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Federal Judge Blocks Biden Program for Immigrant Spouse Citizenship

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A federal judge in Texas ruled Thursday against President Joe Biden’s immigration initiative that would have provided a path to citizenship for approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens, potentially keeping the program blocked through the end of Biden’s presidency.

U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker determined the program, known as Keeping Families Together, exceeded Biden’s executive authority. The initiative, launched in August, was quickly frozen by Barker while he considered a legal challenge from Texas and other states led by Republican attorneys general.

Biden introduced the program in June before ending his re-election campaign, clearing the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to face Donald Trump in Tuesday’s election. Trump, who defeated Harris, had denounced the initiative as “mass amnesty” that would encourage illegal immigration.

The ruling comes as immigration remains a central focus of national politics. A Reuters/Ipsos poll completed Thursday found Americans consider immigration the most pressing issue for Trump to address when he assumes office in January, with a majority expecting him to order mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

The Biden administration could appeal the decision, though the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump’s campaign has indicated he would likely roll back the program as part of a broader immigration crackdown after taking office.

Southern California Wildfire Destroys 132 Structures as Winds Begin to Ease

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A fast-moving wildfire in Southern California has destroyed 132 structures, primarily homes, and damaged 88 others in less than two days, fire officials reported Thursday, as the fierce Santa Ana winds that fueled the blaze showed signs of subsiding.

The Mountain Fire, which erupted Wednesday morning in Ventura County, has grown to approximately 32 square miles (83 square kilometers) with only 5% containment. Ten people have suffered non-life-threatening injuries, mostly from smoke inhalation, according to Ventura County Sheriff James Fryhoff.

Approximately 10,000 residents remain under evacuation orders as the blaze threatens 3,500 structures across suburban neighborhoods, ranches, and agricultural areas around Camarillo. Fire crews, supported by water-dropping helicopters, are focusing their efforts on protecting homes along the fire’s northeast edge near Santa Paula, a city of 30,000 residents.

“This was their forever retirement home,” said Kelly Barton, watching firefighters sift through the ruins of her parents’ ranch house in Camarillo. Her father managed to save four vintage cars before flames consumed their home of 20 years, but lost two others, including a cherished Chevy Nova he’d owned since age 18.

Ariel Cohen, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service in Oxnard, reported that while Santa Ana winds were diminishing in lower elevations Thursday evening, gusty conditions persisted in higher terrain. Red flag warnings will expire Friday morning in the Santa Susana Mountains, though forecasters predict another round of Santa Ana winds early next week.

The blaze has struck a region with a history of destructive fires, including the 2018 Woolsey Fire that killed three people and destroyed 1,600 homes, and the 2017 Thomas Fire that consumed more than 1,000 structures. Southern California Edison, which has paid millions in settlements after its equipment was blamed for both previous fires, has cut power to nearly 70,000 customers across five counties as a precautionary measure.

Marcus Eriksen, whose Santa Paula farm was threatened by the flames, credited firefighters with saving his home and vehicles while battling 30-foot flames. “We dodged a bullet, big time,” he said, praising their efforts to protect his property even as piles of compost and wood chips burned.

Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency in Ventura County as the fire continues to threaten communities. More than a dozen school districts have closed, with some expected to remain shuttered Friday.

The cause of the Mountain Fire, which explosively grew from less than half a square mile to more than 16 square miles in just five hours on Wednesday, remains under investigation.

apnews.com

Violence Against Israeli Soccer Fans in Amsterdam Leaves Five Hospitalized, Dozens Arrested

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Amsterdam authorities reported Friday that five people were hospitalized and 62 arrested following what they described as systematic antisemitic violence targeting Israeli soccer fans after Thursday’s Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The attacks prompted swift diplomatic response, with Israeli Foreign Minister rushing to the Netherlands and both countries’ leaders condemning the violence. Amsterdam police announced a major investigation into multiple violent incidents and increased security measures around Jewish institutions in the city.

“This outburst of violence toward Israeli supporters is unacceptable and cannot be defended in any way. There is no excuse for the antisemitic behavior exhibited last night,” said a joint statement from Amsterdam’s municipality, police, and prosecution office. The statement detailed how rioters “actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack and assault them” despite heavy police presence.

