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Former UFC fighter Godofredo 'Pepey' Castro, 38, was found dead in a Florida jail after an apparent suicide. Castro had been arrested on June 30 for domestic violence charges, including kidnapping and strangulation, after allegedly assaulting his wife. He pleaded not guilty and was awaiting trial. Castro's death has sparked reactions from his former teammates and his wife's attorney, with some expressing concern about the pressures faced by fighters and the seriousness of his death while in custody.

Andrew Kimball, the president of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and a key figure in Mayor Eric Adams' administration, is seeking to retain his position under Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Kimball has the backing of influential business advocacy groups, including the Partnership for New York City, whose CEO, Kathryn Wylde, expressed support for his reappointment. The EDC is crucial in various major economic development projects across the city, such as transforming an abandoned jail barge in Hunts Point, Bronx, into a new marine facility and overseeing the subsidized NYC Ferry service and waterfront development. Despite Kimball's and the Mamdani transition team's refusal to comment, his close ties to Adams and key associates, as well as his previous roles at Industry City and Brooklyn Navy Yard Corporation, highlight his significance in the city's economic development landscape.

Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, has offered harsh criticism to Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of NYC, advising him to step down from office. Giuliani expressed concerns over Mamdani's alleged support for Muslim extremism and his critical views on Israel, labeling him a 'serious security threat to the United States.' Giuliani also criticized Mamdani's association with Imam Suraj Wahhaj, who has been linked to radical ideologies. The former mayor's comments were made in an interview with The Post, where he also questioned Mamdani's ability to lead the city, calling him 'ill-equipped' for the job.

A 15-year-old girl, Amy Chance, was arrested and charged with a felony for attacking a police cruiser with a shovel in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The incident occurred when an officer arrived to investigate a disturbance at her family home. Body cam footage shows Chance striking the vehicle multiple times, and she was subsequently taken into custody without incident. The damage to the patrol car exceeded $1,200, leading to the felony charge. The Port St. Lucie Police Department stated that intentional damage to people or property will result in an arrest, regardless of age. The incident is compared to a similar event in California where a man was fatally shot by a police officer after charging at him with a shovel.

The article discusses Molly McNearney, Jimmy Kimmel's wife, who has strained relationships with her conservative family members due to their differing political views. McNearney, who has become liberal after moving to Los Angeles, has been critical of her relatives who voted for President Trump, even going so far as to send them anti-Trump emails. The article argues that McNearney is narcissistic and believes that her family members should conform to her political beliefs, rather than respecting their differing opinions. The author criticizes McNearney for prioritizing politics over family ties and for being self-absorbed.

Chronic kidney disease has become the ninth leading cause of global death, with cases rising from 378 million to 788 million between 1990 and 2023. The disease is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, and is linked to various risk factors including high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high body mass index (BMI). Researchers analyzed data from 133 countries and published their findings in The Lancet. Experts stress the need for increased awareness, early detection, and access to treatment to combat the growing public health issue.

The New York Yankees' offseason plans are heavily dependent on whether they can re-sign Cody Bellinger. If Bellinger leaves, the Yankees will likely lose out on other top free agents like Kyle Tucker and will have to consider alternative options such as trading for a center fielder or promoting young players like Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones. Bellinger's defensive versatility makes him a valuable asset, but his departure could lead to a more complicated offseason for the Yankees.

Canada has lost its measles elimination status due to a prolonged outbreak, with the US at risk of following suit. The outbreak is primarily spreading in under-vaccinated communities, with over 5,000 measles cases reported in Canada in 2025. The Pan American Health Organization (Paho) has urged Canadian governments and the public to increase vaccinations, noting that 95% of the population needs to be immunized to stop the spread. The US has reported related cases in Utah, Arizona, and South Carolina, and risks losing its measles-free status if the outbreak is not stopped by January.

A Chinese woman, Qian Zhimin, known as the 'Cryptoqueen', is to be sentenced in the UK for money laundering after being found with a £5bn Bitcoin stash. She had fled China after being accused of embezzling funds from thousands of pensioners who invested in her company, Lantian Gerui, which claimed to develop high-tech health products and mine cryptocurrency. Qian lived a lavish lifestyle in London before being caught by the Metropolitan Police, who made one of the largest cryptocurrency seizures in UK history. Investors hope to recover some of their losses from the UK authorities.

