In a significant move, former President Donald Trump granted a pardon on Friday to Michael McMahon, a former New York police sergeant convicted for his involvement in a high-profile case tied to China’s alleged efforts to silence critics abroad. McMahon, 58, was sentenced to 18 months in prison earlier this year for acting as an illegal foreign agent and stalking, charges stemming from what federal authorities described as a ‘campaign of transnational repression.’ McMahon maintained his innocence, claiming he was misled into believing he was working for a Chinese construction company rather than the government. A White House official, speaking anonymously, supported McMahon’s assertion, highlighting his decorated 14-year NYPD career before a 2001 injury forced his retirement. McMahon’s attorney, Lawrence Lustberg, hailed the pardon as a correction of a ‘horrible injustice,’ emphasizing that McMahon was a ‘true hero cop’ who should have been celebrated, not prosecuted. The case, part of China’s ‘Operation Fox Hunt’ initiative, centered on Xu Jin, a former Chinese city official who fled to New Jersey in 2010. Xu and his wife were accused of bribery by Chinese authorities, which they denied, alleging political persecution. McMahon’s role included locating Xu through surveillance and database searches, though he claimed he was unaware his actions would be used to intimidate Xu. The campaign against Xu included disparaging messages to his daughter’s friends, letters to relatives, and a visit from his elderly father, culminating in a threatening note left at Xu’s home. The pardon has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters like U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler praising the decision, while federal prosecutors declined to comment.
作者： admin
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USDA will fund Snap food benefits, feeding millions of Americans
After weeks of uncertainty and legal disputes, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Friday its commitment to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), ensuring food benefits for over 42 million Americans. This decision comes amidst the longest government shutdown in US history, now in its 38th day. The funding for Snap, commonly known as food stamps, had been a contentious issue, with a judge previously mandating the Trump administration to utilize contingency funds to support the program. However, these funds were insufficient to cover the program’s nearly $9 billion monthly cost. On Thursday, another judge ruled that the administration must fully fund Snap, leading to the USDA’s confirmation of full funding. Judge John McConnell accused the administration of withholding food aid for political reasons, highlighting the immediate risk of hunger for 16 million children without the program. Despite the administration’s legal challenge to this ruling, the USDA’s agreement to pay full Snap benefits suggests a resolution to this critical issue. President Trump has repeatedly linked Snap funding to the end of the government shutdown, emphasizing its use in Democrat states. Snap, which costs approximately $8 billion per month, provides reloadable debit cards to low-income Americans, enabling them to purchase groceries. On average, a family of four receives $715 per month, equating to less than $6 per day per person. While individual states administer the benefits, the program relies on federal funding, which has been suspended since the government shutdown began on October 1.
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Fifa fines, suspends UAE, Qatar team officials over misconduct, unsporting behaviour
FIFA has taken decisive action against officials from both the UAE and Qatar national teams following a contentious 2026 World Cup qualifier held on October 14, 2025. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced suspensions and fines in response to incidents of misconduct and unsporting behavior during the match. Matar Obaid Saeed Mesfer Al Dhaheri, the UAE team supervisor, received a 16-match suspension and a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately Dh45,500) for assaulting the referee and displaying unsporting behavior toward an opponent. On the other hand, Tarek Salman of Qatar was handed a two-match suspension and a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs (around Dh22,750) for serious foul play. The disciplinary measures followed a heated encounter at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, where Qatar secured a narrow 2–1 victory over the UAE, advancing to the finals. The match, which lasted 105 minutes, sparked widespread debate among fans regarding officiating decisions and game management. Many supporters took to social media to express their dissatisfaction, with some accusing the referees of allowing time-wasting and unaccounted fouls. The UAE fans, in particular, were left disheartened as their team’s World Cup qualification hopes were dashed despite a spirited performance. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining discipline and sportsmanship in high-stakes international competitions.
