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Two US soldiers and an interpreter killed in suspected Daesh attack in Syria

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Two US soldiers and an interpreter killed in suspected Daesh attack in Syria
US forces are seen at the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) headquarters in Mount Karachok in this undated image near Malikiya, Syria. — Reuters/File
  • Convoy targeted during key leader engagement.
  • Three US soldiers wounded in attack: Centcom.
  • The US ambassador to Türkiye condemns the attack.

Two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed on Saturday by a suspected Daesh attacker who targeted a convoy of American and Syrian forces, the US military said.

The attacker was a member of the Syrian security forces, three local officials told Reuters. A Syrian Interior Ministry spokesperson told a state-run television channel that the man did not have a leadership role in the security forces.

“On December 10, an evaluation was issued indicating that this attacker might hold extremist ideas, and a decision regarding him was due to be issued tomorrow, on Sunday,” the spokesperson, Noureddine el-Baba, told Syrian television channel Al-Ikhbariya.

Central Command says the attacker was killed

Three US soldiers were also wounded in the attack, the US military’s Central Command said.

In a statement, Central Command said the attack by a lone gunman occurred “as the soldiers were conducting a key leader engagement” in the central Syrian town of Palmyra.

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth wrote in a social media post that “Partner forces” killed the attacker.

A senior US official said initial assessments indicated that Daesh probably carried out the attack, although the militant group did not immediately claim responsibility.

It took place in an area not controlled by the Syrian government, the official said.

Baba said Syria had warned about the possibility of a Daesh attack in that region, but “coalition forces did not take the Syrian warnings… into account.”

He stated that Syria would ascertain whether the attacker was affiliated with Daesh or simply adhered to the group’s ideology.

The soldiers’ names will be withheld until 24 hours after the next-of-kin notification, the US military said.

US envoy condemns the attack

Syrian state news agency SANA quoted a security source as saying two Syrian service personnel were injured, without providing further details.

The source told SANA that American helicopters evacuated the injured to a US base in Syria’s Al-Tanf region near the Iraqi border.

Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Türkiye and special envoy to Syria, condemned the attack.

“We mourn the loss of three brave US service members and civilian personnel and wish a speedy recovery to the Syrian troops wounded in the attack,” Barrack said in a statement.

“We remain committed to defeating terrorism with our Syrian partners.”

The attack was barely a month after Syria announced it had signed a political cooperation agreement with the US-led coalition against Daesh, which coincided with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to the White House.

The coalition has carried out air strikes and ground operations in Syria targeting Daesh suspects in recent months, often with the involvement of Syria’s security forces.

Syria last month also carried out a nationwide campaign, arresting more than 70 people accused of links to the group.

The United States has troops stationed in northeastern Syria as part of a decade-long effort to help a Kurdish-led force there.

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How much your data is worth – and how to stop people profiting from it | Money News

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How much your data is worth – and how to stop people profiting from it | Money News

Companies generate massive profits from people’s information, with experts describing user data as “the new oil.”.

Some of these companies are household names, but many are unknown, with one analyst describing the relationship between companies and users as “David vs. Goliath.”

Is there anything you can do about it, or are you resigned to having companies know all about you – and make money on it?

How do companies collect data?

Sam Jones, founder of Gener8, a company that helps users make money from their data online, told our Money team how companies farmed data on users.

“Companies collect data about people through a range of methods, many of which operate quietly in the background as we go about our daily lives,” he said.

“Most of us have heard of ‘cookies’, but perhaps many of us don’t realise that a ‘cookie’ is really another word for a tracker.

Clicking “accept” on a cookie banner allows the website to track you and often hundreds of other companies hidden in the terms and conditions.

Other methods of data collection include (but are not limited to):

• Pixels: Tiny images embedded on websites and emails that track activity;
• Device fingerprinting: Sites gather device-specific information (for example, screen size, browser type, font type) to create a unique way to identify it;

• And mobile apps: Many include third-party software that sends data to other companies about users – this can be location or usage habits for example.

Companies known as data brokers also gather user data, which they then sell to advertisers, insurers, or even political groups.

“In the end, users frequently hand over significant amounts of data without fully realising the scale of what’s being collected, how it’s being used, or who it’s being shared with,” Jones told Money.

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What data do companies collect?

Experts say collected data largely falls into two categories:

• Personal data: Information about users, such as name, email, phone number and location;
• Behavioural data includes information on how users interact with websites and which ones they visit.

what they search for, how they search, where they click, and how long they spend on each part.

Together, they can be used to predict interests, habits, and even life events.

Why do companies collect data?

Advertising is one of the main – and most profitable – reasons companies collect data.

If companies understand users better, they’re better placed to sell their products (or help others sell them).

