The US Department of Justice has accused Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder, of leading a sprawling international drug cartel and orchestrating the murder of a federal witness. Wedding, 44, allegedly released the witness’s image to a fake news website, The Dirty Newz, in October 2024, leading to the individual’s fatal shooting in Medellin, Colombia, in January. The FBI has since removed the website and increased the reward for Wedding’s capture from $10 million to $15 million, likening him to the infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. FBI Director Kash Patel described Wedding’s operations as a ‘narco trafficking and narco terrorism programme’ unprecedented in recent history. Authorities believe Wedding is currently under the protection of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel. In addition to the witness’s murder, Wedding faces charges of witness tampering, intimidation, money laundering, and drug trafficking. Recent developments in the case include a new indictment and the arrest of 10 individuals allegedly linked to his cartel, which is accused of being the largest supplier of cocaine to Canada, generating over $1 billion annually. Among those arrested is Deepak Balwant Paradkar, a Canadian lawyer accused of providing illegal services to Wedding’s organization, including advising on the witness’s murder to avoid extradition. The alleged co-founder of The Dirty Newz, Gursewak Singh Bal, was also detained, alongside Carmen Yelinet Valoyes Florez, a Colombian national accused of running a high-end prostitution ring in Mexico, and Atna Ohna, who allegedly hired a hitman for the cartel. Wedding, who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics, reportedly launched his criminal enterprise after being released from a US federal prison in 2011, where he was serving a sentence for cocaine distribution. The FBI alleges he has ordered dozens of murders globally, including in the US, Canada, and Latin America.
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Bulgarian authorities responsible for deaths of three Egyptian minors, report says
A recent report by Frontex, the European Union’s border agency, has concluded that Bulgarian authorities were responsible for the deaths of three Egyptian teenagers who succumbed to hypothermia near the Bulgaria-Turkey border in December 2023. The teenagers, aged 15, 16, and 17, were found unconscious in the snow near Burgas after NGOs repeatedly alerted Bulgarian emergency services about their life-threatening situation. Despite receiving multiple alerts, the authorities failed to act promptly, leading to the tragic outcome. The report highlights that the authorities had sufficient information to infer the severity of the situation and the capacity to intervene but neglected to implement adequate measures. Frontex’s Fundamental Rights Office (FRO) expressed deep concern over the repeated allegations of improper responses to distress calls by Bulgarian border police, which often involve violent pushbacks and inhumane treatment of migrants. The FRO recommended that Frontex increase its presence and involvement in border surveillance and search and rescue operations. However, NGOs criticized the agency for using the incident to expand its influence in Bulgaria, accusing it of complicity in the same practices as the Bulgarian Border Police. The report also noted that the authorities’ inaction violated the right to life enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and failed to fulfill child protection obligations. This incident underscores the broader issue of migrant deaths and violence along the Balkan route, exacerbated by EU-funded border fortifications and increased impunity of border police. Since Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen zone in January 2024, the government has pledged to strengthen border controls, raising concerns about further violations of migrant rights.
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Canadian former Olympic snowboarder wanted by US is charged with orchestrating murder of witness
A former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, Ryan Wedding, who is currently on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list, is now facing additional charges related to the murder of a federal witness. Authorities allege that Wedding orchestrated the January killing in Colombia to evade extradition to the U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the charges on Wednesday, revealing that ten other defendants have already been arrested in connection with the case. Wedding is accused of running a multi-national drug trafficking network, moving approximately 60 tons of cocaine annually between Colombia, Mexico, Southern California, and Canada. He is believed to be hiding in Mexico under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel, with whom he is said to collaborate closely. The U.S. government is offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Wedding and his co-conspirators allegedly used a Canadian website, “the Dirty News,” to post a photograph of the witness, leading to his identification and subsequent execution in Medellín. Bill Essayli, the top federal prosecutor for the Central District of California, stated that Wedding’s belief that the witness’s death would dismiss charges against him was misguided. The U.S. government is also offering up to $2 million for information on others involved in the killing.
