Breaking: Rebels Breach Aleppo, Syria's Second-Largest City

 

Rebel fighters have reportedly breached the city of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, after detonating two car bombs, according to sources on the ground and a war monitor. The blasts, which occurred on Tuesday, allowed the rebels to gain entry into the city, which has been a key battleground in the Syrian civil war.

 

Details of the Attack

Two car bombs were detonated in the western part of the city, causing significant damage and allowing the rebels to breach the city's defenses.
Rebel fighters, reportedly from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, entered the city and clashed with government forces.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based war monitor, confirmed the breach and reported that fighting was ongoing in the city.

Significance of the Breach

Aleppo has been a crucial city in the Syrian conflict, with the government and rebels fighting for control of the city since 2012.
The breach marks a significant setback for the Syrian government, which had maintained control of the city since 2016.
The rebel advance could potentially lead to a new wave of fighting and displacement in the city, which has already suffered significant damage and humanitarian crises.

International Reaction

The United Nations has expressed concern over the escalation of violence in Aleppo and called for a ceasefire to protect civilians.
The US and other Western countries have condemned the Syrian government's actions in the city and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The situation in Aleppo remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the situation develops.

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Assisted Dying Bill Passed in UK: British lawmakers have given initial approval to a bill allowing terminally ill adults end-of-life care

 

The UK's Assisted Dying Bill has cleared its first hurdle, with British lawmakers voting 330 to 275 in favor of the bill. This bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, would allow terminally ill adults to end their lives under strict criteria, marking a significant shift in the country's approach to end-of-life care.

 

The bill would apply only to adults who are terminally ill and have no more than six months to live. It would not apply to people with mental health conditions, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, or disabled people unless they also have a terminal illness. Two doctors would need to approve each application, and the bill includes safeguards to prevent coercion.

 

While some MPs expressed concerns about the bill, citing issues with palliative care and the potential for abuse, others argued that it would provide dignity and autonomy for those at the end of their lives. The bill will now proceed to the Committee Stage, where it will be scrutinized further before potentially moving to the House of Lords.

 

It's worth noting that this bill only applies to England and Wales, as health policy is devolved in Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, a similar bill is being discussed in the Scottish parliament, which could potentially lead to assisted dying being legalized in Scotland as well ².

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US judge denounces President Joe Biden's pardon of his son saying he misrepresented the criminal case

 

The judge who presided over Hunter Biden's federal tax case in Los Angeles rebuked President Joe Biden for pardoning his son this week, saying he misrepresented the facts of his son's criminal case when he announced the move.

 

 

In a brief order, U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi also called out the president for maligning law enforcement and the justice system in his rationale for issuing the clemency, and the judge even indicated that part of the pardon may be unconstitutional.

The criticism of a sitting president from a federal judge adds to the condemnation by both Republicans and Democrats of the president's extraordinary decision Sunday to give the "full and unconditional" pardon after repeatedly saying he wouldn't.

 

Scarsi, who was nominated to the federal bench by then-President Trump, took issue with the claim of unequal, biased treatment that the president invoked to spare his son prison time in the tax case. The pardon, which absolves Hunter Biden of any and all federal offenses in an 11-year period, also wiped away the verdict by a Delaware jury that convicted him of illegally purchasing a handgun.

 

"The President asserts that Mr. Biden 'was treated differently' from others 'who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions,'" Scarsi wrote.

The judge explained what he sees as the flaw in that thinking: Hunter Biden had pleaded guilty to tax evasion that occurred after he became sober, when he misclassified personal expenses like luxury clothing, escort services and his daughter's tuition as business expenses.

Scarsi also questioned Biden's assertion that no "reasonable person" could reach "any other conclusion" than Hunter Biden was singled out because of his last name.

"But two federal judges expressly rejected Mr. Biden's arguments that the Government prosecuted Mr. Biden because of his familial relation to the president," Scarsi wrote.

"And the President's own Attorney General and Department of Justice personnel oversaw the investigation leading to the charges.

"In the President's estimation, this legion of federal civil servants, the undersigned included, are unreasonable people," the judge wrote.

