In other news

A telescope in Chile has captured a stunning new image of the Butterfly Nebula, also known as NGC 6302. The nebula is 2,500 to 3,800 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius and features a white dwarf star at its center. The star has shed its outer layers of gas, which now form the butterfly-like wings visible in the image. The image was taken by the Gemini South telescope as part of a contest to celebrate 25 years of operation by the International Gemini Observatory. The nebula was likely first discovered in the 19th century, with a 1907 study by American astronomer Edward E. Barnard often credited.

Two prisoners escaped from an overcrowded jail in Dijon, France, by sawing through the bars of their cells and using bedsheets to flee the facility. The escape occurred on November 27, 2025, and the fugitives are a 19-year-old man held for attempted murder and a 32-year-old man incarcerated for threats and violence against a partner. The prison break has raised concerns about the state of French prisons, which are among the most overcrowded in Europe. The incident comes 10 days after another escape in Rennes and has sparked criticism from prison staff unions, who accuse the justice minister of neglecting normal jails while focusing on supermax prisons for high-risk inmates.

The International Judo Federation (IJF) has lifted its ban on Russian athletes competing under their national flag, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. The decision, effective from November 28-30 for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, allows Russian athletes to participate with their national anthem and symbols. The IJF cited the need to protect athletes from political decisions and maintain fairness in the sport. Russian judo federation president Sergey Soloveychik praised the decision as 'historic' and 'fair.' The move contrasts with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) continued suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and restrictions on Russian athletes competing as 'Team Russia.'

Scientists have detected what they believe to be lightning on Mars using recordings from NASA's Perseverance rover. A French-led team analyzed 28 hours of recordings and documented 55 instances of 'mini lightning' over two Martian years, primarily during dust storms and dust devils. The electrical discharges were captured by a microphone on the rover and are believed to be similar to static electricity on Earth. While the evidence is strong, it is based on a single instrument and has not been visually confirmed. The discovery opens a new field of investigation for Mars science and could have implications for understanding the Martian atmosphere.

Scientists have identified the mystery owner of a 3-million-year-old foot found in Ethiopia as Australopithecus deyiremeda, a recently named ancient human relative. New fossils, including a jawbone with 12 teeth, were discovered at the site, confirming that the foot belongs to A. deyiremeda. The research provides further clues about human evolution, suggesting that A. deyiremeda co-existed with Lucy's species, Australopithecus afarensis, and that their different diets and habitats allowed them to live together. The discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding human ancestry and the evolution of bipedality.

NASA astronaut Chris Williams joined two Russian cosmonauts on a Soyuz spacecraft for a Thanksgiving Day flight to the International Space Station. The crew, which includes commander Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and flight engineer Sergey Mikaev, docked at the ISS three hours after launch. Williams, a medical physicist and astrophysicist, is on his first space flight and will spend eight months on the ISS. The crew is replacing the current Soyuz MS-27 crew, who will return to Earth on December 9. The ISS is currently occupied by 11 astronauts, including NASA Crew 11, who will remain on the station until February or March.

A rare Fabergé egg, known as the Winter Egg, is being auctioned by Christie's in London with an expected sale price of over $26 million. The egg was crafted for Russia's imperial family before the 1917 revolution and is one of seven remaining in private hands. Created by Peter Carl Fabergé and designed by Alma Pihl, it features intricate carvings, diamonds, and a hidden surprise. The egg was originally commissioned by Czar Nicholas II for his mother in 1913. The Winter Egg is considered a masterpiece of decorative arts and is expected to surpass the record price paid for another Fabergé egg at a 2007 auction.

A 43-year-old American man, Christopher Brown, was killed in Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago, while attempting to purchase marijuana. The police have taken a suspect into custody. Brown, a builder from Silverthorne, Colorado, had dinner with friends in Castara, a small fishing village, before leaving to buy marijuana. He was found unresponsive with multiple stab wounds and a metal object protruding from his back. The incident has raised concerns about safety in Tobago, which is known for being a safe and welcoming destination. Trinidad and Tobago has recorded over 330 homicides this year, and a state of emergency is currently in effect.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has announced a $40 billion budget for arms purchases over the next eight years, from 2026 to 2033, as the US pressures the island to increase its defense spending amid China's escalating threats. The budget includes building an air defense system called Taiwan Dome, with high-level detection and interception capabilities. Lai has also pledged to raise defense spending to 5% of Taiwan's GDP by 2030. The US State Department has welcomed Taiwan's budget announcement, supporting its acquisition of critical defense capabilities. China has been deploying warplanes, navy ships, and drones toward Taiwan on a daily basis in military exercises, and Lai has vowed to increase defense against Beijing's 'psychological warfare'.

