In a landmark case at the Old Bailey, 21-year-old Dylan Earl has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a series of pro-Russia sabotage acts on UK soil, including a devastating arson attack on a Ukrainian-owned warehouse in East London. This marks the first sentencing under the newly enacted National Security Act, which could see Earl imprisoned for life. The warehouse, targeted in March 2024, was a hub for dispatching essential equipment, including Starlink satellite terminals, to Ukraine. Earl’s actions were part of a broader campaign supporting Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, as highlighted by prosecutor Duncan Penny KC. Earl’s involvement extended beyond arson; he attempted to recruit a British soldier for intelligence gathering on behalf of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization. Messages revealed in court showed Earl discussing plans for further attacks, including a potential arson in the Czech Republic, and even exploring extortion schemes. Despite his barrister’s portrayal of Earl as a ‘sad individual’ influenced by online gaming and drug use, the judge emphasized the seriousness of his crimes. Five other men, including Jake Reeves and Ashton Evans, are also implicated in related offenses. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, with the case underscoring the UK’s heightened focus on national security threats linked to foreign powers.
作者： admin
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The decades-old exemption that lets Trump reconstruct the White House
President Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to demolish the White House East Wing to construct a new ballroom has ignited a fierce debate over historic preservation and presidential authority. Despite earlier assurances that the project would not disrupt the existing structure, the proposed demolition has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and conservation groups, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which has urged a public review process.
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Portland Trail Blazers coach and Miami Heat player arrested in NBA gambling case
In a significant crackdown on illegal sports betting, a National Basketball Association (NBA) player and coach have been implicated in separate cases, as reported by CBS News, a partner of the BBC. Miami Heat player Terry Rozier is among six individuals arrested in connection with alleged involvement in illegal sports gambling. Reports suggest that Rozier and other players may have feigned injuries to manipulate game outcomes. In a parallel investigation, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups is one of 31 individuals charged in a case involving illegal poker games linked to organized crime figures. Law enforcement sources revealed these details ahead of a scheduled news conference by New York prosecutors and FBI Director Kash Patel at 10:00 EST (15:00 BST). The BBC has reached out to the NBA for comment. Federal investigators have been scrutinizing unusual betting activity tied to a March 2023 game in which Rozier, then playing for the Charlotte Hornets, logged just nine minutes and scored five points against the New Orleans Pelicans, citing a sore right foot. This performance starkly contrasted with his season averages of 35 minutes and 21 points per game, raising suspicions of game manipulation for gambling purposes.
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Pakistan uses anti-smog guns to fight air pollution in its cultural capital
In a groundbreaking move to address severe air pollution, Pakistani authorities have introduced anti-smog guns in Lahore for the first time this winter. Sajid Bashir, spokesperson for the Punjab Environment Protection Agency, confirmed that over a dozen truck-mounted devices are now operational across the city, spraying fine mists of water to reduce dust and airborne particles. While the initiative marks a proactive step, Bashir highlighted that vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, construction dust, and crop residue burning remain significant contributors to the worsening air quality. He also cautioned that cross-border winds could exacerbate the situation in the coming days. Lahore, once celebrated as the ‘City of Gardens’ for its Mughal-era greenery, now grapples with toxic smog each winter, a consequence of rapid urbanization and population growth. Last year, attempts to disperse the haze through artificial rainfall proved ineffective, leaving residents to endure school closures and prolonged indoor confinement. The deployment of anti-smog guns represents a renewed effort to mitigate the city’s annual environmental crisis.
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China names new second highest-ranking general after military purge
In a significant move underscoring its commitment to military reform and anti-corruption, the Chinese Communist Party has appointed Zhang Shengmin as the second-ranked vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC). This appointment follows the expulsion of nine high-ranking generals accused of serious financial crimes, marking one of the largest public crackdowns on the military in decades. Zhang, a trusted loyalist of President Xi Jinping, now holds the third-highest position in the CMC, just below the first-ranked vice chairman and President Xi himself. Zhang, 67, has a distinguished career in the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force and has been serving as deputy secretary of the CMC’s anti-corruption arm. His promotion is seen as a strategic step to reinforce discipline and eliminate ‘toxic influence’ within the military. The recent purge aligns with the CMC’s July guidelines, which introduced ‘iron rules’ for cadres and emphasized the need for a clean and loyal military force. The appointment was announced at the conclusion of a four-day Central Committee meeting, which also approved a new five-year plan focusing on scientific and technological self-reliance, green transition, and modernizing defense. This plan aims to bolster domestic consumption and mitigate the impact of geopolitical uncertainties and export revenue losses.
