Search Results

American and Syrian military forces carried out a series of coordinated airstrikes this week, targeting what officials identified as key ISIS weapons storage locations in southern Syria. The operation, which unfolded over several days, was aimed at cutting off the group’s ability to rearm and rebuild. According to U.S. military officials, the strikes were concentrated in the Rif Damashq region, an area where ISIS fighters have attempted to regroup following earlier territorial losses. Intelligence reports indicated that multiple storage facilities were being used to hide rockets, mortars, and equipment for producing improvised explosive devices. Between November 24 and November 27, coalition aircraft launched precision strikes on at least fifteen different sites. After the air attacks, ground teams moved in to confirm the destruction of the weapons and ensure the locations could no longer be used. Officials said more than one hundred mortars and rockets were eliminated, along with assault rifles, machine guns, anti-tank mines, and materials that could be used to assemble roadside bombs. Military leaders described the operation as a significant setback for ISIS, noting that the group has been attempting to rebuild small networks across the region. They emphasized that continued pressure — especially through joint operations — is crucial to preventing militants from regaining momentum. The mission also marked a rare moment of direct cooperation between U.S. and Syrian government forces, who have historically operated in the same region but not always in coordination. Officials said the collaboration was driven by shared concerns surrounding ISIS’s efforts to reestablish supply lines and stockpile weapons. No casualties among U.S. or Syrian personnel were reported. The military indicated that further actions may follow as intelligence teams assess whether any additional weapons caches remain hidden in the area. The strikes are part of a broader effort to contain ISIS’s presence in Syria, where remnants of the group continue to exploit remote terrain and political instability in an effort to rebuild their capabilities.

Federal authorities carried out a major drug raid in suburban Georgia that ended with the arrest of the brother of rapper Future, shaking both the local community and the hip-hop world. According to investigators, agents from the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration targeted a short-term rental home in Forest Park after receiving intelligence that the location was being used as a distribution point for large quantities of fentanyl. When agents moved in, they discovered what they described as a “high-level narcotics operation,” complete with packaging tools, a money counter, and stacks of cash. Inside the residence, officers detained Rico Deville Buice — widely known in the music world as FBG Casino, and recognized as Future’s brother. Authorities say they seized roughly 21 kilograms of fentanyl during the operation, along with hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash. A handgun was also recovered during the raid. Federal prosecutors quickly filed charges, accusing Buice of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, one of the most severe offenses under federal drug law. Because of the amount seized and the nature of the investigation, prosecutors requested that he be held without bond, calling him both a flight risk and a danger to the community. A conviction on the listed charges could carry a sentence ranging from ten years to life in federal prison. The news sent ripples through Atlanta’s music community, where FBG Casino has long been known as both a rapper and a close associate of his superstar brother. While Future himself is not connected to the case, the arrest has drawn public attention due to the family relationship and the size of the federal operation. Neighbors in the Forest Park area described waking up to lights, sirens, and a heavy law-enforcement presence as agents executed the early-morning raid. Some residents said they were stunned that such a large-scale drug bust had taken place in a quiet neighborhood that typically sees little police activity. Federal authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing and that the arrest is part of a larger effort to disrupt fentanyl trafficking networks across the region. More arrests could follow as agents work to trace the source of the drugs and the full extent of the operation. For now, Rico “FBG Casino” Buice remains in federal custody as he awaits his next court hearing. The case has quickly become one of the most talked-about stories in Atlanta, drawing attention not only because of the seriousness of the charges, but also due to the high-profile connection to one of the biggest names in modern hip-hop.

