As November sets in, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up for a shift in weather patterns, with cooler temperatures and sporadic rainfall expected across the region. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), light rains are forecasted for Monday, November 3, accompanied by partly cloudy skies. Coastal and island areas are likely to experience increased cloud cover.
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A Latvian arrested for allegedly collecting information for Russia’s intelligence
RIGA, Latvia — A Latvian national has been apprehended on charges of espionage, accused of gathering sensitive information about the Baltic nation’s defense sector for Russia’s GRU military intelligence service. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was detained last month following coordinated raids on two associated locations. According to Latvia’s State Security Service, the individual allegedly collected and transmitted classified details about NATO forces stationed in the country, as well as intelligence on private aviation infrastructure and methods for acquiring prepaid mobile phone cards. This arrest underscores growing concerns over Russia’s alleged campaign of sabotage and hybrid warfare targeting Ukraine’s European allies. Recent months have seen a surge in arson attacks, cyber intrusions, and espionage activities across the continent. The Baltic states and broader Europe remain on heightened alert, particularly after a spike in unauthorized incursions by Russian fighter jets and drones into NATO airspace in September. These incidents have prompted questions about the alliance’s readiness to counter potential Russian aggression.
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Hegseth visits inter-Korean border ahead of security talks with South Korean officials
SEOUL, South Korea — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth embarked on a two-day visit to South Korea, focusing on strengthening bilateral security ties and reaffirming the alliance between the two nations. His itinerary included a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a symbolic and strategic area separating the two Koreas, where he received a detailed briefing from military officials at Observation Post Ouellette. This site has previously hosted notable figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019, who used the vantage point to observe North Korea and engage with American troops stationed there. Hegseth, accompanied by South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, also toured the historic Panmunjom border village, where the 1953 armistice agreement was signed, effectively halting the Korean War. The visit underscored the robust defense collaboration and seamless coordination between the two allies, as highlighted by Ahn’s ministry. Notably, Hegseth refrained from addressing North Korea’s ongoing nuclear and missile advancements, despite the regime’s persistent refusal to engage in dialogue with Washington and Seoul. In a display of military solidarity, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung and U.S. Gen. Dan Caine jointly supervised a combined formation flight of South Korean and U.S. F-16 fighter jets above Pyeongtaek, a major U.S. military base. This inaugural exercise aimed to showcase the unwavering strength and ironclad defense posture of the alliance. Hegseth and Ahn, who had previously convened at a defense ministers’ meeting in Malaysia, are set to participate in the annual U.S.-South Korea defense talks in Seoul. Key agenda items include South Korea’s pledge to bolster defense spending and the implementation of a prior agreement to transition wartime operational control to a binational command led by a South Korean general with a U.S. deputy. However, concerns linger in Seoul regarding potential demands from the Trump administration for increased financial contributions to support the U.S. military presence or a possible reduction of American forces to prioritize strategic focus on China. Hegseth’s visit follows closely on the heels of Trump’s recent trip to South Korea, where he engaged in discussions with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju. During their meeting, Lee reiterated South Korea’s commitment to enhancing defense expenditures and sought U.S. assistance in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines. Trump subsequently announced on social media that the U.S. would share advanced technology to facilitate South Korea’s construction of a nuclear-powered submarine at the Philly Shipyard, recently acquired by South Korea’s Hanwha Group. Additionally, the leaders made progress in trade negotiations, addressing specifics of South Korea’s $350 billion investment pledge to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs.
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Irish campaigner and advocate Sister Stan dies aged 86
Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, a revered campaigner and advocate for the marginalized, has passed away at the age of 86. Known affectionately as Sr Stan, she died on Monday morning at St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown, Dublin. Born Treasa Kennedy on 19 June 1939 near Lispole on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, she left home at 18 to join the Sisters of Charity, adopting the name Sr Stanislaus Kennedy. In 1985, she founded Focus Point, now known as Focus Ireland, after conducting research into the needs of homeless women in Dublin during the 1980s. Throughout her life, Sr Stan established numerous voluntary organizations and was appointed the first chair of the Combat Poverty Agency. In 2001, she expanded her advocacy to include immigrants, founding the Immigrant Council of Ireland to assist those from migrant backgrounds. The Religious Sisters of Charity praised her tireless efforts to support the homeless, immigrants, and disadvantaged communities across Ireland and beyond. Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan remarked, ‘Her vision will continue to guide us, we will not see her like again, that is for sure.’ Taoiseach Micheál Martin described her as a ‘true Christian’ who dedicated her life to helping those ‘on the margins.’
