President Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stating the crown prince knew nothing about journalist Jamal Khashoggi's 2018 murder. This statement contrasts with a 2021 U.S. intelligence report suggesting the crown prince approved the operation. During Crown Prince Mohammed's visit to the U.S., he announced plans for increased Saudi investments and discussed potential arms sales with President Trump.
Key Facts
President Trump said the Saudi Crown Prince had no knowledge of Khashoggi's murder.
A 2021 U.S. intelligence report claimed the crown prince approved the plan that led to Khashoggi's death.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the U.S. for the first time since the murder.
Saudi Arabia plans to increase its U.S. investments to $1 trillion.
Potential deals include civilian nuclear power and artificial intelligence.
Discussions included the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
Some concerns exist regarding the military balance in the Middle East with Israel.
Khashoggi’s widow called for an apology from the crown prince regarding her husband’s murder.
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President Donald Trump designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, which allows for increased defense trade and security cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. This designation followed talks and the signing of a strategic defense agreement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump also announced plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, raising concerns in Israel.
Key Facts
President Trump announced Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally.
This status allows closer military cooperation without being a NATO member.
There are 19 other countries with this designation, including Israel and Egypt.
A strategic defense agreement was signed during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit.
Trump plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, which worries Israel about its military edge.
Human rights groups criticize Saudi Arabia for its human rights record.
Congressional scrutiny is expected to increase over arms sales and human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.
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Britain's intelligence service, MI5, has warned lawmakers about Chinese espionage efforts in the UK. The warning mentions spies posing as headhunters to recruit officials and influence universities. China has denied these allegations, urging the UK to stop making such claims.
Key Facts
MI5 warned UK lawmakers about Chinese espionage activities.
Chinese spies allegedly pose as headhunters to recruit officials.
Alerts were sent to both Parliament and universities about these threats.
China's government denied the espionage allegations and asked the UK to stop.
Fake job postings on recruitment websites are reportedly part of the espionage.
China's embassy in London dismissed these claims as baseless.
The UK government will discuss foreign interference risks with university leaders.
A past spy case was dropped due to insufficient evidence against China.
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Marciano Brunette, from the show Vanderpump Villa, stated that Hulu's production team reviewed footage and cleared him of any wrongdoing involving Demi Engemann during a filming incident. Engemann accused Brunette of inappropriate behavior, but he denied these claims, stating all interactions were consensual. Brunette's account of events is supported by some castmates, while others question Engemann's version of what happened.
Key Facts
Marciano Brunette said Hulu cleared him after reviewing footage of an incident with Demi Engemann.
Engemann accused Brunette of inappropriate behavior during the filming of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and Vanderpump Villa.
Brunette denied the allegations and stated all interactions were consensual.
Engemann confirmed a kiss on the cheek but denied a kiss on the lips and claimed Brunette inappropriately touched her.
Some castmates questioned Engemann's claims, while others supported Brunette's version of events.
Engemann and Brunette reportedly had a friendly relationship during filming and exchanged contact details.
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Cristiano Ronaldo will visit the White House on the same day as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Ronaldo currently plays for a Saudi football team and has become a prominent figure in the country's sports modernization efforts. He has not visited the United States since 2016 and is not officially part of the crown prince's delegation.
Key Facts
Cristiano Ronaldo is visiting the White House on Thursday.
He last visited the U.S. in 2016.
An allegation of sexual assault was made against him in 2009, which he denied and was not charged for.
Cristiano Ronaldo plays for the Saudi football club Al Nassr.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will also be at the White House on the same day.
Ronaldo is involved in Saudi Arabia's sports modernization plans.
His salary with the Saudi football league is reportedly $200 million a year.
Ronaldo expressed interest in meeting President Trump.
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Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for a new sexual battery allegation from 2020. Combs, who is currently serving a prison sentence in New Jersey for charges related to prostitution, denies the allegation and maintains he will clear his name in court.
Key Facts
Sean "Diddy" Combs is under investigation for a sexual battery allegation from 2020.
The incident allegedly happened at a Los Angeles warehouse during a photo shoot.
Combs denies all allegations of sexual abuse, calling them false and defamatory.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's special victim's bureau is handling the case.
Combs is serving a four-year prison sentence in New Jersey for prostitution-related charges.
He was previously convicted in New York for charges related to a sex-trafficking operation but was found not guilty of the most serious charges.
The new allegation involves a male music producer who claims Combs exposed himself during a photo shoot.
