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The article discusses how Europe is cracking down on Russian tourists, a move that is seen as both necessary and alarming. Historically, Russians have traveled to Europe for enlightenment, as exemplified by Peter the Great's journey in 1697. The article suggests that while the current crackdown may be necessary due to geopolitical tensions, it also risks undermining the cultural exchange that has been a hallmark of European-Russian relations for centuries. The article touches on the complexities of Russia's relationship with Europe and the challenges of balancing security concerns with the need for cultural exchange.

The article highlights the story of Maryna Zhegulina, a beautician who risks her life to provide beauty services to Ukrainian soldiers on the front line. Despite the dangers, she travels from Zaporizhia to Kramatorsk, bringing beauty products and services to those in need. The article showcases the importance of maintaining humanity in the midst of war and destruction.

The article reflects on the 50th anniversary of Francisco Franco's death, marking a significant milestone in Spain's transition to democracy. The country has made substantial progress since then, transforming into a far better place. However, new challenges risk undermining its success. The article highlights the experiences of Nicolás Sartorius, a former prisoner who was incarcerated during Franco's regime, and notes that while Spain has come a long way, it still faces various problems.

The Italian mafia is using social media platforms like TikTok to recruit new members, particularly young people, by adopting the role of social media influencers. A report by the Fondazione Magna Grecia found that the traditional mafia professions are being replaced by a less risky occupation: social media influencer. The mafia is leveraging social media to attract new blood, with many young people stepping out of the shadows and into the limelight.

The article is not accessible due to a security verification page. However, based on the title 'Americas plans for a golden dome are dangerously obscure', it appears to be a leader article from The Economist discussing a significant and potentially obscure plan related to the United States, possibly related to infrastructure, economy, or politics. The actual content is not available for analysis.

The article discusses the growing concern of libellous chatbots and the potential legal headaches they may cause for their developers. It highlights a recent case where Google's AI chatbot, Gemma, made a false and damaging statement about US Senator Marsha Blackburn, accusing her of being involved in a non-consensual relationship with a state trooper. The article notes that companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI are increasingly being sued for defamation due to the actions of their chatbots. As AI technology advances, the risk of chatbots spreading false information and causing harm to individuals and organizations grows, posing significant legal challenges for their developers.

Russia's government is cracking down on its own war propagandists, known as 'Z-bloggers', who have been critical of the army's performance in Ukraine. Several prominent bloggers have been labeled as 'foreign agents' or terrorists, and some have been detained by police. This move marks a shift in the government's approach, as it turns its repressive machinery inward to silence its own supporters who have become too critical.

Target, an American retailer, has introduced a new customer interaction policy called the '10-4 rule' to improve customer experience in its stores. The policy requires employees to smile and make eye contact when a customer is within 10 feet, and to personally greet the customer when they are within 4 feet. The article discusses whether this new policy is effective or not, and compares it to other business strategies.

A new working paper by Emily Nix, an economist at the University of Southern California, examines the dynamics of workplace romances, particularly those between employees and their bosses. The research suggests that breakups in such relationships can lead to significant wage penalties. The article uses the example of a Netflix reality show, 'Selling Sunset', to illustrate the potential consequences of office romances, where a romantic relationship with the boss allegedly earned one woman a lucrative listing, sparking office envy. The study's findings highlight the potential risks and consequences of dating one's boss, including the impact on career advancement and workplace dynamics.

The article discusses the economic situation in Taiwan, highlighting its impressive export performance and significant current-account surplus. However, it argues that Taiwan's weak-currency policy has negatively impacted consumers and accumulated financial risks. The article suggests that it is time for Taiwan to reconsider its currency policy to allow for a more balanced economic growth.

The article argues that the FBI failed to properly investigate Thomas Crooks, the would-be assassin of President Trump, before he attempted to shoot him at a rally in Butler, Pa. last year. The author claims that the FBI either missed or failed to make public significant information about Crooks' online presence, including his social media profiles, which contained alarming and violent posts. The article demands a fresh investigation into Crooks, his possible co-conspirators, and the FBI officials who mishandled the initial probe. The author also criticizes the FBI's decline and its current leadership for not doing enough to rectify the situation.

