Israel’s Knesset commenced its winter session on Monday, marking the final legislative period before the next general elections, tentatively set for October 2026. The session unfolded against a backdrop of escalating political tensions, with coalition lawmakers targeting the Supreme Court and judiciary, igniting fierce opposition from rival parties. Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party, declared during a parliamentary debate that Israel is grappling with its most severe political crisis in history, accusing the government of losing control. A pivotal issue on the agenda is whether to adhere to the scheduled election date or call for early polls, a decision Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to finalize. The session is anticipated to be highly contentious, with several divisive bills poised for debate. Among them are proposals to extend Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, including one from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s Jewish Power party and another from opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman, focusing on the settlement of Ma’ale Adumim. Other significant legislation includes a bill advocating the death penalty for convicted terrorists, championed by Ben Gvir, and measures addressing ultra-Orthodox military conscription exemptions, a topic that has sparked intense public discourse. Additionally, the government aims to advance a bill splitting the attorney general’s role, perceived as part of a broader effort to weaken the judiciary. These developments have reignited concerns over democratic principles and freedom of religion, with critics warning of potential overreach by the right-wing coalition.
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White House begins demolishing part of East Wing for Trump ballroom
The East Wing of the White House has commenced a significant transformation as demolition work began on Monday, paving the way for the construction of a new ballroom envisioned by former US President Donald Trump. The $250 million project, described as a ‘modernization’ effort, aims to add a state-of-the-art ballroom adjacent to the existing structure without altering its historic integrity. Trump emphasized that the new addition would ‘pay total respect’ to the White House, a building he holds in high regard. The construction, funded by private contributions from ‘generous Patriots,’ has sparked mixed reactions. While some onlookers expressed curiosity, others, like a masked protester, voiced their disapproval of the changes. The East Wing, built in 1902 and last modified in 1942, remains a symbol of presidential history. The project, announced by Trump on social media, is expected to fulfill a long-standing presidential aspiration for a dedicated ballroom to host grand events and state visits.
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Concacaf members join USA’s 2031 World Cup bid
In a significant development for women’s football, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica have joined the United States in a collaborative bid to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This expanded 48-team tournament promises to be the largest and most impactful edition in the event’s history. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed in April that the United States, alongside potential Concacaf members, had submitted the sole bid for the 2031 competition. The joint effort aims to inspire a new generation of fans and elevate the women’s game globally. US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone emphasized the bid’s potential to create a lasting legacy, stating, ‘We’re excited to drive lasting progress for women’s soccer by creating a legacy that reaches far beyond 2031 and sets a new global standard for the sport.’ Concacaf, the governing body for football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, has fully endorsed the bid. Victor Montagliani, Concacaf President and FIFA Vice-President, highlighted the confederation’s commitment to women’s football, noting that hosting the 2031 World Cup would build on this momentum and inspire future generations across the region. Meanwhile, FIFA has already announced Brazil as the host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with the 2031 and 2035 hosts set to be confirmed at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, next April. The United Kingdom has emerged as the sole valid bidder for the 2035 tournament. This news follows the recent success of Spain, who triumphed in the 2023 Women’s World Cup by defeating England in the final. The United States, Canada, and Mexico are also co-hosting the 2026 Men’s World Cup, further solidifying North America’s role as a global football hub.
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Diljit Dosanjh, Sanya Malhotra light up screen in new song ‘Charmer’
Bollywood enthusiasts have been treated to a festive delight with the release of the new music video ‘Charmer,’ featuring the dynamic duo Diljit Dosanjh and Sanya Malhotra. Released just ahead of Diwali, the video has already captivated audiences with its vibrant visuals and infectious energy. The song, which marks a collaboration between the two stars, has been hailed as a perfect Diwali gift by fans. Diljit took to Instagram to announce the release, captioning his post, ‘CHARMER OFFICIAL VIDEO OUT NOW ON YOUTUBE — HAPPY DIWALI FOLKS / AURA — The Sexiest Album of the Year.’ The video, available on YouTube, showcases the pair’s undeniable chemistry, with Sanya’s impressive dance moves and Diljit’s charismatic presence stealing the show. Fans have flooded social media with praise, dubbing the song ‘Asli Diwali tofa’ (the real Diwali gift) and applauding the duo for elevating the festive spirit. On the professional front, Diljit is gearing up for his role in the highly anticipated ‘Border 2,’ alongside Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan. Meanwhile, Sanya, fresh off her performance in ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,’ is set to star in Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Bandar,’ a film inspired by true events that premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. With their latest collaboration, Diljit and Sanya have undoubtedly set the stage for a memorable festive season.
