A Canadian man’s 16-year legal struggle to recover over C$1.2 million seized from his home has come to an end after an Ontario appeals court upheld a prior ruling favoring the Canadian government. Marcel Breton, a resident of north-western Ontario, had the cash confiscated during a 2009 police search for an illegal firearm. Authorities discovered the money hidden in various locations, including under his garage and within heating ducts, alongside drugs and drug-related paraphernalia. Although Breton was initially convicted of multiple offenses, he was acquitted in a retrial after arguing the search was unlawful. However, the court ruled that the majority of the funds were unlawfully obtained, citing the unusual nature of the cash’s storage and its proximity to illegal substances. Notably, the court ordered the return of C$15,000 found in the heating vents, as its lawful origin could not be definitively disproven. Breton’s failure to report income between 2001 and 2008 further weakened his case. This ruling marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal saga, with the bulk of the seized money now allocated to the government.
作者： admin
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Philippine police will arrest 18 suspects in a major corruption scandal, president says
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared that 18 individuals implicated in a widespread corruption scandal involving flood control projects will face arrest. The scandal, which has triggered massive public protests and forced several congressional leaders to resign, centers on substandard and fraudulent infrastructure projects in a nation frequently battered by deadly typhoons and flooding. Marcos emphasized that these arrests mark only the beginning of a broader crackdown on corruption. The Sandiganbayan, a specialized anti-corruption court, issued arrest warrants for former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who has fled the country, and 17 others, including government engineers and executives from Sunwest Corp., a construction firm. The irregularities pertain to a 289 million peso ($4.8 million) flood control project in Oriental Mindoro province. Government prosecutors have recommended denying bail due to the severity of the case. Marcos vowed in a video message that all suspects would face the law without special treatment. The scandal has implicated at least 37 powerful figures, including senators, members of Congress, and construction executives, with many expected to be jailed by Christmas. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that at least five former and current senators are under investigation for allegedly receiving kickbacks. Among those implicated are lawmakers both allied with and opposed to Marcos, including his cousin, Rep. Martin Romualdez, who stepped down as House Speaker. The investigation also extends to Sen. Bong Go, a key ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who has denied wrongdoing. The scandal has further strained relations between Marcos and the Duterte family, with Vice President Sara Duterte calling for Marcos’s accountability. Since taking office in mid-2022, Marcos has raised concerns about corruption, with over 9,855 flood control projects worth 545 billion pesos ($9 billion) now under scrutiny. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto estimated that up to 118.5 billion pesos ($2 billion) may have been lost to corruption since 2023.
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UAE: Sudanese pharmacist blends heritage, innovation with skincare brand
Latifa Elnour, a Sudanese pharmacist and the founder of Ashri Skin, is revolutionizing the skincare industry by combining ancestral wisdom, scientific rigor, and Korean innovation. Her journey began in the UK, where she moved at 15 and later earned a Master’s in Pharmacy from the University of Manchester. With extensive experience in pharmaceutical science, Elnour’s passion for skincare led her to create a brand that simplifies self-care in an increasingly complex world. Ashri Skin, launched a year ago, offers a streamlined, three-step routine featuring toner, ampoule, and moisturizer, designed to cater to diverse skin types and needs. Manufactured in Korea, a global leader in cosmetics technology, the products incorporate scientifically proven ingredients while paying homage to Elnour’s Sudanese heritage. The brand name, ‘Ashri,’ meaning ‘beauty’ in Nubian, reflects this cultural connection. Elnour emphasizes the importance of self-care in Sudanese culture, viewing Ashri Skin as a celebration of identity and a meaningful contribution to daily life. Recently, she participated in the KT+150 networking event and is set to join the KT+150 Summit, where she will connect with mentors, investors, and fellow innovators. For Elnour, Ashri Skin is more than a beauty brand—it’s a fusion of heritage, science, and simplicity, proving that culture and care can lead the way forward.