Local authorities had anticipated potential unrest, with Mayor Femke Halsema banning a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the Johan Cruyff Arena. Before the match, Dutch broadcaster NOS reported confrontations as riot police blocked pro-Palestinian supporters attempting to march toward the stadium, and a Palestinian flag was torn from a building in the city center.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declared that “the harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked,” demanding “vigorous and swift action” from Dutch authorities. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof responded on social media that he followed events “with horror” and assured Netanyahu that “perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted.”

The violence highlights growing security concerns around matches involving Israeli teams across Europe. Belgium’s soccer federation recently declined to host a Nations League game against Israel, which was subsequently played behind closed doors in Hungary.

UEFA, European soccer’s governing body, now faces pressure to review security arrangements for upcoming matches involving Israeli teams, including Israel’s Nations League game against France in Paris next Thursday and Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League fixture against Besiktas in Istanbul on November 28.

Amsterdam officials announced enhanced police patrols in coming days and strengthened security around Jewish institutions in the city, historically home to a significant Jewish community and Anne Frank’s hiding place during World War II.

The match itself, which Ajax won 5-0, was overshadowed by the subsequent violence. Israeli authorities initially planned to send two planes to evacuate their citizens but later indicated they would arrange alternative civil aviation solutions for their return.

Putin Congratulates Trump, Praises Courage During Assassination Attempt

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Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his first public response to the U.S. election Thursday, congratulating Donald Trump on his victory while praising the president-elect’s composure during the July assassination attempt.

“His behavior at the moment of an attempt on his life left an impression on me. He turned out to be a brave man,” Putin said during a question-and-answer session at an international forum in Sochi. “He manifested himself in the very correct way, bravely as a man.”

Putin acknowledged Trump’s stated intentions to improve U.S.-Russia relations and resolve the Ukrainian conflict, calling these positions worthy of attention. The Kremlin had previously expressed interest in Trump’s claim that he could end the Ukraine war “in 24 hours,” while emphasizing it would await concrete policy measures.

However, Putin remained noncommittal about future relations. “I don’t know what will happen now. I have no idea,” he said, noting this would be Trump’s final term. Putin, who began his fifth term this year extending to 2030 with the option for six more years, added, “What he will do is his matter.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated possible communication between the leaders before inauguration, referencing Trump’s stated intention to call Putin. However, Peskov maintained Moscow’s classification of the U.S. as an “unfriendly” country directly involved in the Ukrainian conflict.

The Kremlin’s measured response reflects its complex view of U.S.-Russia relations. While acknowledging Trump’s expressed admiration for Putin, the Russian leader has noted that Trump’s first term saw unprecedented sanctions against Russia. “So many restrictions and sanctions against Russia like no other president has ever introduced before him,” Putin has previously stated.

Peskov dismissed concerns about delayed congratulations affecting future relations, stating that U.S.-Russia ties are already at their “lowest point in history” and suggesting any improvement would depend on the new U.S. administration’s initiatives.

Osimhen Double Powers Galatasaray Past 10-Man Tottenham in Istanbul

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Victor Osimhen struck twice as Galatasaray handed Tottenham their first Europa League defeat of the season Thursday, securing a 3-2 victory that moved the Turkish league leaders to the top of the group despite teenage forward Will Lankshear’s first senior goal for Spurs.

The hosts dominated proceedings at the notoriously hostile Rams Park, with Yunus Akgun opening the scoring in the sixth minute through a spectacular 20-yard left-foot volley past Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

Lankshear, 19, briefly leveled for Spurs on his second start for the club, converting from close range after Brennan Johnson’s setup. However, the young forward’s evening turned sour when he received two yellow cards in quick succession, leading to his dismissal on the hour mark.

Osimhen, on loan from Napoli, capitalized on defensive errors to restore Galatasaray’s lead, pouncing on Radu Dragusin’s mistake to convert Dries Mertens’ pass. The Nigerian international doubled his tally with an unmarked finish from Mertens’ right-wing cross.

Substitute Dominic Solanke’s late tap-in from Pedro Porro’s assist gave the scoreline a deceptive look, as Galatasaray thoroughly dominated with 28 shots on goal. Only Forster’s heroics and wasteful finishing prevented a more emphatic victory for Okan Buruk’s side.

Despite the defeat, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham remain well-positioned to advance with nine points from four matches, though his decision to start six regular starters on the bench may face scrutiny after his team’s defensive struggles.