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Newborn with congenital heart disease receives life-saving surgery in Yunnan
A newborn diagnosed with a severe congenital heart defect has been given a new lease on life following a high-risk surgical procedure at Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital in Kunming, Yunnan Province. The infant, weighing a mere 2.9 kilograms at birth, was found to have transposition of the great arteries (TGA), a rare condition where the heart’s two main arteries are reversed, severely impairing blood circulation and oxygen supply. Shortly after birth, the baby exhibited critically low blood oxygen levels, exacerbated by the near-closure of the foramen ovale, a vital passage for blood flow in newborns. A multidisciplinary medical team, led by Wang Xiaoqi, the hospital’s vice-president, and Dong Shuo, director of pediatric surgery, performed an arterial switch operation to correct the defect. Four days post-surgery, the infant was successfully weaned off the ventilator and showed signs of steady recovery. The baby has since been moved from intensive care to a general ward and is expected to be discharged soon. ‘This was an exceptionally high-risk procedure for a one-day-old baby weighing less than three kilograms,’ Wang remarked. ‘However, the team’s precision and collaboration ensured a successful outcome.’
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The Line: Saudi Arabia scales back megacity plans as crown prince’s ambitions falter
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious ‘The Line,’ a 170-kilometer-long linear city central to the futuristic Neom mega-project, is undergoing significant downsizing due to escalating costs, design impracticalities, and mounting controversies. A recent investigation by The Financial Times (FT) reveals that architects and developers are scaling back plans drastically, with the project now reduced to just three modules from an initial 20. Over $50 billion has already been spent, yet senior construction managers label the project as ‘uninvestible.’ The Line, envisioned as a high-tech urban marvel, has faced criticism for its unrealistic design, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s fascination with science-fiction-inspired architecture. Despite warnings from engineers, the prince insisted on a 500-meter-high, 200-meter-wide structure, far exceeding feasible limits. The project has also drawn ire for its environmental impact, including threats to migratory species, and the displacement of local communities. Entire villages, such as Qayal and al-Khuraybah, have been demolished, leading to protests and arrests. Human rights organizations have condemned the harsh working conditions and exploitation of laborers, with reports of fatalities and inadequate investigations. Amid these challenges, Saudi Arabia is reportedly shifting focus from mega-projects like Neom to sectors such as logistics, minerals, and artificial intelligence, signaling a broader reevaluation of its economic priorities.
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Exclusive: JD Vance plans to join Pope Leo’s visit to Turkey’s Iznik
US Vice President JD Vance is reportedly planning to accompany Pope Leo on his visit to Turkey to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, according to sources cited by Middle East Eye. The historic event will take place in Iznik, where the remains of an ancient basilica, believed to be the site of the First Council in 325 AD, are located. This council was one of early Christianity’s most pivotal gatherings, where bishops resolved theological disputes that shaped Christian doctrine. Vance, a devout Catholic, is expected to join the pope on November 28, though his participation has not yet been confirmed. Turkish officials anticipate his attendance and suggest he may also meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following their previous encounter in September. The Iznik basilica, measuring 20 by 40 meters, is considered the town’s largest known church and is increasingly accepted by scholars as the long-lost Church of the Holy Fathers. Pope Leo’s visit is expected to elevate Iznik’s status as a center for Christian pilgrimage and faith tourism. Excavations at the site, led by Mustafa Sahin of Bursa Uludag University, have uncovered 37 graves, many of which have been restored to preserve their historical authenticity. A 38-member Vatican delegation has already arrived in Iznik to finalize preparations for the pope’s visit.
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Hong Kong charity signs diplomatic talent deal with Beijing university
In a significant move to strengthen civilian diplomacy and international talent development, the Hong Kong-based GX Foundation and China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday. The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony at the university, attended by notable figures including Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the GX Foundation, and Wang Shiting, Party secretary of the China Foreign Affairs University. Representing their respective organizations, Chan Ying-yang, CEO of the GX Foundation, and Wang Fan, president of the China Foreign Affairs University, signed the MoU. The collaboration aims to merge the GX Foundation’s expertise in international humanitarian aid and public health with the university’s specialized training in diplomacy and global affairs. The partnership seeks to cultivate professionals with a global outlook and practical skills, encouraging their involvement in international humanitarian efforts and advancing the sustainable development of civilian diplomacy. During the ceremony, Leung shared insights from the foundation’s initiatives, while Wang emphasized the critical role of civilian foreign aid in China’s broader foreign affairs strategy, highlighting its importance in fostering international friendship, mutual development, and China’s image as a responsible global power.