The family of Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old Indian national who was murdered in the UK a year ago, is demanding justice and questioning why her killer, husband Pankaj Lamba, has not been caught yet. Harshita's body was found in the boot of a car in London on November 14, 2024, and police believe she was murdered on November 10, 2024, in Corby, Northamptonshire. Pankaj Lamba fled to India and is still on the run. The family is frustrated with the pace of investigations and accuses Northamptonshire Police of being negligent in following up on Harshita's domestic abuse report. Four officers are being investigated over their handling of the case. The family believes Pankaj Lamba is being shielded by Indian police and is demanding action from both the UK and Indian governments.

Iran, particularly its capital Tehran, is experiencing an unprecedented drought with record-low rainfall and nearly empty reservoirs. Officials are urging citizens to conserve water as the crisis deepens, with President Masoud Pezeshkian warning of potential water rationing and even evacuation if there's no significant rainfall soon. The situation is dire, with dams holding less than 10% of their capacity, and the government is considering penalizing excessive water consumption. The crisis extends beyond Tehran, with other provinces also facing severe drought conditions. Iran's water crisis has been decades in the making, with little change despite warnings from leaders like Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

A Malian TikToker, Mariam Cissé, with over 100,000 followers, was seized and killed execution-style by suspected jihadists after posting pro-army content on her TikTok account. The killing has shocked the nation, which has been battling a jihadist insurgency since 2012. The crisis has worsened with a fuel blockade imposed by jihadist groups on the capital, disrupting daily life. The African Union has expressed 'deep concern' over the situation and is ready to support Mali during this challenging period. The government has suspended schools and universities due to the crisis, and the French foreign ministry has advised its citizens to leave the country.

The article discusses the challenges faced by Johannesburg's city centre ahead of the G20 summit. Many buildings are derelict, plagued by rubbish and open sewage, and some have been taken over by criminal gangs. Residents live without basic amenities like running water and electricity, and the city council is struggling to improve the situation. The article highlights the complexities of addressing the issue, including the need to provide alternative accommodation for residents and the presence of corruption.

Pop Mart's stock surged over 270% this year due to the popularity of its Labubu dolls, but analysts at Bernstein have issued a cautious note, warning that the company's reliance on trend-driven collectibles makes it prone to sharp swings in demand. Bernstein has pegged an 'underperform' rating on the stock with a target price of 225 Hong Kong dollars. The company's shares have plunged nearly 30% since their peak in August amid concerns about sustaining demand. While some analysts remain optimistic about Pop Mart's IP portfolio and its potential to rival top players like Lego and Sanrio, others have raised concerns about the company's ability to create new characters of similar blockbuster status and sustain them. The recent decline in secondary-market prices for Labubu collectibles has also raised concerns about IP fatigue.

SoftBank is continuing its push into artificial intelligence (AI) with significant investments and acquisitions, despite recent market concerns about an AI bubble. The company's Vision Fund posted a $19 billion gain in the fiscal second quarter, driven by investments in OpenAI and PayPay. SoftBank's AI revenues reached new highs with 93% annualized growth. The company announced a four-for-one stock split to make its shares more accessible to investors. Despite a recent slump in its stock price, SoftBank's shares are up over 140% this year.

SoftBank has sold its entire stake in Nvidia for $5.83 billion, according to its earnings statement. The Japanese giant sold 32.1 million shares of Nvidia in October. Additionally, SoftBank sold part of its stake in T-Mobile for $9.17 billion. The company's investments in OpenAI and PayPay contributed to a $19 billion gain on its Vision Fund in the fiscal second quarter.

Sony Group Corp. reported a stronger-than-expected rise in second-quarter operating profit, driven by its music and imaging divisions. The company's operating profit climbed 10% from a year earlier to 429 billion yen, exceeding analyst expectations. Sony raised its full-year outlook, expecting operating profit to climb by 100 billion yen, or 8% from its previous forecast. The company's imaging business reached an operating profit of 138.3 billion yen, up nearly 50% from last year, while its music business increased 27.65% year over year to 115.4 billion yen. Sony's game and network services division reported strong sales, but saw profits fall 13.26%. The company's shares jumped more than 6% after the earnings release.

Tesla shareholders approved CEO Elon Musk's record $1 trillion pay package, but with less support than his 2018 pay plan. About 66.9% of shares voted in favor, excluding insider holdings, compared to 73% in 2018. The package includes 12 tranches of shares tied to Tesla's market capitalization and operational milestones. Despite a tumultuous period for Tesla and Musk, the vote represents 'broad support' for him among shareholders.