We’ve already mentioned data brokers, which sell the user information itself to companies that are hoping to reach people for various reasons.

Another big use is research, because knowing more about users lets companies spot trends (or problems) and inform decision-making.

But Oliver Devane, senior security researcher at McAfee, explained to Money that information gathering wasn’t all sinister.

“One reason why is basically to improve the user experience as well,” Devane said. He gave the example of a video-sharing platform tailoring its experience to a football fan by showing them videos of the sport and their club.

Tilman Harmeling, a data protection expert at Userscentrics, added that some data collection activities undertaken by companies are a legal requirement.

What can you do about it?

It can seem daunting, knowing that information about you is out on the internet, and our experts have tips to help – but it’s not easy.

Money was repeatedly told that the best first step was to know where your data is on the internet.

Various online tools will, for a price, scrape through the internet to see which companies have a user’s information and remove it for them.

But to achieve this yourself (for free), you need to conduct a personal digital audit. To accomplish this, follow these steps:

• Examine your emails to determine what subscriptions you have;
• And search your name and phone number on various search engines to see where you pop up.

Once you’ve identified where your information exists, you can go about scrubbing it. Sites that may have your data will have a privacy policy (they all do), and Devane says to look out for sections that refer to users’ rights or data.

From here, you can often find how to request a deletion or can contact the company to do so.

With more recent privacy laws, you can also submit legal requests to take down your data – for example, Google’s Results About You tool.

Forgotten accounts can also be a hub of a user’s data on the internet, so don’t forget to purge them, deleting any unused profiles.

Similarly, be cautious about who you share your data with from the off and be choosy about app permissions on your mobile – delete old and unused apps because fewer apps mean fewer avenues of data collection.

Meanwhile, on social media pages, it’s always worth being aware of what you’re sharing and what your privacy settings are.

There are also technical ways to protect your data online, according to Devane. He said people could use protection software such as VPNs.

Our experts generally recommended that people do a clean-up regularly but all acknowledge the difficulty of this and how the issue is stacked against users.

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Australia social media ban: Why isn’t gaming included?

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Australia social media ban: Why isn’t gaming included?
Getty Images Concentrated teenage girl gamingGetty Images
Critics say gaming platforms should be included in Australia’s ban on social media for under-16s

Wednesday afternoons have become a ritual for 15-year-old Sadmir Perviz. It’s a circuitous route from home in Perth to Fiona Stanley Hospital – but it’s worth it, he says, to sit down for a game of Dungeons & Dragons with people he may not know but with whom he shares a great deal in common.

Sadmir and his board game companions are just some of the 300 patients at the gaming disorder clinic, Australia’s only publicly run institution of its type, helping patients wean themselves off excessive online gaming habits.

The room where they met is a simple space in a faceless hospital, but in the corner, there’s a pile of board games on a chair. Both patients and clinicians attend the informal group, where popular choices include Jenga, Uno, and Sushi Go.

It’s a bit of a departure for the 15-year-old who, until a couple of months ago, preferred to play games with friends online for 10 hours a day.

“It feels completely different,” says Sadmir. “You get to roll the dice instead of clicking a button. You can interact with people, so you actually know who’s there rather than just being on a call with random people.”

Dr. Daniela Vecchio, the psychiatrist who set up the clinic, says that while gaming isn’t bad in itself, it can become a problem – an addiction even.

Gaming platforms and social media pose similar risks for children: excessive time spent online and potential exposure to predators, harmful content or bullying.

So she wonders why gaming platforms have not been included in Australia’s “world-first” social media ban for under-16s.

The ban, which came into force on Wednesday, is supposed to prevent teens from having accounts on ten social media platforms, including Instagram, Snapchat, and X. Children will still be able to access platforms like YouTube and TikTok, but without accounts.

For Vecchio, the omission of gaming platforms is odd.

“It doesn’t make much sense,” she says.

“Gaming and social media are so interconnected, it’s very difficult to separate.

“The individual who plays games for excessive amounts of time also spends excessive amounts of time on social media platforms where they can see other gamers or can live stream gaming, so it’s a way to connect.”

A woman with short brown hair a flowery shirt stands in a hospital corridor and looks at the camera.
Dr Daniela Vecchio runs Australia’s only publicly funded clinic for gaming disorder clinic

Sadmir, for example, spent much of his time on the gaming platform Steam, as well as YouTube. Dr. Vecchio singles out the platforms Discord and Roblox as particular worries—a concern echoed by many experts and parents the BBC has spoken to about covering the ban and its impact.

Both Roblox and Discord have been dogged by claims that some children are being exposed to explicit or harmful content through them and are facing lawsuits relating to child safety in the US.

