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.
分类： society
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UAE Lottery’s Dh100-million win to be paid in a single transaction
The UAE Lottery has announced that the unprecedented Dh100-million jackpot, won by Abu Dhabi resident Anilkumar Bolla, will be disbursed as a tax-free lump sum in a single transaction. This marks the largest lottery win in the country’s history, and the payout will be executed without deductions or instalments. Scott Burton, the UAE Lottery’s Commercial Gaming Director, emphasized that the process adheres to stringent verification and payout protocols, ensuring transparency and security at every stage. Winners are invited to the lottery’s headquarters for identity verification, documentation, and a detailed walkthrough of the process. Once regulatory and banking approvals are secured, the funds are directly transferred to the winner’s account. The UAE Lottery also provides comprehensive support to winners, helping them navigate the challenges of sudden wealth, including managing public attention and planning for the future. The lottery operates under strict internationally benchmarked protocols, with independent audits and certified random number generation systems overseen by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). Additionally, the platform prioritizes responsible gaming, offering tools like spending limits, self-exclusion options, and access to mental wellbeing resources through partnerships with Takalam, the UAE’s digital mental health platform.
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Gen-Z Taiwan volunteer joins Minqin’s desert afforestation efforts
In the arid expanse of the Gobi Desert, a group of dedicated young volunteers is combating desertification by planting trees and reclaiming barren land. Among them is 20-year-old Lee Ting-Hsuan from Taiwan, who is experiencing the challenging yet rewarding task of afforestation in Northwest China for the first time. Lee, a student at Peking University, is part of a broader initiative in Minqin county, Gansu province, where volunteers have been working tirelessly for over 70 years to transform desertified areas into green landscapes. The program, initiated in 2007 by local resident Ma Junhe, has attracted more than 80,000 participants who have collectively restored approximately 5,667 hectares of desert. Volunteers, including Lee, plant drought-resistant suosuo trees and construct clay sand barriers to stabilize dunes. The initiative not only benefits the environment but also provides economic opportunities for local communities. Lee’s participation highlights the growing interest among young people in meaningful public welfare activities, as she and other volunteers document their efforts on social media to inspire broader participation. The program’s success is evident in the reduction of desertified land in Minqin, contributing to ecological stability and preventing sandstorms from reaching as far as Beijing. Around 20 young volunteers from Macao also joined the effort, led by Su Kun, a member of the Gansu Provincial Committee of the CPPCC. Su emphasized the importance of firsthand experience in understanding the region’s challenges and cultural diversity. Lee’s journey underscores the younger generation’s commitment to ecological protection and the national priority of tree planting in China, which saw 4.45 million hectares of forests planted in 2024.
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US football coach featured on Netflix dies after on-campus shooting
John Beam, a revered American football coach and athletics director at Laney College in Oakland, California, has tragically died after being shot on campus. The incident occurred on Thursday, and by Friday, police had apprehended a suspect identified as Cedric Irving Jr. Although the suspect knew Beam, authorities confirmed they did not have a personal relationship. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Beam, 66, was a prominent figure in the community, having mentored countless young athletes, including several who went on to play in the NFL. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief, with tributes from Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and former players. Beam gained national recognition through his feature in the fifth season of Netflix’s ‘Last Chance U,’ which highlighted his leadership of the Laney Eagles football team. This tragic event marks the second school shooting in Oakland within two days, following an incident at Skyline High School, where Beam previously coached for 16 years. The suspect, who was arrested at a local bus stop, was found in possession of a firearm. The community continues to mourn the loss of a man described as a mentor, educator, and lifeline for thousands.
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Over 20 Gen Z foreign guests to explore Baise city in Guangxi
The 2025 Overseas Generation Z Guangxi Cultural Experience Tour officially commenced on Wednesday in Baise, located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. This initiative has attracted over 20 young participants, including foreign media representatives and youth delegates from diverse nations such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Argentina, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Myanmar. The event aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and showcase the rich heritage of Guangxi to the global Gen Z community. Participants will engage in immersive activities, exploring the region’s unique traditions, landscapes, and cultural landmarks. This tour not only highlights Baise’s significance as a cultural hub but also strengthens international ties through youth engagement and cultural exchange.
