Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died at the age of 111, as announced by Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols on Monday. Fletcher was just seven years old when a white mob attacked Greenwood, a prosperous Black neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in May 1921. The massacre, one of the deadliest episodes of racial violence in U.S. history, claimed an estimated 300 lives and left Greenwood, often referred to as Black Wall Street, in ruins. Over 1,200 homes, businesses, and churches were destroyed, and no one was ever held accountable for the atrocities. Fletcher spent her later years advocating for official recognition of the massacre and reparations for its survivors and descendants. Despite her efforts, a lawsuit filed by Fletcher and other survivors was dismissed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 2024. However, Tulsa recently announced a $105 million reparations package to address the massacre’s enduring impact. Fletcher’s life was marked by resilience and advocacy. In 2021, she testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee, recounting the horrors she witnessed and emphasizing that the massacre’s legacy remained with her every day. Mayor Nichols, Tulsa’s first Black mayor, praised Fletcher’s lifelong commitment to justice, describing her as a beacon of hope and purpose. The last known survivor of the massacre, Lessie Benningfield Randle, is now 111 years old. The Tulsa Race Massacre, sparked by false accusations against a Black teenager, Dick Rowland, remains a stark reminder of systemic racism and its devastating consequences in American history.
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‘We’re in a pivotal place’ – Tennessee voters on Trump’s performance
As the final congressional election of the year unfolds in Tennessee’s 7th District, all eyes are on the political landscape shaped by former President Donald Trump’s significant influence. Trump secured a commanding 22% victory in this district during the 2024 election, cementing its status as a stronghold for his supporters. Voters in the area describe this moment as ‘pivotal,’ reflecting on Trump’s performance and its implications for the future of the Republican Party. The outcome of this election could serve as a barometer for Trump’s enduring political clout and the direction of conservative politics in the region. Analysts are closely monitoring voter turnout and sentiment, as the results may offer insights into broader national trends ahead of the next presidential cycle.
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South Africa sets out stall for tourists from China
South Africa is actively enhancing its tourism strategy to attract more visitors from China, leveraging recent visa reforms to streamline the entry process. Patricia de Lille, the country’s Minister of Tourism, highlighted the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which simplifies visa applications by enabling online submissions, biometric data collection, and approvals within 70 hours. This digital initiative is expected to significantly benefit key markets, including China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. De Lille also noted the positive impact of the recent G20 Summit in Soweto, where local hotels experienced full occupancy, underscoring the sector’s growth potential. The tourism industry, which created 1.6 million jobs in South Africa last year, remains a critical driver of economic development and employment. De Lille emphasized the broader untapped tourism potential across Africa, urging closer collaboration among African nations to promote the continent as a unified destination. She called for accelerated implementation of Agenda 2063’s tourism goals, which aim to position Africa as a global tourism hub driven by integration, prosperity, and peace. To achieve this, she stressed the need for coordinated efforts among tourism and transport ministers to eliminate barriers to intra-African travel.
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Italy now recognizes the crime of femicide and punishes it with life in prison
In a historic move, Italy’s parliament has unanimously passed a groundbreaking law that criminalizes femicide, imposing life imprisonment as the maximum penalty. The legislation, approved on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marks a significant step in addressing gender-based violence in the country. The law, championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s conservative government, received overwhelming bipartisan support, with 237 votes in favor in the Lower Chamber. It introduces stringent measures against crimes such as stalking and revenge porn, reflecting a broader societal push to combat violence against women. The decision follows a series of high-profile cases, including the 2023 murder of university student Giulia Cecchettin, which sparked nationwide outrage and debate over Italy’s patriarchal culture. Meloni emphasized the government’s commitment to the cause, highlighting increased funding for anti-violence centers, shelters, and emergency hotlines, alongside educational initiatives. However, critics argue that the law focuses solely on criminal justice, neglecting underlying economic and cultural factors. Italy’s statistics agency, Istat, reported 106 femicides in 2024, with 62 perpetrated by partners or former partners. The debate over introducing mandatory sexual and emotional education in schools has intensified, with the government proposing restrictions on such programs for elementary students. Opposition leaders and activists have condemned the proposal as regressive, advocating for comprehensive prevention strategies in schools.
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UAE: Man awarded Dh15,000 as compensation for moral damages after car theft
In a landmark ruling, the Al Ain Civil, Commercial, and Administrative Court has ordered a man to pay Dh15,000 in compensation to a car owner for moral damages resulting from the theft of the vehicle. The verdict, issued on November 24, 2025, follows the defendant’s prior criminal conviction by the Al Ain Public Prosecution, which was upheld in an appeal and became final after no further challenges were lodged with the Court of Cassation. The plaintiff initiated a civil lawsuit after the theft, seeking redress for both material and emotional harm. The court, referencing Article 88 of the UAE Evidence Law, affirmed that the criminal judgment held binding authority over the civil proceedings, thereby establishing the defendant’s liability. Additionally, the court invoked Article 282 of the UAE Civil Transactions Law, which mandates compensation for wrongful acts. The judge determined that the Dh15,000 award would adequately cover the plaintiff’s material losses and emotional distress. The defendant was also ordered to bear the court fees and legal costs. This case underscores the UAE judiciary’s commitment to ensuring justice and accountability in civil matters following criminal convictions.