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Miss Universe 2025: Meet participants from UAE, Palestine, other Middle East nations
The Miss Universe 2025 finals, one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants, are set to take place on November 21 in Thailand. This year’s event will feature over 120 contestants from across the globe, with a special focus on participants from the Middle East, including first-time representatives from Palestine and the UAE. The competition, often referred to as one of the ‘big four’ beauty pageants, promises to showcase a blend of national pride, beauty, and empowerment.
Among the standout contestants is Mariam Mohamed, a 26-year-old Emirati fashion student who has made history as the first woman from the UAE to compete in Miss Universe. With a background in economics and fashion design, Mariam is passionate about sustainable fashion, women’s empowerment, and community development. She has actively participated in charitable initiatives and international entrepreneurship programs, aiming to inspire change through her platform.
Palestine will also make its debut in the competition, represented by Nadeen Ayoub, a 27-year-old advocate for Palestinian women’s empowerment. Raised across Palestine, the US, and Canada, Nadeen now splits her time between Dubai and Ramallah. She emphasizes courage, dreams, and determination as her defining traits, aiming to build a brighter future for her people.
Other notable participants include Sabrina Erian from Egypt, a 23-year-old professional model who champions inclusion and equality; Melanie Shiraz Asor from Israel, an engineer and advocate; Ceren Arsllan from Turkey, a model and anti-cyberbullying activist; and Sarah Boujaoude from Lebanon, a finance student at the American University in Beirut.
The event not only celebrates beauty but also highlights the diverse stories, aspirations, and contributions of women from around the world, making it a platform for cultural exchange and global unity.
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Brendan Fraser’s new horizons include ‘Rental Family’ and rental hedgehogs
Brendan Fraser, the 56-year-old actor best known for his roles in ‘The Mummy’ and ‘George of the Jungle,’ has experienced a remarkable career resurgence following his Oscar-winning performance in 2022’s ‘The Whale.’ Fraser’s victory was celebrated as a triumphant comeback, but it also marked a departure from the typical ‘comeback kid’ narrative, as he reclaimed his stardom after a series of professional setbacks and personal challenges, including an alleged sexual assault experience.
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Influencers get hands-on in Hangzhou’s rural museums
A group of international influencers recently embarked on a cultural journey to Xikou village, located in Baizhang town, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Their visit was not just a cultural exploration but also an insightful look into how this remote, bamboo-covered village has transformed itself through the burgeoning rural museum industry. Content creators hailing from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Nigeria, and Tunisia explored several of Xikou’s unique rural museums. They immersed themselves in local traditions, including the 24 solar terms, bamboo craftsmanship, and hand-weaving. This experience highlighted the pivotal role of culture in driving rural revitalization, showcasing how heritage and innovation can merge to breathe new life into rural communities.
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Red carpet welcome, questions on Khashoggi: 5 viral moments from Saudi Crown Prince, Trump meeting
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent visit to the White House on November 18, 2025, marked a significant moment in US-Saudi relations. The meeting with US President Donald Trump was characterized by a grand ceremonial welcome, substantive discussions, and several viral moments that captured global attention. The Crown Prince was greeted with a red carpet reception, complete with cannon fire and a horse parade, symbolizing the strengthening ties between the two nations. During their interaction, the Crown Prince announced plans to increase Saudi investments from $600 billion to $1 trillion, a statement that Trump enthusiastically endorsed, saying, ‘I like that very much.’ However, the meeting was not without controversy. Trump defended the Crown Prince against allegations related to the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, asserting that the Prince had no prior knowledge of the incident. The press conference also saw Trump clash with a reporter who questioned potential conflicts of interest involving his family’s business dealings in Saudi Arabia. The evening concluded with a high-profile dinner attended by notable figures such as footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and tech mogul Elon Musk, hinting at a possible reconciliation between Musk and Trump following their public feud.