Roblox introduced new age assurance features in Australia and two other countries weeks before the social media ban kicked in, with the checks due to be rolled out to the rest of the world in January. The checks will “help us provide positive, age-appropriate experiences for all users on Roblox,” the company said.

Discord also introduced age checks for some features earlier this year, and on Wednesday, it said it was introducing a new “teen-by-default” setting for all Australian users.

The ‘wild west of internet usage’

Former gaming clinic patient Kevin Koo, 35, wonders whether a social media ban could have influenced the access he got at a younger age.

“I grew up in an environment where internet usage was unrestricted,” he says. “I essentially had unrestricted access to the internet.” Therefore, I believe that the harm has already occurred.”

A former quantum finance intern interested in AI, Mr Koo lost his job just before the pandemic. Living in Sydney, he had no family nearby and no regular work. He says he lost confidence and ended up consumed by online gaming, likening his experience to substance abuse.

Dr. Vecchio agrees with the comparison – if she had her way, she’d be tempted not just to expand the social media ban to gaming but also to raise the age to 18.

Gaming disorder is also now recognised by the World Health Organisation as an official diagnosis and, according to a 2022 Macquarie University study, around 2.8% of Australian children are affected by it. Vecchio thinks the number at risk is higher.

A man with short dark hair standing in front of a building and a tree smiles at the camera.
Kevin Koo, 35, wonders whether he might have benefited from a social media ban

The Australian government says its ban is about protecting kids from harmful content, cyberbullying, online grooming and “predatory algorithms” among other things – some or all of which could arguably be said to exist with gaming platforms.

The Australia Federal Police are among those who have warned chatrooms on these sites are hotbeds for radicalisation and child exploitation.

But, as the eSafety Commissioner said last month, the legislation enforcing the ban means platforms were not selected according to “safety, a harms or risk-based assessment”.

Instead, platforms have been selected according to three criteria: whether the platform’s sole or “significant purpose” is to enable online social interaction between two or more users; whether it allows users to interact with some or all other users; and whether it allows users to post.

Exceptions were made for gaming, for example, because its primary purpose is not social-media style interaction.

The law, say some experts, makes no sense.

“It’s incompetence, it’s reactionary,” says Marcus Carter, professor of human-computer interaction at the University of Sydney.

“Social interaction is not a bad thing… There are a bunch of probably legitimate concerns about these big tech platforms and what they are affording children and what they are exposing them to so as a result we’ve said we are banning social media.

“I just wish the government was trying to figure out how to help rather than put a band-aid on a bullet wound,” he says.

Watch: Australia’s social media ban explained… in 60 seconds

Tama Leaver, professor of internet studies at Curtin University and chief investigator at the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, also says the ban on social media is too blunt a tool – instead a more nuanced approach is needed, including towards gaming platforms.

“There is such a wide spectrum of gaming from incredibly positive, nurturing, fun, creative, expressive spaces – something like Minecraft comes to mind where it’s had so many positive uses.” However, platforms like Roblox are at the other end of the spectrum, he says.

“Roblox isn’t a game. It’s a series of enabling tools for other people to make games. And we know that some of the games that have been made that clearly feel like they’re meant for adults have been accessed by very young people.”

On Professor Leaver’s desk at the university are three plushies with inbuilt ChatGPT inside them. On the box, it says they are suitable for three and above. This, he says, has also gone too far.

“I do think there needs to be age-appropriate regulation,” he says, referring to young people going online. “I do think we’re at a moment, and it’s not just Australia, you look across the EU, there is huge appetite for all sorts of regulation.”

A treatment plan, not a cure

In Mr Koo’s case, for example, his vice wasn’t just gaming. It was AI chatbots, another feature of online life that has come under scrutiny for everything from making things up to allegedly encouraging children to kill themselves.

There is evidence they are designed to manipulate users into prolonging interactions and their use has even given rise to a new phenomenon called AI psychosis, in which people increasingly rely on AI chatbots and then become convinced that something imaginary has become real.

Mr Koo also started googling his mental health issues and relying on AI to help confirm his diagnoses.

“You’re Googling stuff that you think you already know and then you kind of tick the box after that saying, oh, I’ve already done my work for today, my therapy work with ChatGPT,” he says. Mr Koo suffered a psychotic episode and after extensive therapy with a professional, he now takes a different approach.

“I might Google or ChatGPT something and then I’ll check it with my therapist in person,” he says. “I do think being able to read human emotions and having that face-to-face conversation with someone is completely different.”

The government has said it will continually review the list of banned platforms and at the end of November added Twitch, a streaming platform where people typically play video games while chatting to viewers.

Communications Minister Anika Wells also told the BBC last week that the eSafety Commissioner “definitely has her eye on Roblox”. And, she said, the social media ban “isn’t a cure, it’s a treatment plan” that will “always evolve”.

