A highly organized hospital appointment scalping ring in Shenyang, China, has been dismantled by local police, revealing a sophisticated operation that exploited both technology and insider knowledge. The syndicate, which had been active for six months, allegedly stole over 7,500 appointments and amassed illegal profits exceeding 510,000 yuan. The group targeted desperate patients struggling to secure slots at top hospitals in the Liaoning provincial capital, where online appointments vanished within seconds and offline queues were interminable. The crackdown began in August when Shenyang police detected unusual activity in hospital registration systems. A month-long investigation uncovered a criminal network involving nine scalper gangs and 75 individuals operating a three-step scheme: snatch, hoard, and resell appointments. The gang’s methods were particularly insidious, with over 20 core members being former patients or caregivers who knew precisely when new appointments went live. To amplify their gains, the scalpers hired software developers to create plug-ins that hacked into hospital registration systems, allowing them to preset patient information and automatically snatch slots. These illegal tools were sold for tens of thousands of yuan, enabling some scalpers to earn between 10,000 to 20,000 yuan monthly. The gang operated like a well-oiled machine, with members specializing in various roles, from buying software to actively prowling hospitals for customers. Non-local patients, desperate to avoid delays, were hit with the highest markups, sometimes paying several thousand yuan extra. In September, a cross-region manhunt led to the arrest of all 75 suspects in cities including Guangzhou, Yantai, and Huludao. Ten suspects face charges of destroying computer information systems, while 65 others received administrative penalties. Following the bust, Shenyang police urged hospitals to upgrade their registration systems and monitor for abnormal traffic. Authorities are also using video patrols to spot scalpers early and have collaborated with internet firms to remove scalper ads, effectively cutting off their ability to find customers.
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UN humanitarians alarmed by escalating violence in eastern DRC
The United Nations has raised urgent concerns over the escalating violence in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 45 individuals have been killed in North Kivu since last Friday due to attacks on multiple villages in the Lubero territory. A particularly devastating incident involved an assault on a health center, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 people, including patients. Additionally, two health workers were abducted, medical supplies were stolen, and the facility was set ablaze. The surge in violence has displaced more than 30,000 people in less than a week, with many families continuing to flee amidst fears of further attacks. Humanitarian efforts are being hampered by ongoing insecurity, although OCHA partners are working to assess needs and provide assistance where possible. In Ituri province, two attempted armed attacks on the Lolwa hospital were reportedly thwarted. Since the beginning of the year, over 240 civilians have been killed, and more than 114,500 people have been displaced. OCHA has strongly condemned the attacks on civilians and health facilities, urging all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The violence is attributed to numerous militia groups operating in the region, including the M23 Movement, the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo, and the Allied Democratic Forces.
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Innovative vessel set to transform fisheries
Zhanjiang Bay 1, the world’s first floating, dynamically positioned cage-type aquaculture vessel, was officially commissioned in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, on Wednesday. This groundbreaking vessel, developed by Jiangsu Dajin Heavy Industry Co., represents a significant leap in marine aquaculture technology. Designed for deep-sea operations, it combines floating aquaculture, autonomous navigation, typhoon avoidance, and green-energy self-supply capabilities. The vessel will operate approximately 30 nautical miles off Naozhou Island, initially focusing on pilot farming of large-sized yellow croakers, with plans to introduce golden pompano in 2026. Its success will determine batch-by-batch sales based on market conditions.
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Hangzhou offers free entry to popular site
Hangzhou, a city renowned for its cultural heritage and scenic beauty, has announced that the Lingyin Feilaifeng Scenic Area will offer free admission to all visitors starting December 1, 2025. This decision underscores the city’s commitment to making its historical and cultural treasures accessible to everyone, reflecting a broader vision of cultural confidence and public welfare. The Lingyin Temple, a 1,700-year-old Buddhist site within the scenic area, is one of China’s most revered ancient temples, attracting millions of visitors annually. The move eliminates the 45 yuan ($6.32) entrance fee and the 30 yuan incense voucher, replacing them with a real-name reservation system to manage visitor flow. Experts view this as a significant shift from a ‘ticket-based economy’ to a ‘comprehensive economy,’ echoing the 2002 decision to make West Lake free to the public. This policy is expected to boost tourism-related industries, including dining, retail, and cultural products, while enhancing Hangzhou’s global reputation. Visitors have welcomed the news, with many expressing enthusiasm for the cost savings and increased accessibility. The decision also aligns with Hangzhou’s successful track record of leveraging free admission to drive economic growth, as seen with West Lake’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011.