The U.S. government has announced a major policy shift that will restrict certain tax benefits for many immigrants, especially those who rely on refundable tax credits. Treasury officials say the move is meant to tighten eligibility rules and ensure that only U.S. citizens and certain qualified residents can receive what they describe as “federally funded public benefits.” What the New Policy Does Several major refundable tax credits — including the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Additional Child Tax Credit, the American Opportunity Tax Credit, and the Saver’s Match Credit — are being reclassified as federal benefits. Under this change, immigrants who do not fall under the government’s definition of “qualified” will no longer be able to receive the refundable portion of these credits. That includes many undocumented immigrants, some visa holders, and certain lawfully present residents who do not meet specific status requirements. Officials say the new rules are part of enforcing the 1996 welfare law that restricts public benefits for non-citizens. Who Could Lose Benefits The change could impact a wide range of immigrant families, such as: Parents who file taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Mixed-status households where U.S.-citizen children live with non-citizen parents Immigrants who work legally but have not yet reached a qualifying immigration status Students, humanitarian arrivals, and other visa holders depending on their category Many of these families have historically received hundreds or even thousands of dollars through refundable tax credits. Those payments may now be denied once the policy goes into effect. Why the Government Says It Is Making the Change Treasury officials argue that refundable credits have been accessed by people who, under federal law, were not supposed to receive public benefits. They say the new interpretation closes loopholes and aligns tax rules with existing federal restrictions. The administration frames the move as a way to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure benefits go to citizens or legally qualified immigrants. Why Critics Are Concerned Immigrant-rights groups and tax experts warn that the policy could have sweeping consequences. They argue that many immigrants who pay taxes every year and contribute to the economy will lose support that their families depend on. There are also concerns that reclassifying tax refunds as “public benefits” may create problems for immigrants going through the visa or green-card process. Even individuals who legally qualify for the credits may be afraid to claim them if they believe it could harm their immigration status. When the Changes Could Take Effect The government plans to move forward through the formal rulemaking process. That includes releasing a proposed rule, gathering public comments, and finalizing the policy. If the timeline holds, the new rules could apply as early as the 2026 tax year. What Happens Next Legal challenges and public pushback are expected. Meanwhile, tax professionals and immigration attorneys are advising immigrant families to monitor updates closely, since the policy could significantly affect household finances as well as immigration filings.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A confidential internal memo from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has triggered national debate after claiming that COVID-19 vaccines contributed to the deaths of 10 American children. The document, authored by Vinay Prasad, head of the FDA’s vaccine division, asserts that the fatalities were caused by myocarditis — an inflammation of the heart muscle that has been identified as a rare side effect of mRNA vaccines. According to the memo, the children died “after and because of receiving COVID-19 vaccination.” The internal analysis reportedly drew from federal vaccine-monitoring data and medical reviews, though the document does not publicly reveal the children’s ages, medical histories, or the specific vaccines involved. In response to the findings, the FDA announced plans to impose stricter safety requirements for all future vaccines. Proposed changes include requiring more comprehensive clinical data before approval, re-evaluating simultaneous vaccine dosing, and urging caution around vaccinating pregnant women. What Is Confirmed — and What Remains Unclear The memo states that 10 pediatric deaths were causally linked to COVID-19 vaccination. Myocarditis is identified as the suspected mechanism. The FDA has not yet released supporting evidence such as medical records or autopsy findings. Some of the analysis relies on vaccine-event reports, which can reflect unverified or coincidental events unless fully investigated. Because of these gaps, many scientists say more information is needed before the public can assess the memo’s accuracy. Controversy and Expert Reaction The claim has divided experts. Some former FDA scientists and independent researchers argue that no child deaths from COVID-19 vaccination have been conclusively documented in peer-reviewed science to date. They caution that drawing conclusions from incomplete data could mislead the public and fuel vaccine hesitancy. Others contend that the memo marks a turning point in regulatory transparency, saying the FDA has a responsibility to scrutinize vaccines more aggressively and openly. They argue that even rare risks must be acknowledged to strengthen trust. Several experts also warn that policy changes based on limited data could slow vaccine development at a time when rapid response capability is essential for future pandemics. What Happens Next The FDA is now under intense pressure to: Release full data justifying the memo’s conclusions Explain how causation was determined Consult independent medical specialists, including pediatric cardiologists Clarify whether the findings will affect current vaccination recommendations for children Congressional committees, medical associations, and public-health agencies are expected to demand transparency as the FDA prepares to overhaul its vaccine-approval framework.