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Trial opens into North Macedonia nightclub fire that killed 63
A landmark trial has commenced in North Macedonia, involving 35 individuals and three institutions, following a catastrophic fire at Club Pulse in Kocani that claimed 63 lives, predominantly young people, in March. The tragedy, which unfolded during a concert by a popular hip-hop duo, was ignited by pyrotechnic sparks that set the club’s flammable ceiling ablaze. The courtroom, packed with defendants and grieving relatives, heard Judge Diana Gruevska-Ilievska vow to conduct the proceedings transparently and with discipline. Among the accused are three former mayors of Kocani, the nightclub’s owner, and public licensing officials, all charged with endangering public safety by permitting the operation of an unsafe venue. Prosecutors highlighted years of systemic failures, including unlawful licensing, neglected inspections, and unchecked overcrowding, which transformed the club into a death trap. The trial, which could span months or even years, saw defense lawyers attempt to delay proceedings, a move swiftly rejected by the judge. The fire, exacerbated by blocked exits, left 59 dead on the scene and injured around 200, with four later succumbing to their injuries. The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests in Skopje and Kocani, where victims’ families demanded accountability. A poignant ‘March of the Angels’ protest, organized under the social media campaign ‘Who’s Next?’, preceded the trial. Prosecutor Borche Janev emphasized that the disaster stemmed from a series of institutional failures and a pervasive lack of responsibility, urging society to seek truth and healing.
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Future Dubai buildings to have rooftop access for air taxis, RTA reveals
Dubai is taking a bold step toward integrating air mobility into its urban landscape by mandating rooftop access for air taxis in future buildings. This initiative, unveiled by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) at the Dubai Airshow 2025, is part of a broader strategy to make air taxis a practical and accessible mode of transportation for residents. Developers are now collaborating with the RTA during the early design stages of new projects to ensure seamless integration of vertiports into residential and commercial districts. Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Dubai’s Public Transport Agency, emphasized the importance of embedding air mobility into the fabric of future communities, stating that most developers are eager to participate in this transformative phase. The first vertiport, located near Dubai International Airport, is already 60% complete and on track for completion by early 2026. By the time commercial services launch later that year, four vertiports are expected to be operational. Dubai recently conducted its first successful point-to-point air taxi test flight, marking a significant milestone in the city’s air mobility journey. Joby Aviation CEO JoeBen Bevirt envisions a future where vertiports are within walking distance of homes and workplaces, fundamentally reshaping urban design. Skyports CEO Duncan Walker highlighted Dubai’s role as a global model, noting that success in this dense and expensive real estate market could set a precedent for other cities worldwide. Community readiness and safety remain top priorities, with ongoing efforts to address public concerns about noise and safety through rigorous testing and awareness campaigns. Dubai aims to launch its first commercial air taxi operations by the end of 2026, gradually expanding into a citywide network. Bahrozyan reiterated the goal of making the service safe, quiet, and eventually affordable, underscoring the importance of early collaboration with developers to ensure accessibility.
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Tennis Australia and playersâ association near deal
In a significant development for the world of tennis, Tennis Australia (TA) and the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) are reportedly close to reaching a settlement in a high-profile lawsuit filed earlier this year. The PTPA, co-founded by Novak Djokovic in 2020 to advocate for player rights, initiated legal action against the ATP Tour, WTA Tour, and the four Grand Slam tournaments, accusing them of anti-competitive practices and neglecting player welfare. The lawsuit, lodged in March 2025, seeks to dismantle what the PTPA describes as ‘monopolistic control’ over the sport, particularly concerning prize money caps and tournament scheduling. In September, the case expanded to include the French Tennis Federation, the All England Club, and the US Tennis Association, which oversee the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, respectively. A recent letter to the United States Southern District Court in New York revealed that TA and the PTPA are engaged in ‘substantive and productive bilateral settlement discussions,’ prompting a request to pause proceedings against TA while negotiations continue. However, the lawsuit remains active against the other defendants. The PTPA has emphasized its preference for an out-of-court settlement, aiming to reform the sport rather than prolong litigation. The ATP and WTA have dismissed the lawsuit as ‘baseless’ and ‘without merit,’ arguing that it distracts from their mission to support players and grow the sport. With the Australian Open set to begin on January 12, 2026, the potential settlement could mark a turning point in the ongoing battle for player rights and governance in professional tennis.