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Gaza: Heavy rain floods camps as UN warns of ‘bleak’ situation
Torrential rains on Tuesday inundated displacement camps in the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the already dire living conditions of Palestinians displaced by Israel’s ongoing conflict. The al-Mawasi area in Khan Younis was particularly affected, with tents submerged in mud and water, rendering movement nearly impossible. Floodwaters infiltrated many shelters, threatening families and their meager possessions. The cold weather has further intensified the suffering, especially for children and the elderly, who face severe shortages of blankets, winter clothing, and heating supplies. This weather crisis compounds the humanitarian catastrophe for hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals. Israel’s two-year military campaign has destroyed nearly 300,000 homes, displacing almost the entire population of 2.3 million. Despite a ceasefire agreement last month that mandated the entry of 300,000 tents and mobile homes, Israel continues to block the majority of essential shelter materials. Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN deputy special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, described the situation as “bleak” and called for urgent international intervention to scale up humanitarian aid. Over 1.7 million people remain displaced, many living in overcrowded shelters with limited access to water, food, and medical care. Alakbarov emphasized the challenges in providing shelter materials and urged Israel to expedite the clearance of supplies, including UN aid. Gaza’s Government Media Office accused Israel of allowing only 200 aid trucks daily, far below the 600 agreed upon in the ceasefire, labeling it as a “deliberate starvation policy.”
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Anis Sajan to host sunset yoga session at private residence in Dubai
Dubai’s luxury wellness landscape is about to witness a unique event as Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group and a dedicated yoga enthusiast, gears up to host an exclusive Sunset Yoga session at his private residence in Emirates Hills. Scheduled for November 29 from 5pm onwards, the event aligns with the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), a city-wide initiative encouraging active, mindful, and health-conscious lifestyles. Set against the tranquil backdrop of Emirates Hills, the session welcomes yoga practitioners of all levels, offering a guided flow led by an experienced instructor. Attendees will also gain wellness insights from Sajan himself, coupled with breathtaking sunset views that promise to enhance the overall experience. The event aims to leave participants feeling rejuvenated, grounded, and deeply connected to both nature and themselves. This initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to fostering a culture of wellness and mindfulness among its residents and visitors.
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24 schoolgirls abducted from Kebbi in Nigeria have been rescued, president says
In a significant development, all 24 schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi state, Nigeria, have been successfully rescued, President Bola Tinubu announced on Tuesday. The mass abduction occurred on November 17 in Maga town, where 25 girls were initially taken. One girl managed to escape the same day, while the remaining 24 were freed following a coordinated rescue operation, though specific details of the mission remain undisclosed. President Tinubu expressed relief over the girls’ safe return and emphasized the urgent need to bolster security in vulnerable regions to prevent future kidnappings. The incident is part of a troubling pattern of mass abductions in Nigeria, including a recent raid on Saint Mary’s School in Niger state, where over 300 students and staff were kidnapped. While 50 students escaped over the weekend, the fate of the others remains uncertain. Musa Rabi Magaji, the principal of the Kebbi school, confirmed the girls’ release but noted they are still under official custody, with no immediate updates on their condition. Abdulkarim Abdullahi, whose two daughters were among the abducted, expressed relief and awaited further information on their well-being. Meanwhile, 38 worshippers kidnapped during a deadly church attack in Kwara state were also freed, according to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The recent wave of abductions, attributed to armed bandits, highlights the ongoing security crisis in Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become a pervasive issue. Analysts note that these gangs often target schools and remote communities, exploiting the lack of government presence. Since the infamous Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction a decade ago, over 1,500 students have been seized, with many released only after ransom payments. The situation underscores the need for comprehensive security reforms to address the root causes of this escalating crisis.
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Two outstanding students named 2025 UAE Rhodes Scholars, set to study at Oxford
Two exceptional Emirati students, Amal Musa Ali Alrebh and Fatima Mohammed Abdulla AlNuaimi, have been awarded the prestigious 2025 UAE Rhodes Scholarship, securing their places for postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in October 2026. The scholars, aged 22 and 24 respectively, were chosen from a highly competitive pool for their intellect, leadership potential, moral character, and dedication to service. Their selection aligns closely with the UAE’s National Youth Agenda 2031 and its vision for nurturing the next generation of homegrown changemakers.
Amal Alrebh, a biomedical engineering student at Khalifa University, aims to pursue a master’s in healthcare improvement and evaluation, followed by a master’s in medical physics at Oxford. Her goal is to develop culturally grounded, sustainable healthcare solutions for the UAE. Fatima AlNuaimi, currently studying English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University, will pursue a Master of Studies in World Literature at Oxford. She is committed to elevating Gulf literature and integrating marginalised regional narratives into global academic and creative spaces.
The UAE Rhodes Scholarship, established in 2013 and endowed by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, has supported 26 scholars to date. The programme plays a strategic role in advancing the UAE Centennial 2071 plan, which emphasizes education, innovation, and leadership development. Previous Emirati Rhodes Scholars now hold senior positions in government and various sectors, demonstrating the programme’s impact on national progress.
Omar Saif Ghobash, Advisor to the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Selection Committee, praised the scholars, stating, ‘Rhodes Scholars embody the UAE’s enduring belief in education as a catalyst for growth on individual, national, and global levels.’ Angela Migally, Executive Director of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, highlighted the transformative power of the scholarship, emphasizing its role in creating environments where young people can learn, grow, and lead with integrity.
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Watch: President Trump pardons the Thanksgiving turkeys
In a time-honored tradition at the White House, President Donald Trump officially pardoned two Thanksgiving turkeys, named Waddle and Gobble, during a festive ceremony. The event, held in the Rose Garden, showcased the president’s playful side as he humorously remarked on the turkeys’ good fortune. This annual ritual, dating back several decades, symbolizes a gesture of mercy and goodwill during the holiday season. The pardoned turkeys will now live out their days at a farm, spared from the Thanksgiving table. The ceremony also provided a lighthearted moment amid the often intense political climate, drawing smiles from attendees and viewers alike.