President Trump said he will “cancel all executive actions that former President Biden signed using an autopen,” a “device that replicates someone's signature.” He noted that “both Democratic and Republican presidents have used autopens, including Mr. Trump,” and referenced a “Justice Department legal opinion dating back decades authorized its use.” Trump previously ordered an investigation into Biden’s use of the device, which Biden “months ago said was a distraction.” Trump also announced on social media that he plans to “pardon Juan Orlando Hernandez,” the former Honduran president who was “convicted… on drug trafficking and weapons charges and sentenced him to 45 years in prison” in 2024. He added support for “the nation’s conservative presidential candidate” and warned that “if he doesn't win, he will stop sending aid to the Central American nation.” In Hong Kong, police “arrested eight more people” linked to the renovation of an apartment complex fire that killed “at least 128 people,” took “some 40 hours” to extinguish, left “close to 200 people still missing,” and left “nearly 90 bodies that haven't been identified yet.” Flags will fly at half‑staff. Across Southeast Asia, “torrential rains battered Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand” after a “rare tropical storm” formed in the Malacca Strait, while a separate cyclone hit Sri Lanka, with “well over 300 lives” lost. In the United States, “more than 50 million Americans were under some sort of winter weather advisory today, stretching from Idaho to the Great Lakes.” The National Weather Service issued travel warnings, and the Dow Jones rose “nearly 300 points,” the NASDAQ added “150 points,” and the S&P 500 capped a fifth straight day of gains.

Jetstar “cancelled some Jetstar Airways flights” after Airbus issued a “maintenance directive to reverse a software upgrade that had been installed on some planes and resulted in a malfunction.” The airline grounded 34 of its 85 Airbus A320‑family aircraft, affecting “ninety Jetstar flights … on Saturday” with disruption expected to continue until Sunday, said head of flying operations Tyrone Simes at Melbourne airport. Engineers could complete the software update on the ground in “about two to three hours for each plane.” Jetstar later said “20 of the 34 affected aircraft were ready to return to service” and that the remaining planes were expected to be ready “overnight, allowing flights to resume as planned on Sunday 30 November,” though “there may be some flow on delays or cancellations on Sunday.” The recall followed a JetBlue flight from Cancún to Newark on 30 October that experienced an “uncommanded and limited pitch down event,” described by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency as potentially leading to “an uncommanded elevator movement that may result in exceeding the aircraft’s structural capability.” Qantas reported no impact; Virgin Australia said it “does not anticipate any impact” and Air New Zealand cancelled 12 services, expecting “some further disruption today” but keeping New Zealand‑Australia flights operating. Airbus stated the update was required because “intense solar radiation might corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls.”

Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported on Saturday that the death toll from catastrophic flooding and landslides in Sumatra has risen to 248, with over 100 people still missing and more than 500 injured. The surge in casualties follows a week of cyclone‑driven torrential rain that has also affected Malaysia and Thailand, bringing the total death count across the three countries to about 400. In West Sumatra’s Agam district, rescuers recovered additional bodies, raising the provincial death toll to 61 with 90 missing, while 75,219 people have been displaced and 106,806 affected. North Sumatra confirmed 116 deaths and Aceh at least 35. In Thailand, 145 deaths were confirmed in eight southern provinces, and Malaysia reported two fatalities. Floodwaters have inundated thousands of homes, cut off roads, and damaged bridges, hampering rescue efforts. Relief aircraft continue to deliver aid to hard‑hit districts such as Central Tapanuli in North Sumatra. The situation remains critical as many remain missing and thousands are displaced.

In the early hours of Saturday, Russian forces launched a large‑scale drone and missile assault on Kyiv, firing dozens of cruise and ballistic missiles and more than 500 drones at residential areas, the energy grid and other critical infrastructure, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Explosions were heard around midnight, an air‑alert lasted over nine hours, and two civilians were killed while about two dozen were injured, four of whom were hospitalized, reported Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko. The western part of the capital lost electricity, and fire crews worked to extinguish multiple blazes. In a separate development, Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, submitted his resignation on Friday after anti‑corruption officials searched his apartment; Zelenskyy announced the resignation in a video later that day and said a successor would be sought. Ukrainian officials plan a delegation to the United States this weekend for discussions on Washington’s peace plan.

