In the industrial heart of Taicang, Jiangsu province, the Inclusion Factory is redefining the narrative around employment for individuals with intellectual and mental disabilities. This pioneering initiative, established in 2014, has become a beacon of inclusive employment in China, offering opportunities for those with conditions such as Down syndrome and autism to not only earn a wage but also build confidence, master skills, and integrate into a supportive community. At the core of this transformative endeavor is Zhang Xingjuan, a manager whose role extends far beyond traditional job descriptions. She serves as a mentor, a maternal figure, and a witness to the remarkable personal growth of her employees. The factory, which began as a modest project employing 12 individuals for automotive parts assembly, has grown into a comprehensive program that directly employs over 40 people and has assisted more than 30 in securing jobs in mainstream companies through its consultancy services. Zhang, who joined the factory in 2019, has found herself in an unexpected yet deeply fulfilling role. Unlike typical employees, her trainees often require extensive, one-on-one coaching, sometimes spanning up to 100 sessions of 100 minutes each to master a single task. However, the breakthroughs achieved through this patient guidance are profoundly rewarding. Zhang recalls the journey of Wang Xingchen, an employee who initially struggled with focus but has since become adept at complex wiring tasks and takes pride in his work. The impact of the Inclusion Factory is not one-sided; Zhang herself has undergone significant personal growth, finding a profound sense of calm and stability that she attributes to her work with the employees. The factory’s model, inspired by the German nonprofit Lebenshilfe, has been successfully localized in China, creating a vital link between parents seeking accessible workplaces for their adult children and manufacturers looking to fulfill their social responsibilities. The Inclusion Factory stands as a testament to the power of inclusive employment in fostering confidence, community, and personal growth.
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Tom Cruise to receive honorary Oscar in career first
Hollywood icon Tom Cruise is set to receive an honorary Oscar at the 16th Governors Awards in November 2025, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the decision on Tuesday, recognizing Cruise’s unparalleled contributions to cinema, alongside choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas. Cruise, 62, has been nominated for four Oscars but has yet to secure a win, despite his global fame for blockbuster franchises like ‘Mission: Impossible’ and ‘Top Gun.’ The Academy lauded Cruise for his dedication to the theatrical experience, his groundbreaking work in stunt performance, and his enduring impact on the film industry. Debbie Allen, 75, was honored for her five-decade career, including her choreography of the Academy Awards ceremony seven times, while Wynn Thomas was celebrated for his production design in critically acclaimed films such as ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Do the Right Thing.’ Additionally, country music legend Dolly Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her extensive philanthropic efforts. The awards ceremony will take place in November, ahead of the 2026 Academy Awards.
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Pochettino faces off against mentor Bielsa when US meets Uruguay in friendly
In a highly anticipated pre-World Cup friendly, the United States will face Uruguay on Tuesday night, pitting Mauricio Pochettino against his mentor, Marcelo Bielsa. Pochettino, who took over as the U.S. head coach last year, expressed profound admiration for Bielsa, the Uruguayan coach who discovered him as a 13-year-old. ‘My respect for him is immense,’ Pochettino stated. ‘He was pivotal in my career as a player and inspired me to become a coach. Tomorrow will be both a joy and a challenge, as his teams are always formidable.’ The two first crossed paths at Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, where Pochettino played under Bielsa from 1990 to 1992. Since then, Bielsa has managed national teams like Argentina and Chile, as well as several clubs, while Pochettino has led top-tier teams such as Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea. The U.S. team, ranked 16th globally, enters the match fresh off a 2-1 victory over Paraguay, while 15th-ranked Uruguay drew 0-0 against Mexico. Pochettino plans to rotate his lineup due to the short recovery time and weather changes. The U.S. remains unbeaten in their last four friendlies against World Cup-bound teams. Pochettino, who assumed leadership after a disappointing Copa America exit, emphasized the importance of building a cohesive team strategy. ‘You don’t change the captain mid-storm,’ he remarked. ‘You need time to establish your approach.’ Following this match, the U.S. will play two more friendlies in March before finalizing their World Cup roster. In other news, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced Dan Helfrich, former Deloitte Consulting CEO, as its new chief operating officer, effective January 1.
