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  • Police probe deaths of famed actor-director Rob Reiner and wife as apparent homicide

    Police probe deaths of famed actor-director Rob Reiner and wife as apparent homicide

    Los Angeles authorities are investigating the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele as an apparent double homicide. The couple was discovered deceased inside their Beverly Hills residence on Sunday afternoon when police officers responded to a welfare call.

    While official identification remains pending from the Los Angeles Police Department, both Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom have issued separate statements confirming the tragic passing of the 78-year-old director and his 68-year-old wife. The LAPD’s robbery-homicide division has assumed control of the investigation, with detectives awaiting a search warrant to conduct a comprehensive examination of the crime scene.

    Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton addressed reporters Sunday evening, characterizing the case as an ‘apparent homicide’ investigation while confirming that no suspects have been identified thus far. The precise cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office in due course.

    Reiner’s monumental career spanned both acting and directing, beginning with his breakthrough role as Michael ‘Meathead’ Stivic in the groundbreaking television series ‘All in the Family.’ His transition behind the camera established him as one of Hollywood’s most versatile directors, creating beloved classics including ‘The Princess Bride,’ ‘When Harry Met Sally…,’ ‘Stand by Me,’ and the courtroom drama ‘A Few Good Men.’

    Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, enjoyed her own creative career as a photographer, notably capturing the cover image for Donald Trump’s 1987 business memoir ‘The Art of the Deal.’ The couple shared three children during their marriage.

    Beyond his cinematic achievements, Reiner remained actively engaged in political advocacy, supporting Democratic presidential candidates including Al Gore, John Kerry, and Hillary Clinton. His father, comedy legend Carl Reiner, preceded him in death in 2020.

    The entertainment industry and political circles have expressed profound grief over the loss, with Mayor Bass describing the tragedy as ‘a devastating loss for our city and our country’ while acknowledging Reiner’s significant contributions to American culture and social justice advocacy.

  • UAE and GCC travel deal: Explore more with the iconic Japan rail pass

    UAE and GCC travel deal: Explore more with the iconic Japan rail pass

    A groundbreaking travel arrangement is set to transform the Japanese exploration experience for Middle Eastern tourists. Al Tayer Travel has secured official authorization as a distributor for Japan’s renowned Rail Pass, marking a significant advancement in travel convenience for UAE and GCC residents. This strategic partnership eliminates the traditional logistical hurdles associated with accessing Japan’s world-famous railway system upon arrival.

    The Japan Rail Pass, administered by the Japan Railways Group, represents one of the most comprehensive transportation solutions available to international visitors. The pass grants unlimited access to the country’s extensive rail network, including the celebrated Shinkansen bullet trains, regional services, and local transit connections that link urban centers with rural destinations across the archipelago.

    According to Asif Hussain, Manager of Outbound Operations at Al Tayer Travel, “The growing demand for seamless mobility within Japan among GCC travelers prompted this initiative. Our appointment as an authorized distributor reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable and convenient travel solutions that significantly enhance the overall customer experience.”

    This development revolutionizes trip planning for Middle Eastern visitors. Instead of navigating transportation options after arriving in Japan, travelers can now procure their rail passes through Al Tayer Travel’s regional branches before departure. This pre-arrangement enables tourists to proceed directly to platform gates upon landing, exchanging their documentation promptly to commence their Japanese adventure without delay.

    The rail pass program offers multiple duration options and class distinctions, catering to diverse travel preferences including family vacations, romantic getaways, business trips, and solo expeditions. The flexibility of unlimited travel encourages spontaneous exploration, enabling detours to lesser-known destinations and last-minute itinerary adjustments that enrich the travel experience.

    Complementing the pass distribution, Al Tayer Travel provides comprehensive consultation services to optimize itinerary planning. Their expertise helps first-time visitors navigate Japan’s complex rail system while offering returning travelers more efficient route planning assistance.

    Japan’s popularity among Middle Eastern tourists continues to surge, attributed to its renowned safety standards, cultural hospitality, culinary excellence, and diverse landscapes ranging from ultra-modern cities to pristine natural environments. The enhanced accessibility to the Japan Rail Pass further strengthens the destination’s appeal, facilitating seamless journeys between Tokyo’s metropolitan energy, Kyoto’s traditional districts, Osaka’s culinary markets, and Hokkaido’s scenic countryside.

    Interested travelers can obtain the Japan Rail Pass or seek itinerary guidance through Al Tayer Travel’s network of branches throughout the UAE and GCC region, making Japanese exploration more organized and accessible than ever before.

