A tragic incident that shook the Irish community in New York has reached a legal conclusion. Marcin Pieciak, a man responsible for the fatal stabbing of Sarah McNally, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison. The horrific event occurred on March 30 last year at the Céilí House pub in Maspeth, Queens, where McNally, originally from County Longford, Ireland, was working as a bartender. Pieciak, who had previously been in a relationship with McNally, attacked her with a knife, stabbing her 19 times. The assault resulted in severe injuries to her neck, back, and chest, including a severed spine and damage to her carotid artery. Despite being rushed to the hospital in critical condition, McNally succumbed to her injuries. Pieciak, who initially faced a murder charge, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter last month. During the court proceedings, he expressed remorse, stating that he thinks about McNally daily and hopes for forgiveness from her family in Ireland. The attack ended with Pieciak attempting to stab himself, but he was restrained by bar patrons until law enforcement arrived.
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Dubai: 2 bridges to open in January 2026 as Trade Centre Roundabout work 40% complete
Dubai is poised for a significant transformation in its traffic infrastructure, with the first phase of the World Trade Centre Roundabout project set to open in January 2026. The iconic roundabout, a central hub connecting Sheikh Zayed Road with five major arterial streets, will be converted into a surface-level intersection to enhance traffic flow. This ambitious project includes the construction of five bridges spanning 5,000 metres, with two bridges scheduled to open in January 2026, serving traffic from 2nd December Street towards Al Majlis Street and Sheikh Rashid Street. Currently, the project is 40% complete.
The initiative, reviewed by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to double the junction’s capacity, reduce average delays from 12 minutes to just 90 seconds, and cut travel time from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street from six minutes to one. The project is part of a broader effort to improve Dubai’s road network, which includes the Al Mustaqbal Street improvement project, scheduled for completion in 2027. This project will widen the street from three to four lanes in each direction, increasing capacity from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour and reducing travel time from 13 minutes to six minutes.
Together, these two projects involve the construction of seven bridges and three tunnels spanning 6,500 metres, at a cost of Dh1.3 billion. They are expected to benefit over one million residents and visitors, reducing travel time by 75%. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) continues to lead in infrastructure efficiency, constructing an average of 829 lane-kilometres of roads annually, more than double the global average. The RTA plans to deliver 72 new projects between 2025 and 2027, at an estimated cost of Dh35 billion, further enhancing the city’s transport network and contributing to increases in property values of 6% to 16%.
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G20 Summit inspires reflection in the Global South
The upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, is poised to catalyze a profound reassessment among Global South nations regarding their historical ties with the Global North. James Shikwati, director of the Nairobi-based Inter Region Economic Network, highlights that this summit could accelerate the Global South’s pivot toward emerging alliances like BRICS, as they seek to capitalize on new opportunities. This shift underscores a growing desire for greater autonomy and strategic diversification in international relations. The summit’s location in Africa further amplifies its symbolic importance, offering a platform for developing nations to assert their voices on the global stage. As the Global South increasingly explores alternative partnerships, the traditional North-South paradigm faces unprecedented challenges, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape.
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Ohio officer acquitted of murdering pregnant woman suspected of shoplifting
An Ohio police officer, Connor Grubb, has been cleared of all charges related to the fatal shooting of Ta’Kiya Young, a 21-year-old pregnant woman, in a supermarket parking lot on August 24, 2023. The incident occurred outside a Kroger store in a Columbus suburb, where Grubb and another officer confronted Young on suspicion of shoplifting alcohol. Bodycam footage revealed Young’s vehicle slowly moving toward Grubb as she asked, ‘Are you going to shoot me?’ Grubb fired his weapon, resulting in the deaths of Young and her unborn daughter, who was approximately 25 weeks old. Grubb pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter, and felonious assault, claiming self-defense. The acquittal has reignited debates over police use of force and accountability in the United States.
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Senior Chinese legislator meets delegation of politicians from Pacific island countries
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Li Hongzhong, Vice-Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee and member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with a delegation of politicians from Pacific island countries in Beijing on Friday. The delegation was led by Stephen Felix, Speaker of Vanuatu’s Parliament. The meeting underscored the growing bilateral relations between China and the Pacific island nations, which have been flourishing under the strategic guidance of their respective leaders. Li emphasized China’s commitment to fostering closer exchanges with these countries, particularly in the realms of political parties and legislative bodies. He expressed a shared vision of building a closer community with a shared future. Felix, on behalf of the Pacific island countries, reaffirmed their steadfast adherence to the one-China principle and their eagerness to deepen cooperation with China across various sectors. This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between China and the Pacific region, reflecting a mutual interest in sustainable development and regional stability.
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Narwhal carcass washes ashore on County Donegal beach
In an unprecedented event, the body of a female narwhal, a species typically found in Arctic waters, washed ashore on Sweet Nellies Beach in County Donegal, Ireland, last weekend. This marks the first recorded sighting of a narwhal in Irish waters and only the tenth recorded stranding of the species in western Europe. The discovery was made by a local family during a beach walk, prompting immediate attention from wildlife authorities. Niall Ó Donnchú of Ireland’s National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) described the event as ‘extraordinary and unprecedented.’ The narwhal, often referred to as the ‘unicorn of the sea’ due to its distinctive spiraled tusk, was transported to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Cork for a post-mortem examination. While male narwhals typically grow tusks, some females also exhibit this rare trait. Narwhals inhabit the Arctic Circle, migrating to coastal waters in summer and returning offshore in winter to avoid ice entrapment. With an estimated global population of 170,000, their natural predators include polar bears, orcas, and sharks. Dr. Simon Berrow of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) emphasized the significance of this stranding, noting that warming waters have caused a northward migration of marine species. ‘To have an Arctic species stranded for the first time is somewhat unexpected,’ he said. The incident underscores the importance of long-term monitoring and public involvement in reporting such events. Ireland’s Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, highlighted the broader implications, stating that the narwhal’s stranding serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of wildlife in the face of climate change. The post-mortem results, expected soon, may provide crucial insights into the narwhal’s life history and the reasons behind its unusual journey to Irish shores.
