In a highly contentious move, former US President Donald Trump has issued sweeping pardons to several key allies implicated in efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The pardons, announced by the administration’s pardon attorney Ed Martin, include prominent figures such as Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, Mark Meadows, John Eastman, and Boris Epshteyn. These individuals were allegedly involved in a scheme to alter electoral slates in crucial battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan, which President Joe Biden had won. The plot, which Trump and his supporters endorsed, culminated in the violent January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. While none of the pardoned individuals faced federal charges, the pardons could shield them from future prosecution. Trump’s directive explicitly excludes himself, despite his repeated claims of having the authority to self-pardon. The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing it as an attempt to obstruct accountability for actions linked to the election controversy.
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Trump threatens BBC with legal action over Panorama speech edit
Former US President Donald Trump has issued a legal ultimatum to the BBC, demanding a retraction of a Panorama documentary that allegedly misrepresented his speech on January 6, 2021. Trump’s legal team has set a November 14 deadline for the BBC to issue a ‘full and fair retraction’ or face a $1 billion lawsuit. The controversy stems from the documentary’s editing of Trump’s speech, which spliced two segments to create the impression that he explicitly incited the Capitol attack. A leaked internal BBC memo acknowledged the misleading edit, prompting resignations from BBC News CEO Deborah Turness and Director General Tim Davie. BBC Chair Samir Shah admitted an ‘error of judgement’ in the documentary’s editing but denied claims of systemic bias within the corporation. The memo, authored by former external adviser Michael Prescott, also criticized the BBC’s coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict and transgender issues. Trump’s letter accuses the BBC of defamation and demands compensation. The BBC has faced over 500 complaints since the memo’s publication, with Shah emphasizing that concerns are being addressed. This incident adds to Trump’s history of legal battles with media outlets, including a $16 million settlement with CBS News in July.
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Turkey readies military brigade for Gaza stabilisation force
The Turkish government is advancing plans to deploy hundreds of soldiers to Gaza as part of an international peacekeeping force, according to sources familiar with the matter. The proposed brigade, estimated to include at least 2,000 personnel, is being assembled from various army branches with prior experience in peacekeeping and conflict zones. This contingent would join a multinational stabilization force in Gaza, as part of a broader peace plan brokered by former US President Donald Trump, which envisions Turkey as a key player in post-war reconstruction and security arrangements. However, the initiative faces opposition from Israel, and a UN resolution authorizing the deployment has yet to be passed. Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian stated unequivocally, ‘There will be no Turkish boots on the ground,’ citing Israel’s reluctance to accept a strong NATO ally operating under a UN mandate in the enclave. Turkish officials, meanwhile, emphasize that their participation would focus on ceasefire implementation, humanitarian recovery, and border control, rather than enforcement actions. Ankara has also highlighted its role in facilitating the return of Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin’s remains to Israel, a gesture aimed at fostering goodwill. The final decision on the force’s scope and mandate is expected following consultations between the UN and regional stakeholders in the coming weeks. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has reiterated that Turkey’s involvement is contingent on a clear UN Security Council mandate, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signaled readiness to deploy troops if required. The Trump administration has framed the multinational force as essential for lasting peace in Gaza, with plans to establish a ‘Board of Peace’ chaired by Trump himself, a move that critics argue would grant Washington unprecedented control over the operation. As negotiations continue, the international community watches closely, with Turkey positioning itself as a stabilizing force in the volatile region.
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Media Track at BRIDGE Summit 2025 to confront the global credibility crisis and the economics of influence
The BRIDGE Summit 2025, set to take place from December 8–10 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), will feature the Media Track as one of its seven core pillars. This groundbreaking event, the world’s largest debut media gathering, will bring together over 100 global editors, founders, policymakers, and investors across 50+ sessions. The Media Track aims to tackle the pressing challenges of media credibility, influence economics, and the evolving global information ecosystem. Amidst a decade of transformative shifts in media—from the rise of streaming and social platforms to the advent of artificial intelligence—the Summit will explore how cross-sector collaboration can foster a more resilient, credible, and inclusive media landscape. Key themes include the impact of capital, technology, and philanthropy on editorial independence, the ethics of credibility in an age of synthetic content, and the redefinition of audience engagement in a fragmented media world. Sessions such as “Money Talks: Who’s Funding the News You Read?” and “The Threshold of Truth” will delve into the complexities of modern media ownership, transparency, and sustainability. The Media Track will also feature an impressive lineup of industry leaders, including Gary Vaynerchuk, Moira Forbes, and Jessica Sibley, who will share insights on rebuilding trust and innovation in media. Hosted in Abu Dhabi, the Summit underscores the UAE’s role as a global hub for dialogue and cooperation, while advancing the integration of technology, finance, policy, and culture in the media ecosystem.