The article criticizes a new affordable housing law passed in Connecticut, arguing that it is a 'socialist wishlist' that will lead to the loss of local control and character in towns across the state. The law requires towns to achieve 'economic diversity' by housing a certain percentage of low-income residents, and eliminates parking requirements for many buildings. The author, Betsy McCaughey, a former lieutenant governor of New York, argues that this will lead to increased crime, disorder, and property taxes, and that it is a misguided approach to addressing the affordable housing crisis. The law was passed by the Democratic supermajority in the state legislature, despite Republican opposition, and is expected to be signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont.

The article discusses Bill Ackman's dating advice, which was met with mockery on social media. Ackman suggested using the pick-up line 'May I meet you?' to initiate conversations with women. The New York Post investigated to find out which pick-up lines are effective and which are not. They gathered various responses from people who shared their experiences with different conversation starters, ranging from cheesy but effective lines to creepy or awkward ones. The article highlights that while Ackman's advice was ridiculed, there are worse pick-up lines that people have encountered.

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo got into a physical altercation with WWE's Judgment Day faction during John Cena's final 'Monday Night Raw' appearance at Madison Square Garden. Skattebo, who is injured, confronted Dominik Mysterio after he taunted comedian Andrew Schultz, sparking a brawl involving other Giants players and WWE stars. The incident marked the second time an injured Giant was involved in a questionable situation, following Malik Nabers being escorted to a concert while in concussion protocol last season.

A senior conservative legal scholar, Robert P. George, has resigned from the Heritage Foundation's board in protest of the think tank's president, Kevin Roberts, defending Tucker Carlson's interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes. George's resignation is the latest in a series of defections from the organization, with at least seven other staffers, fellows, and task-force members severing ties. The controversy began when a leaked video showed Roberts standing behind Carlson after his podcast appearance with Fuentes, and later defending the interview. Roberts apologized for some of his comments but refused to fully retract his statements, leading to George's resignation. The incident has sparked an internal crisis for the Heritage Foundation, with employees questioning Roberts' leadership and the organization's reputation being damaged.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul's endorsement of Zohran Mamdani has backfired as his supporters now threaten to oust her if she doesn't support his tax hike agenda. Mamdani wants to increase the state corporate tax rate from 7.25% to 11.5%, which would push the total tax rate for NYC companies to nearly 23%. Hochul is caught between appeasing the hard left and sticking to her re-election 'affordability' agenda. The article argues that Hochul should resist Mamdani's demands as the tax hike would be disastrous for New York businesses and instead stick to representing the sane center of New York state.

Oscar-nominated actress Diane Ladd died on November 3, 2025, at 89 due to acute chronic hypoxic respiratory failure. Her death certificate revealed she had interstitial lung disease and esophageal dysmotility. Ladd was the mother of Laura Dern and had a six-decade acting career with three Oscar nominations. Laura Dern announced her mother's death, praising her as an 'amazing hero' and 'profound gift.' Bruce Dern, Ladd's ex-husband, also paid tribute, remembering her as a 'tremendous actress' and 'wonderful mother.'

Ryan Lizza, a political journalist and former Politico reporter, has accused his ex-fiancée Olivia Nuzzi of cheating on him with Mark Sanford, a former South Carolina Governor and 2020 GOP presidential candidate, in a newsletter post titled 'Part 1: How I Found Out'. Lizza claims he discovered a secret love letter on hotel stationery that proved Nuzzi's alleged physical relationship with Sanford. Nuzzi had been covering Sanford's presidential campaign and the two had signed a contract to write a book on the presidential race together. Lizza also alleged that Nuzzi had previously been involved with MSNBC's former host Keith Olbermann and had a 'sexting' affair with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. while covering his presidential campaign. Nuzzi's relationship with Lizza ended after her affair with Kennedy was revealed, and she is now set to release a memoir about their relationship.

The Dallas Cowboys benched receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens for the first drive of their 33-16 win over the Raiders, citing a coach's decision. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer stated that the pair had 'a couple things missed' leading up to the game, but did not elaborate. The benching was not injury-related, according to a team spokesperson. Lamb and Pickens were back on the field for the second series and went on to have a successful game, with Pickens leading the team with nine catches and 144 yards, and Lamb having five catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. The Cowboys played with heavy hearts in their first game since teammate Marshawn Kneeland took his own life on Nov. 6.

A convicted Australian murderer, Andre McKechnie, is suing the Victoria Department of Justice and Corrections to overturn a ban on prisoners consuming Vegemite in jails, arguing it denies him the right to enjoy his culture. The ban, in place since 2006, is justified by authorities as preventing inmates from disguising contraband or brewing alcohol. McKechnie's lawsuit also claims the prison food is inadequate for his wellbeing. The case is set for trial next year.

