In a landmark decision, a bankruptcy judge has approved a $7.4 billion settlement against Purdue Pharma and its billionaire owners, the Sackler family, for their role in the U.S. opioid crisis. The deal, which was initially proposed in January, aims to conclude a protracted legal battle and provide much-needed funding for addiction treatment and prevention. This settlement represents an increase of over $1 billion from a previous agreement that was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court last year. Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, filed for bankruptcy in 2019 amid thousands of lawsuits accusing the company of aggressively marketing the highly addictive painkiller while downplaying its risks. The Sackler family, who have denied any wrongdoing, will relinquish ownership of Purdue Pharma, which will be replaced by a nonprofit organization, Knoa Pharma, dedicated to addressing the opioid crisis. The settlement does not grant the Sacklers immunity from future lawsuits. Individual victims are expected to receive up to $865 million, while the majority of the funds will go to state and local governments to support addiction treatment and prevention programs. The opioid crisis, which has been linked to over 900,000 deaths since 1999, has been exacerbated by the widespread use of OxyContin, a drug that Purdue Pharma marketed as safe despite its addictive properties. The Sackler family is set to contribute between $6.5 billion and $7 billion as part of the agreement. The settlement has garnered overwhelming support, with more than 99% of creditors voting in favor of the bankruptcy restructuring plan. California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the importance of holding Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers accountable, stating that the settlement will bring critical funding to those affected by the crisis.
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GymNation unveils one-tonne billboard in Dubai, setting a global benchmark
Dubai, already renowned for its architectural marvels, has added another feather to its cap with the unveiling of the world’s heaviest permanent billboard by GymNation, the Middle East’s largest gym chain. Weighing an impressive one tonne, the billboard is constructed from forty interlocked weight plates, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to strength and accessibility. This groundbreaking installation not only sets a global benchmark but also marks the first time a UAE gym has created its own billboard. The project required a team of strong individuals to safely mount the structure, with health and safety measures including perimeter tape to prevent potential wall collapses. The billboard carries the bold message: ‘The Only Billboard That Needs A Spotter,’ aligning with GymNation’s launch of its new ‘Strongman’ class. Held every Saturday at 10am at the Mirdif branch, the class features power-based exercises inspired by the World’s Strongest Man competition. Rory McEntee, GymNation’s Chief Marketing Officer, described the project as a literal and figurative lift for advertising in the UAE, celebrating strength in all its forms. The class, developed in collaboration with expert fitness instructors, aims to bring out the inner strength in participants. Spectators are advised to stay outside the perimeter tape when viewing or photographing the billboard. The Strongman class can be booked online at GymNation.com.
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Mali suspends French TV channels over alleged false reports
In a significant move, Mali’s ruling military junta has suspended the operations of two prominent French television channels, TF1 and LCI, accusing them of disseminating unverified and false information regarding a fuel blockade imposed by the al-Qaida-linked militant group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The decision was announced by Mali’s High Authority for Communication in a letter dated November 13, which was made public on Friday. The regulatory body cited a broadcast from November 9 as the basis for its action, disputing claims that the junta had banned fuel sales, that the regions of Kayes and Nioro were under complete blockade, and that terrorists were nearing the capital, Bamako. The letter stated that the channels’ services would be removed from distribution packages until further notice. Since September, JNIM has enforced a fuel blockade in Mali, exacerbating the country’s security and economic challenges. The resulting fuel shortages have led to long queues at gas stations and heightened instability. In response, several Western embassies, including those of the United States and France, have advised their citizens to leave the country. Mali, along with neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso, has been under military rule following coups in recent years, with leaders promising improved security. However, analysts note that the security situation in the Sahel region has deteriorated significantly, with record levels of attacks and civilian casualties attributed to both Islamic militants and government forces.
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British journalist Sami Hamdi reunited with family after release from Ice detention
British journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi has been reunited with his family following his release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. Hamdi arrived in London on Thursday, three weeks after being detained by ICE agents during a speaking tour in the United States. The detention occurred despite Hamdi entering the U.S. on a valid visitor visa on October 19. His visa was abruptly revoked on October 24 without prior notice, according to Zahraa Billo, executive director of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA).
Hamdi was accused of overstaying his visa on October 26 while at San Francisco International Airport. He was subsequently transferred to the Golden State Annex in McFarland, California, where he was held in a cell with approximately 80 other detainees. Hamdi reported being denied medical care for severe abdominal pain until his condition gained media attention.