 

 

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Netflix reportedly leaves the Nigerian market after six years

Netflix has reportedly exited the Nigerian market as the country’s economy records further collapse. 

Film maker Kunle Afolayan seemingly confirmed this as he revealed that Netflix has cancelled previously commissioned projects. 

The streaming giant recently cancelled its Nigerian Originals and an executive reportedly cited cases where the film studios had no electricity and had to rely on generators on set. 

Officials at the major on-demand movies channel told The Gazette on Wednesday, Dec. 4, that the worsening economic situation under President Bola Tinubu made the decision inevitable.  

“We’re exiting the Nigerian market,” an official said under anonymity, pending an official announcement. “We’ve lost too many paying subscribers, and the exchange rate of naira against the American dollar also did not help us in any way.”   

The development came barely six years after Netflix entered Africa’s largest economy with the production of Lionheart.

 

 

 

Watch a video announcing the decision below.

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US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, sparking concerns about a potential trade war

 

US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all imported products from Canada and Mexico, citing concerns over illegal drugs and immigration . This move has sparked worries about a potential trade war and its impact on the economies of all three countries.

 

Canada is particularly concerned, as the US is its largest trading partner. The Canadian government has responded by emphasizing its commitment to border security and signaling potential disruptions to US energy security if tariffs are imposed .

 

The situation is complicated by the fact that Trump claims he doesn't need congressional approval to impose tariffs, although some experts argue that this is not the case ¹. The US Constitution grants Congress the authority to impose tariffs and regulate commerce with foreign countries.

 

In response to Trump's threat, Canadian officials are exploring various options, including encouraging US state governors and business leaders to challenge the tariffs in court ¹. They are also considering addressing some of Trump's concerns, such as increasing defense spending and reforming quota systems for poultry and dairy products.

 

The impact of Trump's tariff threat on Canadian agriculture is already being felt, with speculation about potential tariffs causing uncertainty in the sector ² ³.

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Sri Lanka's government has ratified a $14.2 billion debt restructuring agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

 

Sri Lanka's government has ratified a $14.2 billion debt restructuring agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This move is a significant step towards resolving the country's debt crisis, which began in April 2022 when Sri Lanka declared sovereign default .

 

The debt restructuring agreement was reached in September 2024, during the previous regime, and has been ratified by the new government. The agreement involves exchanging new bonds for existing ones, which will help reduce Sri Lanka's external debt .

 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also approved a staff-level agreement for the fourth tranche of Sri Lanka's $2.9 billion bailout package. This approval will facilitate the disbursement of around $330 million .

 

Sri Lanka's debt crisis has been ongoing for several years, with the country's external debt standing at $37 billion as of July 2024. The debt restructuring agreement is a crucial step towards resolving this crisis and restoring economic stability to the country .

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In Nigeria: A 4-year-old girl has been rescued from kidnappers in Kano

 

A 4-year-old girl named Nabila was rescued from kidnappers in Kano, Nigeria. According to reports, Nabila was abducted from Dakatsalle Village in the Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State .

 

Fortunately, the police were able to track down the kidnappers and rescue Nabila. The Kano State Police Command confirmed that the minor was rescued and reunited with her family.

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The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second term

 

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been reappointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a second four-year term, starting September 1, 2025 . This decision was made by the WTO's General Council, which agreed on her reappointment by consensus. Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, expressed her gratitude and highlighted the challenges she plans to address in her next term .

 

During her first term, Okonjo-Iweala focused on modernizing the WTO's rules to address contemporary challenges such as e-commerce, climate change, and vulnerabilities in global supply chains . She also championed equitable vaccine distribution and accessibility during the COVID-19 pandemic and advocated for the inclusion of developing nations in the global trading system .

 

Okonjo-Iweala's reappointment comes amid a changing political backdrop, with Donald Trump set to begin his second term as U.S. President . Despite initial opposition from the Trump administration during her first appointment, Okonjo-Iweala has maintained strong support from WTO members .

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Breaking News: Katsina government has approved a N70,000 minimum wage effective December 2024, following pressure from labor unions

The Katsina state government has indeed approved a N70,000 minimum wage, effective December 2024, after intense negotiations with labor unions . This decision comes after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) directed its branches to commence immediate strike action nationwide in states that were yet to implement the minimum wage regime .