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DNA pioneer James Watson dies at 97
James Watson, the Nobel Prize-winning American scientist renowned for co-discovering the double-helix structure of DNA, has passed away at the age of 97. His groundbreaking work in 1953, alongside Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, revolutionized molecular biology by unveiling the mechanism of DNA replication and genetic information transmission. This discovery earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962. However, Watson’s legacy is marred by controversial remarks on race and intelligence, which led to his ostracization from the scientific community and the revocation of his honorary titles in 2019. In a 2007 interview, Watson expressed pessimistic views about Africa’s prospects, linking intelligence to race, which resulted in his dismissal as chancellor of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. His 2019 reiteration of such views prompted the lab to strip him of his emeritus titles. Despite his scientific contributions, Watson’s later years were overshadowed by these controversies. He sold his Nobel Prize medal in 2014 for $4.8 million, citing his alienation from the scientific community. Watson’s death was confirmed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he conducted decades of research.
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Beauty queens walkout, host weeps: What went down at Miss Universe 2025
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand, one of the world’s most prestigious beauty competitions, has been overshadowed by a series of dramatic events, including a walkout by contestants, allegations of disrespect, and a tearful apology from the host. Over 120 contestants from around the globe gathered to compete, but the event quickly descended into chaos. The controversy began when Mexican delegate Fatima Bosch walked out of a meeting after being insulted by host Nawat Itsaragrisil, who allegedly called her a ‘dumbhead’ during a dispute over social media promotions. Bosch, supported by Miss Iraq, left the venue in protest, declaring, ‘The world needs to see this because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice.’ Her actions drew praise from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who commended Bosch for speaking out against aggression. Nawat, meanwhile, faced public condemnation from the Miss Universe Organisation, which accused him of violating the values of respect and dignity. In a tearful press conference, Nawat apologized, claiming he had been ‘betrayed’ and overwhelmed by pressure. This incident is not the first time Nawat, also the president of Miss Grand International, has been embroiled in controversy. Last year, MGI contestants were outraged after being served peanuts on plastic chairs instead of a luxury river cruise. Adding to the drama, Thai media reported that police investigated contestants for allegedly promoting an online casino, violating the country’s gambling laws. Despite the turmoil, the pageant final is scheduled for November 21 in Nonthaburi province.
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How Italy promises an unforgettable Winter Olympics
With less than 100 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy is poised to host the prestigious event for the third time, marking its return to Western Europe since the 2006 Turin Games. The Milan-Cortina Games, scheduled from February 6 to 22, will span a vast region from Milan to the Dolomite Mountains, showcasing a blend of urban and alpine settings. Organizers are optimistic about delivering a memorable event, emphasizing sustainability and the use of existing infrastructure. Only two of the 13 venues are newly constructed, reflecting a commitment to minimizing environmental impact and costs. The estimated budget of $6.05 billion is significantly lower than previous Winter Olympics, highlighting Italy’s focus on efficiency. Ice sports will be held in Milan, while alpine skiing events will take place in Bormio and Cortina. The biathlon and Nordic skiing will be hosted in Anterselva and Val di Fiemme, respectively, with Livigno staging snowboarding and freestyle skiing. Despite the tight timeline, key venues such as the Olympic villages in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo have been completed. However, the Santa Giulia arena in Milan, set to host ice hockey, remains under construction and will not be tested until January, raising concerns about readiness. Organizers remain confident, with Giovanni Malago, president of the Milan-Cortina committee, stating that last-minute preparations are typical for large-scale events. Italy’s Olympic committee aims to surpass its 2022 Beijing medal tally of 17, targeting at least 19 medals. The country’s record of 20 medals, achieved at the 1994 Lillehammer Games, remains a benchmark. As Italy prepares to welcome athletes and fans, the 2026 Winter Olympics promise to be a celebration of sport, sustainability, and national pride.