During a hearing on Monday, Hamdi and the U.S. government reached an agreement for his voluntary departure from the country. Upon his return to London, Hamdi stated, ‘What they want is to ensure that people like us don’t go to America. And we will defy them and we will exert our constitutional rights and speak truth against hatred.’
Hamdi’s detention is part of a broader pattern of ICE targeting individuals, particularly those involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Earlier this year, Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk, Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil, and Georgetown University postdoctoral scholar Badar Khan Suri were all detained by ICE without criminal charges. Columbia University students Yunseo Chung and Ranjani Srinivasan were also targeted, with Srinivasan leaving the U.S. voluntarily after her student visa was revoked.
Hamdi’s case has sparked concerns about freedom of speech and the treatment of activists in the U.S. He alleged that the U.S. government is ‘trying to curb freedom of speech because there’s a concern among the extremist Israeli lobby that American public opinion is shifting.’ His detention highlights ongoing tensions surrounding activism and immigration enforcement in the United States.
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UK charity regulator opens case into right-wing Policy Exchange think-tank
The UK’s Charity Commission has initiated a compliance case into Policy Exchange, a prominent think-tank, following a detailed complaint by the Good Law Project. The 27-page complaint alleges that Policy Exchange, registered as a charity, has violated charity law by engaging in partisan activities rather than fulfilling its stated mission of non-partisan public education. The think-tank, founded in 2002 by Conservative MPs, is accused of lobbying, influencing government policy, and producing biased reports. The Good Law Project claims that Policy Exchange’s activities are primarily aimed at policymakers, politicians, and journalists, rather than educating the public in a balanced manner. The complaint also highlights the think-tank’s focus on right-wing politics, including a year-long festival celebrating Margaret Thatcher’s centenary and its controversial stance on transgender issues. Policy Exchange has been influential in shaping counter-terrorism policies and was a key promoter of the discredited ‘Trojan Horse’ narrative, which falsely accused Muslim teachers of plotting to Islamize Birmingham schools. Despite the controversy, Policy Exchange continues to produce reports on topics such as Islamophobia and Churchill’s legacy. The Good Law Project has urged the Charity Commission to take action, warning of potential legal challenges if the regulator fails to address the alleged breaches.
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Shanghai youth center evolves to mental health support network
The Shanghai Youth Online Public Service Center, initially established in 2005 as a local counseling service, has grown into a robust mental health support network, serving over 594,000 individuals and addressing critical emergencies. The center offers a wide range of services through multiple channels, including the 12355 hotline, online platforms, face-to-face consultations, and crisis intervention. Wu Zhihui, the center’s director general, emphasized the platform’s comprehensive approach, which includes mental health support, legal consultation, and youth rights protection. The center handles approximately 300 calls daily, with peaks reaching 500, reflecting a significant shift in public attitudes toward mental health. Wu noted that the increasing call volume, rather than being a cause for concern, indicates a growing awareness and willingness to seek help. The center has shifted its focus toward preventive measures and early intervention, maintaining rigorous professional standards. All volunteer counselors are required to hold certifications in psychological counseling or social work, pass strict examinations, and undergo background checks. The diverse volunteer team, ranging from individuals in their 20s to 70s, with an average age of 40, underscores the center’s broad appeal and expertise. A notable trend is the increasing number of direct calls from teenagers themselves, rather than their parents, with children as young as 13-14 and university students reaching out for support. The service has expanded beyond Shanghai, assisting callers from other provinces through both online chat services and offline counseling. The center has handled various critical situations, including rescuing a teenager trapped in Myanmar, addressing adolescent depression, and responding to domestic violence cases. Song Yaru, a 79-year-old psychological counseling expert with nearly two decades of experience at the center, shared a memorable case involving a suicidal 26-year-old. The young man later told her, ‘Seeing how you’re still helping others at your age makes me believe I too can live a good life.’ Song expressed her dedication to the center, motivated purely by her commitment to youth work. He Lingfeng, a psychology professor at Shanghai University of Sports and a counseling expert on 12355, highlighted the platform’s broader impact. With over 1,300 volunteer counselors and experts, the 12355 team has become increasingly professional, serving not only as a social service but also as a valuable platform for talent development and practical psychology training.