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Beijing’s air quality improves further
Beijing has made remarkable strides in improving its air quality in 2025, with the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau reporting a 16.6% reduction in the average PM2.5 concentration during the first ten months of the year. The average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from January to October stood at 25.6 micrograms per cubic meter, marking a significant improvement. Additionally, the city recorded 254 days of good air quality, an increase of 20 days compared to the same period in 2024. These achievements are attributed to systematic efforts, including the promotion of new energy vehicles, which have surpassed 1.2 million in number by October. To address seasonal pollution, Beijing has strengthened regional collaboration and employed advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing and online monitoring to identify and mitigate high-pollution areas. These measures underscore the city’s commitment to combating air pollution and enhancing environmental sustainability.
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UAE: Blanking out on deadlines? How to combat ‘task paralysis’ in demanding workplaces
In today’s fast-paced and hyper-competitive work environments, a growing number of professionals in the UAE and beyond are grappling with a phenomenon known as ‘task paralysis.’ This condition, characterized by an inability to initiate or complete tasks due to fear of failure or overwhelming pressure, is increasingly prevalent among high-achieving individuals. Experts suggest that this issue is not merely a personal struggle but a systemic one, rooted in workplace culture, unrealistic expectations, and the constant demands of modern life.
Scott Armstrong, founder of mentl, a UAE-based mental health platform, emphasizes the role of employers in addressing task paralysis. ‘Leaders must set clear priorities, manage workloads effectively, and model healthy boundaries,’ he says. According to a 2024 Cigna International Health Study, 82% of UAE employees report stress, one of the highest rates globally. This stress is often exacerbated by unclear expectations and an ‘always-on’ work culture, creating a breeding ground for paralysis.
Denise Andrzejewski, an assistant professor of psychology at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, explains that task paralysis is linked to cognitive overload and executive functioning challenges. ‘Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and employing strategies like time-blocking can help individuals regain control,’ she advises. Persistent difficulties, however, may indicate underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD, warranting professional intervention.
Carolyn Yaffe, a Dubai-based psychotherapist, highlights the impact of societal and technological pressures on younger generations. ‘Gen-Z and millennial entrepreneurs, in particular, face intense competition and social media stress, which can lead to procrastination and indecision,’ she notes. Yaffe recommends breaking tasks into smaller parts and seeking support from colleagues to overcome paralysis.
Raj Sagar, founder of Red Dot Marketing, shares his personal experience with task paralysis in the creative industry. ‘The sheer volume of information and constant innovation can be overwhelming,’ he says. Sagar advocates for the use of prioritization frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix and fostering open communication within teams to mitigate the effects of paralysis.
Natasha D’Souza, a communications advisor and executive coach, underscores the importance of self-awareness and incremental progress. ‘Taking small steps builds momentum and helps overcome inertia,’ she explains. D’Souza also emphasizes the need for personal accountability, especially for self-employed professionals.
As task paralysis continues to affect individuals across industries, experts agree that addressing this issue requires a combination of personal strategies, supportive workplace environments, and professional guidance. By fostering clarity, reducing mental load, and promoting healthy work habits, organizations and individuals can combat this modern-day challenge effectively.
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Month-long school break in UAE: How families can make the most of winter holiday
The UAE is preparing to transform into a vibrant winter wonderland as families across the Emirates anticipate a month-long school break from December 8, 2025, to January 3, 2026. This extended holiday period offers an unparalleled opportunity for parents and children to immerse themselves in a variety of festive events, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Dubai, the epicenter of holiday cheer, is hosting a plethora of events catering to all ages. Highlights include the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market, featuring a towering Christmas tree and snow fight zone, and the Winter City at Expo City Dubai, which transforms Al Wasl Plaza into a festive hub with Santa’s Grotto and carnival rides. Abu Dhabi is not to be outdone, with the Yas Winter Fest at Yas Gateway Park offering trampolines, ziplines, and daily tree lighting ceremonies. Sharjah and Ajman continue their tradition of family-focused events, with Mega Mall Sharjah transforming into a winter wonderland and Ajman Marina hosting the Winter Ajman market. For those seeking adventure, Ras Al Khaimah and the East Coast provide ideal winter climates for outdoor activities, including mountain camping, hiking, and beachside camping. Families looking for cost-effective ways to enjoy the break can explore numerous public spaces across the Emirates, such as Kite Beach in Dubai, the Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach, and the Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah. With a diverse array of activities and destinations, the UAE promises an unforgettable winter holiday for families.
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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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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.