In a dramatic move signaling his continued fall from grace, Prince Andrew, the disgraced younger brother of King Charles III, is being relocated from the opulent Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle to a more secluded property on the Sandringham Estate in eastern England. This internal exile underscores the monarchy’s efforts to distance itself from the controversies surrounding Andrew, particularly his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite maintaining his innocence regarding allegations of misconduct during his friendship with Epstein, including claims by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, Andrew’s public image remains deeply tarnished. His eviction from Royal Lodge, where he has resided for over two decades, marks a significant step in King Charles’s reign to protect the royal family’s reputation. While Andrew’s new residence at Sandringham, a private estate owned by the royal family since 1862, ensures he won’t burden British taxpayers, it also symbolizes his diminished role within the monarchy. The move, expected to occur after the Christmas festivities, will see Andrew settling in one of the estate’s smaller properties, far from the grandeur of his former home. This relocation not only isolates him from public scrutiny but also reflects the royal family’s broader strategy to mitigate the fallout from his scandals.
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Dodgers seal back-to-back World Series titles
In a historic and nail-biting finale, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured their ninth World Series title, marking their third championship in six years under manager Dave Roberts. The Dodgers triumphed over the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in an extra-inning Game 7, becoming the first team in 25 years to win back-to-back World Series titles. The decisive moment came in the top of the 11th inning when catcher Will Smith hit a home run, breaking the deadlock and propelling the Dodgers to victory. The Blue Jays had a chance to tie the game in the bottom of the 11th, but a double play ended their hopes, sparking wild celebrations among the Dodgers. The game was a rollercoaster, with the Dodgers overcoming a 3-0 deficit after Bo Bichette’s three-run homer in the third inning. Solo home runs by Max Muncy and Miguel Rojas in the ninth inning tied the game at 4-4, setting the stage for Smith’s heroics. The series was played against the backdrop of political and trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, but the Dodgers’ resilience and strategic gameplay ultimately prevailed. Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani started as pitcher but struggled early, though he remained in the game as a designated hitter under the ‘Ohtani rule.’ The Blue Jays’ veteran starter Max Scherzer, the oldest pitcher in a World Series Game 7 at 41, exited with a lead, but the Dodgers rallied. The game saw frequent pitching changes, tense moments, and a bench-clearing confrontation in the fourth inning. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers’ winning pitcher from Games 2 and 6, was named the series’ Most Valuable Player. This victory cements the Dodgers’ legacy as one of baseball’s most dominant franchises.
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Prince William burnishes credentials as king-in-waiting with Earthshot Prize and COP30 in Brazil
Prince William, the heir to the British throne, is increasingly stepping into the global spotlight as he prepares for his future role as king. This week, he will be in Rio de Janeiro to promote his Earthshot Prize, an ambitious initiative aimed at finding innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges. Following this, he will represent King Charles III and the U.K. government at the United Nations Climate Summit COP30 in Brazil. These high-profile engagements are part of a broader strategy to position William as a capable statesman ready to assume the responsibilities of the monarchy.
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New Yorkers could pick a political newcomer to run their city – and take on Trump
Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, is on the verge of making history as the youngest mayor in over a century and the first Muslim and South Asian leader of the city. His meteoric rise from a relatively unknown hip-hop artist and housing counselor to the frontrunner for the mayoral race has captivated New Yorkers. With a comfortable lead in the polls, Mamdani’s campaign has resonated with voters disillusioned by the Democratic Party’s current state and the rising cost of living in the city. His promises of universal childcare, rent freezes, free public buses, and city-run grocery stores have struck a chord with a population grappling with affordability issues. However, his ambitious agenda, funded by new taxes on corporations and millionaires, has raised concerns among critics who question his lack of executive experience and ability to deliver on his promises. Mamdani’s relationship with the Democratic Party establishment is also complex, as he positions himself as a democratic socialist aligned with figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His candidacy has drawn both fervent support and sharp criticism, particularly from former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who accuses him of an anti-business agenda, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, who mocks his limited political resume. Despite these challenges, Mamdani’s ability to connect with voters through viral videos and outreach to content creators has been a key factor in his success. His victory would signal a rejection of traditional politics and a shift toward progressive policies in New York City. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, including navigating a hostile Trump administration, addressing public safety concerns, and managing the city’s $116 billion budget. As the election approaches, Mamdani’s campaign continues to inspire hope and skepticism in equal measure, leaving New Yorkers to decide whether he is the transformative leader the city needs.
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Canada and Philippines to sign defense pact to boost combat drills and deter China’s aggression
In a significant move to counter China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, Canada and the Philippines are set to sign a pivotal defense agreement on Sunday. The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SVFA) will facilitate joint military exercises and enhance security cooperation between the two nations, according to Philippine officials. This agreement underscores Canada’s broader strategy to bolster its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s efforts to fortify the Philippines’ defense capabilities against China’s growing influence in the disputed waters. China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling rejecting its claims, has not yet commented on the development. The Philippines has faced repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels, including dangerous maneuvers and water cannon attacks, resulting in injuries to Filipino personnel. The SVFA, signed by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian counterpart David McGuinty, will take effect after ratification. This marks the Philippines’ third such agreement under Marcos, following similar pacts with Japan and New Zealand. Talks are also underway with France, Singapore, the UK, Germany, and India for comparable defense collaborations. At a recent ASEAN defense ministers’ meeting, Teodoro condemned China’s plan to establish a ‘nature reserve’ in the Scarborough Shoal, calling it a veiled attempt to assert military dominance. Canada has consistently criticized China’s actions in the region, including its use of water cannons against Philippine vessels. Last year, Canada and the Philippines signed a defense cooperation agreement, granting the Philippines access to Canada’s advanced ‘Dark Vessel Detection System,’ which has been instrumental in tracking Chinese ships in the South China Sea.