Canada's parliament has narrowly approved Prime Minister Mark Carney's first federal budget, with 170 votes in favor and 168 against. The budget projects a deficit of C$78 billion and includes C$140 billion in new spending over the next five years to boost Canada's economy. The Liberal government, which is two seats short of a majority, relied on opposition MPs, including Green Party leader Elizabeth May, to pass the budget. The Conservative Party and Bloc Québécois voted against the budget, criticizing it for failing to address affordability concerns. The budget includes measures to support businesses affected by US tariffs and aims to double Canadian exports to non-US markets. However, it also proposes cutting the federal workforce by 10%, which has drawn criticism from public sector employees.

The French government is investigating Vinted, a second-hand clothing platform, over allegations that some user accounts were directing visitors to pornographic content. France's Children's Rights Commissioner, Sarah El-Haïry, has asked the watchdog Arcom to examine the allegations. Vinted, which has 23 million users in France and lacks an age-verification procedure, has stated that it has a 'zero-tolerance policy' regarding unsolicited communications of a sexual nature. The investigation is part of a broader crackdown by French authorities on e-commerce platforms that allow illicit content or products to be shared or sold online. Other platforms, including Shein, AliExpress, Temu, and Wish, are also being investigated for similar offenses.

A US federal judge has ruled that 'investigative missteps' and 'government misconduct' may have tainted the case against former FBI director James Comey, who was charged with making false statements and obstruction of justice. The judge ordered the justice department to release grand jury materials to Comey's defense team, citing 'unique circumstances' that necessitate the release to 'fully protect the rights of the accused.' The justice department has appealed the order. Comey was charged after Donald Trump called for his prosecution and appointed a new federal prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, who secured an indictment three days later. Comey's defense team has questioned the legality of Halligan's appointment and the indictment process.

The article discusses Arden Cho, the voice actress of Rumi in the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters, and how her life experiences mirrored those of her character. Cho, a Korean-American actress, shares her struggles with identity and acceptance as a child of Korean immigrant parents in Texas. The film's success, topping Netflix charts in 93 countries, has made Cho a role model for Asian-American children. Cho discusses the challenges faced by Asian-led projects, the impact of K-Pop on Korean culture, and her hopes for the film's message of hope and unity.

The Louvre museum in Paris has closed one of its galleries, the Campana Gallery, due to structural weaknesses. The closure comes after a recent high-profile heist in which jewels worth €88m were stolen. The museum has faced criticism for prioritizing spending on new artworks and exhibitions over basic upkeep and security. Four people have been arrested in connection with the theft, but the stolen jewels have not been recovered. The incident has led to increased security measures around France's cultural institutions.

Tom Cruise, a renowned actor known for his roles in Top Gun and Mission: Impossible, received his first-ever Oscar statuette at the annual Governors Awards in Hollywood. Cruise, 63, was awarded an honorary Oscar for his 'incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community.' In his acceptance speech, Cruise emphasized the significance of cinema, stating that 'making films is not what I do, it is who I am.' He paid tribute to filmmakers and highlighted the power of movies to bring people together and expand one's perspective. Cruise has been a long-time advocate for cinema and has performed many of his own stunts throughout his 45-year career.

Ant Group has launched LingGuang, a multimodal AI assistant that can create simple apps in 30 seconds based on natural language prompts. The AI assistant can generate various outputs, including 3D models, audio clips, and interactive maps. LingGuang is available for download on iOS and Android app stores and is designed to simplify complex topics and provide various services such as trip planning and personal finance management. This move is part of the intensifying competition among China's Big Tech firms to attract consumers with AI-powered apps.

China is showcasing its latest drones and fighter jets at the Dubai Air Show, a major event in the Middle East. The China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (Catic) is displaying a full-scale model of the Wing Loong-X unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), as well as scale models of the J-10CE and J-35A fighter jets. The Wing Loong-X is an export variant of a medium-altitude, long-endurance drone designed for multi-role functionality, including maritime escort and anti-submarine warfare. The drone has been in demand among Middle East customers due to its capabilities, including launching air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, as well as anti-ship capabilities. This is the first time a full-scale model of the Wing Loong-X has been showcased outside of China.