 

According to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Faskari, the government thoroughly assessed its fiscal position and is confident in its ability to implement the new wage structure without compromising other developmental projects or essential services .

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In Nigeria: Kwara school teachers allegedly assault female Corps member 'for not greeting them properly'

 

A female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Kwara State, was allegedly assaulted by some teachers in Government Day Junior Secondary School, Kulende area of Ilorin for not greeting them properly.

 

According to the Nigerian Tribune, the incident happened on Thursday, November 28, 2024, when the corps member, names withheld, visited the school to collect her clearance letter.

Eyewitnesses claimed a teacher attacked her, tearing her NYSC white T-shirt, and was joined by another teacher who allegedly slapped her.

 

The head of Information and Public Relations of the NYSC in Kwara State,  Morakinyo Oladipo, who confirmed the incident, said that the scheme would seek redress for the attack against the corps member, adding that the state government has been briefed on the matter through the state ministry of Youth, the supervising ministry. 

 

Oladipo added that the corps member would be reposted out of that vicinity, “at least to calm her down to help her overcome the trauma"

 

“It’s a fact. The story is true and we’re writing a rejoinder. All necessary steps have been taken to seek redress for the assaulted corps member,” the spokesperson said.

"The NYSC has formally informed the state government through the honourable commissioner, the state ministry of Youth, our supervisory ministry and the state government has swung into action immediately since the news broke out.

 

“Presently, we’re in the orientation camp. All the necessary steps to seek redress for the corps member are being taken. The NYSC expresses its displeasure concerning the matter.”

 

On likely punishment to be done to the teachers, he said that the law would take its proper course. 

 

“We’re expecting investigation and proper action to be taken against the people that abused the corps member. The corps member that is on national assignment. Necessary steps will be taken to the extent that the law allows against such people that abused the female corps member,” he added. 

 

 

 

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Mexico's president has stated that the country will not close its borders despite former US President Trump's claims

 

Mexico's president has made it clear that the country won't be closing its borders, despite former US President Donald Trump's claims. This stance is likely a response to Trump's long-standing goal of building a wall along the US-Mexico border, which was a central promise of his 2016 presidential campaign .

 

Trump's vision for the wall was ambitious, with estimates suggesting it would cost around $21.6 billion and take 3.5 years to complete ¹. However, the project faced numerous challenges, including funding issues, environmental concerns, and opposition from local communities.

 

Despite these hurdles, the Trump administration managed to construct over 450 miles of new border barriers, including a 30-foot-tall steel bollard wall in some areas . However, the effectiveness of the wall in reducing illegal immigration and drug trafficking has been debated.

 

Mexico's refusal to close its borders is a significant development in the ongoing discussions around immigration and border security. It remains to be seen how this will impact relations between the US and Mexico, as well as the broader immigration debate.

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Anambra Police arrest 19-year-old who lures young girls he meets on social media to his home and holds them hostage until their families pay ransom for their release

 

Police operatives attached to Oba Police Divisional Headquarters of the Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra state today November 27 at about 11:54 am arrested one notorious K!dnapper and three other accomplices after a ransom of Two hundred thousand Naira was paid for the release of the victims in captivity. The operatives also rescued two female victims between the ages of 15 - 19 years in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. 

 

Preliminary investigation by the police revealed that the suspect, one Ifechukwu Ibesimako (M) aged 19 years of Aboji Village Oba and other three accomplices lured their victims through social media chats, by proposing friendship to them and holding them hostage until their relatives pay a certain amount to their gang before they are released. 

Also, the arrest of the suspect and his accomplice brought more revelations of their criminal activities in the area and a report of another female victim who had already paid ransom and was released months ago. 

 

Confirming the arrest to newsmen, the command's spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the state Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam while admonishing the teeming youths to be careful of the people they meet on social media, directed the immediate transfer of the suspect to the Anti-Kidnapping/robbery Squad of the Command for comprehensive investigations.

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Lux Helsinki Lights Up the City in Finland

 

Lux Helsinki is an annual light art event that takes place in Helsinki, Finland, typically in early January. The event features a wide range of light artworks by both international and Finnish artists, and it's free for visitors .