Pope Leo XIV, on the second day of his inaugural foreign trip, visited the archaeological site of the First Council of Nicaea in Iznik (ancient Nicaea), Turkey, on Friday. He prayed alongside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and leaders from Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Coptic, Syrian, Malankarese, and Armenian churches. The gathering, held on the shore of Lake Iznik over the exposed ruins of the ancient basilica, included a joint silent prayer and a recitation of the Nicene Creed. Leo stressed that all Christians must reject using religion to justify war, violence, or fanaticism and called for dialogue and cooperation. A brief protest by approximately 20 members of the New Welfare Party occurred before the service, alleging the event threatened Turkey’s sovereignty; the protest dispersed without incident. On Saturday, Leo and Bartholomew are scheduled to sign a joint declaration of unity. The Pope’s itinerary also includes a visit to Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, a Mass at the Volkswagen Arena, and a forthcoming trip to Lebanon.

Israeli military forces conducted a raid on the Syrian village of Beit Jin in southern Syria on Friday. According to Syrian officials, the operation resulted in the deaths of at least 10–13 people, including women and children, and prompted dozens of families to flee. The Syrian Foreign Ministry described the incident as a “horrific massacre.” Israel said the raid was based on intelligence targeting members of the Jamaa Islamiya militant group believed to be planning IED and rocket attacks against Israeli civilians. Israeli troops encountered resistance from local residents; militants fired on the soldiers, wounding six Israeli soldiers who were later evacuated to a hospital. Israeli forces responded with heavy gunfire and aerial support, claiming that all suspects were apprehended and a number of militants were killed. Local resident Walid Okasha reported that among the dead were a man, his wife, two children, and his brother, and that one victim had celebrated his wedding the day before.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday that his chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, had resigned after anti‑corruption investigators searched his apartment in the presidential compound in Kyiv earlier that morning. The searches, carried out by the National Anti‑Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, were not accompanied by a formal suspicion notice, and Yermak said he was cooperating and had lawyers present. The raids occurred amid a broader $100 million energy‑sector corruption probe involving senior officials, though officials did not confirm any link to Yermak. The investigation has already led to the resignation of two ministers and the flight of businessman Tymur Mindich, alleged mastermind. While Yermak was not formally accused, some lawmakers demanded his dismissal; Zelenskyy refused, urging national unity as the United States pressures Ukraine to negotiate a peace settlement with Russia. The resignation marks a significant shake‑up in the president’s inner circle during a critical phase of the war and Ukraine’s EU accession efforts.

Victoria Police announced a six‑month expansion of warrant‑less random stop‑and‑search powers across Melbourne’s CBD, Docklands, Southbank, the sporting and entertainment precinct and parts of East and South Melbourne, effective from Sunday and running until 29 May 2026. Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill said the measure, likened to a “random breath test,” aims to deter “serious assaults involving edged weapons” that have risen over the past year; officers could search up to 1,000 pedestrians a day and seize up to 20 knives daily. The powers allow foot or vehicle patrols to pat‑down individuals, use electronic wands, inspect bags, remove outer clothing and search vehicles without warrant or reasonable suspicion. The announcement follows a press conference on Thursday and comes amid a new report from the Inner Melbourne Community Legal centre criticizing the force’s failure to curb racial profiling despite prior settlement of a landmark case involving African‑background youths. Human‑rights groups and Senator Lidia Thorpe warned the powers could disproportionately target non‑white, homeless and Indigenous people, calling for stronger oversight and a police ombudsman.

Imran Sherwani, who starred in the Great Britain hockey team that won Olympic gold in 1988, has died at the age of 63, his family have announced. He revealed in 2021 that he had been diagnosed with young‑onset Alzheimer’s in 2019, and his family continue to raise awareness of the condition. Sherwani represented Great Britain and England 94 times, scoring two goals in the 3‑1 final victory over West Germany in Seoul. BBC commentator Barry Davies reacted to his second goal with “Where were the Germans? But frankly, who cares!” Sherwani was the third Asian player to play for GB after Sutinder Kehar and Kulbir Bhaura. Leek Hockey Club said: “Imran was one of Leek HC’s greatest players and arguably their most influential. He joined Leek in 1996… Imran often insisted the 6‑2 win against Old Georgians securing Leek promotion to the National League at Belle Vue in 2003 was his proudest moment.” Rich Beer, GB Hockey COO, added: “Imran Sherwani will forever be remembered as one of the true icons of England and Great Britain Hockey.”