A Turkish-German family of four died while on holiday in Istanbul after being poisoned by phosphine gas emitted from a pesticide used to treat a bug infestation in their hotel. The family, who were staying at the Harbour Suites Old City hotel, fell ill on November 12 and were hospitalized, with the children dying first, followed by their parents over the next few days. A preliminary autopsy report found phosphine gas on towels, masks, and swab samples taken from the hotel room, and authorities have arrested 11 people in connection with the case, including the hotel's owner and staff members. The incident has raised concerns over hotel safety standards and prompted calls for stricter oversight.

The article discusses the 'Zero Units' in Afghanistan that the National Guard shooting suspect reportedly worked for. These units were elite Afghan forces that operated under the National Directorate of Security (NDS) and were trained and equipped by the CIA. They were known for their secrecy and alleged brutality, and were implicated in numerous extrajudicial killings of civilians. The units were considered trusted by the US and its partners, and members were high on the list for Taliban retaliation after the group retook control of Afghanistan. As a result, members of these units were virtually guaranteed a route to asylum in the US.

Guinea-Bissau's army general, Horta N'Tam, has been sworn in as the country's new transitional president for one year, a day after an apparent coup. Outgoing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was reportedly arrested and is being held by the army. The military suspended the electoral process and blocked the release of Sunday's presidential election results. Some civil society groups accused Embaló of masterminding a 'simulated coup' to block election results. The African Union and Ecowas expressed deep concern over the coup, while Portugal called for a return to constitutional order. Guinea-Bissau has a history of military influence and has witnessed at least nine coups or attempted coups in the last five decades.

Guinea-Bissau's ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has fled to Senegal after being released by the military forces that toppled his government. The military has sworn in a new transitional leader, Gen Horta N'Tam, who will rule for a year. The coup occurred ahead of the announcement of presidential and parliamentary election results, which the military has suspended. The African Union and Ecowas have condemned the coup, calling for the restoration of constitutional order. Guinea-Bissau has a history of military influence and coups, with at least nine attempted or successful coups in the last five decades.

A Tokyo court has ruled that Japan's ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional, contradicting a trend set by other Japanese courts that had raised hopes for marriage equality. The ruling was met with disappointment from plaintiffs and their legal team, who vowed to continue fighting. Japan is the only G7 country that does not fully recognize same-sex couples or offer them clear legal protection. The case will now be taken to the Supreme Court. Amnesty International has criticized the ruling as a 'damaging step backwards on same-sex marriage', calling on the Japanese government to move towards legalization.

The Quebec government has introduced a new bill to expand its secularism law, limiting public prayer and restricting the offering of religion-based menus in public institutions. The bill, known as 'secularism 2.0', builds on a 2019 law that prohibited public officials from wearing religious symbols. Critics argue that the law targets religious minorities, particularly Muslim women. The new bill also extends the ban on wearing religious symbols to staff in subsidized daycares and prevents students and staff from wearing face coverings in educational institutions. The move has been criticized by opposition parties and Muslim organizations, who accuse the government of creating division and 'doubling down on identity politics'.

Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies have begun searching the apartment of President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. The search is part of an ongoing investigation, with the anti-corruption bureau Nabu confirming that its investigative searches had been authorised. Yermak has confirmed that both Nabu and the specialised anti-corruption prosecutor's office (Sapo) are conducting procedural actions at his home and has stated that he is co-operating fully. The search comes amid a corruption scandal that has engulfed several figures close to Zelensky, although neither he nor Yermak have been accused of any wrongdoing. Yermak has played a crucial role in Ukraine's response to Russia's full-scale war and is Kyiv's lead negotiator in peace talks with Russia.

A year after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, peace remains elusive in south Lebanon as Israeli strikes continue. Despite the truce, Israel has maintained its military presence in the region and carried out numerous air and drone attacks, claiming it is targeting Hezbollah's efforts to rebuild its military capabilities. The Lebanese people are suffering, with over 330 killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire, and thousands remain displaced. While Hezbollah rejects Israeli allegations of rebuilding its arsenal, some Lebanese are questioning the group's actions and calling for it to disarm.

