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  • Big Ticket just dropped the biggest cash prize of 2025 — Dh30 million is up for grabs

    Big Ticket just dropped the biggest cash prize of 2025 — Dh30 million is up for grabs

    As 2025 draws to a close, Big Ticket has unveiled its most substantial promotional campaign of the year, featuring an unprecedented Dh30 million cash prize—the largest sum offered throughout 2025. The grand draw, scheduled for January 3, 2026, promises to transform one fortunate winner’s financial future, providing an extraordinary start to the new year.

    Beyond the monumental jackpot, the lottery organization has designed an extensive calendar of events to maintain excitement throughout December. Weekly e-draws will distribute Dh100,000 to five winners each Thursday, broadcast live on Big Ticket’s YouTube channel at 11:00 AM. Additionally, the January 3 event will award secondary prizes of Dh50,000 to five additional participants.

    The promotional structure includes an innovative incentive: customers purchasing two or more cash tickets within a single transaction between December 1-24 will gain automatic entry into The Big Win Contest. Four selected contestants will receive invitations to attend the live January draw with guaranteed cash awards ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh150,000. Winners of this supplementary contest will be announced on Big Ticket’s official website on January 1.

    For automotive enthusiasts, Big Ticket’s Dream Car Series continues into 2026 with a BMW 430i raffle on January 3 followed by a BMW X5 drawing on February 3. The comprehensive December campaign represents Big Ticket’s most ambitious promotional effort, combining immediate weekly prizes with life-changing financial opportunities through its tiered prize structure.

  • Dubai Police answers more than 39,000 calls in 2 days amid unstable weather conditions

    Dubai Police answers more than 39,000 calls in 2 days amid unstable weather conditions

    Dubai’s emergency response systems were put to the test during severe weather conditions that struck the United Arab Emirates on December 18-19, 2025, with police authorities managing an extraordinary volume of public inquiries. The Dubai Police Command-and-Control Centre documented 39,299 incoming calls across a challenging 48-hour period as heavy rains and strong winds battered the region.

    The emergency hotline (999) received 32,391 urgent calls while the non-emergency helpline (901) handled 6,908 additional requests. Beyond traditional phone communications, the police department’s digital infrastructure processed 427 email inquiries and 1,690 live chat sessions through their official website, ensuring residents received timely guidance and support during the weather emergency.

    Police officials publicly commended the exceptional dedication demonstrated by teams operating at both the Command-and-Control Centre and the 901 Contact Centre, highlighting their professional and swift response capabilities throughout the crisis. The adverse weather conditions prompted nationwide safety alerts as authorities worked continuously to minimize public disruption and maintain traffic management systems.

    Neighboring emirate Sharjah experienced similar operational challenges, with municipal authorities responding to 522 waterlogging reports and seven incidents of fallen trees. The Sharjah 993 call center operated at maximum capacity, establishing dedicated communication channels with police departments and field teams to enhance coordination and response efficiency during the emergency situation.

  • US pauses offshore wind projects over security concerns

    US pauses offshore wind projects over security concerns

    The U.S. Department of the Interior has implemented an immediate suspension of five major offshore wind energy projects along the Atlantic coastline, citing unresolved national security concerns. This decisive action affects ongoing developments near New York, Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

    In an official statement, the Department expressed particular concern about wind turbines’ potential to interfere with radar systems, creating both ‘clutter’ that obscures genuine targets and false readings that could compromise airspace security. The announcement specifically referenced evolving adversary technologies and vulnerabilities created by large-scale energy installations near densely populated coastal areas.

    Interior Secretary Doug Burgum elaborated on these concerns during a Fox Business interview, noting the challenges of distinguishing between friendly and hostile aircraft in airspace monitored through potentially compromised systems. He referenced recent drone conflicts between Russia-Ukraine and Iran-Israel as examples of contemporary aerial threats.

    The administration’s position aligns with President Donald Trump’s longstanding skepticism toward wind energy, which he has frequently criticized for reliability issues and cost inefficiencies. This move represents the latest development in a complex regulatory battle that began when Trump issued a memorandum halting new permits on his first day in office.

    Energy companies and state officials have expressed strong opposition to the suspension. Dominion Energy, developing the Virginia Coastal Offshore Wind Project, emphasized that its operational pilot turbines have functioned for five years without security incidents. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont condemned the decision as ‘erratic,’ warning of increased electricity prices and jeopardized clean energy jobs in the region.

