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-title Israel Intensifies Attacks on Lebanon Despite Ceasefire

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

BREAKING NEWS:⁣ Israel Intensifies Bombardment of‍ Southern⁤ Lebanon

Beirut, Lebanon – Israel is escalating attacks against‍ Lebanon, despite a recently established ceasefire.The Israeli army has targeted locations in ⁢southern Lebanon, warning residents to evacuate areas near suspected Hizbullah military structures.

Army​ Spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced via X (formerly twitter) that ​strikes would target specific points within ​the towns of Deir Qanun en-Nehr and Shuhur. Adraee shared a map detailing the intended strike locations and urged Lebanese civilians living nearby‍ to leave the‌ area.

This latest escalation⁣ follows⁣ a pattern of ceasefire violations. On November 6th,‌ the Israeli⁢ army conducted airstrikes on five towns in‌ southern ⁢Lebanon after a similar ⁤pre-attack announcement. Yesterday, the‌ Ayn al-Hilva Palestinian Refugee Camp ‍in the city⁢ of sayda was bombed, resulting in at least ⁣13 fatalities and numerous injuries.

The ongoing conflict represents a continuation ‍of tensions ⁢between Israel and Hizbullah, a Lebanese militant group, and raises concerns about the stability of the region.

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World

SNAP Payment Delays: States Face Continued Issues Post-Reopening

by Priya Shah – Business Editor
written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

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SNAP Delays Ripple‌ Through Economy,Impacting McDonald’s and Consumers

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Washington D.C. – Delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are creating economic⁢ headwinds, impacting businesses ⁢like McDonald’s and leaving millions of consumers struggling to afford groceries. ​The issues persist ⁤even after the recent resolution of a federal funding lapse,according‌ to analysts.

The Scope of the Problem

The ‍delays stem from state-level⁤ implementation challenges following the end of a temporary boost in ⁣SNAP benefits enacted during the pandemic. While the federal government has resumed funding, states⁤ are grappling with processing backlogs and technical issues. This is causing significant ⁣hardship ⁤for ⁢recipients and, unexpectedly, affecting businesses reliant on SNAP ⁤spending.

Did You Know? ​Approximately 41.6 million Americans received SNAP benefits in September 2023, according ‍to the USDA.

McDonald’s Reports Impact

McDonald’s USA has publicly acknowledged the impact of the delays. Executives reported a noticeable decrease in foot traffic and sales in areas with high SNAP ⁤participation rates. other retailers and food service companies are expected to follow suit with similar reports as the situation unfolds. ⁢ We are seeing a direct correlation ​between ⁣the SNAP delays and a softening in sales among our customer base that relies on these benefits, stated a McDonald’s representative during an investor call.

Timeline of SNAP Benefit Changes

Date Event
2020-2023 Pandemic-era SNAP benefit increases
October​ 2023 Many states begin phasing out ⁤emergency SNAP allotments
November 2023 Widespread reports ‌of payment delays emerge
November 12, 2025 03:21:00 Analyst predicts continued delays despite government reopening (Peters)

State-Level challenges

The issues aren’t ‍uniform across the country. Some states have successfully transitioned to the new ​benefit levels with minimal disruption, while others are facing significant backlogs. Factors contributing to‍ these disparities ​include outdated ⁤IT systems, staffing shortages, and varying state policies ​regarding benefit ⁢distribution. Bill Peters, an analyst following the situation, says payment delays across states‍ are likely, even after​ the government’s reopening.

Pro​ Tip: Check your ⁣state’s SNAP website for ⁣the most up-to-date details on benefit distribution schedules and any reported delays.

Consumer Impact and ⁣Potential Solutions

For SNAP recipients, the delays mean difficult choices⁢ between food, ⁣rent, and ⁤other essential expenses.Food banks are reporting increased demand as families struggle to make ends meet. Potential solutions include​ increased ⁤federal funding for state IT upgrades, streamlined benefit application⁢ processes, and improved dialog with recipients about benefit timelines.

USDA – “SNAP is a critical lifeline for millions of Americans, and any disruption to ​benefit delivery has serious consequences.”

The long-term economic impact of these delays remains to be seen. However, the situation ⁢highlights the⁤ fragility of the social​ safety net and the importance of efficient and reliable benefit delivery systems.

SNAP: A Historical Overview

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps,⁤ was established in⁢ 1964 as part of the Food Stamp Act. ⁣Its⁢ purpose is to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition among low-income individuals and families. Over the decades,SNAP has evolved to meet changing needs,but its core mission remains the same. The program’s funding and eligibility requirements are subject to periodic revisions by ⁢Congress.

