters have reportedly become wealthy overnight through illicit means. Ideology, fanaticism and religion have intermingled to paralyse the body politic of Bangladesh. Paralysis is so deep. Recovery is impossible. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus will oversee the electoral process. The man has turned out to be a recipe for disaster in every conceivable sense. To expect him to ensure a fair election is an oxymoron. It suggests that the election will be a murky affair. The consistent aggression against the Hindus explains the law and order stasis. Yunus has already taken undue advantage of the office while releasing dreaded prisoners, making provocative statements on the vivisection of Indias northeast, carrying out foreign relations, assuming the role of a ruler and reconnecting with Pakistan, Bangladeshs arch enemy. Radicalism, Islamism, anti-India vitriolic, sickening indulgence in the cartography of greater Bangladesh, economic meltdown and renewal of relationship with Pakistan snowball Bangladeshs problem into an irreparable reality. The precarity of the minorities, especially of the Hindus and their womenfolk, is inconceivably dire. The Hindu minorities are depicted as the mirror image of India. This equivalence exacerbates their everyday life. The thinning minority thins further to become a nonentity, politically invisible and electorally imperceptible. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The election in Bangladesh is expected to happen between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. They have formed a coalition government in the past. The latter was a junior partner. BNPs camaraderie with the Islamists in the past illustrates its hand-in-glove political approach. BNP will not be any better. It cannot restrict the Islamists from exercising restraint. They will find a safe political ecosystem to continue their acts of aggression and radicalism. Minorities will not see the political reversal any better under the BNP. Begum Khaleda Zia is the current head of BNP. Her health condition is not fit for electoral engagement. Her son, Tarique Rahman, is the acting chairman and lives in London. Anticipation was made of his return to steer the political journey of the BNP in a Jamaat-led political environment. His return to Bangladesh to lead the party is constantly deferred. It is reported that his security is the main reason for the deferral of his visit to Bangladesh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The caretaker government has banned the Awami League. Its non-involvement in the electoral process raises a question mark on the travesty of democracy in Bangladesh. The result is predictable. It is going to be the BNP and Jamaat coalition. This time, the latter will occupy the front seat. If BNP withdraws and fails to stitch a coalition, Jamaat will rule unopposed, consigning the country to irreparable anarchy. It will repeat the accusations the Awami League faced during the 2019 election. It was reported that the Awami League satirically fought against itself in the 2019 election in the absence of an opposition. This time, Jamaat-e-Islami will fight against Jamaat-e-Islami. There will be no opposition to contest in the election. The result will be the Jamaat-e-Islami ruling Bangladesh. Its unfinished project of radicalisation of Bangladesh will be rolled out. The journey of reversal will take place from Bangladesh to East Pakistan. Yunus will ensure the endgame of Bangladesh. He may become the irreplaceable President of Bangladesh, cleansing all his misdeeds under the protection of a constitutional office. This may sound reductionist. Reports of violence in the aftermath of the announcement of election dates circulate on social media. The lynching of the Hindus and spreading fear psychosis run unabated. The days ahead are not going to be smooth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Whatever Sheikh Hasinas flaws and foibles may be, she was the architect of a new Bangladesh. Perfection in politics is an undesirable category. She recovered Bangladesh from anarchy to economic stability. She made Bangladesh a visible player in the international arena. All ran down the drain with the July fiasco, which led to the anarchy and ouster of Hasina. The promise of a new republic has turned out to be a republic of lies, paralysis, lawlessness and complete collapse. Jamaat-e-Islami will repeat Hasinas hubris on an unimaginable scale, outsmarting her in its activity and amplification of disorder. The days ahead for Bangladesh are going to be rough, and the multitude of uncertainties will soon take centre stage. People will soon be disenchanted by the promise of difference. Jamaat-e-Islami has reportedly included its people in the government offices, universities and judiciary, taking advantage of the political paralysis and its unelected interference in every sphere of public activity through the power-hungry octogenarian. They will extend support to Jamaat-e-Islami to secure political relevance in Bangladesh. The rot will soon spread incurably to every sphere of activity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (Jajati K Pattnaik is a Professor at the Centre for West Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Chandan K Panda is an Assistant Professor at Rajiv Gandhi University (a Central University), Itanagar. Views expressed are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor tests Indias balancing act in West Asia. Translating the diplomatic capital into a functional economic corridor will require deft navigation, strategic patience, and a refusal to be distracted by transient geopolitical noise In a fractured global order, connectivity projects are no longer just about economics; they are instruments of power, influence, and alignment. Representational image The revival of discussions around the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (Imec) reflects both ambition and anxiety. Ambition, because Imec represents one of the most strategically significant connectivity projects envisaged in recent decades; anxiety, because nearly two years after its unveiling in 2023, it remains more a statement of intent than a shovel-ready reality. As India, the UAE, Europe and the United States reiterate their commitment, the harsh truth is that geopolitics, especially the Gaza conflict, continues to cast a long shadow over the projects future. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Imec was conceived as a bold alternative to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Linking South Asia to Europe through the Gulf via shipping lanes, rail corridors, energy pipelines and digital cables, the project promised to reduce transit time, lower logistics costs, and embed India more deeply into global value chains. For New Delhi, Imec fits neatly into Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of India as a central node in global connectivity, supply-chain resilience, and Global South cooperation. For the Gulf states, it aligns with ambitions to become indispensable logistics and economic hubs. For Europe and the US, Imec offers a chance to de-risk from China without overt confrontation. Yet, the gap between vision and execution is glaring. Despite periodic diplomatic activity the India-UAE Joint Commission meeting in Abu Dhabi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars visit to Israel, Italys appointment of special envoys, and conferences planned in Trieste Imec has not moved decisively beyond the discussion stage. Analysts are right to call these developments signals of intent rather than proof of momentum. No binding contracts, no credible timelines, no detailed financial architecture, and no clearly demarcated implementation phases have emerged. At the heart of this inertia lies West Asias deteriorating security environment. The Gaza conflict has fundamentally altered regional calculations. Imecs central logic depends on political stability and cross-border cooperation, particularly between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The corridors land-based connectivity presumes eventual Saudi-Israeli normalisation, an assumption that now looks increasingly fragile. Riyadh cannot afford domestic or regional backlash by accelerating economic integration with Israel while Gaza remains unresolved and images of conflict dominate the Arab street. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is not merely a moral or emotional issue; it is a structural one. Saudi Arabia is the backbone of Imecs Middle Eastern leg. Without its full and confident participation, the corridor collapses into disconnected segments rather than a seamless artery. IranIsrael tensions further complicate matters, raising insurance costs, security risks, and investor hesitancy across the region. Infrastructure may be built with steel and concrete, but economic corridors ultimately run on trust and predictability, both in short supply today. Critics who argue that Gaza has effectively sounded the death knell for Imec may be overstating the case, but they are not wrong in highlighting the severity of the challenge. Large transnational infrastructure projects demand long-term political consensus, not episodic diplomatic reassurance. As Shanthie Mariet DSouza rightly notes, physical construction is often the easiest part; ensuring economic viability amid instability is far harder. That said, writing off Imec entirely would be premature and strategically unwise, especially from Indias perspective. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India has consistently demonstrated patience in long-gestation geopolitical projects, from the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to its evolving Indo-Pacific partnerships. Imec should be viewed through a similar lens: not as a short-term deliverable, but as a strategic hedge against future global realignments. The fact that no core participant has exited the project matters. It suggests that all stakeholders still see long-term value, even if near-term execution is stalled. There are also quiet positives that deserve attention. India and the UAE working on digital regulatory frameworks, discussions on customs harmonisation, outreach to Jordan, and conversations involving Italy and Greece indicate that groundwork is being laid in fragments. These are not headline-grabbing breakthroughs, but they are necessary building blocks. In diplomacy and infrastructure alike, slow accumulation often precedes sudden acceleration. From a realist standpoint, Imecs future depends on four critical shifts. First, some degree of stabilisation in Gaza, even if a comprehensive resolution remains elusive. Second, a clearer political signal from Saudi Arabia on its long-term strategic alignment, independent of short-term crises. Third, leadership from India to push the project beyond symbolism into structured implementation planning. And fourth, credible financial commitments from Western partners who have so far been more enthusiastic in rhetoric than in writing cheques. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Imec also tests Indias balancing act in West Asia. New Delhi has successfully maintained strong ties with Israel, the Gulf monarchies, Iran, and the Palestinians, a diplomatic achievement few countries can claim. But translating this diplomatic capital into a functional economic corridor will require deft navigation, strategic patience, and a refusal to be distracted by transient geopolitical noise. Ultimately, Imec reflects the world as it is and as it could be. In a fractured global order, connectivity projects are no longer just about economics; they are instruments of power, influence, and alignment. Imecs struggle is therefore unsurprising. But its persistence, despite wars and uncertainty, signals something deeper: a shared recognition that the post-BRI world needs alternatives and that India has a central role to play in shaping them. For now, Imec remains an unfinished map rather than a functioning route. Whether it becomes historys next great corridor or another well-intentioned white paper will depend less on grand announcements and more on political courage, regional stability, and sustained strategic will. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (The writer is a techie, political analyst, and author. He pens national, geopolitical, and social issues. His social media handle is @prosenjitnth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) India decided in a hurry to recognise Communist China without obtaining any guarantees for its own security On December 31, 1949, the Government of India pushed through the recognition of the new regime in Beijing. Image: AFP File Seven and a half decades ago, an event largely forgotten today took place; it would become a turning point in the history of the Asian nations. It not only changed the fate of a small (not by size) nation, Tibet, but also triggered ripples (not to say a tsunami) which still endure along the entire northern border of India, wiping out its serenity. India decided in a hurry to recognise Red China without obtaining any guarantees for its own security. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It began on New Years Eve; on December 31, 1949, the Government of India pushed through the recognition of the new regime in Beijing. Patels Position But let us first go back to 1949. Nehru was not overly worried about the situation developing in China. On September 10, in a letter to John Matthai, his Finance Minister, he wrote: Recent developments in China and Tibet indicate that Chinese Communists are likely to invade Tibet sometime or other. This will not be very soon. But it may well take place within a year. The government structure of Tibet is feeble. A Lama hierarchy controls the whole country, the majority of whose population is very poor. Any effective attempt by the Chinese Communists can hardly be resisted, more especially as the greater part of the population is likely to remain passive and some may even help the Communists. On the other side at Sinkiang [Xinjiang today], Soviet influence is already strong. The result of all this is that we may have the Chinese or Tibetan Communists right up on our Assam, Bhutan and Sikkim border. That fact by itself does not frighten me. In October, soon after Mao Zedong had declared from the rostrum of Tiananmen Square that China has risen, the Indian Prime Minister decided to go ahead with the recognition of the Communist regime; Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Indias Deputy Prime Minister, could not understand the hurry. On December 6, 1949, he wrote to Nehru: It seems your intention is to recognise China soon after the UN session ends, even if it means that others are not ready by then or prepared to do so. My own feeling is that we do not stand to gain anything by giving a lead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nehru immediately replied, Our advisors [read VK Krishna Menon and KM Panikkar] are of the opinion that it would be definitely harmful to recognise after the Commonwealth have done so. It would mean that we have no policy of our own, but follow the dictates of other countries. Nehru ultimately won the battle. On December 31, 1949, India was the first nation, with Burma, to recognise the Communist regime. This recognition without any counter-benefits still has serious consequences today. China Gets Ready to Invade Tibet A first warning was heard on January 1, 1950, a day after the recognition of Maos regime; in the broadcast, the New China News Agency proclaimed, The tasks for the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) for 1950 are to liberate Taiwan, Hainan and Tibet Tibet is an integral part of China. Tibet has fallen under the influence of the imperialists. Who were the imperialists? The broadcast probably meant the few Indian traders and diplomats posted in Tibet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the following months China would repeatedly assert that Tibet was part of Chinas territory. The Soviets Join In On January 2, 1950, from Moscow, Mao gave Deng Xiaoping the green light to attack Tibet; the responsibility for all the preparations was left to Deng, then Political Commissar of the Second Field Army in Chengdu (Sichuan). On January 10, 1950, Mao sent another telegram ordering that the preparation of the liberation should be accelerated and agreeing with Deng Xiaopings proposal that the liberation of Tibet should be started simultaneously from all directions from Sichuan in the east, from Yunnan in the south, from Qinghai in the north and from Xinjiang in the west. It would take eight months for the 18th Corps of the Second Field Army to be ready to march through Kham province and defeat the ill-equipped, poorly motivated Tibetan army. On January 22, an interesting conversation took place in Moscow between Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin. Mao Zedong: Let me thank you Comrade Stalin, for the help. Commander of the PLAs Second Field Army, Liu Bochengs troops, is currently preparing for an attack on Tibet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Joseph Stalin replied, Its good that you are preparing the attack. The Tibetans need to be subdued. During the first months of 1950, the only unknown factor for the Chinese was the degree of resistance by the Tibetans: would the Second Army of one-eyed Liu Bosheng march triumphantly into Tibet as the liberators, or would Tibet have to be liberated by force? By the end of 1949, the Red Army knew that the real test would be the occupation of Kham. This was what was at stake in the negotiations between the Chinese Ambassador and Shakabpa, the Tibetan representative in Delhi. Had the negotiations succeeded, the PLA would have entered Tibet invited, with China only occupying its own territory. We should not forget that Maos favourite teacher was Sun Tzu, who said, To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemys resistance without fighting. The Preparations to Occupy Tibet STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In early August 1950, Marshal Liu Bocheng had announced: [The] Peoples Liberation Army will soon march towards Tibet with object of driving out the British and American aggressive forces so as to make Tibetans return to the Great Family of the Peoples Republic of China. As soon as the Liberation Army enters into Tibet, they will carry out the Programme of National Regional Autonomy, religious freedom The military and political systems prevailing in Tibet now will remain as they are and will NOT be changed; various ranks of officials and men will work as usual. The plans were clear. India Remains Unaware After meeting Zhou Enlai on August 26, Panikkar, the Indian Ambassador in Beijing, wrote that he expressed the hope [to Zhou] that they [the Chinese] would follow a policy of peace in regard to Tibet. Zhou Enlai replied that the liberation of Tibet was a sacred duty. For months, KM Panikkar, the Indian Ambassador in China, regularly put the blame on the Tibetans for refusing to negotiate with China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For Mao, however, it was clearly a two-phase strategy: first a military takeover of the Chamdo area and then a peaceful liberation after the Tibetans had been militarily defeated and forced to sign an agreement with the Central Government, ie, the Communist regime in Beijing. Already on August 23, the Chairman had cabled the CPC Southwest and Northwest Bureaus: If our army can capture Chamdo in October, this will urge the Tibetan delegation to come to Beijing for negotiation for peaceful settlement. On October 7, 1950, the Chinese crossed the Yangtze River and invaded Chamdo, the capital of Kham province in Eastern Tibet. Panikkar Justifies Himself In the meantime, in a communication to the Chinese government in August, Panikkar changed the status of Tibet from Chinas suzerainty to sovereignty, an entirely different significance. More than a month after the Chinese had entered Chamdo, the issue of suzerainty vs sovereignty was still bothering Delhi, but Panikkar was ready to justify his position for the sake of world peace. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a top-secret cable to the Prime Minister, the Indian ambassador admitted, The Peking [Beijing] Government has proceeded on the assumption that since their sovereignty was recognised, India, while pressing for a peaceful settlement, could NOT legitimately object to military action if Tibetan Delegation did NOT arrive in reasonable time. Panikkar was not ready to withdraw the term sovereignty; he told Nehru, Our present explanation that use of word sovereignty was by oversight would naturally appear thin to them. It is difficult to believe that China invaded Tibet on an oversight of Panikkar, but it was the justification that Mao gave for the liberation. Thus, the prophecy of the 13th Dalai Lama, a great visionary, became reality. Having seen the real face of the Communists, in 1932, in his last Testament, he had warned his people: Precautions should be taken at a time when the forces of degeneration are most prevalent and when Communism is on the spread. Remember the fate that befell the Mongolian nation when Communists overran the country and where the Head Lamas reincarnation was forbidden, where property was totally confiscated and where monasteries and religion were completely wiped out. These things have happened, are happening and will happen in the land of harmonious blend of Religion and Politics. Nobody had listened then! Seventy-five years later, one can ask, what did India gain in acting so hastily? It has certainly lost a friendly neighbour who shared Bharats deeper values. (The writer is Distinguished Fellow, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (Delhi). Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Myanmar is all set to conduct its first general election in five years after seizing power in a coup. The question about the future of the junta and its chief, Min Aung Hlaing, remains hanging 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 Myanmar's detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, outside Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo, Japan. File image/Reuters From inside a military base last week, Myanmars junta chief Min Aung Hlaing announced who he wanted voters to pick in Sundays general election, nearly five years after seizing power in a coup. He suggested that during the upcoming election period, voters should choose candidates who can cooperate with the Tatmadaw, state-run media reported, referring to Myanmars powerful armed forces. The comments underline the juntas attempts to hold on to power as it uses ballots to do what it couldnt on the battlefield - cement its control over the country in the face of fierce armed resistance that has emerged since the coup, while gaining some international legitimacy for its rule. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But analysts and diplomats say the aim of establishing a stable administration in the Southeast Asian nation is far-fetched since the civil war is still raging, and a military-controlled government with a civilian veneer is unlikely to win many backers overseas. A new iteration of indirect military rule will do nothing to resolve the armed conflict or civil resistance, and Myanmar will remain mired in crisis, said Richard Horsey, Senior Myanmar Adviser at Crisis Group. Voting will be held in three phases, on Sunday and two dates in January, in only 265 of Myanmars 330 townships where the military has varying degrees of control. In an opinion piece published on Friday that referred to this Reuters story, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said that experts were incorrect in measuring the upcoming election against Western standards, instead of acknowledging the political situation on the ground. They fail to see that for ordinary citizens, this election however imperfect is an exit strategy from the state of emergency and a path back into a legal framework, it said. Future of Min Aung Hlaing The battle-hardened Tatmadaw has long dominated politics in Myanmar, which won independence from Britain in 1948, with a string of military chiefs running the country with an iron grip. Min Aung Hlaing joined their ranks in February 2021, when he ousted a civilian government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on the unproven allegation of electoral fraud by her party, which had won the preceding years polls by a landslide. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The military is incapable of anything but cosmetic change that will not threaten their core interests of central control, said David Mathieson, an independent Myanmar analyst. Suu Kyis National League for Democracy, which won the last two general elections in 2020 and 2015, remains dissolved by the election commission, and many other anti-junta political outfits are not in the running. Six parties are competing nationwide, including the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party that has the largest slate of candidates and is tipped to win the polls, creating conditions for the junta chief to take a civilian role. The USDP already has established political leaders within its ranks, said political analyst Sai Kyi Zin Soe, suggesting that Min Aung Hlaings route to presidency may not be straightforward, although the general is expected to remain tremendously powerful. While it is likely that a national leader will emerge from the military-aligned USDP, we have to wait and see if that leader will be Min Aung Hlaing, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Signals from the past In a military-managed election in 2010, the Tatmadaw installed a former general as a civilian president, a move intended to oversee a tightly controlled political opening. President Thein Sein later launched reforms that surprised critics and supporters alike. These included freeing political prisoners, easing long-standing media censorship and overseeing the 2015 election that resulted in a transfer of power to Suu Kyi after his party lost the vote. But comparisons between the current situation and past processes can be flawed, partly because of the unprecedented violence that has ravaged Myanmar since the coup, as a popular armed resistance has combined with long-standing ethnic armies in the countrys borderlands to challenge the Tatmadaw. Rather than stabilising the country, military-orchestrated elections are likely to intensify violence while failing to generate durable political or economic stability, said Ye Myo Hein, a senior fellow at the Southeast Asia Peace Institute non-profit. Uncertain path for recognition The elections are also a move by Min Aung Hlaing and his brass to seek foreign legitimacy after being shunned by the international community in the wake of the coup, the analysts said. Although planned with the backing of key ally China, the junta is seeking to gather broader support for the elections, including from neighbours such as India and Thailand as well as the 11-member ASEAN bloc that has barred the ruling generals from its summits. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thailands foreign minister said last month that ASEAN would find it difficult to re-engage with Myanmar because the election was being held without the necessary inclusive dialogue, and also called for Suu Kyis release. The United Nations, human rights groups and many Western nations have been vocal in their criticism of the elections that the junta is carrying out with the help of a law that punishes dissent and under which it has charged hundreds of people. Any meaningful election requires an end to violence and dialogue amongst all parties concerned, Britain said at the UN Security Council this week. And there are no indications that the planned elections will be perceived as free or fair. The junta insists that the polls have popular support, denying that they are being conducted with coercion, force or suppression. The election is being conducted for the people of Myanmar, not for the international community, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told reporters this month, according to state-run media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Whether the international community is satisfied or not is irrelevant. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday visited Dhaka University to offer prayers at the grave of slain student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman waves towards his supporters after his return from London, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Reuters Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday visited Dhaka University and offered prayers at the grave of slain student leader Sharif Osman Hadi amid tight security. The 60-year-old BNP leader also paid his respects at the grave of Bangladeshs national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, located beside the Dhaka University Central Mosque, The Daily Star reported. Hadi was buried next to Nazrul Islams grave on December 20. High-profile visit under tight security Rahmans visit marked one of his most significant public appearances since returning to Bangladesh after years in exile. Hadis killing earlier this month had sparked widespread protests and heightened political tensions ahead of the national elections scheduled for February. During the visit, traffic for both vehicles and pedestrians was suspended on roads from Shahbagh towards Dhaka University. Security personnel from the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police were deployed along the route, according to local media reports. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Who was Sharif Osman Hadi? Hadi, a spokesperson for Inqilab Moncho, was shot dead earlier this month. He was a prominent figure in the July 2024 uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, and his killing has intensified political unrest in the country. Visit to Election Commission After offering prayers at Hadis grave, Rahman was scheduled to travel to the Election Commission office in Agargaon to complete registration for his national identity card and formally enrol as a voter. Tarique Rahmans return to Bangladesh Rahman returned to Dhaka after more than 17 years in exile, a move widely seen as a turning point in Bangladeshi politics. A leading opposition figure and heir to the BNP leadership, the 60-year-old had been living in London since 2008 after leaving the country amid what he has described as politically motivated persecution. In his first address after returning, Rahman said Bangladesh had been liberated twice first in 1971 and again through the July 2024 uprising. He called for an inclusive Bangladesh, emphasising unity and equal participation for all communities and ethnic groups. Future leadership role As acting chairman of the BNP, Rahman is expected to assume full leadership of the party from his ailing mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is 80. He returned to Bangladesh accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and daughter Zaima Rahman. Rahman was arrested during the 2007 caretaker government and spent around 18 months in jail before travelling to the UK in 2008 for medical treatment. Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, he has emerged as a leading contender for the post of prime minister in the February general elections. A rights group has reported at least 71 incidents linked to blasphemy allegations against Hindu minorities across Bangladesh between June and December 2025, raising fresh concerns over the safety of religious minorities in the country. A mourner holds Bangladesh's national flag during the funeral of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka on December 20, after two days of violent protests over his killing. Huge crowds accompanied the funeral procession of Hadi, a key figure in last year's pro-democracy uprising who died in a hospital in Singapore on December 18 after being shot by masked gunmen while leaving a Dhaka mosque. (AFP) At least 71 incidents linked to blasphemy allegations targeting Hindu minorities were reported across Bangladesh between June and December 2025, according to a report by the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM). The findings have heightened concern, including in India, over what officials describe as sustained hostility towards religious minorities in the neighbouring country. Incidents reported across 30 districts The report documents cases from more than 30 districts, including Rangpur, Chandpur, Chattogram, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, Sunamganj, Khulna, Comilla, Gazipur, Tangail and Sylhet. Rights groups cited in the study said the wide geographical spread and recurring nature of the incidents point to a systemic vulnerability of minorities to religiously framed accusations rather than isolated episodes. According to HRCBM, blasphemy allegations frequently escalated into police action, mob violence and collective punishment of Hindu communities. In many cases, violence extended beyond the accused individual, with entire neighbourhoods targeted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On June 19, 2025, a 22-year-old man was arrested in Barisal over alleged derogatory remarks, while similar allegations triggered unrest in Chandpur days later. One of the most severe incidents occurred on July 27 in Betgari Union, Rangpur, where the arrest of a 17-year-old boy was followed by the vandalisation of at least 22 Hindu homes. Scale and impact of the violence Overall, the report records 71 incidents involving police arrests and FIRs, mob assaults, damage to homes and temples, expulsions and suspensions from educational institutions, and deaths linked to mob violence. More than 90 percent of those named in the cases were Hindus, including minors aged between 15 and 17. Social media as a flashpoint HRCBM found that many allegations stemmed from disputed or allegedly fabricated social media posts, particularly on Facebook. In several cases, the posts were traced to hacked accounts or could not be forensically verified. Rights groups said arrests were often carried out under mob pressure, sometimes even before preliminary investigations were completed. A significant number of cases were registered under Bangladeshs Cyber Security Act, with students among the most affected. Universities and colleges emerged as flashpoints, with students facing suspension, expulsion or police remand following allegations of insulting religious sentiments. The report also noted instances where violence continued even after the accused were taken into police custody, raising questions over the adequacy of state protection. Fatal attacks raise alarm The report records multiple deaths linked to blasphemy-related violence. On December 18, 2025, a 30-year-old Hindu man was beaten to death and his body set on fire by a mob in Mymensingh following allegations of blasphemy. Earlier cases cited in the report include the assault of a minor in Khulna, allegedly in the presence of security personnel, prompting serious concerns about law enforcement accountability. A pattern, not isolated incidents Human rights observers quoted in the report said the recurring sequence online accusations, swift arrests, mob mobilisation and attacks on Hindu localities suggests blasphemy allegations are increasingly being used as a tool for intimidation, persecution and social exclusion. The report concludes that minors and economically vulnerable individuals are disproportionately affected and warns that without stronger safeguards and accountability mechanisms, such accusations will continue to endanger minority communities in Bangladesh. India flags concern The findings align with concerns recently raised by Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which said it was deeply disturbed by incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. The MEA has described the situation as one of unremitting hostility and has called for accountability and justice for victims. The incidents have unfolded amid political unrest in Bangladesh, placing renewed scrutiny on the interim administrations handling of law and order and minority protection. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinas Foreign Ministry on Friday hit 20 US defence firms, including Boeing, with sanctions in retaliation for US President Donald Trumps approval of a large package of arms sales to Taiwan. President Donald Trump left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, shake hands before their U.S.-China summit talk at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (AP Photo) Chinas Foreign Ministry on Friday hit 20 US defence firms, including Boeing, with sanctions in retaliation for US President Donald Trumps approval of a large package of arms sales to Taiwan. The ministry noted that the measures are being taken against 10 individuals and 20 US firms, including Boeings production hub at St Louis in Missouri. In accordance with the sanctions, Beijing would freeze any assets the companies and individuals hold in China and bar domestic organisations and individuals from doing business with them. Last week, the Trump administration announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The package would include medium-range missiles and drones. It was the largest weapons sale in the history of the bilateral relationship between Taiwan and the United States. It is pertinent to note that China considers the democratically governed island region as its own. Meanwhile, Taipeis ruling regime has always rejected Chinas claim over the island. 10 individuals facing the sanctions Meanwhile, individuals on the Chinese sanctions list include the founder of the defence firm Anduril Industries and nine senior executives from the sanctioned firms. All of them are banned from entering China, the ministry added. It is important to note that Boeing produces fighter jets in St Louis, where more than 3,000 union workers went on strike over pay this year. Other companies targeted by the Chinese sanctions include Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and L3Harris Maritime Services. The Taiwan issue is the core of Chinas core interests and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations. Any provocative actions that cross the line on the Taiwan issue will be met with a strong response from China, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement on Friday. Beijing urged Washington to cease dangerous efforts to arm the island. The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. However, such arms sales are a persistent source of friction with China. The state department said at the time of the Taiwan arms sale that it served US national, economic and security interests by supporting the recipients continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability. The proposed sale[s] will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance and economic progress in the region, various similar statements issued on each of the agreements said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD American authorities have arrested 22-year-old Indian-origin student Manojh Sai Lella for arson and making terroristic threats against his family in Texas. In a separate incident in Illinois, 28-year-old Abhijit Patel has been charged with murdering his father with a sledgehammer. American authorities have arrested 22-year-old Manojh Sai Lella, an Indian-origin student, on charges of arson and making terroristic threats against his family. Lella, a senior studying Information Technology at the University of Texas at Dallas, was taken into custody on Monday by the Frisco Police Department, according to a PTI report. Police responded to Lellas home after family members reported a mental health episode and alleged threats. He is accused of attempting to set the home on fire several days earlier. Lella faces a first-degree felony for arson with intent to damage a habitat or place of worship and a Class A misdemeanor for terroristic threat against a family or household member. Collin County jail records list a $100,000 bond for the felony and a $3,500 bond for the misdemeanor. Authorities noted there is no evidence of any threat to a place of worship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Court records list Lella as born in 2003 and residing in Frisco. In Texas, a first-degree felony carries a potential sentence of five to 99 years, or life in prison, while a Class A misdemeanor may result in up to one year in jail, pending proof in court. Lellas LinkedIn profile highlights previous volunteer experience and involvement in student organisations. In a separate incident, 28-year-old Abhijit Patel, also of Indian origin, was charged with first-degree murder after allegedly killing his 67-year-old father, Anupam Patel, with a sledgehammer over the Thanksgiving weekend in Schaumburg, Illinois. The attack occurred despite an active order of protection, valid until 2027, which barred Abhijit from contacting his father due to prior threats. However, he had been allowed to continue living at home. Court documents reveal that on 29 November, Anupam Patels wife returned home around 10:30 am after failing to reach her husband or son by phone. Her concern escalated as her husband, who was unemployed and monitored for diabetes, had not made his routine 8 AM glucose check call. Upon entering the home, she found the garage door unusually open and encountered her son, who reportedly told her he had taken care of Dad and advised her to check on him. Emergency responders discovered Anupam Patel unresponsive and covered in blood in his bedroom shortly before 11 am. An autopsy later confirmed that he died from at least two blunt force blows to the head, resulting in a fractured skull and broken nose. A sledgehammer was recovered at the scene. Irans Revolutionary Guard has seized a foreign oil tanker carrying 4 million litres of alleged smuggled fuel in the Strait of Hormuz, detaining 16 crew members on board. Iran seizes a foreign oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating maritime tensions and detaining 16 crew members over alleged fuel smuggling. Iranian authorities have seized a foreign oil tanker accused of transporting a large volume of smuggled fuel through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the worlds most critical maritime routes. The incident marks another escalation in tensions between Tehran and Western nations in the region, already fraught with volatility and rival naval operations. Vessel detained with millions of litres of fuel According to reports from Irans state-run news agency IRNA, the Revolutionary Guards naval forces intercepted the vessel as it moved through the strategic strait. Mojtaba Ghahramani, head of the justice department in the southern province, said the tanker was carrying around 4 million litres of what authorities described as illicit fuel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ghahramani added that 16 foreign crew members had been detained during the operation, calling the seizure a major blow to networks involved in fuel smuggling. However, he did not provide details on the ships registration or the nationality of its crew. The tanker and its cargo have been taken into custody pending further investigation. Pattern of recent maritime seizures This is not the first time Iran has detained ships in the region under similar charges. In November, Iranian naval forces captured another vessel transiting the same waterway over alleged violations related to its cargo. Such incidents periodically spark alarm among global shipping operators, given the Strait of Hormuzs role as the passageway for nearly a fifth of the worlds traded oil. In April 2024, Iran also seized the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship MSC Aries, further straining its relations with Western powers. These actions come amid long-standing accusations from the West that Iran has been behind previous attacks on commercial vessels. The incidents include the 2019 mine explosions on oil tankers and a 2021 drone strike on an Israeli-linked ship that killed two European crew members. Rising regional tensions The latest seizure follows years of deteriorating relations between Iran and the West, worsened by the conflict between Tehran and Israel earlier this year. A 12-day exchange of attacks in June led to significant casualties on both sides, including senior Iranian officials. Tehran has often threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz as a pressure tactic, while the US Navys 5th Fleet, based in Bahrain, continues to patrol regional waters to prevent disruptions to maritime trade. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukraine said Kyiv came under a large-scale Russian missile attack with air defences activated, just days before President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is due to meet US President Donald Trump. This handout photograph taken on December 17, 2025 and released on December 18, 2025 by the press service of the 24th Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian Armed Forces, shows dammages in a residential area of the Donetsk region frontline town of Kostyantynivka, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.-AFP The Ukrainian capital Kyiv came under a massive Russian attack early on Saturday, with explosions sounding in the city, air defences in operation and the Ukrainian military saying missiles were being deployed. The Russian action took place two days before a meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he is due to hold in the United States with President Donald Trump to work out details of an accord for settling the nearly four-year-old war pitting Russia against Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reuters eyewitnesses said air defences were in action in the city and unofficial Telegram channels reported explosions. A military Telegram channel said cruise and ballistic missiles were being deployed in the city. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) The United States signalled possible further military action in northwestern Nigeria after Christmas airstrikes on militant camps, with President Donald Trump framing the moves as aimed at stopping the killing of Christians. This image, taken from a US Department of Defense video shared on X on December 25, 2025, shows a missile launched from a naval vessel during US strikes in northwestern Nigeria. (AFP) The US has signalled the possibility of further military action against Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria, hours after American forces carried out airstrikes on militant camps in the region, moves framed by Donald Trump as efforts to halt the killing of Christians. The US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, wrote on X, 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 Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas! STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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! https://t.co/k5Q3Qd4ClE Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) December 25, 2025 Nigerias foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, said on Friday that the US strikes were part of joint ongoing operations. The action followed a diplomatic dispute after Trump accused Nigerias government of failing to stop Christians from being killed in the country. Trump said on Friday that a US military strike targeting Islamic State militants in Nigeria had originally been planned for Wednesday but was delayed by a day on his orders. They were going to do it earlier, Trump 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. Coordination with Nigerian authorities Nigeria is officially secular, with a population that is almost evenly split between Muslims (53%) and Christians (45%). Violence against Christians has drawn attention from the religious right in the US, which has framed it as persecution, and Trumps supporters broadly welcomed the strikes. Nigerias government has said that armed groups target both Christians and Muslims. Nigeria provided intelligence for the airstrikes in Sokoto State, Tuggar told Channels Television on Friday. He said he spoke to his US counterpart, Marco Rubio, for 19 minutes before calling the Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, to seek approval, and then spoke to Rubio again for another five minutes. We have been working closely with the Americans, Tuggar said. 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US militarys Africa Command said the strikes in Sokoto state were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities. An earlier statement posted on X and later removed said the strikes had been conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un highlighted on Saturday how his nation and Russia had shared blood, life and death in the Ukraine war, as he sent President Vladimir Putin new years greetings. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sit in a vehicle during their visit to Beijing. KCNA/Reuters North Korean leader Kim Jong Un highlighted on Saturday how his nation and Russia had shared blood, life and death in the Ukraine war, as he sent President Vladimir Putin new years greetings. Pyongyang has dispatched thousands of troops to fight for Moscow, according to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, as Russia presses ahead with its nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine. In the message, published by the state-run KCNA news agency, Kim said 2025 was a really meaningful year for the bilateral alliance that was consolidated by sharing blood, life and death in the same trench. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD North Korea only confirmed in April that it had deployed troops to support Russias military campaign against Ukraine and that its soldiers had been killed in combat. Earlier this month, Pyongyang acknowledged that it had sent troops to clear mines in Russias Kursk region in August 2025. At least nine troops from an engineering regiment were killed during the 120-day deployment, Kim said in a speech on December 13 marking the units homecoming. Kim sent Putin his new years greetings a day after the North Korean leader ordered officials to step up missile production. Pyongyang has 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 Russia. In addition to sending troops to fight for Russia, Pyongyang has sent 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 have said. PTI said more than 1,000 of its supporters were detained as authorities moved to block planned protests calling for the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan and opposing what the party calls Asim Law. Supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chant slogans during a protest over concerns about their leader's health in Karachi, Pakistan. File image/Reuters More than 1,000 supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party were taken into custody on Friday, a senior PTI figure said, as authorities moved to prevent a planned mass rally targeting the countrys ruling leadership. The detentions came as the party readied a protest against what it calls the Asim Law, a phrase recently invoked by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a message addressed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Imran Khan, who founded the PTI, has been imprisoned since August 2023. The 73-year-old jailed leader is contesting multiple corruption-related cases while remaining a central figure in the opposition movement. PTI claims crackdown on workers in Punjab Several PTI leaders were preparing to hold street protests across Punjab province with the stated aim of demanding the former prime ministers release, according to a party report. However, PTI has alleged that ahead of the protests, a large number of its workers were detained, and vehicles carrying party leaders were stopped from entering Lahore. PTI leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi, who is also the opposition leader in the Punjab assembly, said in a statement, In a crackdown on PTI workers in Lahore, police arrested more than 1,000 workers. He further claimed that Punjab Police stopped vehicles of PTI supporters who were accompanying senior party leader and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Sohail Afridi. Qureshi said, Afridi has reached Lahore to start this fresh street movement against the government. However, Punjab Police stopped dozens of vehicles of PTI supporters from entering Lahore. They were accompanying Afridi. He also said police blocked entry and exit points to monitor PTI workers. Nationwide protest plans and official response PTI has previously attempted at least twice to stage nationwide street protests. The latest plan was announced a day after a court sentenced Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years each in jail in the Toshakhana 2 corruption case. Earlier this week, Khan had reportedly asked Afridi to lead protests against Asim Law in a post on X. My message for Sohail Afridi is to prepare for a street movement. The entire nation must rise for its rights. To strive for justice is a sacred duty, and I am ready to lay down my life for Haqeeqi Azadi (true freedom) of my nation, he wrote. Khan added that Pakistan is currently being ruled solely by Asim Law, a reference to chief of defence forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking to the media, Afridi said PTI workers were prevented from travelling to Lahore from several parts of Punjab. Democratic governments do not do things like this, he said. Meanwhile, Punjab information minister Azma Bukhari welcomed Afridi to Lahore but said the government would not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands. Russia is likely deploying nuclear-capable hypersonic ballistic missiles at a former airbase in eastern Belarus, a move that could strengthen Moscows ability to strike targets across Europe, according to a Reuters report. Amid intense fighting on the Ukraine front, Russia is likely deploying new nuclear-capable hypersonic ballistic missiles at a former airbase in eastern Belarus, a move that could significantly strengthen Moscows ability to strike targets across Europe, Reuters reported. The assessment is based on satellite imagery analysed by two US researchers. The findings broadly align with US intelligence conclusions, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to discuss the information publicly. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russian President Vladimir Putin has earlier stated his intention to deploy intermediate-range Oreshnik missiles in Belarus. The missiles are estimated to have a range of up to 3,400 miles (5,500 km), though the exact location had not been disclosed until now. Experts said such a deployment would highlight the Kremlins growing reliance on nuclear signalling as it seeks to deter NATO countries from supplying Ukraine with weapons capable of striking deep inside Russian territory. Revised Russian strategy The researchers, Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California and Decker Eveleth of the CNA research organisation in Virginia, said their conclusions were based on Planet Labs satellite imagery showing features consistent with a Russian strategic missile base. They said they were 90 percent certain that mobile Oreshnik launchers would be stationed at the former airbase near Krichev, about 190 miles (307 km) east of Minsk and 300 miles (478 km) south-west of Moscow. Russia tested a conventionally armed Oreshnik missile against a target in Ukraine in November 2024. Putin has claimed the missile is impossible to intercept, citing reported speeds exceeding Mach 10. Wider geopolitical context John Foreman, a Chatham House expert and former British defence attache in Moscow and Kyiv, said the deployment would extend Russias strike capability deeper into Europe. He added that the move also appeared to be a response to the planned deployment next year of US conventional missiles in Germany, including the intermediate-range hypersonic Dark Eagle. The timing is significant, with the deployment expected just weeks before the expiration of the 2010 New START treaty, the last remaining arms control agreement limiting strategic nuclear weapons between the US and Russia. After a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in December 2024, Putin said the Oreshnik could be stationed in Belarus in the second half of this year. This would mark Russias first deployment of nuclear weapons outside its own territory since the Cold War. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lukashenko said last week that the first missiles had already been deployed, without disclosing their location. He added that up to 10 Oreshnik missiles could be based in Belarus, although the US researchers said the site near Krichev could accommodate only three launchers, with others likely stationed elsewhere. Ukraine war and Western weapons US President Donald Trump is working to reach a deal with Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. Kyiv has repeatedly urged its Western allies to provide long-range weapons capable of striking inside Russia. Trump has so far rejected Ukraines request for Tomahawk cruise missiles, which can reach Moscow. Britain and France have supplied cruise missiles, while Germany announced in May that it would co-produce long-range missiles with Ukraine without limits on their range or targeting. Hurried construction at suspected base The researchers said Planet Labs imagery showed hurried construction at the suspected site beginning between August 4 and 12, with features typical of a Russian strategic missile base. Eveleth pointed to a November 19 image showing a military-grade rail transfer point enclosed by a security fence, allowing missiles, launchers and other components to be delivered by train. Lewis highlighted a concrete pad poured at the end of the runway and later covered with earth, which he said was consistent with a camouflaged launch point. Experts divided on impact Pavel Podvig, a Geneva-based expert on Russias nuclear forces, said he was sceptical that deploying the Oreshnik in Belarus would give Moscow any real military or political advantage beyond reassuring Belarus of Russian protection. I dont see how this would be viewed in the West as fundamentally different from these missiles being deployed in Russia, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lewis, however, argued that the move sends a clear political message about Russias growing reliance on nuclear weapons. Can you imagine if we placed a nuclear-armed Tomahawk cruise missile in Germany instead of a conventional one? he said. There is no military reason to put this system in Belarus, only political ones. Volodymyr Zelensky is due to meet President Donald Trump in Florida this weekend, but Russia accused the Ukrainian president and his EU backers on Friday of seeking to torpedo a US-brokered plan to stop the fighting. Volodymyr Zelensky is due to meet President Donald Trump in Florida this weekend, but Russia accused the Ukrainian president and his EU backers on Friday of seeking to torpedo a US-brokered plan to stop the fighting. Sundays meeting to discuss new peace proposals comes as Trump intensifies efforts to end Europes worst conflict since World War II, one that has killed tens of thousands since February 2022. The 20-point plan would freeze the war on its current front line but open the door for Ukraine to pull back troops from the east, where demilitarised buffer zones could be created, according to details revealed by Zelensky this week. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ahead of the talks, AFP journalists reported several powerful explosions in Kyiv on Saturday, and authorities warned of a possible missile attack. Explosions in the capital. Air defence forces are operating. Stay in shelters! Kyivs mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram. Ukraines air force announced a countrywide air alert and said drones and missiles were moving over several regions including Kyiv. Zelenskys office said earlier that a meeting with Trump is planned for Sunday in Florida, where the US leader has a home. Trump, speaking to news outlet Politico, said about Zelenskys plan that he doesnt have anything until I approve it, adding: So well see what hes got. Zelensky meanwhile said he held telephone talks on Friday with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Germanys Chancellor Friedrich Merz and a host of other European leaders. A spokesperson for Britains Prime Minister Keir Starmer 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. Security guarantees The new plan formulated with Ukraines input is Kyivs most explicit acknowledgement yet of possible territorial concessions and is very different from an initial 28-point proposal tabled by Washington last month that adhered to many of Russias core demands. Part of the plan includes separate US-Ukraine bilateral agreements on security guarantees, reconstruction and the economy. Zelensky said those were changing on a daily basis. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We will discuss these documents, security guarantees, he said of Sundays meeting. As for sensitive issues, we will discuss (the eastern region of) Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and we will certainly discuss other issues, he added. Russia signalled its opposition to the plan ahead of the Florida talks. The Kremlin said Friday that foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov had held telephone talks with US officials, and deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov criticised Zelenskys stance. Russia accuses EU 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 on Russian television. 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 Zelensky input differs radically from points initially drawn up by US and Russian officials in contacts this month. He said any deal had to remain within the limits fixed by Trump and Russias President Vladimir Putin when they met in Alaska in August, or else no accord can be reached. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelensky said this week there were still disagreements between Kyiv and Washington over the two core issues of territory and and the status of the Zaporizhzhia plant. Washington has pushed Ukraine to withdraw from the 20 percent of the eastern Donetsk region that it still controls Russias main territorial demand. It has also proposed joint US-Ukrainian-Russian control of Zaporizhzhia, Europes largest nuclear plant, which Russia seized during the invasion. Zelensky said he could only give up more land if the Ukrainian people agree to it in a referendum, and he does not want Russian participation in the nuclear plant. Ukraine appears to have won some concessions in the new plan, which, according to Zelensky, removed a requirement for Kyiv to legally renounce its bid to join NATO as well as previous clauses on territory seized by Russia since 2014 being recognised as belonging to Moscow. But Moscow has shown little inclination to abandon its hardline territorial demands that Ukraine fully withdraw from Donbas and end efforts to join NATO. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelensky said Ukrainian negotiators were not directly in touch with Moscow, but that the United States acted as intermediary and was awaiting Russias response to the latest proposal. I think we will know their official response in the coming days, Zelensky said. Tensions in Yemen have escalated after the separatist Southern Transitional Council claimed Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes on its forces in Hadramout. A new flashpoint has emerged in war-torn Yemen after separatist forces accused Saudi Arabia of launching airstrikes against their fighters in the countrys south. The claims were made by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which is supported by the United Arab Emirates and has recently taken control of parts of Hadramout and Mahra provinces. Riyadh has not officially confirmed the strikes, though reports suggest they were carried out as a warning to the separatists to pull back. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Accusations of Saudi attacks According to the STC, its forces came under attack in Hadramout on Friday soon after they faced what it described as multiple ambushes by unidentified gunmen in the area. Two of its fighters were killed and a dozen others injured. The groups foreign affairs representative, Amr Al Bidh, said the airstrikes began shortly after these clashes. The Council stated that its operations were aimed at pursuing a wanted individual and stopping fuel and arms smuggling in eastern Yemen. Eyewitnesses in the region reported seeing destroyed vehicles following the aerial bombardment, claiming they belonged to STC-linked fighters. While Saudi authorities have declined to comment, the Saudi-owned newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat quoted sources who said the strikes were intended to send a message to the separatists and warned of stronger measures if they continued their advance. Saudi warning and troop movements The airstrikes came a day after Riyadh publicly urged the Emirati-backed forces to withdraw from captured territories. An official in Yemens internationally recognised government told AFP that Saudi Arabia might intervene militarily if negotiations fail. Around 15,000 Saudi-backed troops have reportedly been deployed near the border, though they have not been ordered to move forward. The areas of confrontation mark the edges of STC-controlled land seized earlier this month from the Saudi-supported National Shield Forces. The south of Yemen remains a patchwork of rival groups, each backed by regional powers with conflicting interests. Rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE The latest developments have intensified friction between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, close allies within OPEC but competitors for influence in Yemen and across the Red Sea region. Despite their differences, Abu Dhabi released a statement endorsing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabias efforts to restore stability and security in Yemen while reiterating its commitment to broader peace and development initiatives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shadow of a larger war The events come against a backdrop of escalating instability across the Middle East. Yemens decade-long conflict began when the Iran-backed Houthi movement captured the capital, Sanaa, in 2014, forcing the internationally recognised government into exile. A Saudi-led coalition entered the war in 2015 with military and intelligence support from the United States. The prolonged conflict has killed more than 150,000 people and pushed Yemen to the brink of famine. After the Gaza war erupted in 2023, the Houthis expanded their campaign by attacking Israel and maritime routes. Although a ceasefire has recently reduced proxy attacks, renewed infighting in southern Yemen could force the United States and its allies back into direct involvement. The US State Department has urged all sides to show restraint and engage in dialogue. It expressed appreciation for Saudi and Emirati diplomatic efforts, calling for a lasting and inclusive solution to Yemens crisis. Yemens Saudiled coalition said any military moves by the main southern separatist group STC in the eastern province of Hadramout that undermined deescalation efforts would be countered to protect civilians, the Saudi state news agency reported on Saturday. The Saudi-led coalition vows to act against any STC moves threatening stability in Yemens Hadramout, urging separatist forces to withdraw and respect mediation efforts. Yemens Saudi-led coalition said any military moves by the main southern separatist group STC in the eastern province of Hadramout that undermined de-escalation efforts would be countered to protect civilians, the Saudi state news agency reported on Saturday. The statement from coalition spokesperson General Turki al-Malki followed a request from Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemens Presidential Leadership Council, for the coalition to take immediate measures to protect civilians in Hadramout from violations committed by armed groups affiliated with the STC. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the United Arab Emirates, has ousted the Saudi-backed, internationally recognised government from its Aden headquarters and claimed broad control across the south this month. On Friday, the STC rejected a Saudi call to withdraw from areas it seized earlier in December, saying it would continue securing the eastern provinces of Hadramout and Mahra. Later, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman urged the STC in a post on X to respond to mediation efforts and resolve disputes by consensus. It is time for the STC to respond to Saudi-Emirati mediation efforts by ending escalation, withdrawing forces from camps in the two provinces (Hadramout and Mahra) and handing them over peacefully to local authorities, the minister said. The southern issue will remain present in any comprehensive political settlement and must be resolved through consensus, honouring commitments and building trust among all Yemenis, not through adventurism that serves only the enemy of all, he added. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Israel became the first nation to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state, drawing sharp condemnation from Somalia and the African Union over fears of regional instability. Israels formal recognition of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday triggered strong reactions across Africa and the Middle East, with Somalia and the African Union warning the move threatens regional stability. Israel became the first country to extend such recognition to the northern region, which broke away from Somalia more than three decades ago. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has long sought international recognition, a priority for President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi since he took office last year. Somalias foreign ministry described Israels decision as a deliberate attack on its sovereignty that could undermine peace, while several other countries also condemned the move. The African Union said it firmly rejects Israels action, warning, Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somaliarisks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent. AU Commission Chair Mahamoud Ali Youssouf said Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia, an AU member state. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Diplomatic reactions and celebrations Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said he had announced the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, adding that the declaration was in the spirit of the Abraham Accords. The statement said Netanyahu had invited Abdullahi to visit. US President Donald Trump, when asked by the New York Post about US recognition of Somaliland, replied no and added, Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really? Abdullahi welcomed Israels decision, saying in a post on X that it marked the start of a strategic partnership. This is a historic moment as we warmly welcome, he said, affirming Somalilands readiness to join the Abraham Accords. In Hargeisa, Somalilands capital, crowds took to the streets to celebrate, many carrying the flag of the breakaway state, according to sources. Allies denounce Israel Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, also condemned the move. This initiative by Israel, which aligns with its expansionist policyconstitutes overt interference in Somalias domestic affairs, Turkeys foreign ministry said. Egypts foreign ministry said its top diplomat had spoken with counterparts from Turkey, Somalia and Djibouti, who jointly condemned the decision and stressed full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. In a video of Netanyahu speaking to Abdullahi by telephone, the Israeli leader said the relationship could bring economic opportunities. I am very, very happy and I am very proud of this day and I want to wish you and the people of Somaliland the very, very best, Netanyahu said. Strategic calculations A self-proclaimed republic, Somaliland occupies a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own currency, passports and army but has faced decades of isolation since 1991. Analysts say strategic considerations underpin Israels move. Israel requires allies in the Red Sea region for many strategic reasons, among them the possibility of a future campaign against the Houthis, the Institute for National Security Studies said in a paper last month, referring to Yemens Iran-backed rebels. Israel has repeatedly struck targets in Yemen since the Gaza war began in October 2023, responding to Houthi attacks that the group said were in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The Houthis halted their attacks after a fragile truce began in Gaza in October. Somalilands lack of recognition has restricted access to foreign loans, aid and investment, leaving the territory deeply impoverished. Tensions also rose last year after landlocked Ethiopia struck a deal with Somaliland to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base, angering Somalia. Israel has been seeking to strengthen ties across the Middle East and Africa, following agreements reached in 2020 during Trumps first term that saw countries including the United Arab Emirates and Morocco normalise relations, although conflicts, particularly in Gaza, have slowed recent efforts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Somalias Al-Qaeda-linked group Al-Shabaab has threatened violence after Israel formally recognised Somaliland, warning against any Israeli move to use or operate in the breakaway region. The warning has added to regional tensions and drawn sharp reactions from Somalia and several other countries. Soldiers of the Somalia National Army (SNA) raise their weapons when they gathered near their camp for a talk from visiting senior officers at Awdheegle, one of several towns recently liberated from the Al-Qaeda-linked militants, Al-Shabaab, by the SNA in Somalia's lower-Shabelle region on November 11, 2025. Somalia has been fighting Al-Shabaab since mid-2000s, and settlements like Awdheegle, Sabiid and Canole have changed hands multiple times. In 2022 and 2023, the national army made significant progress, capturing some 200 towns and villages from Al-Shabaab. But Al-Shabaab launched a new offensive early this year, retaking some 90 percent of that territory -- including three critical bridges along the Shabelle River vital for access to the capital. The army is pushing back, but must do so just as international assistance is faltering. (Photo by Tony KARUMBA / AFP) Somalias Al-Qaeda-linked terror group Al-Shabaab on Saturday threatened violence against any Israeli move to claim or use parts of Somaliland after Israel formally recognised the breakaway region. In a statement, Al-Shabaab said it would not accept Israels recognition and vowed to fight it. The groups spokesman, Ali Dheere, claimed the move showed Israel was seeking to expand into Somali territory by backing what he described as an apostate administration in Somaliland. Al-Shabaab has little operational presence in Somaliland but has been fighting Somalias internationally backed federal government for over 17 years. While security has improved in Mogadishu, the insurgency continues in areas close to the capital. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The group has carried out several deadly attacks in recent years, including a beach assault in Mogadishu last year that killed 32 people, a car bombing that left five dead, and an hours-long hotel siege that killed three and injured dozens. Israel announced on Friday that it was officially recognising Somaliland, which declared unilateral independence from Somalia in 1991. The decision marked the first formal recognition of the self-proclaimed republic. Somalias federal government condemned the move as a deliberate attack on its sovereignty. Egypt, Turkey, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also criticised Israels decision. Regional analysts say closer ties with Somaliland could give Israel improved access to the Red Sea, potentially strengthening its ability to monitor and counter Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Somaliland, roughly a third the size of France, has its own currency, military and police and has remained relatively stable compared to much of the region. Although it lacks formal international recognition, several countries maintain liaison offices there. Following Israels announcement, Somaliland said it was interested in joining the Abraham Accords, the US-brokered agreements that normalised ties between Israel and several Arab states. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Switzerlands military is ill-prepared to repel a large-scale attack and urgently needs higher defence spending as security threats linked to Russia grow, the countrys armed forces chief has said. Switzerland cannot defend itself against full-scale attack, needs higher defence spending: Army chief. File image/AFP Switzerland is not capable of defending itself against a full-scale military assault and must significantly increase defence spending as security risks linked to Russia rise, the countrys armed forces chief has warned. In an interview with Swiss daily NZZ, armed forces head Thomas Suessli said Switzerland is equipped to handle cyber attacks and threats from non-state actors targeting critical infrastructure, but lacks the capability to respond to long-range or large-scale military attacks. Suessli is set to step down at the end of the year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Suessli said the military continues to suffer from serious equipment gaps, noting that in a real emergency only about one-third of Swiss soldiers would be fully equipped. Defence upgrades amid budget concerns According to Reuters, Switzerland has begun increasing defence spending, modernising artillery and ground systems, and replacing ageing fighter jets with Lockheed Martin F-35As. However, these plans have faced criticism due to tight federal finances, particularly spending on artillery and ammunition. Neutrality offers no protection without force Suessli criticised what he described as Switzerlands false sense of security rooted in neutrality and its lack of recent war experience. He said neutrality has value only if it can be defended militarily, adding that history shows several unarmed neutral countries were drawn into wars. Spending targets seen as too slow Switzerland has pledged to gradually raise defence spending to around 1 percent of GDP by about 2032, up from roughly 0.7 percent currently. This remains well below the 5 percent target agreed by NATO countries. Under current plans, Suessli said the Swiss military would only be fully ready by around 2050, calling the timeline too long given current threats. Rising tensions in Europe Earlier this month, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Russia had violated allied airspace, conducted sabotage and deployed spy ships, calling such actions reckless and dangerous. In recent months, drones allegedly linked to Russia have entered Polish and Romanian airspace, disrupted airports and military facilities in Western Europe, and a key rail line between Warsaw and Kyiv was sabotaged in November. Poland has since deployed 10,000 troops to protect critical infrastructure, while Russia has denied any involvement. Ukraine war and global security Suessli said continued support for Ukraine remains essential, adding that he welcomed President Donald Trumps efforts to bring the war to an end, while stressing the urgent need to stop the bloodshed. Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate ceasefire after days of cross-border clashes. The announcement came amid peace talks held between the two neighbours after border tensions reignited earlier in December, claiming dozens of lives. A Cambodian military personnel stands on a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher, around 40 km (24 miles) from the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple, after Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery on Friday. Reuters Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate ceasefire after days of cross-border clashes. The Defence Ministers of both countries confirmed the news through a joint statement on Sunday. The announcement came amid peace talks held between the two neighbours after border tensions reignited earlier in December, claiming dozens of lives. Both sides agree to an immediate ceasefire after the time of signature of this Joint Statement with effect from 12:00 hours noon (local time, 0500 GMT) on 27 December 2025, involving all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructures, and military objectives of either side, in all cases and all areas, said the statement from the countries Special General Border Committee, issued by the Cambodian side. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The initial ceasefire between the two nations was brokered by US President Donald Trump during his trip to Asia. However, the truce did not last for long as border clashes resumed weeks later. What the new ceasefire would entail The ceasefire agreement was signed by Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Nakrphanit and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha. Both sides agree to maintain current troop deployments without further movement, both defence ministers said in the joint statement. Any reinforcement would heighten tensions and negatively affect long-term efforts to resolve the situation. The latest ceasefire marked the end of 20 days of fighting that had killed at least 101 people and displaced more than half a million people on both sides. As a part of the truce, both sides agreed that residents from the border areas affected by the fighting will now be able to return to their homes. As per the deal, a team of observers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will monitor the implementation of the current agreement, the deal states, adding that both countries have also agreed to maintain open communication to resolve any possible issues on the ground. If 2024 was a warning shot, 2025 became the year when disinformation turned systemic. From AI-generated deepfakes targeting voters to state-backed propaganda shaping conflicts and elections, the global information space was tested as never before. Read here For the global news industry, 2025 was a year of living dangerously. While technology promised a new frontier of storytelling, it instead delivered a disinformation winter that tested the bedrock of democratic institutions. The year 2025 saw a record number of synthetic influence operations, coordinated campaigns using AI-generated avatars and cloned media brands to hijack public discourse. It was the year disinformation became a service and truth became a luxury. The battle for the narrative has moved beyond the printing press to the algorithm. UNESCOs 2025 World Trends Report highlights a 10 per cent decline in global freedom of expression, exacerbated by hashtag hijacking and bot networks that silence authentic voices. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As traditional media outlets struggle with declining referral traffic from social giants, they are being forced into a high-stakes media battle against alternative ecosystems of influencers and podcasters who often prioritise engagement over evidence. In this environment, the press is no longer just reporting the news; it is fighting for its right to exist in an era of digital deception. AI-generated political chaos goes mainstream Artificial intelligence was no longer a novelty in political interference in 2025. Hyper-realistic deepfake videos, cloned voices and fabricated documents surfaced across continents, blurring the line between truth and fiction. In several countries, manipulated videos of political leaders appeared to show inflammatory speeches, false confessions or policy reversals, circulating widely before corrections could catch up. Multiple reports cited instances where synthetic media briefly influenced market sentiment, triggered protests or forced authorities into emergency clarifications. Unlike earlier misinformation waves driven by trolls or bots, this years campaigns were often sophisticated, multilingual and tailored for specific voter blocs. Experts warned that the plausibility gap had collapsed even informed audiences struggled to distinguish authentic material from fabricated content in real time. Elections under pressure from misinformation With dozens of national and regional elections held worldwide in 2025, misinformation became a central challenge to democratic processes. From Latin America to South Asia and parts of Europe, election authorities reported coordinated efforts to suppress turnout, discredit candidates or undermine trust in voting systems. False narratives about rigged ballots, hacked voting machines and foreign conspiracies spread rapidly on encrypted messaging platforms and short-video apps. In some cases, fabricated exit polls or AI-generated endorsements circulated on polling days themselves, prompting emergency takedowns. Election commissions increasingly turned to real-time fact-checking partnerships with media organisations and tech platforms but officials admitted the response remained reactive rather than preventative. The race to counter deepfakes As manipulation grew, so did counter-measures. Governments rolled out digital watermarking standards, while major tech companies deployed AI-based detection tools designed to flag synthetic media. Several countries updated election laws to criminalise malicious deepfakes, particularly those targeting candidates or public officials. Media organisations also adapted, investing heavily in verification desks and forensic analysis. Newsrooms reported that confirming basic audio-visual authenticity now required technical scrutiny once reserved for intelligence agencies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Still, analysts warned that detection tools lag behind generative models and that public trust, once damaged is hard to restore even after falsehoods are exposed. Propaganda as a weapon of war Beyond elections, information warfare remained central to global conflicts. In the Russia-Ukraine war, both sides accused each other of deploying AI-enhanced propaganda from falsified battlefield footage to manipulated casualty figures. The aim, analysts said, was not just persuasion but exhaustion, flooding audiences with so much conflicting information that certainty itself eroded. In West Asia, competing narratives around military strikes, humanitarian access and ceasefire violations flooded social media. News agencies documented how unverifiable videos often went viral before independent confirmation, shaping public opinion long before facts could be established. China, Pakistan and narrative battles after Operation Sindoor A recent US Congress-mandated report added a new dimension to 2025s information wars. The report assessed that China had intensified propaganda operations after Pakistan suffered setbacks during Indias Operation Sindoor, amplifying narratives critical of Indias military capabilities. According to the assessment, coordinated online campaigns sought to question the performance of Rafale fighter jets while promoting Chinese-made aircraft as superior alternatives. Analysts viewed the effort as part of a broader strategy to influence defence perceptions and export markets, using Pakistan-aligned narratives as a conduit. The findings highlighted how modern disinformation is increasingly tied to strategic competition, defence diplomacy and arms sales not just politics. A fragile information orders As 2025 draws to a close, policymakers agree on one thing: disinformation is no longer an episodic threat but a permanent feature of the global order. While tools to detect and counter falsehoods have improved, the speed, scale and sophistication of AI-driven manipulation continue to test democracies, media and public trust. The battle for truth, it seems, is entering a long and uncertain phase. Pakistan called in Britains Deputy High Commissioner Matt Cannell after an alleged video emerged of a woman at a rally in Bradford, UK, referring to a possible attack on Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir, raising serious security concerns in Islamabad. Pakistan on Friday summoned Britains Deputy High Commissioner, Matt Cannell, after an alleged video surfaced online showing a woman at a rally in the UK openly referring to a possible attack on Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a formal protest and demanded an investigation, claiming the remarks made at a rally in Bradford in northern England crossed the line from political speech into an explicit security threat. The woman spoke of Munir being killed in a car bombing, triggering alarm in Islamabad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Threat aired at pro-Imran Khan rally The alleged remarks were made during a rally organised in support of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. The video was shared by the UK chapter of Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on X before being quietly deleted. We have removed a video from the recent Bradford protest featuring a citizens metaphorical remarks regarding General Asim Munir. Although we do not believe the individual incited violence, the post was deleted in an abundance of caution to prevent potential misunderstanding, and pic.twitter.com/f9tOJdk6X5 PTI UK (@UKPTIOfficial) December 26, 2025 Khan, who was removed from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022, has spent the past two years in prison following a corruption conviction. Despite this, his supporters continue to mobilise aggressively against Pakistans military leadership, particularly Munir. The Bradford rally came just days after a Pakistani court sentenced Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison for allegedly retaining and selling state gifts including jewellery from Saudi Arabia at prices below market value during his tenure. Islamabad cries foul, blames free speech abroad Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry admitted that PTI had been inciting hostility against the military but said the reference to a car-bomb attack crossed all limits and could not be defended as freedom of expression. He urged British authorities to initiate legal action. London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bradford..rocked with the slogans for Pakistan and Imran Khan on Tuesday 23rd December. Overseas Pakistanis cannot be silenced. We will make sure we fight the dictator Asim Munir and his gang until their fascist regime collapses and they face pic.twitter.com/X9y6e74x81 PTI UK (@UKPTIOfficial) December 24, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The UK High Commission in Islamabad responded cautiously, stating that if a foreign government believes a crime has occurred, it should submit evidence to UK police liaison officials. Any material appearing to breach UK law, it said, would be reviewed and could lead to a criminal investigation. Pak tensions deepen Tensions between PTI and Pakistans powerful military establishment have sharply escalated in recent weeks. On December 5, army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry described Imran Khan as mentally ill during a press briefing, after posts from Khans official X account labelled Munir mentally unstable. Many Khan supporters openly accuse Munir of orchestrating their leaders imprisonment, deepening Pakistans long-running civilmilitary crisis. Munirs rise and armys stern grip in Pak Munir gained wider prominence earlier this year following a brief military confrontation with India. The standoff came after New Delhi launched strikes inside Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which was carried by Pakistan-backed militants. Despite India targeting terror infrastructure deep inside the territory, Pakistan claimed a false victory, after which Munir got himself a self-promotion to the rank of field marshal amid domestic instability and mounting international scrutiny. Conspiracy claims and isolation Khan has repeatedly alleged that his removal from power was part of a US-backed conspiracy supported by Pakistans military claims rejected by Washington, Pakistans armed forces and his political rivals. The episode has further underlined Pakistans deep internal fractures and the armys dominant, increasingly polarising role in politics. US President Donald Trump on Friday cast himself as the ultimate arbiter of any peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, insisting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy doesnt have anything until he approves it US President Donald Trump argues with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office at the White House on February 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. It was a much-anticipated meeting. It was not expected to be contentious at all. Then it turned into a full-on yelling match. This contentious meeting set the tone for all future world leaders' visit to the White House. AFP US President Donald Trump on Friday cast himself as the ultimate arbiter of any peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, insisting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy doesnt have anything until he approves it. The remarks from Trump came ahead of his meeting with the Ukrainian leader in Florida on Sunday. Zelenskyy has told reporters that hes bringing with him a new 20-point plan for peace in the war that has been inching closer towards four years. The framework includes a proposed demilitarised zone, and the meeting is expected to focus on US security guarantees. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, in an interview with Politico, Trump appeared lukewarm to Zelenskyys latest overture. He appeared to be in no rush to endorse the Ukrainian presidents proposal. He doesnt have anything until I approve it, Trump said. So well see what hes got. The presidents remarks on the matter underscore the degree to which Ukraines fate rests on convincing Trump that it is conceding enough to satisfy a president who, in the past, appeared to be more inclined towards Russia. Meanwhile, Russia has moved very little from its maximalist position and has not reacted to the latest proposal. In light of this, Washington has pushed Zelenskyy to move off his original demands, and Trump has often seemed to lose patience with the haggling. Trump remains optimistic Still, the American leader believes that he can have a productive meeting this weekend. 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 leader soon, as much as I want. Trumps remarks came the day after Zelenskyy spoke with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law. Zelenskyy called that a good conversation. Meanwhile, the tensions in Eastern Europe have been escalating significantly. Just this week, Kyiv has come under attack, and Polands fighter jets have been scrambled near its border with Ukraine - despite key peace talks taking place this weekend. Early on Saturday, the Ukrainian capital was targeted by missiles and drones, along with regions in the northeast and south, according to the Ukrainian air force, which said in its latest update. Meanwhile, Rzeszow and Lublin airports in southeastern Poland were temporarily closed after the Polish armed forces scrambled fighter jets due to the Russian strikes on Ukraine. In a Telegram post, the Ukrainian air force said two explosions sounded in the Ukrainian capital, while an air raid alert remained in effect some four hours after being introduced. Hence, Trumps meeting with Zelenskyy will come at an extremely turbulent time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump on Friday rejected recognising Somaliland, questioning, Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?." The statement came after Israel became the first country to formally acknowledge the territory President Donald Trump (left) speaks as Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu (right) waves upon leaving the West Wing of the White House in Washington. File image/AP US President Donald Trump on Friday said he opposed recognising Somaliland in an interview with the New York Post, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus announcement that Israel would formally acknowledge the territory. No, Trump told the Post when asked about US recognition, adding: Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really? The announcement drew sharp criticism from Somalia and the African Union (AU) after Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has long sought international recognition, a priority for President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi since he took office last year. Somalias foreign ministry condemned Israels move as a deliberate attack on its sovereignty, warning it could destabilise the region. The AU also voiced strong opposition, cautioning that undermining Somalias unity and territorial integrity risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, head of the AU, emphasised that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Israels recognition and Netanyahu-Abdullahi call Netanyahus office confirmed the recognition, describing it as in the spirit of the Abraham Accords agreements brokered during Trumps presidency that normalised Israels relations with several Arab nations. Netanyahu invited Abdullahi to visit Israel, calling the recognition historic and promising economic opportunities. Abdullahi welcomed the announcement as the start of a strategic partnership and affirmed Somalilands readiness to join the Abraham Accords. In the capital, Hargeisa, residents celebrated in the streets, waving Somalilands flags. Regional condemnation Turkey, a key ally of Somalia, criticised Israels move as overt interference in Somalias domestic affairs. Egypt also condemned the recognition, coordinating with Turkey, Somalia and Djibouti to stress full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. Somalilands strategic significance Somaliland functions as a self-declared republic with its own currency, passports, and armed forces. Its strategic location on the Gulf of Aden has long attracted regional and international attention. Analysts say Israels recognition is motivated by strategic considerations, including the need for allies in the Red Sea region amid potential operations against Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Israel has carried out strikes in Yemen following Houthi attacks linked to the Gaza conflict in 2023. Economic and political context Despite operating as a de facto state, Somalilands lack of international recognition has limited access to foreign loans, aid, and investment, keeping the region impoverished. A 2024 agreement with Ethiopia to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base had already provoked Somalias ire. Israel has been seeking to strengthen ties across the Middle East and Africa. While historic agreements in 2020 under Trump normalised relations with several countries, ongoing conflicts particularly in Gaza have complicated Israels diplomatic ambitions in the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US President Donald Trump is reportedly going to meet Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he attempts to push the Gaza peace process, which his team believes Israel has been undermining US President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up as he welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington, DC. File image/Reuters US President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to begin the year 2026 with several major announcements on Gaza. However, the direction of the peace process in the coastal enclave now hinges on his meeting with Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which is scheduled to take place on Monday. According to Axios, the two leaders will hold talks on the Gaza peace process at Trumps Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago. The report suggested that Trumps team believe that the Israeli Prime Minister is delaying the Gaza ceasefire framework. Frustrated by the Israeli premier, the Trump administration thinks that Netanyahu could ultimately resume the war against Israel, as he attempts to persuade Trump to adopt a more hawkish approach towards the issue. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bibi is trying to convince a one-man audience, a senior Israeli official tells Axios, referring to Trump, clarifying that members of Trumps administration, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, no longer favour Netanyahu. He has lost them. White House wants to speed up the peace process Axios reported that the White House wants to move quickly with the peace process in Gaza and unveil a Palestinian technocratic government for the coastal enclave, backed by the International Stabilisation Force. Washington is also considering convening a Trump-led Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum in Davos later in January. Meanwhile, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner have been coordinating closely with Egypt, Qatar and Turkey to advance phase two of the deal, which would involve Hamas handing over weapons and Israeli forces pulling back. However, Netanyahu has expressed scepticism regarding the demilitarisation of Gaza. According to the report, he has frequently clashed with Witkoff and Kushner over the plan. White House officials also voice growing frustration over Israeli actions they see as undermining the ceasefire, including IDF operations that Washington believes violate its terms. Sometimes we feel the IDF commanders on the ground are just trigger-happy, one White House official told Axios. It is pertient to note that Witkoff and Kushner recently met with the Prime Minister of Qatar, the head of Egyptian intelligence and the Turkish Foreign Minister guarantors of the Gaza deal to map out issues to be raised with Netanyahu ahead of the Florida meeting. The Axios report revealed that at the meeting, there were also calls for Israel to adhere to the ceasefire and avoid civilian casualties. In the Monday meeting, Trump is also expected to raise concerns over the West Bank, including fears of a Palestinian Authority collapse, settler violence and withheld Palestinian tax revenues. As fighting intensifies in eastern Yemen, the United States has voiced concern over the deteriorating situation, urging restraint and renewed diplomacy amid the expansion of separatist forces and rising regional tensions. Amid escalating violence in Yemen, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday called for restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation. Without naming Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, Rubio urged calm while thanking both countries for their diplomatic leadership, despite their support for rival groups in the conflict. The United States is concerned by recent events in southeastern Yemen, Rubio said in a post on X. We urge restraint and continued diplomacy, with a view to reaching a lasting solution. He added that Washington remains supportive of efforts to advance shared security interests in the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD STC expands control in eastern Yemen Since December 3, forces of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) have taken control of parts of eastern Yemens Hadramout province following clashes with the Hadramout Tribes Alliance and government-aligned First Military Region forces. Four days later, STC fighters expanded their presence into Mahra province, which had been under government authority. Saudi-Emirati response and mediation In response to the developments, a joint Saudi-Emirati military team was sent to Aden to coordinate arrangements with the STC aimed at returning its forces to their previous positions outside Hadramout and Mahra. The STC takeover has sparked mounting local and regional calls for the separatist group to withdraw from the two provinces, which together account for nearly half of Yemens total territory. Saudi Arabia calls for peaceful withdrawal Saudi Arabia has urged Yemeni separatists to withdraw peacefully and hand control back to the Riyadh-backed government. Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman said the STC should peacefully hand over the two governorates and prioritise unity and stability by engaging with Saudi-Emirati mediation efforts. It is time for the Southern Transitional Council in this sensitive phase to prioritise reason, wisdom and the public interest by withdrawing its forces and handing over control peacefully to the National Shield forces and local authorities, he said in a statement posted on X. Airstrike claims add to tensions Earlier, the STC claimed that Saudi Arabia carried out warning airstrikes targeting its forces. The claim was backed by the United Arab Emirates, which released a video showing the strike in Wadi Nahab in Yemens Hadramout province. As Venezuela continues to face international scrutiny, the Latin American nation said that it has conducted its largest prisoner release of 2025, claiming to have freed 99 people detained for taking part in the 2024 election protests A man holds a candle and a sign asking for the release of his brother during a vigil for political prisoners in Caracas, Venezuela, on 8 August 2024. AFP As Venezuela continues to face international scrutiny, the Latin American nation said that it has conducted its largest prisoner release of 2025, claiming to have freed 99 people detained for taking part in the 2024 election protests. The polls that took place last year were widely seen as stolen by the countrys longtime President Nicolas Maduro. However, civil society organisations within and outside the country are treating the latest announcement with caution and stressed that the release was insufficient, noting that at least 900 political prisoners remain in the country. The Maduro regime, on the other hand, refuses to acknowledge the existence of more such political prisoners. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the early hours of Christmas, it said that 99 citizens who were deprived of their liberty for their participation in acts of violence and incitement to hatred following the electoral process of 28 July 2024. It is pertinent to note that the prisoners release came at a time when the South American nation is facing heavy scrutiny from the United States. Venezuela frames the move as a peace offering' The country framed the move as an expression of its alleged commitment to peace and its unrestricted respect for human rights, at a moment when the country is facing what it described as an imperialist siege and multilateral aggression by the US. In recent weeks, the United States has intensified pressure on Venezuela with a total blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving the country, the seizure of two vessels and the pursuit of a third, and airstrikes on boats that have killed 105 people in the Caribbean and the Pacific. The prisoner release also followed a period of escalating internal repression, during which the opposition has been left with virtually no prominent figures either free or still in the country. For instance, Nobel Peace Prize-winning opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is temporarily in exile after travelling to Norway to receive the award. In recent weeks alone, several political scientists, an activist and union leaders were arrested, while last week, 17-year-old Gabriel Jose Rodriguez Mendez became the first teenager convicted of terrorism, sentenced to 10 years in prison for taking part in post-election protests. As far as is known, no prominent opposition figures who had been detained, nor the 17-year-old Mendez, are among the 99 allegedly released, a group that does include at least three other teenagers. The selective and discretionary nature of these releases confirms that deprivation of liberty has been used as an instrument of political persecution, said the NGO Justicia, Encuentro y Perdon in a statement following the prisoners release. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The NGO acknowledged the positive impact of the measure on the lives of those freed, but said it was clearly insufficient given that hundreds of political prisoners remain, with estimates ranging from 900 to 1,000. Several other human rights organisations maintained a similar stance on the matter. Zelensky on Saturday accused Russia of having no intention to end the war after a massive drone and missile attack struck Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday accused Russia of having no intention to end the war after a large-scale drone and missile strike hit Kyiv. The attack caused multiple explosions in the capital, killing one person, injuring around two dozen others, and cutting off heating and electricity for hundreds of thousands amid freezing winter conditions. Zelensky reiterated on Sunday that Moscow was prolonging the conflict as delegations from Kyiv and Washington gathered in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential ceasefire. Russia is the only one dragging this war out, he said in his evening video address. Since March 11, a proposal for an unconditional ceasefire has been on the table these attacks could have already stopped. But it is Russia that continues all this, he added, referring to the recent surge in drone attacks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ceasefire talks and Russian preconditions Kyiv agreed on March 11 to a 30-day ceasefire plan proposed by the United States, contingent on Moscows compliance. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has set several preconditions, including a demand that the West halt all military aid to Ukraine. Without pressure on Russia, those in Moscow will continue to show contempt for real diplomacy and keep destroying lives, Zelensky said. Meetings in Saudi Arabia Ukrainian and US representatives held initial talks in Riyadh on Sunday. The talks were constructive and informative we discussed important issues, especially in the energy sector, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov wrote on Facebook. Umerov noted that the Ukrainian delegation included energy experts as well as military representatives from naval and air divisions, with a focus on protecting energy facilities and critical infrastructure. The work of delegations continues, Zelensky added. But no matter what were discussing with our partners, Putin must be pushed to issue a real order to stop the strikes because the one who brought this war must be the one to take it back. US push for rapid resolution US President Donald Trump has been pressing for a swift end to the nearly three-year conflict, with hopes that the Riyadh talks could lead to a breakthrough. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism. I think youre going to see in Saudi Arabia on Monday some real progress, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries. From that, youll naturally gravitate to a full-on shooting ceasefire, he told Fox News. Kremlin tempers expectations The Kremlin, however, downplayed the prospect of a quick resolution. We are only at the beginning of this path, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that many questions remain over how a potential ceasefire might be implemented. Putin has rejected a joint US-Ukrainian call for a full and immediate 30-day pause, offering instead a halt in attacks only on energy facilities. Peskov said the main focus of talks with the US would be the possible resumption of the 2022 Black Sea grain deal, which ensured safe Ukrainian exports via the Black Sea. Moscow withdrew from the deal in 2023, accusing the West of failing to ease sanctions on Russias farm exports and fertilisers. Fresh attacks ahead of talks On the eve of the negotiations, both sides carried out new drone strikes. Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian drone attack in Kyiv killed three civilians, including a five-year-old girl and her father, while Ukraines air force said Russia launched 147 drones. Russia said it intercepted nearly 60 Ukrainian drones overnight. One man in southern Russias Rostov region died when his car caught fire from falling drone debris, and a woman was killed in Belgorod. Meanwhile, Ukraine claimed a small battlefield victory by capturing a village in the eastern Luhansk region, a rare success for Kyivs forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel strongly rejects the statement by foreign countries regarding the Cabinet decision on settlements in Judea and Samaria Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Cabinet decision to establish 11 new settlements and to formalize eight additional settlements is intended, among other things, to help address the security threats Israel is facing. Type: Media Statements Topic: Foreign Policy Publish Date: 24.12.2025 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 formalize 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. 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 its 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu announced the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state Israel - Prime Minister's Office Type: Events and Speeches Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 26.12.2025 Statement on behalf of the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu: The Prime Minister announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. Prime Minister Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Sa'ar, and the President of the Republic of Somaliland signed a joint and mutual declaration. This declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump. Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. The Prime Minister invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel. The President thanked Prime Minister Netanyahu for his historic declaration and expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister's achievements in fighting terrorism and advancing regional peace. The Prime Minister thanks Foreign Minister Sa'ar, the Head of Mossad David Barnea and the Mossad, for their contribution to today's development and wishes the people of Somaliland success, prosperity, and freedom. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan expresses support for efforts for peace and stability in Yemen Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan is closely following the recent developments in Yemen. Pakistan expresses its full support for the diplomatic efforts being undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for ensuring peace and stability in the Republic of Yemen. We also commend the efforts of the UAE in this regard. We underscore the need for upholding the unity and territorial integrity of Yemen, and express the hope that the Yemeni stakeholders will avoid any unilateral steps that may result in further escalation of the situation. We also call on all Yemeni parties to engage constructively and in good faith towards an inclusive, negotiated political solution based on the agreed parameters. Pakistan expresses its hope that the ongoing diplomatic efforts will result in concrete steps towards achieving lasting peace in the country, and in bringing an end to the suffering of the Yemeni people. Islamabad 26 December 2025 383/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Reinforcing PH Navy's missile capabilities amid WPS tensions Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno December 26, 2025, 1:05 pm MANILA -- With the commissioning of the two Miguel Malvar-class guided-missile frigates this year, the Philippine Navy (PN) has effectively reinforced its missile capability a significant upgrade in the face of lingering tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). For 2025, the PN has doubled the number of its missile-armed major surface combatants from two to four, with the addition of BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) and BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07). BRP Miguel Malvar, the PN's most advanced frigate, was officially commissioned on May 20 during the Navy's 127th anniversary. Department of Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. had described its arrival as "a critical step toward developing a self-reliant and credible defense posture." BRP Diego Silang, on the other hand, officially entered active service on Dec. 2 a key development that "sends a clear message that the Philippines will continue to invest in programs that strengthen maritime domain awareness, enhance deterrence, and improve our ability to uphold the rule of law," according to DND Undersecretary Salvador Melchor Mison Jr. during the commissioning. With the addition of these two warships, the country's first two guided-missile frigates, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), got their much-needed reinforcement as they go about their mission in patrolling and protecting the country's vast maritime domains, including the WPS. Capabilities According to the PN, Miguel Malvar-class guided-missile frigates are heavier armed and more capable than the Jose Rizal-class frigates 3,200 gross tons compared to 2,600. While it is equipped with similar weapons systems like the 76mm Oto Melara main gun, C-Star surface-to-surface missiles, and Blue Shark anti-submarine torpedoes like its predecessors, the Miguel Malvar class boasts a bigger C-Star loadout, having eight missile tubes compared to the Jose Rizal class's four. Miguel Malvar guided-missile frigates are also the first PN ships to be equipped with a vertical launch system (VLS) an advanced system for storing and firing missiles aboard naval vessels capable of firing surface-to-air missiles that can neutralize air threats. The VLS system mounted in the BRP Miguel Malvar has 16 tubes and is optimized for surface-to-air engagements. Aside from these, the brand-new guided missile frigates are also armed with 35mm Aselsan close-in weapons systems and four .50 caliber heavy machine guns. Such modern capabilities, according to PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent, "will allow us greater and longer operational reach as we continue to perform our mandate of securing our seas." And like the Jose Rizal class, the Miguel Malvar guided-missile frigates are also equipped with sensors, surveillance systems and weapons platforms that allow them for multi-combat operations, meaning it can track and engage surface, sub-surface, and air threats. More milestones ahead In a recent interview with the Philippine News Agency, PN spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said the naval service is seeing more modernization milestones in 2026. "Looking ahead, the PN anticipates significant milestones in its modernization journey," she said, as she reaffirmed the PN's "unwavering commitment" to fulfilling its mandate while pursuing its modernization efforts. "By 2026, the PN expects the delivery of the third Tarlac class landing dock platform, along with offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) that are expected to further enhance maritime security efforts and extend the Navy's operational reach," Martinez added. She, however, noted that the PN's modernization program extends beyond the acquisition of modern warfare platforms. "While the procurement of advanced ships, aircraft, weapons systems, and C-4ISTAR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaissance) capabilities remains a priority, equal emphasis is placed on the essential enablers that allow these capabilities to be fully realized," Martinez said. These include capacity enhancement through training, the continued development of bases and support facilities, improvements in sustainment, and force restructuring to meet evolving operational requirements. Aside from this, Martinez said the PN is actively exploring opportunities to strengthen its self-reliant defense posture. Martinez said these reinforce the PN's vision of becoming a "modern, multi-domain, and self-reliant navy, and a credible partner in contributing to regional peace, stability, and development." The PN's modernization program is guided by the Philippine Navy Strategic Sail Plan 2040, which serves as its overarching organizational development strategy. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AFP sees more robust modernization in 2026 Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno December 26, 2025, 12:40 pm MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is expecting a more robust modernization in 2026. "The AFP is expecting a critical year ahead for our modernization program. We are entering a phase where several long-lead projects will begin to bear fruit, especially those aligned with archipelagic defense, cybersecurity and maritime domain awareness," Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a recent interview. For 2026, Padilla said the AFP is anticipating the continued delivery of platforms and systems that strengthen its ability to protect territorial integrity, improve interoperability with allies and partners, and ensure that the country can monitor and respond across all domains -- land, sea, air and cyberspace. "We are looking forward to enhanced air surveillance and coastal defense capabilities, additional maritime assets for deterrence and patrols, and the expansion of command-and-control, communications, and cyber defense infrastructure," she said. "These form part of a long-term strategy to build a force that is credible, resilient and responsive to emerging threats." Highlights of the military's modernization highlights for 2025 include the delivery and commissioning of the two brand-new Miguel Malvar-class guided missile frigates, signing of the contract of the 12 additional light jet fighters, and delivery and commissioning of 10 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters. Padilla said the AFP remains committed to a modernization program that is transparent, accountable, and anchored on its mandate to secure the nation. "We assure the public that every peso invested translates to stronger defenses, better protection for our people, and a more capable Armed Forces -- matatag, makabago, at handang ipagtanggol ang ating bansa (strong, modern, and ready to defend our nation)," she said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel recognizes Somaliland as state, drawing international condemnation Iran Press TV Friday, 26 December 2025 7:25 PM The Israeli regime has announced its recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign state, a move swiftly condemned by Somalia and several regional powers who warn it violates international law and threatens regional stability. The office of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Tel Aviv formally recognized Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" and signed an agreement on building ties between the two entities. "The prime minister announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state," the Netanyahu office said, making the Israeli regime the first entity to officially recognize Somaliland as a country. Netanyahu's office made reference to the "Abraham Accords" brokered by US President Donald Trump during his first presidency as the basis of Tel Aviv's recognition of Somaliland. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, the self-declared president of Somaliland, praised the Tel Aviv regime's decision as a "historic moment " and "strategic partnership" between the two entities. Meantime, the move has been condemned by the foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti, who in a statement affirmed their "total rejection" of the Israeli regime's announcement. Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty held separate phone calls with his counterparts in Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti to discuss issues including Israel's declaration. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the four countries reaffirmed their support for Somalia's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and warned against unilateral steps that could undermine stability or create what they called "parallel entities" to Somalia's state institutions. In the statement, Egypt's foreign minister, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Somali's Foreign Minister Abdulsalam Abdi Ali and Abdoulkader Hussein Omar, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Djibouti, condemned the Israeli regime's move and reaffirmed their full support for "the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, and their complete rejection of any unilateral actions that would compromise Somali sovereignty or undermine the foundations of stability in the country." In the statement, they also asserted that recognizing the independence of parts of sovereign states would set a dangerous precedent under international law and the United Nations Charter. Somaliland, which is a breakaway from Somalia, has been a target considered for the forced relocation of Palestinians by the Zionist regime. It has maintained self-rule since the 1991 civil war, but has not won international recognition. Somaliland is located along the Gulf of Aden and is home to the deep-water strategic port of Berbera. The Israeli regime reportedly plans to build a military base in Somaliland, which would enable the Zionist war machine to gain control over the Gulf of Aden, enabling it to attack the Ansarullah-led government in Yemen. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Critical Gaza hospital runs out of fuel, suspends most services Iran Press TV Friday, 26 December 2025 6:22 PM A major hospital in the central part of the besieged Gaza Strip has been forced to suspend most of its medical services after running out of fuel to power its generators. In a statement released on Friday, the Al-Awda Hospital announced it had to cancel all scheduled surgeries across every department due to the lack of fuel. The hospital said it would maintain only minimal vital services, continuing operations solely in the emergency department and maternity ward. "Most services have been temporarily stopped due to a shortage of the fuel needed for the generators," said Ahmed Mehanna, a senior official involved in managing the hospital. "Only essential departments remain operational: the emergency unit, maternity ward and paediatrics," Mehanna said. The official warned that a prolonged fuel shortage "would pose a direct threat to the hospital's ability to deliver basic services." To keep these services running, the hospital has been forced to rent a small generator, Mehanna added. The health official urged local and international organizations to intervene swiftly to ensure a steady fuel supply. The fuel shortage stems from Israel's continued blockade of the Gaza Strip, which restricts the entry of essential supplies, including generator fuel. Gaza's health sector has been among the hardest hit by more than two years of Israeli war. The health system in Gaza has been devastated by the Israeli genocidal war, severe shortages of medicines and fuel, and damage to hospitals and medical infrastructure, leaving many patients unable to access specialized care such as cancer treatment, dialysis, or complex surgery. Gaza's government media office has repeatedly noted that Israel has failed to meet its obligations under the October 10 ceasefire and its humanitarian protocol, including the entry of fuel, shelter materials, and the delivery of 300,000 tents and mobile homes for displaced families. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces have continued to carry out deadly attacks across Gaza, killing hundreds of Palestinians over the past few weeks. Since October 2023, Israeli forces have killed about 71,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in the blockaded Palestinian territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen says ready for next inevitable war, urges Muslims to be vigilant Iran Press TV Friday, 26 December 2025 6:12 PM Yemen's Ansarullah leader says the country is preparing day and night for the next inevitable round of war with the United States and Israel, vowing that Yemeni resistance will not be halted or disarmed. "We are preparing for the next round of conflict, and we are working on this day and night because we are aware of what is happening, what the enemies are striving for, and what they are planning," Sayyid Abdulmalik Badr al-Din al-Houthi said in a televised speech on Friday. The remarks come a day after Israeli minister of military affairs Israel Katz vowed to continue military assaults against several countries, including Yemen, following the Arab country's pro-Palestine operations. Al-Houthi warned that silence in the face of American and Israeli colonial projects would only embolden aggression across the Muslim and Arab world. He stressed the necessity for everyone to be vigilant, attentive, and prepared. He said, "The Americans failed to stop us. With all their weapons, aircraft, and air and naval bombardments, they were unable to halt our military operations in support of the Palestinian people, whether missile, drone, or naval operations." In his speech, the Ansarullah leader also warned against US-Israeli schemes aimed at reshaping the region, citing open calls from Washington and Tel Aviv to "change the Middle East." He urged Arab and Muslim nations to confront these plots instead of remaining silent. "Talking about what is called Greater Israel is to subjugate the peoples of the region to the most criminal and worst enemy, and it's a disaster for the nation to accept that," he said. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly spoken of his attachment to the vision of a so-called "Greater Israel," which includes the occupied Palestinian territories as well as parts of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, describing it as a "historical and spiritual mission." Referring to Western-backed crimes committed by Israel and the US in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, al-Houthi said the enemies, through their "tools" in the region, are trying to normalize killing and violations. "So that people accept being killed by Israel whenever it wants," he said, stressing, "this is a very dangerous issue." "In the face of killing and violation, the enemies want there to be no reaction and for it to become an acceptable matter," he added. Al-Houthi said it is "very unfortunate" that "the blame continues to be directed at those who oppose" the normalization of these crimes, rather than at the perpetrators themselves. "Our operations against the Americans continued until the ceasefire agreement was announced, and the Americans will not be able to stop them in the future," he said, adding, "The weapons we possess are the weapons of a nation that relies on Allah and trusts in Him, a nation that embarks on a principled, Quranic, faith-based, ethical, and value-driven path." He also rejected calls to disarm the resistance, saying such demands are designed to leave the region defenseless. The call to disarm resistance is meant to strip the nation of any means to confront American and Israeli aggression, he said, adding that submission to the US and Israel is falsely presented as a solution, while it only deepens humiliation and exploitation. Yemen's stance follows months of confrontation triggered by Israel's genocidal war on Gaza. Israeli forces have killed more than 70,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023, before a fragile ceasefire, brokered by the United States, was reached last October. As part of its response, the Yemeni Armed Forces launched a pro-Palestine campaign in November 2023, targeting Israeli-linked shipping and striking sites in the occupied territories. The campaign came a month after the Zionist regime unleashed its genocide in Gaza. In response, the US and Israel carried out repeated airstrikes across Yemen, in flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter. Washington escalated its aggression by deploying aircraft carriers to the region in an attempt to deter Yemeni operations. In May, Yemen and the United States reached a ceasefire brokered by Oman, following sustained US-led bombardment of Yemeni cities and continued Yemeni retaliatory strikes on American forces in the region. Yemen has halted its operations against Israel since the start of the ceasefire on October 10 while warning that it is ready to resume its military support for the oppressed Palestinians if the truce is shattered. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli airstrikes hit eastern, southern Lebanon in fresh ceasefire breach Iran Press TV Friday, 26 December 2025 10:19 AM Israeli warplanes launched fresh airstrikes across eastern and southern Lebanon on Friday, extending a pattern of ceasefire violations that has continued for months. Israeli fighter jets launched multiple raids on areas in the Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon, triggering powerful explosions and sending thick plumes of smoke into the air, according to Al-Manar. Targets included the Zghrin mountains on the outskirts of Hermel, where footage showed dense smoke rising after the strikes. Israeli aircraft were also seen flying at very low altitude over Baalbek and northern Bekaa. Additional air raids struck the Besliyeh area on the outskirts of Jbaa in Jezzine district, as well as areas near the town of Kfarmelki in southern Lebanon, Al-Manar reported. Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) similarly confirmed a "series of airstrikes" by Israeli aircraft on mountainous regions in the Nabatiyeh and Jezzine districts in the south, and in Hermel district in eastern Lebanon. The Israeli military acknowledged the attacks, claiming they targeted Hezbollah positions. In a statement, it claimed strikes hit weapons depots and a training complex. Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the raids targeted what he described as "a training compound belonging to the Radwan Force unit and several weapons warehouses," a claim Lebanese sources did not independently verify. Despite the ceasefire reached in November 2024 after more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli forces have continued to carry out near-daily attacks inside Lebanese territory. Israeli troops also remain deployed at five locations along the border despite provisions in the truce requiring a full withdrawal. According to an AFP tally based on Lebanese health ministry figures, more than 340 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect. Friday's strikes came just one day after similar Israeli attacks near the Syrian border and in southern Lebanon killed three people. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has documented the scale of Israeli violations since the truce began, reporting more than 7,500 airspace violations and nearly 2,500 land breaches. Tensions have steadily escalated in southern Lebanon as Israel continues air raids while insisting it is targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. Lebanese officials and observers argue the strikes undermine the ceasefire and worsen instability. Between October 2023 and November 2024, Israeli attacks killed more than 3,961 people in Lebanon, including 736 women, 222 health and rescue workers, and 248 children, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Under the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces were expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January, but the pullout has remained incomplete. Meanwhile, diplomatic pressure has intensified on Beirut. On December 18, French, Saudi and US officials met in Paris with the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces to discuss a roadmap for disarming Hezbollah. The resistance group has repeatedly said it will not disarm as long as Israeli forces occupy parts of southern Lebanon and continue to launch attacks, warning that ongoing violations risk collapsing the already fragile truce. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US launches airstrikes on Nigeria, citing unsubstantiated claims of anti-Christian violence Iran Press TV Friday, 26 December 2025 8:36 AM The United States has launched airstrikes in northwest Nigeria, with President Donald Trump casting the attack as a response to alleged anti-Christian violencean assertion Nigerian authorities and analysts have long rejected as a misleading pretext for military action. The strikes, which Trump announced late Thursday, were presented as a blow against an African branch of Daesh, which he said had carried out large-scale violence against 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 on social media. Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the attacks targeted Sokoto State and were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities. "This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by airstrikes in the North West," the ministry said in a post on X, while not confirming Washington's claim of persecution of Christians. The US Department of War later released footage showing the launch of the airstrikes. Last month, Trump had spoken about his country's intention to attack Nigeria, saying the US "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" against his "cherished Christians!" The cooperation comes despite repeated objections from Nigerian officials to framing the country's security crisis as religious persecution. Authorities have said armed groups target both Muslims and Christians and that US claims of systematic anti-Christian violence oversimplify a complex conflict driven by criminality, local grievances and long-standing instability. Last month, Nigeria's president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the characterization of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant country did not reflect reality. "The characterization 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. Nigeria is roughly divided between a mostly Muslim north and a mostly Christian south. Analysts say Nigeria's situation has long roots in the region's history. In some parts of the country, Muslim herders and Christian farmers compete over land and water. Another pretext for the US conducting strikes against Nigeria is the increasing kidnappings of priests and pastors for ransom. However, experts suggest this trend is motivated more by criminal gain than religious discrimination, as these religious leaders are seen as influential figures whose followers or organizations can quickly raise funds. While human rights groups have urged the Nigerian government to do more to address unrest in the country, which has experienced deadly attacks by Boko Haram and other armed groups, experts say that claims of a "Christian genocide" are false and simplistic. Trump, who positioned himself as the "candidate of peace" in 2024, campaigned on the promise of extraditing the US from decades of "endless wars". However his first year back in the White House has been notable for the number of military interventions overseas, with strikes on Yemen, Iran, Syria and others, as well as a huge military buildup in the Caribbean targeting Venezuela. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the escalation of tensions in southern Yemen 26 December 2025 13:26 2199-26-12-2025 Moscow is concerned about the escalation of the military and political situation in the southern Yemeni governorates of Hadhramaut and Al Mahrah as a result of clashes between various paramilitary units within the pro-government forces, including formations controlled by the Southern Transitional Council. We call on all parties involved to exercise restraint and to seek mutually acceptable compromise solutions to the existing problems and contradictions through constructive intra-Yemeni dialogue. We welcome the joint efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, noted in the statement issued by the Foreign Ministry of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on December 25, 2025, aimed at de-escalating tensions as soon as possible and stabilising the situation in southern Yemen, including the deployment of a joint military task force to Aden to assist the Yemeni parties in addressing the consequences of this crisis. We once again emphasise the need for UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg to step up efforts to achieve sustainable normalisation of the situation in the southern Arabian Peninsula and to launch an inclusive intra-Yemeni dialogue with a view to advancing a comprehensive political settlement. 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, above all Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Interception of Venezuelan Tankers by US Could Pose Security Risks - Chinese Ministry Sputnik News 20251226 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - China opposes the blockade of Venezuelan oil and the seizure of tankers, as these actions could pose security risks, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian said. "The arbitrary interception of other countries' tankers could not only disrupt the functioning of the international energy market, but also pose other security risks," He said on Thursday. She also noted that China firmly opposes the abuse of unilateral sanctions and so-called "long-arm jurisdiction." "Venezuela and other countries have every right to conduct trade and economic cooperation within the framework of international law - this is normal, reasonable, and legal, and such a right must be respected," she added. On December 17, US President Donald Trump declared the Venezuelan government a "foreign terrorist organization" and announced a complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers bound to and from Venezuela. He added that the US will not allow "a Hostile Regime to take our Oil, Land, or any other Assets, all of which must be returned to the United States." The US justifies its military presence in the Caribbean region by the fight against drug trafficking. Since early September, Trump has authorized a number of strikes targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels off Venezuela's coasts. In November, Trump expressed the opinion that President Nicolas Maduro's days as Venezuela's leader were numbered, while saying that Washington had no plans to go to war with Caracas. Venezuela viewed these actions as a provocation aimed at destabilizing the region and as a violation of international agreements on the demilitarized and nuclear-free status of the Caribbean. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Carried Out 'Deadly Strike' on ISIS Targets in Northwest Nigeria Trump Sputnik News 20251226 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said the United States launched a "powerful and deadly strike" against what he described as ISIS* targets in northwest 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 Truth Social on Thursday. "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. Trump said the US military carried out "numerous" strikes and suggested more could follow if the violence continues. *A terrorist organization outlawed in Russia and many other countries. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with Honduras President-Elect Asfura US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson December 26, 2025 The following is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with President-Elect Nasry "Tito" Asfura to congratulate him on a clear electoral victory. Secretary Rubio commended President-Elect Asfura for his advocacy of U.S. strategic objectives, including advancing our bilateral and regional security cooperation, and strengthening economic ties between our two countries. Both leaders expressed their readiness to deepen cooperation and strengthen the U.S.-Honduras partnership. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Mali, Nigeria UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Mali UN Relief Chief fast-tracks funds to respond to diphtheria outbreak Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has allocated US$1 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for an urgent response to diphtheria in Mali, which has been facing a fast-spreading outbreak of the disease since mid-September. The new funding will support life-saving health interventions in the regions of Mopti, Segou and Tombouctou, where mortality rates are highest. As of early December, more than 530 diphtheria cases and over 30 deaths had been reported, though the actual figures are expected to be far higher due to underreporting. The outbreak comes as Mali continues to see vaccine shortages and limited access to healthcare, amid ongoing insecurity and cross-border population movements. The allocation from CERF - the UN's globally emergency fund, managed by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - will enable the World Health Organization to deploy emergency medical teams, provide antibiotics and antitoxins, work to prevent infections, manage cases, trace contacts and raise community awareness. Nigeria UN voices sadness at lives lost in mosque attack The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, has expressed his deep sadness at the impact of a suspected suicide attack in a mosque in Gamboru in Borno State in the country's north-east, which led to the loss of lives and left scores injured. On behalf of the UN in Nigeria, Mr. Fall conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were killed, and to the Government and the people of Borno State and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Mr. Fall joined the Governor of Borno, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, in strongly condemning the heinous attack in a place of worship and echoed his 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, while 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. Mr. Fall reiterated his 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 their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. Posted on 26 December 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia Affirms Support for Somalia's Sovereignty, Rejects Mutual Recognition between Israel and Somaliland Saudi Press Agency Friday 06/07/1447 Riyadh, December 27, 2025, SPA -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirmed full support for Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The statement also rejected the announcement of mutual recognition between the Israeli occupation authorities and the Somaliland region as a unilateral secessionist move that violates international law. Saudi Arabia reiterated its rejection of any attempts to impose parallel entities that undermine the country's unity, stressing its support for legitimate state institutions and its commitment to preserving the stability of the brotherly Somali people, the statement added. -- SPA 00:24 Local Time 21:24 GMT 0003 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 26 December 2025 - Day 1402 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 237 combat clashes. Russian zagarbniki launched one rocket and 56 air strikes, using one rocket and dropping 147 controlled air bombs. In addition, the Russians have engaged 2,275 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,382 shelling of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, Ukrainian soldiers repelled three Russian assault actions since the beginning of the day. The enemy also launched two air strikes using four controlled air bombs, carrying out 86 shells, one of which from a jet system of arson fire. In the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders nine times near Vovchansky Farms, Prylipka, Starica and towards the settlements of Vilch and Izbitske. In the Kupyansky direction, Russian units carried out 11 assault actions, trying to break through the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of Pi any, Kruglyakivka and towards Petropavlivsky, Novoplatonivka and Kupyansk, two confrontations are ongoing so far. In the Lyman direction since the beginning of the day, Russian zagarbniks 31 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians near the settlements of Grekivka, Novovodiyane, Novoyegorivka, Novoselivka, Kopanky, Kolodyazi, Serednoe, Ridkodub, Karpivka, Zarichne and towards the settlements of Lyman and Drobisheve. At the moment, Ukrainian defenders repel the Russian attacks in two locations. In the Slovak direction, the Russian enemy tried to break through eight times in the regions of Siversk and Dronivka. In the Kramators komu direction Ukrainian soldiers repelled three attacks in the area of minkivka and towards virolubivka. In the Konstantiniv direction, Russians 21 times attacked the positions of Defense Forces. Efforts of the attack were concentrated in the areas of settlements Oleksandro-Shultine, Scherbinivka, Pleshiyivka, Yablunivka, Rusin Yar and towards Sofiyivka. Since the beginning of the day in the Pokrovsky direction, Russian units 50 times tried to break through Ukrainian defense in the areas of settlements Shahove, Pankivka, Nikanorivka, Mirnograd, Rodinske, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Udaachne, Novosergiyivka and Dachne. Three fighting clashes are still ongoing. Defense forces deter enemy attacks, the Russian enemy suffers significant casualties - today 100 Russian invaders have been defecated in this direction, 71 of which are irrevocable. Ukrainian defenders have destroyed four vehicles, 26 unmanned aircraft, two satellite terminals, antenna, two control points, an ammunition and fuel warehouse, and also struck an artillery system, an armored vehicle, a vehicle and six Russian bunkers. In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Ukrainian units stopped 13 Russian attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops near settlements near settlements Green Grove, Yalta, Tovste, Sichneve, Verbove, Vishneve, Vorone and Rybne, three more clashes remain unfinished In the Gulyaipil direction, Ukrainian defenders stopped 21 Russian attempts to advance in the areas of Varvarivka, Solodky and Gulyaipol. Ukrainian units stopped six Russian attacks in the Orihivsky direction - the Russian zagarbnik was active in the areas of the settlements of Mali Sherbaki, Stepnogirsk, Stepove and Mala Tokmachka, two more clashes are still ongoing. In the pridniprovsky direction at the moment boezitknen is not recorded. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in response to the terrorist attacks launched by Ukraine against civilian facilities in the Russian Federation from 20 to 26 December 2025, the Russian Armed Forces carried out one massive and five group strikes including by Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missiles. They hit enterprises of the Ukrainian defence industry, energy facilities providing them with work, transport, airfield, port and depot infrastructure used for the benefit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, assembly facilities, storage areas of long-range strike unmanned aerial vehicles, fuel and military equipment depots as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries. During the week, units of the Sever Group of Forces took over control Vysokoye in Sumy region. Strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, one national guard brigade, and two border detachments of the Ukrainian border service. In Kharkov direction, the settlements of Vilcha and Prilipka (Kharkov region) have been taken under control as a result of active actions. Three mechanised and two motorised infantry brigades of the AFU were hit. In total, the AFU lost more than 1,230 troops, one tank, nine armoured fighting vehicles, 77 motor vehicles, five field artillery guns, two electronic warfare stations, and 21 ammunition and materiel depots in the Sever Group's area of responsibility. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops have launched strikes on seven mechanised brigades, two assault brigades, one air assault brigade, one airmobile brigade of the AFU, one territorial defence brigade, and two national guard brigades. The enemy losses in this direction amounted to more than 1,515 troops, three tanks, 21 armoured fighting vehicles, 123 motor vehicles, and 10 field artillery guns. Three AFU ammunition depots were destroyed. As a result of resolute actions, units of the Yug Group of Forces liberated Svyato-Pokrovskoye in the Donetsk People's Republic. Russian troops inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one airmobile brigade, one mountain assault brigade, one engineer brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, one territorial defence brigade, and one national guard brigade. In total, more than 1,635 troops, two tanks, 24 armoured fighting vehicles, 90 motor vehicles, and 15 field artillery guns have been neutralised in the Yug Group's area of responsibility. Seven electronic warfare stations and 25 ammunition and materiel depots have been neutralised. During the week, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Svetloye in the Donetsk People's Republic as a result of active actions. Russian troops continue to destroy an encircled AFU group in Dimitrov, as well as to mop up of scattered enemy formations close to Rodinskoye and Grishino iin the Donetsk People's Republic. Strikes were delivered at formations of four mechanised brigades, two jaeger brigades, two air assault brigades, one airmobile brigade, two airborne regiments, two unmanned systems regiments of the AFU, two marine brigades, two territorial defence brigades, four national guard brigades, and one Azov special military operation brigade. In this direction, the enemy lost more than 3,395 troops, four tanks, including one U.S.-made Abrams tank, and one German-made Leopard tank, 29 armoured fighting vehicles, 53 motor vehicles, and 18 field artillery guns. The Vostok Group's units continued to advance to the depths of the enemy's defence and, as a result of decisive actions, liberated the settlements of Andreyevka (Dnepropetrovsk region), as well as Zarechnoye and Kosovtsevo (Zaporozhye region). Six mechanised, assault brigades, four assault regiments of the AFU, one marine brigade, one territorial defence brigade, and one national guard brigade were hit. Over the past week, the Vostok Group of Forces has lost more than 1,770 troops, one tank, 19 armoured fighting vehicles, 72 motor vehicles, 12 field artillery guns, two electronic warfare stations, and four ammunition and materiel depots. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on units of one mechanised brigade, one assault brigade, one mountain assault brigade, two coastal defence brigades, two assault regiments of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade. Up to 365 troops, three tanks, four armoured fighting vehicles, 73 motor vehicles, seven field artillery guns, 12 electronic warfare stations, 27 ammunition, materiel, and fuel depots have been neutralised. Air defence systems shot down seven Storm Shadow UK-made air-to-air missiles, 21 guided aerial bombs, eight HIMARS MLRS projectiles, one Neptune long-range missile, four unmanned aerial vehicles, and 1,350 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 669 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 105,217 unmanned aerial vehicles, 640 anti-aircraft missile systems, 26,782 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,634 MLRS combat vehicles, 32,185 field artillery guns and mortars, and 50,080 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "Falcon Shield 2025" joint air force training promotes practical cooperation between China and UAE: Defense Spokesperson Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source China Military Online EditorLi Weichao Time2025-12-25 16:52:58 BEIJING, Dec. 25 -- "The 'Falcon Shield' joint training is a signature project of cooperation between the air forces of China and the United Arab Emirates. So far, it has been held three times and has played an important role in promoting practical cooperation between the two sides and maintaining regional peace," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference on Thursday. According to the spokesperson, the militaries of China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held the Falcon Shield 2025 joint air force training in the UAE from December 9 to 22, 2025. For the first time, the Chinese PLA Air Force deployed its J-10 fighter jets, KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft, and YY-20A tanker aircraft to the UAE for the training. Participating troops from both sides carried out operations in mixed groups, focusing on such subjects as command simulations and air superiority combat. They also had in-depth exchanges on night combat with night-vision equipment, unmanned combat, and battlefield search and rescue, noted the spokesperson. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China imposes countermeasures against 20 US companies, 10 senior executives in response to US arms sales to Taiwan Global Times By Fan Anqi Published: Dec 26, 2025 07:16 PM In response to the latest US announcement of large-scale arms sales to China's Taiwan region, China has decided to take countermeasures in accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law against 20 US defense-related companies and 10 senior executives who have engaged in arming Taiwan in recent years, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday. According to the announcement, pursuant to Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 15 of the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, the countermeasures target 20 US companies, including Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3Harris Maritime Services, Boeing in St. Louis, Gibbs & Cox, Inc., Advanced Acoustic Concepts, VSE Corporation, Sierra Technical Services, Inc., Red Cat Holdings, Inc., Teal Drones, Inc., ReconCraft, High Point Aerotechnologies, Epirus, Inc., Dedrone Holdings Inc., Area-I, Blue Force Technologies, Dive Technologies, Vantor, Intelligent Epitaxy Technology, Inc., Rhombus Power Inc., and Lazarus Enterprises Inc. All movable and immovable properties as well as other types of assets belonging to the listed companies within China will be frozen. In addition, organizations and individuals within China are prohibited from engaging in transactions, cooperation, or other activities with these entities, per the announcement on Friday. The countermeasures also apply to 10 senior executives, including Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries; John Cantillon, vice president of L3Harris Technologies, Inc. and vice president and principal accounting officer of L3Harris Maritime Services; Michael J. Carnovale, president and chief executive officer of Advanced Acoustic Concepts; John A. Cuomo, president and chief executive officer of VSE Corporation; Mitch McDonald, president of Teal Drones, Inc.; Anshuman Roy, founder and chief executive officer of Rhombus Power Inc.; Dan Smoot, president and chief executive officer of Vantor; Aaditya Devarakonda, chief executive officer of Dedrone Holdings Inc.; Ann Wood, president of High Point Aerotechnologies; and Jay Hoflich, co-founder and chief executive officer of ReconCraft. This decision shall come into force starting Friday, the announcement said. The US move "seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US Joint Communiques, interferes in China's internal affairs, and undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," per to the announcement. Elaborating on the countermeasures, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stressed 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. "Anyone who attempts to cross the line and make provocations on the Taiwan question will be met with China's firm response. Any company or individual who engages in arms sales to Taiwan will pay the price for the wrongdoing. No country or force shall ever underestimate the resolve, will and ability of the Chinese government and people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," said the spokesperson. China once again urges the US to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, act on the commitment of the US leader, stop the dangerous moves of arming Taiwan, stop undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, 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 spokesperson noted. The Trump administration announced on December 18 some $11.1 billion in arms sales to the Taiwan region, the largest ever US weapons package for the island and the second under US President Donald Trump's current administration, Reuters reported. The proposed arms sales cover eight items, including HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius loitering munition drones and parts for other equipment, the report said, citing Taiwan regional "defense authority." Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Friday that the US latest arms sales to Taiwan reveal clear intentions: to use the island to contain China and to continue playing geopolitical games. Li noted that China's countermeasures are resolute, timely, and fully justified. "They serve as a stark warning: the US cannot damage bilateral relations without paying a price. China's countermeasures will ensure the US bears the consequences of its actions." "Our response demonstrates firm resolve and is an essential step in responsibly managing China-US relations. By targeting individuals and entities that harm bilateral ties, we urge the US to respect China's core interests and pursue a positive and constructive direction in developing bilateral ties," the expert said. Chinese mainland military affairs expert Song Zhongping told the Global Times that judging from the arms sales list, it is quite clear that the weapons being sold to Taiwan does not involve latest systems and the real intent of US arms sales to Taiwan is to extract profits from the Taiwan authorities and local taxpayers while reaping substantial financial gains. "Such deals amount to money-wasting military purchases for Taiwan, which not only fails to enhance its defense capabilities but also imposes heavier financial burdens on the island," Song noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two ships of 48th Chinese naval escort taskforce make technical stop in Kenya Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source China Military Online EditorLi Jiayao Time2025-12-26 23:02:50 BEIJING, Dec. 26 -- The guided-missile destroyer Tangshan (Hull 122) and the comprehensive supply ship Taihu (Hull 889) attached to the 48th Chinese naval escort taskforce arrived at the port of Mombasa in Kenya on the morning of December 25, 2025, for a four-day technical stop. During the stop, the two ships will conduct equipment maintenance and replenishment and make necessary preparations for subsequent tasks. Meanwhile, the guided-missile frigate Daqing (Hull 576) continues its escort tasks in the Gulf of Aden. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on December 26, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: December 26, 2025 19:30 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 China's 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, Japan's 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 Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan that threatens the use of force against China, to the remarks of a senior official of the Japanese Prime Minister's office calling for Japan's 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 Japan's "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 Japan's 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 government's military expansion. 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. 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 leader's 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 China's comment? Lin Jian: We appreciate Russia's 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 Japan's aggression in the 1930s and 40s. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Japanese side should face squarely and deeply reflect on Japan's 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. People's Daily: It's 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." What's China's comment? Lin Jian: China is gravely concerned over Japan's 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 Japan's 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 Japan's 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 Japan's 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 China's sovereignty, security and development interests will be met with China's 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 year 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, China's achievements in sci-tech innovation have dazzled the world. Innovation drives China's robust economic growth, boosts global economic recovery and enhances the wellbeing of people of all countries. China's technology and solution of building high-speed railways and smart ports have been introduced to the world, helping other countries build better infrastructure. China's 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. China's 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China sanctions 20 US firms, executives over massive arms sales to Taiwan Iran Press TV Friday, 26 December 2025 4:11 PM Beijing has imposed sanctions on 20 US defense-related companies and 10 executives, following Washington's announcement of large-scale arms sales to Taiwan. In a statement released on Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry stated that these sanctions were in response to the companies' involvement in supplying arms to the island, pledging to take "resolute and forceful measures to steadfastly defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity." The sanctioned companies include Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3Harris Maritime Services, and Boeing, while Anduril Industries founder Palmer Luckey is among the sanctioned executives. As a result of the sanctions, these companies are prohibited from conducting business in China, and the executives are barred from entering the country. Additionally, their assets in China have been frozen. The US arms sale package, valued at approximately $11 billion, has sparked a strong backlash from China, which asserts that these sales contravene diplomatic agreements between the two countries. The Chinese foreign ministry emphasized, "The Taiwan question is at the very core of China's interests and a critical red line in China-US relations," warning that any individual or company engaging in arms sales to Taiwan will face consequences. Analysts note that Taiwan represents a significant flashpoint in US-China relations, potentially escalating into military conflict. Beijing maintains sovereignty over Taiwan, and under the "One China" policy, most countries recognize this sovereignty, refraining from establishing diplomatic ties with Taiwan's government. While the US claims to uphold this principle, it has supported Taiwan's anti-China stance and provided military assistance, which contradicts its stated policy. During a November phone call, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated to US counterpart Donald Trump that Taiwan's "return to China" is integral to the postwar international order. Beijing has frequently emphasized that the issue of Taiwan is a red line for both the Chinese government and people. Relations between Beijing and Washington are already strained over trade, technology, and human rights issues. These developments come as Taiwan has recently strengthened military ties with Israel, a close US ally. Taiwan's deputy foreign minister made an unpublicized visit to Israeli-occupied territories, seeking increased military cooperation, which has reportedly received approval from Washington. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea accelerates nuclear navy, slams US-South Korea submarine deal an 'offensive act' Iran Press TV Friday, 26 December 2025 6:00 AM North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called a plan by South Korea to develop nuclear-powered submarines with the US an "offensive act" while inspecting his country's first nearly completed nuclear-powered submarine, Kim Jong Un made the remarks on Thursday during his inspection of an under-construction 8,700-ton nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine, insisting that the move by South Korea and the US "will worsen the instability in the region of the Korean Peninsula," KCNA reported. Separately, a spokesperson from North Korea's Defense Ministry on Wednesday slammed the US after one of its nuclear-powered submarines arrived at a key naval base in South Korea a day earlier to restock supplies. "The repeated emergence of the US strategic asset ... constitutes a grave act of causing instability and escalating military tensions in the Korean Peninsula and the region," the spokesperson said, according to KCNA. The USS Greeneville, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, arrived at the naval base in Busan, about 330 kilometers (205 miles) southeast of Seoul, South Korea's navy said. The North Korean head of state reportedly described his country's move as an "urgent task and indispensable option to further accelerate the radical development of the modernization and nuclear weaponization of the naval force" of North Korea. The South Korea-US project takes place while the two countries have repeatedly insisted on the denuclearization of the peninsula, with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urging Beijing in October to play a "constructive role" in establishing peace and finding "a substantive solution to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue." Besides hailing the construction of the submarine as an "epoch-making crucial change," the North Korean leader added that Seoul's plan is "severely violating its security and maritime sovereignty and a threat to its security that must be countered." He further warned his foes will be "forced to pay a dear price when they violate the security of the DPRK's strategic sovereignty" and will face a "merciless retaliatory attack if they try to select a military option." The North Korean project is exhibited amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with Pyongyang accusing the US, South Korea, and Japan of undermining its national security and destabilizing the region by attempting to create an "Asian version of NATO." On Wednesday, Kim observed the test-firing of a "new-type high-altitude long-range anti-air missile," noting that the missile successfully hit a mock target at an altitude of 200 kilometers (124 miles). Kim orders increase in missile production The North Korean leader also visited key munitions industry enterprises and called for a broad expansion of production capacity to meet future operational needs of the country's missile and artillery forces, state media reported. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Friday, Kim said it was necessary to "reinforce the technical foundations of the relevant production enterprises in a balanced way to further expand the overall production capacity," KCNA reported. During the visit, Kim outlined technical and economic tasks aimed at strengthening production capabilities, the agency said. Describing the missile and shell production sector as crucial to bolstering the country's war deterrent, Kim said the DPRK's missile administration and the relevant general bureau of the Second Economy Commission should make thorough preparations to implement new modernization and production plans. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (December 26, 2025) India - Ministry of External Affairs December 26, 2025 Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you to this last press conference of the year. Is saal ke antim press varta mein aap sabhi logon ka bahut bahut swagat hai. To chaliye, daur shuru karte hain. [Approximate Translation]: I welcome you to this last press conference of the year. Let's start. Sidhant, WION: Hi sir, Sidhant from WION. Sir, my question is on the H-1B visa processes. They have come up with new processes including social media vetting as well. And that has led to a lot of delays impacting many Indian nationals as well. Your reaction to this? Ashok: Hi sir, my name is Ashok. Sir, we are completing 2025. If you could provide the details related to extradition number from the different countries. As well as, as per the media reports that India has sent extradition request against Hussain Shattaf to UAE. Is there any details? And if you have details regarding how many mortal remains we brought from the foreign soils. Thank you. Keshav Padmanabhan, The Print: Thank you, sir. Keshav Padmanabhan from The Print. My first question is, can you give us a sense of what is the cooperation we have given to Australia with regards to the Bondi beach shootings, given the shooter's history? And if you may permit me, I just wanted to check on the status of the 16 Indians that were seized by Iran on a ship earlier this month. Whether consular access has been given to them yet, sir? And if you can just enlighten us a little bit on this, I would be grateful. Thank you. Rishabh, Times Now: Sir, good evening. Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, the anti-India rhetoric from Bangladesh continues. There have been anti-India protests as well. So, what is our view and has there been any diplomatic communication between New Delhi and Dhaka, given that both the High Commissioners here in Delhi and Dhaka were summoned by respective governments? Akhilesh: Sir, recently two Hindu minorities have been killed in Bangladesh. And, you know, situation is getting aggravated every day. So, do you have any communication with Bangladesh's interim government? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, let's go one by one. First to Sidhant's question on H-1B visas. Yes, the Government of India has received several representations from Indian nationals who are facing delays or, you know, problems with the rescheduling of their visa appointments. While we do understand, as you also understand, that visa-related issues pertain to the sovereign domain of any country, we have flagged these issues and our concerns of our nationals to the U.S. side, both here in New Delhi and in Washington, D.C. And we hope that these delays and these disruptions will be addressed. There are several people who have been stranded for an extended period of time because of scheduling or rescheduling issues of consular appointments. And these have also caused a lot of hardships to their families, to the family life that they have, as also to the education of their children, as you would understand. And I think there was a communication from the U.S. Government also that, with effect from December 15th, they have expanded their review process or processes that they have, which covers specialty occupation temporary H-1B visa applicants. And it also is applicable to the dependents who are covered under H-4 category visa. This particular change that they have introduced is applicable globally to all countries. On our side, the Government of India remains actively engaged with the U.S. side to address and minimize the disruptions that have been caused to our nationals. Ashok, your question regarding extradition numbers. I don't have these factual details with me. But yes, some of these details are available in the public domain and you can have a look at that. The question about the extradition request on United Arab Emirates as well, I will come back to you as to what is the situation in regard to that particular matter as well. Mortal remains, again, I will come back to you on this particular detail. But, I understand that these are available in public domain, especially if you go to the website of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. And if you look at the questions that have been answered in the past, including as recent as this one, you will get some of these details. But I will come back to you on the question. Keshav, regarding your question. 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. In regard to Indian nationals who you have told have been apprehended, or they are in detention right now, I don't have an update for you. But we will come back to you as to where we stand on this particular matter. As and when there are issues in regard to Indian nationals, their detention or any other issue connected to them, our embassy duly takes it up with the concerned government. In this particular case, it happens to be Iranian authorities in Tehran. As to where we are, what sort of consular access has been given, etc., I will report back to you or I shall inform you of the latest development. Rishabh, regarding anti-India rhetoric, you would have seen also in the last several days we have issued more than a couple of statements. We have rejected the false narrative that has been projected in Bangladesh. You would understand that law and order or security situation or the developments that are happening in Bangladesh is the responsibility of the Government of Bangladesh. And to portray a narrative where things go in some other direction is completely false and we reject that. Akhilesh, your question regarding minorities. We are all aware of the recent developments in Bangladesh. We have been closely following them. And as far as law and order situation is concerned, I have been apprising you from time to time as to what our position has been or should be and is today. The unremitting hostility against 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 Mymensingh, and expect that the perpetrators of the crime would be brought to justice. Over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities, including cases of killings, arsons, land grab have been documented by independent sources during the tenure of the interim government. These incidents cannot be brushed aside as mere media exaggerations or dismissed as political violence. Bangladesh mein alpsankhyakon jismein Hindu bhi hain, Isai bhi hain, Baudh dharm ke log bhi hain unke khilaf lagatar hinsa ho rahi hai. Ye gambhir chinta ka vishay hai. Haal hi mein Mymensingh mein ek Hindu yuva ki hatya hui, uski hum ghor ninda karte hain. Hum ye bhi umeed karte hain ki apradhiyon ko jald se jald katghare mein laya jayega. Aur aapko jaise bataya maine ki swatantra sutron ke anusar, is antarim sarkar ke karyakal mein 2900 aisi waardaat saamne aayi hai jo hatya se sambandhit hai ya aagjani se ho, ya zameen hadapne ke mamle se hon. Aur in ghatnaon ko media ki exaggeration keh kar ya rajnitik hinsa bata kar isko nazarandaz ya darkinaar nahi kiya ja sakta. [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] In Bangladesh, minoritiesincluding Hindus, Christians, and followers of Buddhismare facing continuous violence. This is a matter of serious concern. Recently, a young Hindu man was killed in Mymensingh, and we strongly condemn this incident. We also expect that those responsible will be brought to justice at the earliest. As I mentioned earlier, according to independent sources, during the tenure of the current interim government, around 2900 incidents have been reported including killings, arsons, or cases of land grabbing. Such incidents cannot be ignored or dismissed by labeling them as media exaggeration or by describing them merely as acts of political violence. Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. How does India view the return of Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh? He wants to come back to power, he has come after 17 years. And secondly Myanmar is going to have its first phase of elections on the 28th. Has India sent any observers? Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: This is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Sir, an Indian origin student studying at Canada's University of Toronto, he was killed after he was fatally shot near the campus by unknown attackers. Do we know more about the incident? Siddhant, CNN-News18: Hi Sir, I'm Siddhant from CNN-News18. Sir, a case of medical negligence has come to light in Canada where Prashant Sreekumar, a 44 year old Indian origin man died of suspected cardiac arrest while waiting for a treatment at Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Canada's Edmonton. Do you have any comments to offer on this incident? Thank you. Kallol Bhattacharjee: Kallol from The Hindu sir. Sir, in a very hard hitting editorial, Prothom Alo in Dhaka has said that India is allowing Sheikh Hasina and other prominent leaders of the Awami League to carry out anti-Bangladesh activities while being in India. Do you have a remark on that sir? And, also I haven't heard from the Indian authorities about the burning down of the two major newspaper offices in Dhaka that is Prothom Alo and Daily Star. A comment on that as well, Sir. Megha Sharma, NewsX: Good afternoon sir, Megha from NewsX. There has been a second Hindu death that has also been reported yesterday from Bangladesh. The Yunus government has in fact come out and made a statement that this man in question was a terrorist. Now there has been no trial that has been held, he has not been convicted of any crime. Has the Indian government spoken to the Yunus government of what is happening, and what really happened on the ground, because he was also lynched. There was a group of locals who beat him to death. Jayprakash, Dainik Jagran: Sir main Jayprakash Dainik Jagran se hoon. Bangladesh se hi related mera sawal hai sir ki wahan ke sarkar ne Awami League ko bhi pratibandhit kar diya hai, aur Bhartiya videsh mantralaya kehta aa raha hai ki wo nishpaksh chunav ki umeed karta hai. To aise mein is kadam ko aap kaise dekh rahe hain? [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Jayprakash from Dainik Jagran. My question is also related to Bangladesh. The government there has imposed a ban on the Awami League, and the Ministry of External Affairs of India has consistently stated that it expects free and fair elections. In this context, how do you view this step? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay Yeshi, first on the return of Mr. Tarique Rahman. As you are aware, India supports free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh. This development must be seen in or should be seen in that context. On Myanmar, we stand for democratic transition in the country. Elections are to be held. We support free, fair and inclusive development 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 on that, so I shall come back to you. Ayushi, your question regarding an Indian student who died in Canada. We are in touch with his family. It's very unfortunate. We've convey our deepest condolences. We are also touch with local authorities as to what the circumstances etc. that led to the death. We'll come to know of those details more but we are in touch with local authorities in the matter. And as also our consulate is extending all possible support to the family of the person who died. Ek Bhartiya chatra ka Canada mein shooting ke dauran hatya hui hai. Unke parivar bahut dukhad hai aur hum apni shok vyakt karte hain. Hamari jo consul aawas hai wahan unke parivar se lagatar sampark banaye huye hai is masle pe aur saath hi saath wahan jo sthaniya adhikari hain unse bhi wo is mamle mein batchit kar rahe hain taaki usko kya investigation hai, kya chhanbin hona chahiye us baat ko aur aage le jaya ja sake. Aur hamare consulate aawas ki taraf se jo bhi madad ho skta hai wo hum kr rhe hain. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] An Indian student was killed during a shooting incident in Canada. This is a deeply tragic matter, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Our Consulate is in continuous contact with the family in this regard, and at the same time, it is also engaging with the local authorities there so that the investigation, the necessary inquiries, and all related aspects of the case can be pursued further. From the side of our Consulate as well, all required assistance is being extended. Siddhant, regarding the medical case that you referred. Yes, 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. Kallol, our point on Bangladesh has been very clear and consistent all throughout. India stands for strengthening our ties with people of Bangladesh. We favor peace and stability in Bangladesh and also our point of view on elections, you are aware. We stand for free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh, which is to be held in a peaceful atmosphere. So that is where we are. We stand for fair, free and inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh. Megha in regard to your question about the second death that you talked about. On this particular issue our position is very clear as to how we look at security of minorities. Jayprakash ji, jahan tak Bangladesh mein chunaav ka sawaal hai, jaise ki maine do minute pehle kaha, wahan par hum log chahte hain ki wahan swatantra chunaav ho, wahan nishpaksh chunaav ho aur wahan ek samaveshi chunaav ho. To yahi hamara paksh hai, jahan tak Bangladesh mein chunaav ke maamle ki baat hai. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Jaiprakash ji, as far as the question of elections in Bangladesh is concerned, as I said a couple of minutes ago, we want elections there to be free, fair, and inclusive. That is our position with regard to the issue of elections in Bangladesh. Brahmaprakash Dubey, Zee News: Sir, Brahmaprakash Dubey Zee News se. Mera sawaal hai pichhle saptah ek video viral hua Lalit Modi aur Vijay Mallya ka, jismein woh keh rahe hain ki haan hum bhagode hain. Aise lag raha hai ki woh Bharatiya agencies ko jaanboojh ke intentionally chidha rahe hain. Toh is maamle mein kya sthiti hai, kya Bharatiya jo agencies hain wahan usmein koi dheel di ja rahi hai ya phir kyon deri lag rahi hai? Isko lekar koi update hai kya? [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Brahmaprakash Dubey from Zee News. My question is that last week a video of Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya went viral, in which they are saying that yes, we are fugitives. It appears as if they are deliberately and intentionally provoking Indian agencies. So what is the current situation in this matter? Are Indian agencies being lenient in this case, or why is there a delay? Is there any update on this? Umashankar Singh, Independent Journalist: Umashankar Singh, independent journalist. October mein ek jaankari aayi thi ki Russia ki taraf se ladne wala ek Bharatiya mool ka jo sainik hai, wo Ukraine mein yuddhabandi bana liya gaya hai. Abhi kuch din pehle uska ek doosra video aaya hai jismein usne apne Ukraine mein hone ki tasdeek ki hai. Tab Videsh Mantralaya ki taraf se ye kaha gaya tha ki hum is baat ki tasdeek kar rahe hain. Kya tasdeek ho gaya hai aur kya Ukraine ke saath hum swatantra roop se uski wapsi ki koi baat kar rahe hain, ya phir ye Russia aur Ukraine ke beech ke yuddhabandiyon ki adla-badli ke madde-nazar Russia ki taraf hi hum dekh rahe hain? [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Umashankar Singh, independent journalist. In October, information had emerged that an Indian-origin soldier who was fighting on behalf of Russia had been taken prisoner in Ukraine. A few days ago, another video surfaced in which he confirmed his presence in Ukraine. At that time, the Ministry of External Affairs had said that it was verifying the matter. Has this verification now been completed? And are we independently engaging with Ukraine regarding his return, or are we looking at this primarily through Russia, keeping in mind the issue of prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine? Ayanangsha Maitra: This is Ayanangsha Maitra. Sir, could you please update me with the facts and figures on non-oil trade with Iran as well as INSTC especially at a time India is all set to assume its BRICS presidency in which Iran is the newest member. Neeraj, News 18 India: Sir, Neeraj hoon News 18 India se. Hamara sawaal hai ki Bharat ka ye paksh hai ki Bangladesh mein samaveshi chunaav hone chahiye, lekin Awami League ko anumati nahi mili hai. Toh kya Awami League ke bina chunaav samaveshi hoga? Aur agar Awami League ke bina hi chunaav hota hai, toh kya use Bharat samaveshi maanega? [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Neeraj from News18 India. Our question is that India's position is that elections in Bangladesh should be inclusive, but the Awami League is not being allowed to participate. So, will elections without the Awami League still be considered inclusive, and if elections are held without them, will India regard them as inclusive? Sanjana Sharma, Sanmarg: Sanjana Sharma, Sanmarg se. Aajkal SIR process chal raha hai, usmein bahut saare avaidh Bangladeshi paaye gaye hain aur UP ne detention center bhi khole hain. Toh inko deport karne ka kya tareeka rahega, kya in sabko deport kiya jaayega? [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sanjana Sharma, from Sanmarg. Currently, the SIR process is underway, and a large number of illegal Bangladeshis have been identified. Uttar Pradesh has also opened detention centers. So, what will be the procedure for deporting them? Will all of them be deported? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, pehle Brahm, dekhiye jo bhi bhagode hain, Bharat sarkar pratibaddh hai ki jo bhi yahan se bhaage hue log hain, hamare kanoon ke daayre se bhaage hue log hain, unko hum wapas laayenge. Is maamle mein kai deshon ke saath hamari baatcheet chal rahi hai aur main aapko aashvast karna chahta hoon ki hum is maamle par poori tarah se thos hain aur pratibaddh hain ki unko wapas laaya jaayega. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Okay. First, Brahm, look, regarding all the fugitives, the Government of India is committed to ensuring that those who have fled from here, and who are fugitives within the ambit of our laws, will be brought back. In this matter, discussions are ongoing with several countries, and I want to assure you that we are completely firm and committed to ensuring their return. We remain fully committed that people who are fugitives, who are wanted by law in India, they return to the country. For this particular return, we are in talks with several governments, and processes are on. As you know in several of these cases there are several layers of legalities which are involved in it. But we remain committed to bring them back to the country, so that they can face trial before the courts here. Umashankar ji, Ukraine wali jo baat hai, hum logon ne kai ek report dekhi hai, uske baad se hum logon ki baatcheet hui hai Ukraine ke sarkar se. Hum logon ne ye mudda uthaya hai. Unse yahan baatcheet hui hai aur unki raajdhaani mein baat hui hai. Us baatcheet ke baad unhone humse jo hamari aagrah thi ki aap pushti karein is baat ko, uski unhone abhi tak uspe koi comeback nahi diya, humko bataya nahi hai ki kya kuch aage kiya ja sakta hai ya kya is masle mein aur kya hai. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Umashankar ji, regarding the Ukraine matter, we have seen several reports, and since then, we have been in discussions with the Government of Ukraine. We raised this issue with them, both here and in their capital. Following these discussions, they have not yet responded to our request for confirmation. And we have not been informed about any further steps that can be taken, or what more can be done regarding this matter. Ayanangsha, on Iran energy, I am not sure if we import any oil from Iran. Ayanangsha Maitra: Non-oil. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Non-oil. Those details are available on Ministry of Commerce website so I would request you to have a look. These are facts and figures which are available in public domain, so you can have a look there. On International North South Transport Corridor, yes India has been supportive of it, and we want to strengthen our connectivity partnerships not just in regard to INSTC but in several other initiatives that we have taken, so that we can do more in terms of creating opportunities and strengthening our bilateral and multilateral partnerships. Neeraj, samaveshi chunaav ka matlab hota hai samaveshi chunaav. Uska matlab ye hota hai ki jitne log hain wahan par har paksh ke log hain, us chunaav mein bhaag lein, taaki us chunaav ko majbooti mile aur loktantra ka naad aur majboot ho aur awaaz aur buland ho. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Neeraj, an inclusive election means an election that is inclusive. It means that people from all sides should be able to participate in that election, so that the election is strengthened and the foundations of democracy become stronger and its voice becomes louder. I have already said that India stands for free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh. Obviously, that means that all the elements all the persuasions who are there should participate in that. Aapka sawaal avaidh logon ko leke hai, Bangladesh se ho chahe kisi aur desh se ho. Uske liye hamare yahan ek kanoon bana hua hai, vidhi bana hua hai, aur usi vidhi aur kanoon ke tahat jo bhi kaarwai ki jaani hai, woh hogi. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Your question is regarding illegal immigrants, whether from Bangladesh or any other country. For this, we have laws and legal provisions in place. And any action that needs to be taken will be carried out strictly in accordance with those laws and provisions. Gautam Lahiri: Thank you sir, Gautam Lahiri. Recently the External Affairs Ministry Standing Committee has submitted a report in the both houses of parliament on Bangladesh. And it has been mentioned clearly that present situation of Bangladesh is a security challenge for India. How MEA has taken up this issue with the concerned ministry, or anything that you are planning to do to combat this security challenge for India? Srinjoy: Sir, continuing with the security challenge issue, just last month PNS Saif, a very major Pakistani warship was in Bangladesh on a goodwill visit. This comes after two major visits from Pakistan to Bangladesh. One by the Navy chief, one by senior government official, the Foreign Minister. We are hearing about more major visits coming up in the new year. Both in the military and in the civilian sphere. How do you see it? Seema: I wanted to ask you whether the reports that India was in touch with the BNP leadership in London from 2018, is that true? And, did the BNP leader wait for India's clearance before he touched down on Dhaka? These are reports I have seen in the press. Nivedita, ABP Live: Sir, Nivedita from ABP Live. India has made substantial investments in Bangladesh in power, energy and infrastructure sector, and also extended lines of credit. Any information on what is the status, and has India expressed concern? Nayanima Basu, Independent Journalist: Thank you, sir. This is Nayanima, Independent Journalist. Wanted to understand, Ambassador Kwatra met US Ambassador in Mar-a-Lago. Had there been any conversation on the trade talks, and I believe it is almost year-end. Are the trade talks going to conclude? If you can give some status. Thank you. Pranay Upadhyay, TV Today: Sir, Pranay Upadhyay from TV Today. What is the status of extradition request for Sheikh Hasina given by Bangladesh government? And did any back and forth happen or did we ask for any further clarification from the Bangladesh government on this issue? Preeti, Independent Journalist: I am Preeti, independent journalist. Regarding Bangladesh, I just wanted to know in the context of the minority killings, and the absence of democratic government, is India mulling the revisiting of the financial assistance to Bangladesh or any kind of sanctions there? Susheel Raghav, Jan Satta: Sir, main Susheel Raghav hoon, Jan Satta se. Sir, Bangladesh ki sthiti ko dekhte hue, Bharat mein kuch sangathanon ka manna hai ki, wahan par Sanyukt Rashtra ko hastakshep karna chahiye. Bharat ka is par kya rukh hai? [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Susheel Raghav from Jan Satta. Considering the situation in Bangladesh, some organizations in India believe that the United Nations should intervene there. What is India's position on this? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, on the questions related to Bangladesh. Well, while your questions are very welcome, let me also tell you that you must read all the statements that we have issued. If you look at those statements, then you will not ask me these questions in such detail, because, what we have issued and put out in public domain is self-explanatory. India wants close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh, which is rooted in liberation struggle and strengthened through various development and people-to-people initiatives. We are in favor of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. Srinjoy on your question, yes, we closely follow all such developments and take up action as is required in our interest. Seema, on BNP, before you walked in, I did comment that, as all of you are aware, that we support free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh, and the return of BNP leader from London should be seen in that context. Nivedita, again on Bangladesh, LOCs, Development Cooperation. I just answered your question that we want to have strong and vibrant ties with people of Bangladesh, and we look at your question and our development assistance in that regard. Pranay, extradition pratyarpan ka jahan tak baat hai usmein koi badlav nahi hai. Jo humne pehle kaha tha, that is where it stands with regard to the request on extradition. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Pranay, regarding extradition, there is no change from what we had stated earlier. That is where it stands with regard to the request on extradition. On financial assistance, yeah, with Bangladesh we have a broad based relationship. Obviously circumstances are little different now, but we stand for peace and stability in the country and we want to have strong ties with people of Bangladesh. On the India-US bilateral trade agreement talks, both governments, the United States and India, they continue to remain engaged with a view to concluding a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement. You would have followed that the US Deputy Trade Representative, Mr. Rick Switzer, was recently in India on a formalization visit and he met several people here. For more details as to where the trade talks are, I would refer you to the Ministry of Commerce. Abhishek Jha, Independent Journalist: Abhishek Jha, Independent Journalist. European Union Trade Commissioner, in a recent interview to a European magazine, has said that European leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa will be the chief guests on 26 January, Republic Day. And, also he is looking forward to having the India-EU FTA sealed during that visit. Your comments on that. Raghvendra Verma, German television ZDF: Raghvendra Verma from German television ZDF. Sir, my question is regarding the reports on the long lost nuclear spying device from the US at Nanda Devi. Is something still going on? Is there some cooperation with the US to find it? some help being still sought? And is the radiation level being still monitored in Ganges? Kallol Bhattacharjee: I want to repeat what Neeraj has asked before me about this inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh. The question is, will India recognize the results of an election in Bangladesh which may not include the Awami League? Because, the interim government has ruled out the Awami League from that upcoming election in February 2026. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: India-EU FTA negotiations are progressing. The last round, that is the 14th round of negotiations were held in Brussels in October. Thereafter, a team did visit India. And this month, in the month of December, the US Trade Commissioner was also here. He had to discuss other outstanding issues. Both sides remain engaged and we will see how we can take this conversation that we are having on India-EU FTA talks forward. I would also like to let you know that the Commerce Minister, as you would have seen, also had visited in the month of October. In return, the US Trade Commissioner visited India in this particular month along with other negotiators of the team. Both, as you are aware, India and the European Union, at the leaders' level, when we had the historic visit of the EU College of Commissioners in February this year, there was a commitment at the political level to conclude a balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial FTA during the course of the year. Raghavendra, on your questions, I don't have the details. But my understanding is that there is nothing of that sort, what you referred to, was found. Kallol, our position on elections in Bangladesh is well known. Inclusive elections, free and fair elections means free, fair and inclusive elections. With that, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much. Wish you a happy new year. See you in 2026. New Delhi December 26, 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Russia share stance against US dominance, Araghchi says IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 26, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran and Russia hold aligned positions in opposing the United States' "hegemonic" policies, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said during a recent visit to Russia. Speaking at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) as part of his visit to the Russian capital on December 17, Araghchi told academics and students that ties between Iran and Russia had expanded significantly and that the two countries shared broad views on international issues. "Our positions are the same in the face of the United States' domination-seeking policies," Araghchi said, adding that cooperation between Tehran and Moscow was rooted in mutual support against coercion and the use of force. Araghchi criticized US foreign policy, saying the international system was moving toward disorder as rules were sidelined in favor of power. He said Washington's approach of "peace through strength" amounted to imposing demands on others through force, describing this as the "law of the jungle." The foreign minister said the United States considers itself entitled to intervene militarily around the world, carry out assassinations and impose sanctions, while granting its ally, Israel, wide latitude in West Asia to act in violation of international law. Citing Israeli attacks on Iran which happened in the midst of negotiations in June and subsequent calls from US officials for "unconditional surrender," Araghchi said Iranian resistance ultimately led to a shift from demands for "unconditional surrender" to "an unconditional ceasefire", arguing that the episode showed countries have no choice but to remain strong in the current international environment. 9341**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM: US pursuing 'law of jungle' over diplomacy Iran Press TV Friday, 26 December 2025 11:19 AM Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that the United States pursues "the law of jungle" over diplomacy, resorting to force and sanctions to advance its interests. Araghchi made the statements while addressing a host of students and academics at Russia's MGIMO University last week. His remarks have been released today by the Foreign Ministry. In his address, the minister stressed that the international system is "unfortunately moving toward disorder". "After the establishment of the United Nations, countries tried to create an order based on international law and regulations, but what we are witnessing today, especially in the new policies of the US government, is a disregard for laws and a replacement with force and power," Araghchi said. Iran's top diplomat added that US President Donald Trump's foreign policy is based on "peace through force", while humanity has been trying for years to achieve peace through diplomacy and law. "Peace through force means that whoever has greater power imposes their will on others; this is 'the law of jungle'," he explained. The Iranian minister further said that Washington is not only "intervening anywhere in the world, carrying out attacks, conducting assassinations and imposing sanctions", but also giving its ally in West Asia, Israel, a green light to "act freely in violation of all international laws." "In recent years, Israel has attacked several regional countries, and tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have been killed, with genocide ongoing, but, unfortunately, the US and some European countries have remained silent," he said. Araghchi also referred to the June attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, which are under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, as "one of the biggest violations of international law." "These are examples of the lawlessness in the international system that is pushing the world towards greater insecurity." Unlike the past, Araghchi said, the US is now explicitly acknowledging the use of force. He pointed out that "While we were negotiating, we were attacked, and then we were asked to engage in negotiations based on surrender. Even the President of the United States explicitly called for [Iran's] 'unconditional surrender.'" However, he stressed that Iran's resistance and response to the aggression managed to force Washington and Israel to "shift from demanding surrender to seeking an unconditional ceasefire." "We decided to resist and utilized our capabilities, including our defensive and missile capabilities. Our armed forces gave a decisive response. While it is said that the sky over Iran was within the enemy's reach, it is not mentioned that the sky over the occupied territories was also within the range of Iranian missiles." "This experience shows that in the current international system, countries have no choice but to be powerful," Araghchi emphasized. Supported by the United States, Israel conducted an aggression on Iran on June 13, a few days before the sixth round of indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. More than a week later, the United States also entered the war by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites in a grave violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). On June 24, Iran, through its successful retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the US, managed to impose a halt to the illegal assault. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran to confiscate $5mn seized tanker, fuel cargo in favor of government: Official Iran Press TV Friday, 26 December 2025 9:34 AM The chief justice of Iran's Hormozgan Province says a recently seized tanker and its fuel cargo worth more than five million dollars will be transferred to government ownership. Mojtaba Ghahremani made the announcement on Friday, two days after Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) seized the foreign ship carrying about 4 million liters of smuggled fuel near Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf. He said the measure came in line with the directives of Iran's Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Eje on preventing fuel smuggling and taking action against it. "The oil tanker and its cargo, worth nearly 7,000 billion riyals (over $5,200,000), will be taken over by the government," he added. Ghahremani also noted that IRGC forces arrested 16 foreign crew members on board the tanker and handed them over to judicial officials. A case concerning the violations of the vessel has been filed with Qeshm's Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor's Office, he said. Meanwhile, Hormozgan's chief justice emphasized that Iran's Judiciary considers the fight against fuel smuggling a key priority in safeguarding economic development and prosperity. Vowing relentless fight against fuel smuggling, he further warned that the waters of the Persian Gulf, along with Iran's coasts and islands, will never be safe for smugglers. The IRGC has mounted its crackdown on fuel smuggling in the Persian Gulf amid a rise in such cases, which experts attribute to the growing gap between Iran's low domestic fuel prices and higher rates in neighboring countries. In late November, the force seized an Eswatini-flagged vessel carrying 350,000 liters of smuggled fuel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China urges Japan to avoid compounding wrongdoing, slams its defense budget hike Global Times Continuous rise in defense spending reflects a major shift in Japan's national security strategy, undermines Japan's pacifist constitution: experts By GT staff reporters Published: Dec 26, 2025 10:42 PM China urged Japan on Friday to face squarely and deeply reflect on Japan's 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 while slamming Tokyo's plan to significantly increase its defense budget as further exposing the sinister intent of Japanese right-wing forces to push for remilitarization and attempt a revival of militarism. Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at Friday's press conference when asked for comments on Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova's remarks at a briefing responding to a question about Japanese leader's possible visit to Yasukuni Shrine, in which Zakharova condemned Japan's attempts to whitewash its history of militarist aggression and war crimes, and said Japan should construct a memorial hall dedicated to the victims of Japanese militarism as a way to atone for the crimes it has committed. Lin said the Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarists' war of aggression, and that it enshrines 14 Class-A war criminals responsible for Japan's aggression in the 1930s and 40s. 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, Lin noted. Also on Friday, the Japanese government approved the fiscal 2026 budget, according to multiple Japanese media reports, with defense spending exceeding 9 trillion yen (about $57.56 billion) for the first time, setting a new record high. The budget plan aims to strengthen defense capabilities and coastal defense, deploying cruise missiles and unmanned weapons to respond to escalating regional tensions, according to media reports. Lin said 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. Since the new Japanese government took office, it has been notably accelerating military buildup. From Prime Minister Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan that threatens the use of force against China, to the remarks of a senior official of the Japanese Prime Minister's office calling for Japan's 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, Lin warned. Dangerous path The continuous rise in defense spending reflects a major shift in Japan's national security strategy over the years, from a defensive posture to an offensive one, a Chinese expert said. It exposes Japan's ambition to break free from the constraints of the postwar international order, represents a complete departure from the principle of exclusively defensive defense, and undermines the provisions of Japan's pacifist constitution, Xiang Haoyu, a distinguished research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Friday, noting the move poses great risks to regional security. In fiscal year 2025, Japan's per capita defense spending is three times that of China's, and the per capita cost for defense personnel is more than twice that of China's, the Chinese Embassy in Japan said in an X post on Thursday. Japan's defense budget has increased for 13 consecutive years, surging by about 60 percent over the past five years. At the same time, Japan has loosened restrictions on collective self-defense, vigorously developed the so-called "enemy base strike capability", significantly relaxed arms export controls, and has even sought to undermine the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles", deviating from the obligations of a defeated country as stipulated in the Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation, and abandoning the peace commitments enshrined in its own constitution, the Chinese embassy said. Commenting on Japan's plan to increase its defense spending, Russian Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that any increase in military spending must be carried out carefully so as not to lead to escalation, per a report from Russian media Izvestia. Tokyo's push for defense spending hikes has also raised concern within Japan. Commenting on the potential increase in the military budget to approximately 9 trillion yen, Japanese Communist Party (JCP) lawmaker and House of Councilors member Taku Yamazoe criticized the plan, writing on X on December 13 that under the pretext of a "severe security environment" and "enhancing deterrence", the Japanese government is "single-mindedly pursuing budget expansion... Such actions, which trample on the Constitution and accelerate integration with a US military that employs preemptive strike strategies, are impermissible," Yamazoe wrote. He continued: "In reality, Prime Minister Takaichi's diplomatic blunders are contributing to the deterioration of relations. What Japan lacks now is not military spending, but sound diplomacy." In an article titled "Will the increase in defense spending impose a burden on the citizens?", Tokyo Shimbun commented that "If defense spending were to be raised to around 3.5 percent of GDP - a target set by NATO members at the behest of the US - a simple calculation shows it would increase the burden on each citizen by approximately 70,000 yen per year." The Japanese people are also victims of militarism. Rallies have been held across Japan in strong protest of the Japanese government's military expansion. 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, spokesperson Lin said. Japan's substantial increase in defense spending serves three purposes: first, to break through the constraints of its exclusively defensive posture and pursue the status of a "military power"; second, to meet US demands for greater defense responsibility, with a significant portion of the increased spending used to procure offensive weapons from the US; and third, to contain China, which has been the main direction of Japan's policy since the adoption of the new three documents on security and defense in 2022, Zhuo Hua, an international affairs expert at the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Friday. Previously, Japan focused on building an operational capability system combining both offense and defense. In fact, its high military budget is gradually breaking the conceptual boundaries of the "self-defense forces", pushing Japan toward becoming a "defense army" or a "national military", which itself constitutes a significant breach of the pacifist constitution, Song Zhongping, a military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Friday. "The Japanese government has already begun substantially crossing the traditional red line of the national military concept," Song said. Hyping so-called 'military threat' Following the unveiled new record high fiscal 2026 defense budget, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi continued hyping up so-called Chinese military strength on Friday, citing a report from the US Department of Defense on military and security developments involving China in 2025. Koizumi claimed during a press conference on Friday that China is continuously strengthening its military capabilities with a focus on enhancing its long-range operational capacity. Japan, under the banner of the so-called Japan-US alliance, has been simultaneously hyping up the so-called Chinese military threat while claiming it wants to consult with the US on how to respond, Song said. "However, US officials previously made it clear that while the US continues its firm alliance with Japan, it is seeking to find productive ways to work together with China," Song said, noting that under the US government's agenda, maintaining stable China-US economic and trade relations was prioritized above Japan's interests. Therefore, the Japanese defense minister's high-profile posturing and constant theatrics, to some extent, reveal a lack of clear judgment about the current situation and an inability to fully grasp the reality of the circumstances, Song said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM slams Japan's defense budget hike plan as 'exposing Japanese right-wing forces' sinister intent to push for remilitarization, militarism revival' Global Times By Global Times Published: Dec 26, 2025 04:35 PM A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday slammed Japan's plan to significantly increase its defense budget as further exposing its sinister intent of Japanese right-wing forces to push for remilitarization and attempt a revival of militarism. Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular press conference in response to a question that Japan's Cabinet approved the fiscal 2026 budget on Friday with defense spending exceeding 9 trillion yen, which marked a record high if it is approved at the parliament early next year. Recently, the international community has repeatedly voiced criticism over Japan's military and security developments. Rather than showing reflection or restraint, Japan plans to further significantly increase its defense budget, which further exposes the sinister intent of Japanese right-wing forces to push for remilitarization and attempt a revival of militarism, Lin said. Given Japan's extensive and well-documented record of wartime aggression, its military and security activities have long been closely watched by neighboring Asian countries and the international community, Lin noted. Since the new Japanese government took office, it has clearly accelerated the pace of military strengthening and armament expansion. From Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan, issuing threats of force against China, to senior official at the PM's Office making pro-nuclear statements, and to the promotion of revisions of three documents on security and defense along with hints at amending the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," Japan is increasingly departing from its long-standing claim of "pursuing a path of peaceful development," moving ever further in a dangerous direction, the spokesperson said. In recent years, Japan has unilaterally relaxed restrictions on collective self-defense, developed so-called "enemy-base strike capabilities," strengthened "extended deterrence" cooperation, and turned coastal islands into "forward positions," clearly exceeding the scope of its "exclusively defensive" posture, Lin said. The notions of "defense" and "counterattack" have become pretexts for right-wing forces in Japan to stir public opinion and manipulate discourse, circumventing the postwar international order and the constraints of the Japanese Constitution. These developments have already raised high alert in the international community, the spokesperson noted. The Japanese people are also victims of militarism, Lin noted. I have noted that some insightful voices in Japan have pointed out that increasing defense spending does not bring peace and stability, he said. Recently, citizens across multiple cities in Japan have held gatherings to strongly protest the government's path of military expansion. Scholars have also noted that rising defense expenditures place an extremely heavy burden on Japan's economy, which will ultimately be borne by ordinary Japanese citizens, Lin said. China will work together with all peace-loving countries to firmly curb any attempts to revive militarism or to shape a "new form of militarism," and to jointly safeguard the achievements of victory in WWII, the spokesperson said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM voices serious concern, 'firmly opposes Japan's dangerous moves in the cyber domain' Global Times By Global Times Published: Dec 26, 2025 04:17 PM Commenting on the report that Japanese Cabinet recently approved a new "Cybersecurity Strategy," authorizing the police and self-defense forces to take proactive countermeasures in the event of cyberattacks, and Japan also passed the so-called active cyber defense in May this year, which allows the Japanese government to preemptively intrude into or destroy the networks and equipment of so-called attackers, Lin Jian, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Friday that Japanese Cabinet's move to explicitly authorize "proactive cyber counterattacks" marks a major policy shift from cyber defense to cyber offense, and represents yet another example of Japan as a defeated country in World War II attempting to break away from the post-war international order. China expresses serious concern over this development, said Lin, adding that China firmly opposes Japan's dangerous moves in the cyber domain and urges Japan to faithfully abide by its peace Constitution and observe existing international rules and order through concrete actions. Should Japan take any improper actions that undermine China's sovereignty, security or development interests, it will inevitably face a firm and resolute response from the Chinese side, Lin said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China urges Japan to reflect on history of aggression People's Daily Online (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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan's cabinet approves record defense budget amid tensions with China Iran Press TV Friday, 26 December 2025 9:49 AM Japan's Cabinet has approved a record defense budget of 9.04 trillion yen ($58 billion) for fiscal 2026 as tensions with China continue to spiral. Approved on Friday, the draft budget for fiscal 2026, beginning in April, which includes costs related to hosting US military bases, surpasses the previous record of 8.7 trillion yen ($55.7 billion). It also marks the fourth year of Japan's five-year 43-trillion-yen ($275 billion) defense buildup plan, under which 100.1 billion yen ($641 million) has been earmarked for developing the "Shield" layered coastal defense system incorporating aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles. The country is also increasing its investment in drone technology, including 1.1 billion yen ($7 million) to assess long-endurance drones. To strengthen its space capabilities, Japan plans to rebrand the Air Self-Defense Force as the Air and Space Self-Defense Force, allocating another 1.1 billion yen to acquire equipment to monitor satellite interference. The budget also includes 30.1 billion yen ($193 million) for procuring hypersonic guided missiles as a counterattack capability. Earlier, the Cabinet of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also approved a draft initial state budget totaling 122.3 trillion yen ($783 billion) for the fiscal year starting next April, the largest in the country's history. The significant defense buildup by Japan comes as tensions with China have escalated since November 7, when Takaichi said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could legally constitute a "survival-threatening situation." She said that Japan would probably become militarily involved if China attacked Taiwan. On Thursday, China's Defense Ministry told a regular press briefing that Japan's recent space technology developments - some of which are in cooperation with the US - were "accelerating the weaponisation and militarisation of space, and fuelling a space arms race." The ministry further blasted the US over its continued support for Taiwan, a week after it approved a massive US arms sale to Taipei of more than $10 billion. The US does not officially recognize Taiwan diplomatically but remains its most important supporter, using it as a tool to pressure China. Last week, the US Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes authorization to spend up to $1 billion in 2026 on Taiwan-related military cooperation. Later on Saturday, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said, "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." Zhang also accused the US of "emboldening Taiwan independence" activity and undermining peace and stability. Japan's security strategy identifies China as the country's biggest strategic challenge and calls for a more assertive role in its security cooperation with the US. Earlier this month, Japan scrambled fighter jets after Russian and Chinese aircraft conducted an extended joint patrol around its territory, heightening concerns over simmering tensions between Tokyo and Beijing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Why the Republic of Korea needs nuclear-powered submarines KOREA.net Opinion Dec 26, 2025 By Jun Bong-Geun Adjunct professor, Korean National Diplomatic Academy In their bilateral summit in late October in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea and the U.S. agreed to expand and develop their ties into "a future-oriented, comprehensive strategic alliance." A key result of these talks was Washington's approval of Seoul's bid to build its own nuclear-powered submarines. The final agreement per a joint fact sheet released on Nov. 14 clearly stated the U.S. stance, saying, "The United States has given approval for the ROK (Republic of Korea) to build nuclear-powered attack submarines. The United States will work closely with the ROK to advance requirements for this shipbuilding project, including avenues to source fuel." This confirmed American support for the submarine project for the first time in 20 years, setting the political and diplomatic basis to proceed. Yet this venture will incur huge costs and considerable time as well as carry major strategic implications. Thus the road ahead will be far from smooth. Without a firm belief in the need and purpose for the submarines, the project could face many challenges both in and out of the country and lose its way. So this column covers why Korea needs such submarines and for what purpose. First, nuclear submarines are a viable and effective non-nuclear deterrent to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. Pyeongyang is presumed to have 50-100 nuclear weapons and secured a range of delivery vehicles like intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, strategic cruise and hypersonic missiles, and nuclear torpedoes while developing nuclear-powered submarines equipped to carry nuclear missiles. The North's Nuclear Force Policy Act, enacted in 2022, stipulates arbitrary, preemptive and offensive use of nuclear weapons, posting an existential security threat to the people of South Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un also exacerbated this threat by recently redefining the inter-Korean connection from fraternal ties to "a hostile bilateral relationship." Despite calls in South Korea to go nuclear to counter the North's threat, the Lee administration in Seoul has rejected this, citing the Republic of Korea's position as "a globally responsible state" that exemplifies compliance with global norms. The country is a trading power with an externally dependent economy, something that would be destroyed if it went nuclear. So the goal should be to maximize a strong non-nuclear and conventional deterrence. The country has advanced diesel and air-independent propulsion submarines but its capacity to deter the North's use of nuclear weapons strategic attack submarines faces limits in submersion time, range and missile payload. Nuclear submarines are South Korea's lone non-nuclear option that can remain submerged for months without refueling to trace and attack the North's underwater vessels. They provide a preemptive strike capability if a nuclear attack is imminent and a mode of retaliation through surviving forces in the event of a contingency. This role greatly bolsters two elements of the nation's three-axis system -- preemptive strike, missile defense and massive retaliation. Thus such submarines are a crucial component of non-nuclear deterrence against Pyeongyang. Second, such submarines can qualitatively raise strategic stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia by bolstering the deterrence and defense posture related to the bilateral alliance with the U.S. North Korea, China and Russia have recently reinforced their nuclear, missile and naval capabilities in rapid fashion, whereas U.S. forces in the region have stayed relatively stagnant. If this development disrupts the balance of power and deterrence structure on the peninsula and its surrounding waters, the risk of military adventurism by certain powers will grow. Nuclear submarines can fill this power vacuum within the context of the alliance with Washington and trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, helping restore and maintain the balance of military and strategic stability in the region. Skeptics warn that the acquisition of such submarines over the long term will lead to U.S. withdrawal from the bilateral alliance or South Korea going nuclear. But North Korea, China and Russia are quickly boosting their nuclear capabilities. China's Victory Day military parade in October punctuated the growing alliance among Pyeongyang, Moscow and Beijing, making a stronger South Korea-U.S. alliance and trilateral security cooperation among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo all the more important. As the Lee administration has repeatedly said, the submarines are not meant to attack a specific country but will serve as a strategic asset to guarantee regional stability through defensive and deterrence missions within the framework of bilateral security cooperation with Washington and the trilateral alliance with Tokyo. Third, the submarines are a core strategic asset to leverage South Korea's status as a peace-loving nation, middle power that supports the liberal global order and sixth-largest trading power, providing public goods for world peace and security. Today, the traditional liberal world order has gotten fractured due to military clashes and conflicts in gray areas spreading across the globe, along with piracy running amok. Under these circumstances, Seoul as a major middle power must fulfill its mission of global security to protect the common interests of the international community and its own national interests by safeguarding marine transportation networks. As a trading power lacking natural resources, South Korea has an economy totally dependent on such networks connecting the world. The submarines, with the ability to conduct long-distance operations, are thus a key tool for the country's international security mission. Seoul's nuclear submarines present an exemplary case of compliance with global principles of nuclear non-proliferation and norms by using low enriched uranium for fuel. The country also requested nuclear fuel supply from the U.S. for the submarines, clearing stating its stance of no military enrichment within South Korea. This is in clear contrast to other non-nuclear countries that risk proliferation by using highly enriched uranium to fuel such submarines or enrich uranium on their own. In short, South Korea's possession of nuclear submarines is a strategic choice to use a "non-nuclear deterrent" against North Korea's nuclear threat, raise security cooperation with the U.S. through shared roles, and contribute to international and marine security as a middle trading power. This is the most rational path toward making the country a responsible non-nuclear middle power amid complex security threats. Jun Bong-Geun is an adjunct professor at the Korean National Defense Academy and adviser to the school's Center for Geo-political Studies, specializing in the Korean Peninsula, North Korea's nuclear program, international security, non-proliferation and nuclear policy for many years. He is also president of the Korea Nuclear Policy Society. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting on the main parameters of the State Armament Programme for 2027-2036 Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting to discuss the key parameters of the draft State Armament Programme for 2027-2036 and the state programme to develop defence manufacturing. December 26, 2025 16:15 The Kremlin, Moscow The preceding meetings on the State Armament Programme took place on June 11 and 12, 2025. * * * President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon. Today, we will continue to discuss two draft documents: the State Armament Programme for 2027-2036 and the state programme of the defence industry development. Defence manufacturers have been steady in their operations and supplying the army with the weapons and hardware it needs, both units engaged in the special military operation and the Armed Forces in general. I would like to thank the staff of the defence sector for their selfless, dedicated and outstanding work. By working together on our decisions and offering timely state support, we have been able to achieve a rapid expansion in terms of the capabilities of defence manufacturers and increase the production of the weapons we need along the entire supply collaboration chain. As a result, as I have said many times, the production of the most needed products for the special military operation increased several-fold in 2025 compared to 2022. As a reference point, I can offer some curious details. The production of armoured vehicles and tanks increased by a factor of 2.2, with a 3.7-fold increase for light armoured vehicles such as IFVs and armoured personnel. There was also an increase in aviation hardware by a factor of 4.6, a 5.7-fold surge in car manufacturing, a 9.6-fold increase in artillery weapons. The manufacturing of communications and radio electronic warfare systems increased by a factor of 12.5, with an 18-fold increase in body armour manufacturing (17.9-fold, in fact), as well as a 22-sold increase in the manufacturing of ordnances and munitions. All this resulted from the efforts by defence manufacturers and the economy in general. Of course, this would have been impossible without our efforts to promote development and ensure financial and economic stability in general. This results from our combined efforts. The very nature, forms and methods of combat keep evolving in the course of the special military operation with our troops acquiring invaluable experience. We will make full use of this know-how for shaping the future of the Armed Forces and the defence industry. We will continue working on this agenda as part of the new State Armament Programme. For that, we developed a whole range of measures to steadily expand high-technology manufacturing capabilities and introduce as much automation as possible for higher labour efficiency while reducing production costs, which is something I wanted you to focus on. We have a lot of work in this regard, this much is certain. We must also continue improving our testing and training facilities, introduce AI solutions and develop advanced materials. All this will not only enable us to consolidate and secure the existing advantages of our weapons and hardware, but can also serve as a driver of innovative development for the entire sector. We have already achieved a great deal along these lines. Of course, there is a lot of work ahead too, as usual. We have already had detailed discussions on these matters during the previous meetings. Today, we will complete the coordination of the main benchmarks of these new state programmes and their funding parameters. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia to Repurpose Burevestnik, Poseidon Materials for Civilian Use - Official Sputnik News 20251226 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia will repurpose advanced materials and alloys used in the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and Poseidon underwater drone for civilian use, including in the energy and space industries, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said. "Of course, we will leverage the advanced high-strength alloys and materials that we gain from developing these cutting-edge weapons," Manturov told the Rossiya 24 broadcaster. The materials can be used for making oil and gas equipment as well as in space programs. On October 26, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the Burevestnik missile had cleared the tests and called it a unique weapon. Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said the missile flew 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles) in an October test flight. On October 28, Putin announced that Russia had successfully tested the Poseidon underwater vehicle. The unmanned vehicle can be equipped with conventional and nuclear weapons, allowing it to hit a wide variety of targets, from carrier strike groups to coastal fortifications. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Production of Arms in High Demand in Russia Increased Exponentially Since 2022 - Putin Sputnik News 20251226 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The production of weapons in high demand in Russia during the special military operation has increased exponentially since 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday. "Compared to 2022, the production of devices in high demand during the special military operation has increased many times in 2025," Putin said during a meeting on the State Armament Program. Since 2022, the production of armored weapons in Russia has increased 2.2 times, the production of military aircraft increased 4.6 times, the production of weapons of destruction and ammunition has increased by more than 22 times, and the production of infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers has increased 3.7 times, the president said. "This [the increase in arms production] is all the result of the joint work of the enterprises of the defense industry complex, and indeed the entire economy, of course. Without development and without a stable situation in finance and the economy as a whole, this would also be impossible. This is the result of a joint effort," Putin added. Russian defense industry enterprises are operating in stable mode and supplying troops with all necessary equipment, Putin said. "Our defense industry enterprises are operating smoothly and supplying troops with all necessary weapons and equipment, both for the units involved in special military operations and for the armed forces as a whole," Putin said at the meeting on the Russian State Armament Program. Nature, forms, and methods of conducting military operations are constantly changing in the course of the special military operation, Putin said, adding that the experience of the Russian armed forces, gained during the military operation, is being fully utilized in shaping the new image of the Russian defense industry. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia and US Agree to Continue Dialogue on Ukraine Settlement - Kremlin Sputnik News 20251226 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Kremlin has analyzed the information received from Special Envoy Kirill Dmitriev following his trip to the US. "After Dmitriev reported to President [of Russia Vladimir Putin] on the results of his trip to America, on the results of his contacts with the Americans, this information was analyzed, and on behalf of president Putin, a contact took place between representatives of the administrations of Russia and the United States," Peskov told reporters. Russia and the US have agreed to continue their dialogue on Ukraine, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirming the meeting between Russian and US representatives. The contact, held under Putin's instructions, involved Kremlin Aide Yuri Ushakov and several White House officials. "There was such a telephone contact, and we decided to continue the dialogue," Peskov told reporters. Spreading information about documents that Dmitriev brought from the United States may have a negative impact the negotiation process, the official added. On Ukraine Ukraine is resorting to all sorts of tricks to get money from the West, Peskov said, adding that this practice continues. "It is clear that Ukraine is resorting to all sorts of tricks to get money from the West. It is an unambiguous fact. This is an ongoing practice," Peskov told reporters, when asked about the financing of elections in Ukraine. It is difficult to say who should finance the elections, the spokesman said, adding that Moscow has not heard any statements on this matter from Ukraine yet. The topics of media discussions around the settlement in Ukraine were discussed at a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and business representatives, Peskov also said. "In general, the topics discussed were the ongoing discussions that have been repeatedly reported in the Western media and by the Ukrainian regime in the context of the peace settlement process. These topics were touched upon and mentioned. These topics are not widely presented in various ways, so they were mentioned," Peskov told reporters when asked about the discussion of territorial exchanges with Ukraine and joint management of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant with the United States at Putin's meeting with business representatives. On Japan's Increased Military Budget Asia-Pacific countries must be careful in increasing military spending to avoid escalation, Peskov said, commenting on Japan's increased military budget. "But, of course, any increase in military spending in the region should be carried out very, very carefully so that it does not it led to further escalation," Peskov told reporters. Earlier in the day, Japanese media reported that the Japanese government had approved a 122.31 trillion yen ($782.9 billion) budget for fiscal year 2026, which will last from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Unfriendly Countries Admit 'Strategic Defeat' on Russia Impossible - Foreign Ministry Sputnik News 20251226 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Unfriendly countries were forced to acknowledge the impossibility of inflicting a "strategic defeat" on Russia and switched to calling for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday. "[Russia's] firm defense of its national interests in relations with countries whose governments are pursuing unfriendly and anti-Russian policies made them recognize the impossibility of delivering a 'strategic defeat' on Russia on the battlefield, prompting a switch to the concept of an immediate end to hostilities in the conflict zone in Ukraine," the statement reviewing Russia's foreign policy results in 2025 read. The agreements reached during the Russia-US summit in Alaska can lay the groundwork for resolving the Ukraine conflict by addressing its root causes, including NATO expansionist threats to Russia and Kiev's policies curtailing the rights of the Russian and Russian-speaking population in Ukraine, the ministry said. Relations between Russia and Japan continue to deteriorate, and Tokyo needs to abandon its hostile stance to restore them to the previous level, the Foreign Ministry added. Earlier in the day, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko had a meeting with Muneo Suzuki, a member of the upper house of the Japanese parliament from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. "During the conversation, the Russian side noted the importance of efforts by the Japanese side to preserve the positive background of bilateral relations accumulated over the past years, although they continue to deteriorate as a result of Tokyo's unfriendly policy towards Russia," the statement read. To resume interstate contacts, the Japanese authorities must make concrete steps to renounce their hostile policy, which "does not serve the interests of Japan and its people," the ministry said. The Japanese lawmaker was also briefed about Russia's position on current issues of the international and regional agenda, as well as some practical aspects of Moscow's interaction with Tokyo, the ministry added. Russia made a significant contribution to strengthening the foundations of a just, multipolar world order in 2025, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. "In 2025, Russia made a significant contribution to strengthening the foundations of a just, multipolar world order based on international law and state cooperation. Decisive steps were taken to protect the country's vital national interests externally, with a focus on its neighboring countries and the Eurasian region. Practical interaction with states and associations of the global majority was significantly expanded," the ministry said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns terrorist attack on Imam Ali Mosque in Syria IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 26, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a mosque in Syria. Baqaei denounced the terrorist attack on worshippers at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) Mosque in the Syrian province of Homs, which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of a group of worshippers. He expressed his condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims of this incident and prayed to God Almighty for the health and recovery of the injured. Recalling the principled position of the Islamic Republic of Iran in firmly condemning all forms of terrorism and violent extremism, Baqaei emphasized the responsibility of all parties who, through various illegal interventions, including attacks on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and the occupation of parts of this country, have provided a platform for the continued existence, growth, and spread of terrorism and extremism. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also called for the identification and punishment of the perpetrators and commanders of this heinous terrorist attack, and noted the responsibility of the Syrian transitional government in this regard. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran strongly condemns deadly terrorist attack targeting worshippers in Syria's Homs Iran Press TV Friday, 26 December 2025 9:28 PM The Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned a terrorist attack on worshippers at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) Mosque in Syria's Homs Province that left many dead and injured during Friday prayers. Addressing the tragedy in a statement, spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei recalled the principled stance of the Islamic Republic in unequivocally condemning all forms of terrorism and violent extremism. He emphasized the responsibility of all parties that, through illegal interventions, including violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the occupation of parts of the country, had created conditions for the continued existence, growth, and spread of terrorism and extremism. The official was referring to continued military intervention in the Arab country by the Israeli regime and the United States. The former has egregiously escalated its strikes against Syria's civilian and defensive infrastructures and expanded the areas under its occupation there under the pretext of preventing spillover of violence from the Arab country into the occupied territories. The US has also recently begun striking targets allegedly belonging to the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Syria amid speculations about Washington's seeking to reestablish significant military presence across the country. Baghaei called for identification and punishment of the perpetrators of the Friday attack and those ordering it, underscoring the responsibility of Syria's new authorities in this regard. The official finally expressed condolences and sympathy to the families of the survivors. The attack struck the mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs' provincial capital of the same name, according to Syrian media and regional sources. Syria's official news agency SANA reported that initial figures had pointed to the death of at least five people injury of 21 others, later revising the toll to eight fatalities and 18 wounded. Syrian authorities described the incident as a terrorist attack and said investigations were underway as emergency teams evacuated the injured and secured the area. Citing a security source, SANA said preliminary investigations indicated the explosion was caused by explosive devices planted inside the mosque, after initial reports had linked the blast to a bomber. In a statement on Telegram, the so-called Saraya Ansar al-Sunna group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying its members had detonated multiple explosive devices inside the mosque. The group had previously claimed responsibility for a church bombing in Damascus in June. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At least 8 killed in terrorist attack on mosque during Friday prayers in Syria's Homs Iran Press TV Friday, 26 December 2025 10:39 AM A terrorist attack struck the Imam Ali Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs on Friday, killing and wounding worshippers during weekly prayers, according to Syrian media and regional networks. Syria's official news agency SANA said preliminary information pointed to at least five people killed and 21 others injured in the blast. A later update by the agency put the number of fatalities at eight and injuries at 18. Syrian sources described the incident as a terrorist attack and said authorities were investigating the circumstances as emergency teams evacuated the wounded and secured the area. Citing a security source, Sana reported that based on initial investigations, the explosion was caused by explosive devices planted inside the mosque. Initial reports had linked the explosion to a suicide bomber. In a statement on Telegram, the Saraya Ansar al-Sunna militant group claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack, writing that its members "detonated a number of explosive devices" in the mosque. The militant group had claimed responsibility for a Damascus church bombing in June. Homs, which witnessed some of the worst sectarian violence in the past year, has remained deeply fragile, particularly for members of the Alawite community. A local resident, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said people "heard a loud explosion, followed by chaos and panic in the neighbourhood." He added: "No one dares to leave their house, and we are hearing ambulance sirens." Images released by SANA showed damage inside the mosque, including a hole blown through a wall, while carpets and religious books lay scattered on the floor. Although Homs is predominantly Sunni Muslim, it also contains several largely Alawite districts. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in 2024, residents and the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights have reported a rise in kidnappings and killings that have disproportionately affected members of the Alawite minority. Concerns over violence against Alawites intensified after mass killings in Syria's coastal regions in March by militants of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied groups. A national commission of inquiry later reported that at least 1,426 Alawites were killed, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at more than 1,700. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Legislature passes motion to start impeachment proceedings against Lai ROC Central News Agency 12/26/2025 03:42 PM Taipei, Dec. 26 (CNA) The Legislative Yuan on Friday approved a motion to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Lai Ching-te (), arguing that he has undermined Taiwan's constitutional order and democracy. The motion was approved during a Legislative Yuan session, where lawmakers from the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and the smaller opposition Taiwan People's Party (TPP) who hold a numerical majority carried the vote 60 to 51. Under the passed motion, a roll call vote in the Legislature will be held on May 19 after various hearings are held and Lai is given the chance to explain his position. The move came after Lai failed on Dec. 15 to promulgate an amendment passed by the Legislature that would have given local governments a larger share of public revenues. It was the first time in contemporary Taiwanese history that a president had failed to promulgate a law enacted by lawmakers. Premier Cho Jung-tai () had declined to countersign the legislation earlier on Dec. 15, arguing that the legislation would have hurt Taiwan's fiscal sustainability, and Lai said Cho's move made it impossible for him to publicly announce the new law. KMT caucus convener Fu Kun-chi () said the impeachment was filed because Lai has undermined the country's democracy and constitutional order and violated the constitution since taking office. TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang () said the president's alleged violations of constitutional order should be addressed through impeachment proceedings to highlight the Legislature's role under a democratic constitutional system. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers Chung Chia-pin () and Wu Szu-yao () criticized the opposition, however, for treating the constitution lightly and using impeachment as a political game. Wu said the motion was a partisan attack that will not pass the two-thirds threshold in the Legislature that will eventually be required to impeach Lai, and she accused the opposition of trying to humiliate the president. Before the planned roll-call vote on May 19, the Legislative Yuan will hold public hearings on Jan. 14 and 15 to hear opinions from members of civil society about the impeachment case. Lai will be invited to explain his position during the Legislature's review sessions scheduled for Jan. 21-22 and May 13-14. A separate hearing on April 27 will invite government officials and other relevant parties to give testimony, followed by questioning from legislators. Under the ROC Constitution, impeachment motions against the president or vice president must be proposed by at least half of all legislators and approved by a two-thirds majority in the Legislative Yuan before being submitted to the Constitutional Court. If at least two-thirds of the justices agree, the impeachment is upheld and the impeached person is removed from office. (By Wang Yang-yu, Kuo Chien-shen, Wang Cheng-chung, Lin Ching-yi and Ko Lin) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cabinet aims to tighten rules on lawmaker, civil servant China visits ROC Central News Agency 12/26/2025 09:33 PM Taipei, Dec. 26 (CNA) The Cabinet on Friday approved amendments that would expand the range of individuals who would be required to get government approval before visiting China to lawmakers and all civil servants. The revisions, which require passage by the opposition-controlled Legislature before they can become law, follow a Dec. 19 trip to Xiamen by seven lawmakers from the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) to attend an event related to Taiwanese businesspeople in China. Though categorized as a commercial event, it reportedly touched on political issues, including developing a "blueprint for fusion between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait" and "safeguarding national unity and territorial integrity," according to Taiwanese media reports. Under the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, only political appointees, mayors of Taiwan's six biggest cities and some government officials -- such as those with access to classified information -- must undergo a joint review before traveling to China. The revisions to the act would also require national legislators, mayors, and county commissioners to pass a joint review by the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), in consultation with the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) before going to China. Lower-level political appointees and police officers would also be required to obtain approval from their respective agencies. How the Legislative Yuan deals with the amendments will be worth watching given that the new provisions seem targeted at the very legislators who will have to pass them. KMT caucus secretary-general Lo Chih-chiang () reacted to the move by saying the proposed revisions were merely a "fig leaf" to cover up President Lai Ching-te's () incompetence at handling cross-Taiwan Strait relations. Taiwan People's Party lawmaker Chang Chi-kai () said the Lai administration should encourage more cross-strait exchanges rather than introducing more pieces of legislation to escalate the "spiral of hostility." Meanwhile, the revisions also stipulate that elected officials who visit China and come into contact with agencies or organizations overseen by the Chinese government, the Chinese Communist Party or the People's Liberation Army, must truthfully report details of such contacts to the competent authority, including the time, location and meeting records. Violators would face fines ranging from NT$20,000 (US$638.78) to NT$100,000, according to the proposed revisions. MAC chief Chiu Chui-cheng () said at a Cabinet news conference on Friday that the reporting requirement would apply to all publicly elected officials, from lawmakers down to ward and village chiefs. Chiu did not give a direct answer, however, when asked how the MAC would verify whether officials had provided accurate accounts of their exchanges with Chinese entities, saying only that the MOI would establish supplementary measures. The draft amendment also seeks to expand the list of officials and military officers barred from attending events organized by Chinese political, government or military entities that subordinate or call for the end of Taiwan's sovereignty. If passed, the provision would prohibit former presidents, National Security Council advisers, heads of foreign diplomatic missions or representative offices and their deputies, and certain military officers from attending such events. Offenders would face suspension of their pensions for five years. In cases of "severe offenses," which are not defined in the draft, the offender will be stripped of their pensions with the amount already received recovered. Those without pensions would be fined between NT$2 million and NT$10 million. (By Sean Lin) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan lawmakers vote to pass impeachment proposal against Lai ching-te, announce full timetable Global Times Move reflects public sentiment, serves as a grave warning to Lai and DPP: expert By Wang Qi Published: Dec 26, 2025 03:15 PM With 60 votes in favor and 51 against, the legislative body in China's Taiwan region approved an impeachment proposal from opposition parties against regional leader Lai Ching-te on Friday. Following the formal initiation of the case against Lai, opposition parties in Taiwan also announced their planned timetable for the impeachment proceedings on the same day, according to Taiwan-based media reports. The latest move came a week after lawmakers from the Chinese Kuomintang party (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) announced a plan to impeach the region's leader Lai at a press conference held in Taipei on December 19, along with an online petition to impeach Lai launched by Taiwan people that has already gathered more than eight million signatures as of Friday. Based on the schedule for the impeachment case set on Friday, Lai is required to visit the legislative body on January 21 and 22, 2026, to give an explanation and be questioned by lawmakers, according to island-based udn.com. On May 13 and 14, 2026, the legislative body will convene its second full committee meeting of the impeachment proceedings, requiring Lai to appear for a second time to provide an explanation and respond to legislators' inquiries. The final vote on the impeachment case is scheduled for May 19, 2026, on the eve of the second year since Lai office, the udn.com reported. Speaking on Friday, KMT's legislative caucus whip Fu Kun-chi slammed Lai and Democratic Progressive Party for "causing political chaos and engaging in terror rule." While the TPP's caucus whip Huang Kuochang blasted Lai for "trampling on the laws of the legislature and trampling on judicial power," which he said made the impeachment necessary, per Taiwan-based media reports. The impeachment plan, which also targets Cho Jung-tai, head of the island's executive body, came amid a standoff sparked by the refusal of the executive body to amendments to a revenue allocation law, passed by the legislature earlier. According to Taiwan media reports, under the relevant regulations in the Taiwan region, for the legislative body to propose an impeachment case against the regional leader or deputy leader of the Taiwan authorities, it requires a proposal by one-half of the lawmakers, a resolution by more than two-thirds of lawmakers, followed by review by the "grand justices". The impeachment is established only after obtaining agreement from more than two-thirds of the "grand justices," with the number of agreeing justices being no less than 9, after which the impeached official is removed from office. Wang Jianmin, a research fellow at the Institute of Taiwan Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that under the current legal framework in Taiwan region, successfully impeaching and removing Lai would be extremely difficult. However, the very act of launching an impeachment procedure as a political maneuver reflects public sentiment and also serves as a grave warning to Lai authorities and the DPP. According to the expert, there is currently considerable dissatisfaction with Lai among the public on the island: besides Lai's arbitrary and dictatorial practices, the Lai authorities persist on secessionist provocations and belligerent acts, which have severely undermined cross-Straits exchanges. The impeachment case against Lai came about 5 months after DPP's recall campaign against 24 KMT lawmakers, which ended with the KMT's overwhelming victory with none of the proposals receiving more votes in favor of the recall than against it, Xinhua reported. It has also been timed to coincide with 2026, when campaigns for local elections in Taiwan's cities and counties will intensify. Currently, the KMT holds a substantial lead in local leadership, with 15 incumbents from the blue camp compared to just 5 from the DPP. Zhang Wensheng, deputy dean and professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Friday that Lai is unlikely to comply with the impeachment inquiry at Taiwan's legislative body, and he may adopt an even more confrontational stance. The confrontations surrounding the impeachment case highlight the escalating struggle between the opposition parties and the DPP on the island. Furthermore, the intensifying contradictions between the executive body and legislature in the Taiwan region are making their cooperation increasingly difficult. "Political polarization on the island is set to deepen further, which may lead to growing social unrest and instability," said Zhang, "Ultimately, this will harm the interests of the people of Taiwan." Li Weilin contributed to the story NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025.12.26 Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Dec. 25 (Thu.) to 6 a.m. Dec. 26 (Fri.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 2 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 3.PRC balloon activities: 2 PRC balloons were detected during this timeframe. 1141226_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan_1 1141226_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan_2 1141226_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey seeking to deploy radars in Syria to dismay of Israel: Reports Iran Press TV Friday, 26 December 2025 6:47 AM Turkey has reportedly been trying to install radar systems on Syrian soil in recent weeks, much to the dismay of the Israeli regime. Citing two Western intelligence sources, Israeli media reported on Thursday that deploying radars in Syria would allow Turkey to detect Israeli warplanes violating Syrian airspace and hamper their ability to bomb the Arab country. The deployment would also make it more difficult for Tel Aviv to illegally target other regional countries such as Iraq and Iran, according to the reports. One of the sources said Turkey is planning to transfer the radars to the Syrian military. Turkish personnel, he added, would remain responsible for operating the systems, enabling them to have access to and control over the intelligence gathered. After the collapse of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024, Israel has expanded its occupation of Syria's Golan Heights, launched aerial assaults across the country, and waged ground incursions there. Among the targets of Israeli strikes were Syrian military facilities, including Tiyas airbase, also known as T-4, in Homs Province. Israel reportedly conducted the air raids out of concern that Turkey would establish permanent bases at the Syrian military installations. At that time, an Israeli security official said the possibility of Turkey establishing a military base in Syria represents a "potential threat" to the occupying regime. "If a Turkish air base is established, it would entail a violation of Israel's freedom of action in Syria," he added. Relations between Israel and Turkey soured during Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lambasting Israel's war crimes against Palestinians in the besieged territory. Earlier this month, Erdogan described Israel as the "primary obstacle" to a stable Syria, saying the regime is seeking the Arab country's "fragmentation". In a thinly veiled reference to Turkey, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "those who fantasize they can reestablish their empires" should "forget it." Erdogan hit back at Netanyahu, saying those responsible for the blood of more than 70,000 Palestinians "have no moral standing in our eyes; their provocations are nothing more than empty noise." "Whether in the Eastern Mediterranean or anywhere else, we do not take what is not lawfully ours, and we do not allow our rights to be taken," the Turkish president emphasized. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM call with President Macron of France and Chancellor Merz of Germany: 26 December 2025 Press release The Prime Minister spoke to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron and the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 26 December 2025 The Prime Minister spoke to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron and the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz this afternoon. 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. The Prime Minister emphasised this remained a crucial moment for Ukraine and security across the Euro-Atlantic region, and the leaders emphasised their unwavering commitment to provide Ukraine the support it needs. The leaders agreed to continue co-ordinating with partners and allies to achieve a lasting peace. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tactical reconnaissance and strike missions: key facts about the Ukrainian Linza UAV to be co-produced with Germany Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 25 December, 2025, 3:35 PM EET Within the framework of the Build with Ukraine initiative, Ukraine's Frontline Robotics and Germany's Quantum Systems are expanding production of the Linza bomber UAV. The Linza UAV is equipped with a gyrostabilised camera with digital zoom and can carry a payload of up to 2 kg over a range of up to 10 km. Its operational tasks include: targeting enemy personnel and equipment; mine-laying. Thanks to its capabilities, it also provides the Defence Forces with enhanced tactical reconnaissance capabilities. A remote external antenna enables the operator to control the drone while remaining under cover. To recap, Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal reported on the signing of several new key agreements with German partners totalling over 1.2 billion. Of particular significance are the agreements reached between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Friedrich Merz, under which Germany committed to allocating 11.5 billion in support for Ukraine in the coming year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskyy Says Meeting With Trump Planned To Discuss Peace Proposal By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service December 26, 2025 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 Ukraine's military force levels. Representatives from Russia also took part in US-hosted discussions in Miami on December 20-21, 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 Kharkiv's most important highways," the city's 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. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskyy-meet-trump- florida-ukraine-russia-war/33633297.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Fully Prepared to Resolve Ukrainian Conflict - Deputy FM Ryabkov Sputnik News 20251226 December 25 was a "turning point" in peace talks, he said. Russia is ready to reach a settlement of the Ukraine conflict, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said. However, he stressed that without addressing the root causes of the crisis, a final agreement is impossible. "The focus must be on substance. We are fully ready on our side and expect the same approach from the other side," Ryabkov told Russian media. At the same time, he argued that Kiev and its EU backers, who are not interested in a peaceful resolution, have stepped up efforts to derail an agreement just as the sides have drawn closer to a settlement. "I think December 25, 2025, will remain in our memory as a turning point, when we truly came close to a solution. But whether we can make the final push and reach an agreement depends on our work and on the political will of the other side especially at a time when Kiev and its sponsors, particularly in the EU, who are not interested in a settlement, have doubled their efforts to derail it," he said. He also informed that a recently-circulated Ukrainian "peace plan" differs sharply from what has been discussed with the US. According to Ryabkov, the 20-point document promoted in Ukrainian media bears little resemblance to the 27-point framework worked through with Washington since early December. "We saw references to a 20-point plan appearing in Ukrainian public groups yesterday. We know that this plan is radically different, if you can even call it a plan, from the 27 points we have been working on in contacts with the US side in recent weeks, starting in early December," Ryabkov said during the '60 Minutes' program on the Rossiya 1 broadcaster. Addressing speculation about Ukraine's future, Ryabkov said a scenario involving the country's collapse is not purely theoretical, but how realistic it is remains an open question. He emphasized that developments depend on more than just the current authorities in Kiev or even public opinion, adding that Russia, as a state defending its core interests, also plays a significant role. Ryabkov rejected the idea that setting artificial deadlines could help resolve the conflict. Commenting on claims by US officials that the war could end within 90 days, he said such timelines are meaningless. "Deadlines whether nine days or 90 do not advance real work. What matters is addressing the substance of the issue," he said. He also criticized claims that Russia could end the conflict immediately, calling them a cynical distortion that ignores years of explanations to Western audiences. Without resolving the underlying causes of the crisis, Ryabkov said, reaching a lasting agreement is simply not possible. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nine IRIS-T systems guarding Ukraine's skies: what is known about these modern air defense systems Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 26 December, 2025, 12:20 PM EET The Ministry of Defence has launched a pilot project to introduce photo and video documentation of quality control procedures during the acceptance of non-lethal supplies for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukraine continues to strengthen its air defense, in particular through cooperation with partners. As previously reported by Ukraine's Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal, Germany has already transferred the ninth IRIS-T surface-to-air missile system to our country. The Ministry of Defense explains what is known about these systems. IRIS-T is a modern surface-to-air missile system. It is manufactured by the German company Diehl Defense. The system is designed to engage aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles. The high-tech IRIS-T missiles can maneuver rapidly, engage targets both head-on and in pursuit, and are equipped with highly sensitive infrared homing seekers. They are capable of defeating modern aircraft, overcoming their self-protection systems, and distinguishing real targets from decoys. Currently, two types of IRIS-T systems are in use: SLS - short-range version, range up to 12 km, altitude up to 8 km; SLM - medium-range version, range up to 40 km, altitude up to 20 km. The IRIS-T can be integrated into Ukraine's unified air defense system, where it operates in conjunction with other air and missile defense assets. As a reminder, on December 17, Ukraine's Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal announced the signing of a number of new and important agreements with German partners totaling more than 1.2 billion. Primarily as a result of agreements between the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, Germany has committed to allocate 11.5 billion to support Ukraine next year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Can Fight and Stand Strong Precisely Because We Have You - The President, While Presenting Warriors with the Highest State Awards President of Ukraine 26 December 2025 - 22:39 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the Orders of the Golden Star to the Heroes of Ukraine and presented honors to the families of fallen Heroes. He also recognized Ukrainian warriors with the "Cross of Military Merit" awards. "I want to thank you for who you are, for your courage and bravery, and that of your brothers and sisters-in-arms, and your loved ones, which enables Ukraine's existence and allows Ukraine to hold on, to hold on with dignity," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized. According to the President, over recent weeks, partners have frequently expressed gratitude for Kupyansk - for the operation that restores faith in Ukraine and proves that Russia's head lies, while our warriors are unmatched in proving the truth. "Now, as we do everything to secure peace for Ukraine, we clearly understand that diplomacy cannot succeed without you. If our positions on the front lines are not strong above all, Ukraine will not have strong positions in any negotiation format," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted. The Head of State thanked Ukrainian warriors and their families and urged everyone to never forget the price Ukraine pays for all of this. A moment of silence was observed in memory of fallen defenders. Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Orders of the Golden Star to the families of the fallen Heroes of Ukraine. This title was posthumously conferred upon: Junior Sergeant Vladyslav Bykov. In spring 2022, the warriors of the mechanized unit under his command prevented enemy forces from breaking into Mykolaiv. Despite heavy enemy fire, he organized aid and evacuation for three wounded brothers-in-arms. In June, he destroyed an enemy IFV with its crew and landing force. Vladyslav Bykov was killed by artillery fire on September 5, 2022. Lieutenant Colonel Oleksandr Borovyk, 2nd class pilot. He conducted over 200 combat sorties during the defense of the Zhytomyr and Kyiv regions, participated in the liberation of the Kharkiv region, the right bank of the Kherson region, and Zmiinyi Island. This year, he destroyed the enemies and ammunition depots in the Donetsk region and took part in the Kursk operation. Oleksandr Borovyk was killed in Zaporizhzhia on September 11 this year by a Russian missile during a combat sortie. Senior Sergeant Serhii Hlukhyi. He participated in the defense of Okhtyrka and the liberation of Trostyanets, evacuating three wounded warriors from encirclement. In autumn 2022, he eliminated four occupiers in close combat in the Donetsk region. In 2023, he defended Bakhmut, eliminating over 20 invaders. Serhii Hlukhyi was killed on July 30 this year by a Russian drone strike. Senior Lieutenant Denys Zelenyi (NGU). In May last year, near Yampil, Donetsk region, he detected an enemy unit, opened fire, and eliminated five Russian infantrymen; he destroyed an enemy IFV with a mortar. He was wounded but continued the defense and eliminated about a platoon of occupiers. During a Russian strike on the National Guard position, Denis Zelenyi sustained multiple shrapnel wounds and burns, from which he died the following day in hospital. Junior Sergeant Volodymyr Ivashchenko (NGU). He defended the Kyiv region, taking part in battles near Huta-Mezhyhirska, Moshchun, and Irpin, where he destroyed two armored vehicles and eliminated 15 occupiers. He also fought in Rubizhne, Siverskodonetsk, and Lysychansk. His record includes 25 special operations, 10 burned vehicles, and an eliminated enemy platoon. Volodymyr Ivashchenko was killed in the Luhansk region during an enemy mortar attack on May 3 last year. Junior Sergeant Vitalii Kaporin (NGU). He defended Ukraine in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions. In April last year, he repelled enemy assaults near Urozhaine, destroying an armored personnel carrier with its crew using a handheld grenade launcher. Having lost approximately 50 infantrymen during combat, the occupiers were forced to retreat. Vitalii Kaporin was killed the following day, May 1, 2024, in combat while covering his brothers-in-arms. Sergeant Bohdan Pyhyna. In June 2023, he defended Ukraine in the Kherson region. He led a counterattack that resulted in the elimination of 20 occupiers. Last year, he took part in battles near Avdiivka and Kalynivka, as well as operations in the Kharkiv region. On June 20 this year, during a combat mission, he discovered mine obstacles and personally cleared them. Later, he was wounded in a firefight, ordered his subordinates to withdraw, but was killed while covering them with fire. Lieutenant Colonel Roman Samusik (NGU). In July last year, in the Zaporizhzhia region, he identified and eliminated an enemy sniper pair. He subsequently shot down a Russian drone used to drop mines; one of the mines wounded Roman Samusik's brother-in-arms. Lieutenant Colonel provided assistance and began the evacuation. Under enemy fire, he sustained a gunshot wound, and later, during a kamikaze drone attack while shielding a brother-in-arms and saving his life, he was killed. Senior Soldier Yevhenii Shcherbyna. Since 2022, he has participated in battles in the Donetsk region, repelling enemy assaults and eliminating occupiers. In April this year, he struck an enemy buggy with its crew using a handheld grenade launcher. Shortly after, he shielded a brother-in-arms wounded by an FPV drone, sustaining injuries himself, but managed to help him to cover. In the next combat engagement, Yevhenii Shcherbyna eliminated two invaders but was fatally wounded. The President also personally presented the Orders of the Golden Star to Major of the Civil Protection Service Serhii Babenko (SES) and to Brigadier General Ivan Lukashevych (SSU). Serhii Babenko took part in the Anti-Terrorist Operation from 2015 to 2018. From the outset of Russia's full-scale war, he has been involved in search-and-rescue and emergency response operations following shelling in the Pokrovsk and Kramatorsk districts of the Donetsk region. In August this year, after a strike on Sloviansk, while extinguishing a fire and evacuating civilians, he sustained blast and shrapnel injuries as a result of an ammunition detonation. He underwent treatment and is currently recovering. Brigadier General Ivan Lukashevych (SSU). Under his leadership, military engineers of the Security Service of Ukraine developed the Sea Baby maritime drone and, for the first time, used it to strike Russian warships. In the summer of 2023, the first serial Sea Baby drones hit the Crimean Bridge. Later, his team upgraded the drone by increasing its size, speed, and capacity and installing additional equipment. Together with his team, Ivan Lukashevych created a fleet of maritime drones and continues to adapt various types of weaponry for use on unmanned platforms. The Head of State also presented the "Cross of Military Merit" awards. The recipients were: Chief Sergeant Viktor Bystro (NGU). He took part in combat in the Luhansk region, currently carrying out combat missions in the Donetsk region. He personally destroyed approximately 30 units of enemy equipment and two platoons of occupiers. In May, as part of an assault group, he broke through to six wounded National Guardsmen who had been surrounded by the enemy and carried a wounded warrior to safety. Senior Sergeant Viktor Ivanov (NGU). In May, in the Donetsk region, during an enemy attack on a Ukrainian position, he shot down an enemy drone using small arms fire, and when the enemy approached the fortifications, eliminated four occupiers. Later, he detected a concealed enemy mortar and struck it with an FPV drone, destroying the occupiers. Major Yevhen Karas. Commander of the 413th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment; a participant in combat operations in the Kyiv, Sumy, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Between August and November this year, his unit struck more than 250 passenger vehicles, 100 trucks, 30 artillery systems, 15 armored vehicles, nine tanks, eight multiple launch rocket systems, self-propelled artillery units, an electronic warfare station, and several surface-to-air missile systems. Major Ruslan Pylypchuk. He took part in combat operations in the Zaporizhzhia and Sumy regions, as well as in the Kursk operation. In August last year, in the Kursk region, a unit under his command seized a platoon strongpoint of the enemy, eliminated and wounded approximately a platoon of occupiers, and destroyed three units of enemy armored equipment and two vehicles. Major Oleksandr Tymoshchuk. He organized an intelligence system for fire units and FPV drone operators, creating an effective deployment and coordination model between UAV operators and adjacent units. In August-September, in the Donetsk region, he commanded the destruction of eight enemy vehicles, three Grad multiple launch rocket systems, an artillery gun with ammunition, and also the evacuation of a warrior using a robotic drone. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Alongside Preparations for a Meeting With President Trump in the United States, Volodymyr Zelenskyy Held Six Phone Calls With European Leaders and the NATO Secretary General: The Agreement Is Getting Closer President of Ukraine 26 December 2025 - 21:33 Alongside preparations for a highest-level meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held six separate phone calls: with President of Finland Alexander Stubb, Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The Head of State briefed them on diplomatic efforts, shared the latest details of talks with the American side, and thanked them for their support for Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Alexander Stubb updated each other on their contacts with partners. Ukraine is preparing for meetings and negotiations in the United States, and as of today, the Ukrainian and American negotiating teams have made significant progress. According to the President of Ukraine, much has been accomplished in drafting the necessary security guarantees, the recovery and economic development plan, as well as the 20-point framework document. The Presidents of Ukraine and Finland share the view that the intensity of this work is truly helping, and that not a single day or hour can be lost. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kristen Michal discussed further cooperation and the importance of continued support for Ukraine. The Head of State stressed that Estonia has been supporting Ukraine greatly since the very beginning of Russia's full-scale aggression, and starting January 1, it will be coordinating the work of the Nordic-Baltic Eight countries. The conversation also covered the implementation of joint projects under the SAFE instrument, as well as the significance of the PURL initiative, which enables Ukraine, among other things, to strengthen its air defense and protect its energy sector. During his call with Mark Carney, the President thanked Canada for its clear recognition of the necessity for joint efforts to guarantee security and real recovery. The Head of State emphasized that, in the coming days, much can be accomplished both bilaterally between Ukraine and the United States, as well as with the Coalition of the Willing partners. It is critical that everyone jointly and constructively bolsters Ukraine's ability to protect life, reinforces its front-line positions, and enhances the effectiveness of the negotiation process. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that it is Russia that is dragging its feet and trying to waste time. Ukraine believes there should be no weekends or pauses while the bloodshed continues. During his conversation with Mette Frederiksen, the President emphasized that Ukraine is working constructively with the United States in the negotiation process. The Head of State noted that Russia must see that the responsibility for thwarting peace efforts and prolonging the war will be solely on Moscow, and accordingly, the world's response will be tough. Volodymyr Zelenskyy separately highlighted Denmark's significant contribution to not only Ukraine's but all of Europe's defense. The President thanked Denmark for its Presidency of the European Union. The Head of State emphasized that over these six months, very significant steps were made, including the decision on a EUR 90 billion financial security guarantee for Ukraine. The leaders agreed to continue working closely in order to advance toward really putting security guarantees into action, both in bilateral work with the United States and with partners in Europe. The President and the Federal Chancellor of Germany focused on preparations for the meeting with Donald Trump, coordinated their positions, and agreed to continue acting together with European partners. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that thanks to cooperation with Germany, thousands of lives in Ukraine have been saved from Russian strikes. The Head of State and the NATO Secretary General also coordinated their positions ahead of the meetings in Florida, as it is important to work at maximum productivity in the coming days, as always. The President emphasized that Ukraine has never been and will never be an obstacle to peace and will continue working efficiently to ensure all necessary documents are prepared as quickly as possible. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte discussed joint efforts to guarantee security and to develop coordinated European positions that will support not only Ukraine but all of Europe. The President also shared details of his recent conversations with President Trump's envoys and key aspects of the process. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two weeks ago, a speeding car slammed into the side of a Milwaukee Public Works utility truck, killing the cars driver and passenger.The public works employees who were in the truck escaped unharmed. But involvement in a fatal accident is traumatic. Immediately, the city's Employee Assistance Program swung into action with the structured approach it takes following such incidents."We went through a list of what the employees might be inclined to experience, said Cris Zamora, employee assistance and resource coordinator for the city, and then we provided advice about what actions the people involved should take. For example, its good to talk about it. Its not good to drink.Employee assistance programs aren't new. They've existed in private-sector businesses and government organizations for decades. Initially, these programs were offered quietly, sometimes almost secretly, and primarily to employees with substance abuse problems.But over time, they've expanded dramatically in scope and now offer services for employees having legal, marital, child care and financial problems.Its night and day. When I started [in the mid-1980s], employee assistance was viewed as a program for those who were in dire need. It had a negative stigma. Now, I dont think that stigma is there," said Gary OBannon, director of the Kansas City Department of Human Resources in Missouri.Requests for help are confidential, but the programs are often aggressively advertised, especially in places like Kansas City, Milwaukee and Fairfax County, Va.Milwaukee's program is fairly typical. When employees have a problem, they can go to a licensed social worker for free short-term counseling. Depending on the issue, the social worker may refer them to nonprofits that contract with the city or help them access further medical assistance that's covered by the employee insurance program. The city offers no financial aid for services used but helps employees find affordable options.While some might think this crosses the privacy line, few such complaints have been made. For many people, technology has blurred the line between their work and home lives, and employee assistance is seen as a natural extension of widely-accepted wellness programs, said Zamora.On top of that, employers are increasingly recognizing that personal problems can hinder employees' productivity. The thinking goes: happier person, better worker.As employees change, so do their needs. In recent years, for example, assistance programs have had more requests from people who are starting to transition their gender. And as the workforce ages, questions about wills, trusts and estate planning have also increased.No government seemingly goes further to help its employees than Virginia.The state pioneered a financial service four years ago that offers employees small loans at about 1/20th the cost of borrowing from the sometimes confusing and misleading payday lending industry.There is a growing awareness among all employers, public and private, that there is an issue with workplace financial stress among employees, said Doug Farry, vice president for employer partners with Employee Loan Solution, which works with the cities of Anaheim, Calif., and Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, to offer similar loans.Surveys show these services have true value in the workplace. According to the firm Chestnut Global Partners , which provides services to EAPs in the public and private sector, employees who received assistance from their employers missed half as much work and 27 percent reported improvement in their ability to concentrate at work.Employee assistance programs can also be a powerful tool for governments trying to bolster their workforces in an increasingly competitive market.Theres beauty in this as a retention tool," said Leslie Amiri, employee relations manager of the Department of Human Resources in Fairfax County. "It stays with employees that the organization really cares." Conducted focus groups with recently returned citizens on the types of services they need most, and the best ways to communicate their availability. Held a Design Day in partnership with Mission: Launch -- facilitated by returning citizens which was created to develop actionable interventions around three key themes born from the focus groups: communication of services, community reintegration/empowerment and mental health. Launched a comprehensive campaign called We Are Here, a platform for hosting information for returning citizens and facilitating advocacy, peer support and empowerment. Designed a website for H4R that won top prize in the Kaiser Permanente Social Innovation Challenge, and will receive additional support to enhance the tool. The team will also be included in the citys TECHealth Initiative, which seeks to engage members of Baltimores technology and design community in public health challenges. Create sustainable partnerships built on strengths. Fostering collaborations with established community-based organizations and educational institutions can help sustain a project. These entities often have long-term relationships with the community that can withstand changing political environments. The citys Office of Criminal Justice developed positive relationships with the citys Safe and Sound Campaign and the returning citizen community, which afforded the trust and access necessary to recruit and retain participants for the H4R project. The Center for Social Design at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) also served as a valuable partner, providing a safe and welcoming space for the projects weekly meetings, as well as equipment for filming and printing. Don't be afraid to pay people for their time. Baltimore conducted focus groups representing returning citizens, service organizations, government agencies and residents that collected feedback and identified areas for improvement. Residents were incentivized to participate in the focus groups with payments of $25 per hour, and peer mentors received additional compensation. Paying people for their time led to greater interest in and commitment to these focus groups, and revealed the types of communications most trusted by the returning citizen population. Many citizens returning home from prison are concentrated in Baltimores lower-income neighborhoods. These residents often need support to navigate their successful re-entry into the community. The services that are available are either insufficient to meet the needs of this population, or are not well-known or easily accessed by the residents who need them most. The Baltimore City Accelerator team sought to repair the interfaces between citizens returning from prison and local government through a project called Here 4 Reentry (H4R). Through the City Accelerator, Baltimore:In the midst of Baltimores project, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced she will not be seeking re-election. Baltimore designed its project to be sustainable across a mayoral transition in ways other cities can emulate:More than 650,000 people are released from federal and state prison every year, and over two-thirds will be rearrested for a felony or serious misdemeanor within three years. The National Institute of Justice has found that in the first year after release, up to 60 percent of formerly incarcerated people are not employed. Local governments offer an array of services designed to connect these citizens with employment opportunities and other useful information, but existing channels are frequently insufficient to reach this population. Successfully engaging with returning citizens can improve their economic prospects, reduce recidivism rates and contribute to the vitality of the neighborhoods in which they live.Baltimores focus groups with returning citizens was critical to the success of the project. These focus groups were facilitated by the returning citizens themselves who were able to emphasize the importance of communicating assistance in a way which addressed the full context of the world in which they live -- one in which institutions are not trusted, neighborhoods can be violent, transportation is limited and time is a valuable resource. These focus groups informed the Design Day held in February 2016, which was focused on developing actionable interventions and further informed the We Are Here campaign. Lifestyle vs. Legacy: How the pressure to look good and successful is undermining values and ethical behaviour in Ghana Next article: Lifestyle vs. Legacy: How the pressure to look good and successful is undermining values and ethical behaviour in Ghana Featured The year ends in fear, not relief, and the developing world stands most at risk Collins Adjei Kuffuor Opinion Dec - 27 - 2025 , 07:57 4 minutes read As the year draws to a close, there is little sense of comfort in the world. Instead of relief, there is tension. Wars continue, global rivalries are sharpening, and trust between nations is thinning. For many people, the concern is no longer whether instability will grow, but how far it might spread, and how long it might last. Not long ago, peace was widely assumed. Conflict felt distant, limited to certain regions, or manageable through diplomacy. That assumption is fading. Across Europe, governments are increasing military spending, strengthening civil defence systems, and warning their citizens to prepare for difficult times ahead. In June 2024, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, speaking at the NATO Defence Ministers Meeting in Brussels, warned that Russia could be capable of confronting NATO within five years if current trends continue. His message was blunt: Europe can no longer treat peace as guaranteed. Similar warnings have come from national leaders. In February 2024, Germanys Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, told the Bundestag that his country must be ready for the possibility of war in the coming decade, urging Germans to accept that security would require sacrifice. These were not dramatic statements made for headlines. They were signs of a world adjusting to danger. What makes this moment especially troubling is that fear is no longer limited to the coming year. There is a growing sense that instability could define the next decade. War talk is becoming normal. While powerful countries focus on military readiness, the developing world watches with concern. Africa, in particular, stands exposed. It is not driving todays global tensions, yet it is often among the first to suffer their consequences. If global conflict expands, Africa is likely to feel it first through economic pain rather than military action. Disrupted supply chains push food and fuel prices higher. Weaker currencies make imports more expensive. According to the World Bank, more than 60 per cent of African countries are already at high risk of debt distress. A prolonged global crisis would worsen this situation. African leaders have warned about this repeatedly. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in September 2023, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cautioned that wars and geopolitical rivalries were undoing years of development progress in Africa, even when those wars were fought far away. He expanded on this warning at the Munich Security Conference in February 2024, where he argued strongly that Africa must not become a stage for proxy conflicts. Africa must not be drawn into the geopolitical rivalries of others, he said, urging the world to choose dialogue over division and cooperation over confrontation. This message remains relevant. As global tensions rise, Africas strategic importance is growing. Its minerals, energy resources, trade routes, and diplomatic influence are increasingly valuable. This brings opportunity, but also risk. Pressure to take sides is real. Ghanas current President, John Dramani Mahama, acknowledged this changing global environment in his inauguration address on January 7, 2025. Speaking at Black Star Square, he noted that Ghana was taking office at a time of deep global uncertainty, and reaffirmed the countrys commitment to peace, diplomacy, and balanced international relations. That commitment matters. Ghanas long-standing foreign policy of non-alignment and peaceful engagement has served it well. In a divided world, that approach is not weakness, it is wisdom. The key question now is how Africa can protect itself from the fallout of global instability. One answer lies in stronger regional cooperation. African countries must work more closely through the African Union and regional blocs to coordinate economic policy, security efforts, and diplomatic positions. Another lies in self-reliance. Greater investment in food security, local manufacturing, and energy independence can reduce exposure to global shocks. The less Africa depends on distant supply chains, the more resilient it becomes. Africa must also speak more clearly on the global stage. Neutrality does not mean silence. It means confidently advocating for peace, reform of global institutions, fairer trade, and sustainable development. There is reason for cautious optimism. Africa has the worlds youngest population, growing technological capacity, and increasing diplomatic weight. These are strengths that can be used to shape outcomes, not just endure them. As the year ends, the most worrying sign is how normal fear has become. War planning feels permanent. Crisis language is routine. Peace is discussed less as a goal and more as a break between conflicts. For the developing world, this is deeply concerning. When global systems fail, poorer nations suffer first and recover last. They did not cause todays instability, yet they bear much of its cost. The coming year will test global leadership, and African leadership too. The dangers are real. But so is the opportunity for Africa to insist on peace, protect its interests, and refuse to be dragged into conflicts not of its making. The year may end in fear. But Africa still has a choice not to end in despair. Two smart classroom projects commissioned at Battor and Aveyime-Battor senior high schools to help boost STEM education Next article: Two smart classroom projects commissioned at Battor and Aveyime-Battor senior high schools to help boost STEM education Only shortlisted teachers with index numbers will be allowed for GES promotion exams on Dec 29th and 30th Previous article: Only shortlisted teachers with index numbers will be allowed for GES promotion exams on Dec 29th and 30th Featured Meet 81-year-old father of UCC acting Vice-Chancellor Prof Aheto who recently graduated with an MBA Graphic Online Education Dec - 27 - 2025 , 15:49 2 minutes read For the 81-year-old Joseph Aheto, when he realised three years ago in 2022, that all his children had overtaken his level of education and were now professors, he decided to enroll at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programme. He obtained his first degree in Business Administration from the University of Ghana in 1978, according to a report published by the University of Cape Coast. Not wanting to cite age, family responsibilities, or being a pensioner as a reason to discourage him, he decided to go back to school and pursue higher education. He chose to pursue an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development Studies at the UCC where one of his sons, Prof Denis Aheto was the then Pro-Vice-Chancellor and currently the acting Vice Chancellor. Thankfully, he successfully went through the programme, and got his son, Prof Dennis Aheto, the current acting Vice Chancellor, congratulating him at the 9th session of the 58th congregation of the university. Read also: Acting Vice-Chancellor's father graduates at 81. Speaking to the press, Mr. Aheto said he was inspired to pursue further studies when he realised his two sons, who are all professors, had overtaken him. I feel very much excited to have my own son graduating me, Mr Aheto told the press after the graduation ceremony. He said apart from the grace of God, which made this feat possible, his family, course mates, and lecturers also motivated him to push on. When I enrolled and commenced lectures, many of the younger students in my class were surprised and were laughing and mocking me, What at all do this old man want in life. But that didn't deter me. I soldiered on, and now I have graduated," he said. According to him, no one should feel too old to go back to school as learning remains a lifelong adventure. Recounting his campus days, he said it felt uneasy in the initial months in the lecture halls. "Sitting down for lectures for many hours proved very challenging, considering my age. I had pains in my foot and waist from the long hours of sitting. But after a few months, I adjusted to the system and gradually shrugged them off and moved on, he added. Mr. Aheto, who was a class teacher in 1966 before relocating to Nsawam, urged all the graduates to concentrate on their lifes endeavour. He advised the younger ones that " Every student who is aspiring to be someone in the future should work hard. Whatever you do, do it with resilience and hard work. The acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Denis Aheto, commended the tenacity and resilience of his father to pursue further studies. He urged the younger ones to eschew the get-rich-quick syndrome and strive to pursue further studies. "Age can never be a limit to education. Old age is about mindset. We need to re-conform as a society." he added GES condemns theft of food supplies at Awaso STEM SHS by matron and cook Next article: GES condemns theft of food supplies at Awaso STEM SHS by matron and cook Take advantage of gun amnesty window to surrender illegal weapons before it expires on January 15, 2026 - Interior Ministry Previous article: Take advantage of gun amnesty window to surrender illegal weapons before it expires on January 15, 2026 - Interior Ministry Featured Accra: 141 suspected mobile money fraudsters busted in dawn operation at Tabora and Lashibi Jemima Okang Addae Dec - 27 - 2025 , 12:32 1 minute read As part of efforts to clamp down on cybercrime, especially mobile money fraudsters, a total of 141 suspects have been arrested in an intelligence-led operation. The Cyber Security Authority Ghana working in collaboration with the police on Saturday arrested the suspects at Tabora and Lashibi in Greater Accra. The coordinated early-morning operation took place across key locations in Tabora and Lashibi. According to the Minister for Communication, Digitalisation and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, a total of 100 were arrested at Tabora and the remaining 41 were picked up at Lashibi. He said preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects are predominantly Nigerian nationals. 38 laptops and 150 mobile phones suspected to be gadgets the suspects used in the fraudulent activities have been seized. The landlord of the house, who allegedly provided accommodation for 100 of the suspects has also been arrested. He said forensic analysis of the seized electronic devices is currently underway, and persons found to be culpable will be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law. Koforidua: ICGC fetes patients on admission at Koforidua Regional Hospital on Xmas Day Next article: Koforidua: ICGC fetes patients on admission at Koforidua Regional Hospital on Xmas Day GES condemns theft of food supplies at Awaso STEM SHS by matron and cook Previous article: GES condemns theft of food supplies at Awaso STEM SHS by matron and cook Featured Fire Service rescues passengers after multi-vehicle crash near Kintampo Waterfalls Jemima Okang Addae Dec - 27 - 2025 , 10:04 1 minute read The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on Wednesday responded to a distress call involving a multiple-vehicle accident near the Kintampo Waterfalls. According to the GNFS, the call was received at about 3:59 pm, prompting the dispatch of a rescue team that arrived at the scene at approximately 5:24 pm. Upon arrival, firefighters observed a series of collisions involving several vehicles, including a Mercedes Sprinter which had rammed into parked cars and subsequently caught fire. The December 24, 2025 incident occurred at a time efforts were underway to tow a Kia Bongo vehicle that had fallen into a pit three days earlier. In all, 26 passengers were trapped at the scene and were rescued by the GNFS crew. Three individuals sustained injuries during the incident and were promptly conveyed to the Kintampo Municipal Hospital for medical treatment. Featured GES condemns theft of food supplies at Awaso STEM SHS by matron and cook Jemima Okang Addae Dec - 27 - 2025 , 10:06 2 minutes read The Ghana Education Service (GES) has condemned the theft of food supplies meant for students of the Awaso STEM Senior High School in the Western North Region. Two staff members of a STEM senior high school at Awaso were on December 22, 2025 arrested by the police over an alleged theft of large quantities of food items meant for students. The police named the suspects as Bennedicta Nyamadi, a school matron, and Rahel Kyeremateng, a cook. The Western North Regional Police Command said the arrests followed intelligence received by the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipal Chief Executive. Acting on the information, a joint team made up of police officers, the Member of Parliament for the area, and the Municipal Chief Executive searched the residence of Kyeremateng at Sefwi Atronsu. Large quantities of food items suspected to have been taken from the school were retrieved from the house. Read also: Sefwi: Police arrest matron and cook over alleged theft of food items for students at SHS In a statement dated December 26, 2026 [copy attached below] the Ghana Education Service said it does not condone any form of misconduct, abuse of office, or actions that compromise the welfare, nutrition, and wellbeing of students. It said if the allegations are proven, the conduct would be in clear violation of the Services ethical standards, professional code of conduct, and core values. It said the matter is currently under investigation by the Ghana Police Service Featured Ashanti: Police kill 3 suspected robbers during shootout at Anwiankwanta on Christmas Eve Emmanuel Bonney Dec - 26 - 2025 , 22:18 2 minutes read Three suspected robbers were killed during a shootout with the police in a bush between Anwiankwanta and the Jacobu Junction in the Ashanti Region on Christmas Eve. The three were part of a gang of five who reportedly opened fire on the police when they saw them. The remaining two are on the run. Following the shootout, the suspects, who sustained injuries, were taken to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival. They have been identified as Seidu Issah, 29, Musah Yakubu, 35 and Yahaya Munkaila a.k.a. Tijani, 25. Their bodies have been deposited in the hospital's morgue for preservation and autopsy. "An investigation is underway, and efforts are being made to apprehend the accomplices and retrieve the guns," a police situational report (SITREP), a copy of which has been seen by Graphic Online, stated. The SITREP indicated that Seidu, Tijani and others were wanted persons in connection with several robberies and killings in Manso, Jacobu and the Anwiankwanta area. It said on December 24, 2025, the police command received intelligence that the gang had converged in a bush in between Anwiankwanta and Jacobu junction, preparing to strike on the Anwiankwanta - Obuasi road. "An intelligence-led operation was conducted, and the team deployed four service vehicles that raided the converging place in a bush near Anwiankwanta. "The team on arrival spotted about five young men with guns. The gang on seeing police opened fire and attempted to escape through the bush. The police tactically returned fire, and three suspects sustained gunshot injuries but the other two with suspected gunshot wounds managed to escape," the report indicated. The report said two pump-action guns loaded with six rounds of ammunition each, and one unbranded pistol were retrieved from the scene. Also a sack containing 25 live cartridges and six spent cartridges were retrieved. Ho mosque shooting incident: Police names 9 injured victims and says all 10 arrested suspects are in custody Next article: Ho mosque shooting incident: Police names 9 injured victims and says all 10 arrested suspects are in custody PPAG, UNFPA strengthen adolescent reproductive health programmes in Volta Region Alberto Mario Noretti Dec - 27 - 2025 , 13:32 3 minutes read The Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has launched a Youth Open Day under the Adolescent Girl Empowerment Programme. It is to help improve access to sexual and reproductive health services among young people, at Sogakope in the Volta Region. The initiative, launched on Saturday [December 20, 2025] is called Youth Open Day; The Clinic is Yours, and it is targeted at adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19, with the objective to make reproductive health services more youth-friendly and reachable at designated health facilities. The programme is being implemented in five districts with one health facility selected in each district to host the Youth Open Day. Speaking at the ceremony, the Volta Regional Focal Person of UNFPA Adolescent Girl Empowerment Programme Services, Christopher Makam said the programmes was inclusive in nature, and would for that matter, benefit adolescent boys as well. He said, for far too long, cultural practices had discouraged adolescents from seeking professional reproductive health services. So, they only relied on their peers for information and that often resulted in misinformation and unhealthy outcomes, Mr Makam added. He said the programme was, therefore, meant to familiarise adolescents with the health facilities and health workers in a safe, non-judgmental environment. The focal person said the initiative also created space for health workers to better understand adolescents and respond appropriately to their sexual reproductive needs. He appealed to corporate bodies, non-governmental organisations and various stakeholders to support the programme and help to extend it to other vulnerable groups outside the adolescent age bracket. With additional support, we can reach out to more people and contribute to better reproductive outcomes in the communities, Mr Makam said. A facilitator of the programme, Rachel Nutifafa said the timing of the programme was strategic, as schools were on vacation, making it easier to reach out to the adolescents from the communities. She entreated parents to engage openly with their children on sexual reproductive health issues. Earlier, in a related development, 187 adolescents from Anyanui, Atiteti, and Agbledomi in the Anloga District benefitted from a sexual and reproductive health education sessions and free screening for sexually transmitted infections. This was organised jointly by the Anloga District Health Directorate, PPAG and UNFPA, with a focus on equipping adolescents with practical knowledge to make informed life choices, protect their health and remain committed to their education. An official of the District Health Directorate, Getrude Agbayiza said sexually reproductive health was one important tool for protecting young people from serious health problems with social consequences. Young people must understand the choices they make today can either protect or destroy their future, she cautioned. The topics treated included abstinence from premarital sex, healthy lifestyle choices, and resisting negative peer influences, among others. Participants who spoke to the media described the programmes as very useful. Featured TOR resumes crude oil refining operations with about 28,000 barrels per stream daily Benjamin Xornam Glover Dec - 27 - 2025 , 16:06 3 minutes read The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has officially resumed crude oil refining operations after several years of inactivity, marking a significant milestone in efforts to revitalise Ghanas downstream petroleum sector and strengthen national energy security. The resumption follows the successful completion of major Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on the refinerys Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), carried out over three months from August 1 to October 30, 2025. The resumption of refining at TOR was expected to have positive implications for fuel availability, foreign exchange savings, job creation, and the overall stability of Ghanas petroleum supply chain. A press statement dated December 27, 2025, and issued by TOR said the maintenance exercise involved extensive repairs, inspections, and upgrades to critical systems that was executed in strict adherence to international engineering, safety, and operational standards. After the completion of the TAM, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) conducted comprehensive regulatory inspections at the refinery to assess its readiness for operations. It said the NPA subsequently confirmed TORs full compliance with all mandatory safety and operational requirements and granted clearance for the refinery to resume crude oil processing. Phased operations TOR resumes crude oil refining operations with about 28,000 barrels per stream day currently. TOR has completed the installation of a new furnace, known as F-61, which was expected to be commissioned and integrated into the CDU in the near future to restore the refinerys pic.twitter.com/rUu7gz0AVR DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) December 27, 2025 The company indicated that as part of a phased return to full capacity, TOR was currently operating at about 28,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd). TOR management said the refinery would continue operating in the coming months to stabilise systems, optimise performance, and ensure sustained operational reliability ahead of its official recommissioning. The statement further indicated that as a further sign of progress, TOR has completed the installation of a new furnace, known as F-61, which was expected to be commissioned and integrated into the CDU in the near future. "The installation of the new furnace is projected to restore the refinerys original nameplate capacity of 45,000 bpsd." the statement added. Edmond Kombat - MD of TOR Management of TOR also outlined plans to expand production capacity to 60,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd) in the medium term, following the installation of a new air-cooler. It said the government was expected to formally commission and tie in the F-61 furnace at a later date to be communicated to stakeholders and the general public. Management of TOR expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his support, leadership, and commitment to restoring the refinery as a critical component of Ghanas energy infrastructure. It also acknowledged the role of the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, noting that his policy leadership, technical oversight, and hands-on engagement were instrumental in bringing TOR back to operational life. The company also commended the board, management, and the workforce for their resilience, professionalism, and dedication throughout the revival process, describing the journey as challenging but ultimately rewarding. Management of TOR reiterated the refinerys commitment to safe, efficient, and sustainable operations as it reclaims its role as a cornerstone of the countrys energy sector. Motorola seems to be on a roll with announcements. At the end of October, the company launched the Edge 70, as the global version of the X70 Air. As the name suggests, it is a device that emphasizes a slim body. We aren't exactly sure why Motorola decided to go through with copying the trend after both Apple and Samsung had rather disappointing sales on their "air" devices. Still, for better or worse, all signs point towards an upcoming X70 Air Pro model, likely to be called the Edge 70 Pro globally. Motorola put out an official teaser image for the X70 Air Pro, stating that it will be "more Pro" and with even more AI. This is probably the same XT2603-1 device that was spotted a while back on the Chinese 3C database, sporting 90W charging support. That's a notable step up from the 67W max on the regular X70 Air/Edge 70. A Geekbench run for the XT2603-1 also exists from back in November, alongside some industry insider info that claims the phone will be based on the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 5 chipset. We'll just have to wait and see. Meanwhile, a most likely different device, currently dubbed the Motorola Signature, has been teased on Flipkart. It is shaping up as a more high-end phone, perhaps even the company's flagship, with rumored specs like a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC, 16GB RAM, Android 16, a 6.7" 120Hz 1.5K resolution OLED screen and 50MP rear cameras. Source Motorola Edge 70 5G Sport utility vehicles, or SUVs, are vehicles that have the tough frame of a truck but provide enough interior room for multiple passengers and cargo. And they aren't just popular among retirees with grandchildren or people fond of bulk shopping trips to stock up on items at Costco. There were $528 billion worth of SUV transactions in 2024 across the globe, a figure that is expected to swell to just over $876 billion by 2032, per Stellar Market Research. And SUVs and trucks were the best selling vehicles of the first three quarters of 2025 in the United States, according to Car and Driver. As a byproduct of their popularity, SUVs come in so many forms and models of varying quality that it is enough to put a car shopper into a fetal position of indecision, especially if you don't want to end up with a popular yet unreliable SUV. Fortunately, there's Kelley Blue Book, which has been a valuable source for automobile buyers since 1926. In early 2025, Kelley Blue Book came out with its Best Buy awards, which included Hyundai Kona, Honda CR-V, Kia Telluride, Ford Expedition, and Kia EV9. To give you a complete picture, we've included analyses and reviews from other online car sources in the roundup below. Read more: What You Should Never Say When Buying A Car 2025 Hyundai Kona A white Hyundai Kona - Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock Rated as the best subcompact SUV, the Hyundai Kona is described by Kelley Blue Book as a roomy, comfortable, fuel-efficient vehicle that can get about 31 miles for the gallon. With a starting price of about $25,900, Hyundai Kona can seat five people with just over 38 inches of leg room and can carry 25.5 cubic feet of cargo, or a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet when the second-row seats are folded down. The vehicle comes equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment display and an optional all-wheel drive. Plus, the 2025 Kona is equipped with standard safety features such as collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement Yet according to Edmunds, the 2025 Hyundai Kona's acceleration abilities are "underwhelming," while its suspension is not all that great, making it a less-than-ideal vehicle for off-roading (the model still got a 7.8 out of 10 rating). Consumer Reports, though, rated the 2025 Hyundai Kona overall reliability at 41 out of 100, about average for that model year. In terms of costs to fix and maintain, CarEdge estimated that a Hyundai Kona will cost $8,463 over its first ten years, which is $297 more than non-luxury SUVs. As for how quickly this car can depreciate, CarEdge says it will lose 42% of its value after five years. That's better than the 53% depreciation of a Wagoneer, a popular Jeep with terrible resale value. 