  • Farmers and politics threaten to put EU’s free-trade deal with South America on ice

    Farmers and politics threaten to put EU’s free-trade deal with South America on ice

    BRUSSELS — A landmark trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur nations, representing nearly two decades of negotiation, now confronts formidable opposition from France just days before its anticipated ratification. The comprehensive pact linking the 27-member EU with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia would establish one of the world’s largest free trade zones, encompassing 780 million consumers and accounting for a quarter of global GDP.

    The agreement, which would progressively eliminate tariffs on most goods over a 15-year implementation period, has encountered vehement resistance from European agricultural sectors. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu declared the current terms “unacceptable” and formally requested postponement of Thursday’s critical vote until 2026 or beyond. This eleventh-hour intervention threatens to derail plans for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa to formally sign the agreement in Brazil on December 20.

    Agricultural concerns form the core of the opposition, with France, Poland, Austria, and the Netherlands expressing apprehension that Mercosur producers might undercut European farmers through less stringent labor, environmental, and pesticide regulations. Despite recent European Commission proposals to strengthen import inspections and implement safeguard mechanisms for agricultural products, French officials maintain these measures remain insufficient.

    The political dimension has intensified as disgruntled farmers, whose tractor protests previously paralyzed European capitals, prepare renewed demonstrations in Brussels. Their mobilization, which gained traction with far-right parties during the 2024 EU elections, adds pressure on leaders already grappling with geopolitical considerations.

    European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill emphasized the agreement’s strategic importance, stating it would create “a platform based on trust, based on rules” during times of rising global uncertainty. Proponents argue the pact would save businesses approximately €4.26 billion annually in duties while facilitating trade across diverse sectors including French wines, German pharmaceuticals, and Brazilian rare earth minerals.

    The standoff highlights broader challenges in EU trade policy as the bloc seeks to counter aggressive trade tactics from both the United States and China. As Alicia Gracia-Herrero of the Bruegel Institute noted, the impasse raises questions about the EU’s geopolitical credibility regarding ongoing negotiations with other major economies including India and Indonesia.

  • Pope denounces ‘antisemitic violence’ of Sydney attack as he thanks Christmas donors

    Pope denounces ‘antisemitic violence’ of Sydney attack as he thanks Christmas donors

    In a powerful address at the Vatican on Monday, Pope Leo XIV delivered a dual message condemning religious violence while reaffirming the Catholic Church’s staunch anti-abortion stance. The first American pontiff in history expressed outrage over the deadly terrorist attack that occurred during a Jewish holiday celebration in Sydney, Australia.

    Speaking before donors of the Vatican’s Christmas decorations, Pope Leo characterized the Bondi Beach massacre that claimed 15 lives as an act of ‘antisemitic violence.’ He offered prayers for the victims and called for the ‘gift of peace and fraternity’ during the holiday season. ‘We must eliminate hatred from our hearts,’ the pontiff declared, adding ‘Enough of these forms of antisemitic violence!’

    The Pope simultaneously emphasized the sanctity of life through an unusual artistic installation. The Nativity scene in the Vatican’s audience hall, donated by Costa Rica, featured 28,000 colored ribbons symbolizing embryos reportedly saved from abortion through Catholic organizations’ interventions. Leo described this display as a message that ‘life is protected from conception’ and thanked the artist for this representation of protected life.

    Regarding the Christmas decorations donated by various Italian regions, the Pope noted that the evergreen fir trees serve as ‘a sign of life and recall the hope that isn’t lacking even in the winter cold.’ The address thus wove together themes of interfaith solidarity, anti-violence advocacy, and traditional Catholic teachings on the protection of life from conception.

  • Spain fines Airbnb $75 million for unlicensed tourist rentals

    Spain fines Airbnb $75 million for unlicensed tourist rentals

    In a significant regulatory crackdown, Spain’s consumer rights ministry has imposed a substantial €64 million ($75 million) penalty on vacation rental platform Airbnb for advertising unlicensed tourist accommodations. The Monday announcement revealed multiple compliance failures: numerous listings either completely omitted mandatory license numbers required across Spanish regions, provided registration details that didn’t match official records, or contained inaccurate host information.

    This enforcement action represents the latest escalation in Spain’s ongoing confrontation with short-term rental corporations including Airbnb and Booking.com. The government’s intensified scrutiny coincides with a severe nationwide housing affordability crisis, particularly acute in urban centers and tourist-favored destinations where residential and visitor accommodations compete for limited space.

