Severe flooding triggered by Storm Claudia has wreaked havoc across Wales and parts of Ireland, forcing dozens of residents to evacuate their homes. The town of Monmouth in Wales bore the brunt of the disaster as the River Monnow surged to unprecedented levels, inundating streets, submerging vehicles, and flooding businesses. Aerial footage captured the extent of the devastation, with muddy brown waters engulfing the town’s main thoroughfare.
分类： society
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Thousands protest ahead of trial over deadliest fire in North Macedonia’s history
Thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Skopje, North Macedonia, on Saturday, demanding accountability for the victims of the nation’s deadliest nightclub fire. The tragic incident, which occurred on March 16, claimed 63 lives and left over 200 injured after a pyrotechnic display ignited the roof of the crowded Pulse club in Kocani. The fire triggered a stampede, with most victims being young revelers. As the trial of the club owner and 33 others approaches, families of the victims, dressed in black, marched to the Criminal Court, holding banners adorned with photos of their loved ones. Parents accused corruption and greed of playing a role in the tragedy, citing the venue’s numerous safety violations and improper licensing. In a heartfelt video message, they vowed to fight against the systemic corruption they believe led to their children’s deaths. The defendants, including security guards, former mayors, and government officials, face charges of serious crimes against public security, with potential prison sentences of up to 10 years. North Macedonia, ranked 88th on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, has long struggled with corruption, with bribes to bypass safety regulations being commonplace. The European Union has repeatedly flagged corruption as a significant barrier to the country’s EU accession, a process it has been pursuing since 2005.
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UAE weather: Abu Dhabi temperature to dip to 22ºC; humid conditions likely
Residents of the UAE can anticipate fair to partly cloudy skies on Saturday, November 15, 2025, as reported by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The weather is expected to remain pleasant, with Abu Dhabi experiencing temperatures ranging from a cool 22ºC to a warm 32ºC. Meanwhile, Dubai will see slightly milder conditions, with lows of 23ºC and highs of 31ºC. Humidity is likely to increase by night and into Sunday morning, particularly in coastal and internal areas, potentially leading to mist formation. Light to moderate winds, blowing at speeds of 10 to 20 kmph and occasionally reaching 30 kmph, will prevail across the region. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea are forecasted to be calm. This weather update comes as part of the NCM’s ongoing efforts to keep the public informed about climatic conditions, ensuring residents can plan their activities accordingly.
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Nine killed in accidental blast at police station in Indian-administered Kashmir, officials say
A tragic incident unfolded at the Nowgam police station in Indian-administered Kashmir on Friday evening, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and injuring 32 others. The explosion occurred when a stockpile of confiscated explosives, seized earlier in the week from Faridabad in Haryana, accidentally detonated. The explosives were reportedly being prepared for forensic examination at the time of the mishap. According to Nalin Prabhat, the region’s director general of police, the detonation happened around 23:20 local time (17:50 GMT) due to an ‘extremely unfortunate’ handling error. The police station suffered extensive damage, and nearby buildings were also affected. Witnesses described a scene of devastation, with vehicles engulfed in flames and debris scattered across the area. Some body parts were even found in houses located 100-200 meters away from the blast site. Most of the victims were police officers, forensic personnel, crime scene photographers, and a tailor who was present at the station. Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of the region, expressed his condolences and announced an investigation into the incident. He emphasized the need to determine the cause of the accidental explosion and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families. This incident follows a recent car blast in Delhi, which the government has labeled a ‘terror incident,’ raising concerns about safety and security in the region.
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UAE: Scammer ordered to repay Dh24,500 to victim in phone fraud case
In a significant ruling that underscores the escalating menace of phone-based financial scams, the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court has mandated a convicted fraudster to reimburse Dh24,500 to his victim. The court’s decision, announced on November 11, 2025, ensures the victim recovers the entire sum stolen from his bank account. Additionally, the defendant was ordered to pay Dh3,000 in moral compensation for the emotional distress caused, along with 3% annual interest on the stolen amount. The court also ruled that the defendant must cover all legal expenses and court fees. This verdict follows a prior criminal conviction where the fraudster was fined Dh20,000 for fraud and unlawful possession of funds. The case began when the victim received a call from a man posing as a bank representative, who persuaded him to share his bank card details and one-time password (OTP). Within hours, Dh24,500 was siphoned from the victim’s account. Upon realizing the scam, the victim filed a police complaint, leading to the defendant’s arrest. UAE authorities continue to warn residents against sharing sensitive information over the phone and advise contacting banks directly if suspicious calls are received.