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UAE detains prominent Sudanese civil society spokesperson
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has come under intense international scrutiny following the detention of Nader Maryoud, a prominent Sudanese civil society activist and spokesperson for the pro-democracy Resistance Committees movement in Omdurman. Maryoud was arrested by Emirati authorities two weeks ago without explanation, according to his brother Nizar Maryoud, who described the detention as arbitrary. The arrest occurred shortly after the Salha Resistance Committee issued a statement criticizing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group backed by the UAE that has been engaged in a brutal conflict with the Sudanese military since April 2023. The RSF, which has been accused of widespread atrocities including killings, lootings, and sexual violence, was previously in control of the Salha neighborhood until the Sudanese military ousted them in May. Residents have recounted harrowing tales of terror during RSF rule, including the massacre of at least 31 members of the Jame’at tribe. The UAE’s alleged supply of advanced weaponry to the RSF has drawn condemnation from human rights groups and prompted calls for international action. The United Nations Human Rights Council has opened an independent investigation into the atrocities, while the United States and other nations are pressuring the UAE to cease its support for the RSF. Amid growing concerns, activists are calling for the immediate release of Nader Maryoud and other detainees held in UAE prisons, warning against mistreatment during their incarceration.
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Dubai Police sets new Guinness record for fastest drone in the world
Dubai Police has etched its name in the annals of technological innovation by setting a new Guinness World Record for the fastest drone ever developed. The unmanned aerial vehicle, crafted at the Dubai Police Unmanned Aerial Systems Center, achieved a staggering top speed of 580 kilometers per hour. This remarkable feat was accomplished in collaboration with South African developers Luke Bell and Mike Bell, who previously held the record with their Peregreen 2 drone, which peaked at 510 km/h in June 2024. The newly unveiled Peregreen 3, a battery-powered remote-controlled quadcopter, now officially holds the title for the ‘fastest ground speed by a battery-powered RC quadcopter.’ The record-breaking flights were conducted at Al Qudra in Dubai, where the drone completed two runs in opposite directions to neutralize any wind advantage. Dubai Police emphasized that this achievement underscores their commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to bolster security, enhance rapid response capabilities, and ensure operational readiness. The milestone aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of fostering innovation and integrating smart systems into public safety frameworks.
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Bangladesh’s Hasina: From PM to crimes against humanity convict
Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, once celebrated for her role in the nation’s economic transformation, has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. The verdict, delivered on Monday, marks a dramatic fall from grace for the 78-year-old leader, who fled to India in August 2024 following a violent uprising that saw her palace stormed by enraged crowds. Hasina has remained in hiding since, defying court orders to return for her trial. The court in Dhaka found her guilty on three counts, including incitement to kill and failure to prevent atrocities during the 2024 student-led uprising, which resulted in the deaths of up to 1,400 people, according to the United Nations. Chief prosecutor Tajul Islam described Hasina as the central figure behind the crimes committed during the unrest. The trial, which began on June 1, featured harrowing testimonies, including that of a man severely injured by gunfire, and audio recordings allegedly capturing Hasina ordering security forces to use lethal force against protesters. Hasina, who dismissed the trial as a “jurisprudential joke,” was already convicted of contempt of court in July 2024 and sentenced to six months in prison in absentia. She also faces multiple corruption charges involving her family members, including her daughter Saima Wazed, a former UN official, and her niece Tulip Siddiq, a British lawmaker. Both deny the allegations. Hasina’s political career, marked by a bitter rivalry with Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), saw her rise to power in 1996 and again in 2008, during which she oversaw significant economic growth. However, her autocratic rule ended with the 2024 uprising. Analysts, including Thomas Kean of the International Crisis Group, believe her chances of a political comeback are now negligible. Meanwhile, Zia, aged 80, is set to contest the 2026 elections, with her BNP emerging as a strong contender.