    The policy shift occurs despite a recent federal court ruling that struck down the administration’s previous attempt to impose a comprehensive wind power ban, which a judge deemed ‘arbitrary and capricious.’ Seventeen states previously sued the administration, arguing that such restrictions pose an existential threat to America’s renewable energy industry.

  • Major incident declared over giant hole at canal

    Major incident declared over giant hole at canal

    A significant infrastructure failure has triggered a major emergency in Whitchurch, Shropshire, where a substantial segment of the historic Llangollen Canal collapsed early Monday morning. The incident, officially classified by engineers as an “embankment failure,” resulted in a massive cavity swallowing sections of the waterway and leaving multiple narrowboats either submerged or precariously perched on the edge of the newly formed chasm.

    The collapse occurred approximately at 04:00 GMT, with emergency services receiving the first reports around 04:20. According to Scott Hurford, Area Manager at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, approximately fifty firefighters were deployed to the scene. Their immediate response facilitated the safe evacuation of about fifteen individuals from affected vessels, with no reported casualties according to local police authorities.

    Engineers from the Canal and River Trust, the organization responsible for maintaining the waterway, have clarified that initial characterizations of the event as a “sinkhole” were inaccurate. Mark Durham, the Trust’s Principal Engineer, explained that the failure occurred in a man-made embankment engineered over two centuries ago to elevate the canal. This structure catastrophically failed, causing water to torrent into adjacent fields and the canal bed to drop away, creating a trench estimated by witnesses to be approximately 15 feet (4 meters) deep and 150-180 feet (45-55 meters) long.

    Eyewitness accounts describe a terrifying experience. Residents aboard moored boats reported being awakened by unusual noises, violent shaking, and the sensation of their vessels being pulled by sudden currents. Lorraine Barlow, a liveaboard boater on The Singing Kettle, described feeling “something amiss” with bubbling sounds and unusual currents before her boat began tilting dangerously. Paul Storey, another resident, recounted being awoken by the crash of belongings sliding from cabinets and the tremendous roar of rushing water.

    The environmental impact was immediate and significant, with an estimated million gallons of canal water flooding into surrounding fields. Fire crews successfully installed a flood gate to prevent further water loss and potential flooding in the town, stabilizing the situation. The recovery phase, which involves salvaging the affected boats and assessing the damage, is now underway. However, the Canal and River Trust has stated it is too early to determine either the cause of the embankment failure or a timeline for the complex reconstruction project.

    Local officials expressed shock at the scale of the devastation. Whitchurch councillor Sho Abdul described the scene as “insane,” comparing the crater to something created by an explosion rather than a natural sinkhole. The community has been advised to avoid the area in Chemistry, Whitchurch, while investigations and repairs continue. The Trust has committed to supporting affected boaters and investigating its inspection protocols, with engineers confirming the embankment had recently been inspected with no signs of imminent failure detected.

  • US in ‘pursuit’ of third oil tanker in Caribbean, says official

    US in ‘pursuit’ of third oil tanker in Caribbean, says official

    The United States Coast Guard has initiated an active pursuit operation targeting a third sanctioned oil tanker in Caribbean waters, according to an official statement received by AFP on Sunday. This development represents the latest escalation in Washington’s intensified pressure campaign against Venezuela’s crucial petroleum industry.

    The vessel in question has been identified by maritime authorities as the Bella 1, an oil tanker that has been subject to American sanctions since 2024 due to its purported connections with Iran and Hezbollah. The US official, who requested anonymity, characterized the ship as operating under a false flag while being part of Venezuela’s “illegal sanctions evasion” network and subject to a judicial seizure order.

    This maritime operation follows the dramatic seizure of the Chinese-owned, Panama-flagged tanker Centuries just one day earlier. According to TankerTrackers, a specialized vessel monitoring service, the Centuries had loaded approximately 1.8 million barrels of crude oil at a Venezuelan port earlier this month before being intercepted and escorted beyond Venezuela’s exclusive economic zone on December 18.

    The current pursuit marks the third such intervention within a two-week period, demonstrating the implementation of President Donald Trump’s December 16 announcement establishing a blockade against “sanctioned oil vessels” traveling to and from Venezuela. The administration maintains that these measures are necessary to recover allegedly stolen US assets from the oil-rich South American nation.

    Meanwhile, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez addressed the situation through social media channels, highlighting that American petroleum giant Chevron had simultaneously dispatched a tanker carrying Venezuelan crude to the United States. Rodriguez emphasized that this shipment occurred “in strict adherence to regulations and in fulfillment of the commitments undertaken by our oil industry,” while notably avoiding direct commentary on the interdicted vessels.