England’s cricket side suffered a two‑day defeat in Perth, prompting former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson to label the team “arrogant” in a column for the West Australian. Captain Ben Stokes responded in Brisbane, acknowledging the criticism but rejecting the “arrogant” description, saying the team can be called “rubbish” but not arrogant. He noted the loss was disappointing but emphasized the results‑driven nature of their job and expressed solidarity with fans. The comments came as England’s squad skipped a two‑day tour match in Canberra to focus on extra training in Brisbane ahead of the day‑night second Test at the Gabba, which begins Thursday. Stokes highlighted the team’s commitment to using their time effectively to pursue victory in the Ashes series.

Bob “Bongo” Starkie, the guitarist of Australian rock band Skyhooks, died peacefully early on Saturday at age 73 after “a battle with leukaemia,” the band’s archivist Peter Green announced on the Skyhooks Facebook page. The post said, “The members of Skyhooks are exceptionally saddened by the loss of our band mate, and send their condolences to Bob’s family.” It added, “For the past year he has fought the brave fight against Leukemia hoping to get back on the road to perform more shows. Music was in his blood till the very end.” Born in 1952, Starkie “joined Skyhooks not long after it was formed in Melbourne in 1973, replacing his brother Peter – who was one of the band’s founding members – on guitar.” In August, he told Noise 11 that ill health forced him to cancel “a string of live shows… to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Skyhooks’ second album, Ego Is Not A Dirty Word,” hoping they could be rescheduled. His daughter Indiana posted, “Our Dearest Grand‑Daddy‑Bop has peacefully departed listening to Chuck Berry… surrounded by friends and family,” and listed his surviving family. Earlier that year she announced his diagnosis of “acute myeloid leukaemia” while running a GoFundMe that noted “even during his hardest days having chemo in Geelong hospital, his guitar was by his side.”

In a recent court decision issued this week, a judge ordered Carl Westcott, an 85‑year‑old veteran, to pay Katy Perry $1.8 million in damages. The ruling follows a longer legal dispute that began in 2020 when Perry agreed to purchase an eight‑bedroom, 11‑bathroom mansion in Montecito for $15 million from Westcott. Westcott later attempted to rescind the sale, claiming he was incapacitated by painkillers after a back operation when he signed the contract. A May 2024 judgment had found Westcott mentally competent at the time of sale. Perry subsequently sued for the full $4.7 million she believed she was owed; the latest judgment awards her $1.8 million, concluding the case over the property transaction.

Police in New South Wales arrested and charged 11 climate activists on Saturday for breaching a marine exclusion zone in Newcastle harbour during the Rising Tide blockade. The exclusion zone, imposed by the NSW government and marked by buoys, covered most of the harbour until 7 a.m. Monday. Hundreds of protesters—including Australian Greens leader Larissa Waters—paddled kayaks, swam, and used a small boat to enter the shipping channel and stop the coal vessel Cemtex Leader from entering. NSW police reported the arrests at 1:30 p.m., citing alleged marine‑related offences. Rising Tide claimed 19 people were detained, with some released without charge, and detailed that 10 swimmers and four kayakers from the Stockton side, plus five others on a small boat, were arrested. The protest forced the coal ship to turn around. Those charged face fines up to $1,100 for entering the exclusion zone and potential imprisonment of up to two years under anti‑protest laws. The police operation remained ongoing at the time of reporting.

Tim Dowling describes a day when “my oldest sons… go in on the same day” and “my wife and the dog are also out.” While “lingering over lunch,” he receives a text that reads “Your address has been updated,” followed by “If you didn’t make this request … please contact us urgently.” He calls the bank’s helpline, encounters a robot that asks him to “speak my reason for calling aloud,” is given a list of “acceptable reasons,” and after entering identifying numbers “the bank hangs up on me.” On a second call he selects “hold music,” then a voice asks “Can I take your full name, please?” and “And can you tell me the reason you’re calling today, please?” He hears “You’re being transferred to our 60+ customers maintenance team,” and a representative introduces himself: “This is Gareth speaking. How can I help you today?” Dowling explains his theory: “an online bank … has recently closed, and my savings account has been migrated to a new bank – the bank of Gareth – where coincidentally I also have an account,” which he believes triggered the address‑update text. The call ends with him feeling “totally enfeebled,” and later his wife arrives and they discuss “how did they know?” and “what gave me away?”