Baidu is emerging as a leading Chinese AI chip player, driven by Beijing's focus on domestic chips and the void left by Nvidia's absence due to US export restrictions. Baidu's chip unit, Kunlunxin, is gaining traction, with analysts forecasting six-fold growth in chip sales to reach $1.1 billion in 2026. Chinese tech giants like Tencent and Alibaba are facing chip shortages, making Baidu's push into AI chips both a necessity and an opportunity. Baidu is positioning itself as a 'full stack' AI offering, with infrastructure made up of chips, servers, and data centers, as well as AI models and applications.

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) halted trading of futures and options across various asset classes on Friday due to a cooling issue at one of its data centers, CyrusOne. The issue affected trading of agricultural commodities, energy, metals, and equities. A spokesperson for the CME stated that support was working to resolve the issue in the near term and would advise clients of Pre-Open details as soon as they were available. By 2:30 a.m. ET, futures prices for WTI crude, U.S. 10-year Treasurys, and the S&P 500 had not been updated. This is not the first time the CME has experienced technical issues, having had a similar incident in 2014 that impacted agricultural contracts. The CME is the world's largest and most diverse derivatives exchange.

The article discusses how millennials are driving a sports tourism boom, spending significant amounts on traveling to participate in their favorite sports. Examples include Vince Nguyen, who travels to play pickleball, Nirbhay Handa, who travels for tennis, and Mike Goldys, who travels to surf. The sports tourism industry is already a $707.29 billion market and is forecasted to nearly triple by 2032, with Asia-Pacific being the fastest-growing region. Millennials are willing to spend big on sports tourism as it provides them with a unique experience, helps them unwind, and fulfills their social life.

The European Union is pushing to develop its rare earth mineral resources to reduce dependence on China. Two Nordic mining companies, Rare Earths Norway and LKAB, are taking different approaches to achieve this goal. Rare Earths Norway is planning to extract rare earths using an 'invisible mine' concept to minimize environmental impact, while LKAB is relocating thousands of city residents to expand its iron ore mine and access a newly discovered rare earth deposit. The EU aims to extract 10%, process 40%, and recycle 25% of its rare earth consumption by 2030. The companies are lobbying for supportive policies, such as fast-track permitting and price guarantees, to make their projects economically viable.

South Korea has imposed sanctions on Prince Group, a multinational network accused of running large-scale online fraud operations in Cambodia and Myanmar. The sanctions target 15 people and 132 entities linked to the network. This move follows similar actions by the U.S., UK, and Singapore, which have also imposed sanctions on Prince Group and its associated entities. Prince Group has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations 'baseless.' The crackdown on Prince Group is part of broader international efforts to curb scam networks in Southeast Asia.

Afghans living in the US are fearful of being targeted or deported after President Trump called for a re-examination of everyone brought to the US under the Biden administration. Trump's vow has left the Afghan community terrified, and tens of thousands still waiting for visas abroad now face a sudden freeze on Afghan immigration. The article highlights the concerns of Afghans who fled Taliban rule and are now worried about their status in the US.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro gave an exclusive interview to CNN's Isa Soares, discussing rising tensions with neighboring Venezuela and the US military activity in the region. Petro stated that oil, not drugs, is 'at the heart of' US pressure on Venezuela. He also addressed accusations that cocaine production in Colombia has increased under his administration and discussed his fraught relationship with US President Donald Trump.

The 1913 'Winter Egg' by Fabergé is set to be auctioned by Christie's in London next month with an estimated price of over £20 million ($26 million), potentially setting a new record for a Fabergé egg at auction. The egg is one of 50 Imperial Eggs created by Fabergé for the Russian Tsars between 1885 and 1916, and is considered one of the most valuable and artistically significant due to its intricate design and craftsmanship. Only seven of the eggs remain in private ownership, and the Winter Egg is considered 'the greatest of them all' by Fabergé expert Kieran McCarthy.

Robert A.M. Stern, a renowned American architect known for his postmodern and contextual designs, has died at the age of 86. Stern founded the architecture firm RAMSA in 1969 and was acclaimed for his work on notable projects such as 15 Central Park West, the George W. Bush Presidential Center, and the Museum of the American Revolution. He also served as dean of the Yale School of Architecture from 1998 to 2016. Stern's style blended historic and traditional elements with modern design, earning him widespread recognition in the architectural community.