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China, Italy strengthen higher education exchanges
In a significant move to bolster educational and innovative synergies, China and Italy have pledged to enhance their cooperation in higher education. This commitment was formalized during the 2025 China-Italy University Presidents Forum held in Beijing, where over 60 universities and institutions from both nations convened. The event saw the signing of 16 memorandums and agreements, underscoring a mutual dedication to fostering talent and driving innovation. Chinese Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng and Italian Minister of University and Research Anna Maria Bernini inked a joint statement, marking a pivotal moment in the educational partnership between the two countries. Minister Huai highlighted the evolution of this partnership from individual exchanges to a structured framework emphasizing talent development, technological innovation, and cultural exchange. He urged universities to adapt to the latest technological and industrial transformations, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration and industry-academia integration. Minister Bernini emphasized the integration of science with humanities and arts, expressing Italy’s eagerness to deepen cultural and artistic exchanges with China. This forum not only strengthens the educational ties but also sets a foundation for future collaborative ventures in various fields.
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Dubai’s Rayhan Thomas recharges, eyes Korn Ferry Tour comeback in the US
Dubai-born golfer Rayhan Thomas, 26, is set to return to the United States with renewed vigor as he prepares for Stage Two of the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying School. After a brief hiatus in Dubai following an Asian Tour event in the Philippines, Thomas is focused on reclaiming his spot on golf’s developmental circuit. His recent performance at Stage One of Q-School, where he tied for fourth with a 15-under-par total of 269, has bolstered his confidence for the upcoming challenges. Stage Two will take place from December 2–5 at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club in Savannah, Georgia, a familiar venue for Thomas. Success here could propel him to the Final Qualifying stage, where the top five players earn PGA Tour cards, and the next 40 secure Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2026. Thomas, who finished 88th on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour points table, narrowly missed retaining his card but remains determined. He plans to balance his schedule with the Asian Tour Final Qualifying School and potential DP World Tour events in Dubai. Reflecting on his journey, Thomas emphasized the importance of small margins and a positive mindset, inspired by his friend Zach Bauchou’s recent PGA Tour success. With a confirmed caddie for next year, Thomas is ready to focus on his game and let the results follow.
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Happy birthday, Sheikh Hamdan! How Dubai’s Crown Prince embraces life at 43
Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, celebrated his 43rd birthday on November 14, 2025, by continuing to inspire the emirate’s residents with his dynamic and active lifestyle. Known for his leadership as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Sheikh Hamdan defies the stereotype of slowing down in mid-life, instead embracing physical fitness and encouraging others to do the same. Through his social media presence, particularly on Instagram where he boasts over 17 million followers, he shares glimpses of his daily gym routines and promotes the benefits of an active lifestyle. His passion for sports has also led to Dubai hosting the World Sports Summit from December 29 to 30, 2025, which is expected to attract global sports stars, industry leaders, and policymakers. Beyond his personal fitness, Sheikh Hamdan actively participates in community events such as the Dubai Marathon and Mallathon, further engaging with residents and fostering a culture of health and vitality. From skydiving over The Palm to climbing the Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Hamdan’s adventurous spirit and commitment to wellness serve as a powerful example for Dubai and beyond.
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Dubai hosts high-stakes duel as Wilde and Waugh eye T100 glory ahead of Qatar finale
The 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour reaches its penultimate stage in Dubai this weekend, with elite athletes Hayden Wilde and Kate Waugh aiming to solidify their championship leads ahead of the Qatar finale. The event, set against the backdrop of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, promises high-stakes competition and thrilling performances. Wilde, a dual Olympic medallist, enters the race with an unbroken streak of five victories this season. However, formidable challengers like Belgium’s Jelle Geens and Germany’s Mika Noodt stand ready to disrupt his quest for a sixth consecutive win. Wilde, who made a remarkable recovery from a severe bike crash earlier this year, remains focused on the tactical demands of the course, which winds through Jumeirah and Meydan. On the women’s side, Britain’s Kate Waugh seeks to extend her nine-point lead over compatriot Lucy Charles-Barclay, who is absent from this race. Waugh, who has consistently podiumed this season, faces fierce competition from athletes like Switzerland’s Julie Derron and USA’s Taylor Knibb. The Dubai T100 also marks a historic milestone for Ghani Souleymane, a Dubai-based endurance athlete attempting his 100th consecutive T100 distance triathlon, a feat expected to earn a Guinness World Record. The event, which includes amateur races and a festival atmosphere, showcases Dubai’s vibrant sports culture. With the Qatar finale looming, every point gained in Dubai could prove decisive in the championship standings.