A devastating wave of monsoon-fuelled flooding and landslides has swept across Southeast Asia leaving tragedy in its wake, with at least 500 people dead and many more missing or displaced as of late November 2025. What happened Since mid-November, a combination of unusually heavy monsoon rains and tropical storms has battered large swaths of the region, triggering catastrophic floods and landslides. Key epicenters include: Sumatra, Indonesia — the worst-hit area. According to the national disaster agency, the death toll on the island soared to 303 confirmed as of November 29, with more than 100 people still missing. Entire villages were swept away, roads and bridges destroyed, and thousands forced to flee their homes. Southern Thailand, particularly in eight-to-ten provinces — heavy rains and floods claimed at least 162 lives, notably in ‎Songkhla province, and left hundreds of thousands stranded or displaced. Central and southern Vietnam floods and landslides from relentless rainfall across an 800-kilometre stretch caused at least 90–91 deaths, with many more missing. The rural highland region around ‎Đắk Lắk Province was particularly hard hit. Other areas in the region, including parts of Malaysia, also reported deaths and widespread displacement. The scale of devastation In Sumatra, over 80,000 people have been evacuated, and hundreds remain missing, while entire communities were destroyed and relief efforts have been severely hampered by destroyed roads and blocked communications. In Thailand, floodwaters reached up to three metres in some areas. Morgues became overwhelmed; some victims’ bodies were stored in refrigerated trucks. In Vietnam — aside from the human toll — homes, infrastructure, and farmland were devastated; landslides rendered some highland roads impassable just when people needed to flee or receive aid. Across the region, tens of thousands are now homeless or displaced, with entire villages under water or buried under mud and debris. Underlying causes & broader context Authorities and meteorologists emphasize that the extreme devastation was driven by an unusually strong combination of seasonal monsoon rains and tropical-storm systems including an atypical “tropical cyclone” forming in the strait between Indonesia and Malaysia. Experts also warn that climate change by intensifying rainfall and increasing the frequency of such severe storms is exacerbating what would once have been considered “rare” natural disasters. Relief efforts and ongoing challenges Governments, military units, and emergency teams are mobilizing across the region: In Indonesia, airborne relief missions and helicopter deliveries are underway to reach isolated areas cut off by landslides and destroyed roads. Authorities in Thailand have promised compensation and support for victims’ families and are working to restore essential services; but public criticism has risen over perceived failures in initial flood management. In Vietnam, search-and-rescue continues in remote highlands, with forecasters warning of further rainfall and risks of additional landslides. But the scale of destruction destroyed infrastructure, blocked roads, mass displacement means that aid delivery, sheltering, and long-term recovery will likely be a massive, protracted effort. What this disaster underscores This catastrophe highlights the vulnerability of many Southeast Asian communities to extreme weather especially in mountainous or coastal regions where homes are close to rivers, floodplains, or steep terrain. The destruction also shows how climate change is turning rare events into recurring disasters, overwhelming existing disaster-response systems. Moreover, the human toll lives lost, communities shattered, futures disrupted is a sobering reminder of the urgency of investing in disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and climate-adaptation measures.