Streets named after Andrew – “formerly known as Prince but now plain Mountbatten‑Windsor” – exist from Broadstairs to Belfast to Birmingham, covering “roads, avenues, terraces, lanes, crescents, closes, drives and ways”. In Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, “Prince Andrew Way” will be purged after Mid and East Antrim council passed a motion described as “sad but necessary”; a public consultation is under way. In Maidenhead, Berkshire, residents of “Prince Andrew Road” adjoining “Prince Andrew Close” have complained of “surface‑level embarrassment”, “smirks” and “raised eyebrows”. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead this week changed its rules to require “two‑thirds of residents to agree”, instead of unanimity, but gave no timeline. Roads in Cambridge, Hitchin, Telford, Newport, Enniskillen and Dungannon also bear his name; a Norwich road is disputed, with a councillor claiming it honours Prince Andrew of Greece. Renaming “requires … bank accounts, credit cards, driving licences, utility bills, property deeds, even pet microchips” to change, plus business letterheads and cards, and must achieve consensus on a new name. The 2023 Black Boy Lane rename in Tottenham “took … three years and cost at least £50,000” for 168 properties, becoming “La Rose Lane”. Councils must consult emergency services and Royal Mail, may charge fees, and face “Land Registry legal fees, Google maps, sat navs”. The GeoPlace manual warns against naming living people “because of the risk of an Andrew‑like situation”. Richard Harwood KC said, “I think one reason why changes aren’t very common, and one reason for it being contentious, is the admin.” Under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, authorities must show “sufficient local support”, but “none of that has been clarified”. In the Falkland Islands, four plaques unveiled by the former prince have been removed; a MoD spokesperson noted a plaque for RAF Mount Pleasant was removed during renovations before the Epstein allegations.

A Ghanaian carer living in the UK with three children, including an eight‑year‑old autistic daughter, has voluntarily cancelled all state benefits she is entitled to—including housing benefit, Universal Credit and her daughter’s Disability Living Allowance—after the UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced sweeping immigration reforms on 20 November. The reforms alter the “10‑year route” to settlement, extending the period before applicants can seek indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from 10 to 20 years and imposing a 20‑year wait for those who have claimed benefits for more than 12 months, up from five years. The carer, who has completed nine of the required ten years, said community lawyers warned via TikTok that claiming benefits could jeopardise her settlement prospects. Fearing loss of permanent status, she chose to forgo the benefits despite needing them for housing, income and her daughter’s care. She now plans to increase her working hours to 60 per week to cover rent and expenses. Charities have highlighted the policy’s disproportionate impact on low‑paid migrants from South Asian, African and Caribbean backgrounds. A government spokesperson reiterated that the new model rewards economic contributions while consultations remain open.

Rachel Reeves, now Britain’s chancellor, was photographed a decade ago “congratulating … on being given the ‘keys to freedom’ afforded by a Motability vehicle”. Late last year, right‑wing social‑media accounts on Elon Musk’s X claimed Motability offered disabled people “free” BMWs and Mercedes, prompting tabloid memes and speeches by Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage. At the budget, Reeves said the programme “was set up to protect the most vulnerable, not to subsidise the lease on a Mercedes‑Benz” and announced welfare cuts: ending £300 million a year of tax breaks, removing premium brands, and introducing an insurance premium tax and VAT on advance payments for higher‑value cars. The first public hint appeared in an October Times front‑page predicting Reeves could save up to £1 billion by ending VAT breaks. Badenoch pledged to “restrict Motability vehicles to people with serious disabilities”, adding “Those cars are not for people with ADHD”. Treasury insiders say civil servants had long flagged the scheme for rebalancing, and that the Treasury, not the DWP, drove the proposals. Government officials said “Motability customers will still be able to lease a car with just their qualifying disability benefit” and pledged to “save the taxpayer £1 bn over five years”. Disability groups, represented by Transport for All’s Cat Whitehouse, said there was no consultation and warned that premium cars are needed for wheelchair hoists. Reeves told the Guardian the changes were “not at all” driven by online right‑wing talking points and that they had been “welcomed by people”.

