A tragic incident unfolded in Louisville as a UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Authorities have indicated that the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue. The crash has left the city shrouded in smoke, with emergency teams working tirelessly at the scene. Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft encountered difficulties shortly after departure, leading to the devastating accident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash. Local residents have expressed shock and grief, while officials urge caution as the situation develops.
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Jobe Bellingham finding his feet as Dortmund head to City
Borussia Dortmund’s young midfielder, Jobe Bellingham, is steadily carving out his niche in the team as they gear up for a high-stakes match against Manchester City. At just 19, Jobe made a headline-grabbing move from Sunderland to Dortmund in the summer for a staggering €30.5 million, marking one of the club’s most expensive signings. Following in the footsteps of his elder brother Jude, who became a Dortmund sensation before moving to Real Madrid, Jobe is now poised to make his first appearance on English soil for his new club. Despite initial struggles, including a challenging start to the Bundesliga season and a costly error against Bayern Munich, Jobe has shown resilience and growth. Recent performances, including key assists in the Champions League and a crucial role in Dortmund’s German Cup victory, have highlighted his potential. Dortmund coach Niko Kovac has praised Jobe’s development, noting his physical presence and quality on the field. As Dortmund faces Manchester City, Jobe’s journey from a slow start to a promising rise underscores his determination to step out of his brother’s shadow and establish his own legacy.
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From Dubai Frame to Hanging Gardens: 20 places you can visit for Dh50 or less
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is often synonymous with luxury and opulence, but beyond its glittering facade lies a treasure trove of affordable attractions that cater to both residents and tourists. From cultural landmarks to natural wonders, the UAE offers a diverse range of experiences that cost Dh50 or less, ensuring that leisure and exploration are accessible to all. Here’s a curated list of 20 budget-friendly destinations that showcase the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of the UAE. Sharjah Aquarium invites visitors to delve into marine life with close to 100 species on display, while Dubai Safari Park offers an immersive wildlife experience with over 3,000 animals. Global Village, a family favorite, provides a multicultural journey through pavilions representing countries worldwide. For panoramic views, the Garden in the Sky in Expo City Dubai and the Hanging Gardens in Kalba are must-visits. History enthusiasts can explore Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest heritage museum, or the Etihad Museum, which chronicles the nation’s unification. Nature lovers can wander through Jubail Mangrove Park or spot flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Unique experiences like the Rain Room in Sharjah and the Butterfly House on Noor Island add a touch of magic to the itinerary. From Al Ain Zoo’s conservation efforts to the Quranic Park’s spiritual journey, these attractions prove that the UAE’s cultural and natural wealth is within everyone’s reach. Whether you’re a resident seeking weekend adventures or a tourist looking to maximize your budget, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank.
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A battlefield report: Neither side is winning US-China trade war
In a significant development for American soybean farmers, China has agreed to purchase 918 million bushels of soybeans annually over the next three years. This decision, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has brought much-needed relief to the agricultural sector. President Donald Trump hailed the agreement, stating, “Our farmers will be very happy!” The deal is part of broader trade concessions from China, including commitments on rare earths and fentanyl, which Trump has framed as a victory in the ongoing US-China trade war. He described his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as “a 12 on a scale of one to 10.”
However, some analysts argue that China may have emerged as the real winner. They point to China’s retaliatory measures on soybeans and rare earths, which forced the US to back down on 100% tariffs, port fees, and stricter AI-chip export controls. Critics, including editorial writers from the Wall Street Journal, contend that the agreement largely restores the status quo that existed in May. A New York Times headline even suggested that Xi had outmaneuvered Trump, allowing him to claim a win while strengthening China’s position.
The reality, however, is more nuanced. The trade war remains unresolved, with neither side achieving its primary objectives. While the US has secured temporary concessions, China continues to face high tariffs on its exports. Similarly, China has only suspended its strict export restrictions on rare earths for a year. Both nations have demonstrated their capacity to inflict economic pain on each other, but progress toward a lasting resolution remains elusive.
For American soybean farmers, the agreement offers short-term relief but underscores their overreliance on the Chinese market. The president of the American Soybean Association noted that while the purchases are welcome, they are insufficient to restore profitability. Farmers are now seeking diversification, with potential agreements with Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam offering hope for long-term stability. These deals, if finalized, could significantly reduce the US agricultural sector’s dependence on China.