The U.S. and Switzerland are nearing a trade deal to reduce the 39% tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Swiss exports. The tariffs, which were introduced in August, have been met with dismay from Swiss business leaders, who claim they are damaging their businesses. The proposed deal could lower the tariffs to 15%, matching the rate imposed on EU exports to the U.S. Key Swiss exports affected include watches, jewelry, machinery, chocolate, and pharmaceutical products. Swiss firms like Swatch Group and Richemont saw their shares rise on the news. The U.S. goods trade deficit with Switzerland was $38.5 billion last year, although the Swiss government disputes this characterization, stating that the trade relationship is relatively balanced.

The government shutdown is affecting military base teachers and staff overseas, with many not receiving pay. Donna Irwin, a substitute teacher at a naval base in Italy, shares her experience of the impact on morale and daily life. The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) operates schools in 11 countries and is committed to providing education despite the shutdown. Teachers are struggling to make ends meet, with some paying out of pocket for student supplies. The situation is causing stress and worry for both teachers and students.

Iran's plot to assassinate Israel's ambassador to Mexico was thwarted, according to officials. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was allegedly behind the plot, which was neutralized with the help of Mexican security services. This incident is part of a larger pattern of Iran's global lethal targeting of diplomats, journalists, and dissidents.

Iran is facing its worst drought in decades, leading to fears of evacuations in Tehran and potential instability for the regime. Kaveh Madani, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, warns that Iran's 'water bankruptcy' will weaken its position globally and impact its nuclear ambitions. The country's major dams are running dry, and the government has announced water supply cuts and urged citizens to reduce consumption. Madani cautions that the crisis could spark wider unrest and threaten the country's energy and nuclear infrastructure.

A 101-year-old Holocaust survivor, Walter Bingham, has warned that the current rise in antisemitism is reminiscent of the atmosphere in Nazi Germany in 1938, on the eve of Kristallnacht. Bingham, who survived Kristallnacht as a 14-year-old, expressed concern that the current climate of antisemitism is similar to that of pre-war Germany, but noted that the existence of a strong State of Israel today makes a repeat of the Holocaust unlikely. The article highlights recent incidents of antisemitism around the world, including a deadly terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester and an arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne, Australia. The Anti-Defamation League reported a 5% increase in antisemitic incidents in the US in 2024 compared to the previous year, and a 344% increase over the past five years.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has offered to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio face-to-face amid escalating tensions over Ukraine. Lavrov expressed the need for regular communication to discuss the Ukrainian issue and promote bilateral relations. The diplomatic move comes after a recent Russian nuclear-powered underwater torpedo test, which raised tensions, and the cancellation of a planned summit between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin. Lavrov reiterated Russia's conditions for ending the war, including recognition of Russia's territorial integrity and the status of Crimea, Donbas, and Novorossiya. The Kremlin denied rumors that Lavrov had fallen out of favor after he missed a major Kremlin meeting.

The article discusses President Donald Trump's warning to Nigeria regarding the killing of Christians in the country. Nigerian Christians have welcomed Trump's pressure on the Abuja government to bring an end to the violence, but some have expressed concerns about potential U.S. military intervention. The article highlights the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt region, where radicalized Muslim Fulani nomadic tribesmen have mounted repeated attacks on Christian communities. Trump's designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and his threat to stop aid and impose sanctions have been seen as a positive step by many Nigerian Christians.

China is preparing to bring home three astronauts stranded on the Tiangong space station after their return vessel, Shenzhou-20, was damaged by debris. The China Manned Space Engineering (CMSE) office has activated 'emergency plans' and is preparing Shenzhou-22, originally built for the next crew rotation, to retrieve the astronauts. Shenzhou-20 is expected to return to Earth empty due to the risk of re-entry with the damage it sustained.

The first government-held Legislative Council election forum was held in Hong Kong, featuring five candidates discussing livelihood issues such as education, health, and the economy. The candidates stuck to their agendas and avoided direct questioning, with Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai praising the orderly and 'vibrant' atmosphere. The forum was the first of 39 to be held ahead of the December 7 poll.

China has introduced new measures to encourage private investment in major infrastructure projects, including rail, nuclear power, and hydropower. The 13-point document released by China's State Council aims to reduce investment restrictions and bolster the private economy. The measures include evaluating the feasibility of attracting private investment for projects expected to generate positive financial returns and encouraging private capital participation in local urban infrastructure projects. This move is part of Beijing's efforts to revitalize the private sector, a key driver of job creation and growth in the Chinese economy.