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Pupils abducted from Catholic school in fresh Nigeria attack
In a troubling escalation of violence, armed men abducted an unknown number of students and staff from St Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger state, central Nigeria. This marks the second mass school kidnapping in the country this week, following the abduction of over 20 schoolgirls from a boarding school in Kebbi state on Monday. The latest attack occurred early Friday morning, with local residents fearing that nearly 100 individuals may have been taken. Authorities had previously ordered the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the region due to heightened security threats, but St Mary’s School reportedly reopened without government clearance, exposing students to avoidable risk. Security agencies are now conducting extensive search operations in nearby forests to rescue the victims. The incident has sparked widespread fear and uncertainty among families awaiting news of their loved ones. Nigeria is currently grappling with multiple overlapping security crises, including kidnappings for ransom by criminal gangs, jihadist insurgencies in the north-east, and deadly clashes between herders and farmers in the central region. These challenges have been compounded by recent claims from US President Donald Trump that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria, allegations vehemently denied by the Nigerian government. President Bola Tinubu has postponed his foreign trips to address the escalating violence in Africa’s most populous nation. The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms to protect vulnerable communities and restore stability.
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Hai-Ye Ni charts incredible musical journey
Hai-Ye Ni, the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, has carved an extraordinary path in the world of classical music. Born in Shanghai, Ni began her musical journey at the tender age of six, guided by her mother. Initially experimenting with various instruments, she found her true calling in the cello, captivated by its warm, human-like tones. Her early exposure to legendary cellists like Pablo Casals through recordings deeply influenced her passion for the instrument. At just nine years old, Ni was accepted into the prestigious Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where her structured training laid the foundation for her future success. At 13, she moved to the United States to join her father, a scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. Ni’s international education included studying under renowned mentors such as Irene Sharp, Joel Krosnick, and William Pleeth. Her career skyrocketed after winning first prize at the Naumburg International Cello Competition in 1990, followed by a celebrated debut at Alice Tully Hall in 1991. In 2006, she became the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, an institution with a storied history of fostering US-China cultural ties. Ni’s illustrious career includes collaborations with luminaries like Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, and Joshua Bell, as well as performances at iconic venues such as the Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. Despite her global acclaim, Ni remains deeply grateful for her roots, crediting her family, teachers, and mentors for her success. On November 23, she will perform at Carnegie Hall alongside pianist Li Jian and violinist Siqing Lu in a concert titled ‘An Afternoon of Cultural Splendor.’ Reflecting on her journey, Ni humbly acknowledges the support that has shaped her career, stating, ‘I had a lot of help to have a career like what I have now.’
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Joby Aviation sues air-taxi rival Archer over ‘stolen’ trade secrets
In a high-stakes legal confrontation, Joby Aviation has filed a lawsuit against its competitor, Archer Aviation, alleging the theft of trade secrets. The complaint, made public on Thursday, was lodged in a California state court in Santa Cruz. Joby claims that Archer hired a former Joby employee, George Kivork, who allegedly took confidential information regarding business strategies, partnership terms, and aircraft specifications to his new employer. Joby asserts that this information was used by Archer in an attempt to undermine a contract with a real-estate developer. Archer has denied these allegations, stating that no such deal with the developer exists and that Kivork did not bring any confidential information from Joby. Eric Lentell, Archer’s chief legal and strategy officer, criticized the lawsuit as an attempt to gain a competitive edge through litigation rather than fair competition. Joby, backed by Toyota, is a prominent player in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft market, aiming to revolutionize urban transportation with sustainable solutions. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and a court order to prevent Archer from misusing Joby’s trade secrets. This legal battle underscores the intense competition in the burgeoning eVTOL industry as companies race to bring their innovative vehicles to market.
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WHO declares end of Indonesia’s poliovirus outbreak following yearslong vaccination campaign
Indonesia has successfully overcome its recent polio outbreak, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday. This milestone follows nearly three years of rigorous efforts to combat the resurgence of the highly contagious disease, which had been officially eradicated in the country in 2014. The outbreak emerged in 2022 in Aceh province, driven by low immunization rates and poor environmental conditions. At the time, only 50.9% of infants in Aceh received polio vaccinations, a figure significantly lower than the national average. Misinformation about vaccine compatibility with religious beliefs further hindered immunization efforts, compounded by the government’s focus on COVID-19 vaccinations. Over the next two years, cases spread to multiple provinces, including Banten, West Java, Central Java, East Java, North Maluku, Central Papua, Highland Papua, and South Papua. In response, nearly 60 million additional doses of polio vaccine were administered to children. The last confirmed case was reported in South Papua in June 2024, and no poliovirus has been detected since. WHO’s declaration marks a critical step toward global polio eradication. Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin attributed the success to the dedication of health workers and community commitment, while WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Director Saia Ma’u Piukala emphasized the need for continued vigilance. Sadikin pledged to maintain Indonesia’s polio-free status through strengthened immunization programs, enhanced surveillance, and cross-sectoral collaboration. UNICEF Indonesia Representative Maniza Zaman highlighted the importance of sustained momentum to ensure all children receive necessary immunizations.