    The geopolitical tension is further compounded by the deployment of a substantial US naval armada to the Caribbean under the stated mission of combating drug trafficking—a justification that Caracas dismisses as pretext for a campaign to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro and gain control over Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves.

    The Trump administration alleges that Venezuela utilizes its primary resource, petroleum, to finance “narcoterrorism,” prompting additional military actions including a series of airstrikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels since September. These operations, which have resulted in over 100 fatalities, have faced scrutiny regarding their legal justification under international law.

  • CBS defends pulling 60 Minutes segment about Trump deportations

    CBS defends pulling 60 Minutes segment about Trump deportations

    CBS News finds itself embroiled in significant internal conflict and external scrutiny following its controversial decision to abruptly pull a prepared segment from its flagship ’60 Minutes’ program. The report was poised to investigate the Trump administration’s deportation of approximately 250 Venezuelan men to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), where allegations of brutal and torturous conditions have been documented by multiple news organizations.

    The last-minute cancellation, ordered by newly-appointed Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, triggered immediate backlash from within the network. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi, who led the investigative team, circulated a private memo characterizing the move as ‘political’—a document that subsequently leaked to media outlets. Alfonsi revealed that despite formal requests to the White House, State Department, and Department of Homeland Security, government officials had uniformly declined interview requests for the segment.

    In an official statement, CBS maintained the segment required ‘additional reporting,’ with Weiss emphasizing that holding stories for further context ‘happens every day in every newsroom.’ She affirmed the network’s intention to air ‘this important piece when it’s ready.’

    This controversy emerges against the backdrop of CBS’s recent corporate transformation. The network’s parent company Paramount was acquired earlier this year in a deal personally guaranteed by Larry Ellison—tech billionaire and Trump ally—whose son David Ellison now leads the media conglomerate. The Trump administration approved this takeover after Paramount settled a $16 million lawsuit regarding a previous ’60 Minutes’ interview with Kamala Harris.

    As part of regulatory approvals, David Ellison committed to installing an independent ombudsman and ensuring diverse viewpoints in programming. His October appointment of Weiss—a vocal critic of partisan media trends—signaled intended editorial shifts at CBS News. The current incident has drawn criticism from political figures including Democratic Senator Brian Schatz, who denounced the decision as ‘a terrible embarrassment’ that risks handing the administration a ‘kill switch’ for inconvenient reporting.

  • Barry Manilow to undergo surgery for ‘cancerous spot’ on lung

    Barry Manilow to undergo surgery for ‘cancerous spot’ on lung

    Music icon Barry Manilow has disclosed his upcoming surgery to address a cancerous lesion discovered in his lung. The 82-year-old Grammy-winning artist, celebrated for timeless classics including “Copacabana” and “Mandy,” shared this personal health update through an official statement on his Instagram platform.

    The detection occurred through what Manilow described as “pure luck” combined with exceptional medical diligence. Following a prolonged bout of bronchitis that spanned six weeks and subsequently relapsed for another five, his physician ordered a precautionary MRI scan despite the singer having resumed his performance schedule at the Westgate Las Vegas. This diagnostic imaging revealed the presence of a cancerous spot on his left lung requiring surgical intervention.

    Medical professionals have provided an encouraging preliminary assessment, indicating no evidence of cancer metastasis. Consequently, Manilow expects to avoid chemotherapy or radiation treatments post-operation. The artist humorously noted his prescribed recovery regimen would consist primarily of “chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”

    Manilow’s disclosure carried an important public health message, urging individuals to seek medical evaluation for “even the slightest symptom” as early detection significantly improves outcomes. His upcoming arena concerts scheduled for January will be postponed to accommodate a month-long recovery period. The performer expressed eager anticipation for his return to the stage, confirming he is already “counting down the days” until he can reconnect with audiences worldwide.

  • Watch: JD Vance and Nicki Minaj speak to conservative youth at AmericaFest

    Watch: JD Vance and Nicki Minaj speak to conservative youth at AmericaFest

    In a notable convergence of political and cultural influence, Vice President JD Vance and globally renowned rapper Nicki Minaj delivered addresses to young conservatives on the closing day of AmericaFest. The annual conference, orchestrated by Turning Point USA—the organization established by the late Charlie Kirk—served as a platform for engaging a new generation of right-leaning activists.

