Lana Ponting’s memories of the Allan Memorial Institute in Montreal, Canada, are haunted by the medicinal smell and the unsettling atmosphere of the former psychiatric hospital. In April 1958, at just 16 years old, Ponting was ordered by a judge to undergo treatment for ‘disobedient’ behavior. Unbeknownst to her, she became one of thousands of unwitting participants in the CIA’s top-secret MK-Ultra program, which sought to explore mind control techniques during the Cold War. Now, Ponting is a named plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit seeking justice for Canadian victims of these unethical experiments. A recent court ruling denied an appeal by the Royal Victoria Hospital, allowing the lawsuit to proceed. Ponting’s medical records, obtained through a freedom of information request, reveal she was subjected to psychedelic drugs like LSD, electroshock treatments, and repetitive auditory conditioning under the supervision of McGill University researcher Dr. Ewen Cameron. The MK-Ultra program, conducted across over 100 institutions in the U.S. and Canada, involved non-consensual experimentation on human subjects. While previous lawsuits in the U.S. have largely failed, Canada has made some reparations, including a 1992 settlement of C$100,000 per victim. Ponting, who only recently learned the full extent of her involvement, has suffered lifelong mental health issues and recurring nightmares. She hopes the lawsuit will bring closure and accountability. The Royal Victoria Hospital and McGill University declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation. Dr. Cameron, who died in 1967, was unaware of CIA funding but is now synonymous with the MK-Ultra experiments. Researchers like Jordan Torbay argue that regardless of funding sources, the experiments were inherently unethical. Ponting’s case underscores the enduring impact of these experiments and the quest for justice.
作者： admin
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Dh2 increase in Salik morning peak hour charges on Dubai T100 race day
In preparation for the Dubai T100 Triathlon, Salik, Dubai’s exclusive toll gate operator, has announced a temporary increase in morning peak hour charges on Sunday, 16 November 2025. During the event, motorists will be charged Dh6 instead of the usual Dh4 for the morning peak hours from 6am to 10am. Evening peak hours, from 4pm to 8pm, will remain unchanged at Dh4. Off-peak hours, from 10pm to 4pm and 8pm to 1am, will also retain the standard Dh4 rate. The adjustment aims to manage traffic flow during the high-profile event, which features world-class athletes competing in a 2km swim, an 80km bike ride, and an 18km run. The T100 Triathlon coincides with the Dubai Fitness Challenge, further emphasizing the city’s commitment to promoting health and wellness. Salik’s announcement comes on the heels of its impressive financial performance, reporting a 39.1% increase in net profit for the first nine months of 2025, driven by higher toll usage fees, fines, and new tag activations.
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Pakistan’s army has always been influential – now its chief has new powers
Pakistan’s parliament has passed a controversial constitutional amendment granting Field Marshal Asim Munir, the country’s army chief since November 2022, expanded powers, lifetime immunity from arrest and prosecution, and oversight of the navy and air force. The 27th constitutional amendment, enacted on Thursday, also introduces significant changes to the judiciary, including the creation of a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to handle constitutional matters. Critics argue the move consolidates military influence and undermines civilian governance, while supporters claim it brings clarity to the military command structure and addresses court backlogs. The amendment has sparked resignations from Supreme Court justices, who decry the erosion of judicial independence. Analysts warn the changes signal a shift towards authoritarianism, with the military’s role in Pakistan’s politics becoming increasingly dominant.
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‘Without exception’: UAE calls for accountability in Sudan atrocities
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a strong call for accountability regarding the atrocities committed in Sudan, emphasizing the need for justice without exception. This comes in the wake of harrowing reports from women fleeing Al Fasher, who have recounted incidents of killings, systematic rape, and civilian casualties from drone strikes and street shootings. The UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jamal Al Musharakh, made this appeal during a special session of the UN Human Rights Council on Friday, November 14, 2025. He urged warring parties to cease obstructing humanitarian access and stressed the international community’s role in ensuring accountability for these crimes. The conflict, which erupted in 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has intensified with the fall of Al Fasher to the RSF on October 26, 2025, solidifying their control over the Darfur region. The UN is considering a fact-finding mission to investigate mass killings during the city’s capture. Al Musharakh reiterated the Quad’s recent statement, which calls for an immediate humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire, and a transition to a civilian-led government. The Quad, comprising the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, has been instrumental in addressing the crisis. Since the conflict began, the UAE has provided significant support to Sudan, including $3.9 billion in humanitarian aid between 2014 and 2025, 122 cargo planes delivering essential supplies, and the establishment of field hospitals in Chad and South Sudan. The UAE’s efforts have directly assisted over 650,000 people within Sudan and delivered 100,000 food baskets to affected regions.