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Israel’s top court to hear petition demanding foreign media access to Gaza
Israel’s Supreme Court is poised to deliberate on a significant petition filed by the Foreign Press Association (FPA), which advocates for independent media access to Gaza. The hearing, scheduled for Thursday, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for press freedom in the region. Since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, Israeli authorities have imposed stringent restrictions, barring foreign journalists from entering the war-torn territory, except for a select few who are allowed under tightly controlled conditions. The FPA, representing hundreds of international journalists, has been persistently lobbying for unrestricted access to Gaza, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive and unbiased coverage of the conflict. Tania Kraemer, the FPA chairperson, expressed optimism about the court hearing, stating, ‘We are pleased to finally have our day in court and hope the justices will swiftly approve our request to enter Gaza.’ The petition has garnered support from media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which has highlighted the severe implications of Israel’s media blockade. Antoine Bernard, RSF’s director for advocacy and assistance, underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that over 210 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began. ‘The result is an unprecedented violation of press freedom and the public’s right to reliable, independent, and pluralistic media reporting,’ Bernard remarked. He urged the Supreme Court to uphold democratic principles and end the systematic suppression of journalism in Gaza. The hearing comes amid a backdrop of international efforts to broker peace, including a ceasefire declared by Israel on October 10, as part of a broader plan to de-escalate the conflict.
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Former teacher accused of further 90 sex abuse charges
Iain Wares, an 86-year-old former teacher accused of historical sex abuse in Scotland, has been arrested in Cape Town, South Africa, on an additional 90 charges. Wares, who taught at Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College in the 1960s and 70s, is alleged to have abused scores of former pupils, including BBC presenter Nicky Campbell. Last August, the Cape Town High Court ruled that Wares could be extradited to Scotland to face three charges, but the process was delayed as UK authorities sought to submit further charges. The new charges stem from allegations by 65 individuals who claim they were sexually and physically abused by Wares in Scotland. Victims have accused the schools of failing to report complaints, allowing Wares to relocate to South Africa in 1979, where he continued teaching until his retirement in 2006. Wares was initially arrested in May 2019 on seven charges, and he also faces a separate trial in Cape Town following allegations by a former South African student. He has been granted bail, with a hearing scheduled for November 20. Barry Welsh, the current rector of Edinburgh Academy, emphasized the school’s commitment to addressing past wrongs and supporting former pupils. The case remains under the jurisdiction of legal authorities in both South Africa and Scotland.
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Brazilian President Lula announces reelection bid for fourth nonconsecutive term
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has declared his intention to seek a fourth nonconsecutive term in the 2026 presidential election, despite concerns about his age and health. Speaking during his official visit to Indonesia, the 79-year-old leader confidently stated, ‘I’m turning 80, but you can be sure I have the same energy I had when I was 30. And I’m going to run for a fourth term in Brazil.’ Lula’s announcement comes as he embarks on a diplomatic tour across Asia, including a visit to Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, where he is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time. The two leaders are anticipated to discuss trade tensions, particularly the 50% tariff imposed by Trump on Brazilian goods. Lula, a dominant figure in Brazilian politics and the country’s longest-serving president since its return to democracy 40 years ago, returned to power in 2023 after defeating Jair Bolsonaro in a closely contested election. Although he previously hinted that his third term would be his last, citing the need for political renewal, Lula has since shifted his stance, emphasizing his continued vigor and commitment to the nation. Despite his popularity, recent polls indicate that roughly half of Brazilian voters disapprove of his leadership. His main political rival, Bolsonaro, has been barred from running for office and sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup. Analysts suggest that any viable opposition candidate in 2026 will likely depend on Bolsonaro’s support, even as he serves his sentence under house arrest. Lula’s decision to run again has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising his resilience and others expressing concerns about his age and health, particularly following an emergency surgery for a brain bleed last year. Nevertheless, Lula remains a formidable force in Brazilian politics, and his reelection bid is expected to shape the country’s political landscape in the coming years.
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Week of the wonderkids – who shone in Champions League?
The UEFA Champions League this week became a stage for young prodigies to showcase their burgeoning talent, with six teenagers making their mark on the scoresheet—a record-equaling feat for a single round of the competition. While established names like Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly continued to impress, the spotlight turned to emerging stars who announced their arrival on the European stage. Chelsea’s youthful squad stole the show with a dominant 5-1 victory over Ajax, fielding 10 players aged 21 or younger and becoming the first team in Champions League history to have three teenage scorers in a single match. Marc Guiu, 19, opened the scoring, only for his record as Chelsea’s youngest Champions League goalscorer to be broken 33 minutes later by Estevao Willian, 17, who netted a penalty. Tyrique George, 19, added to the tally, while Reggie Walsh, 17, became Chelsea’s youngest-ever player in the competition. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s Lennart Karl, 17, dazzled with a stunning goal in a 4-0 win over Club Brugge, and Copenhagen’s Viktor Dadason, 17, became the third-youngest scorer in Champions League history with a late consolation goal. Barcelona’s Dro Fernandez, 17, also impressed with a visionary assist in a 6-1 thrashing of Olympiacos, drawing comparisons to club legends. These performances underscore the rise of a new generation of footballing talent, poised to shape the future of the sport.
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UK police arrest 3 men in London on suspicion of spying for Russia
In a significant development, British counterterrorism authorities apprehended three individuals in London on Thursday, suspecting them of espionage activities on behalf of Russia. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the men, aged 44, 45, and 48, were taken into custody under the National Security Act, accused of aiding a foreign intelligence service, specifically Russia. Simultaneously, law enforcement officers conducted searches at multiple properties across the city as part of the ongoing investigation.