A global “Free Marwan” campaign is being launched to secure the release of 66‑year‑old Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti, “the best hope of leading a future Palestinian state,” as negotiations continue amid the current Gaza ceasefire. The campaign is led by Barghouti’s West Bank‑based family with UK civil‑society support and aims to put his fate “at the centre of the next stage of the ceasefire.” Opinion polls show he is “the most popular Palestinian politician in Gaza and the West Bank.” Murals bearing the words “Free Marwan,” coordinated by Calum Hall of Creative Debuts, have appeared in London, and a large public art installation was installed in Kobar near Ramallah. A letter from political and cultural figures calling for his release is expected next week. Barghouti has been jailed by Israel for more than 20 years after a conviction for planning attacks that killed five civilians; the trial was called “deeply flawed” by the Inter‑Parliamentary Union. Israel refused to free him in the large‑scale prisoner exchange on 13 October despite pressure from Hamas and Gulf states, and Donald Trump said he had considered pushing for his release. Barghouti, a Fatah member and advocate of a two‑state solution, has endured solitary confinement, alleged beatings since 2023, and limited family and legal contact. The International Committee of the Red Cross has been barred from seeing him “in a breach of international law.” He has recently been “taunted and threatened with execution” by national security minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir, and the Knesset is studying a bill that would allow the death penalty for nationalist‑motivated murder. His wife Fadwa told the Israeli press he “sees the two‑state solution as the way to move forward and live in peace,” and his son Arab said his father “represents hope to Palestinians … Honouring him … is not only a call for his freedom – it is a call for the release of all Palestinian prisoners and a stand for justice for every family still waiting.”

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has “axed” the 7 am Avanti West Coast service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston as part of a timetable shake‑up that will take effect in mid‑December. The same train will still run “from 7am each weekday: crewed, fast and empty,” a situation expected to last “five months or more until the next timetable change in May,” potentially running empty over 100 times. The ORR said its decision was “based on robust evidence provided by Network Rail that adding services within firebreak paths on the west coast mainline would have a detrimental impact on performance,” noting that an empty train “can be run more flexibly…than a booked passenger service.” The service, launched in 2008 by Virgin Trains, was suspended during the coronavirus pandemic, reinstated in 2024, and has peak‑time single fares of £193 (up to £290 for first class). Avanti’s spokesperson said the company is “disappointed… that we currently operate, including the 07.00 from Manchester to London fast service.” With the removal, the fastest Manchester‑London journeys will now take “about 2 hours 15 minutes,” requiring a 6:29 am departure to arrive before 9 am. Northern Powerhouse Partnership chief Henri Murison criticised the ORR for “denying business people in Manchester access to London on a vital fast peak service.”

The UK chancellor delivered her second budget this week, announcing several tax and savings changes. From 6 April 2027, ISA rules will cap cash‑ISA contributions at £12,000 for those under 65, with any excess required to go into stocks‑and‑shares ISAs; those over 65 retain the full £20,000 cash‑ISA limit. Dividend income tax rates rise on 1 April 2026 from 8.75% to 10.75% (ordinary) and from 33.75% to 35.75% (upper) after the £500 dividend allowance is exhausted. Salary‑sacrifice pension contributions will lose national‑insurance exemption on amounts above £2,000 per year from 1 April 2029. Inheritance‑tax thresholds remain frozen at £325,000, with the freeze extended to 1 April 2031, and unspent pensions will enter the IHT net from 2027. A new “mansion tax” on English homes valued over £2 million will start at £2,500 annually, rising to £7,500 for properties over £5 million, effective April 2028. These measures aim to adjust revenue collection and influence personal finance behavior.

British MPs have joined campaigners “calling for more aid and humanitarian visas for Jamaicans to enter the UK” after Hurricane Melissa “demolished parts of the country, plunging hundreds of thousands of people into a humanitarian crisis.” The UK “has pledged £7.5m emergency funds to Jamaica and other islands affected by the hurricane.” Dawn Butler, Labour MP for Brent East and chair of the all‑party parliamentary group on Jamaica, posted a letter to the home secretary requesting “temporary humanitarian visas and fee waivers for vulnerable relatives of UK nationals affected by the storm,” saying an emergency meeting in her constituency “had calls to ease visa restrictions for children and elderly people … who could stay with relatives in the UK.” She wrote, “The UK has a long and enduring relationship with Jamaica and I am confident that, with compassion and collaboration, we can play a vital role in supporting those most in need during the difficult period.” Diane Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, said Jamaica “needed long‑term assistance” and warned that “it’s going to take a long time and a lot of resources to [rebuild] Black River and [other affected] districts.” Windrush activist Euen Herbert‑Small urged the UK to offer protection “similar to that given to Ukrainians,” stating, “We did it for Ukraine. We can definitely do it for Jamaica.” Rosalea Hamilton, chief executive of the Lasco Chin foundation, added that “the king is our head of state and there is an expectation … it ought to mean that in a time of crisis, there is at least some kind of a special consideration.” Reports say “nearly 1 million of Jamaica’s roughly 2.8 million people were affected” and “about 150,000 homes were damaged or destroyed.” Prime Minister Andrew Holness estimated losses at “about US$8bn (£6bn).” Pearnel Charles, Jamaica’s minister of labour and social security, said officials are “trying to get aid to the hundreds of thousands of people in need” and that “our social workers are consistently on the ground.” The country also faces a leptospirosis outbreak with “91 suspected cases and 11 confirmed deaths,” according to Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton. In the UK, the Green Party’s foreign affairs spokesperson said the UK has a “huge historical responsibility in relation to the legacy of slavery” and must act faster on climate obligations. The Global Afro‑Descendant Climate Justice Collaborative described Melissa’s devastation as “a stark example of how African‑descended people are disproportionately affected by centuries of environmental degradation.”

