A former aide to two New York governors, Linda Sun, is set to stand trial on Wednesday, accused of selling her influence to the Chinese government and illegally profiting from the state’s bulk purchase of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sun, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in China, served in various state government roles over a 15-year career, including as deputy chief of staff to Governor Kathy Hochul and deputy diversity officer under former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, were arrested last year during a U.S. crackdown on alleged secret agents working for the Chinese government. They were charged again in June as part of the government’s efforts to root out pandemic fraud. Sun has pleaded not guilty to charges of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, conspiring with her husband to commit money laundering, and aiding visa fraud. Hu has also pleaded not guilty to charges including money laundering, tax evasion, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and misuse of identification. Neither has been charged with espionage. Federal prosecutors allege that Sun acted at the request of Chinese officials to block Taiwanese government representatives from accessing the governor’s office and shaped New York governmental messaging to align with Chinese priorities. In return, Hu received assistance for his business activities in China, which prosecutors claim allowed the couple to purchase multimillion-dollar properties and luxury cars. Sun is also accused of reaping millions in kickbacks by exploiting her role on a Cuomo administration team that procured personal protective equipment during the pandemic. Sun’s lawyer, Jarrod L. Schaeffer, contends that the government charged Sun because she and her family “had too much money” and that the case is filled with “glaring inconsistencies.” Opening statements are set for Wednesday morning in Brooklyn federal court, with the trial expected to last several weeks.
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All 20 personnel on a Turkish military cargo plane that crashed in Georgia died
In a devastating incident, all 20 military personnel aboard a Turkish C-130 cargo plane lost their lives when the aircraft crashed in Georgia on November 11, 2025. The plane, which had departed from Azerbaijan, was en route to Turkey when the tragedy occurred near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border in the Sighnaghi municipality. Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler confirmed the fatalities in a heartfelt message posted on X, accompanied by photographs of the fallen soldiers. Minister Guler referred to the deceased as ‘heroic comrades-in-arms’ who were ‘martyred’ in the line of duty. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, which has sent shockwaves through the military community and beyond. The incident underscores the inherent risks faced by military personnel during operational missions.
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Nobel laureate urges China to deepen space collaboration
Renowned astrophysicist Reinhard Genzel, recipient of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics, has emphasized the necessity for China to embed long-term scientific endurance into its national strategy to secure a leading role in space exploration. Speaking at the Hong Kong Laureate Forum, Genzel highlighted that while China has made significant investments in space projects over the past decade, it must now transform this technological momentum into institutional permanence to avoid falling behind in the global race for space supremacy. Genzel, who also serves as co-director of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics and professor at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and the University of California, Berkeley, stressed the importance of building structures that can sustain scientific efforts beyond political cycles. He noted that the era of US dominance in space science, driven by Cold War investments, has evolved into a more distributed landscape with China and Europe making substantial strides. Genzel pointed to China’s FAST telescope as a remarkable achievement but cautioned that future large-scale projects will require international collaboration due to their complexity and cost. He cited the James Webb Space Telescope and the Extremely Large Telescope in Chile as examples of projects that have pushed the limits of national capabilities and budgets. Genzel concluded that the next generation of scientific endeavors will necessitate multinational cooperation to achieve groundbreaking discoveries.
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US plans ‘temporary housing’ in Gaza behind Israeli lines: Report
The United States is reportedly considering a controversial plan to construct housing for thousands of ‘screened’ Palestinians in Gaza, specifically in areas behind the so-called yellow line currently occupied by Israeli troops. According to a report by The Atlantic, the initiative, termed ‘Alternate Safe Communities,’ would involve vetting Palestinians for ‘anti-Hamas’ sentiments before granting them entry. The proposal, discussed in an email by US Lieutenant General Patrick Frank, who oversees Gaza ceasefire coordination, envisions settlements equipped with medical centers, schools, administrative buildings, and temporary housing for up to 6,000 people—a significant reduction from the initial estimate of 25,000. The plan has drawn criticism and concern from Arab states and European countries, who view it as a potential step toward permanent Israeli occupation of parts of Gaza. The Trump administration has not committed US funds for the project, instead urging Gulf states to invest. Meanwhile, the plan raises questions about Palestinian land ownership, as Gaza’s land registry, previously managed by Hamas, remains a contentious issue. The proposal also involves Israel’s Shin Bet security agency screening applicants, focusing not only on individual ties to Hamas but also on their family connections. The broader US peace plan, which includes eventual Israeli troop withdrawal and the introduction of an Arab peacekeeping force, lacks a clear timeline and faces significant logistical and political challenges.
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Early tea break: India flips menu for Guwahati Test against South Africa
In a groundbreaking move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has redefined traditional cricket schedules for the second Test match between India and South Africa in Guwahati. Scheduled to commence on November 22, this historic match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium will feature an early tea break before lunch, a first in Test cricket history. This innovative adjustment is a response to the unique climatic conditions of north-east India, where early sunrise and sunset significantly impact daylight availability. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia explained, ‘In winters, sunrise and sunset occur very early here. By 4 pm, the light fades, making it challenging to continue play. Starting early ensures maximum utilization of daylight.’ Consequently, the match will begin at 9 am, half an hour earlier than the standard start time for red-ball Tests in India. The revised schedule includes a 20-minute tea break at 11 am, lunch between 1:20 pm and 2 pm, and the final session concluding by 4 pm. Both teams will see the return of key players, with India’s Rishabh Pant making a comeback from a foot fracture and South Africa’s Temba Bavuma recovering from a calf injury. Currently, India holds the third position in the World Test Championship, while South Africa, the defending champions, are in fourth place.