The demand for platforms to do better is growing. So too are the queues of families waiting to get help at the gaming disorder clinic, but Vecchio has to turn them away.

“[The legislation] is excluding platforms where children interact with many others and some of them can be people who harm them,” says Vecchio. “Children need to be protected, they need to be safeguarded.”

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The conclusion of a 28-day pause in small boat crossings has once again highlighted the fragility of the migration debate.

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The conclusion of a 28-day pause in small boat crossings has once again highlighted the fragility of the migration debate.

The end of a 28-day pause in small boat crossings has once again exposed the fragility of the migration debate.

For almost a month, no migrants were recorded arriving in the UK by small boat – the longest uninterrupted lull since 2018.

Quietly, ministers welcomed the timing. Public pressure over Channel crossings has remained intense, and the absence of arrivals offered a rare moment of political breathing space.

But Saturday’s new crossings have brought that pause to an abrupt end, reinforcing a long-running problem for successive governments: migration numbers are volatile, weather-dependent, and politically unforgiving.

December has always been one of the quietest months for Channel crossings. Cold temperatures, poor visibility and rough seas make the journey significantly more dangerous, and arrivals typically fall.

People attempt to cross the English Channel from northern France in August. Pic: Reuters
Image:
People attempt to cross the English Channel from northern France in August. Pic: Reuters

Critics argue that presenting the lull as progress risks mistaking seasonal conditions for policy success. The return of boats as soon as conditions eased underlines what campaigners describe as a “one in, one out” reality – any short-term dip can quickly be reversed.

Small-boat crossings have become a defining symbol.

This is significant due to the high political stakes involved. Small-boat crossings have become a defining symbol of government control over borders—or lack thereof.

The prime minister has repeatedly promised to stop the “vile trade” of migrants in the Channel, while the home secretary has set out a tougher stance focused on deterrence, faster removals, international cooperation and disrupting smuggling gangs.

Yet the numbers continue to test that claim. Total arrivals this year stand at 39,292, up from 36,816 at the same point last year—a rise of around 7 percent.

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3:29

Chaos in asylum hotel system ‘terrifying’, says insider
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Convicted terrorist jailed after entering on a small boat
France to be able to intercept boats in Channel

Even with periodic lulls, the overall trajectory remains stubbornly high. For ministers, that makes it difficult to point to clear evidence that policy, rather than circumstance, is driving change.

Opposition parties have seized on that tension. Labour argues that the Conservatives left behind a broken asylum system and that long-term solutions will take time.

The Greens, led by Zack Polanski, reject what they see as headline-driven politics altogether, calling for a managed but more humane system – including allowing asylum seekers to work – while dismissing claims they support open borders.

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France to intercept small boats

What Saturday’s crossings show is that migration policy rarely offers clean political wins. Governments want decisive moments – a turning point, a breakthrough – but the Channel does not operate to political timetables.

As winter passes and crossings inevitably rise again, the government will be judged not on short pauses, but on whether it can deliver sustained reductions without relying on the weather to do the work for it.

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Next plots swoop on family-owned shoe chain Russell & Bromley | Money News

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Next plots swoop on family-owned shoe chain Russell & Bromley | Money News

Next, the high street fashion giant is plotting a swoop on Russell & Bromley, the 145-year-old shoe retailer.

Sky News has learnt that Next, which has a market capitalisation of £16.6 billion, is among the parties in talks with Russell & Bromley’s advisers about a deal.

City sources said this weekend that several other suitors were also in the frame to make an investment in the chain, although their identities were unclear.

The talks come during the busy Christmas shopping season, with retail bosses hopeful that consumer confidence holds up over the coming weeks despite the stuttering economy.

Russell & Bromley confirmed several weeks ago that it had drafted in Interpath, the advisory firm, to explore options for raising new financing for the business.

The chain trades from 37 stores and employs more than 450 people.

The first Russell & Bromley store opened in Eastbourne in 1880, forming the chain.

Seven years earlier, George Bromley and Elizabeth Russell, both of whom hailed from shoemaking families, were married, paving the way for the establishment of the business.

Andrew Bromley, the fifth generation of his family, currently leads Russell & Bromley.

Billie Piper, the actress and singer, is the current face of the brand as it tries to appeal to younger consumers as part of a five-year turnaround plan.

If it materialised, an acquisition or investment by Next would mark the latest in a string of brand deals struck by Britain’s most successful London-listed fashion retailer.

In recent years, it has bought brands such as Cath Kidston, Joules and Seraphine, the maternity wear retailer for knockdown prices.

Next also owns Made.com.

Next also owns Made.com, the online furniture retailer, and FatFace, the high street fashion brand.