Chinese scientists have developed a new catalyst that can efficiently convert coal-derived syngas into building blocks for plastics and synthetic rubber, potentially reducing the need for petroleum. The iron-based nanoparticle catalyst couples two reactions to produce olefins, which are key components in the production of various chemicals and materials. This breakthrough is seen as a significant advancement in enhancing hydrogen atom economy for syngas conversion.

A series of high-profile electric vehicle (EV) fires in China has sparked a public debate about the safety of the batteries used in these vehicles. Incidents include a Xiaomi EV bursting into flames after a high-speed crash in Chengdu, a Li Auto car catching fire on a bumpy road in Shanghai, and a BYD car catching fire in an indoor garage in Hong Kong. These incidents have raised concerns among consumers and prompted a wider discussion about the potential risks associated with EVs. The affected companies, Xiaomi, Li Auto, and BYD, have been asked for comment.

Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino woman who was on death row in Indonesia for heroin smuggling, was repatriated to the Philippines last December after being spared execution. However, she remains in prison in the Philippines despite facing no criminal charges under local law. Her lawyers have filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus with the Philippine Supreme Court, seeking to explain why she is still being detained. The case has drawn international attention and raised questions about the Philippines' protection of its citizens overseas, particularly those who are victims of human trafficking. Veloso has maintained her innocence, claiming she was deceived by recruiters who promised her a job abroad. Advocates argue that she is a victim of human trafficking and that her detention is a failure of the legal and political systems.

The US and Thailand are engaged in trade negotiations, but Thailand's insistence on keeping tariff talks separate from border disputes with Cambodia has been met with skepticism. US President Donald Trump has a personal stake in the ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia, which he helped broker, and is using trade leverage to protect it. Analysts say it is 'highly improbable' that trade and border issues can be kept separate, given Trump's foreign-policy logic. The US Trade Representative's office has reportedly suspended negotiations until Thailand reaffirms its commitment to the truce.

Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace, a sexual assault survivor, has met with Epstein survivors and expressed her support for releasing Epstein files, stating 'This is us getting our justice' ahead of a House vote. Mace spoke to CNN's Erin Burnett about standing with Epstein victims and the upcoming vote.

The Hong Kong soccer team, ranked 148th in the world, has been drawing large crowds of nearly 50,000 people to their matches at the new Kai Tak Sports Park stadium. The team's recent success and the state-of-the-art stadium have contributed to a resurgence in support, with fans creating a lively atmosphere and players feeling motivated to perform better. The team's ethnic diversity, including naturalized players, has also been a factor in their growing popularity. The next match against Singapore is expected to be a sell-out, with fans preparing to give their full support.

A convicted murderer, Andre McKechnie, is suing the Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety and Corrections Victoria in the Supreme Court of Victoria, claiming that the ban on Vegemite in prisons breaches his human right to enjoy his culture as an Australian. McKechnie, who was sentenced to life for murdering a wealthy property developer in 1994, argues that withholding Vegemite, a popular Australian spread, denies him his cultural heritage. The ban was implemented in 2006 due to concerns that Vegemite could be used to mask the smell of illicit drugs and its yeast content could be used to produce alcohol. Victims' advocate John Herron has criticized the lawsuit as frivolous and offensive to victims' families.

The Cambridge Dictionary has named 'parasocial' as its word of the year for 2025, describing a one-sided connection people feel with someone they don't know, including celebrities, influencers, and AI chatbots. The term, coined in 1956, has seen a surge in usage as concerns over people's connections with AI have grown. Experts say the word captures the 2025 zeitgeist, highlighting how language changes with technology and society. The dictionary also highlighted other significant words this year, including 'slop' and 'memeify', and added 6,000 new words.

The Venezuelan government has released an animated series called 'Súper Bigote' that depicts President Nicolás Maduro as a superhero character promoting peace and national unity. The episode featuring Maduro is part of a propaganda effort to promote the president's image and agenda. The series is likely intended to boost Maduro's popularity and reinforce his leadership during a potentially tumultuous period.

A new report by the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has found that nearly 40% of British youth are hesitant to have children due to climate anxiety. The report suggests that eco-anxiety is a significant mental health issue among young Britons, with many struggling with the psychological weight of environmental collapse. The UKHSA recommends activities such as yoga and visiting 'climate cafés' to help build emotional resilience and cope with eco-anxiety. However, the report has faced criticism from some who argue that eco-anxiety is a product of climate propaganda and not a legitimate medical condition.