South Korea is addressing its elderly mental health crisis with 'robo-grandma' dolls, AI-powered robot companions designed to provide emotional support and practical care to seniors living alone. The Hyodol robot, developed by a South Korean tech company, has been deployed to over 12,000 elderly individuals, with studies showing improved mental health and reduced depression. However, experts raise concerns about emotional dependency and potential infantilization.

The head of France's Institut Pasteur respiratory infections centre warns that the bird flu virus could lead to a pandemic worse than Covid-19 if it mutates to transmit between humans. The highly pathogenic avian influenza has already led to the culling of hundreds of millions of birds, disrupting food supplies and driving up prices. While human infections remain rare, the virus has the potential to affect healthy individuals, including children, and spread rapidly due to a lack of antibodies in the human population.

A recent fishing boat accident in Liaoning, China, has led to the exposure of corruption within the country's fishing industry. The accident, which occurred on November 10, resulted in 11 crew members falling into the water, with two rescued and nine reported missing. Investigations revealed that the boat owner, Zheng, had used other people's qualifications to bypass safety checks and had allowed two individuals without valid crew certificates to board the vessel. A local government official was accused of covering up the accident and preventing the boat owner from calling the police. The incident has highlighted a series of corruption cases related to fishing industry safety, including bribery and other illegal acts by officials, boat owners, crew, and port operators.

Tech firms in Singapore and Malaysia are continuing to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) despite concerns over an AI bubble bursting. Dylan Tan, founder of Singapore-based start-up replyr.ai, believes a potential global AI crash could be a 'healthy' correction to a crowded space. The article discusses the current state of the AI industry, including the hype surrounding AI and the potential risks of overvaluation.

Several major banks forecast that gold prices will hit an all-time high in 2026, driven by strong demand from central banks and anticipated US Federal Reserve rate cuts. Deutsche Bank has raised its 2026 average gold price forecast to $4,450 per ounce, with a projected trading range of $3,950 to $4,950. Gold prices have rebounded after a sharp plunge last month from a record high of over $4,380 per ounce, and are currently trading at $4,188 per ounce. The forecast is based on stabilizing investor flow, technical measures, and continued central bank buying.

The 2025 MAMA Awards, Asia's largest K-pop award show, scheduled to take place at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium, will be downsized due to the Tai Po fire tragedy that killed 94 people and injured 76. The boy band Mirror has announced its withdrawal from the event, following rumors of other celebrity withdrawals. The awards show will still proceed with adjustments, including canceling the red carpet walk and holding a moment of mourning.

The article argues that recent events in the US, including a shooting by an Afghan national and a large-scale welfare fraud scheme involving Somali residents in Minnesota, demonstrate the need for stricter immigration policies. The author claims that allowing large numbers of people with different value systems into the country can lead to problems, citing examples from Europe. The article praises former President Trump's stance on immigration and his recent announcement to end the Temporary Protected Status for Somalis in the US. It also mentions Trump's previous call for a 'total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States' and suggests that he was correct in his assessment. The article concludes that the US needs to be more careful with its immigration processes and that Trump's policies are a step in the right direction.

A Colorado college student, Megan Elizabeth Hope Mollett, was detained by police for hitting an elderly man, Dave Peters, with a Taco Bell cup during a campus meeting about approving a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter at Fort Lewis College. The incident occurred after the Associated Students of Fort Lewis College (ASFLC) voted to approve the TPUSA chapter, sparking controversy and tension among students with opposing political beliefs. Peters, a former chair of the La Plata County GOP and retired Chevron executive, was celebrating the approval when Mollett struck him. Mollett was let off with a warning, but Peters wants the university to take disciplinary action. The incident highlights the intense debate and polarization on campus surrounding the TPUSA chapter.

A Long Island teenager killed his ex-girlfriend, Emily Finn, 18, in a botched murder-suicide due to heartbreak over their recent breakup. The alleged killer, who was making plans to join the military, shot Finn inside his Nesconset home and then attempted to take his own life. He is now in a hospital bed, recovering from a gunshot wound to the face and awaiting murder charges. A family friend attributed the violent act to the teen's inability to process his emotions following the breakup, stating that his frontal lobe was still undeveloped. The victim's family is grieving, and an online fundraiser was launched to honor her memory.

Macauley Culkin, star of the 1991 film 'My Girl', has revealed the horrifying truth behind the filming of his character's death scene, in which he was surrounded by thousands of real bees. Culkin, now 45, explained on a podcast that he was horrified to learn that real bees would be used, and that the bee handler's advice was to 'wave my hands in front of my face so the bees can get in front of my face and it looks good for the camera'. Culkin also discussed his difficult childhood and his decision to walk away from acting at a young age, citing his father's abusive behavior and his own feelings of being trapped.