Why the IRS might owe you a refund even if you forgot If during a given tax year more money was withheld from your paycheck (or paid in estimated tax) than you owed in actual taxes or if you qualified for refundable credits — the IRS owes you a refund. Sometimes people don’t realize they are owed a refund because they never filed a return (especially if their income was low, or they believed filing wasn’t required). According to the IRS, many Americans each year have “unclaimed tax refunds” because they didn’t file. As of March 2025, the IRS publicly warned that over 1.1 million taxpayers still had unclaimed refunds for the 2021 tax year meaning money owed to the government that legally belongs to taxpayers. So yes it’s quite possible the IRS does “owe you money,” especially if you forgot to file or overlooked refundable credits. But there’s a clock: The “claim window” The law gives you three years from the original filing deadline (or extension date) to file a return and claim a refund. If you miss that three-year window, the refund is forfeited — the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. The IRS reminds taxpayers each year to check old returns or file late if eligible — because billions in refunds remain unclaimed nationwide. In short: the “money owed to you” doesn’t last forever procrastinate too long, and that refund disappears. What you can — and should — do now If you never filed for a year when you should have (or could have gotten a refund), check if you still qualify — and consider filing that return as soon as possible (within the 3-year window). If you did file but never saw a refund (or lost a refund check), use the IRS’s official tools — like “Where’s My Refund?” — to track your payment status. If a refund check was lost, stolen, or undelivered (say, because you moved), you can request a “refund trace” (e.g. using Form 3911) to recover the funds. Why many people don’t realize they’re owed Some folks mistakenly believe they’re not required to file if they made very little money — but that “low income” doesn’t automatically disqualify them from credits or refunds. Others may not file a return because they owe zero taxes, not realizing they might still get withholding back or refundable credits. The IRS sends fewer refund-related notices for older years, so unclaimed refunds accumulate quietly until someone checks. What this means in 2026 and why it matters In 2026, there’s a real opportunity for Americans to recover thousands of dollars or more that the IRS is holding. Many of those funds stem from years in which people didn’t file returns or forgot about refundable tax credits. But that opportunity won’t last forever: the three-year statute of limitations for claiming refunds means every year matters.

The surge of migrants reportedly accelerated after a far-right presidential candidate in Chile, José Antonio Kast, threatened mass deportations of undocumented immigrants if elected. That led many undocumented migrants — mostly Venezuelans — to leave Chile and attempt to enter Peru. Some crossings have turned chaotic: media reports show long queues of families, including children and elderly people, waiting near border posts between Chile and Peru. In response, Peru’s interim president, José Jerí, convened his Cabinet and issued the emergency decree. What the decree does The state of emergency authorizes increased deployment of the military alongside the national police to patrol the border and enforce immigration and public-order measures. It grants authorities broad powers to prevent unauthorized border crossings and aims to “protect public order and security” as migration pressures build — especially given the potential effects if the situation worsens. The decree is slated to cover the southern border region notably around the border city of Tacna for an initial period of 60 days, encompassing the time before and after Chile’s upcoming presidential election. Voices on the Ground At the border crossing point near Arica (on the Chile-Peru border), dozens of migrants including families with children were seen waiting to cross after reportedly leaving Chile in fear of imminent deportation. “We don’t know where to go,” said one mother, clutching her child’s hand and carrying only a backpack. Local authorities described the situation as “precarious.” Meanwhile, government officials defended the decision: Peruvian interior ministers said the move was “necessary to prevent a humanitarian crisis,” and to safeguard national security amid what they described as “unpredictable mass movements.” Humanitarian organizations though cautious urged Peru to ensure that border enforcement does not compromise migrants’ human rights, including access to shelter, food, and legal asylum procedures. Some worry that militarization could lead to abuses or leave vulnerable migrants stranded. Context: Not the First Time This is not the first time Peru has used emergency powers in 2025. In October, authorities declared a 30-day state of emergency in the capital region covering Lima and the port area Callao amid rising violent crime and widespread protests over insecurity. That decree empowered the military to patrol streets and suspended certain civil liberties, such as freedom of assembly. The dual use of emergency powers once for internal security, now for border control and migration underscores a pattern: the government is increasingly relying on extraordinary legal frameworks to respond to layered crises. What Happens Next and What’s at Stake Over the coming weeks, military and police presence along the border is likely to increase sharply, with border checkpoints, identity checks, and stricter entry requirements. Migrants already en route may face delays, detentions, or even forced returns if they lack proper documentation. Humanitarian concerns may mount: families may be left stranded between countries; local social services (in border towns) could be overwhelmed by inflows; and Peru may need to coordinate with international agencies if refugee-scale movements occur. Politically, the move may fuel tensions between Peru and Chile. If a new Chilean government does enact aggressive deportation policies, deportees might flood neighboring countries putting pressure on regional solidarity and testing border-management capacity. For Peru’s government, the emergency status may offer a short-term sense of control but it also raises questions about long-term solutions: how to manage migration humanely, ensure security without violating rights, and build institutional capacity to address root causes (poverty, migration flows, social instability).