Lando Norris, age 26, is “on the brink of becoming the first British champion driver since Lewis Hamilton.” He began karting at the Clay Pigeon Raceway in Dorchester, “in the shadow of an industrial estate not far from Yeovil,” where coach Rob Dodds – “a former boxer from Wales who turned to karting after sustaining an injury” – taught him and Phil Hanson. Dodds recalls seeing Norris at seven and says, “It was obvious the kid had something,” noting that Norris was “whizzing around the track aggressively, doing the lap times of drivers five years older than him (about 35s).” At eight, Norris “decorated his helmet and having it signed by a man he would soon race wheel to wheel with,” later obtaining a signature from Hamilton at Silverstone. Unlike most children, “we had Lando doing [national championships] from eight years old.” Recent setbacks include Norris “blaming McLaren for losing the Canadian Grand Prix” and being “disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix alongside Oscar Piastri for a rule breach.” Dodds says, “It’s motor sport. Nothing is straightforward,” and adds, “It’ll be a job well done… I’d be pleased for him and then secondly, pleased for myself.”

Monaco drew 2-2 with Pafos in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, a match that saw the French side surrender a lead twice. The result left Monaco with only one win in their last five matches across all competitions, and their defense has already conceded 25 league goals this season. Manager Sébastien Pocognoli, who took over from Adi Hütter in October, said he is still trying to find the right formula for the team. The draw adds pressure ahead of Paris Saint‑Germain’s visit to the Côte d’Azur, where PSG come off a 5‑3 victory over Tottenham. The article also notes other upcoming fixtures, including England’s friendly against China and Manchester City’s upcoming league match against Leeds after recent defeats to Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen. (199 words)

North Melbourne and Brisbane met in the 2025 AFLW grand final at Ikon Park, Melbourne, with a 7.45 pm AEDT start. The match‑day programme noted “Libby Birch could become the first four‑time premiership player in AFLW history” and that “Eilish Sheerin is playing in her first AFLW grand final”. The Kangaroos led 6.0 (36) to 1.2 (8) with 14 minutes left in Q3 after “Tahlia Randall … pulls down a perfectly weighted pass from Ash Riddell” and “a clinical finish extends the Roos lead”. Earlier, “Eilish Sheerin … had an equal game‑high 14 disposals and four clearances to go with her pair of goals”. The Lions’ “first blood” came at 14 minutes into Q1 when “Charlotte Mullins … slots the kick for the opening goal”. The half‑time score was North Melbourne 5.0 (30) to Brisbane 1.2 (8). Statistics at half‑time were “Disposals 74‑59, Uncontested possessions 43‑29, Clearances 9‑4, Inside 50s 7‑10”. The article lists the two teams’ line‑ups and notes the crowd of “more than 12,500 fans”. It also states the Kangaroos are on a “26‑match winning streak” and are “one win away from becoming the AFLW’s first back‑to‑back premiers”. The game was broadcast live with “Peking Duk” providing entertainment.

On Thursday in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, two unarmed Palestinian men, Al‑Muntasir Billah Abdullah and Youssef Asasa, raised their hands and lifted their shirts to show they were unarmed, then were ordered by Israeli soldiers to return to a building. While crawling back, they were shot at point‑blank range and killed. The incident was captured on video and sparked international condemnation. Israel’s military promised an investigation, while far‑right minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir defended the soldiers’ actions. The article places the killing in a broader pattern of alleged “shoot‑to‑kill” incidents involving Palestinians, citing previous cases in Jenin, Gaza, Tulkarem, and East Jerusalem, and noting low rates of prosecution for such attacks. It also references broader accusations of systemic abuse and torture of Palestinians, citing UN and Israeli rights‑group reports. The piece emphasizes the lack of accountability for soldiers involved.