Lankshear, who signed a new five-year contract with Spurs this summer after arriving from Sheffield United in 2022, marked his milestone goal with his only touch in the Galatasaray penalty area. However, his evening unraveled after an initial booking for backing into a defender, followed by a rash challenge on former Norwich player Gabriel Sara that earned his dismissal.

The defeat exposed Tottenham’s persistent difficulties in playing out from the back, with many of Galatasaray’s chances stemming from the visitors’ errors, even as they showed improved resilience after being reduced to ten men.

Chelsea Sets Conference League Record with 8-0 Rout of Noah

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Chelsea demolished Armenian side Noah 8-0 at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night, setting a UEFA Conference League record for largest margin of victory while securing their position atop the group standings.

The Blues struck six times before halftime in a ruthless display that featured goals from six different scorers, marking their most emphatic victory since an identical scoreline against Aston Villa in December 2012.

Centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo opened the scoring with his first Chelsea goal from a corner, before Marc Guiu capitalized on a Noah turnover directly from kickoff to double the lead. Axel Disasi made it three from another corner, converting Enzo Fernandez’s delivery, with the Argentine midfielder completing a first-half hat-trick of assists when he set up Joao Felix for the fourth.

Mykhailo Mudryk added the fifth before Felix notched his second via deflection to complete an extraordinary opening 45 minutes.

Manager Enzo Maresca, who handed 18-year-old academy graduate Tyrique George his first senior start, maintained most of his lineup into the second half despite the commanding lead. Christopher Nkunku, who entered the match with four goals in four Conference League appearances this season, added two more to complete the rout — first following up his own rebound and later converting from the penalty spot.

The decision to let Nkunku take the penalty rather than allow Felix to pursue his hat-trick drew some criticism from supporters on social media.

The historic victory, achieved with a heavily rotated squad showcasing Chelsea’s considerable depth, strengthens their grip on the group as they continue their European campaign.

Diallo Double Powers Manchester United to Vital Europa League Victory Against PAOK

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Amad Diallo struck twice in the second half to guide Manchester United to a crucial 2-0 victory over Greek champions PAOK on Thursday, securing their first European win this season and strengthening their position for incoming manager Ruben Amorim’s pursuit of a top-eight finish.

The Ivorian forward broke the deadlock five minutes after halftime with a looping header from Bruno Fernandes’ cross that floated beyond goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski. He sealed the result in the 77th minute, winning possession from Abdul Rahman Baba before curling home from the edge of the area.

The victory marked only United’s second win in their last 12 European fixtures and their first in this season’s expanded Europa League campaign following three consecutive draws. PAOK’s best opportunity fell to Tarik Tissoudali, who failed to convert from close range with only goalkeeper Andre Onana to beat. Onana had earlier produced an acrobatic save to deny Mady Camara during a tepid first half.

The result provides a foundation for Amorim, who will take charge for the home fixture against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in three weeks. The Portuguese manager, fresh from orchestrating Sporting’s stunning Champions League victory over Manchester City this week, inherits a squad seeking to secure automatic qualification for the last-16 by finishing in the top eight of the expanded 36-team competition.

Diallo’s performance stood out on an otherwise unremarkable evening at Old Trafford. The diminutive forward earned praise from captain Fernandes for his persistence, contrasting with the Portuguese midfielder’s visible frustration toward teammate Alejandro Garnacho’s decision-making.

United’s striker Rasmus Hojlund continued to search for his scoring touch, managing only a tame first-half header straight at Kotarski. The result nonetheless vindicated interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy’s brief tenure, with two wins and a draw from three matches since replacing Erik ten Hag.

United face a demanding schedule ahead, with potential fixtures against Czech side Viktoria Plzen, Romania’s FCSB, and Scotland’s Rangers determining their European fate. Qualification for the last-16 would provide Amorim valuable preparation time during what could be an intense period of seven midweek matches in eight weeks, should United progress in their EFL Cup quarter-final against Tottenham.

3 Charged in One Direction Star Liam Payne’s Buenos Aires Death

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Argentinian authorities announced Thursday that three people have been charged in connection with the death of One Direction singer Liam Payne, who died after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony on October 16.

The National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office said one person who was with the artist faces charges of abandonment of a person followed by death and drug-related offenses. Two others — a hotel employee and an unnamed individual — were charged with supplying drugs. Authorities have not released the names of those charged.

Toxicology reports revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in Payne’s system, prosecutors said. The 31-year-old singer’s death was attributed to “multiple trauma” and “internal and external hemorrhage” from the fall, according to the post-mortem examination.