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Taiwan evacuates 8,300 and shuts schools before tropical storm brushes island
Taiwan has initiated large-scale evacuations and school closures as Tropical Storm Fung-wong approaches the island’s southern region. Over 8,300 residents, primarily from the eastern Hualien County, have been relocated to safer areas. This precautionary measure follows the devastation caused by a previous typhoon in September, which claimed 18 lives in the same region. Fung-wong, which previously wreaked havoc in the Philippines as a super typhoon, has weakened but still poses significant threats. As of Wednesday morning, the storm was located approximately 140 kilometers southwest of Taiwan, moving northeast at 16 kph. It is expected to graze southern Taiwan before exiting from the southeastern side. Heavy rains and flooding have already injured at least 51 people, according to the National Fire Agency. Authorities have urged residents to avoid coastal areas, where waves could reach heights of 3 to 5 meters. In the Philippines, over 623,300 people remain in evacuation centers following the storm’s earlier impact, which caused landslides, power outages, and at least 27 deaths. The Cordillera region, known for its scenic landscapes, was particularly affected by landslides. Schools and offices in central and southern Taiwan, including major cities like Kaohsiung and Tainan, have been closed, while the capital, Taipei, continues normal operations.
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Google to invest $6.4 billion in cloud infrastructure in Germany
Alphabet’s Google has unveiled plans to invest 5.5 billion euros ($6.41 billion) in Germany over the 2026-2029 period, focusing on expanding its cloud infrastructure and data center capabilities. The investment will primarily target the development of a new data center in Dietzenbach, near Frankfurt, and the expansion of its existing facility in Hanau, both located in the central German state of Hesse. Marianne Janik, Vice President for Google Cloud Northern Europe, confirmed that the initiative will create 100 direct jobs across these locations. Additionally, Philipp Justus, Google’s head in Germany, highlighted that the project is expected to secure approximately 9,000 indirect jobs in the region, emphasizing the significant economic multiplier effect. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil praised the investment as a crucial signal for Germany’s business environment, following recent efforts to attract investors and revitalize the country’s economy. Notably, the government has established an off-budget infrastructure fund to support such initiatives, though no state subsidies will be allocated for Google’s investment. This move aligns with Germany’s broader strategy to modernize its economy and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
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Australia’s spy chief accuses China of targeting key infrastructure
Australia’s top intelligence official has issued a stark warning about the escalating threat of cyber-attacks linked to China, targeting the nation’s critical infrastructure. Mike Burgess, Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), revealed that hackers associated with the Chinese government and military are actively probing and attempting to breach vital systems, including water, transport, telecommunications, and energy networks. Speaking at a business forum in Melbourne, Burgess emphasized that these activities pose a significant risk of “high-impact sabotage” in the coming years. He specifically identified two Chinese hacking groups, Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon, as key perpetrators. While Salt Typhoon focuses on espionage, Volt Typhoon aims to disrupt critical infrastructure, potentially causing widespread societal and economic damage. Burgess highlighted the potential consequences of such attacks, including the crippling of financial systems, contamination of water supplies, and prolonged power outages. He also noted that foreign espionage has already cost Australia an estimated A$12.5 billion in the past year, with A$2 billion worth of trade secrets and intellectual property stolen. Burgess described the hackers’ methods as highly sophisticated, enabling them to maintain persistent, undetected access to compromised systems. The Chinese embassy has yet to respond to these allegations.
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Red Fort blast: UAE condemns Delhi explosion, offers condolences to victims’ families
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a strong condemnation of the devastating explosion that occurred near the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, India, on Monday evening. The blast, which took place at a busy traffic signal, claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals and left 20 others injured. In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) denounced the attack as a criminal act and reaffirmed its unwavering stance against all forms of violence and terrorism. The Ministry extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the Indian government, and its people, while also wishing a swift recovery to those injured. The explosion, which occurred around 7 PM local time, caused significant damage to nearby vehicles and left a scene of chaos in one of Delhi’s most congested areas. The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India’s rich history, stands as a reminder of the city’s resilience. Authorities have heightened security measures across the country in response to the incident, which marks a rare act of violence in the heavily guarded capital.
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FTSE 100 closes at record high on rate cut bets; AstraZeneca shines
The FTSE 100 index soared to a record high for the second consecutive session on Tuesday, driven by growing expectations of a Bank of England (BoE) rate cut in December and a stellar performance by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca. The blue-chip index closed up 1.2% at 9,899.6 points, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 also saw gains of 0.8%. AstraZeneca, Britain’s largest listed company by market value, surged 2.6%, extending its momentum from last week’s impressive quarterly results. The optimism for a rate cut was fueled by recent labor market data showing unemployment in the UK rising to 5%, the highest level in four years, alongside a continued slowdown in wage growth. Deutsche Bank’s chief economist, Sanjay Raja, noted that the cooling labor market and decelerating pay momentum should encourage the BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee to consider easing rates. In the currency market, the pound initially dipped against the dollar but later stabilized. The pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors were among the top performers, with GSK and Haleon rising 3% and 3.2%, respectively. Energy companies also saw gains, with Shell and BP climbing 2.2% and 2.6%, supported by higher oil prices due to U.S. sanctions on Russian oil. Vodafone surged 8.3% to a two-year high after raising its annual profit forecast and increasing dividends for the first time in eight years. Oxford Instruments, a scientific tools maker, experienced its largest single-day gain in nearly four years, soaring 14.9%. However, not all companies fared well; Hilton Food plummeted 22.7% to a decade-low after warning of challenging profit growth in the upcoming financial year.