Under Lord Wolfson, its veteran chief executive, Next has defied the wider high street gloom to become one of the UK’s best-run businesses.

Its Total Platform infrastructure solution has enabled it to plug in other retail brands to provide logistics, e-commerce and digital service capabilities.

Both Victoria’s Secret and Gap also have partnerships with Next using the Total Platform offering.

It was unclear whether any deal between Next and Russell & Bromley would involve acquiring the latter’s brand outright or making an investment into the business.

This weekend, Next declined to comment, while neither Russell & Bromley nor Interpath could be reached for comment.

In a statement in October, Mr Bromley said, “We are currently exploring opportunities to help take Russell & Bromley into the next phase of our ‘Re Boot’ vision.

“Since the announcement of the ‘Re Boot’ earlier this year, we have made significant progress, positioning us well to build on our momentum and continue along our journey.

“We are looking forward to working with our advisory team to secure the necessary investment to accelerate our expansion plans.”

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Low-Rise Trend: Why This Controversial Fashion Style Is Making a Comeback

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Low-Rise Trend: Why This Controversial Fashion Style Is Making a Comeback

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Introduction to the Low-Rise Trend

The low-rise trend is back, and it is once again shaping modern fashion conversations across runways and social media. Once considered a bold and controversial style, the low-rise trend has returned with updated designs, improved comfort, and a renewed focus on self-expression. In this blog post, we break down why the low-rise trend is resurfacing, how it differs from past versions, and what it means for today’s inclusive fashion landscape.

What ‘s the Low-Rise Trend?

The low-rise trend refers to trousers, jeans, and skirts that sit well below the natural waist, often resting on the hips. Unlike high-rise styles that hug the waist, low-rise pieces create a longer torso look and a more relaxed silhouette

paris hilton 2000s and tate mcrae 2025 low rise jeans beauty standards

Why Everyone ‘s Talking About It Again

The return of the low-rise trend isn’t subtle. It’s everywhere—from runways to social media feeds. But it’s not just about clothes; it’s about body image, confidence, and how fashion reflects cultural shifts.

A Brief History of Low-Rise Fashion

The Early 2000s Marked the Rise of Low-Rise Fashion

If you lived through the early 2000s, you remember it well. Low-rise jeans were practically a uniform. Pop stars, film icons, and fashion magazines pushed the look into the mainstream.

Why the Trend Disappeared

Eventually, comfort and inclusivity took centre stage. High-rise styles felt more forgiving, practical, and versatile. The low-rise trend faded as people demanded fashion that worked with real life.

How Fashion Trends Recycle Over Time

Fashion doesn’t move forward in a straight line—it loops. Trends resurface with tweaks, influenced by nostalgia and new cultural attitudes. The low-rise trend is no exception.

google trends glp1 popularity and low-rise trend

The Comeback of the Low-Rise Trend

Celebrities and Influencers Fueling the Revival

High-profile figures have played a giant role in reviving the low-rise trend. When celebrities embrace a style, it instantly gains credibility and curiosity.

Social Media’s Role in the Low-Rise Trend

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have supercharged the comeback.

TikTok, Instagram, and Trend Acceleration

Short-form videos make trends feel accessible and fast-moving. Styling hacks and “get ready with me” clips have made the low-rise trend feel fresh rather than dated

Fit, Comfort, and Body Perception

High-rise styles often offer support and structure. Lowrise, on the other hand, prioritises freedom and a laidback vibe. Neither is “better”—they simply serve different preferences.

Styling Flexibility Compared

Low-rise pieces shine when styled intentionally. Cropped tops, oversized shirts, and layered looks help balance proportions.

When Low-Rise Works Best

Casual outings, relaxed social settings, and fashion-forward events are ideal moments to experiment with the low-rise trend.

Why the Low-Rise Trend Is Controversial

Body Image and Confidence Concerns

One major criticism of the low-rise trend is how it can highlight insecurities. For some, it feels exclusionary or pressure-filled.

Inclusivity in Modern Fashion

Today’s consumers expect fashion to be inclusive. Brands bringing back the low-rise trend must consider diverse body types.

Is the Industry Doing Enough?

Some brands are adapting by offering varied fits and sizes. Others still have work to do.

How Designers Are Reimagining the Low-Rise Trend

Modern Cuts and Better Tailoring

This isn’t a slavish replication of the past. Today’s low-rise designs often feature better fabrics, stretch, and thoughtful cuts.

Low-Rise for Different Body Types

Designers are slowly proving that the low-rise trend doesn’t belong to one body shape.

From Jeans to Skirts and Trousers

Low-rise isn’t limited to denim anymore. Skirts and tailored trousers are part of the movement.

How to Style the Low-Rise Trend Today

Everyday Casual Looks

Pair low-rise jeans with a relaxed jumper or cropped cardigan for an effortless, wearable outfit.

