Friday, November 29
House Democrats released documents revealing that Donald Trump's businesses received at least $7.8 million from 20 foreign governments during his presidency, including China and Saudi Arabia. The transactions, documented in a report from the House Oversight Committee, show how foreign governments interacted with Trump's properties such as the Trump International Hotel in Washington and Trump Tower in New York. House Democrats highlighted these transactions as a response to Republicans' attempts to link President Joe Biden to international business deals by his son Hunter Biden.
A US airstrike in central Baghdad kills a high-ranking militia commander involved in attacks on US personnel amid mounting regional tensions. The strike is condemned by the Popular Mobilization Force (PMF) and blamed on the US-led International Coalition Forces. The targeted individual, Abu Taqwa, was a leader of the Harakat al-Nujaba group, designated a terrorist organization by the US. The PMF, a coalition of Iranian-backed militias, played a significant role in the fight against the Islamic State.
Jeffrey Epstein's 'Lolita Express,' the infamous private jet used to transport VIP associates, will be scrapped by World Aviation Services. The Boeing 727, which has been grounded since 2016, has no buyers due to its connection to Epstein's sex trafficking empire. The current owner, after learning about the plane's notorious past, has decided to dismantle it for parts. The jet's interior, corroded and infested with mold, features a garish red couch and mirrored walls. The unregistered plane was used by Epstein to shuttle victims.
President Vladimir Putin issues decree allowing foreign nationals who fought for Russia in Ukraine to obtain Russian citizenship. They can apply for passports for themselves, families by providing documents proving commitment to one-year service. The aim is to incentivize foreigners with military experience to join Russian ranks. Russia has suffered significant toll in Ukraine war, with 315,000 dead and wounded troops. Russia initiated first mobilization since WW2, drafting 300,000 men. Both Russia, Ukraine have undisclosed losses. Ukrainian military proposes mobilization of 450,000-500,000 individuals.
Israel's spy agency Mossad head David Barnea said those involved in the October 7 Hamas attack "signed own death warrant". This comes a day after Hamas deputy chief Saleh was killed in a strike in Beirut. Speaking at the funeral of former Mossad chief Zvi Zamir, a supporter of Israel's ongoing mission to eliminate Hamas, Barnea talked about the decades-long operation launched by the late spy chief to hunt down Palestinian terrorists responsible for the murder of 11 Israeli athletes at 1972 Munich Olympics.
A spate of bomb threats forced evacuations of US statehouses but were declared hoaxes after Police found no explosives or suspicious equipment. The threats targeted state capitols in Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, and Montana. The FBI takes hoax threats seriously to protect innocent people. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety and Montana's Department of Administration General Services confirmed the threats were not credible. Connecticut's statehouse reopened after a hoax threat after safety was ensured and police cleared the state Capitol.
Pakistan sees farming potential in its Cholistan desert. The government plans to lease state-owned land to overhaul the agriculture sector. The military will have a significant stake in the project, raising concerns over profit made from public land. The army's involvement may hamper longer-term structural improvements needed to modernize farming. The Green Pakistan Initiative aims to boost crop yields and attract foreign investment. The army's involvement could provide stability for investors, but risks angering farmers. The initiative also aims to address the consequences of extreme weather and improve water sustainability.