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Cross-talk performance at Great Wall in Tianjin attracts over 1,500 spectators
A captivating open-air cross-talk performance was held at the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall in Tianjin on Saturday, attracting over 1,500 enthusiastic spectators. This unique event brought traditional Chinese comedy to the historic mountain setting, blending humor with cultural heritage in an unforgettable experience. Departing from the confines of conventional indoor theaters, the performance took place against the majestic backdrop of ancient fortifications that once served as a vital military stronghold. The show featured five distinct cross-talk segments, each skillfully crafted to entertain while paying homage to China’s rich cultural traditions. The Huangyaguan Great Wall, renowned for its scenic beauty and historical significance, provided a fitting stage for this cultural celebration. The event not only showcased the enduring appeal of cross-talk, a beloved form of Chinese comedy, but also highlighted the potential of historic sites to serve as venues for cultural and artistic expression. Spectators praised the seamless integration of humor and history, making the performance a memorable highlight of the season.
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Want to be future-ready? Dubai’s new ‘micro-master’ degree to train you for tomorrow
Dubai is pioneering a groundbreaking educational initiative with the launch of a ‘micro-master’ degree in planning and future foresight for municipal work. This six-month hybrid program, developed in collaboration between Dubai Municipality and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai, aims to equip participants with the skills to address real-world workplace challenges and implement practical solutions immediately. The course is being hailed as a transformative step in higher education, offering a flexible and efficient pathway to professional development. Participants who complete the program will receive an accredited, internationally recognized academic certificate. Those who wish to further their education can use the credits earned toward a full master’s degree. Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, emphasized that this program reflects the future of education, where learners can acquire essential skills in a shorter timeframe and apply them directly to their careers. The curriculum covers qualitative and quantitative foresight methodologies, including scenario planning, strategic road mapping, and environmental scanning. Participants will engage in hands-on capstone projects, supported by global experts, to tackle pressing issues such as achieving net zero by 2050, ensuring food security, and designing sustainable urban environments. The initiative is designed to institutionalize future foresight capabilities within Dubai Municipality’s leadership, enabling participants to anticipate trends, manage uncertainty, and develop adaptive strategies that align with Dubai’s long-term urban, environmental, and economic goals. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, highlighted the importance of anticipating change as a collective responsibility to ensure readiness for the future. This program not only strengthens municipal leadership but also fosters agility and informed decision-making grounded in emerging trends.
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Israeli settlers torch factories and farmland in massive West Bank arson raid
In a disturbing escalation of violence, Israeli settlers launched a coordinated arson attack on Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, November 12, 2025. The assault targeted an industrial area east of Tulkarm, near Beit Lid, where masked settlers set fire to a dairy factory, surrounding farmland, multiple buildings, and trucks. The flames spread to a nearby nomadic Palestinian community, destroying their tents. At least four Palestinians were injured as settlers hurled rocks at those attempting to resist the attack. Israeli forces reportedly accompanied and protected the settlers during the assault, further exacerbating tensions.
This incident is part of a broader surge in settler violence that has intensified since October 2023, with a sharp increase in attacks during the olive harvest season—a critical source of income for thousands of Palestinian families. According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, over 2,350 attacks were recorded in October 2025 alone, with 1,584 directly carried out by the Israeli army. These assaults include physical violence, the uprooting of olive trees, the burning of fields, and the obstruction of farmers’ access to their land.
In addition to the arson attack, settlers fenced off Palestinian land in the northern Jordan Valley, preventing farmers from working and undermining their livelihoods. Meanwhile, in occupied East Jerusalem, over 200 settlers entered the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque under Israeli police protection, performing Talmudic prayers and rituals while barring Muslim worshippers from entering.