Combs plans to fight the allegations in court, not in the media.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the White House and announced plans to invest around one trillion dollars in new partnerships with the United States. These partnerships will focus on areas like technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Key Facts
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the White House.
He promised nearly one trillion dollars in investments with the US.
These investments will include technology sectors.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also a key area for investment.
The announcement was made during his visit to talk about new partnerships.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated that Saudi Arabia is interested in joining the Abraham Accords to establish formal ties with Israel. However, he emphasized that this would only happen if there is a clear way to establish a Palestinian state.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia wants to join the Abraham Accords, which is a set of agreements to normalize relations with Israel.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is the leader making this statement.
He specified that a roadmap to Palestinian statehood is necessary for Saudi Arabia to proceed.
The Abraham Accords are a series of agreements originally facilitated during President Trump's administration.
The emphasis on Palestinian statehood highlights ongoing concerns about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is visiting the United States and has met with President Donald Trump. During the visit, the two countries are discussing a potential sale of up to 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The F-35 is a sophisticated, stealth-equipped fighter jet made by the U.S. company Lockheed Martin.
Key Facts
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is visiting the United States and has met with President Trump.
The visit marks the first time the crown prince has been to the U.S. since 2018.
The U.S. is considering selling up to 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
The F-35 is a stealth aircraft made by Lockheed Martin, designed to avoid radar detection.
Several countries partner with the U.S. to manufacture components or assemble the F-35.
The F-35 fighter jet is known for its advanced technologies, combining stealth with high-tech sensors and computing.
Saudi Arabia seeks the F-35 to enhance its air force capabilities.
Previous U.S. administrations did not agree to sell the F-35 to Saudi Arabia, partly due to Israel's opposition.
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The BBC announced that the police drama "Line of Duty" will return for a seventh series. Filming for the new series, featuring returning actors Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure, and Martin Compston, will begin in Belfast in the spring. The storyline will include a new character and focus on police corruption.
Key Facts
"Line of Duty" is coming back for a seventh series on the BBC.
Actors Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure, and Martin Compston will return to their roles.
Filming will start in the spring in Belfast.
The series will have six new episodes written by Jed Mercurio.
The last series ended in 2021, drawing over 17 million viewers for its finale.
The BBC did not initially plan to continue the series after the sixth one.
Series seven will feature a new character, Det Insp Dominic Gough, linked to a key storyline.
The main characters are dealing with a rebranded police unit focused on corruption.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated that Osama bin Laden organized the 9/11 attacks to damage the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. He made this comment while sitting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed U.S.-Saudi relations.
He said Osama bin Laden wanted to harm these relations with the 9/11 attacks.
The meeting took place with President Donald Trump present.
The Crown Prince emphasized that believing otherwise supports bin Laden's goal.
The discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining strong ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
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Researchers from the University of Oxford and Florida Institute of Technology have found evidence that kissing might have originated 21 million years ago in the common ancestors of humans and large apes. The study aimed to determine whether kissing is an evolved behavior or a cultural invention. By examining primate behavior, the researchers suggest that Neanderthals and other ancient species likely engaged in kissing.
Key Facts
Researchers suggest kissing may have started 21 million years ago with early ancestors of humans and large apes.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford and Florida Institute of Technology.
The research looked at kissing as "mouth-to-mouth contact that did not involve food transfer."
Only 46% of human cultures currently document kissing as a behavior.
Scientists used data from modern primate species that exhibit kissing behavior, like chimpanzees and bonobos.
The team ran simulations 10 million times to estimate kissing's presence in ancient species.
The study provides a framework for future research on nonhuman animal behavior.
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A Lebanese man is on trial in Germany for allegedly being part of Hezbollah's military wing, which is considered a terrorist group by the EU. He is accused of helping to support Hezbollah's drone program by buying materials from Europe, China, and the US. His trial is related to actions taken by Hezbollah against Israel, which included using drones for attacks.
Key Facts
The man on trial is a 35-year-old Lebanese national named Fadel Z.
He is accused of being involved with Hezbollah's military operations and their drone program.
Prosecutors say he started working for Hezbollah over 10 years ago and became involved in drone operations in 2022.
He allegedly helped procure drone components worth about €1.4 million.
The parts included petrol and electric motors and propellers, sourced from Europe, China, and the US.
Some of the parts were used in drones that attacked Israel, including one that hit a retirement home.
The trial is expected to continue until August next year.
The actions are linked to ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah, which intensified after October 2023.