As the truce between the US and China continues, the situation remains volatile. Both nations are actively working to reduce their economic interdependence, and hostilities could resume at any moment. For now, the agreement provides a temporary reprieve, but the underlying tensions of the trade war persist.
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What the ‘bird theory’ reveals about your relationship
The ‘bird theory,’ a viral TikTok trend, has sparked widespread debate about its effectiveness as a litmus test for relationship health. The concept, rooted in the idea of ‘bids for connection,’ measures a partner’s responsiveness to seemingly trivial observations, such as pointing out a bird. Layne Berthoud, an occupational therapist from Los Angeles, inadvertently became a focal point of this trend when her TikTok video, featuring her husband Alexandre Berthoud, garnered nearly 5 million views in just five days. In the video, Layne mentions seeing a bird, and Alexandre’s curious response—’Oh yeah?’—unwittingly passed the test.
The ‘bird theory’ is based on the work of Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, who emphasizes the importance of couples acknowledging each other’s bids for connection. According to Gottman, couples who consistently respond to these bids are more likely to stay together. However, experts like Carrie Cole, director of research at the Gottman Institute, express reservations about using such tests to gauge relationship health. ‘What if your partner fails?’ Cole asks, highlighting the potential pitfalls of contrived scenarios.
The trend is part of a broader social media phenomenon, including the ‘orange peel theory’ and the ‘princess treatment’ debate, which reflect a collective desire to understand and validate intimate relationships. Alexandra Solomon, a clinical psychologist, notes that these tests echo the relationship quizzes found in women’s magazines, offering a sense of validation or camaraderie. However, she cautions against overinterpreting the results, emphasizing that a failed test should prompt deeper conversations rather than immediate conclusions.
Despite the popularity of these tests, experts agree that they often provide limited insight into the true dynamics of a relationship. Layne and Alexandre Berthoud, for instance, emphasize the importance of daily efforts to nurture their relationship, rather than relying on viral tests. ‘If I really had deep relationship questions, I probably wouldn’t record it,’ Layne said, ‘And I definitely wouldn’t post it.’
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Freed in Trump deal: Prisoners in exile tell of brutality behind bars in Belarus
In September 2022, Larysa Shchyrakova and 51 other political prisoners were released from Belarusian jails as part of a deal between Belarus’s authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko and former US President Donald Trump. The agreement aimed to ease sanctions, but for many, freedom came at a heavy cost. Shchyrakova, imprisoned for three years on charges of “extremism” and “discrediting” Belarus, missed her mother’s funeral and now cannot visit her grave. Stripped of her home, possessions, and documents, she faces homelessness in Lithuania, where she was forcibly relocated. Her story mirrors that of thousands detained after Lukashenko’s brutal crackdown on 2020 protests. Among them is Mikalai Dziadok, who endured five years of harsh treatment, including solitary confinement and psychological torture. Dziadok believes the regime’s goal was to traumatize prisoners to deter future political activism. Another prisoner, Mikola Statkevich, refused to leave Belarus and has since disappeared, presumed re-imprisoned. Despite their release, the prisoners’ lives remain shattered. Shchyrakova, now supported by the Belarusian expat community, has reunited with her son but faces an uncertain future. The deal, which lifted sanctions on Belarusian airline Belavia, has not led to broader political reforms. According to human rights group Viasna, over 1,220 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Belarus, often on vague charges like “insulting the president” or “extremism.” The release, while a temporary reprieve, underscores the ongoing oppression in Lukashenko’s Belarus.
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Iraq can only disarm militias once US troops leave the country, PM says
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has asserted that the disarmament of militias in Iraq can only occur after the withdrawal of US troops from the country. In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Sudani emphasized that the presence of foreign forces complicates efforts to integrate armed groups into state institutions. His remarks come just days before Iraq’s highly anticipated parliamentary elections, where he is seeking a second term. Sudani is navigating a delicate balance between Washington, crucial for Iraq’s dollar transactions, and Iran, which supports Shia militias like the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). He highlighted that security and stability have improved, questioning the rationale for the continued presence of 86 coalition countries originally assembled to combat ISIS. Sudani outlined a potential plan for militia members to either join official security forces or transition into politics post-disarmament. This proposal aligns with ongoing US-Iraq negotiations to end the US military presence by 2025, as reported by Reuters. However, the broader challenge of disarming Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon underscores the complexity of such efforts. The PMF, alongside Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis, forms part of the Axis of Resistance, which has faced Israeli attacks following the Hamas-led October 7 assault. Despite these tensions, Sudani’s government has allocated $700 million to the PMF in Iraq’s 2023 budget, reflecting its integration into state structures.