The Chinese government has eased export restrictions on Nexperia, a chip company, allowing shipments to flow to Europe again. German auto suppliers have reported receiving the first shipments, easing pressure on the European car industry. However, supply chain risks remain as a final deal on Nexperia's fate has yet to be agreed upon between Beijing and The Hague. The dispute began when the Dutch government seized control of Nexperia from its Chinese owners, prompting Beijing to impose export restrictions.

The Simandou mine in Guinea is set to start shipping iron ore, but the project is facing challenges due to geopolitical tensions. The Guinean government rejected a shipment of 18 Chinese-built locomotives, citing a co-development agreement that requires locomotives to come from the US. The project, valued at $20 billion, is expected to significantly impact global iron ore supply and pricing. The mine's high-grade iron ore is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in steelmaking, with most of it going to China.

Taiwan's military is facing a severe manpower crisis as the number of volunteers continues to decline, raising concerns about the armed forces' combat readiness. Despite a record defence budget of NT$949.5 billion (US$29.2 billion) for 2026, the personnel fill rate has dropped to 75.6% by June, the lowest in recent years. The Legislative Yuan's Budget Centre has warned that advanced weaponry can only be effective when operated by well-trained personnel, highlighting the need for sufficient manpower. The crisis is attributed to the growing strength of mainland China's military and US lobbying for increased defence spending.

The BBC's Director-General, Tim Davie, and the head of news, Deborah Turness, have resigned following criticism over the editing of a speech by former US President Donald Trump in a BBC documentary. The editing was deemed misleading as it omitted a section where Trump urged his supporters to demonstrate peacefully. The controversy led to accusations of bias and corruption against the BBC, which Davie and Turness denied. Both executives took responsibility for the mistakes made and emphasized the BBC's commitment to impartial journalism.

A centuries-old shipwreck has resurfaced on a beach in Vietnam after Typhoon Kalmaegi caused severe coastal erosion. The 57-foot vessel, believed to have been built between the 14th and 16th centuries, was initially discovered in 2023 but was resubmerged before authorities could reclaim it. Experts say the shipwreck could be historically significant and provide valuable insights into Hoi An's role in regional trade during that period. The wreck is at risk of deterioration and requires immediate conservation actions. The typhoon that exposed the wreck has caused significant damage and loss of life in the region, with at least 188 people killed in the Philippines and five in Vietnam.

Malaysian rapper Namewee has been remanded in custody as part of a murder investigation into the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh, who was found dead in a Kuala Lumpur hotel bathtub. Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, had been the last person with Hsieh before she died and had contacted emergency services after finding her unresponsive. Police found pills believed to be ecstasy in the hotel room and Namewee tested positive for several illicit substances. He has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to drug charges.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore was interviewed on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' about the impact of a government shutdown on his state, particularly regarding food aid and healthcare. Moore expressed frustration with the lack of clarity from the federal government on funding for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and criticized the Trump administration for creating chaos and prioritizing other expenditures over supporting the American people. He announced that Maryland has allocated $62 million to ensure SNAP continues uninterrupted and has taken other measures to support affected residents. Moore also discussed the potential for midterm redistricting in Maryland, emphasizing the need for fair and representative maps through a bipartisan commission.

The UK is sending anti-drone troops to Belgium after a series of unidentified drone sightings near airports and military bases, amid warnings of Russian 'hybrid warfare'. The incidents have forced the temporary closure of Belgium's main international airport and a major cargo airport. While no one has been accused, the UK and Belgium are working together to counter the rogue drone activity. The incidents are part of a larger trend of airspace violations by mysterious aircraft in several European countries, with some NATO allies blaming Russia.

Venezuela is experiencing a resurgence of high inflation amid rising tensions with the US, with the bolivar depreciating around 70% against the US dollar in three months. The inflation rate is estimated to be between 20-30% monthly, and the IMF projects an annual inflation rate of 254% by the end of 2025 and 600% by October 2026. The economic crisis is attributed to various factors, including US sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector, the government's response to the crisis, and the impact of the US military presence on the Venezuelan economy. Venezuelans are struggling to cope with the rising prices, and the government's efforts to control the black market for US dollars have been ineffective.