2025 Honda CR-V Honda CR-V - Didier Messens/Getty Images Kelley Blue Book compared the 2025 Honda CR-V the winner of the best compact SUV category to the brightest start in the sky for its quality, tech features, and the 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space it can provide once you fold down the rear seats. Though compact, the CR-V provides 41 inches of legroom for its rear seats along with reclining backs. And its hybrid versions can give up to 40 miles per gallon. But where the CR-V truly excels is in its resale value, which Kelley Blue Book reports can fetch thousands of dollars more than its competitors due to the Honda brand's reputation for reliability. CarEdge agreed, putting its depreciation at just 29% over its first five years. Advertisement Advertisement With a starting price of $31,495, the Honda CR-V costs $7,696 to fix and maintain in its first ten years of service, which is $530 less than the average for other popular SUV models. Also: Car and Driver called the 2025 model year a solid vehicle that's high in demand, and Edmunds gave it a 7.1 out of 10. However, this model was part of a recall ordered on Honda vehicles by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for potential fuel leaks and possibly incorrectly manufactured bad steering gearboxes. 2025 Kia Telluride A black Kia Telluride Prestige in Houston, Texas - Artistic Operations/Getty Images The winner of the best midsize SUV for the sixth year in a row, the 2025 Kia Telluride has a three-row configuration that can seat eight, a Mercedez-Benz-quality dual-display infotainment touchscreen, 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and a total of 87 cubic feet with the two rear rows folded down, according to Kelley Blue Book. The model, which starts at about $37,800, also comes with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a host of other safety features. In terms of reliability, Consumer Reports gives it an average with a score of 60 out of 100, although the vehicle also scored 72 out of 100 for owner satisfaction. Edmunds gives it a 7.1 out of 10 rating, while Car and Driver stated that Kia Telluride's standard features approach luxury standards. As for its resale value, the Kia Telluride will depreciate 51% in its first five years, according to CarEdge, and will cost $8,730 to maintain and fix in its first 10 years, which is $564 more than typical SUVs. 2025 Ford Expedition A grey 2025 Ford Expedition on display - Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement The '25 Ford Expedition took Kelley Blue Book's best full-size SUV award for its three-row spacious interior with plentiful cupholders and USB-C ports, ability to tow trailers up to 9,600 pounds, and a variety of trims, like the Expedition Tremor, that are great for transverse unpaved trails. With a starting price of $64,515, it has a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot that allows people to stream music and audiobooks as well as videos when parked. There is even a Bluetooth controller for people to play online games. The second row has tablet holders on the back of the front seat headrests, and there is a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen for navigation and climate control. The vehicle also comes with a safety package that includes a 360-degree camera, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot and lane-keeping assist functions. On the downside, according to Consumer Reports, the 2025 Ford Expedition is less reliable than the average car, with a reliability rating of 30 out of 100. It also costs $10,226 to maintain a Ford Expedition model in its first ten years of ownership, which is $2,060 more than other popular SUV models, per CarEdge. Ford Expeditions also depreciate 59% in five years, with a ranking of 164 out of 185 models analyzed by CarEdge for resale value. 2025 Kia EV9 A Kia EV9 on display - Sjoerd Van Der Wal/Getty Images Large enough to seat seven people, the Kia EV9 won Kelley Blue Book's Best Buy spot for 3-row EVs. An electric midsized SUV with prices that start at $56,395, the Kia EV9 can seat seven people comfortably, has a maximum range of 304 miles, and can get 150 miles worth of range after charging for only 15 minutes. Edmunds gave the model 8.2 out of 10, but Consumer Reports deemed the 2025 Kia EV9 less reliable than other cars of the same model year. There were also three recalls ordered by NHTSA because of a badly welded gear shift that causes the vehicle to lose power (342 vehicles for year 2025); possible missing bolts in the second and third row seats (22,883 vehicles for years 2024 and 2025); and a failing instrument panel screen for speed and other info (14,163 vehicles for years 2024 and 2025). Advertisement Advertisement But if those issues are addressed by dealerships free of charge, as expected, the Kia EV9 is projected to cost $5,237 to maintain and fix in its first 10 years, which is $2,929 better than the average SUV, per CarEdge. However, in five years it will lose 52% of its value. Unlock your financial potential. Add Money Digest to your preferred sources for smart money insights! Read the original article on Money Digest. Haiti - Social : Christmas party for children rescued from gangs Georges Wilbert Franck, Minister of Social Affairs, participated in the Christmas celebration organized by the Institute for Social Welfare and Research (IBESR) on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Transit and Orientation Center (CTO) for children associated with gangs and recovered/rescued during security operations. Addressing these children, victims of forced recruitment into gangs, Minister Franck encouraged them to heed the advice and guidance of the mentors and support staff committed to their reintegration and training, so they can become citizens capable of serving their country with dignity. "The State is determined to put an end to all forms of juvenile violence aimed at jeopardizing the lives of the country's future good citizens," he stated. That is why, since the signing of the protocol between the Haitian government and the United Nations system on the transfer, reception, and care of children associated with armed gangs, more than one hundred children have been recovered and placed in Transit and Orientation Centers (CTOs), the Minister stated. Ms. Arielle Jeanty Villedrouin, Director of the IBESR (Haitian Institute for Social Welfare and Research), addressing the recipients of the toys, urged them to maintain dignified and respectful behavior. The Transit and Orientation Center for Social Welfare, where the ceremony took place, houses a total of 29 children, including 26 boys and three girls. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Education : Only 18% of schools in the country are public (2024-2025) The new data collected during the 2024-2025 School Census, which was conducted under the theme "Resansman lekol jodi, se prepare zouti pou planifye edikasyon demen" (Return to school today, prepare the tools to plan education tomorrow), will be used to populate the Education Management Information System (SIGE). This data will also be of great use to the authorities, who need up-to-date and reliable statistics to support their strategic decisions and choices. Some data from this census reveal that Haiti has : 4,028,897 students in total in the school system; 861,812 students in preschool; More than 2.6 million students (2,645,319) in primary school; 521,766 students in secondary school; 18,241 schools (82.3% are private, only 17.7% are public); At the secondary level, out of 7,683 institutions, 96% are private, only 4% are public; 45% of secondary schools are located in the West Department; 34,759 preschool teachers work in preschool; 82,180 teachers work in the first two cycles of primary education. From the data collected in this census, the Ministry was able to produce : A National Yearbook of School Statistics; 10 Departmental Registers; A Bulletin of School Statistics (Haiti, Education in Figures). This work was accomplished through the combined efforts of the Directorate of Planning and External Cooperation (DPCE), the General Directorate of the Ministry of National Education, the Education Management Information System (SIGE), and the Project Coordination Unit (UCP), as well as with the technical and financial support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank, and UNESCO. For the Minister of Education, Augustin Antoine, governance, which constitutes one of the major strategic pillars of the Ten-Year Education and Training Plan (PDEF/2020-2030), cannot be effective without a reliable, coherent, continuously updated, and constantly maintained information system. He then invited the DPCE team to begin collecting data on non-formal education and to supplement the existing data on higher education. HL/ HaitiLibre With the planned "digital omnibus" package, the EU Commission promises a breakthrough against bureaucracy. However, resistance to the initiative is constantly growing. Legal experts from the law firm Spirit Legal are now urgently warning in an expert opinion commissioned by the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) that the draft represents a systematic break with the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and endangers the privacy of hundreds of millions of consumers. Continue after ad At the center of the criticism is the planned Article 88c, which provides for special relief for data processing in the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The experts Peter Hense and David Wagner warn here of an "unlimited special legal zone". Since the term "AI system" is extremely broadly defined, companies could in the future declare almost any automated data processing as AI-relevant in order to evade strict data protection rules. This would replace the technology-neutral logic of the GDPR with a technology-specific privilege that primarily benefits service providers. The lawyers consider the planned relaxation in handling sensitive data such as health information or political views to be alarming. The draft suggests that their processing is all the more justified the larger the data volumes are. This reverses the principle of data minimization: mass data extraction is rewarded as long as it serves to train AI models. The experts see this as dangerous privileges for Big Tech corporations. Digital sovereignty of the young generation The authors also criticize that essential protective mechanisms are merely shifted to the legally non-binding recitals. One example is technical opt-out procedures with which users can object to the use of their data. Without anchoring in the binding legal text, supervisory authorities lack the means to effectively sanction violations. Especially with web scraping, data of individuals would be collected who often have no opportunity to even become aware of their right of objection. To counteract these negative developments, the experts propose a specific legal basis for AI training. Companies should only be allowed to access personal information if they can prove that their goal cannot be achieved with anonymized or synthetic data. Furthermore, it must be ensured that AI models do not reproduce personal information in their answers ("Data Leakage"). Strict technical standards are therefore necessary already in the training process. A chapter is dedicated to the protection of vulnerable groups. Since minors frequently cannot grasp the implications of data processing for AI, the authors advocate for explicit parental consent. In addition, individuals reaching the age of majority should receive an unconditional right to prohibit the further use of their data in existing models. Without such guardrails, the digital sovereignty of the next-generation risks being permanently lost. Loss of trust as an economic risk Continue after ad According to vzbv board member Ramona Pop, the political dimension of these findings is enormous. She warns that the Commission, under the guise of innovation, primarily wants to issue a free pass to US platforms. Big Tech could easily exploit legal grey areas, while European companies and consumers would be left behind. True legal certainty can only be achieved through clear rules. Brussels, on the other hand, is proposing vague exceptions that would have to be judicially clarified over years. Current results of a representative online survey for the vzbv demonstrate that data protection is not a hindrance but an economic factor. According to the survey, trust is the fundamental prerequisite for using digital services for 87 percent of consumers. The GDPR serves as an important anchor: over 60 percent of respondents are more likely to trust companies if they demonstrably comply with European regulations. A dilution of these standards thus also risks the social acceptance of new technologies. The Digital Omnibus will now be discussed in the EU Council and Parliament. The objections from civil society can hardly be ignored. The package is suspected of being primarily the result of massive pressure from the US government, rather than representing European citizen and economic interests. The rights of data subjects are being weakened under the guise of "simplifications," it is said. The Commission wants to issue AI companies a blank check to extract European data. (nie) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. More than 5,000 households lost electricity during the early hours as the storm began sweeping across the country from the west. The number continued to rise through the day, with emergency services reporting widespread tree falls and property damage. Winter storm Hannes brought power cuts, traffic disruption and dangerous weather conditions across Finland on Saturday, with wind gusts exceeding 30 metres per second in coastal areas and wave heights over seven metres recorded in the southern Gulf of Bothnia. The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) issued weather warnings for strong winds, poor driving conditions and hazardous waves, with the highest alerts focused on western coastal areas and southern sea zones. Peak winds over the sea are expected around midnight, Heikki Sinisalo, a duty meteorologist at FMI, said in a statement. Wind speeds reached storm thresholds on Saturday afternoon along the coast between Rauma and Vaasa, with gusts reaching close to 30 m/s. FMI stated that winds of this strength are likely to topple trees, damage power lines and blow unsecured outdoor objects across properties. The strongest gusts struck Finlands southwestern archipelago first, before moving northwards along the western coastline. In central and northern Ostrobothnia, evening and nighttime hours saw the highest wind readings, particularly in exposed areas near the coast and over open water. Sea traffic was also affected. Several ferry and cruise routes were suspended due to dangerous conditions in the Archipelago Sea and the southern Gulf of Bothnia, where sustained wind speeds were measured above 25 m/s. In Selkameri, wave heights exceeded 7 metres, prompting maritime authorities to warn commercial and leisure vessels to avoid the area. On land, Christmas return traffic coincided with the most severe weather of the storm. Heavy snow fell in northern Finland and along the eastern border during the early morning, with up to 15 cm reported in parts of Lapland and Koillismaa. Driving conditions were described as extremely poor, especially in Kainuu and eastern regions. FMI urged motorists to monitor warning maps before travelling. The low-pressure system at the centre of the storm crossed Lapland by mid-morning, drawing in a cold northerly air mass behind it. By afternoon, snow showers were affecting larger parts of the country, including the west and later central and southern regions. Although temperatures remained slightly above zero in the south, forecasters warned of slippery surfaces where road-level temperatures dropped below freezing. Strong winds combined with snow created whiteout conditions in several regions, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents. In southern and central areas, snow did not accumulate significantly, but dense localised showers caused temporary travel disruption. Foreca meteorologist Joanna Rinne said the most intense winds were likely on Saturday evening and into the early hours of Sunday. On the coast and archipelago, we expect gusts over 30 m/s. Similar peaks are possible inland in western regions, particularly where the ground remains unfrozen, she said in a recorded forecast. By Monday, Arctic air is expected to dominate the countrys weather pattern. Forecasts show temperatures falling as low as 35C in the far north. Even southern coastal cities, including Helsinki and Turku, are forecast to reach 15C or colder by midweek. Meteorologists warn that early January may bring more severe cold if high pressure locks in the Arctic air mass. Some scenarios show temperatures potentially falling to 20C or lower in the south, and approaching 40C in Lapland. Forecasters are also monitoring the risk of a snow accumulation event in southern Finland early next week. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model suggests that a combination of cold air and coastal low pressure systems could bring more than 30 cm of snow to areas including Helsinki, depending on the path of incoming systems. HT The incident occurred after 16:00, when a Swiss International Air Lines Airbus A220-300 carrying about 150 passengers slid off the taxiway following its arrival from Geneva. Around the same time, a smaller business jet operated by Nextant Aerospace with fewer than 10 passengers was also pushed off course by the wind. Two aircraft were involved in separate runway incidents at Kittila Airport in Finnish Lapland on Saturday afternoon. Both planes veered into snowbanks during taxiing due to strong winds. No injuries were reported. Neither aircraft made contact with the other. Lapland Rescue Services described the weather conditions as severe, citing strong crosswinds and poor visibility at the airport. They dispatched ten emergency response units to the scene, and the situation was initially logged as a major aviation incident. The Swiss Air jet, which seats up to 160 passengers and is nearly 40 metres long, had just completed its landing and was taxiing when the incident occurred. The smaller jet, a 400XT model designed for short-haul executive flights, was on the ground at the same time. The aircraft were towed back to position during the evening. Finavia confirmed that the Swiss jet was being removed from the taxiway and that delays to other flights were expected. It was not immediately clear how long operations would be affected. Weather conditions at several northern airports, including Kittila, Rovaniemi and Ivalo, were described as difficult throughout Saturday. Visibility in Kittila was severely limited due to heavy snowfall, and winds measured at the airport reached average speeds of 15 metres per second during the afternoon. The storm, named Hannes, has affected large parts of Finland with strong winds and snow, creating hazardous travel conditions on land and in the air. HT A new automaker in China is revolutionizing the EV industry with the debut of its electric SUV. The automaker, AUDI, a sub-brand of Audi launched in 2024, unveiled the E SUV Concept, reported CarNewsChina.com. AUDI offers high-end luxury electric vehicles available only in China to fulfill Volkswagen's "In China for China" initiative. One of the main goals of the business strategy is to work with Chinese partners to "address software and connectivity issues." The E SUV Concept was presented at the Guangzhou Auto Show and is expected to hit the market in early 2026. Some of the EV's highlights include 800V charging, digital rearview mirrors, and a 109 kWh battery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Driving an EV is a great way to save money on lifetime car maintenance while also reducing your environmental footprint. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, EVs don't require oil changes, fuel system checkups, or timing belt changes, cutting down on the amount you spend on car upkeep. While charging your EV is generally not free, there are ways to significantly reduce the cost. For example, charging your EV at home is cheaper than relying on public Level 2 charging stations, saving you at least $0.04 per kWh, per Qmerit. Compared to public DC fast charging stations, the home charging savings are even greater, at "as little as one-third of the cost." If you're considering installing a Level 2 EV charger in your home, Qmerit offers free estimates to help you compare options. Plus, if your home runs on solar energy, charging your EV at home really is free after the initial solar installation costs. For homeowners interested in going solar, TCD's Solar Explorer can connect you with vetted installers and help you save up to $10,000 on solar installation. EnergySage is one of those partners that simplifies the process and breaks down different incentives in your area. Although the manufacturing of EV batteries has environmental costs, it's nowhere near the pollution levels of fuel sources such as gas. To put this in perspective, mining for EV batteries requires digging up approximately 30 million tons of minerals each year, while 16.5 billion tons of fossil fuel is dug up each year. By switching to an EV, you can not only help accelerate the clean energy transition but also reduce overall pollution. 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. Business / Companies by Staff Reporter KAMATIVI - Kamativi Mining Company (KMC) has taken a major step toward global transparency after formally committing to an independent audit of its lithium operations under the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) Standard, widely regarded as the world's most comprehensive benchmark for responsible largescale mining.The Yahua Groupowned operation recently signed agreements with IRMA and the approved audit firm Resilience Environmental Assurance (REA), paving the way for a detailed assessment of more than 400 environmental, social and governance requirements. IRMA has confirmed the start of the audit through its public notification system.The development comes as Zimbabwe intensifies its push for ethical mineral extraction through the National Responsible Mining Audit Framework, a governmentled initiative designed to ensure that the country's fastgrowing lithium sector does not compromise ecosystems or community rights.Kamativi is now being evaluated against the only global responsiblemining standard created through a multistakeholder process involving mining companies, mineral purchasers, civil society organisations, labour unions and affected communities. By voluntarily entering the IRMA system, the Hwangebased mine is subjecting itself to scrutiny that extends far beyond traditional compliance, covering issues ranging from business integrity and worker safety to water protection, biodiversity management and community engagement.The audit will be conducted in two phases, beginning with a desk review followed by an onsite assessment. During the site visit, auditors will conduct confidential interviews with workers and community members without mine management present, ensuring an accurate reflection of the mine's impact. They will also verify company documentation through direct observation and engagement with those most affected by mining activities.The process is unfolding at a time when Kamativi is rapidly expanding its operations. Phase II of the mine, constructed by China Railway No. 9 Group, recently came online, increasing processing capacity to more than two million tonnes of lithium ore per year. Output is expected to approach half a million tonnes of lithium concentrate annually, positioning Zimbabwe as a rising force in the global batteryminerals market. This growth has heightened the importance of responsiblemining verification for international buyers, particularly in the electricvehicle and technology sectors.Stakeholders, including workers, residents and community organisations, are invited to submit comments or request interviews with the audit team. Once the site visit is complete, auditors will prepare a draft report for review by both IRMA and KMC. The company will then have up to 12 months to implement corrective actions before the final report is published. IRMA will release a public summary and a detailed breakdown of how the mine performed against each requirement, assigning an achievement level visible to global markets.KMC's decision to undergo the audit signals a strong commitment to ethical supply chains at a time when global manufacturers are increasingly selective about the origins of their raw materials. By voluntarily inviting independent scrutiny, the company is positioning itself as a leader in Zimbabwe's extractive sector and demonstrating that responsible mining is not a regulatory burden but a core part of its operational identity.The move also strengthens the mine's social licence in the Hwange District by empowering communities and workers to speak freely about the mine's impact. As Zimbabwe's lithium sector expands, Kamativi's participation in the IRMA system is likely to become a benchmark for future mining investments, setting a new standard for transparency, accountability and communitycentred development. News / National by Simbarashe Sithole BULAWAYO - Two Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officers have been arrested after allegedly stealing a Toyota Hilux that had been impounded as an exhibit at a Bulawayo police camp.Master Genti (39) and Richard Kiri (56) appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Shingirai Mutiro facing a charge of theft of a motor vehicle. They were remanded in custody to 9 January.The State, led by Nkanyezi Xaba, told the court that on 18 December, Kiri was arrested for prospecting for gold without a licence, resulting in his Toyota Hilux (registration AEK 1003) being impounded as an exhibit.On Christmas Eve, Kiri and Genti - both detectives stationed at the Flora and Fauna Unit in Bulawayo - allegedly hatched a plan to steal the vehicle. They reportedly used duplicate keys to start the engine and attempted to reverse the car with the lights switched off.An alert police officer on night duty noticed the vehicle moving and confronted the pair.Genti managed to flee, while Kiri was arrested and detained. Genti was later apprehended on Christmas Day. News / Regional by Simbarashe Sithole BULAWAYO - Three soldiers who allegedly went on a robbery spree while wearing Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) uniforms have been arrested and brought before the Bulawayo Magistrates' Court.Iphithule Mlotshwa (24), Hamlet Mlotshwa (21) and Haulezwe Mlotshwa (25) appeared before magistrate Shingirai Mutiro facing multiple robbery charges.Prosecutor Nkanyezi Xaba told the court that on 24 December, the trio stormed the Claremont mining area in Fort Rixon armed with axes, knives, electric shock devices, handcuffs and torches.They allegedly broke into the bedroom of Qondisani Moyo, assaulted him, handcuffed him and stole US$2 800.The gang then proceeded to the home of Trust Ndlovu, where they reportedly stole a smartphone worth US$100. They also robbed Bukhosi Mkandla of US$350 after entering his bedroom.At Claremont Business Centre, the suspects allegedly attacked Atila Nyathi and took US$1 200.The court heard that they also severely assaulted Press Luphahla after finding him without any valuables.The trio was remanded in custody to 9 January next year. Somalia and the African Union (AU) reacted angrily on Friday after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the northern region of Somaliland as an independent state. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has pushed for international recognition for decades, with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi making it a top priority since taking office last year. Israel announced Friday that it viewed Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state", prompting Somalia to call the decision a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty that would undermine regional peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several other countries condemned Israel's decision. The AU rejected the move and warned that it risked "setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent". Somaliland "remains an integral part" of Somalia, an AU member, said the pan-African body's head Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. The European Union insisted Somalia's sovereignty should be respected. EU foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni said the bloc "reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia pursuant of its constitution, the Charters of the African Union and the United Nations". "This is key for the peace and stability of the entire Horn of Africa region," the spokesman said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The EU encourages meaningful dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to resolve long standing differences," he added. Somalia's al Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab vowed on Saturday to fight any attempt by Israel "to claim or use parts of Somaliland" following its recognition of the breakaway territory. "We will not accept it, and we will fight against it," Al-Shabaab said in a statement. It said Israel's recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state showed it "has decided to expand into parts of the Somali territories" to support "the apostate administration in the northwest regions". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the decision was "in the spirit of the Abraham Accords", referring to a series of agreements brokered by US President Donald Trump in his first term that normalised ties between Israel and several Arab nations. Watch moreBreakaway Somaliland votes as quest for recognition gathers pace Netanyahu had invited Abdullahi to visit, the Israeli leader's office said. Asked by the New York Post newspaper whether the United States planned to also recognise Somaliland, Trump said "no". "Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?" he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hailing Israel's decision as a "historic moment", Abdullahi said in a post on X that it marked the beginning of a "strategic partnership". The Palestinian Authority rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland. It said on X that Israel had previously named Somaliland "as a destination for the forced displacement of our Palestinian people, particularly from the Gaza Strip", and warned against "complicity" with such a move. In Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, crowds of people took to the streets to celebrate, many carrying the flag of the breakaway state, said sources. 'Overt interference' Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, also condemned the move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This initiative by Israel, which aligns with its expansionist policy ... constitutes overt interference in Somalia's domestic affairs", a foreign ministry statement said. Egypt said its top diplomat had spoken with counterparts from Turkey, Somalia and Djibouti, who together condemned the move and emphasised "full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia". In a video showing Netanyahu speaking to Abdullahi by telephone, the Israeli leader said that he believed the new relationship would offer economic opportunities. "I am very, very happy and I am very proud of this day and I want to wish you and the people of Somaliland the very, very best," Netanyahu said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A self-proclaimed republic, Somaliland enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own money, passports and army. But it has been diplomatically isolated since unilaterally declaring independence. Strategic move Israel's regional security interests may lie behind the move. "Israel requires allies in the Red Sea region for many strategic reasons, among them the possibility of a future campaign against the Houthis," said the Institute for National Security Studies in a paper last month, referring to Yemen's Iran-backed rebels. Israel repeatedly hit targets in Yemen after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, in response to Houthi attacks on Israel that the rebels said were in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis have halted their attacks since a fragile truce began in Gaza in October. Somaliland's lack of international recognition has hampered access to foreign loans, aid and investment, and the territory remains deeply impoverished. A deal between landlocked Ethiopia and Somaliland last year to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base enraged Somalia. Israel has been trying to bolster relations with countries in the Middle East and Africa. Historic agreements struck late in Trump's first term in 2020 saw several countries, including the Muslim-majority United Arab Emirates and Morocco, normalise relations with Israel. But wars that have stoked Arab anger, particularly in Gaza, have hampered recent efforts to expand ties further. (FRANCE 24 with AFP) Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has pushed for international recognition for decades, with president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi making it a top priority since taking office last year. Israel announced Friday that it viewed Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state", prompting Somalia to call the decision a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty that would undermine regional peace. Several other countries condemned Israel's decision. The African Union (AU) rejected the move and warned that it risked "setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somaliland "remains an integral part" of Somalia, an AU member, said the pan-African body's head Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the decision was "in the spirit of the Abraham Accords", referring to a series of agreements brokered by US President Donald Trump in his first term that normalised ties between Israel and several Arab nations. Netanyahu had invited Abdullahi to visit, the Israeli leader's office said. Asked by the New York Post newspaper whether the United States planned to also recognise Somaliland, Trump said "no". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?" he added. With a new president, Somaliland seeks international recognition Hailing Israel's decision as a "historic moment", Abdullahi said in a post on X that it marked the beginning of a "strategic partnership". The Palestinian Authority rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland. It said on X that Israel had previously named Somaliland "as a destination for the forced displacement of our Palestinian people, particularly from the Gaza Strip", and warned against "complicity" with such a move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, crowds of people took to the streets to celebrate, many carrying the flag of the breakaway state, said sources. 'Overt interference' Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, also condemned the move. "This initiative by Israel, which aligns with its expansionist policy... constitutes overt interference in Somalia's domestic affairs", a foreign ministry statement said. Egypt said its top diplomat had spoken with counterparts from Turkey, Somalia and Djibouti, who together condemned the move and emphasised "full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video showing Netanyahu speaking to Abdullahi by telephone, the Israeli leader said that he believed the new relationship would offer economic opportunities. "I am very, very happy and I am very proud of this day and I want to wish you and the people of Somaliland the very, very best," Netanyahu said. A self-proclaimed republic, Somaliland enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own money, passports and army. But it has been diplomatically isolated since unilaterally declaring independence. Strategic move Israel's regional security interests may lie behind the move. "Israel requires allies in the Red Sea region for many strategic reasons, among them the possibility of a future campaign against the Houthis," said the Institute for National Security Studies in a paper last month, referring to Yemen's Iran-backed rebels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel repeatedly hit targets in Yemen after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, in response to Houthi attacks on Israel that the rebels said were in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The Houthis have halted their attacks since a fragile truce began in Gaza in October. Somaliland's lack of international recognition has hampered access to foreign loans, aid and investment, and the territory remains deeply impoverished. A deal between landlocked Ethiopia and Somaliland last year to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base enraged Somalia. Israel has been trying to bolster relations with countries in the Middle East and Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historic agreements struck late in Trump's first term in 2020 saw several countries including the Muslim-majority United Arab Emirates and Morocco normalise relations with Israel. But wars that have stoked Arab anger, particularly in Gaza, have hampered recent efforts to expand ties further. (AFP) Dans une declaration qui resonne comme un avertissement et un plan d'action, le president russe Vladimir Poutine a dessine un avenir du travail radicalement transforme par l'intelligence artificielle. Loin de se limiter aux taches manuelles repetitives, l'IA s'appreterait a bouleverser les bastions memes de la creation et de l'analyse intellectuelle. Lors d'une recente reunion du Conseil d'Etat, le chef du Kremlin a lance un message sans equivoque : "La demande va exploser pour certaines specialites et les professionnels les plus qualifies, tandis que lIA remplacera peu a peu les travailleurs en debut de chaine, y compris dans des activites de creation ou danalyse." Une prediction qui balaie l'idee recue d'une technologie cantonnee aux seuls emplois subalternes. Pour Vladimir Poutine, la mutation est double. Si des postes disparaitront, une nouvelle generation d'emplois emergera, exigeant des competences pointues : "une capacite a definir des problemes, a manipuler des donnees, a penser comme un ingenieur et a prendre des responsabilites". Le defi n'est donc pas seulement technologique, mais humain et educatif. Face a cette vague de fond, le president russe a ordonne la mise en place de dispositifs agiles de reconversion professionnelle. "Il faut offrir aux gens une transition professionnelle lisible, leur ouvrir des possibilites de formation et de montee en competences tout au long de leur vie", a-t-il insiste. L'objectif est clair : construire une infrastructure de formation accessible et evolutive, parfaitement synchronisee avec le rythme effrene des avancees scientifiques et technologiques. Cet imperatif de formation continue et d'adaptation devient la pierre angulaire de la strategie russe pour naviguer la quatrieme revolution industrielle. Un appel a l'action qui depasse les frontieres, posant une question cruciale pour tous les pays : comment preparer sa main-d'uvre a cohabiter, et non a rivaliser, avec l'intelligence artificielle ? Intelligence artificielle, Vladimir Poutine, avenir du travail, emplois IA, reconversion professionnelle, formation continue, competences futures, impact IA economie, revolution industrielle, marche du travail, creation intellectuelle IA, analyse donnees, Conseil d'Etat Russie, transition professionnelle, montee en competences. AI: Putin's Stark Prediction on the Future of Work and the Urgency of Reskilling In a statement that serves as both a warning and a call to action, Russian President Vladimir Putin has outlined a future of work radically transformed by artificial intelligence. Far from being confined to repetitive manual tasks, AI is poised to disrupt the very strongholds of creative and intellectual analysis. During a recent meeting of the State Council, the Kremlin leader delivered an unambiguous message: "Demand will explode for certain specialties and the most qualified professionals, while AI will gradually replace entry-level workers, including in creative or analytical activities." A prediction that shatters the misconception of a technology limited to low-skilled jobs. For Vladimir Putin, the shift is twofold. While some jobs will disappear, a new generation of employment will emerge, requiring sharp skills: "an ability to define problems, manipulate data, think like an engineer, and take responsibility." The challenge is therefore not only technological but human and educational. Confronted with this seismic shift, the Russian president has ordered the establishment of agile professional retraining systems. "We must offer people a clear career transition, open up opportunities for lifelong learning and skills upgrading," he emphasized. The goal is clear: to build an accessible and evolving training infrastructure, perfectly synchronized with the breakneck pace of scientific and technological advancements. This imperative for continuous learning and adaptation is becoming the cornerstone of Russia's strategy to navigate the fourth industrial revolution. A call to action that transcends borders, raising a crucial question for all nations: how to prepare one's workforce to coexist, not compete, with artificial intelligence? Artificial intelligence, Vladimir Putin, future of work, AI jobs, career retraining, lifelong learning, future skills, AI economic impact, industrial revolution, labor market, AI creative work, data analysis, Russia State Council, professional transition, skills upgrading. Didier Cebas K.