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Japan’s Mone Chiba wins Skate Canada, holding off Olympic hopeful Isabeau Levito of the U.S.
SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — Mone Chiba of Japan delivered a breathtaking performance to clinch the Skate Canada title on Saturday night, edging out American prodigy Isabeau Levito in a thrilling showdown. Chiba, a 20-year-old world bronze medalist, showcased her technical prowess and artistry with a near-perfect free skate set to the traditional Hungarian folk tune “Csárdás,” earning a season-best score of 217.23 points. This victory marked her first Grand Prix gold after finishing as the runner-up in both of her assignments last year. Levito, the 18-year-old reigning world silver medalist, had set the stage with a flawless free skate to the soundtrack of “Cinema Paradiso,” scoring 209.77 points. Despite her valiant effort, she had to settle for silver. Ami Nakai of Japan secured third place with 203.09 points. In the pairs competition, Canadian duo Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps thrilled the home crowd at SaskTel Centre by claiming their third consecutive Skate Canada gold with a score of 213.40 points, narrowly defeating German pair Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin, who scored 207.18. The men’s and ice dance events are set to conclude on Sunday, with two-time reigning world champion Ilia Malinin leading the men’s short program with a commanding score of 104.84. The competition for the final U.S. Olympic spot remains fierce, with Levito and Bradie Tennell vying for the coveted position.
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Families separated, children killed as survivors flee Sudan’s ‘apocalyptic’ Al Fasher
The city of Al Fasher in Sudan has become a scene of devastation as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control following an 18-month siege, leading to widespread atrocities and a humanitarian crisis. Survivors fleeing the city recounted harrowing tales of families being forcibly separated, children executed in front of their parents, and mass killings. Germany’s top diplomat, Johann Wadephul, described the situation as ‘apocalyptic,’ while satellite imagery from Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab suggested ongoing mass killings. Reports of summary executions, sexual violence, looting, and abductions have emerged, with tens of thousands of civilians still trapped in the city. The UN estimates that over 65,000 people have fled Al Fasher since the RSF’s final assault, but around 260,000 residents remain in grave danger. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) highlighted the limited number of survivors reaching safer areas, with only 5,000 making it to Tawila, 70 kilometers west of Al Fasher. Eyewitnesses reported that groups attempting to flee were often killed or captured, with individuals separated based on gender, age, or ethnicity. The RSF, descended from the Janjaweed militias accused of genocide in Darfur two decades ago, now controls all five state capitals in the region, effectively dividing Sudan along an east-west axis. The conflict has displaced nearly 12 million people, creating the world’s largest displacement and hunger crises. UN officials warn that the violence is spreading to the neighboring Kordofan region, with reports of large-scale atrocities perpetrated by the RSF.
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Dubai: How to sponsor your parents; minimum salary, all you need to know
Dubai, renowned for its high quality of life, safety, and world-class healthcare, has introduced a one-year residency visa that allows expatriates to sponsor their parents to live in the city. This initiative caters to the growing number of expats who, after establishing themselves in Dubai, wish to reunite with their families. The visa aims to provide a seamless process for bringing parents to the UAE, ensuring they can enjoy the city’s exceptional lifestyle. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, including a minimum monthly salary of Dh10,000 and proof of adequate accommodation, such as a two-bedroom home registered under Ejari. The application process involves submitting essential documents, including the applicant’s Emirates ID, passport copies, labor contract, and proof of relationship with the parents. Additionally, a security deposit of Dh5,000 and various processing fees, including entry permits, medical tests, and Emirates ID charges, are required. This initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to fostering family unity and enhancing the well-being of its diverse expatriate community.
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Devastation on repeat: How climate change is worsening Pakistan’s deadly floods
Pakistan has been ravaged by catastrophic floods, affecting both urban and rural areas, including the capital of Punjab, Lahore. The monsoon season, which began in late June, has claimed over 1,000 lives and impacted at least 6.9 million people, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The floods have highlighted the severe consequences of climate change in a country that contributes just 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
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UAE official calls out ‘fake Emirati identities’ on social media
A senior UAE official has raised concerns over the proliferation of ‘fake Emirati identities’ on social media platforms, urging the public to remain vigilant. Afra Al Hameli, Director of Strategic Communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized individuals who masquerade as experts under fabricated names, accusing them of spreading misinformation and tarnishing the nation’s reputation. Al Hameli emphasized that the UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to truth, hope, and benevolence, stating, ‘No lies can conceal the truth, and no clamour can drown out facts.’ She further reiterated that the UAE focuses on constructive actions rather than engaging with baseless rumors. Al Hameli shared a video originally posted by X user Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, which exposed a fraudulent account allegedly misusing regional crises to defame the UAE. The account in question employed a fake profile picture and aimed to mislead the public. The UAE continues to prioritize transparency and integrity in its communications, reinforcing its dedication to fostering goodwill and combating false narratives.