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Pregnant British teen arrested for drug smuggling in Georgia released after guilty verdict
TBILISI, Georgia — Bella May Culley, a 19-year-old British teenager who was arrested in Georgia earlier this year on drug smuggling charges, was released from prison on Monday following a plea deal. Culley, who is pregnant, was detained in May at Tbilisi Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 12 kilograms of marijuana and 2 kilograms of hashish into the country. On Monday, a Georgian court found her guilty and sentenced her to five months and 25 days in prison, equivalent to the time she had already served in custody. As part of the plea agreement, her family paid a fine of 500,000 lari (approximately $184,000).
Culley and her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, were visibly emotional during the court proceedings, embracing each other after the verdict was announced. Georgian prosecutors had initially considered a two-year prison sentence but opted to account for the time Culley had already served. Case prosecutor Vakhtang Tsalughelashvili stated that the decision was influenced by Culley’s confession, her age, and her pregnancy.
Culley’s lawyer, Malkhaz Salakhaia, confirmed that she would be allowed to leave the country and regain her passport. Salakhaia praised the court’s decision, emphasizing that Culley had been sincere throughout the investigation. The teenager had initially faced a potential sentence of up to 15 years or life imprisonment under Georgian law. However, the country’s legal system permits financial plea agreements in certain cases, particularly those involving drug-related offenses.
Prior to her arrest in Georgia on May 10, Culley had been reported missing in Thailand. She claimed she was tortured in Thailand and coerced into carrying the drugs. Salakhaia noted that Culley displayed visible signs of physical abuse upon her arrival in Georgia. The case has drawn significant attention due to its international implications and the unusual circumstances surrounding Culley’s involvement.
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Tanzania’s president blames foreigners for deadly protests after disputed election
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has attributed last week’s deadly protests to foreign interference, following a contentious election that barred two key opposition candidates from challenging her re-election bid. In her inaugural address, Hassan acknowledged the loss of lives but claimed that those arrested were from other countries, without providing specifics. She pledged to unite the nation and urged security forces to restore normalcy. Her swearing-in ceremony, held in Dodoma, was notably subdued compared to her previous inauguration, reflecting the heightened tensions. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) criticized the October 29 election, stating it failed to meet democratic standards due to the exclusion of opposition candidates and delays in accrediting observers. The main opposition party, Chadema, rejected the results, calling them baseless. Meanwhile, internet restrictions persisted, disrupting daily life and economic activities. International leaders, including those from Mozambique, Zambia, Burundi, and Somalia, attended the ceremony, with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema urging Tanzanians to avoid violence. Kenyan President William Ruto called for dialogue to ensure stability, as the election violence disrupted cross-border trade, leaving agricultural goods to rot at the Kenya-Tanzania border.
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Vietnam flood death toll rises to 37 as a new typhoon threatens to worsen devastation
Central Vietnam is grappling with the aftermath of severe floods and landslides that have claimed at least 37 lives, displaced tens of thousands, and left many areas isolated and without power. The disaster, triggered by record-breaking rainfall since late October, has caused widespread destruction, including the erosion of canals, riverbanks, and coastlines, as well as the blockage of several national highways. Rescue teams and aid workers are racing to reach affected communities, particularly in Danang and Hue City, where rivers have reached dangerous levels. Meanwhile, Typhoon Kalmaegi is expected to intensify as it approaches Vietnam’s central coast, with winds potentially reaching 166 kph (103 mph) by Wednesday. The storm, which recently crossed the Philippines, poses an additional threat to the already battered region. Authorities have been distributing food, clean water, medicine, and shelter while assisting families in rebuilding damaged homes. Efforts are also underway to restore power, water, and transport links, clean debris, and prevent disease outbreaks. The government is focusing on repairing irrigation systems and supporting farmers to restart agricultural activities as floodwaters recede. Vietnam has faced a relentless series of storms this year, including Typhoon Ragasa, Typhoon Bualoi, and Typhoon Matmo, which collectively caused over 85 deaths or disappearances and an estimated $1.36 billion in damage. As one of the world’s most flood-prone countries, Vietnam’s vulnerability is exacerbated by climate change, which scientists warn is intensifying storms and rainfall across Southeast Asia.