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Dh1 items to 90% discount: UAE’s Black, White, Yellow, Green Friday Sales explained
As November draws to a close, the UAE transforms into a shopper’s haven with its much-anticipated Black, White, Yellow, and Green Friday Sales. These sales, offering discounts of up to 90%, span a wide range of products, from homeware and groceries to electronics, beauty, and fashion. Both online retail platforms and physical stores participate in this annual shopping extravaganza, making it the perfect time for residents and tourists to snag the best deals ahead of the festive season and the new year.
The Yellow Friday Sale, named after Noon’s vibrant yellow logo, is one of the most significant events of the year. Running from November 20 to 30, it offers up to 80% off on a variety of items, including home services, skincare, health and nutrition products, electronics, and fashion. Shoppers can also find grocery items starting at just Dh1, making it an ideal opportunity to stock up on essentials.
The Black Friday Sale, originating from the US, has become a staple in the UAE. It begins in the last week of November, coinciding with the Thanksgiving holiday, and offers massive discounts on fashion, electronics, home appliances, and beauty products. The term ‘Black Friday’ was coined by the Philadelphia Police Department due to the heavy traffic on the day, and it also signifies the positive earnings retailers experience during this period.
The White Friday Sale, often confused with Black Friday, is essentially the Middle Eastern version of the same event. It takes place on November 28, 2025, and offers discounts of up to 90%. The name ‘White Friday’ was chosen to align with the region’s cultural and religious significance of Friday as a day of worship and family gatherings.
Lastly, the Green Friday Sale, introduced by e& in 2019, focuses on eco-friendly products such as e-scooters, bikes, and vegan items. This sale typically runs from late November to early December, offering discounts on environmentally conscious products.
Major brands and platforms like Amazon, Noon, Sharaf DG, and Sephora UAE are among the key players in these sales, providing shoppers with a wide array of discounted items. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your electronics, refresh your wardrobe, or stock up on groceries, the UAE’s Black, White, Yellow, and Green Friday Sales offer something for everyone.
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Brazil’s final text proposal at UN climate talks draws fire as weak — after a real fire at the COP30
BELEM, Brazil — The final day of the United Nations climate talks, COP30, was marked by controversy as Brazil, the host nation, presented several key proposals that notably omitted explicit references to fossil fuels, the primary driver of global warming. This glaring exclusion drew sharp criticism from over two dozen nations and climate advocates, who expressed deep disappointment and frustration. The omission came amidst heightened tensions following a fire that erupted on Thursday in the conference pavilions, leading to evacuations and 13 individuals being treated for smoke inhalation. Brazil’s central proposal, the ‘mutirao decision,’ addressed four critical issues: climate financial aid, strengthening inadequate national climate plans, and the global transition to low greenhouse gas emissions. However, it failed to provide a detailed roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels, a key demand from more than 80 nations and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. A coalition of 29 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and vulnerable island nations like Palau and Vanuatu, drafted a letter condemning the proposal as insufficient. Activists, including Greenpeace’s Tracy Carty and Oil Change International’s Bronwen Tucker, echoed these sentiments, labeling the text as weak and vague. The talks, initially set to conclude on Friday, are likely to extend as negotiators seek consensus on these contentious issues.
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The self-defeating tariffs killing Trump’s presidency
President Donald Trump’s second term in office is facing significant public disapproval, with his approval ratings hitting record lows. Recent polls reveal a growing dissatisfaction among Americans, particularly regarding the economy, which has become a central issue driving negative sentiment. Despite seemingly stable macroeconomic indicators such as employment and inflation, consumer confidence has plummeted, reaching levels comparable to the post-pandemic inflation peak in 2022.