General Horta Inta‑A, who was sworn in as Guinea‑Bissau’s transitional president on Thursday, issued a decree on Friday appointing Finance Minister Ilidio Vieira Te as the country’s new prime minister, consolidating the military junta’s control after the coup that ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. The appointment came days after the military announced it had taken “total control” of the nation on the eve of provisional election results, which remain unreleased. The African Union suspended Guinea‑Bissau and ECOWAS froze its participation in decision‑making bodies. The UN, EU, and Senegal’s prime minister condemned the coup and called for a return to constitutional order. UN human‑rights chief Volker Turk reported at least 18 arbitrary detentions, while a curfew was lifted and normal activity resumed in Bissau. Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, present as an election observer, alleged the coup was staged to keep Embalo in power. The opposition candidate Fernando Dias claimed victory in the pending election.

Peruvian President José Jeri announced on Friday via X that Peru will declare a state of emergency on its border with Chile to “generate tranquility” and prevent unauthorized migrant entries. The move follows a surge of undocumented migrants, mainly Venezuelans, crossing from Chile after far‑right Chilean candidate José Antonio Kast pledged to detain and expel undocumented people if elected in the Dec. 14 runoff. At least 100 people were reported waiting to cross the border on Friday, according to police General Arturo Valverde. Jeri, who succeeded impeached President Dina Boluar in October, said the influx could threaten public safety for Peru’s 34 million residents. Earlier in the week he visited the border and said troops would be deployed. Chile’s security minister Luis Cordero warned that political rhetoric could spark a humanitarian crisis. The announcement comes two weeks before Chile’s election, where Kast faces left‑wing candidate Jeannette Jara. The exact number of recent cross‑border migrants is unclear, though about 330,000 undocumented people are estimated to live in Chile.

Save the Children reported that Israeli forces began a large‑scale raid on the northeastern Tubas governorate of the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, expanding to other towns including Jenin. The operation, described by Israel as targeting armed groups, has injured dozens and led to the detention of more than 160 people, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Residents say the raids have forced entire communities into lockdown, keeping children out of school, disrupting incomes and increasing the risk of violence and child detention. A video from Thursday showed Israeli troops killing two unarmed Palestinian men in Jenin as they tried to surrender. The United Nations estimates that over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since Israel’s war on Gaza began, and about 32,000 residents of refugee camps have been displaced since January. The article also notes ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza, with at least 347 Palestinians killed since a U.S.-brokered truce took effect on October 10, and a reported Israeli drone strike killing a civilian in Bani Suheila.

Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla, a member of South Africa’s National Assembly since June 2024 for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, “resigned on Friday” after police announced she was “under investigation for her alleged role in luring South Africans to Russia”. The police investigation follows a “group of men aged 20 to 39” who “ended up on the front lines of the conflict in Ukraine”. MK national chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko said the party “has accepted … decision to resign and support her efforts to ensure that these young South Africans are brought back safely to their families”, adding the resignation was “not an admission of guilt”. An affidavit from Zuma‑Sambudla’s half‑sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma‑Mncube, alleged that Zuma‑Sambudla and two others “tricked the South Africans into fighting by promising … security training in Russia”, and that “eight of the 17 men were members of Zuma‑Sambudla’s and Zuma‑Mncube’s extended family”. South African presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the government had received “distress calls” and was “working ever so quietly” to secure the men’s safe return while an investigation continues. The article also notes that Jordan rebuked Russia for recruiting its citizens and that Ukraine says Moscow has recruited at least 18,000 foreign fighters. Zuma‑Sambudla, described as a “divisive political figure”, is also facing “serious charges” related to 2021 unrest, to which she has pleaded not guilty.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko arrived in Myanmar on Thursday night, meeting senior military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at the Presidential Palace in Naypyidaw. The visit, the first by a Belarusian head of state in 26 years, was presented as a goodwill gesture ahead of Myanmar’s disputed national election scheduled for late December. Lukashenko was welcomed with full state honors and cultural performances, and the two leaders discussed deepening cooperation in military technology and trade, as well as a planned Belarusian observation team for the upcoming poll. Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov highlighted potential collaboration in mechanised agriculture and mechanical engineering. The trip makes Lukashenko the second foreign leader, after Cambodia’s Hun Sen, to visit Myanmar since the February 2021 military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi. The visit occurs amid ongoing civil conflict, with the military controlling a minority of the country’s territory and facing widespread domestic and international criticism of the forthcoming election.

