In a powerful address to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Geneva, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the critical role of science and meteorology in combating climate change and saving lives. Speaking at a special WMO meeting on Wednesday, Guterres lauded the agency’s efforts in developing early-warning systems that help nations prepare for climate-related disasters such as floods, storms, wildfires, and heatwaves. He emphasized that these systems have protected communities and saved millions of lives annually, calling climate change a ‘dangerous and existential threat.’ Guterres’ remarks come amid a contentious anti-science stance in the United States, where the Trump administration has slashed funding for the National Weather Service and dismissed hundreds of employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Last week, the WMO reported a record surge in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, reaching unprecedented heights in human history and exacerbating extreme weather events. Guterres urged scientists to remain fearless in their pursuit of truth, describing WMO staff as the ‘quiet force’ guiding rational climate decisions.
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Five family members of Ashling Murphy’s killer jailed
Five relatives of Jozef Puska, the convicted murderer of Ashling Murphy in the Republic of Ireland, have been sentenced for their involvement in obstructing justice. The tragic incident occurred in January 2022 when Murphy, a young woman, was fatally stabbed while walking near her home in Tullamore, County Offaly. Puska’s wife, Lucia Istokova, and his brothers, Marek and Lubomir Puska Jr., were found guilty of withholding crucial information from the Irish police, known as gardaí. Istokova received a 20-month prison sentence, while the brothers were each sentenced to two and a half years. The maximum penalty for this offense is five years. Additionally, Puska’s sisters-in-law, Viera Gaziova and Jozefina Grundzova, were convicted of assisting an offender by destroying evidence, specifically burning Puska’s clothes. Gaziova was sentenced to two years, and Grundzova to one year and nine months, with the maximum sentence for this crime being 10 years. During the trial, the Murphy family expressed their profound grief and frustration. Raymond Murphy, Ashling’s father, stated that the family’s small solace in knowing Puska was imprisoned and isolated would have been stripped away if his relatives had successfully concealed his guilt. Ashling’s sister, Amy, described how the murder had devastated their lives, robbing them of joy and meaning. The judge acknowledged the Murphy family’s immense suffering, emphasizing the limitations of the criminal justice system in alleviating their pain. She noted that the defendants’ actions represented a deliberate effort to protect Puska, despite his confession to the murder.
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Man charged with sexually assaulting girl defers bail application
A 26-year-old man, accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in Dublin in the early hours of Monday, has postponed his application for bail. Due to Republic of Ireland’s strict regulations regarding sexual assault cases, the identity of the accused remains undisclosed. During the court proceedings, the defense solicitor indicated that no bail application would be submitted on Wednesday but reserved the possibility for a future request. Judge Alan Mitchell stipulated that a 48-hour notice must be provided before any bail application is made. Additionally, the judge approved a request for a comprehensive evaluation of the accused’s fitness to stand trial. This includes both medical and psychiatric assessments, with the provision of necessary medical treatment as required. The accused, who communicated through an interpreter, has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear via videolink at Cloverhill District Court on November 5.
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Trump says White House renovation is ‘music to my ears’ as criticism mounts
U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited a heated debate over his decision to demolish part of the White House East Wing to construct a grand ballroom. Defending the $250 million project, Trump described the construction noise as “music to my ears” during a meeting with Republican senators on Tuesday. He emphasized, “When I hear that sound, it reminds me of money.” The 90,000-square-foot ballroom, intended for hosting parties, state visits, and other events, has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and historic preservation groups. The National Trust for Historic Preservation expressed “deep concern” in a letter to White House officials, warning that the new structure could “overwhelm the White House itself” and disrupt its classical design. The Society of Architectural Historians also called for a public review process, citing the project’s scale. The White House countered criticism, labeling detractors as “unhinged leftists” and asserting that the privately funded renovation would not burden taxpayers. Trump officials defended the solicitation of private donations for the project, arguing it was appropriate. Critics, however, argue that the alterations represent the most significant changes to the White House exterior in decades. While White House officials claim the project does not require approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, former commission chair L Preston Bryant Jr noted that previous administrations typically consulted the agency for major renovations. The controversy underscores the tension between modernization and historic preservation in one of America’s most iconic landmarks.
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US at political crossroads as nationwide protests test governance
The United States is experiencing a profound political crisis as widespread protests sweep across the nation, testing the resilience of its governance and institutional norms. Beginning on October 18, 2025, millions of demonstrators gathered in major cities, including New York, Chicago, Boston, and Portland, to voice their discontent with the current administration’s policies and leadership style. The protests, which drew participants from diverse backgrounds such as military veterans, academics, healthcare workers, and laborers, highlighted growing public skepticism and social fragmentation over issues like immigration, healthcare, education, and trade. This wave of civil action underscores deepening political divisions and raises critical questions about the future trajectory of American democracy. Since taking office in January 2025, the US government has implemented significant policy changes in energy, immigration, and foreign affairs, often through executive orders. These moves have sparked intense debate and mixed reactions across society, while restructuring within administrative agencies has further fueled concerns about the direction of governance. Additionally, the expansion of presidential authority, perceived as undermining congressional oversight and media access, has strained the system of checks and balances. This tension culminated in a partial federal government shutdown on October 1, which has persisted for over 20 days, disrupting public services and threatening the nation’s credit rating. Amid these challenges, recent polls indicate that a majority of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, with rifts even emerging within the Republican Party. As the gap widens between the government and the public, and constitutional principles face new tests, the US finds itself at a critical crossroads that will shape its domestic future and its role in the global order.