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How the war in Gaza fuelled a wave of settler violence against West Bank Palestinians
As Israeli and Hamas negotiators continue to deliberate over the final details of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, the predominantly Christian village of Taybeh in the West Bank faces escalating violence and forced displacement. Villagers, while relieved by the progress in peace talks, are grappling with more immediate and dire concerns. October, traditionally the olive harvesting season, has become a time of terror for residents who risk settler assaults when venturing onto their lands. Gates installed at the village entrance allow the Israeli army to cut off access instantly, further isolating the community. Youssef Moussa, a 64-year-old Bedouin man, recounted a harrowing attack by a settler militia that left him unconscious with two broken ribs and his wife beaten. The settlers ransacked his home, stealing 7,000 dinars ($9,870) and 85 sheep, which represent his livelihood. The violence extends beyond Taybeh, with armed settlers, often accompanied by soldiers, attacking Palestinian farmers across the West Bank. In Turmus Ayya, northeast of Ramallah, masked men assaulted an elderly woman and a foreign volunteer, set vehicles on fire, and stole the harvest. Similar incidents have been reported near Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. Jamal Juma, a peace activist based in Ramallah, describes the perpetrators as “fascist militias” funded and armed by the state, operating with impunity under the Netanyahu government. Bezalel Smotrich, Netanyahu’s finance minister and a key figure in the coalition government, is a self-proclaimed fascist and the de facto governor of the West Bank. His relentless land seizure program aims to eradicate Palestinian communities, a goal that has already seen significant progress. Smotrich’s plan to annex 82 percent of the West Bank, referred to as Judea and Samaria, would render the two-state solution impossible. The international community, including the US and European nations, has expressed concern over these developments, but on the ground, the violence continues unabated. Taybeh, one of the few Christian-majority villages in the West Bank, has attracted international attention, including visits from US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and US senators Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley. However, these visits have done little to deter the ongoing attacks. The plight of Taybeh is emblematic of a broader Israeli policy of forced displacement, which human rights groups like Balasan and B’Tselem argue constitutes a war crime under international law. Despite the humanitarian and cultural destruction, the international community’s response has been insufficient, and the omission of these issues from Trump’s peace plan raises questions about the feasibility of long-term peace in the region.
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Catholic clergy sex abuse survivors hopeful after Pope Leo meeting
Survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy members have voiced renewed optimism following a groundbreaking meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The encounter, described as ‘historic’ by Gemma Hickey, board president of End Clergy Abuse (ECA Global), marked a significant moment in the ongoing fight against systemic abuse within the Church. Hickey, who uses they/them pronouns, emphasized the symbolic importance of the Pope meeting with survivors so early in his papacy, calling it a ‘big step’ for all involved. The group is advocating for a global zero-tolerance policy, which would permanently remove any priest who admits to or is proven to have sexually abused a child. While such a policy has been adopted in the U.S., Hickey acknowledged that resistance persists in other regions. Pope Leo, who assumed his role in May, inherited this deeply entrenched issue that has plagued the Catholic Church for decades. His predecessor, Pope Francis, made strides by convening an unprecedented summit on clergy abuse and revising Church laws to explicitly criminalize such acts. However, challenges remain, as highlighted by a recent Vatican-commissioned report that criticized Church leaders for a lack of accountability and transparency. During the hour-long meeting, which far exceeded its scheduled 20 minutes, Pope Leo listened empathetically to survivors’ stories, including that of a woman abused at a Catholic residential school for Indigenous children in Canada. Hickey described the Pope as ‘humble, funny, and down to earth,’ expressing confidence in his genuine commitment to collaboration. The ECA Global delegation, representing survivors from over 30 countries, presented documents and proposals aimed at reforming canon law to enforce a zero-tolerance policy worldwide. Hickey noted that the Pope seemed ‘interested’ in their recommendations, fostering hope for meaningful change. While acknowledging that progress will take time, Hickey emphasized the importance of building a relationship with the Vatican to ensure accountability and justice for survivors. ‘We can change how the story ends,’ Hickey told the Pope, a sentiment he reportedly appreciated. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to addressing this dark chapter in the Church’s history and working toward a safer future.