    Airbnb has announced its intention to contest the penalty through judicial channels. The company emphasized its collaborative efforts with Spanish authorities to implement a new national registration framework for short-term rentals, noting that over 70,000 listings have incorporated registration numbers since January.

    The current leftist administration, alongside broad political consensus among Spanish citizens, attributes rising housing costs significantly to short-term rental operations. This perspective was underscored in May when consumer authorities mandated the removal of approximately 65,000 non-compliant listings from Airbnb’s platform.

    Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy articulated the government’s position: ‘Thousands of families endure precarious living situations due to this housing crisis, while certain business models generate wealth for few at the expense of displacing residents from their communities.’

  • US: Police to release man detained over Brown University mass shooting

    US: Police to release man detained over Brown University mass shooting

    Rhode Island authorities announced Sunday night the release of a man previously detained as a person of interest in the Brown University mass shooting that resulted in two student fatalities and nine injuries. The decision marks a significant pivot in the investigation just days after the tragic incident rocked the prestigious Ivy League campus.

    Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez had initially confirmed the apprehension of a man in his 20s during a midday press conference, but provided scarce details regarding the detention. The turnaround came hours later when Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joined state officials in announcing the individual’s release, indicating the investigation had progressed in a “different direction.”

    Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha clarified that while initial evidence justified the detention, subsequent investigation revealed “no basis to believe that he’s a person of interest.” Authorities confirmed they continue to pursue an unidentified individual captured in surveillance footage near the engineering building where the shooting occurred.

    The shooting unfolded Saturday in Brown’s Barus Holley engineering and physics building during final examinations, with outer doors reportedly left unlocked. Witness accounts describe sudden gunfire that sent students scrambling for safety, with some taking shelter in nearby apartments while others endured five-hour lockdowns.

    University President Christina Paxson confirmed nearly all victims were students, canceling remaining exams and classes for the year. The campus remained quiet Sunday under a blanket of light snow as the community grappled with the tragedy—one of nearly 400 mass shootings recorded in the United States this year according to the Gun Violence Archive.

    Despite the ongoing manhunt, authorities lifted shelter-in-place orders for the campus and surrounding community Sunday. Mayor Smiley encouraged residents to attend a previously scheduled holiday tree lighting ceremony, noting “if we can come together as a community and shine a little bit of light tonight, I think there’s nothing better that we could be doing.”

  • Some Indigo flights cancelled, delayed as dense fog hits Delhi and north India airports

    Some Indigo flights cancelled, delayed as dense fog hits Delhi and north India airports

    Severe fog conditions combined with hazardous smog levels have crippled aviation operations across northern India, forcing IndiGo Airlines to implement widespread flight cancellations and significant delays. The budget carrier confirmed Monday that prolonged low visibility during morning hours has severely impacted air traffic movement at Delhi International Airport and multiple regional facilities.

    In an official statement released on social media platform X, IndiGo explained that selective cancellations were necessary to maintain operational safety throughout the remainder of the day. The airline has activated comprehensive passenger communication protocols, utilizing WhatsApp and email notifications to inform affected travelers about available rebooking options and full refund procedures.

    ‘We recognize the substantial inconvenience caused by weather-related disruptions, particularly during peak travel periods, and deeply regret any impact on passenger itineraries,’ the airline expressed in their communiqué. Travelers have been advised to continuously monitor flight status updates through official digital channels while airport teams work to restore normal operations as visibility conditions improve.

    Meteorological experts note that while winter fog occurs naturally, Delhi’s critically poor air quality has dramatically intensified the phenomenon. The capital region recorded its worst air quality readings of the season on December 14th, with the Central Pollution Control Board reporting index values exceeding 450 at multiple monitoring stations—categorizing air conditions as ‘severe.’

    This environmental crisis prompted India’s Commission for Air Quality Management to implement Stage Four restrictions—the highest emergency level under the Graded Response Action Plan. These measures include prohibiting older diesel vehicles from entering the city, suspending all construction activities, and implementing hybrid education models.

    The Delhi metropolitan area, home to approximately 30 million residents, experiences annual winter smog episodes as atmospheric conditions trap emissions from vehicles, construction projects, and agricultural burning practices. Health authorities have issued advisories recommending vulnerable populations, including children and individuals with respiratory conditions, to minimize outdoor exposure and utilize protective masks when necessary.