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Hamas and other Palestinian groups in Gaza have rejected a UN resolution that proposes a new governance structure and international military presence in the region. They believe this plan undermines their right to self-rule and labels it as another form of external control. The resolution is supported by President Trump and some Arab countries, but criticized for not addressing key issues like ending Israeli occupation.
Key Facts
Hamas and other factions in Gaza oppose a UN resolution for a new governing body and international forces in Gaza.
They argue this action could limit Palestinians' right to self-governance.
The resolution is part of a plan led by President Trump and backed by several Arab nations.
Israeli operations continue in Gaza even after a recent ceasefire.
Some Gaza citizens and leaders criticize the UN plan, feeling it does not protect Palestinian interests.
The Palestinian Authority supports the resolution and aims to implement it.
Israeli air strikes targeted various areas shortly after the resolution's announcement.
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Congress voted to make the Epstein files public, with support from both political parties. Attorney Spencer Kuvin, who represents people affected by Epstein's actions, talked about the vote and future steps.
Key Facts
Congress voted to release the Epstein files.
Both political parties supported this decision.
The files are related to Jeffrey Epstein's actions.
Spencer Kuvin is an attorney for Epstein's victims.
Amna Nawaz interviewed Spencer Kuvin about the vote.
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A poll conducted by The Economist and YouGov shows that 45% of Americans do not support using U.S. military force to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power. The poll results come as the Trump administration considers military action against Maduro amid increased tensions in Latin America. Only 17% of those surveyed support military intervention, while 38% are unsure.
Key Facts
45% of Americans oppose using military force against Venezuela's President Maduro.
17% favor U.S. military intervention to remove Maduro from power.
38% of respondents are unsure about military intervention.
The poll surveyed 1,564 U.S. adults with a margin of error of 3.5%.
Nicolás Maduro has a low favorability rating of 6% among Americans.
The poll was conducted between November 15 and November 17.
The Trump administration has increased military operations in the region against alleged drug traffickers.
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has been deployed near Venezuela.
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The United States did not send representatives to the COP30 United Nations climate summit happening near the Amazon rainforest. John Kerry mentioned that this decision might weaken international teamwork on climate issues.
Key Facts
COP30 is the United Nations climate summit.
It is taking place near the Amazon rainforest.
Delegates from almost 200 countries are present at the summit.
The United States chose not to send any representatives.
John Kerry expressed concern that the U.S. absence might hinder global efforts in addressing climate change.
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A woman named Morwenna Loughman shared her experience of enduring multiple delays in the trial of her rapist, which left her deeply traumatized. The trial for her case was postponed twice before her attacker was convicted over two years after the crime. Research shows that trial delays are common, further highlighting issues in the justice system in England and Wales.
Key Facts
Morwenna Loughman was raped in February 2023 and her attacker was convicted in August 2025.
The trial was postponed twice at the last minute, causing significant distress to Ms. Loughman.
Research by Rape Crisis England and Wales indicated a rise in trial postponements from one in 10 cases in 2015 to one in three in 2024.
Ms. Loughman chose to waive her right to anonymity to bring attention to the trial delays.
She suffered severe psychological effects, including PTSD, nightmares, and flashbacks, as a result of the delays.
Justice Minister Sarah Sackman stated that the court delays were "absolutely unacceptable" and contributed to further trauma for victims.
The Ministry of Justice reported a record backlog in the Crown Courts, with over 78,000 cases pending as of June 2025.
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A study in The Lancet highlights the global rise of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which are foods made with industrial ingredients and additives. Experts warn that these foods are replacing fresh foods and are linked to various health issues. The study urges governments and companies to take action by improving access to healthier foods and regulating UPF production and marketing.
Key Facts
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are heavily processed foods and drinks with industrial ingredients.
The study published in The Lancet involves 43 global experts who call for public health actions.
UPFs contribute significantly to poor diet quality and are linked to conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
UPF consumption has increased in countries like Spain, China, Mexico, Brazil, the U.S., and the U.K.
Experts recommend measures like tax implementation on UPFs and better labeling to identify them.
UPFs often contain high levels of sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives, but little fiber and protein.
Researchers acknowledge the need for further research but insist on immediate actions based on existing evidence.
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The UK has made a change to its immigration policy, extending the time period for indefinite leave to remain from five years to ten years for those who arrived since 2021. This change will affect about 2.6 million people but will not apply to those who have already gained settlement.
Key Facts
The UK government changed its immigration policy.
The qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain is now 10 years.
This change impacts people arriving since 2021.
Approximately 2.6 million people will be affected by this change.
Those who already have settlement will not be impacted.
This announcement is part of a broader discussion on migration and budgetary issues.
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