What Trump just said and why it matters now In the wake of a deadly attack near the White House in which a 29-year-old Afghan national allegedly shot two members of the National Guard, killing one and wounding another —Trump declared he would “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries.” In that post, he also promised to end “all federal benefits and subsidies” to non-citizens, deport immigrants deemed “not a net asset,” and “denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility.” He framed it as necessary for the U.S. to “fully recover,” linking immigration to social dysfunction — citing crime, housing shortages, and fiscal strain. What actions are already underway The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reportedly halted processing immigration requests for Afghan nationals. Asylum decisions are on pause while the agency conducts what it calls a “rigorous re-examination” of asylum and Green Card holders from certain “countries of concern.” The freeze appears to extend beyond just Afghanistan. The administration is flagging the 19 countries listed under its travel bans previously — mostly nations in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia — as potential targets of the broader restrictions. At the same time, there’s talk of accelerated deportations and broader enforcement, even for lawful immigrants previously accepted under earlier administrations. What this means and what’s uncertain The sweeping “pause” marks a major expansion of Trump’s previous immigration agenda, shifting focus from just undocumented border crossings to legal migration and asylum too. Legal experts and immigrant-rights advocates warn that such broad measures especially ones that do not clearly define which countries qualify are likely to face court challenges, potentially like past bans under Trump’s first term. On a human level, the rapid change threatens to throw thousands of ongoing asylum or immigration cases (from various countries) into limbo. It also risks eroding trust among immigrant communities, even those who entered legally or years ago. Meanwhile, critics say the decision conflates isolated incidents with entire populations. Wider reactions domestic and global Supporters argue the move is a necessary step for national security and preserving social infrastructure amid what they view as uncontrolled migration. Some officials welcome the vetting and stricter review process. But many rights groups and refugee advocates along with international bodies are pushing back, warning the U.S. may be violating international refugee laws and abandoning long-standing protections for asylum seekers. Moreover, critics see this as political opportunism: using a tragic, singular crime to justify sweeping policy changes that target entire nationalities or regions.

From January 2026, new penalties for drivers are being introduced to increase road safety and deter dangerous behavior. Key changes include: Stricter penalty , points for offenses like speeding, mobile phone use (even just touching your phone), or not wearing a seatbelt will lead to faster license suspension. Higher fines Fines for common violations such as distracted driving, speeding, and seatbelt offenses are increasing. Repeat offenders who repeatedly break the rules will face harsher penalties, including longer suspensions and larger fines. Zero tolerance for mobile use Any interaction with a mobile device while driving can result in immediate penalty points and fines. These measures aim to reduce accidents and promote safer driving.

Trump said he may “substantially” cut and potentially “completely” eliminate the federal income tax in the coming years. He argued this could be possible because revenues from tariffs (taxes on imports) have increased significantly under his administration, and that those tariff revenues could replace much of the money the government currently collects from income taxes. Why he says this is possible The idea rests on using fast-growing tariff revenue instead of income taxes to fund federal spending. Tariffs have brought in more money recently under his trade policies. By shifting the burden to tariffs, Trump’s plan would reduce or even eliminate the need for Americans to pay taxes on their wages, salaries or other regular income. What to keep in mind / What critics note Income tax has been a foundation of federal government revenue replacing it with tariffs would require a massive increase in tariff income. Estimates suggest that tariff revenue would need to increase manyfold to match what is raised now from income tax. Some analysts and experts cast doubt on whether tariffs alone can reliably and sustainably replace income tax revenues due to economic, trade, and budgetary realities. What this means in practice If enacted as proposed, many Americans could see their federal income-tax bills shrink dramatically or go away altogether. However, the plan would likely mean higher tariff burdens (on imports), potentially raising costs of goods and affecting trade. The shift would represent a major restructuring of how the U.S. funds its government and would involve trade offs between simplicity, equity, revenue stability, and consumer costs.