  • Smooth end to Messi India tour after Kolkata chaos

    Smooth end to Messi India tour after Kolkata chaos

    Football icon Lionel Messi concluded his tumultuous three-day promotional tour across India on Monday, culminating in a Delhi stadium event overshadowed by earlier chaos in Kolkata. The Inter Miami forward’s visit—marking his first return to India since 2011—unfolded against a backdrop of extreme fan devotion and operational missteps.

    The tour commenced disastrously in Kolkata on Saturday when enraged supporters vandalized Salt Lake Stadium after failing to secure clear views of the Argentinian legend. Fans who had paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100) for tickets tore up seating and hurled objects onto the pitch as Messi was swiftly escorted through celebrity crowds. Local media described the scene as a ‘battlefield’ resulting from poor event management and security failures. The incident prompted the arrest of Kolkata event organizer Satadru Dutta, who faces 14 days police custody.

    Despite the turbulent start, Messi’s subsequent appearances in Hyderabad and Mumbai proceeded smoothly. The football superstar engaged in promotional activities including virtual unveiling of a 70-foot statue in Kolkata, exhibition matches with children, and meetings with Indian cultural icons. His notable engagements included Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi.

    Monday’s Delhi finale saw thousands of supporters braving polluted conditions to witness Messi alongside teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. The event featured ball-kicking demonstrations, youth training sessions, and autograph signings, though the itinerary was shortened due to weather-related flight delays from Mumbai.

    The tour highlighted both India’s passionate football culture and the challenges of managing global sporting events in the country. While Messi’s appearances drew immense crowds nationwide, the Kolkata incident revealed significant gaps in celebrity event coordination and security protocols.

  • Workers build giant snowman in Heilongjiang

    Workers build giant snowman in Heilongjiang

    In a spectacular display of winter craftsmanship, construction teams in Harbin have erected a monumental snow sculpture reaching unprecedented dimensions. The massive snowman, standing at 19 meters (approximately 62 feet), now dominates the landscape at Qunli Music Park in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province.

    Documented through aerial drone photography on December 14, 2025, this frosty giant represents a significant engineering achievement in seasonal art. Construction crews utilized approximately 3,000 cubic meters of meticulously compacted snow to create this seasonal marvel, demonstrating remarkable precision in both design and execution.

    The 2025 installation surpasses previous records set by the city’s winter attractions, specifically exceeding last year’s creation by a full meter in height. This incremental but symbolically important improvement continues Harbin’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of winter construction and ice sculpture artistry.

    The project forms part of Harbin’s broader winter tourism strategy, which has established the city as an international destination for cold-weather attractions and architectural innovations using natural frozen materials. Such installations typically serve as centerpieces for the city’s famous winter festival, drawing visitors from across China and beyond.

    Local authorities and tourism boards have increasingly leveraged these seasonal constructions to showcase human ingenuity in harmonizing with extreme weather conditions while promoting cultural exchange through public art installations.

  • What we know about the Bondi gunmen

    What we know about the Bondi gunmen

    In a devastating terrorist assault that has shaken Australia, two gunmen identified as father and son unleashed firearm violence upon hundreds celebrating Hanukkah at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday. The attack resulted in 15 fatalities and left 27 hospitalized with injuries, marking the nation’s deadliest mass shooting in decades.

    Authorities confirmed the perpetrators as Sajid Akram, 50, who was killed during an exchange of gunfire with police, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, currently hospitalized under police guard with critical injuries. The assault specifically targeted Jewish participants and is being investigated as a terrorist incident by Australia’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team.

    Among the victims were a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, and two rabbis, highlighting the deliberate targeting of the Jewish community during the festival celebrations.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed that while Naveed Akram had previously drawn attention from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in 2019, assessments at the time concluded no imminent threat of violence. Both gunmen acted independently without connections to broader extremist networks, though investigators discovered two Islamic State flags and improvised explosive devices in their vehicle.

    Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke disclosed that Sajid Akram entered Australia on a student visa in 1998, later transitioning to permanent residency, while his son was an Australian-born citizen. The elder Akram had legally obtained six firearms through recreational hunting licenses, all recovered from the crime scene.

    The attackers utilized a small bridge as a firing position, employing long-barrelled weapons during the assault. Prior to the attack, the pair had relocated from their Bonnyrigg family home to an Airbnb in Campsie, telling relatives they were embarking on a fishing trip.

    Islamic community leaders condemned the violence, with Al Murad Institute founder Adam Ismail emphasizing that the Quran explicitly forbids such attacks, stating that taking innocent life equates to killing all of humanity.