Man City Clinch First-Ever Club World Cup with 4-0 Victory Over Fluminense

Man City Clinch First-Ever Club World Cup with 4-0 Victory Over Fluminense

Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden Shine as Guardiola Makes History with Third Club World Cup Win

Manchester City secured their first-ever Club World Cup title with a commanding 4-0 victory over Brazilian side Fluminense in Saudi Arabia. The win marked a historic achievement for Pep Guardiola, who became the first manager to triumph in the competition with three different clubs.

Julian Alvarez played a pivotal role in the triumph, scoring twice – once after just 40 seconds and again late in the game. Phil Foden also had a hand in the result, forcing an own goal and netting a goal of his own. The match, however, wasn’t without concern, as influential midfielder Rodri was forced off with an injury in the second half, leaving City to nervously await updates on his fitness.

Despite the absence of star striker Erling Haaland, who missed the game due to a foot issue, City dominated proceedings from start to finish. The result also secured their fifth title of the calendar year, adding to their European Super Cup triumph in August.

Fluminense, the Copa Libertadores champions, struggled against City’s attacking pressure, and it took just 40 seconds for City to open the scoring. A misplaced crossfield pass from Marcelo, the former Real Madrid captain, found Nathan Ake, whose long-range effort struck the post, allowing Alvarez to pounce on the rebound and score.

The Brazilian side had a brief moment of hope when City goalkeeper Ederson made an error, giving away possession and fouling German Cano in the process. However, an offside flag saved City from conceding.

Fluminense’s resistance crumbled as City doubled their lead when Rodri played in Foden, whose cross deflected off Nino and into the net for an own goal. Before the break, Ederson was called into action to deny Jhon Arias’s header.

In the second half, Fluminense’s goalkeeper Fabio was busy, making a double save to deny both Foden and Bernardo Silva. But it wasn’t long before City added their third. Alvarez, working down the left flank, delivered a cross for Foden to slide in and score in the 72nd minute.

Rodri’s injury soon saw him substituted, but Alvarez ensured the victory with a well-struck goal in the final minutes of the match, completing City’s dominant performance.

Now, Guardiola and his side will shift focus back to their Premier League campaign, with the next test coming at Everton, though much attention will be on Rodri’s injury ahead of the match.

Cameron Hails UN Vote on Gaza as Step Towards Greater Unity, Despite Calls for Stronger Action

Cameron Hails UN Vote on Gaza as Step Towards Greater Unity, Despite Calls for Stronger Action

UK Foreign Secretary Praises Resolution, While Aid Groups Demand Immediate Ceasefire for Effective Humanitarian Response

Lord David Cameron has expressed optimism following the UN Security Council’s adoption of a watered-down resolution aimed at accelerating humanitarian aid to Gaza. Despite the lack of a call for an immediate ceasefire, Cameron emphasised the growing unity among nations in addressing the ongoing crisis, following the vote that saw 13 countries in favour, with the US and Russia abstaining.

The UK Foreign Secretary welcomed the resolution, highlighting its endorsement of steps towards a “sustainable ceasefire.” This marks a shift towards a more unified stance on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Cameron said, noting that the resolution laid the groundwork for continued diplomatic efforts. He reiterated that a sustainable ceasefire must ensure Hamas can no longer threaten Israel with attacks, which he believes is crucial for long-term peace.

However, humanitarian organisations and charities have criticised the resolution for not going far enough. They have urged the UK to push for an immediate and permanent cessation of violence to enable the safe delivery of aid. Organisations such as Amnesty International and ActionAid have warned that without a ceasefire, humanitarian efforts will continue to be hindered.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also welcomed the vote but stressed the urgency of a humanitarian truce. He called for intensive diplomacy to create conditions for peace, with specific demands for Hamas to release all hostages and for Israel to cease its bombing campaign and allow humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

The US has been a key player in shaping the resolution, removing a provision calling for an “urgent suspension of hostilities” in a move that was seen as a significant diplomatic setback. Despite this, the vote marks the first successful passage in the UN Security Council concerning the war, following US vetoes of two earlier resolutions calling for humanitarian pauses and a full ceasefire.

While some progress has been made, aid groups remain vocal in their demand for stronger measures. Christian Aid and Oxfam GB both stated that only a permanent ceasefire could ensure the delivery of the necessary scale of humanitarian aid, with Oxfam’s interim CEO calling the failure to include such a call a “profound dereliction of duty.”