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Eurovision changes rules after Israel voting controversy
The Eurovision Song Contest is implementing significant changes to its voting and promotional rules following widespread controversy surrounding Israel’s performance in the 2025 competition. Israel’s Yuval Raphael secured the highest public vote but ultimately finished second overall after jury votes were factored in. This outcome sparked concerns among participating countries, leading to a comprehensive review of the contest’s regulations. Starting next year, fans will be limited to casting 10 votes each, down from 20, and juries will be reintroduced for the semi-finals to ensure musical quality and diversity. Additionally, contestants and broadcasters will be prohibited from engaging in promotional campaigns supported by third parties, including governments, amid allegations that an Israeli government agency funded ads and used state social media accounts to influence voting. Eurovision director Martin Green emphasized the need to maintain the contest’s impartiality and neutrality, stating that the changes aim to address disproportionate promotional activities that undermine the event’s spirit. The presence of Israel at Eurovision has also faced opposition due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with countries like Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands considering a boycott if Israel participates in 2026. Green expressed hope that the new measures would reassure broadcasters and preserve Eurovision as a celebration of music and unity. The final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest will be held on May 16, 2026, in Vienna, Austria, marking the city’s third time hosting the event.
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Venezuela says opposition leader will become fugitive if she collects Nobel
Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarik William Saab has declared that opposition leader María Corina Machado will be labeled a ‘fugitive’ if she travels to Norway to accept her Nobel Peace Prize. Machado, who has been in hiding since the beginning of the year to evade arrest, is accused of ‘acts of conspiracy, incitement of hatred, and terrorism.’ The 58-year-old was awarded the prestigious prize in October for her relentless efforts toward a ‘peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.’ She has consistently criticized President Nicolás Maduro’s government as ‘criminal’ and urged Venezuelans to unite to overthrow it. Many nations consider Maduro’s rule illegitimate. Machado, a prominent figure in Venezuela’s opposition, was barred from running in last year’s presidential elections, which were widely condemned internationally as neither free nor fair. Despite this, she united the opposition behind her surrogate, Edmundo González, who reportedly won by a landslide according to polling station tallies. However, the government-controlled National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner, leading to widespread protests. González later fled to Spain, fearing repression, followed by attempts to detain other opposition officials. The Nobel Committee praised Machado as ‘one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times.’ Nobel chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes expressed hope that she could attend the award ceremony on December 10 but acknowledged the severe security risks she faces. Machado, expressing shock at the honor, stated, ‘I am just one person. I certainly do not deserve this,’ adding that it was the ‘achievement of a whole society.’ Meanwhile, Attorney General Saab revealed that Machado is under investigation for her support of U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, which have resulted in over 80 deaths, mostly Venezuelans. U.S. President Donald Trump, who congratulated Machado, has accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel, a claim Maduro denies. Maduro, in turn, has accused Trump of attempting to incite war to control Venezuela’s oil reserves but recently expressed willingness to hold talks with Trump’s administration. Machado continues to advocate for a post-Maduro Venezuela, urging the military to switch sides and outlining her vision in a ‘freedom manifesto.’ ‘We stand at the edge of a new era – one where our natural rights will prevail,’ she declared.
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Child’s play
The Shanxi Grand Theater in Taiyuan recently hosted a vibrant open day event designed to introduce children to the captivating world of Chinese opera. Titled ‘Passing on Loyalty and Righteousness: Various Ways to Explore Guan Gong,’ the event seamlessly blended traditional opera performances with interactive modern elements, creating an engaging experience for young audiences. Guan Yu, or Guan Gong, a legendary figure from the late Eastern Han Dynasty, served as the central theme of the event. Known for his tales of loyalty and bravery, Guan Gong is a beloved character in Chinese opera and a household name across the country. The event featured children dressed in elaborate opera costumes, complete with makeup, performing alongside professional artists. This initiative aimed to foster an appreciation for traditional Chinese culture among the younger generation, ensuring that the rich heritage of Chinese opera continues to thrive. The Shanxi Grand Theater’s innovative approach to cultural education highlights the enduring relevance of traditional arts in contemporary society.