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Justin Baldoni case against Blake Lively dismissed after deadline lapse
The protracted legal dispute between Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has reached a decisive conclusion. A judge has officially dismissed Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against Lively, citing his failure to meet the deadline for filing an amended complaint. The conflict stems from their collaboration in the 2024 film *It Ends with Us*, which spiraled into a bitter legal feud after Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her in December 2023. Baldoni retaliated with a lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, and the *New York Times*, alleging civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy. While Baldoni’s case was initially dismissed in June 2024, he was granted the opportunity to refile with revised claims. However, Judge Lewis Liman ruled that Baldoni missed the deadline, effectively ending the case. Lively’s legal team celebrated the dismissal as a ‘total victory,’ while Baldoni’s attorney maintained that the facts were on their side. The judge also dismissed a separate $250 million lawsuit against the *New York Times*, stating the publication had no malicious intent in its reporting. Lively’s original lawsuit against Baldoni remains ongoing, leaving the final chapter of this high-profile legal saga yet to be written.
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Federal workers feel squeeze for food during shutdown
As the federal government shutdown extends into its fifth week, hundreds of thousands of federal workers across the United States are grappling with severe financial strain, forcing many to seek assistance from food banks to feed their families. The shutdown, which began on October 1 due to a political impasse over healthcare funding and other policy priorities, has left 1.4 million federal employees without pay, including 670,000 furloughed workers and 730,000 who continue to work without compensation. In Queens, New York, long lines of federal workers formed outside a church on October 28, waiting to collect basic produce like peppers, onions, and carrots from the Food Bank For New York City. Among them was Jacquelin, a federal employee who tearfully shared her struggles, including the inability to celebrate her daughter’s birthday or afford basic meals. Christina Dechabert, a Transportation Security Administration employee at JFK Airport, echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration at having to dip into savings meant for retirement to cover daily expenses. The crisis has also impacted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with November benefits delayed for over 40 million Americans, deepening food insecurity nationwide. Legal battles have ensued, with dozens of states suing the Trump administration over the SNAP cuts, while federal judges ruled on October 31 that SNAP funding must continue during the shutdown. Economically, the shutdown is projected to cause significant losses, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating a permanent $7 billion hit to the U.S. economy if it ends this week, and up to $14 billion if it extends through November 26. The travel industry is also suffering, with national parks partially closed and airports experiencing delays due to staffing shortages. While federal workers will receive backpay once the government reopens, contractors face permanent losses. Economists warn that the shutdown disproportionately affects lower-income Americans, exacerbating inequality and eroding trust in the political system. As negotiations remain stalled in Washington, the human toll of the shutdown continues to grow, with federal workers bearing the brunt of the crisis.
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Clooney says Harris replacing Biden was a ‘mistake’
In a recent interview with CBS, renowned actor and Democratic fundraiser George Clooney expressed his belief that it was a ‘mistake’ for Kamala Harris to replace Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Clooney, who had penned a high-profile op-ed in the New York Times in July 2024 urging Biden to step aside, stood by his decision, stating, ‘We had a chance.’ He argued that Biden, despite his storied career, was no longer fit to face the challenges of a presidential campaign, particularly against Donald Trump. Clooney emphasized the need for a primary to ‘battle-test’ potential candidates, but the Democratic Party ultimately bypassed this process, handing the nomination to Harris. Reflecting on her candidacy, Clooney noted the difficulty Harris faced in distancing herself from her own record, calling it a ‘very tough task.’ His comments followed a heated response from Hunter Biden, who criticized Clooney for questioning his father’s mental acuity in an expletive-laden interview. Meanwhile, Harris, in a BBC interview, hinted at a possible future presidential run, expressing confidence that a woman would one day occupy the White House.