In a pivotal gathering aimed at confronting the escalating climate crisis, world leaders met this week for an international climate summit where discussions centered on cutting global emissions, strengthening protections against extreme weather, and securing financial commitments for vulnerable nations. Officials from more than 190 countries attended the high-level conference, which builds on the goals of the Paris Agreement and recent UN climate negotiations. Throughout the sessions, leaders emphasized that global warming is no longer a distant issue but a present-day emergency demanding coordinated action. Sharper Emissions Targets and a Global Push for Clean Energy One of the strongest points of agreement came in the form of enhanced national commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several countries announced updated climate plans, promising deeper cuts this decade. A shared initiative to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 gained broad support, marking one of the summit’s most concrete outcomes. “Transitioning away from fossil fuels is no longer optional—it’s inevitable,” one European official said during the plenary discussions. Many delegates echoed the sentiment, highlighting that solar, wind, and other clean technologies are now cheaper and more accessible than ever. Global Methane Reduction Pledge Strengthened A major portion of the talks focused on methane, a potent heat-trapping gas responsible for significant warming. Dozens of new countries joined a pledge to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% this decade, targeting leaks in oil and gas operations, landfill pollution, and agricultural sources. Experts at the summit noted that methane reductions offer one of the fastest ways to slow global warming. Commitment to End Deforestation by 2030 Reaffirmed Leaders also reaffirmed a collective goal to halt deforestation by 2030, boosting funding for rainforest protection and Indigenous communities who serve as stewards of major forest regions. Several nations signed new agreements aimed at curbing illegal logging and expanding conservation zones. Financing for Vulnerable Nations Takes Center Stage Debate intensified around climate finance, particularly how wealthier nations should support developing countries already experiencing devastating floods, droughts, and rising seas. A significant development was the renewed commitment to the Loss and Damage fund, designed to help countries rebuild after climate-driven disasters. New pledges were announced, though advocates stressed that more contributions are still needed. “Communities on the front lines cannot wait another year for assistance,” noted a representative from a small island nation, urging wealthier countries to deliver on earlier promises. Building Resilience to Extreme Weather Adaptation strategies—often overshadowed in global meetings—received heightened attention this year. Leaders discussed stronger building standards, advanced hurricane-warning systems, heat-resistant agriculture, and coastal defenses as extreme weather becomes more frequent. A Global Effort With a Narrow Window As the summit concluded, leaders acknowledged that the world still has a narrow but achievable path to limit global warming if countries implement the commitments made on stage. “We are running out of time, but not out of options,” one UN climate official said in the closing session. The agreements forged at the summit now shift into a new phase: turning promises into action. Whether governments follow through will determine how effectively the world can navigate the accelerating climate crisis.

Kingston, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, left a trail of destruction across Jamaica, with four major hospitals suffering significant damage as the powerful hurricane swept through the island. The affected hospitals—Kingston Public Hospital, Cornwall Regional Hospital, Mandeville Regional Hospital, and St. Ann’s Bay Hospital—are among the country’s largest medical facilities and serve thousands of residents. According to the Ministry of Health, the hurricane’s 185 mph winds tore off sections of roofs, shattered windows, and caused flooding in emergency rooms and critical care units. At Kingston Public Hospital, the oldest and largest in the country, staff worked tirelessly to evacuate patients from flooded wards as water levels rose rapidly. Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay reported extensive damage to its power supply and water systems, forcing the temporary relocation of some patients to nearby clinics. Mandeville Regional Hospital, serving central Jamaica, experienced structural damage to its pediatric and maternity wings, while St. Ann’s Bay Hospital on the north coast faced severe flooding and loss of medical equipment. Despite the challenges, hospital staff and emergency responders worked around the clock to ensure patient safety and continuity of care. Health Minister Dr. Alicia Brown stated, “Our hospitals have been hit hard, but our teams are resilient. We are prioritizing repairs and mobilizing resources to restore full services as quickly as possible.” International aid organizations have begun delivering emergency medical supplies and equipment to support the recovery efforts. The damage to these hospitals has placed additional strain on Jamaica’s healthcare system, already stretched by the hurricane’s widespread impact. Authorities are urging residents to seek medical attention at temporary clinics set up in less-affected areas while repairs are underway. ---