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Gunmen abduct more than 200 schoolchildren and 12 teachers in attack on Nigerian Catholic school
In a harrowing incident that underscores the escalating security crisis in Nigeria, gunmen stormed St. Mary’s School, a Catholic boarding institution in the Agwara local government’s Papiri community, abducting more than 200 schoolchildren and 12 teachers. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, has sent shockwaves across the nation, already grappling with a surge in kidnappings targeting educational institutions. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed the abduction, with spokesperson Daniel Atori stating that efforts are underway to secure the safe return of the victims. Military and security forces have been deployed to the area, but details about the perpetrators remain unclear. The school, which serves children aged 12 to 17, is located near a major road linking Yelwa and Mokwa, making it a vulnerable target. This incident follows a spate of similar attacks, including the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi state earlier in the week. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has postponed his trip to the G20 summit in South Africa, vowing to prioritize the rescue mission. Analysts attribute the rise in kidnappings to the activities of armed gangs, often composed of former herders, who exploit the region’s insecurity for ransom. The Nigerian government faces mounting criticism for its failure to protect citizens, particularly in conflict-prone northern states. The closure of 47 federal unity colleges highlights the gravity of the situation. As families anxiously await news of their loved ones, calls for enhanced security measures and accountability grow louder.
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Japan OKs $135 billion stimulus package to help revive its sluggish economy
The Japanese Cabinet has greenlit a substantial 21.3 trillion yen ($135.4 billion) stimulus package aimed at revitalizing the nation’s economy and mitigating the effects of rising prices. Announced on Friday, this expansive fiscal measure underscores Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s commitment to aggressive government spending, despite concerns over its potential to exacerbate Japan’s already substantial national debt, which stands at approximately three times the size of its economy.
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Archaeologists lift the lid on a 1,700-year-old Roman sarcophagus hidden beneath Budapest
A remarkably well-preserved Roman sarcophagus, dating back approximately 1,700 years, has been discovered in Budapest, Hungary, shedding light on the life of a young woman and the Roman era she lived in. The limestone coffin was unearthed during a large-scale excavation in Óbuda, a northern district of Budapest that was once part of Aquincum, a thriving Roman settlement on the Danube frontier. The sarcophagus, found with its stone lid still intact and sealed with metal clamps and molten lead, contained a complete skeleton surrounded by dozens of artifacts, offering a rare glimpse into ancient Roman burial practices. Gabriella Fényes, the lead archaeologist of the excavation, emphasized the uniqueness of the find, stating that the sarcophagus was hermetically sealed and undisturbed, making it an exceptional discovery. The coffin was located among the ruins of abandoned houses in an area of Aquincum that was repurposed as a burial ground in the 3rd century. Nearby, researchers also uncovered a Roman aqueduct and eight simpler graves, though none matched the richness or pristine condition of the sealed tomb. The sarcophagus contained an array of objects, including two intact glass vessels, bronze figures, 140 coins, a bone hair pin, a piece of amber jewelry, and traces of gold-threaded fabric, all of which suggest the grave belonged to a young woman of high social status. Fényes noted that these items were likely given to the deceased by her relatives for her eternal journey, reflecting the care and love they had for her. The discovery is particularly significant as it provides insights into the Roman province of Pannonia, which encompassed much of modern-day Hungary. Anthropologists will now examine the remains to learn more about the woman’s age, health, and origins. Gergely Kostyál, a Roman-period specialist and coleader of the project, highlighted the rarity of finding an untouched sarcophagus from the 4th century, as it was common practice to reuse earlier sarcophagi. Excavators also removed a layer of mud from inside the coffin, which Fényes hopes may contain additional treasures, such as jewelry. For Fényes, the discovery is not only scientifically valuable but also emotionally resonant, offering a poignant glimpse into the devotion and love of an ancient people.