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Top US disaster agency official David Richardson resigns
David Richardson, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has resigned after six months in the role. Richardson, who assumed the position in May following the removal of his predecessor by Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, stepped down on Monday. The DHS lauded Richardson for his ‘dedicated service’ and his efforts in overseeing a review that identified and eliminated significant governmental waste and inefficiency, while refocusing the agency to deliver swift resources to Americans in crisis. Karen Evans, the current FEMA chief of staff, will succeed Richardson starting December 1. Richardson’s tenure was marred by criticism over FEMA’s response to devastating floods in Texas during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, which claimed over 130 lives, including several children at a summer camp. Richardson was notably inaccessible during the early hours of the crisis and later defended the agency’s response as a ‘model’ for handling such events, despite reports of delayed deployments and other issues. Earlier this year, Richardson made a controversial comment about being unaware of the US hurricane season, which a DHS spokesperson dismissed as a joke. A former Marine combat veteran, Richardson also led the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction office, a role he will continue. The DHS announced that Richardson will return to the private sector. The Trump administration has emphasized the need for reforms at FEMA, criticizing it as overly bureaucratic and inefficient in delivering disaster relief. President Trump has previously proposed dismantling the agency, advocating for states to take on more responsibility for disaster preparedness and response. FEMA is currently under review by a presidential council, with the DHS stating that the final report is ‘forthcoming’ and will inform ongoing efforts to fundamentally restructure the agency.
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Slovaks protest populist leader Fico on anniversary of Velvet Revolution
In a significant display of public dissent, tens of thousands of Slovaks took to the streets on Monday to protest against Prime Minister Robert Fico and his pro-Russian policies. The demonstrations coincided with the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, which marked the end of communist rule in the former Czechoslovakia. Rallies and marches were held across dozens of communities, with the largest gathering in Bratislava’s Freedom Square, where protesters chanted slogans such as “We have enough of Fico,” “We want a change,” and “Resign.”
One poignant banner featured a quote from the late Czechoslovak and Czech President Václav Havel, a key figure in the Velvet Revolution: “Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred.” Fico, a polarizing figure in Slovak politics, has faced repeated protests over his policies. His government recently canceled the national holiday commemorating the Velvet Revolution, citing austerity measures. However, opposition leaders, including Michal Šimečka of the Progressive Slovakia party, dismissed this explanation, asserting that the move was an attempt to undermine the value of freedom.
Fico’s pro-Russian stance has further fueled public outrage. He has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin three times since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has halted Slovakia’s military support for Ukraine. His recent remarks urging students to fight for Ukraine if they oppose his views have also drawn widespread criticism. Fico’s alignment with Russia and his challenges to European Union policies on Ukraine have deepened divisions within the country and raised concerns about Slovakia’s geopolitical direction.
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Bangladesh asks India to hand over former PM Hasina, ex interior minister Kamal
Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal following their death sentences for crimes against humanity. The Dhaka High Court delivered the verdict on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing political turmoil. Hasina, 78, and Kamal were convicted for their roles in a violent crackdown on a student-led uprising that led to her ousting in August 2024. Both have been fugitives, with Hasina reportedly residing in India since fleeing the country. The court’s decision was broadcast live, drawing widespread attention as Bangladesh prepares for its first elections since Hasina’s removal. Former Police Chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who pleaded guilty, received a five-year prison sentence. The extradition request is based on a bilateral treaty between Bangladesh and India, though New Delhi has yet to respond. The case underscores the deep divisions and unrest that have plagued Bangladesh since the end of Hasina’s autocratic rule, with violence already overshadowing the upcoming 2026 elections.
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Philippine president names new finance minister in cabinet switch
In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has appointed Frederick Go, his presidential adviser for investment, as the new finance secretary. This move replaces Ralph Recto, who has been reassigned as the executive secretary. The changes were announced on Monday amidst an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in infrastructure projects, which has sparked public outrage and hindered economic growth. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that these adjustments underscore the president’s dedication to fortifying governmental institutions and enhancing inter-departmental coordination. Recto, who served as finance secretary for nearly two years, brings extensive legislative experience from his three-decade tenure in the lower house and senate. Go, a former CEO of a real estate developer, has played a pivotal role in trade tariff negotiations with the United States. This marks the second cabinet overhaul this year, following a similar reshuffle in May after disappointing midterm election results for administration-backed candidates. The latest changes also follow the resignations of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, with Budget Undersecretary Rolando Toledo stepping in as officer-in-charge. Neither Bersamin nor Pangandaman have been implicated in the anti-graft body’s investigation.