Smart-Casual and Evening Styling

Add structure with a blazer or fitted top. Accessories can elevate the entire look.

Balancing Proportions the Right Way

Think of your outfit like a scale—if the bottom is low, keep the top intentional.

Who Should Try the Low-Rise Trend?

It’s About Preference, Not Rules

Fashion isn’t a test you pass or fail. The low-rise trend is optional, not mandatory.

Confidence Over Conformity

If it makes you feel good, that’s reason enough.

The Cultural Impact of the Low-Rise Trend

Fashion as a Reflection of Society

The return of the low-rise trend mirrors a broader shift towards self-expression and experimentation.

Changing Attitudes Towards Self-Expression

People are less interested in rules and more interested in authenticity.

Is the Low-Rise Trend Here to Stay?

Trend Cycle Predictions

While it may not replace high-rise entirely, the low-rise trend is likely to coexist.

How Consumers Are Responding

Mixed reactions suggest it will remain a niche but visible choice.

Conclusion

The low-rise trend is more than a fashion revival—it’s a conversation. It’s a conversation about comfort, confidence, and choice. You don’t have to love it, wear it, or even understand it. But it’s worth talking about, because fashion, at its best, reflects who we are and where we’re headed.

FAQs

1. Is the low-rise trend suitable for everyday wear?

Yes, when styled thoughtfully, it can work for casual daily outfits.

2. Do low-rise jeans suit all body types?

They can, especially with modern cuts and proper sizing.

3. Are low-rise styles uncomfortable?

Not necessarily. New fabrics and designs focus more on comfort.

4. Will high-rise jeans go out of fashion?

No. High-rise and low-rise can exist side by side.

5. How can beginners try the low-rise trend safely?

Start with slightly lower mid-rise styles and build confidence gradually.





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Drunk raccoon behind liquor store rampage suspected of other ‘break-ins’ | US News

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Drunk raccoon behind liquor store rampage suspected of other ‘break-ins’ | US News

After running amok in a Virginia liquor store, a raccoon passed out drunk, leading to suspicions of two other “break-ins”.

Images of smashed bottles and the animal splayed out next to the toilet went viral last week – but the woman who found him has revealed the raccoon has form.

“This is not the first time he’s been in one of the buildings. This is the third break-in he’s had,” said animal protection officer Samantha Martin.

“He was in the karate studio; I think he got into DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) – he ate some of their snacks one time.”

Ms Martin said the “smart little critter” had been removed both times from those businesses, which are in the same complex as the ABC liquor store in Ashland.

“Each time we’d get him out – we don’t relocate him – that’s a death sentence for raccoons but somehow he knows how to get back in this building,” she told local podcast Hear in Hanover.

The comatose raccoon was scooped off the floor and put in a crate to “let him relax for a few hours” at the animal shelter but was later set free.

“Around one or two o’clock that afternoon he was picking his head up, he was looking good and I released him back out in the woods,” said Ms Martin, who confirmed the raccoon was male.

Raccoons are well known for foraging in bins – earning them the “trash panda” nickname – and the animal shelter has seized the moment by partnering with a firm to sell merchandise.

“Trashed Panda” T-shirts, hoodies, mugs and stickers have already raised more than $180,000 (£135,000) to fund improvements at the animal shelter.

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Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia continues after Donald Trump claims a ceasefire. | World News

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Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia continues after Donald Trump claims a ceasefire. | World News

Fighting along the border between Thailand and Cambodia continues to rage – despite US President Donald Trump claiming to have secured a ceasefire agreement.

Official reports indicate that around two dozen people have lost their lives in the past week, while hundreds of thousands of others have had to flee their homes.

The latest clashes erupted after a skirmish last Sunday, which disrupted a previous ceasefire that Mr Trump had pushed.

On Friday, Mr. Trump said the two countries “have agreed to cease all shootings effective this evening and go back to the original Peace Accord made with me” on his Truth Social platform.

Children fill containers with clean water at Chong Kal refugee camp in Cambodia. Pic: Reuters
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Children fill containers with clean water at Chong Kal refugee camp in Cambodia. Pic: Reuters

But fighting has continued on Saturday, and Thai leader Anutin Charnvirakul said his nation would “continue to perform military actions until we feel no more harm and threats to our land and people.”

The Thai defence ministry said jets carried out airstrikes on Saturday morning.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet also did not mention a ceasefire in comments posted on Saturday, insisting his country was “ready to cooperate in any way that is needed.”

Why are Thai and Cambodian troops fighting?

The Thai-Cambodian border conflict has its roots in a history of enmity over competing territorial claims.