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Hakimi & Salah on African Player of Year shortlist
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the 10-man shortlist for the prestigious 2025 African Footballer of the Year Award, with Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah emerging as the frontrunners. Hakimi, the Moroccan right-back, played a pivotal role in Paris St-Germain’s domestic league and cup double, as well as their Champions League triumph last season. Salah, the Egyptian forward, secured the Premier League Golden Boot and helped Liverpool reclaim the league title. Other notable contenders include Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr, and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen, the 2023 winner. The list also features Cameroon’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, DR Congo’s Fiston Mayele, Gabon’s Denis Bouanga, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui. Salah, a two-time winner in 2017 and 2018, and Hakimi, a runner-up in the past two years, are expected to be the primary challengers for the title. Last year’s winner, Ademola Lookman, did not make the cut. The nominees were selected by a panel of experts based on their significant impact between January 6 and October 15, 2024. Cape Verde’s coach Bubista is also in contention for the Men’s Coach of the Year after leading his team to a historic World Cup qualification. The awards ceremony date is yet to be announced by CAF.
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Watchdog report says American e-waste is causing a ‘hidden tsunami’ in Southeast Asia
A groundbreaking report by the Seattle-based environmental watchdog Basel Action Network (BAN) has revealed that millions of tons of discarded electronics from the United States are being shipped to developing countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. These nations, ill-equipped to handle hazardous waste, are facing an environmental crisis as toxic materials from e-waste seep into their ecosystems. The report, based on a two-year investigation, identified at least 10 U.S. companies exporting used electronics to Asia and the Middle East, labeling the phenomenon as a ‘hidden tsunami’ of electronic waste.
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Putin directs drills of Russian nuclear forces as his summit with Trump is put on hold
Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw extensive drills of the nation’s strategic nuclear forces on Wednesday, which included the test-firing of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and long-range cruise missiles. The exercises, involving all components of Russia’s nuclear triad, were conducted amid the postponement of a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed that a Yars ICBM was launched from the Plesetsk facility in northwestern Russia, while a Sineva ICBM was fired from a submarine in the Barents Sea. Additionally, Tu-95 strategic bombers participated in the maneuvers, demonstrating Russia’s nuclear capabilities. General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the Russian General Staff, reported to Putin via video link that the drills were designed to simulate procedures for authorizing the use of nuclear weapons. Putin, seated alone at a round table, monitored the exercises through live feeds featuring Gerasimov and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The Kremlin emphasized that the drills had been pre-planned, though they coincided with Trump’s announcement that the proposed summit in Budapest was on hold. Trump cited concerns over the meeting’s potential inefficiency, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed the need for thorough preparation to ensure productive discussions. The postponement comes as Russia remains opposed to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, and Trump’s stance on key issues in the conflict continues to evolve.
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Up to Dh2,000 a week on dining out: How UAE, other Middle East countries eat
The Middle East is witnessing a significant shift in dining habits, driven by evolving consumer priorities around cost, health, and sustainability, according to a recent report by PwC titled *Voice of the Consumer 2025: Middle East Findings*. The study highlights that 53% of consumers in the region, including the UAE, purchase prepared foods or order takeaways at least once a week, significantly higher than the global average of 30%. Additionally, 40% dine out one to three times weekly, compared to 25% globally. However, rising costs and health concerns are prompting many to rethink their habits. Natalia Mirada, an American expat in Dubai, shared how her family reduced weekly food expenses from Dh1,000 to Dh300 by cutting back on deliveries and adopting healthier practices, such as preparing fresh juices and minimizing plastic waste. Similarly, Indian expat Rivu Mukherjee noted that while convenience often dictates frequent dining out, his family remains mindful of responsible food disposal. Despite these shifts, sustainability and ethical considerations remain low on the priority list for most consumers, with only 5% influenced by locally produced or organic food. For others, dining out is less about convenience and more about indulgence and shared experiences. Kazakh national Aigerim Nursultanova revealed her family spends Dh1,500-2,000 weekly on high-end restaurants, viewing dining as a cherished family activity. The report underscores a region in transition, balancing convenience with growing awareness of health and environmental impact.
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In pictures: Violent protest outside Dublin migrant hotel
A tense and volatile situation unfolded in Dublin on Tuesday evening as a protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers escalated into violence. The Citywest Hotel in Saggart became the focal point of unrest, with riot police deployed to maintain order. Demonstrators, reportedly incensed by an alleged sexual assault of a young girl in the area earlier in the week, clashed with Gardaí (Irish police). The officers faced a barrage of bricks, fireworks, and glass bottles, leading to significant property damage, including a police van set ablaze. Authorities swiftly responded, arresting six individuals, five of whom have since been charged. The incident highlights growing tensions surrounding immigration policies and the treatment of asylum seekers in Ireland, raising concerns about public safety and social cohesion.