In a significant legal development, a federal judge dismissed charges against two prominent critics of former President Donald Trump on Monday, citing procedural irregularities in the appointment of the prosecuting attorney. Former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, who had been indicted on charges of false statements and obstruction of justice, respectively, celebrated the ruling but acknowledged the possibility of further legal battles. US District Judge Cameron Currie ruled that Lindsey Halligan, the prosecutor in the case, was invalidly appointed as US Attorney, rendering the indictments void. However, the judge left the door open for the government to pursue new charges. Comey expressed skepticism about the outcome, stating that he believes Trump ‘will probably come after me again,’ a sentiment echoed by White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, who declared, ‘This will not be the final word on this matter.’ Legal experts described the situation as ‘uncharted territory,’ with the Department of Justice likely to appeal the decision to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. US Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed to use all available legal avenues, including an ‘immediate appeal.’ The Trump administration has a history of aggressively appealing unfavorable rulings, often taking cases to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, attorneys for Comey and James pledged to continue challenging any further charges, which they described as politically motivated. The dismissal of the indictments raises questions about the statute of limitations, with Comey’s legal team arguing that the government is now out of time to bring new charges. Judge Currie’s ruling also casts doubt on the validity of other cases prosecuted by Halligan in the Eastern District of Virginia. Despite the ruling, the White House maintained that Halligan’s appointment was lawful, praising her work as ‘excellent.’ The case underscores the ongoing tensions between Trump and his critics, with legal experts predicting a protracted and complex legal battle ahead.
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What we know about the cruise ship death of Anna Kepner
The tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival cruise ship has left her family and authorities searching for answers. The Central Florida student, who was on vacation with her family in the Caribbean, was found dead in her cabin earlier this month. According to a death certificate provided by her family to ABC News, Anna died of ‘mechanical asphyxia,’ with the date of injury listed as November 6. Her body was discovered under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered by life vests. The death certificate further states that she was ‘mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s).’ The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office has not confirmed these details, citing an ‘active and ongoing investigation.’ The FBI has yet to name any suspects, and no charges have been filed. Anna was traveling on the Carnival Horizon with her father, stepmother, three step-siblings, and grandparents. Her grandparents, Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner, described the family dynamic as close-knit, emphasizing that there was ‘no such thing as steps’ in their blended family. Anna, who was set to graduate high school in May and planned to join the U.S. Navy, was remembered by her grandmother as a loving and vibrant teenager. The last time Barbara saw her granddaughter alive, Anna had expressed discomfort from her braces but still joined the family in the cruise casino, saying, ‘Meemaw, I love you guys, I’ll see you later.’ Carnival Cruise Line has stated it is fully cooperating with the FBI’s investigation as the family continues to seek closure and justice for Anna’s untimely death.
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Support for Kenyan school welcomed by students
In a significant move to enhance educational opportunities in one of Kenya’s largest slums, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya and the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA) have donated $84,800 to MCEDO Beijing School in Nairobi. This funding will facilitate comprehensive upgrades to the school’s facilities, including classroom renovations, improved lighting systems, modern desks, and essential educational materials. Established in 2007 with initial funding from the Chinese Embassy, the school has seen a steady increase in student numbers, now nearing 600, thanks to ongoing support from Chinese entities. Benedict Kiage, the school’s director, highlighted the transformative impact of this support, noting the addition of science laboratory equipment and instructional materials that attract more students seeking quality education. Student representative Latifah Natasha Omondi expressed heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing the improved safety and aesthetics of the school environment. Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan underscored the broader significance of the school’s development, framing it as a testament to the enduring friendship and shared future between China and Kenya. KCETA Chairman Yu Xiaodong reaffirmed the association’s commitment to continuous support, urging students to aspire to become future contributors to both their nation and the bilateral relationship.
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The UAE is buying the West’s silence over its ‘race war’ in Sudan, says top general
In a scathing indictment of international inaction, Lieutenant General Yasser al-Atta, a senior member of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council and the military’s second-in-command, has accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of orchestrating a race war in Sudan and silencing global criticism through financial influence. Speaking to journalists during a dinner near his Omdurman headquarters, Atta alleged that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed has been backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group responsible for widespread atrocities across Sudan, including recent massacres in the Darfur city of el-Fasher. Atta claimed that the UAE’s financial power has bought the silence of Western politicians, enabling the RSF to commit crimes with impunity. He singled out Britain, Sudan’s former colonial power, for failing to leverage its historical ties to advocate for the Sudanese people. Atta also criticized British media for inadequate coverage of the conflict, which has claimed over 150,000 lives. He revealed that the RSF has recruited mercenaries from countries like Colombia, Ukraine, and Somalia, facilitated by UAE support. The general accused the UAE of pursuing a strategic plan to ethnically cleanse Sudan of its African tribes, relocating them to neighboring countries. Despite the RSF’s recent gains, Atta expressed confidence in the Sudanese Armed Forces’ ability to reclaim el-Fasher within three months. He called for justice for the victims and demanded that the UAE repatriate mercenaries and cease its interference in Sudan’s affairs.