These claims largely stem from a 1907 map created while Cambodia was under French colonial rule, which Thailand argues is inaccurate.

Tensions were heightened by a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that awarded sovereignty to Cambodia, which still angers many Thais

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Simmering conflict between Cambodia and Thailand
What has happened to Trump’s peace ‘deals’?

A ceasefire in July was brokered by Malaysia and pushed through under pressure from Mr Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges unless the two sides agreed.

It was formalised in more detail in October at a regional meeting in Malaysia that the US president attended.

However, the agreement did not resolve the status of the disputed territory, instead ushering in a tenuous ceasefire that ultimately failed to hold.

Fighting resumed on Sunday in a skirmish that wounded two Thai soldiers.

Smoke rises from a building following an explosion near the border between Thailand and Cambodia. Pic: Royal Thai Navy
Image:
Smoke rises from a building following an explosion near the border between Thailand and Cambodia. Pic: Royal Thai Navy

The apparent faltering or collapse of the ceasefire deal comes as a number of the peace agreements Mr Trump has touted in his quest for a Nobel Peace Prize have come under strain.

Fighting has surged in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, less than a week after the DRC and Rwanda signed a deal in Mr Trump’s presence.

Meanwhile, an internationally-endorsed plan to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza is still not finalised and remains in limbo, with sporadic fighting continuing.

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King Charles praised the “powerful” early cancer detection message.

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King Charles praised the “powerful” early cancer detection message.

Watch: King Charles issues an update on his cancer treatment.

King Charles has been praised for his candour in talking about his cancer treatment, where he highlighted the importance of early detection and screening.

In a recorded video message, broadcast on Channel 4 for the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, the King said his treatment was being reduced and he urged people to take up offers of cancer screening, saying, “Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.”

The King, 77, will continue to receive treatment and monitoring for the unidentified cancer.

Clare Garnsey, the associate medical director of the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said his message was “very powerful.”

The King, who revealed his diagnosis in February of last year, is not described as being in remission or “cured,” but the regularity of his treatment will be significantly reduced in the new year.

In his video message, recorded in Clarence House two weeks ago, he said that he was “troubled” to learn that nine million people around the UK are not up to date with the cancer screening available to them.

“We are missing at least nine million opportunities for early diagnosis,” he stated.

He added, “Too often, I am told, people avoid screening because they imagine it may be frightening, embarrassing or uncomfortable.

“If and when they do finally take up their invitation, they are glad they took part.

“A few moments of minor inconvenience are a small price to pay for the reassurance that comes for most people when they are either told they don’t need further tests or, for some, are given the chance to enable early detection, with the life-saving intervention that can follow.”

PA Media The King holds a lit candle and service booklet as he attends an Advent Service at Westminster AbbeyPA Media
The King attended a service at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday as he keeps a busy schedule despite receiving weekly treatment

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Miss Garnsey said she, “like the majority of health professionals who work in the cancer field”, was “really thankful” for what the King said.

“I think the message was compelling about the importance of early diagnosis and how important it is that we all attend for our screening,” she added.

She said it is “really helpful” to healthcare professionals when people in “positions of influence” – such as the King – speak publicly about their experiences with cancer.

These messages highlight the fact that it “can happen to anybody,” she said, and raise awareness of the potential symptoms someone may experience.

A royal biographer and friend of King Charles, Jonathan Dimbleby, said the king’s message demonstrated the “unique role of the sovereign.”

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said the King’s decision to speak openly about his treatment in such “warm, gentle, thoughtful, kind terms” was “quite extraordinary and it has great impact.”

King’s message will give people.

He said the King’s message will give people “great reassurance” to hear of someone who “has cancer and lives with that cancer”.

“It makes you recognise that it’s not a death sentence,” he added.

Dimbleby’s father, broadcaster Richard Dimbleby, died at age 52 in 1965.

“When he died, he had been frightened to say, in advance to himself even, that he had cancer,” he said, adding that the word “cancer” was “hardly usable then”.

He said it took “guts” for the King to share such a personal message publicly, but that “the fact that he came out and did that will save lives, and people will be less frightened of saying, ‘We must go and get a test.'”

Dimbleby said that when it was announced that King was having treatment for an enlarged prostate in 2024, there was a considerable surge in searches for the NHS website.

“No one else could have done this,” he added.

What can be general symptoms of cancer?

Different types of cancer all have their own symptoms – but the NHS says general symptoms can include:

  • A new lump or swelling
  • Sweating a lot or a high temperature
  • Feeling more fatigued than usual
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Unusual pain anywhere in the body
  • Unexpected weight loss or loss of appetite.
  • You may experience an increased need to urinate more frequently or urgently, or you may feel pain during urination.

Read more on the NHS website.

Until now, the King has said little publicly about his illness.