Canadian Minister Steven Guilbeault resigned from the cabinet over a controversial oil pipeline deal between the federal government and Alberta, citing lack of consultation with Indigenous nations and potential environmental impacts. The deal, announced by Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, involves building a new heavy oil pipeline from Alberta's oil sands to the Pacific coast, exempting it from the existing coastal oil tanker moratorium and emissions cap. The project faces opposition from British Columbia and First Nations communities, who are concerned about the environmental risks and lack of consultation.

Flash flooding and landslides in Indonesia's Sumatra island have killed at least 69 people, with 59 missing. Monsoon rains caused rivers to burst their banks, sweeping away people and submerging over 2,000 houses and buildings. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with personnel using various tools to dig through mud and debris to find survivors. The death toll is expected to rise as many areas remain unreachable.

Millions of people in China are preparing to take the national civil service exam, a notoriously gruelling test that offers a chance at a secure job for life in the public sector. The exam is highly competitive, with around 3.7 million applicants vying for 38,100 positions. The government has increased the age limit for certain positions, making the exam more accessible to older candidates. The shift towards public sector jobs is driven by China's troubled economy, high youth unemployment, and a desire for job security. Experts say the occupational structure of China's job market has shifted towards low-pay, low-skill jobs in the gig and informal sectors, making government jobs more attractive. The civil service exam is seen as a way to achieve the 'iron rice bowl,' a job for life, and is highly prized for its security and stability.

The UK Home Office has rejected a visa application for 8-year-old Lati-Yana Stephanie Brown, who was left destitute in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa destroyed her home. Lati-Yana's parents, Kerrian Bigby and Jerome Hardy, had applied for the visa in June and requested an expedited decision due to the urgent situation. The Home Office refused the application, stating that Lati-Yana could be cared for by relatives in Jamaica. Lati-Yana's parents are devastated and plan to appeal the decision, but face a backlog of 106,000 cases that may delay the process for up to two years. The family's lawyer has criticized the Home Office for a lack of compassion and understanding for the vulnerable child.

A Namibian politician named Adolf Hitler Uunona is expected to win a local council election, drawing international attention due to his name's association with the Nazi dictator. Uunona, a member of Namibia's ruling SWAPO party, claims his name has no ideological meaning and was given to him by his father, who didn't understand its historical significance. The article discusses the context of Namibia's history as a German colony and how Germanic names remain common in some communities.

A Bangkok court has issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong 'Anne' Jakrajutatip, co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, due to her failure to appear in court for a fraud case related to her company JKN Global Group. Jakrajutatip is accused of defrauding an investor in 2023 by misrepresenting her company's financial health when selling corporate bonds. JKN Global Group has faced severe financial trouble, defaulting on investor payments and entering debt rehabilitation. Jakrajutatip resigned from all company positions in June after being accused of falsifying 2023 financial statements but remains the largest shareholder. Her whereabouts are currently unclear.

The European Commission has proposed using €185 billion in frozen Russian assets to back an interest-free loan to Ukraine, guaranteed by EU member states. However, Belgium, the host state of the clearing house Euroclear that holds the frozen funds, is hesitant due to fear of Russian retaliation. The proposal, dubbed a 'reparations loan', aims to lend Ukraine €140 billion without directly seizing the frozen assets. Critics argue that the plan may still be seen as confiscation by investors and Russia, potentially leading to legal and financial risks.

The NPR 'Books We Love' article for 2025 presents a curated list of book recommendations from NPR staffers and trusted critics, featuring a diverse range of genres including fiction, nonfiction, biography, and more. The list includes 384 book selections, each accompanied by a 'Read more' link for further details. The recommendations cover various themes and topics, showcasing new releases and notable works across different categories.

The article discusses the impact of Chinese investment in Laos, particularly with the construction of the Laos-China Railway (LCR). The LCR has brought an influx of Chinese tourists, businesses, and money into Laos, but the benefits have been unevenly distributed, with many Laotians feeling that they are not reaping the rewards. The article highlights the cultural and economic changes brought about by Chinese investment, including the proliferation of Chinese-owned businesses and the displacement of local tourism operators. While some Laotians have benefited from the increased tourism, others have been left behind, and there are concerns about the country's growing debt burden and loss of cultural heritage.