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‘Devastated’: Previously protected Syrians in US face upheaval as legal protections lift
More than 6,000 Syrians in the United States are bracing for an uncertain future as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) terminates their Temporary Protected Status (TPS), effective Friday. The decision, announced in September, will strip these individuals of their legal right to reside and work in the country, leaving them vulnerable to detention and deportation. Among those affected is Dahlia Doe*, a Syrian national who has lived in the US for a decade. Dahlia, who arrived as a student from a Middle Eastern country where she lacked citizenship, now faces the stark choice of deportation to Syria—a country she has never lived in—or fighting to remain in the US, where she has built a life with family and friends. She is one of seven plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the termination of TPS for Syrians, which was heard in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on Monday. The judge is expected to rule before the policy takes effect on Friday. TPS, established in 2012 following the outbreak of civil war in Syria, provides temporary legal status to nationals from countries deemed unsafe due to conflict or natural disasters. However, it does not offer a pathway to permanent residency. In a September press release, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the decision, stating that conditions in Syria no longer prevent nationals from returning home. She described the move as ‘restoring sanity to America’s immigration system.’ Critics, however, argue that Syria remains unstable, with cities in ruins and ongoing armed conflict. Farrah Alkhorfan, co-founder of Immigrants Act Now, warned that ending TPS for Syrians would endanger their lives. The termination of TPS is part of a broader effort by the current administration to revoke the status for nationals from several countries, including Afghanistan, Cameroon, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. For Dahlia and others like her, the decision has brought immense stress and uncertainty. She now struggles to sleep, worrying about her future and the care of her parents, who are permanent US residents. ‘You have to attempt to live a normal life while going through a devastating instability, not knowing what might happen tomorrow,’ she said. The lawsuit, represented by Muslim Advocates, the International Refugee Assistance Project, and Van Der Hout LLP, seeks to halt the termination of TPS for Syrians, arguing that it is inhumane and unjust. As the clock ticks down, the affected individuals and their communities await the court’s decision, hoping for a reprieve from the looming threat of deportation.
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German Baumkuchen ‘tree cake’ survived a disaster and world wars to become a Japanese favorite
Baumkuchen, a traditional German cake, has found an unexpected home in Japan, where it has evolved into a symbol of longevity and prosperity. This culinary journey began over a century ago on the small island of Ninoshima, near Hiroshima, where Karl Juchheim, a German prisoner of war, first introduced the treat during World War I. Today, Baumkuchen is celebrated across Japan, with festivals dedicated to the cake and various Japanese adaptations, such as those incorporating matcha and sweet potatoes, becoming popular gifts for weddings and birthdays. The cake is widely available, from luxury department stores to convenience stores, reflecting its deep integration into Japanese culture. However, the origins of Baumkuchen in Japan are intertwined with the island’s wartime history. Ninoshima served as a quarantine station during Japan’s militarist expansion and later as a treatment center for victims of the Hiroshima atomic bombing. Juchheim’s resilience and dedication to his craft, despite the devastation of war, left a lasting legacy. His story, as told by Kazuaki Otani of the Juccheim Ninoshima Welcome Center, serves as a poignant reminder of the human desire for peace and the power of cultural exchange. Visitors to Ninoshima can now participate in Baumkuchen-making activities while learning about the island’s historical significance. Juchheim’s journey from prisoner to confectionery pioneer highlights the enduring impact of his work, which continues to bring joy and reflection to people across Japan.
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Dubai T100 Triathlon: Check out roads affected by world championship this weekend
Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued a travel advisory for residents and motorists ahead of the T100 Triathlon World Championship, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025. The event, which attracts elite athletes from around the globe, will feature a 2km swim, an 80km desert bike ride, and an 18km city run. To ensure smooth traffic flow, the RTA has identified key roads that will experience delays and closures during the event. On Saturday, November 15, Al Athar Street – Al Hadiqa Road and Al Meydan Road will be affected from 6:45 am to 8:30 am, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. On Sunday, November 16, the same roads, along with Al Manama Street, will be impacted from 6:45 am to 12 noon. The RTA has urged motorists to plan their journeys in advance, check the affected routes, and allow extra travel time to avoid disruptions. Additionally, Salik, Dubai’s toll gate system, has announced revised toll rates for Sunday to accommodate the event. The RTA has shared a video detailing the affected routes and encouraged residents to follow their advisory updates for real-time information. The T100 Triathlon is a highlight of Dubai’s sporting calendar, showcasing the city’s commitment to hosting world-class events while ensuring minimal inconvenience to its residents.
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At 16, I was experimented on by the CIA and now I’m suing
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.
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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.