The Israeli parliament has advanced two controversial bills, one expanding the use of the death penalty for convicted 'terrorists' and individuals found guilty of nationalistically motivated murder, and another allowing the government to shut down foreign media outlets without a court order. The death penalty bill, championed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, passed its first reading by 39 votes to 16. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had initially opposed the bill but later reversed his stance following a fragile ceasefire. The foreign media bill seeks to formalize the 'Al Jazeera Law,' which allowed the government to shutter Al Jazeera's operations in Israel in 2024. Both bills have been met with criticism from human rights organizations and the UN.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the posthumous naming of Suharto, Indonesia's former dictator, as a national hero. Suharto's regime was marked by human rights abuses, massacres, and corruption, but he is also credited with economic growth and stability. The decision to honor him was made by President Prabowo Subianto, Suharto's former son-in-law, despite widespread criticism from human rights groups and victims' families. The move has sparked protests and concerns about the erosion of democratic gains made since Suharto's rule.

Thailand has halted progress on a peace agreement with Cambodia, signed last month and overseen by US President Donald Trump, after a landmine explosion injured four Thai soldiers on the border. The incident has led to a major U-turn by Thailand, with its Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stating that 'everything must stop' until Cambodia demonstrates it will not be 'hostile'. The peace declaration, signed in Malaysia, included commitments to withdraw heavy weapons, de-mining efforts, and de-escalate tensions. Cambodia has denied allegations of laying fresh landmines, and remains committed to implementing the peace accord. The development calls into question the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war scheduled under the declaration.

A 'volnado,' a rare phenomenon characterized by a tornado-like swirl of dust and ash, was observed near Hawaii's Kilauea volcano during a recent eruption. The eruption, which occurred on Sunday, shot lava over 1,000 feet into the air. The 'volnado' was caused by the contrast between the heated air near the lava and the cooler ambient air. The article discusses this unusual event and provides a video showing the eruption and the 'volnado.'

A British High Court ruling has determined that Stability AI, a technology company, is not liable for copyright infringement despite training its image generator with content from Getty Images. The case is an early British attempt to address questions about whether AI firms should be allowed to train their systems using copyrighted materials generated by people. The ruling has disappointed artists who had hoped for a different verdict. The government may need to intervene to clarify the law on this matter.

The article discusses how President Donald Trump can circumvent a potential Supreme Court block on his tariff policies by utilizing backup powers. It highlights that despite the long-standing trade deficits since the 1970s, Trump declared it a national emergency much later. The article suggests that Trump's actions are not necessarily constrained by a Supreme Court ruling due to existing backup powers.

The article discusses the resignation of Tim Davie, the Director-General of the BBC, following controversy over a documentary about President Donald Trump. Davie admitted to mistakes in the documentary and quit along with the head of news, Deborah Turness. The BBC has a history of being both widely watched and criticized, with its directors-general often being dismissed amid controversy. The article highlights the challenges faced by the BBC in balancing its mission to inform, educate, and entertain with the scrutiny it faces from the public and politicians.

The article discusses the potential negative effects of universal child care on children, highlighting its growing popularity in America as a concern. It notes that high child care costs can push families to have fewer children and keep women out of the labor force. The article suggests that while child care is often seen as a solution to help working parents, it can have unintended consequences on children's well-being.

The Kennan Institute, a renowned research center on Russia and its surrounding region, was dismantled by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) but has been reborn as an independent nonprofit organization. The institute, founded in 1974, retained its mission to provide research and analysis on the region despite being restructured. The Kennan Institute has regained its collection of tens of thousands of books and memorabilia, including a mounted wild boar head given to Henry Kissinger by Leonid Brezhnev. The institute plans to take a more public-facing role and may partner with a university to make its library more accessible.

The US Supreme Court denied a request to revisit the 2015 decision establishing same-sex marriage as a national right, bringing relief to gay Americans but prompting conservative groups to pledge new challenges. The decision was seen as a victory for same-sex marriage advocates, but also a reminder that the right to marry cannot be taken for granted. The number of married same-sex couples in the US has doubled in the last decade to 774,000. Conservative lawmakers and groups remain opposed to same-sex marriage, with some introducing resolutions to urge the Supreme Court to overturn the decision.