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Salman Khan calls Dharmendra a father-figure as veteran actor recovers after hospitalisation
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan recently expressed deep admiration for veteran actor Dharmendra, whom he regards as a father-figure, during a press conference in Qatar. The emotional tribute came shortly after Dharmendra’s discharge from a Mumbai hospital following a health scare. Salman, who was among the first to visit Dharmendra during his hospitalization, emphasized their close bond and wished for his swift recovery. Speaking ahead of his Da-Bangg The Tour Reloaded event, Salman was asked about his early fitness inspirations. Without hesitation, he credited Dharmendra as a pivotal influence, stating, ‘He is my father, that’s the end. I love that man, and I just hope that he will come back.’ The audience erupted in cheers, chanting, ‘Long live Dharam ji!’ The two actors have shared a warm relationship for decades, with Dharmendra often affectionately referring to Salman as ‘beta’ (son) and even suggesting him as the ideal choice to portray him in a biopic. Dharmendra, 89, was discharged on Wednesday, with his family requesting privacy as he continues his recovery at home. The legendary actor, last seen in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,’ is set to appear in Sriram Raghavan’s ‘Ikkis’ this December. Meanwhile, Salman, who recently starred in ‘Sikandar’ and made a cameo in Aryan Khan’s web series ‘The Ba**ds of Bollywood,’ continues to host ‘Bigg Boss 19.’ His upcoming project, ‘Battle of Galwan,’ directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is highly anticipated.
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Arizona fugitive convicted in US sex crimes case arrested in France after years on the run
A 51-year-old Arizona man, Michael Robert Wiseman, who had fled the United States twice while on probation for sex crime convictions, was arrested in France earlier this month on charges of sexually assaulting a child. Authorities revealed that Wiseman was living in Kilstett, northeastern France, when he was apprehended on November 1. Investigations uncovered that he had previously traveled to Vietnam and Poland before settling in France. Scottsdale police Sgt. Dustin Patrick disclosed that Wiseman was captured after attempting to apply for a pilot’s license in Spain using his real name. Patrick noted that Wiseman had adopted two children in Vietnam and obtained a legitimate Polish passport under an alias. His arrest was triggered when a potential employer Googled his name, discovered he was on Scottsdale’s most wanted list, and alerted Spanish authorities. This marks the second time Wiseman has fled the U.S. while facing charges. In 2008, he cut off his ankle monitoring device and left the country, only to be arrested in Spain in 2009 and extradited back to Arizona, where he pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child and one escape charge. After serving over two years in jail, Wiseman was sentenced in 2012 to lifetime probation and a one-year deferred jail sentence. However, he fled the U.S. again after his 2012 sentencing. Scottsdale police confirmed that Wiseman will be extradited to the United States following the completion of his French case, though no timeline for the extradition has been provided.
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Israel denies accusations after UN forces say it built walls inside Lebanon
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has accused Israel of constructing walls inside Lebanese territory near the UN-demarcated Blue Line, the de facto border between the two nations. UNIFIL stated that the walls, built by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), encroached on Lebanese sovereignty and rendered over 4,000 square meters of land inaccessible to Lebanese citizens. The UN peacekeeping force confirmed the violations through surveys conducted in October and November 2025. Israel, however, denied the allegations, asserting that the wall was part of a broader security plan initiated in 2022 and did not cross the Blue Line. The IDF emphasized that the construction was aimed at reinforcing the northern border following lessons learned from recent conflicts. The dispute arises amidst ongoing tensions between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, despite a truce brokered in November 2024. UNIFIL has urged Israel to respect the Blue Line and withdraw from Lebanese territory, citing violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The resolution also underpinned the 2024 ceasefire, which sought to halt over a year of hostilities. UNIFIL has formally advised the IDF of its findings and requested the removal of the walls.