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Former NFL player Doug Martin dies in police custody in California
Former National Football League (NFL) running back Doug Martin, known for his remarkable career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has tragically passed away at the age of 36 while in police custody in California. The Oakland Police Department reported that Martin died following an alleged home break-in and a subsequent struggle with officers on Saturday. According to the department, Martin became unresponsive during the altercation and was rushed to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his condition. His family confirmed his death but stated that the cause remains unconfirmed, requesting privacy during this difficult time. Martin’s former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, expressed profound sorrow over his sudden passing, highlighting his significant contributions to the franchise. Born in Oakland, California, Martin was a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft and quickly made a name for himself, rushing for 1,454 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns in his rookie season. Despite his success, Martin faced challenges, including injuries and a four-game suspension in 2016 for violating the NFL’s drug policy. He later played for the Oakland Raiders before retiring in 2018. Martin’s legacy as a talented and resilient player continues to be remembered by fans and the NFL community.
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Dubai Games 7th edition dates announced; competition to feature tougher challenges
The seventh edition of the Dubai Games, a premier sporting event, is set to take place from February 12 to 15, 2026. Under the esteemed patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the event promises to elevate its standards with more rigorous challenges. The Organising Committee has announced that this edition will feature five distinct categories: Battle of the Government – Men, Battle of the Government – Women, Battle of the Community, Battle of the Cities, and Battle of the Juniors. These competitions are designed to test both the physical and mental endurance of participants, emphasizing values of participation and collaboration. The event, supported by DP World as the Official Partner, Dubai Sports Council as the Strategic Partner, and Emarat and DAMAC as Diamond Sponsors, aims to reinforce Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for major sporting events. The Dubai Games continues to attract athletes and enthusiasts from around the world, fostering a spirit of unity and excellence in sports.
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Japan’s LDP, Japan Innovation Party sign coalition agreement
In a landmark political development, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party have officially entered into a coalition agreement. The pact, signed by LDP leader Sanae Takaichi and Japan Innovation Party chief Hirofumi Yoshimura, was formalized during a joint press conference at the National Diet Building in Tokyo on October 20, 2025. This strategic alliance is expected to bolster Takaichi’s prospects in the imminent prime ministerial designation vote, positioning her to potentially become Japan’s first female prime minister. The coalition agreement encompasses a comprehensive policy agenda, emphasizing swift economic relief measures, constitutional amendments, and structural reforms. The decision to unite comes amid challenging domestic and international circumstances, with both parties committing to bridge ideological divides and foster a stable government to rejuvenate Japan. The collaboration will extend to the prime ministerial vote during the extraordinary Diet session scheduled for the following day. This political realignment follows the recent dissolution of the long-standing coalition between the LDP and Komeito, prompted by the latter’s dissatisfaction with the LDP’s handling of a high-profile political funds scandal. The move underscores the evolving dynamics within Japan’s political landscape as parties seek to navigate pressing national issues and restore public confidence.
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Spike in Disney+ cancellations after Kimmel suspension
Disney+ and Hulu experienced a significant surge in subscription cancellations in September, coinciding with the temporary suspension of comedian and TV host Jimmy Kimmel. According to data from analytics firm Antenna, Disney+’s churn rate—the percentage of subscribers who cancel each month—doubled from 4% to 8%, equating to approximately three million cancellations. Similarly, Hulu’s churn rate rose to 10%, representing over four million cancellations. This spike in cancellations suggests that Kimmel’s suspension may have negatively impacted Disney’s financial performance. Kimmel was briefly taken off air following controversial remarks he made about the shooting of Charlie Kirk, which drew pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The suspension sparked widespread debates on free speech and led to protests in California, with critics accusing Disney of censorship. Despite the backlash, ABC, which airs ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live,’ reinstated him within a week. The incident also prompted calls for boycotts of Disney’s streaming services, with critics urging economic pressure on the entertainment giant. While Kimmel’s suspension appears to have contributed to the subscriber exodus, it remains unclear whether it was the sole factor. Disney also announced previously planned price increases for its streaming services in September, which may have further influenced cancellations. Despite the losses, both Disney+ and Hulu saw an increase in new sign-ups, partially offsetting the impact. Disney declined to comment on the matter, and Hulu has yet to respond.