In his video message, King Charles said he knew how “overwhelming” a diagnosis can feel but stressed that early detection is “key” to give patients the “precious gift of hope”.

The NHS has three cancer screening programmes – for bowel, breast and cervical cancer – available to certain age groups.

These tests can detect a problem even before someone experiences symptoms.

In his message, the King also urged people to use the screening checker online tool.

The cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support said it was “incredibly grateful” to the King for sharing his experience “with such openness and honesty.”

“The King’s reminder of the importance of screening and early detection is an important message for us all,” it added in a statement.

The prime minister said the King’s message was “powerful” and that he was “glad” that the King’s treatment will be reduced in the new year.

According to Buckingham Palace, the King’s recovery has reached a very positive stage and he has “responded exceptionally well to treatment”, so much so that doctors will now move his treatment “into a precautionary phase”.

Meanwhile, Dr Harrison Carter, director of screening at NHS England, said the health service “fully supported” the King’s call for people to attend screening tests.

“So, when your NHS screening invite arrives, whether it’s for cervical or breast screening, or a bowel cancer testing kit through the post, please do make time to take it up.”

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Fans expressed their anger during Lionel Messi’s ‘GOAT’ tour in India by throwing chairs and bottles at the stadium event.

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Fans expressed their anger during Lionel Messi’s ‘GOAT’ tour in India by throwing chairs and bottles at the stadium event.

Watch: Anger and chaos in Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, as Messi leaves the event early.

Angry fans attending Lionel Messi’s tour of India ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch after his appearance at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.

Thousands of adoring supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) to catch a glimpse of the football star but were left disappointed when he emerged to walk around the pitch and was obscured by a large group of officials and celebrities.

When the Argentina and Inter Miami forward was whisked away early by security after around 20 minutes, elements of the crowd turned hostile.

West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, said she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the events.

Reuters Crowds storm fences surrounding a football pitch in India. Reuters
As it became apparent Messi’s appearance had ended, local media say the scene turned ugly

Messi is in India for his ‘GOAT [greatest of all time] tour’, a series of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi.

His tour began with the unveiling of a 70 ft (21 m) statue of himself in Kolkata, which had been assembled over the course of 27 days by a 45-strong crew. Due to security concerns, Messi made a virtual appearance.

Thousands of fans travelled to the city’s stadium for a chance to see the footballer in person.

They were chanting, buying jerseys and wearing “I love Messi” headbands.

Messi initially walked around the stadium waving to fans.

But when his appearance abruptly ended on Saturday, some frustrated fans stormed the pitch and vandalised banners and tents, while others hurled plastic chairs and water bottles.

The 2022 World Cup winner – considered one of football’s greatest ever players – had been expected to play a short exhibition game at the stadium, the AFP news agency reports.

“Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi… Why did they call us then…? We have got a ticket for 12,000 rupees, but we were not even able to see his face,” a fan at the stadium told Indian news agency ANI.

One angry fan told the Press Trust of India that people had paid the equivalent of a month’s salary to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“I paid Rs 5,000 for the ticket and came to watch Messi with my son, not politicians.”

“The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame.”

Messi was accompanied on his brief visit by his Inter Miami teammate and Uruguay star Luis Suarez and Argentina’s Rodrigo de Paul.

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan also met Messi earlier in the day, according to the Reuters news agency.

Messi waved to fans as he arrived.

Thousands of fans had gathered for the event

Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and has a large football fanbase in an otherwise cricket-crazed country.

In the city, it is common to see hundreds of thousands of fans gathering at stadiums during local club derbies.

The BBC has contacted Lionel Messi’s representatives for comment.

Announcing an enquiry, Banerjee apologised to Messi and “sports lovers” for the incident at the stadium.

“The [enquiry] committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” the chief minister said on X.

A police official told reporters that the event’s “chief organiser” had been arrested, without giving any further details, AFP reports.

Authorities will look into how organisers could refund money to those who bought tickets, an official added.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) said it was not involved in the “private event”.

In the early hours of Saturday, thousands lined the roads and congregated outside the hotel where Messi was staying to try and catch a glimpse of him.

Hitesh, a 24-year-old corporate lawyer, flew nearly 1,900 kilometres from the southern Indian city of Bengaluru.

“For me it’s personal. You can see I am quite short, and I love to play football with my friends,” Hitesh told the BBC, standing in front of the statue.

“Messi is the player I related with the most; no one can match his talent. He gives me hope that with talent you can do anything.”

It is just a small part of India’s homage to the former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain forward.

Fans can also visit a “Hola Messi” fan zone with a life-sized replica Messi sat on a throne, in a hall adorned with some of his trophies, and a recreation of his Miami home, complete with mannequins of the player and his family, sat on a balcony.

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