The violence extends beyond property destruction. On Sunday, November 10, settlers attacked a Palestinian community in al-Ara’ara, north of Jerusalem, injuring at least seven people and torching livestock sheds. Similar incidents occurred in Mount Sabih, south of Nablus, where masked settlers armed with clubs assaulted farmers, journalists, and foreign activists during the olive harvest. Among the injured were Reuters photographer Raneen Sawafta, Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed al-Atrash, and photographer Louay Saeed.
UN bodies and international human rights organizations have condemned the escalating violence. Ajith Sunghay, head of the UN Human Rights Office in Palestine, warned that the attacks aim to sever Palestinians’ connection to their land, facilitate illegal settlement expansion, and dispossess communities. He emphasized the cultural and economic significance of olive cultivation, which represents livelihood, lineage, and resilience for Palestinians.
The international community continues to call for accountability, as most settlers involved in such attacks are rarely prosecuted. The ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for intervention to protect Palestinian lives and livelihoods in the occupied West Bank.
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Canada loses its measles-free status, with US on track to follow
Canada has officially lost its measles elimination status, as announced by the Pan American Health Organization (Paho) on Monday. This comes after the country failed to control a measles outbreak for 12 consecutive months. The Americas region as a whole has also lost its elimination status, despite other individual countries still being considered measles-free. The United States is at risk of losing its status if it cannot halt its ongoing outbreak by January, with cases already reported in Utah, Arizona, and South Carolina.
The outbreak in Canada began in October 2024, with health officials attributing the surge to declining vaccination rates. At a press conference, Paho officials urged Canadian governments and the public to increase vaccination efforts, emphasizing that 95% of the population must be immunized to effectively stop the spread of measles. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Paho’s director, stated, ‘This loss represents a setback, but it is also reversible.’
Canada had maintained its measles-free status for three decades prior to this outbreak. To regain elimination status, the country must curb the spread of the current measles strain for at least 12 months. In 2025 alone, Canada reported over 5,000 measles cases, primarily in Ontario and Alberta—three times the number reported in the U.S., despite Canada’s smaller population.
The outbreak has been concentrated in ‘under-vaccinated communities,’ with Alberta particularly affected. Provincial data reveals that vaccination rates in some areas, such as the South Zone, which includes Calgary, are as low as 68% for children under two. The MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective against measles, mumps, and rubella, remains the most effective defense against the virus, which can cause severe complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
Canadian immunologist Dawn Bowdish highlighted systemic issues contributing to low vaccination rates, including limited access to healthcare, the absence of a national vaccination registry, and widespread misinformation. She called for improved public health outreach to hesitant communities and urged policymakers to address these systemic failures.
The Americas had been the first and only region globally to achieve measles elimination in 2016, though this status was briefly revoked after outbreaks in Venezuela and Brazil. Both countries regained elimination status in 2024 through coordinated vaccination campaigns. However, measles has re-emerged in North America, with Mexico also experiencing a surge in cases, ranking among the top 10 countries with the largest outbreaks according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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From videos to albums: Chile’s presidential race hits a musical note
In an unconventional twist to Chile’s presidential campaign, candidates are leveraging music and digital media to engage the nation’s youth ahead of the November 16 election. With nearly 3 million of the 15.6 million eligible voters aged between 18 and 29, campaigns are adopting innovative strategies to resonate with this demographic. Conservative candidate Evelyn Matthei recently released a trap-inspired music video, blending hip-hop and reggaeton influences, which has garnered 2.5 million views on YouTube. The video critiques her opponents, far-right Jose Antonio Kast and leftist Jeannette Jara, while promoting her policy agenda. Matthei’s campaign defended the approach, calling it a fresh way to connect with young voters. Meanwhile, Jara has opted for a pop-like jingle and active social media presence, showcasing her personal life and Spotify playlist. Kast, trailing in polls but leading on Spotify with his eclectic 15-song album, criticized Matthei’s video as a ‘big mistake.’ This musical pivot highlights the candidates’ efforts to modernize their outreach in a fiercely contested race.
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How scandals at the BBC have rocked its leadership over the years
The BBC’s top leadership, including its Director-General Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness, resigned following widespread criticism over the editing of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech in a Panorama documentary. The controversial edit, which omitted a call for peaceful protest, fueled accusations of bias and sparked an ‘existential crisis’ within the broadcaster. This incident is the latest in a series of scandals that have plagued the BBC, raising questions about its commitment to impartiality and accountability.