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UAE: Petrofac employees receive 19-day salary, end of benefits still uncertain
Former employees of Petrofac, who were part of the November 19 layoffs, have received their salaries for the 19 days worked in November. While this partial payment has provided short-term relief, many are still awaiting clarity on their full-and-final settlement, including notice-period salaries and end-of-service benefits. Employees expressed concerns over how they will manage upcoming expenses such as rent, school fees, and household bills without the expected three-month notice-period payout. According to UAE labor rules, terminated staff are entitled to a three-month notice-period salary, but Petrofac has only paid for the 19 days worked in November. Employees were informed that the full settlement process would take up to 14 days from the date of termination, with a detailed statement of account expected by December 3. This statement will cover all dues, including airfares, leave balances, and any remaining payments. Until then, employees remain in a state of uncertainty, unable to plan their next steps. Petrofac has been facing operational and financial challenges in recent months, leading to multiple rounds of restructuring. The company has not issued an official statement regarding the concerns raised by former employees. Khaleej Times attempted to reach Petrofac for comment, but multiple calls went unanswered. The lack of clarity on gratuity payouts, leave encashments, and notice-period salaries has added to the financial stress for families with long-term commitments in the UAE.
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Pakistan denies deadly strikes after Afghanistan vows retaliation
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply after Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan of conducting deadly air strikes in Khost province, resulting in the deaths of nine children and a woman. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated the attack targeted a civilian residence and vowed an appropriate response. Pakistan, however, denied involvement, with military spokesman Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry asserting that Pakistan does not target civilian populations and that the allegations are baseless. The incident follows a suicide attack in Peshawar on Monday that killed three Pakistani paramilitary officers, which Pakistan attributes to Afghan nationals and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group operating from Afghan soil. The strained relations between the two nations have been exacerbated by border clashes in October, which killed around 70 people and led to a temporary ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey. Despite ongoing talks, security issues, particularly Pakistan’s demand for Kabul to curb TTP activities, remain unresolved. The border closure since the clashes has also severely impacted bilateral trade, with thousands of containers stranded and incurring significant daily costs. The Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry has described the economic burden as unsustainable.
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Democrats who told troops to disobey illegal orders push back on alleged FBI probe
Democratic lawmakers who recently urged U.S. troops to disregard illegal orders are now facing an alleged federal investigation into their actions. Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan revealed that the FBI notified six lawmakers, including herself, about the inquiry on Monday. The lawmakers, all of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds, appeared in a video last week addressing the troops. The message, which criticized the Trump administration’s policies, has sparked significant controversy. President Trump accused the Democrats of ‘seditious behavior, punishable by death,’ and the Pentagon has initiated a review of ‘serious allegations of misconduct’ against Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, who also featured in the video. Slotkin and her colleagues remain defiant, stating that ‘no amount of intimidation or harassment’ will deter them from upholding the Constitution. The Department of Justice has declined to comment on the alleged investigation. The video, shared amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and the Venezuelan government, as well as opposition to the deployment of National Guard troops in Democrat-led cities, has drawn bipartisan condemnation. Trump’s inflammatory remarks on social media, suggesting the lawmakers be arrested and hanged, were later walked back in a TV interview. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has accused Senator Kelly of violating military law, potentially subjecting him to court-martial proceedings under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized Kelly for using his military rank to lend authority to his statements, claiming it ‘brings discredit upon the armed forces.’ Kelly, however, remains steadfast, asserting that he will not be silenced by those who prioritize power over the Constitution. The FBI and Department of Justice have reportedly contacted Capitol Police to schedule interviews with the lawmakers, though the FBI declined to comment when approached by the BBC.
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‘I don’t panic’: Meet the Dubai athlete who completed 100 triathlons in 100 days
In an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination, Dubai-based athlete Ghani Souleymane has successfully completed 100 triathlons in just 100 days, setting a new benchmark in the world of endurance sports. This remarkable achievement not only highlights his physical prowess but also underscores his unyielding mental fortitude and commitment to charitable causes.
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Canadian PM’s office and border services not ‘involved’ in Kneecap ban
The Irish language rap group Kneecap has found itself embroiled in a contentious situation involving an apparent ban from entering Canada. The controversy began in September when Canadian Liberal MP Vince Gasparro announced the ban ‘on behalf’ of the government, citing terrorism charges against one of the band members, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh. Gasparro accused the group of amplifying political violence and supporting terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas. However, the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) later clarified that they were not involved in the decision to impose the ban.
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Larsson wins again on Tommy Fleetwood International Pathway Series by DP World
Victor Larsson and Alisa Molokanova emerged victorious in the Male and Female Divisions, respectively, at the Tommy Fleetwood International Pathway Series presented by DP World. Held at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah, the 54-hole championship, sanctioned by the AJGA and Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), was a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) qualifier and a ‘Major’ on the EGF Junior Order of Merit for the 2025–26 season. Larsson, representing The Els Club in Dubai, carded rounds of 68, 73, and 70 for a five-under-par total of 211, narrowly defeating Aayan Dadabhoy by one shot. Molokanova, representing the Russian Golf Federation, posted rounds of 72, 72, and a stellar final-day 67, the week’s best score, to finish with a five-under-par total of 211, securing a five-shot victory over Alayna Rafique. This marks Larsson’s second consecutive win in the series, following his triumph at the inaugural event in 2024. The tournament, open to players aged 12 to 18 with an official handicap, attracted 82 participants. The third and final event of the season will take place at Yas Links Abu Dhabi from 10–12 February 2026.