 

This year's event, Lux Helsinki 2024, took place from January 3 to 7, with over 20 installations displayed in the city centre, Hietaniemi Cemetery, and cultural centres. The event featured both specially commissioned works and light art that has toured around the world .

 

Some of the notable installations included "Talking Heads" by Viktor Vicsek/Limelight from Hungary, "SPECTRUM" by C999, and "City Gazing Helsinki" by VOUW from Amsterdam .

 

Lux Helsinki is organized by the Helsinki Events Foundation, and the artistic director is Juha Rouhikoski. The event is fully accessible and free for the whole family

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Swedish Activists Vandalize Finland's Parliament Building

 

Swedish and Finnish activists vandalized the Finnish Parliament Building in Helsinki on September 25, 2024. The activists, who were from the Elokapina climate activist group and the Swedish wetland conservation group Återställ Våtmarker, used fire extinguishers and red paint to deface the building .

 

The activists were protesting the Finnish government's decision to expand peat production in Sweden, despite receiving €450 million from the EU to cut peat production . The incident occurred around 08:00 on Wednesday morning, and the police arrested ten activists for aggravated damage, which can lead to up to four years in prison

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Take Action Against Gender-Based Violence: The Canadian government is taking steps to address gender-based violence and promote awareness

 

The Canadian government is taking concrete steps to address gender-based violence and promote awareness. A key initiative is the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, which aims to create a Canada free of gender-based violence that supports victims, survivors, and their families .

 

Key Pillars of the National Action Plan:

Pillar 1: Support for Victims, Survivors, and Their Families - Providing critical services and safe spaces for those affected by gender-based violence.
Pillar 2: Prevention - Addressing the root causes of gender-based violence through education and awareness.
Pillar 3: Responsive Justice System - Ensuring the justice system is responsive to the needs of victims and survivors.
Pillar 4: Implementing Indigenous-Led Approaches - Working with Indigenous communities to develop tailored approaches to address gender-based violence.
Pillar 5: Social Infrastructure and Enabling Environment - Creating a supportive environment that promotes gender equality and challenges systemic barriers .

Additionally, the Canadian government has committed $100 million to support organizations addressing gender-based violence, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic ². These efforts demonstrate the government's dedication to addressing this critical issue and promoting a safer, more equitable society for all.

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Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface Continue Bromance: The bond between Super Eagles strikers Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface seems to be getting stronger ¹.

 

Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface, two Nigerian strikers, have been making waves with their impressive performances on the field, and their friendship off the field is equally noteworthy. According to Victor Boniface, Victor Osimhen even predicted that he would win the Bundesliga .

 

Their bond has been growing stronger, with both players supporting and encouraging each other. Osimhen, who plays for Napoli, and Boniface, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, have been instrumental in Nigeria's Super Eagles team.

 

Boniface has been having an impressive season, scoring crucial goals and helping his team secure important wins. His performance has earned him recognition, including being named the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month and Player of the Month .

 

The friendship between Osimhen and Boniface is a testament to the camaraderie and sportsmanship that exists among Nigerian footballers. As they continue to make their mark on the football world, their bond will undoubtedly remain a source of strength and inspiration for both players.

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Unbeaten Amuneke Battles Super Eagles Assistant: Nigerian legend Emmanuel Amuneke is set to face off against Fidelis Ilechukwu, the assistant coach of the Super Eagles, in a highly anticipated Southeast derby

 

Nigerian football legend Emmanuel Amuneke is gearing up for a thrilling showdown against Fidelis Ilechukwu, the assistant coach of the Super Eagles, in the Southeast derby . This highly anticipated match promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with Amuneke's unbeaten run on the line.

 

Amuneke, who recently took charge of Heartland FC, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having won the FIFA U-17 World Cup with Nigeria in 2015 . His opponent, Ilechukwu, is a seasoned tactician with a strong track record in Nigerian football.

 

The stage is set for a fascinating encounter, with both teams eager to make a strong impression in the league. Will Amuneke's unbeaten run continue, or will Ilechukwu's tactical prowess prove to be the deciding factor? The Southeast derby is sure to be an unmissable event for football fans in Nigeria.