Russian prosecutors on Friday designated the international human‑rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) as an “undesirable organisation,” making any cooperation with it a criminal offence in Russia. The move forces HRW to cease all activities in the country and exposes supporters to prosecution. The same day, the prosecutor‑general’s office opened a case to label the feminist punk group Pussy Riot as an “extremist” organisation. Earlier, Russia’s Supreme Court classified the U.S.‑registered arm of Alexey Navalny’s Anti‑Corruption Foundation as a “terrorist” group, following its 2021 “undesirable” status. The bans add to a list of over 275 entities, including media outlets and NGOs, deemed undesirable. In a related development, the state communications watchdog Roskomnadzor warned that if WhatsApp does not comply with Russian law on data sharing for crime prevention, it will be completely blocked, after earlier restrictions on calls via WhatsApp and Telegram. The government is promoting a state‑backed messaging app, MAX, as an alternative.

Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre reported on Saturday that Cyclone Ditwah’s heavy rains and floods have killed 123 people and left 130 missing, displacing about 44,000 residents. Nearly 15,000 homes were destroyed, and the central Kandy district suffered landslides and flooded roads. The government has deployed thousands of army, navy and air‑force personnel for relief, while the Sri Lanka Red Cross warned that floodwaters continue to rise. Authorities ordered evacuations along the Kelani River after it burst its banks on Friday evening. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya appealed for international assistance; India responded with two relief‑supply flights and a warship’s rations, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged further aid. Rain has eased in most of the country, though the north still faces showers. Officials said flood levels could surpass the 2016 disaster that killed 71 people, marking the deadliest weather event since June of the previous year. The government is also seeking cash donations from Sri Lankans abroad to aid roughly half a million affected individuals.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte remained in International Criminal Court custody after appeals judges on Friday rejected his lawyers’ request for release on health grounds. The decision, delivered by Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza in The Hague, found the lower chamber’s October ruling reasonable and noted the risk that Duterte could flee or intimidate witnesses. Duterte, 80, faces crimes‑against‑humanity charges for alleged involvement in thousands of killings during his mayoral tenure in Davao (starting 2011) and his 2016‑2022 presidency. His defense, citing severe infirmity, will seek a new release request after a medical exam next month. The court had earlier denied a transfer to another state, deeming the risk unmitigated. The Philippines’ government said it respects the ruling, while Duterte’s family expressed acceptance. The case stems from a 2018 ICC preliminary investigation, which the Philippines exited in 2018.

French prosecutors announced that a 39‑year‑old man arrested earlier this week is believed to be the fourth member of the four‑person gang that stole the Louvre’s crown jewels on Oct. 19. The man, who has six prior convictions including receiving stolen goods, has been charged with robbery by an organized gang (up to 15 years) and criminal conspiracy (up to 10 years). The theft, carried out with angle grinders, a freight lift and disguises, netted jewels valued at about €88 million, though the loot remains missing. Earlier arrests in October included three men and a woman linked to the plot; the woman, the partner of one suspect, denies involvement. Police continue to search for the stolen items, which include a diamond‑emerald necklace, jewels of 19th‑century French royalty, and Empress Eugénie’s pearl‑and‑diamond tiara. The Louvre has pledged new cameras and anti‑intrusion measures after the eight‑minute daylight heist.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Friday, seeking to secure additional Russian oil and gas supplies for Hungary. The talks, lasting about four hours, emphasized Hungary’s reliance on Russian energy and its desire to maintain imports despite EU sanctions. Orbán, who recently obtained a U.S. exemption allowing Hungary to purchase Russian oil and gas from Lukoil and Rosneft, said the meeting aimed to guarantee affordable energy for the coming winter. The discussion occurred amid broader diplomatic activity, including a planned U.S. envoy visit to Moscow and Russia’s reported interception of Ukrainian drones. No new policy changes were announced.

PBS News launched a new video podcast series titled “Settle In.” The premiere episode, released this week, features host Amna Nawaz interviewing financial journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin about his newly released book “1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History and How It Shattered a Nation.” In the conversation, Sorkin explains how, beginning in 1919, Wall Street firms and retailers began offering credit to ordinary Americans for buying stocks, cars and appliances, a shift that democratized finance but also set the stage for the 1929 market collapse. He describes the era’s “pump‑and‑dump” schemes, the devastating impact on investors who bought on margin, and personal anecdotes such as Groucho Marx’s forced mortgage and a messenger boy who witnessed a suicide after the crash. The episode is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other platforms.