Tatsuya Nakadai, a renowned Japanese actor known for his work with directors like Akira Kurosawa, has died at 92. With a career spanning seven decades, Nakadai appeared in over 100 films, including classics like 'Ran' and 'The Human Condition' trilogy. He often worked alongside Toshiro Mifune, another famous Japanese actor, in films like 'Yojimbo' and 'Sanjuro'. Nakadai's performances were characterized by their intensity and nuance, and he was praised for his ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions.

President Trump pardoned Robert Harshbarger Jr., the husband of Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), who was convicted of healthcare fraud and distributing misbranded drugs. The pardon was part of a series of clemency grants to allies and was not publicly announced by the White House. Harshbarger Jr. had pleaded guilty in 2013 to selling Chinese kidney medications not approved by the FDA, resulting in over $845,000 in false claims to Medicare and Medicaid. Representative Harshbarger had denied involvement with her husband's company during her 2020 congressional campaign. The pardon was defended by a White House official, who claimed it was not due to Harshbarger's affiliation with the congresswoman.

Canada has lost its measles elimination status due to ongoing outbreaks and declining childhood vaccination rates. The country has recorded 5,138 measles cases and two deaths this year. International health experts from the Pan American Health Organization made the determination after analyzing data showing the virus has spread continuously for over a year. Canada's vaccination rate has slipped below the 95% coverage rate needed to prevent outbreaks. Health officials are working to improve vaccination coverage and provide evidence-based guidance.

The President of Nauru, David Adeang, made an unannounced visit to Australian Parliament to meet with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong. The visit comes amid reports of alleged links between Nauruan security contracts and an Australian bikie gang. Meanwhile, Australia quietly deported another man to Nauru as part of a $2.5 billion deal to accept members of the NZYQ cohort. The deal has been criticized for its lack of transparency and concerns over Nauru's history of corrupt deals. The deported individuals include some who have served jail terms for violent crimes and others who have never been convicted or have minor historical convictions.

The US has sent $7.5m to Equatorial Guinea to accept non-citizen deportees, raising concerns over human rights abuses. The payment is part of the Trump administration's contentious third-country deportation push, which has alarmed human rights monitors. Equatorial Guinea is one of the world's most repressive and corrupt regimes, with its president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, accused of embezzling millions of dollars. The deal has been criticized by congressional Democrats, who question the use of funds meant for refugee crises to facilitate deportations.

The article reports on the violent reprisals faced by whistleblowers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who exposed profiteering in the protected Mangrove Marine park. Conservation worker Kim Rebholz was hired to safeguard the park but discovered large-scale palm oil plantations and illegal logging and oil ports owned by companies linked to former president Joseph Kabila. After Rebholz demanded an investigation, he and his family were violently attacked, with his wife being raped. The article highlights a culture of impunity and corruption in the DRC, with those in power using violence to silence critics. The US government has subsequently sanctioned individuals implicated in the scandal.

Madagascar's new president, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has denied that his rise to power was a coup after his military unit joined Gen Z protesters. The protesters had been demonstrating against the former president, Andry Rajoelina, who has since fled the country. Randrianirina was sworn in as president last month and has promised elections in 18-24 months after a 'refoundation and recovery' process. Gen Z organisers are cautiously optimistic about the new leadership, but observers are concerned that the president may become another strongman. The article highlights the role of Gen Z protesters in bringing about change in Madagascar and across Africa.

Atletico Madrid, a Spanish soccer giant, is set to come under American ownership as Apollo Sports Capital will become the club's majority shareholder early next year. The deal, announced on Monday, does not disclose financial details. Chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil and president Enrique Cerezo will remain in their positions to ensure continuity of vision and leadership. Apollo Sports Capital has invested in other sports ventures, including the Madrid Open and Miami Open tennis tournaments, and plans to invest additional capital in Atletico Madrid's teams and infrastructure projects.

As COP30 opens in Belem, Brazil, residents of the urban Amazon community of Vila da Barca face extreme heat and poor living conditions, highlighting the need for climate action and infrastructure investment. Despite being surrounded by lush rainforest, Belem is one of Brazil's least tree-lined cities, with over half the population living in favelas. Residents have struggled with poverty, lack of basic sanitation, and heatwaves, but saw some improvements ahead of COP30, including a sewage system and reliable water supply. Community leaders are calling for more investment to protect vulnerable territories and address the climate crisis.

The article discusses how Georgia, a small former Soviet republic, has moved closer to Russia and further from its goal of EU membership after the ruling party won parliamentary elections just over a year ago. The country's opposition has been jailed, and parties have been banned, raising concerns about the erosion of democracy.