Frequently ⁢Asked Questions about SNAP⁢ Delays

  • What ⁤is causing the⁢ SNAP delays? The delays are primarily due to state-level ⁤implementation challenges following the end of pandemic-era benefit increases.
  • How will the⁤ SNAP delays affect me? If you ​rely on SNAP benefits, you may experience difficulty affording groceries and ‌other essential expenses.
  • Where can
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Business

Title: Swiss Firms’ Trump Meeting Sparks Corruption Concerns Over Trade Deal

by Priya Shah – Business Editor
written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Swiss Billionaires’ Gifts to Trump Spark Democracy Concerns

WASHINGTON D.C.- A November 4, 2025 meeting between five Swiss business leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office,including the ‍presentation of gifts,is raising serious questions about democratic legitimacy and potential long-term commitments for Switzerland. The meeting and accompanying gestures are drawing criticism from transparency advocates and political scientists who ⁤warn of a concerning display of⁣ deference and a lack of broad ⁢representation.

The gifts – described as reminiscent ⁢of the gifts brought to Jesus by the Three Wise Men – included gold, myrrh, and incense, according to observers. While the immediate ⁣impact of the meeting remains ⁤to⁤ be seen,experts fear the concessions discussed ⁢could bind ​Switzerland for ​years ⁣to come.

“We see an ⁣act wich is akin to a position of submission on the part of these business leaders,” stated Ludovic ⁢Iberg, a political ⁤science doctor specializing in⁣ “shadow diplomacy” of‌ economic circles. “And which could commit Switzerland.”

Iberg further emphasized the limited scope of representation in the negotiations. ‍”Historically, employers’ organizations have had the function of ironing out ‌differences… There, we see that large sectors of the Swiss economy were not represented. Machines, pharma, agri-food… So this poses a problem in terms of representativeness.” He asserted the six billionaires present were acting on specific sector interests, not collective economic ones.

Urs⁢ Thalmann, director of Transparency International Switzerland, echoed these ‍concerns, calling the practices “worrying”⁣ and likening them to “medieval customs.”

The ⁢core ⁤issue,according to Iberg,is the lack of‌ democratic accountability.”None of these six representatives has any diplomatic representation or is the subject of an elective ⁣mandate. However, the concessions‌ they discussed in the Oval Office will hang like​ a specter over⁢ the rest‍ of the negotiations. It⁣ will be difficult for Guy Parmelin or Karin Keller-sutter to ⁢go back on these concessions.”

He argues the gifts themselves, while⁢ symbolic, are secondary to the larger issue of unelected individuals potentially shaping Swiss policy. “These gifts are vital, but ​remain ‘of the order of the anecdote’ in the great story of ⁤these six billionaires… who⁤ will potentially commit the ⁤Swiss ⁤State for all the coming years.”

A full interview with Ludovic Iberg detailing these concerns is available here.

Sources: Radio subject: Valentin Jordil; ⁣Web text: Pierrik⁣ Jordan.

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World

Title: Diminished CELAC Summit in Santa Marta Amid Trump’s Pressure

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

EU-CELAC Summit Opens‌ in ‍Colombia ⁤Amidst Shifting Geopolitical⁢ Landscape & Trump’s‌ Shadow

Santa Marta, Colombia – November 7, 2025 ⁣ – Leaders from ⁢the European Union and the Community of Latin‍ American and Caribbean⁣ States (CELAC) convened today in Santa Marta, Colombia, for a bi-regional summit marked by a complex backdrop‌ of evolving global alliances and the⁢ looming presence of a re-elected Donald Trump. Colombian President Gustavo Petro is hosting the event, a role assumed as Colombia holds the CELAC presidency ⁣for 2025, following the previous summit in Brussels in 2023.

The‍ summit ‌agenda focuses on key areas of mutual concern, including the defense⁢ of multilateralism, trade and investment – particularly relevant given the ongoing tariff wars initiated by ​the Trump administration ‌- ‌as well as ecological and digital transitions. Joint efforts to combat organized crime, corruption, drug trafficking, and⁤ human⁤ trafficking are also slated for discussion.

Brazilian President luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has emphasized the urgency of addressing the escalating drug boat crisis, stating​ that the meeting “only⁣ makes sense if we discuss this issue of American warships in the seas of Latin America,” as he articulated during ⁤a press conference⁢ at the COP30 climate conference in Belém.