The conflict, ignited by Hamas’s attacks on October 7, has resulted in the deaths of over 20,000 people in Gaza. Israel’s military actions continue to devastate the region, with nearly 85% of Gaza’s population displaced and large parts of the territory levelled.

The resolution follows several weeks of intense negotiations and represents a partial victory in the effort to address the humanitarian crisis. However, the need for stronger action remains pressing, with many insisting that only an immediate ceasefire will pave the way for peace and aid delivery.

North Dakota Court to Decide on Temporary Halt to Abortion Law Restricting Doctors’ Ability to Act

North Dakota Court to Decide on Temporary Halt to Abortion Law Restricting Doctors’ Ability to Act

Physicians Challenge Revised Law in Bid to Safeguard Medical Judgement for Saving Patients’ Lives

A judge in North Dakota is set to rule soon on whether to temporarily halt the enforcement of a section of the state’s updated abortion law, which limits doctors’ ability to perform the procedure unless it is deemed necessary to protect a patient’s life or health. Physicians, alongside the former sole abortion provider in the state, have requested the intervention of District Court Judge Bruce Romanick to prevent the law from being applied against doctors acting on their “good-faith medical judgment” in cases where complications during pregnancy could endanger a patient’s well-being.

The law bans nearly all abortions in North Dakota, with exceptions only for cases where the mother’s life is at risk or she faces “serious health complications.” Under the current statute, anyone performing an abortion could face felony charges, though patients themselves would not be prosecuted.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that, under the law, doctors are forced to delay performing abortions until the patient’s health deteriorates to a point where it is indisputable that the procedure is necessary. “Patients and physicians have suffered significant harm,” said attorney Meetra Mehdizadeh of the Center for Reproductive Rights. She highlighted the emotional and physical toll on patients being denied their rights, as well as the fear of criminal prosecution looming over physicians providing necessary care.

The law permits abortions in cases of rape or incest, but only within the first six weeks of pregnancy, before many women even realise they are expecting. It also allows for treatment in cases of ectopic and molar pregnancies, where the fetus is nonviable.

State attorney Dan Gaustad opposed the request for the preliminary injunction, noting that the plaintiffs had waited for seven months before seeking action. He also challenged the “good-faith medical judgment” provision, arguing that the plaintiffs were attempting to modify the statute under the guise of a temporary injunction. The law, Gaustad contended, uses the term “reasonable medical judgment,” not “good-faith.”

The legal battle began after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling and allowed individual states to set their own abortion laws. Following this, the Red River Women’s Clinic filed a lawsuit against the state’s trigger ban, which was designed to go into effect if Roe v. Wade were overturned. The clinic, which had previously operated in Fargo, relocated to Moorhead, Minnesota, where abortion remains legal.

Last year, a judge granted a preliminary injunction preventing the state’s ban from taking effect, a decision upheld by the North Dakota Supreme Court in March 2023. In the ruling, Chief Justice Jon Jensen affirmed that North Dakota citizens have the right to life and safety, including the fundamental right for pregnant women to seek an abortion to protect their life or health.

Following this, the state legislature passed a revised abortion law, which Governor Doug Burgum signed in April. In June, the clinic filed an amended complaint with support from various doctors, including specialists in obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine. A jury trial for the case is set for August 2024.

Experts Urge Caution with Champagne Bottles to Prevent Eye Injuries

Experts Urge Caution with Champagne Bottles to Prevent Eye Injuries

Academics Highlight Risks of Cork Launches and Share Safety Tips to Protect Vision

Experts have issued a warning about the dangers of eye injuries caused by corks when opening bottles of sparkling wine or Champagne, especially during celebratory occasions. Researchers from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Ophthalmology, including Ethan Waisberg, have cautioned that corks can be propelled from bottles at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, posing a significant risk of serious eye damage, including permanent blindness.

While the advice may seem overly cautious, the academics stress that cork-related injuries are often underestimated and can lead to severe outcomes, such as detached retinas or lens dislocation. The pressure inside a 750ml bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine is three times that of a standard car tyre, and this intense pressure can propel the cork up to 13 metres in under 0.05 seconds. This speed is so fast that the blink reflex cannot prevent injury, potentially causing lasting harm to vision.

To minimise the risk of injury, experts have outlined simple safety measures, in line with recommendations from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. These include chilling the bottle before opening it to reduce pressure, holding the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and others, and gently pressing down on the cork to counter its upward force. In the event of an injury, seeking immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist is essential to limit long-term vision damage.