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Canada's Response to the Crisis in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip

 

Canada's response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip has been multifaceted. The Canadian government has been actively working to help Canadians depart from the region, with a focus on ensuring their safety and security .

 

In October 2023, the Canadian government provided an update on assisted departures out of Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. At that time, they had successfully assisted 33 departures from the West Bank and were planning for further transfers .

 

The government has also been working to secure a window for Canadians to exit Gaza. They have been in direct contact with Canadians in the region, providing them with the latest information and support .

 

Additionally, the Canadian government has been providing consular services to Canadians in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. They have also been working with partners and like-minded governments, as well as with the international community, to address the situation .

 

For Canadians who need emergency consular assistance, the government has provided contact information, including a telephone number, email, and SMS .

 

Key Resources:

Canada's Response to the Crisis in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip: This webpage provides information on the Canadian government's response to the crisis, including updates on assisted departures and consular services .
Travel Advice and Advisories for Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip: This webpage provides travel advice and advisories for Canadians traveling to or living in the region .
Registration of Canadians Abroad: This service allows Canadians to register with the government so they can receive important safety and security updates about the region

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Simon Ekpa, a prominent Biafran separatist leader, has been Invited in Finland by Finnish authorities on suspicion of incitement to commit terrorist acts .

 

Simon Ekpa, a prominent Biafran separatist leader, has been Invited in Finland on suspicion of incitement to commit terrorist acts . The Invitation was made by Finnish authorities on Thursday, following an investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) . Ekpa, who represents the National Coalition Party on Lahti's public transport committee, is accused of using social media to incite violence and unrest in southeastern Nigeria .

 

As the self-acclaimed "Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile," Ekpa has been advocating for the secession of the Southeast and parts of neighboring states from Nigeria to form a sovereign Biafra nation . His tactics include enforcing an illegal stay-at-home order every Monday in the region, leading to huge economic disruption as residents comply out of fear of violence .

 

Ekpa's Invitation comes after the Nigerian government had made several unsuccessful attempts to extradite him from Finland . The Nigerian government has accused Finland and the European Union of allowing Ekpa to continue his activities, which they say are destabilizing the Southeast region .

 

It's worth noting that Ekpa has been involved in the Biafran independence movement since 2019 and has been linked to various militant groups, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA) . However, IPOB has dissociated itself from Ekpa's activities, stating that they are a peaceful organization .

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Bode George claims Nigerians are eager to vote President Tinubu out of office due to hardship

 

Bode George, a prominent figure in Nigeria's Peoples Democratic Party, has been vocal about President Bola Tinubu's administration, stating that Nigerians are eager to vote him out of office due to the current hardship . This sentiment comes amidst widespread dissatisfaction with the government's handling of economic issues.

 

It appears that George's comments have sparked a response from the Akwa Ibom Steering Committee of the Tinubu Support Group, which criticized him for being "out of tune with reality" . This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.

 

President Tinubu, however, has been focusing on promoting investor confidence in Nigeria, recently vowing to address bribery and corruption . Despite these efforts, the economic challenges facing the country remain a significant concern for many Nigerians.

 

Nigeria is facing significant economic challenges, including a poverty rate estimated to have reached 38.9% in 2023, with around 87 million Nigerians living below the poverty line . The country is also struggling with insecurity, particularly in the north-east region, and spatial inequality, with some regions performing better than others.

 

To address these challenges, the Nigerian government has been working on several initiatives, including:

Macroeconomic Reforms: The government has been implementing reforms to promote diversified growth and job creation, with a focus on youth, women, and the poor in marginalized areas ¹.
Human Capital Development: The government has been investing in human capital development, including education and healthcare, to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the workforce ¹.
Infrastructure Development: The government has been investing in infrastructure development, including energy, transportation, and water supply, to improve the business environment and promote economic growth ¹.
Social Protection Programs: The government has been implementing social protection programs, including cash transfers and scholarships, to support the most vulnerable populations ¹.

These initiatives are supported by international organizations, such as the World Bank, which has been providing financing and technical assistance to Nigeria to support its development agenda

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