Medical reports suggest Payne may have been semi-conscious or unconscious when he fell, leading prosecutors to rule out any voluntary act. “He did not know what he was doing nor did he understand it,” the prosecutor’s office stated.

Hotel staff had made two emergency calls reporting a guest who had consumed “too many drugs and alcohol” and was “trashing the entire room,” authorities previously disclosed. Police discovered substances in his room along with destroyed furniture and objects.

The investigation has expanded to include nine raids on Buenos Aires residences. Authorities continue examining Payne’s broken laptop and other seized devices, having already reviewed more than 800 hours of security footage and collected dozens of testimonies from hotel staff, family members, friends, and medical professionals.

Payne’s body was released to his family Wednesday for return to the United Kingdom. The father of one rose to global fame after appearing on The X Factor and joining One Direction in the 2010s, becoming one of pop music’s most recognizable stars.

His former bandmates Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Harry Styles released a joint statement saying they were “completely devastated” and would miss him “terribly,” adding that the “memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.” Tributes also came from former partner Cheryl and music producer Simon Cowell.

Thousands of fans have gathered at memorial events worldwide to remember the singer.

CAR Rebels Surrender After Chad Joins Border Security Efforts

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Several hundred rebels have surrendered their weapons to government and U.N. forces in the Central African Republic, officials announced Wednesday, less than a month after the nation reached a crucial border security agreement with neighboring Chad.

The mass surrender comes as the country prepares for its first local elections in 36 years, previously postponed from October due to security concerns. Among those laying down arms was Mloubo Etienne, 36, a fighter from the Union for Peace (UPC), one of the country’s largest rebel groups.

“Life was becoming unbearable without food in dense tropical rainforests,” Etienne said on state television, adding that many UPC fighters along the northern border also seek surrender after Chad’s military cut off their supply lines.

Communication Minister Maxime Balalou reported that 105 fighters surrendered in Bambari, the nation’s third-largest city, representing both UPC and anti-balaka rebel groups. In a separate operation in the central town of Kouango, 36 additional fighters, including three women, handed over their weapons.

The government will transfer surrendering rebels to the Center for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, where they can choose between civilian reintegration programs or military training, Balalou said.

The breakthrough follows an October 23 agreement between CAR and Chad to establish a joint security force along their 1,200-kilometer border. Chad’s commitment to deploying troops has effectively strangled rebel supply lines, forcing many fighters to surrender.

Officials warn that rebels who refuse to lay down arms face military action as the government pushes ahead with plans for December 29 local elections, contingent on favorable security conditions. The anti-balaka, an alliance of rebel groups active for a decade, remains a particular concern.

The Central African Republic aims to secure the surrender of at least half of its estimated 21,000 rebels by the end of 2025. Those who refuse face confrontation with government forces or MINUSCA, the U.N. stabilization mission in the country.

Trump Names Campaign Chief Susie Wiles as First Female White House Chief of Staff

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President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday named Susie Wiles, the architect of his successful campaign, as White House chief of staff, making her the first woman to hold one of the most powerful positions in American government.

Wiles, who eschewed the formal title of campaign manager while steering Trump to victory, earned widespread praise within Republican circles for running what many considered his most disciplined and effective campaign to date. Her appointment marks Trump’s first major staffing decision as president-elect.

“Susie is tough, smart, innovative and is universally admired and respected. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again,” Trump said in a statement. “It is a well deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.”

The selection of Wiles, who maintained a notably low profile during the campaign and even declined to speak during Trump’s victory celebration Wednesday morning, signals a potential shift in White House management style. On the campaign trail, she demonstrated rare ability to influence Trump’s decisions by earning his respect and demonstrating the benefits of following strategic guidance.

While Wiles brings limited federal government experience to the role, she carries significant political credentials. She managed Trump’s Florida campaigns in 2016 and 2020, ran Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ successful 2018 campaign, and directed Rick Scott’s winning 2010 gubernatorial bid. She also briefly served as campaign manager for former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman’s 2012 presidential run.

The chief of staff position traditionally serves as a crucial bridge between the president and the rest of the government, balancing political and policy priorities while controlling access to the commander-in-chief — a function that proved challenging during Trump’s first term. Successful chiefs of staff typically act as both confidant and gatekeeper, helping to execute the president’s agenda while managing competing interests within the administration.

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