In a landmark decision, a bankruptcy judge has approved a $7.4 billion settlement against Purdue Pharma and its billionaire owners, the Sackler family, for their role in the U.S. opioid crisis. The deal, which was initially proposed in January, aims to conclude a protracted legal battle and provide much-needed funding for addiction treatment and prevention. This settlement represents an increase of over $1 billion from a previous agreement that was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court last year. Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, filed for bankruptcy in 2019 amid thousands of lawsuits accusing the company of aggressively marketing the highly addictive painkiller while downplaying its risks. The Sackler family, who have denied any wrongdoing, will relinquish ownership of Purdue Pharma, which will be replaced by a nonprofit organization, Knoa Pharma, dedicated to addressing the opioid crisis. The settlement does not grant the Sacklers immunity from future lawsuits. Individual victims are expected to receive up to $865 million, while the majority of the funds will go to state and local governments to support addiction treatment and prevention programs. The opioid crisis, which has been linked to over 900,000 deaths since 1999, has been exacerbated by the widespread use of OxyContin, a drug that Purdue Pharma marketed as safe despite its addictive properties. The Sackler family is set to contribute between $6.5 billion and $7 billion as part of the agreement. The settlement has garnered overwhelming support, with more than 99% of creditors voting in favor of the bankruptcy restructuring plan. California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the importance of holding Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers accountable, stating that the settlement will bring critical funding to those affected by the crisis.
标签： North America
北美洲
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Dubai’s Rayhan Thomas recharges, eyes Korn Ferry Tour comeback in the US
Dubai-born golfer Rayhan Thomas, 26, is set to return to the United States with renewed vigor as he prepares for Stage Two of the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying School. After a brief hiatus in Dubai following an Asian Tour event in the Philippines, Thomas is focused on reclaiming his spot on golf’s developmental circuit. His recent performance at Stage One of Q-School, where he tied for fourth with a 15-under-par total of 269, has bolstered his confidence for the upcoming challenges. Stage Two will take place from December 2–5 at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club in Savannah, Georgia, a familiar venue for Thomas. Success here could propel him to the Final Qualifying stage, where the top five players earn PGA Tour cards, and the next 40 secure Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2026. Thomas, who finished 88th on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour points table, narrowly missed retaining his card but remains determined. He plans to balance his schedule with the Asian Tour Final Qualifying School and potential DP World Tour events in Dubai. Reflecting on his journey, Thomas emphasized the importance of small margins and a positive mindset, inspired by his friend Zach Bauchou’s recent PGA Tour success. With a confirmed caddie for next year, Thomas is ready to focus on his game and let the results follow.
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Watch: How much do Americans care about the Epstein story?
Amid ongoing discussions among US lawmakers regarding the broader disclosure of the Epstein files, the BBC conducted a street survey in Washington DC to gauge public interest in the case. The Epstein saga, which involves allegations of sex trafficking and high-profile connections, continues to captivate media attention. However, the responses from locals revealed a mixed spectrum of concern and indifference. While some individuals expressed deep interest in the case, emphasizing its potential implications for justice and accountability, others appeared disengaged, citing fatigue from the prolonged media coverage. This divergence in public sentiment highlights the complex interplay between high-profile scandals and everyday concerns, raising questions about the broader societal impact of such cases.
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Trump to order investigation into Epstein’s alleged ties with Clinton and banks
In a significant development, former US President Donald Trump has announced plans to initiate an investigation into the alleged connections between convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein and prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton, as well as major financial institutions. Trump, via social media, stated that he would direct Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI to scrutinize Epstein’s ‘involvement and relationship’ with Clinton and others to uncover the extent of their associations. This move follows the recent release of over 20,000 pages of documents from Epstein’s estate by US lawmakers, some of which mention Trump. Clinton has vehemently denied any awareness of Epstein’s criminal activities. Trump also called for the Department of Justice (DoJ) to investigate JP Morgan and Chase, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, a notable Democratic donor. Trump emphasized, ‘Epstein was a Democrat, and he is the Democrat’s problem, not the Republican’s problem!’ A spokesperson for JPMorgan Chase expressed regret over any past association with Epstein but clarified that the bank did not facilitate his crimes. This investigation request precedes a crucial House of Representatives vote next week on whether the DoJ should release all files related to the Epstein probe. The vote was triggered by Democrat Adelita Grijalva’s swearing-in and her immediate signing of a discharge petition, which garnered the necessary 218 signatures to proceed.
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US to consider obesity, special-needs children as factors in refusing long-term visas
The United States is set to consider obesity and the presence of children with special needs as grounds for rejecting long-term immigrant visas. This move, part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, aims to prevent individuals who might become a ‘public charge’ from entering the country. In a recent directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed US embassies to evaluate visa applicants based on factors such as obesity, which could necessitate costly long-term medical care. Additionally, embassies are to assess whether dependents have disabilities or chronic conditions that might limit the applicant’s ability to work. The policy, first reported by KFF Health News and confirmed by a source to AFP, underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to reducing the financial burden on American taxpayers. The United States, already grappling with high obesity rates, particularly in states that supported Trump, will apply these criteria to immigration applicants but not to short-term visitors. This initiative aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to tighten immigration controls, including the deportation of undocumented migrants, even those without criminal records beyond immigration violations. Rubio has also targeted visa cancellations for individuals perceived as opposing US foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel.