The United Nations staff in Haiti have been advised to work from home due to threats from Haitian gangs, particularly the 'Viv Ansam' coalition led by Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier. The gang has been involved in violent activities, prompting a security operation by the Haitian National Police, Armed Forces of Haiti, and the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), a multinational mission authorized by the U.N. Security Council. The operation resulted in the deaths of several gang members and the seizure of multiple weapons. The U.S. Marines protecting the American Embassy in Haiti exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members, but no service members were injured.

Miss Israel, Melanie Shiraz, has received death and rape threats after a video of her allegedly glaring at Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, during the Miss Universe competition in Bangkok went viral. Shiraz claims the video was edited to make her appear hostile and that she was subjected to graphic and disturbing harassment on social media. Despite the abuse, Shiraz remains determined to continue representing Israel and advocating for peace. She had hoped to have a productive dialogue with Ayoub and show the world that they could be an example for peace. The controversy highlights the rising anti-Semitism and tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Pope Leo XIV has condemned the latest attack on Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where militants aligned with the Islamic State stormed a church-run hospital, killing at least 17 people. The Pope expressed his concern over the growing global pattern of violence against Christians, citing examples from various countries including Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Sudan. The attack in the DRC's North Kivu province was carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group known for targeting Christians and churches. The Pope called for prayer for the victims and their families and urged believers to work together for the common good.

A suspected Russian drone attack hit a Turkish tanker in Ukraine's Odesa region, causing a massive fire and prompting evacuations across the Danube river in Romania. The strike occurred a day after Ukrainian President Zelenskyy signed a deal to import U.S. liquefied natural gas through the area. The attack is part of renewed Russian attacks targeting the Odesa region's energy and port infrastructure. Romanian authorities ordered the evacuation of residents from nearby villages, and NATO has reacted by expanding air-defense operations under its Eastern Sentry initiative. The deal aims to secure Ukraine's winter energy needs as Russia continues to bombard power infrastructure across the country.

The leader of a powerful Ecuadorian drug syndicate, Wilmer Chavarria, also known as 'Pipo,' has been captured in Spain four years after faking his own death. Chavarria is believed to be the leader of Los Lobos, a drug trafficking group with around 8,000 fighters that was recently designated a terrorist organization by the United States. He was captured in the Spanish city of Malaga in a joint operation with Spanish police. Chavarria had obtained a new identity and moved to Spain, from where he coordinated drug shipments, ordered assassinations, and ran extortion rackets against gold mines in Ecuador. The capture comes as Ecuadorians vote on a referendum that includes a proposal to allow foreign countries to run military bases in Ecuador, a move supported by President Daniel Noboa as a means to increase pressure on drug traffickers. Los Lobos has been linked to political assassinations in Ecuador and has worked closely with Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The group's emergence is tied to the power vacuum created after the assassination of a former Los Choneros leader in 2020.

Australian Paralympic cyclist Paige Greco, a gold medalist at the Tokyo Paralympics, has died at the age of 28 after experiencing a sudden medical episode at her home in Adelaide. Greco, who was born with cerebral palsy, had a distinguished career in para-cycling, winning multiple world championship titles and World Cup medals. Her family, the Australian Paralympic Committee, and the cycling community have paid tribute to her achievements and her kind and determined spirit.

The remains of a Swiss climber who went missing in 1994 have been discovered on a glacier in the Swiss Alps. Climbers ascending the Ober Gabelhorn mountain found human remains on October 15, which were later identified as a Swiss citizen born in 1969. The discovery solves the mystery of the disappearance of two climbers in 1994, with one body having been found in 2000. The remains were found due to the melting of glaciers caused by rising global temperatures linked to climate change, a phenomenon that has led to the discovery of other missing persons in recent years.

Representatives Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Don Bacon (R-NE) discussed healthcare reform on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on November 16, 2025. They proposed a two-year extension of enhanced premium tax credits for Obamacare, with an income cap that phases out for individuals making between $200,000 and $400,000. The representatives emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to address the issue of rising healthcare costs. They acknowledged that the current system is unsustainable and that a long-term fix is necessary. Suozzi and Bacon expressed their willingness to work together to find a compromise and make healthcare more affordable for Americans.

The Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has described a recent railway bombing on a key line used to transport weapons to Ukraine as an 'unprecedented act of sabotage'. The blast, which partially destroyed the line connecting Warsaw and Lublin, has been blamed on a detonated explosive device. No injuries were reported, and an investigation is underway. The incident is the latest in a wave of arson, sabotage, and cyberattacks that have hit Poland and other European countries since the start of the war in Ukraine. Poland has previously blamed Russia for such attacks, but Russia has repeatedly denied involvement.

The UN humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has described Sudan as the 'epicentre of suffering in the world' due to the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has resulted in 12 million displaced people and at least 40,000 killed, with aid groups suggesting the true death toll could be far greater. The war has inflicted immense misery on the nation, with famine declared in some areas and reports of mass executions, rape, and sexual violence. Fletcher is urging the international community to boost funding and engage in more vigorous diplomacy to end the fighting.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced the capture of Wilmer Chavarria, a notorious drug lord believed to be the leader of the Los Lobos trafficking group. Chavarria, also known as 'Pipo', faked his own death in 2021 and moved to Spain, where he continued to coordinate drug shipments and order assassinations. He was arrested in Malaga, Spain, in a joint operation with Spanish police. Chavarria is linked to at least 400 deaths and has been accused of running extortion rackets against gold mines in Ecuador. The capture comes as Ecuador faces a surge in violent crimes and murders due to its role as a key transit point for cocaine.

Two New Zealand authors, Stephanie Johnson and Elizabeth Smither, have been disqualified from the 2026 Ockham New Zealand Book awards due to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the design of their book covers. The Ockham Book Awards trust introduced new guidelines around AI use in August, which were applied to the submissions despite the covers being designed before the guidelines were amended. The authors and their publisher, Quentin Wilson, expressed disappointment and concern about the decision, highlighting the challenges of adapting to rapidly evolving AI technology and the need for clear guidelines.

Nestlé is accused of adding sugar to baby cereals sold in African countries, contributing to rising childhood obesity rates. Campaigners say the company is prioritizing profits over health, while Nestlé claims it is helping to combat malnutrition. An investigation found added sugar in over 90% of Cerelac products marketed for babies aged six months and above, with an average of 6g per serving. Nestlé disputes the findings, stating that its recipes are within national regulations and that added sugar is necessary to make cereals palatable to infants.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has denied allegations made by his estranged sister, Imee Marcos, that he is a cocaine addict. Imee Marcos claimed that her brother's alleged drug addiction has led to governance issues, including corruption, and that it started when their father, the former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr, was still in office. The president's spokesperson, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, described the allegations as baseless and suggested they may be an attempt to distract from ongoing investigations into a corruption scandal involving flood control projects. The scandal has sparked outrage in the country, with hundreds of thousands protesting in Manila over missing flood funds. Imee Marcos is a high-profile ally of her brother's harsh critic and predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, whose family and allies have blamed Marcos and his administration for Duterte's alleged illegal arrest and detention by the International Criminal Court.

Wealthy investors are increasingly leasing their gold bars to refiners, jewelers, and fabricators to earn interest, as gold prices remain high. This trend is driven by the desire to put idle gold to work and earn yields, despite gold's traditional reputation as a non-yielding asset. Leasing platforms are implementing measures to mitigate counterparty risks, such as insurance, audits, and tracking technology. The demand for gold leasing is rising among jewelers and other businesses that need gold for production, as high gold prices make it harder to finance inventory with traditional loans.

A Tennessee judge has temporarily blocked the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis, ruling that Governor Bill Lee overstepped his constitutional authority. The deployment was part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address crime in Democratic-led cities. Local and state officials, including seven elected Democrats, challenged the deployment, arguing that it was unlawful and exceeded the governor's authority. The ruling does not affect a federal task force also deployed to Memphis, which includes agents from the FBI, DEA, and ATF. The National Guard troops had been patrolling tourist areas and supporting the task force, but were not authorized to make arrests.

The article discusses how US President Donald Trump's visit to a McDonald's summit to promote his affordability agenda comes as he is struggling with a major economic problem: soaring beef prices. Trump's advisers have been trying to blame the high cost of hamburgers on anyone other than the president, including migrants. High food costs have been affecting economic sentiment in the US, and hamburgers are a significant part of this issue. Trump has been known to serve McDonald's at the White House and has a fondness for the food.

A new report reveals that Chinese financial institutions have lent over $200 billion to the United States over the past 25 years, making it the largest recipient of Chinese lending globally. The loans have been used to finance various U.S. tech and infrastructure projects, sparking concerns about China's growing influence over Western companies and sensitive technologies.