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Watch: UAE President turns photographer, captures Canadian cameraman with Carney
In a remarkable display of warmth and spontaneity, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan created an unforgettable moment during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s official visit to the UAE. Amidst the formalities of the high-profile event, the President noticed a Canadian photographer in attendance and decided to step into his shoes—literally. With a smile, Sheikh Mohamed picked up the photographer’s camera and captured a candid shot of him standing alongside PM Carney. This simple yet profound gesture not only highlighted the President’s approachability but also symbolized the strong and friendly ties between the UAE and Canada. The moment, captured on video, quickly went viral on social media, showcasing the human side of diplomatic engagements. The visit also marked significant strides in bilateral relations, with the leaders unveiling an ambitious roadmap to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, technology, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and sustainability. Additionally, the UAE announced a $50 billion investment framework in Canada, focusing on AI and energy projects, further cementing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
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Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi witnesses graduation of 630 students
In a momentous ceremony held at Thumbay Grounds, Thumbay Medicity, Gulf Medical University (GMU) in Ajman celebrated the graduation of 630 students across its diverse health science programs. The event, presided over by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council, was attended by families, faculty members, and prominent healthcare leaders. Graduates from medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, physiotherapy, healthcare management, and other disciplines received their degrees, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys. The ceremony commenced with a presentation titled ‘GMU At a Glance,’ followed by the conferral of degrees and the administration of the graduate oath. Dr. Thumbay Moideen, founder president of Thumbay Group, lauded the graduates and emphasized GMU’s robust academic and clinical ecosystem, which is deeply integrated with Thumbay Medicity’s advanced teaching hospitals, research facilities, and simulation institute. Professor Manda Venkatramana, chancellor of GMU, praised the graduates for their dedication and acknowledged the unwavering support of parents, faculty, and clinical mentors in shaping a new generation of globally competent healthcare professionals. The event also honored distinguished individuals with honorary doctorates and professorships. Mirza Al Sayegh and Feroz Allana were awarded honorary doctorates for their exceptional societal contributions, while Dr. Samih Tarabichi, Dr. Abdulla Al Khayat, Dr. Abdulrahim Mustafawi, and Dr. Humaid Al Shamsi received honorary professorships for their groundbreaking work in clinical excellence, academic medicine, and healthcare innovation. Graduates will continue to gain practical experience within the Thumbay Academic Health System, which includes Thumbay University Hospital, Thumbay Dental Hospital, Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital, and long-term care facilities. As they embark on their professional careers in leading medical institutions and research centers worldwide, the Convocation 2025 ceremony underscored GMU’s commitment to advancing healthcare education and strengthening the global healthcare workforce. The event concluded with remarks from the Student Council President and the formal dissolution of the convocation.
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Pontifical secret revealed: Pope Leo XIV changes his Wordle start word each day
In a surprising revelation during a virtual meeting with American Catholic youth on Friday, Pope Leo XIV disclosed a personal detail about his daily routine: he uses a different starting word each day when playing the popular online game Wordle. The pontiff shared this tidbit at the outset of a Q&A session, which was part of his remote address to the National Catholic Youth Conference held this year in Indianapolis. The event was broadcast via U.S. Catholic network EWTN, connecting the Vatican to the annual Catholic rally. Pope Leo, who was elected in May, has been known to enjoy Wordle daily, a fact previously revealed by his brother, John Prevost. The brothers often compare their Wordle strategies, a common practice among friends and family. During the session, which touched on topics like artificial intelligence, social media, and the future of the Catholic Church, the Pope’s casual mention of his Wordle habits added a lighthearted moment to the otherwise structured discussion. Wordle, a simple yet addictive online puzzle, challenges players to guess a five-letter word in six attempts and has garnered millions of daily users worldwide.
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Chinese humanoid robot sets guinness world record with 106-km inter-city walk
In a groundbreaking feat of robotics, a Chinese humanoid robot named A2 has secured a Guinness World Record by completing a 106-kilometer inter-city walk without interruption. Developed by Shanghai-based Agibot, the android embarked on its journey from Suzhou on November 10 and successfully arrived at Shanghai’s Bund in the early hours of November 13. The remarkable achievement was officially certified on Thursday, with the robot covering a precise distance of 106.286 kilometers. Powered by Agibot’s advanced rapid hot-swap battery system, A2 remained operational throughout the entire expedition, showcasing its exceptional endurance and technological sophistication. Wang Chuang, senior vice-president of Agibot, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating that the successful walk demonstrates the maturity of the robot’s hardware, cerebellar balance algorithms, and overall durability. This accomplishment paves the way for large-scale commercial applications of humanoid robots. Equipped with dual GPS modules, LiDAR, and infrared depth sensors, A2 adeptly navigated complex urban environments, including traffic lights, narrow pathways, and crowded sidewalks, while maintaining stable perception both day and night. The robot traversed diverse terrains such as asphalt roads, tiled walkways, bridges, tactile paving, and ramps, all while adhering to traffic regulations. Upon its arrival, A2 humorously remarked to Xinhua reporters that the journey was an ‘unforgettable experience in its machine life,’ jokingly suggesting it ‘might need new shoes.’ This achievement follows another notable milestone in April, when the Tien Kung Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, completed a 21-kilometer half-marathon in just 2 hours and 40 minutes. The success of A2 underscores China’s growing leadership in robotics innovation and its potential to revolutionize industries worldwide.