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Peru eyes more Chinese investment after Chancay Port boost
Peru is actively pursuing increased Chinese investment to bolster its economic development and enhance public welfare, following the successful inauguration of the Chancay Port, a key project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Gonzalo Talavera, the charge d’affaires ad interim of the Peruvian Embassy in China, emphasized this goal during a recent event in Beijing, where he highlighted investment opportunities in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and public well-being. The Chancay Port, which celebrated its first anniversary on Friday, has emerged as a pivotal trade hub in Latin America, significantly reducing maritime transport times and boosting trade between China, Peru, and the broader South American region. According to Peru’s Customs authority, the port has facilitated $603 million in exports and $984 million in imports in the first nine months of this year, generating $207 million in tax revenue and supporting regional economic growth. Talavera noted that the port has enhanced connectivity for landlocked neighboring countries and reduced logistics costs across South America. He also praised China’s leadership in railway construction and solar energy, inviting more Chinese enterprises to invest in Peru and share their expertise. ‘We consider China a reliable partner,’ Talavera stated, adding that increased Chinese investment would drive Peru’s socioeconomic development and benefit both nations.
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AI that predicts future? UAE’s MBZUAI develops tech that anticipates ‘what’s next’
In a groundbreaking development, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi has introduced PAN, an advanced AI model capable of predicting future events while maintaining human-like consistency in its responses. Unlike existing systems such as OpenAI’s Sora and Google’s Veo, which often produce visually stunning but temporally inconsistent video clips, PAN excels in preserving scene structure and object continuity over extended sequences. This innovation marks a significant leap in AI technology, addressing a critical gap in current video generation models. PAN operates through a two-stage process: first, it creates an internal representation of the environment by recognizing objects, motion, and relationships over time. Second, it translates this understanding into coherent video outputs, updating them dynamically as instructions evolve. This approach ensures stability and realism, making PAN particularly valuable for applications in robotics, autonomous systems, and industrial planning. Developed collaboratively by MBZUAI teams in Abu Dhabi, Paris, and Silicon Valley, PAN is part of a broader initiative to reduce reliance on imported technology. The model and its technical documentation are freely accessible at panworld.ai, positioning the UAE as a leader in open AI research. PAN’s ability to anticipate outcomes and understand the physical world’s dynamics represents a significant step toward AI systems that can reason and predict with genuine accuracy.
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NMC Healthcare offers free health checks on World Diabetes Day
In a significant move to mark World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2025, NMC Healthcare, a leading private healthcare provider in the UAE, has announced the launch of free health screenings across various malls and community shopping centers in the country. The initiative aims to promote early detection and prevention of diabetes, a condition that affects millions globally. The screenings, available without prior appointments at designated NMC kiosks, will include essential tests such as blood cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, and BMI measurements. These tests are crucial for identifying prediabetes and diabetes, enabling timely medical intervention and lifestyle adjustments. Dr. Zaka Ullah Khan, Chief Clinical Officer at NMC Healthcare, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, ‘Diabetes is a pervasive health issue that transcends age and background. Early detection through screenings like these can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. NMC is dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes and empowering individuals to take preventive measures.’ The screenings will be held at multiple locations across the UAE, including Khalidiyah Mall and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, The Market Mall in Dubai, and Al Ramez Mall in Sharjah, among others. For further details, visit NMC Healthcare’s official website at https://nmc.ae/en.
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Salman Hyder: Simplifying the UAE visa experience for the world
In the dynamic digital environment of the UAE, Salman Hyder, a Pakistani entrepreneur, has emerged as a trailblazer in transforming the nation’s visa and business services. As the founder of UAEVisa.com and Express Business Formation and Services (EBFS), Hyder has redefined the landscape of online visa applications and business setup processes. His platforms have become synonymous with innovation, transparency, and customer-centric solutions. Born in Karachi, Hyder’s expertise in information technology and marketing has enabled him to simplify complex systems for global users, making the UAE more accessible to travelers and entrepreneurs alike. His journey began with the creation of DubaiVisa.com, a pioneering online visa platform. Despite its success, financial challenges led him to part ways with the project, fueling his determination to build something even more impactful. This vision materialized as UAEVisa.com, which has set new standards in the visa facilitation industry. The platform offers a streamlined, hassle-free process, ensuring applicants receive their UAE visas quickly and confidently. Beyond tourism, Hyder’s EBFS provides comprehensive business setup services, including company registration, licensing, and visa processing, empowering entrepreneurs to navigate the UAE’s dynamic business environment. Hyder’s work is driven by a commitment to trust and transparency, ensuring compliance with UAE government guidelines. His story is a testament to resilience and innovation, blending South Asian ingenuity with Middle Eastern opportunities. Looking ahead, Hyder envisions UAEVisa.com as a holistic travel and business facilitation ecosystem, integrating services like travel insurance and digital ID verification. His journey exemplifies how vision and purpose can transform challenges into extraordinary achievements.
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Walmart boss retiring after more than a decade
Doug McMillon, the long-serving CEO of Walmart, is set to retire in January, marking the end of a transformative era for the retail giant. McMillon, 59, has led the company for over a decade, during which Walmart significantly expanded its e-commerce operations and streamlined its international ventures. His successor, John Furner, a seasoned Walmart executive who rose through the ranks from store-level positions, will assume the role of CEO. Furner currently oversees Walmart’s U.S. operations and is poised to guide the company through its next phase of growth. The leadership transition comes at a time when Walmart has demonstrated resilience, achieving steady growth despite challenges such as new tariffs and fluctuating consumer spending. Greg Penner, Walmart’s chairman, praised McMillon for his strategic investments in digital capabilities, supply chain modernization, and employee development, which have strengthened the company’s financial performance. McMillon will remain on the board as an adviser until June 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. In a statement, McMillon expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead Walmart and lauded Furner’s readiness to drive the company’s AI-driven transformation. Despite the announcement, Walmart’s shares dipped by 2% in early trading, reflecting investor reactions to the leadership change.