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Democrat Spanberger wins race for Virginia governor
In a pivotal election that could foreshadow broader national trends, Democrat Abigail Spanberger has been projected as the winner of the Virginia gubernatorial race. Spanberger, a former CIA officer and three-term congresswoman, defeated Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears in a closely contested battle. This victory marks a significant moment for the Democratic Party, as Virginia’s leadership often oscillates between the two major parties, making it a bellwether for the electorate’s sentiment ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
Spanberger’s campaign focused on addressing the economic repercussions of former President Donald Trump’s federal spending cuts, which have notably impacted Virginia’s employment landscape. She also emphasized increasing affordability for residents, a message that resonated with voters. Earle-Sears, on the other hand, highlighted the state’s economic performance under Republican leadership and leaned into cultural issues, such as transgender rights, which have been a divisive topic in recent elections.
The race was closely watched not only for its local implications but also as a potential referendum on Trump’s policies. Virginia, home to the Pentagon and numerous federal workers, has been particularly affected by Trump’s sweeping budget reductions. Despite Trump’s efforts to rally support for Republican candidates, including Earle-Sears, he did not formally endorse her, and their relationship has been strained since she declined to support his 2024 campaign.
Spanberger’s victory is historic, as she becomes the first woman to lead Virginia. She will succeed Republican Glenn Youngkin, who has held the office for the past four years. The election results underscore the state’s political complexity, with its mix of liberal-leaning areas near Washington, D.C., and conservative rural districts. Spanberger’s win may signal a shift in voter priorities, particularly in battleground states, as the nation gears up for the 2024 presidential election.
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Why a popular Hindu temple in India is mired in gold theft row
A high-profile scandal has erupted at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, India, following revelations that gold plating from several idols and temple structures has been stolen. The Kerala High Court has taken serious note of the matter, describing it as a ‘heist and plundering of gold.’ The court has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the disappearance of approximately 4.54 kg of gold since 2019. The investigation has led to the arrest of three individuals, including a former assistant temple priest, Unnikrishnan Potty, who is accused of orchestrating the theft. Temple records indicate that the gold was originally donated by disgraced billionaire Vijay Mallya in 1998-99 for the gold-cladding of idols and temple structures. The court has criticized the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, for allowing Potty to remove the idols for ‘repairs’ and for mislabeling gold-clad items as ‘copper plates.’ The scandal has sparked political unrest, with opposition parties demanding the resignation of Kerala’s Minister for Temple Affairs, VN Vasavan. The SIT has been given six weeks to complete its investigation, and the court has vowed to hold all culprits accountable, regardless of their status or influence.
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Free tickets for Emirates employees on completing 30×30 at Dubai Fitness Challenge
The 8th edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) has officially commenced, with the Emirates Group leading the charge in promoting a healthier lifestyle among its employees. Over 21,000 staff members have already registered for the citywide 30×30 initiative, which encourages participants to engage in 30 minutes of daily physical activity for 30 days. As an added incentive, permanent employees who complete the challenge will receive a complimentary Service-Related Concession ticket to any destination on the Emirates network. This year, Emirates Group employees have collectively logged an impressive 355 million steps, equivalent to walking halfway to the moon, according to digitally tracked fitness data. Throughout the month, the company will host a variety of fitness and wellness activities, including sessions organized by its 30 sports and hobby clubs, which offer activities ranging from football to skydiving. The Group’s wellbeing programme, Sehaty, will also provide practical tips on fitness, nutrition, and mental wellbeing. A special event at Zabeel Park on November 25 will offer exclusive fitness sessions for employees. Additionally, Dubai-based staff are encouraged to participate in flagship DFC events, such as the Dubai Ride and Dubai Run, with hundreds already signed up. The Emirates Group’s involvement in DFC underscores its commitment to fostering a culture of health and wellness among its workforce.