The summit unfolds at a pivotal moment for Colombia’s foreign policy. Historically a staunch⁢ ally of the United States and⁢ a major recipient of it’s military‍ aid, particularly in the ‍context of ⁣the “war on drugs,” President Petro ‌has demonstrably distanced⁢ his ‌government from the Trump administration. The relationship has deteriorated to the point where Trump ‌has publicly labeled Petro a “thug” who “produces‍ a lot of drugs,” and his government has revoked Petro’s⁣ visa and‍ added him to the Clinton List – a catalog ‌of individuals sanctioned by the U.S.Treasury.

However, this shift ‌isn’t solely reactive to Trump. Even prior⁤ to his initial presidency, Petro has actively broadened Colombia’s diplomatic reach, establishing new embassies in⁢ African nations, strengthening south-south cooperation, and⁢ undertaking‌ tours of Arab countries. Colombia’s decision in‍ May to join ​the investment program of China’s New Silk road further exemplifies this diversification.

The choice of Santa Marta as the summit location is symbolic. The city is commemorating 500 years as its founding by Spanish colonizers and is ​being promoted as a meeting point of Indo-American, Afro-Iberian, and Iberian ⁣cultures.‍ It also holds historical significance as the site of Simón Bolívar’s⁣ death​ in 1830. While offering a unique cultural backdrop, Santa Marta’s limited transport connections present logistical challenges as it hosts not only the heads of ​state and ‌foreign ministers‍ but also ‍a series of parallel events focused on cultural, ​economic, and social issues.

The summit’s success will likely hinge ⁤on ⁤navigating the delicate balance between fostering regional cooperation and addressing the uncertainties introduced by a potentially more isolationist and confrontational ⁤U.S. foreign policy under a ‌second Trump term.

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World

Russia Responds to US Minuteman III Missile Test

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Russia ‍Reacts ‌to ⁣U.S. Minuteman III Test,⁢ Citing Data Collection Concerns

WASHINGTON – Russia‌ has expressed concern following a recent U.S.​ test of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on June 20, 2025. Russian officials stated ⁢teh test,⁤ which involved a non-armed missile launched from Vandenberg ‍Space Force Base in California, appeared designed to gather “valuable”​ data⁢ related to ⁣the weapon system. The ​test occurred as the United⁢ States proceeds with a ⁣modernization program to replace ‍its aging minuteman III fleet, ​which has been operational as 1970.

The test’s timing and stated purpose have raised questions⁣ about strategic signaling ⁤and potential escalation in ⁤the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions. The U.S. Air Force stated ​the test was routine and‌ intended to validate ⁤the safety, security, and⁣ effectiveness ⁢of the ICBM system. However, Russia views the data collection aspect as especially noteworthy, suggesting a purposeful effort to enhance U.S. capabilities. The Minuteman⁤ III is ​a key component of the U.S.nuclear triad, providing a land-based​ deterrent. Its replacement is a multi-billion dollar undertaking with ⁤significant implications for global strategic stability.

The U.S.Air ‍Force Global ‌strike ‌Command confirmed the test⁢ involved collecting data to inform the⁢ Sentinel program, the next-generation ​ICBM​ system intended⁤ to succeed ⁣the minuteman ⁣III. The Sentinel program​ aims to field a more modern, resilient, and secure⁣ ICBM force. The June ‍20th test was‍ not ​designed to test the destructive capabilities ‌of the missile, but rather to assess its performance characteristics during flight.‌

Russia has previously voiced objections to U.S.⁤ missile defense systems and ‌modernization efforts, viewing ⁢them as possibly destabilizing. The latest test is likely to further fuel these concerns and could prompt a response ‍from Moscow. Further developments are anticipated⁢ as ⁢both nations navigate a complex⁣ strategic landscape.

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World

-title Trump Terminates Trade Talks with Canada Over Reagan Ad

by Priya Shah – Business Editor
written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump announced Thursday he is halting trade negotiations with Canada, alleging the country engaged in “egregious behaviour”‌ by‌ airing a television advertisement featuring ⁤Ronald Reagan to oppose his past tariffs. The ad, intended to highlight the potential negative economic consequences of tariffs, prompted Trump to declare an end to discussions.

The dispute centers on legal challenges ‌to tariffs imposed during⁣ the Trump administration on U.S. imports. canada’s ad,which aired ⁢during recent broadcasts of U.S. news programs, aimed to influence the Supreme Court⁣ and other courts currently deliberating the legality of those tariffs. Trump claimed the advertisement was a intentional attempt to “interfere with the‍ decision” of the courts.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform to voice his disapproval, criticizing Canada’s actions as unacceptable. While the specific details ⁤of the trade talks ⁢Trump referenced were not instantly disclosed, the⁤ move signals a⁣ potential⁣ escalation in trade tensions between the two countries. The outcome of the Supreme Court case will determine the future of the tariffs and could have significant implications for both U.S. and Canadian economies.

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