-
On 26 November 2025, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, effective April 2026. The policy, introduced by the Conservatives in 2017, limited child tax credits to two children per family and contributed to rising child poverty. The repeal is expected to lift 450,000 children out of poverty, funded by new taxes including a gambling levy and mansion tax.
-
Pakistan's recent developments include a deepening of energy and mineral resource collaborations with China and the US. A major oil discovery in the Potwar region highlights Pakistan's hydrocarbon potential, while new agreements aim to boost mineral processing and infrastructure, amid regional security concerns and geopolitical shifts.
-
Two winners in Missouri and Texas split a $1.79 billion Powerball jackpot, the second-largest in U.S. history. The Missouri ticket was purchased in Fredericksburg, Texas, at Bigs Gas Station. Both winners will choose between an annuity or lump sum, with anonymity laws protecting their identities. The jackpot ended a three-month streak of no winners.
-
Missouri's Republican-led legislature approved a mid-decade redistricting plan to reshape congressional districts, aiming to favor GOP candidates ahead of 2026 elections. The move faces legal challenges and protests, with opponents arguing it undermines democratic processes and voter rights. The plan now awaits Senate approval and potential referendum.
-
A man camping at Sam's Throne in Arkansas was found dead with injuries consistent with a bear attack. Authorities believe a young male black bear was involved, marking a rare incident in the region. The bear was killed and DNA testing is ongoing. This is the second recent fatal bear attack in Arkansas.
-
Missouri's attorney general is seeking patient records from Planned Parenthood clinics in Kansas City and St. Louis, citing legal disputes over abortion rights and state restrictions. Planned Parenthood argues these subpoenas violate voter-approved constitutional protections and threaten patient privacy amid ongoing legal battles.
-
Lance Shockley, convicted of killing Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Carl Graham in 2005, is scheduled for execution despite ongoing legal challenges. His attorneys seek DNA testing and argue First Amendment rights, while officials deny clemency. The case highlights issues around evidence and inmate rights in death penalty procedures.
-
Samuel Lee Smithers, 72, was executed in Florida for the 1996 murders of two women, marking the state's 14th execution this year, a record. Convicted of strangling and stabbing two prostitutes, Smithers declined a final statement. His execution coincides with other US executions, highlighting Florida's record-breaking year.
-
On November 5, 2025, California voters approved Proposition 50 by a two-to-one margin, allowing the Democratic-controlled legislature to redraw congressional districts for the next three election cycles. This move aims to counter Republican-led mid-decade redistricting efforts, particularly in Texas, which seek to bolster GOP House seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. Governor Gavin Newsom hailed the victory as a defense of democracy, while former President Trump condemned it as rigged.
-
On October 26, 2025, about 3,200 Boeing machinists at Missouri and Illinois plants voted narrowly to reject the company's latest contract offer, continuing a strike that began in August. The union demands higher retirement contributions, wage increases, and a ratification bonus similar to last year's commercial division strike. Boeing offered a 24% wage increase over five years and bonuses but called the vote close and plans contingency measures.
-
Two recent lottery winners in the US have claimed significant prizes: a man in Ohio won $500,000 after forgetting his ticket, and a woman in Missouri won $1.1 million from a new game. Meanwhile, a store in Yonkers sold three $1 million Powerball tickets in one day, an extremely rare event. These stories highlight the unpredictable nature of lottery luck and local enthusiasm.
-
Missouri has asked the U.S. State Department to notify China of its intent to pursue assets owned by the Chinese government to satisfy a court judgment. The move relates to a lawsuit over PPE hoarding during COVID-19, with legal and diplomatic challenges expected. The case highlights tensions over pandemic accountability.
-
Judge Matthew Thornhill in Missouri faces a six-month unpaid suspension after disciplinary complaints about his courtroom behavior, including wearing an Elvis wig, playing Presley’s music, and making political comments. He plans to resign after serving 18 months on the bench.
-
Dear, 67, who was repeatedly deemed mentally unfit to stand trial for a 2015 attack on a clinic, died of natural causes at a Missouri prison. His death concludes a decade-long legal saga over his mental health and the case's prosecution.
-
A French ticket holder has claimed a €179 million (£157 million) EuroMillions jackpot, one of the year's largest. The winning numbers were 5, 29, 33, 39, 42, with Lucky Stars 3 and 9. The winner has not yet come forward. The next jackpot is €105 million, with other UK winners also announced.
-
Families across the US face ongoing food insecurity due to recent government shutdowns, which temporarily cut SNAP benefits and delayed wages, intensifying hardship during the holiday season. Despite reopening, economic stress persists for many, with food banks seeing increased demand and uncertainty looming over future aid.
-
Volunteering surges during the holiday season in the U.S., driven by gratitude and cultural traditions. Recent government shutdowns have heightened food insecurity, prompting community efforts to support vulnerable families despite ongoing economic uncertainties.