    Vance’s appearance underscored his rising prominence within the conservative movement, leveraging his background as a bestselling author and now a key political figure. His speech reportedly focused on core Republican values and the importance of youth participation in shaping the nation’s future.

    Simultaneously, Minaj’s participation signaled an intriguing blend of entertainment and political advocacy, highlighting how cultural icons are increasingly intersecting with ideological campaigns. Her presence attracted significant attention, illustrating efforts to broaden the appeal of conservative messaging beyond traditional political circles.

    The event exemplified Turning Point USA’s ongoing mission to mobilize young Americans around conservative principles, continuing Kirk’s legacy despite his recent passing. AmericaFest has grown into a major gathering for conservative voices, featuring a diverse array of speakers from various professional backgrounds.

  • ‘Rust’ shooting: Alec Baldwin reveals suicidal thoughts after charges were filed a second time

    ‘Rust’ shooting: Alec Baldwin reveals suicidal thoughts after charges were filed a second time

    Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin has publicly disclosed experiencing profound suicidal ideation during the legal proceedings surrounding the fatal 2021 shooting on the set of his film ‘Rust.’ In a candid podcast interview with Dave Manheim, Baldwin detailed the severe emotional devastation that followed the second filing of criminal charges against him.

    The actor described how the case—which resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and was ultimately dismissed—plunged him into a state of extreme psychological distress. ‘The people I was most concerned about, the people that I had the deepest pain for, were my wife and my kids,’ Baldwin revealed. ‘Because my kids would see me sitting in a corner, you know, I couldn’t even move.’ His mental state became so debilitating that he required daily naps for an entire year.

    Baldwin characterized the ordeal as comprehensively destructive, affecting him ‘physically, spiritually, and financially.’ He stated, ‘It broke every nerve in my body… my career, my wife, my kids, my friends, my health. I mean what it’s done to my health. It’s taken 10 years off my life.’

    The actor credited his wife Hilaria and his family with providing critical support during his darkest moments. Reflecting on his psychological struggle, Baldwin noted, ‘I think countless people think about killing themselves and ending their life, and then very few do… Somehow I found the faith in God to not kill myself tomorrow. Let’s wait one more day.’

    Baldwin also expressed significant frustration with New Mexico prosecutors, alleging they applied regulations retroactively rather than following established Hollywood guild protocols during the investigation. ‘No one came to me in the first week we were handling firearms… All the rules were changed after the fact, and that was very scary to me,’ he asserted. He further claimed prosecutors sought media attention, while praising the presiding judge for characterizing their actions as ‘reprehensible.’

  • ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ is second-highest grosser of 2025

    ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ is second-highest grosser of 2025

    James Cameron’s cinematic epic ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ has stormed global box offices with an impressive $345 million (approximately Dh1.27 billion) in opening weekend ticket sales, securing its position as 2025’s second-highest film debut. The latest installment in the groundbreaking sci-fi franchise trails only Disney’s animated sequel ‘Zootopia 2,’ which premiered in November with $556 million.

    The film dominated North American charts with $88 million in domestic revenue, though this figure represents a 35% decrease compared to the 2022 sequel ‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’ Industry analysts note the reduced gap between films—three years versus the original thirteen-year wait—may have diminished the unprecedented anticipation that characterized previous releases.

    Despite the comparative decline, exhibition industry experts remain optimistic about the film’s long-term prospects. ‘It’s a tremendous launch for the holiday season,’ noted Jeff Bock, senior analyst at Exhibitor Relations Co. ‘We anticipate a substantial box office avalanche throughout the coming weekends as holiday moviegoing traditions kick into high gear.’

    The industry looks to Cameron’s latest visual masterpiece to catalyze a sustained cinematic resurgence. While 2025 ticket sales show modest 1.3% growth over 2024 figures, they remain 22.5% below pre-pandemic benchmarks from 2019 according to Comscore data.

    Theatrical operators anticipate a robust 2026 lineup featuring major franchises including ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ ‘Dune: Part Three,’ Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey,’ and the ‘Star Wars’ spinoff ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu.’

    Returning stars Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington continue their portrayals of the nine-foot-tall Na’vi protagonists fighting to protect their planetary home of Pandora. Cameron has previously acknowledged the franchise’s substantial production costs necessitate massive financial returns to justify future installments. While Disney hasn’t disclosed official budgets, the original 2009 ‘Avatar’ accumulated $2.9 billion globally, with its sequel reaching $2.3 billion.

    The studio has already scheduled subsequent chapters, with fourth and fifth films planned for 2029 and 2031 releases respectively.