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‘Really want to see Will Smith’: Fans brave rush hour to listen to Hollywood star at SIBF
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) witnessed an electrifying atmosphere as fans eagerly gathered to catch a glimpse of Hollywood icon Will Smith. The 57-year-old Academy Award-winning actor took the stage as a guest speaker to delve into the transformative power of storytelling. Accompanied by entrepreneur and podcast host Anas Bukhash, Smith engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue that captivated the audience. Despite the rush hour, dedicated fans like Alicia, an Argentinian expat and restaurant owner, drove over an hour from Jumeirah to attend the event. “I’m a huge fan of Will Smith and Anas Bukhash,” she shared. “I rushed here after a meeting just to see him.” Known for his iconic roles in films like ‘Bad Boys,’ ‘Men in Black,’ and ‘Independence Day,’ Smith’s presence added star power to the fair’s final weekend. Organizers ensured a seamless experience with enhanced security, wristband distribution, and designated seating areas for Gold, Silver, Bronze, and VIP attendees. The 44th edition of SIBF, running until November 16, also featured luminaries like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Carlo Rovelli, and Paul Lynch, making it a cultural highlight of the year.
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Hollywood’s SAG Awards announces it will change its name
The Screen Actors Guild Awards, one of the most prestigious ceremonies honoring actors, has unveiled a significant rebranding. Known colloquially as the SAG Awards, the event will now be officially titled ‘The Actor Awards presented by Sag-Aftra.’ This change reflects the labor union’s commitment to celebrating actors and aligns with the global recognition of the event. The announcement was made during a board meeting on Friday, ahead of the 32nd edition of the ceremony, scheduled for March 1, 2026.
Jon Brockett, the show’s executive producer, emphasized that the new name provides clarity to viewers in over 190 countries. ‘The Actor Awards’ immediately conveys the essence of the event—a celebration of actors by actors. JoBeth Williams, chair of the awards committee, noted that while the union’s name may not be universally recognized, the term ‘Actor Awards’ resonates globally, promising audiences a showcase of their favorite stars.
The rebranding also highlights the significance of the Actor trophy, which has become a pivotal indicator in the lead-up to the Academy Awards. Much like the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and Golden Globes, the event is now better known by the name of its iconic statuette. This change further solidifies the merger between the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Aftra) in 2012, representing approximately 160,000 members.
The announcement follows the recent election of Sean Astin, star of ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ as the new leader of Sag-Aftra. Astin succeeds Fran Drescher, who guided the organization through the 2023 Hollywood strikes during her four-year tenure. The rebranding marks a new chapter for the awards show, emphasizing its global appeal and dedication to the craft of acting.
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What does Adnan Hussain’s departure mean for Your Party and the British left?
In a significant blow to the nascent left-wing political movement in the UK, Adnan Hussain, a key figure in the formation of the temporarily named ‘Your Party,’ has announced his departure from the steering group. This decision, revealed on Friday afternoon, underscores his belief that the party lacks the pluralism and inclusivity necessary to accommodate his political vision. Hussain, an independent MP for Blackburn, expressed his concerns about the party’s culture, describing it as ‘toxic, exclusionary, and deeply disheartening.’ His exit comes just weeks before the party’s founding conference, casting doubt on its future and its ability to unite diverse voter bases. Hussain’s departure highlights internal rifts within the party, particularly regarding its ideological breadth and treatment of members. His criticisms extend to the handling of Muslim men within the steering process, which he likened to the very political forces the left opposes. Despite his exit, Hussain remains committed to the Independent Alliance, a parliamentary grouping that includes other independents and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Your Party, which initially garnered significant attention and support, has been plagued by infighting and ideological clashes. The party’s ability to form a strategic alliance with the Green Party and mobilize working-class and Muslim voters now hangs in the balance. With the British left’s momentum seemingly shifting toward the Green Party, Your Party’s future remains uncertain, leaving the broader left-wing coalition in a precarious position.