The researchers also advocate for increased public awareness and preventive steps, such as warning labels and alternative bottle closures like screw caps. They referenced a 2022 incident in which cyclist Biniam Girmay suffered an eye injury when opening a bottle of prosecco on the podium after winning the Giro d’Italia, forcing him to withdraw from the competition.

Previous studies have highlighted the prevalence of eye injuries from corks, with one 2005 study finding that Champagne corks were responsible for 20% of eye injuries related to bottle tops in the US and 71% in Hungary. While many individuals recovered, the study revealed that 26% of cases involving pressurised bottles resulted in legal blindness. A 2009 review of 34 cork-related eye injuries in Italy found a range of serious conditions, including traumatic cataracts, bleeding, and glaucoma.

In their article in the BMJ, the authors emphasise the importance of taking precautions to avoid the need for eye surgery in the new year. Their message is clear: enjoy the festivities but ensure that the cork stays in the bottle, so your sparkle remains in your eyes.

U.S. Government Takes Legal Action Against Texas Developer for Predatory Lending Targeting Hispanic Homebuyers

U.S. Government Takes Legal Action Against Texas Developer for Predatory Lending Targeting Hispanic Homebuyers

Lawsuit Alleges Developer Deceived Thousands into Risky Loans for Homes Lacking Essential Infrastructure

The U.S. Justice Department has launched its first legal case regarding predatory mortgage lending against a Texas developer accused of manipulating Hispanic homebuyers through deceptive sales tactics on platforms such as TikTok. The lawsuit targets Colony Ridge, a vast housing development northeast of Houston, where Spanish-language advertisements promise affordable homeownership. However, the government alleges that the developer misleads applicants into purchasing homes with no essential utilities by offering high-risk loans that many buyers are unable to repay.

The developer reportedly uses aggressive sales tactics, preying on individuals with limited English skills, and the results have been devastating. Many of the homebuyers discovered that their properties lacked basic amenities, and were prone to flooding and sewage issues. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, overseeing the Civil Rights Division, stated that this fraudulent and discriminatory scheme has caused significant harm to families who were misled into financially risky commitments.

In response, Colony Ridge CEO John Harris dismissed the lawsuit as unfounded, claiming that the business thrives on customer referrals from satisfied landowners. He defended his company’s practice of offering loans to individuals who struggle to obtain credit from other sources, although he acknowledged that interest rates on these loans are higher than usual.

The sprawling Colony Ridge development, which is home to over 40,000 residents, has expanded rapidly, partly due to aggressive TikTok advertising and offering loans that bypass credit checks. However, these loans often carry high interest rates and lack proper affordability assessments. Between 2019 and 2022, at least 30% of the properties sold through seller-financed loans faced foreclosure within three years, according to the lawsuit.

Moreover, the company has been accused of profiting from foreclosures. When a buyer fails to make payments and loses their property, Colony Ridge buys it back and resells it at a higher price, according to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Rohit Chopra.

The development also gained national attention this fall when conservative groups and media pushed unfounded claims that it was a haven for undocumented immigrants and that criminal cartels were active within the neighbourhood. These allegations were refuted by local residents, officials, and the developer, with no evidence to support such claims.

This latest legal action, filed by the Justice Department, seeks civil penalties and compensation for those affected by the fraudulent practices. The case also forms part of the department’s broader efforts to combat redlining, a practice in which lenders discriminate based on race, colour, or national origin. One woman, who sold her mother’s home to buy into Colony Ridge, found herself burdened with thousands of dollars in additional costs for basic infrastructure. She also experienced severe flooding that made it impossible for her to enter or exit the area during heavy rains.

U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas condemned the developer’s actions, stating that they exploited the immigrant dream of homeownership, often leading to financial ruin and dashed hopes for many families.

Shoppers Urged to Stay Alert for Terror Threat During Christmas Period

Shoppers Urged to Stay Alert for Terror Threat During Christmas Period

Home Secretary Calls on the Public to Trust Their Instincts and Report Suspicious Activity

As Christmas shoppers prepare for the festive season, the Home Secretary has urged the public to remain alert against the growing threat of terrorism, advising people to trust their instincts if they observe anything suspicious.

Following the Hamas attack on Israel, police figures revealed a significant rise in reports to the anti-terror hotline. Between October 7 and 25, the number of contacts made was over twice the amount from the same period last year, with useful information for investigators increasing nearly fourfold, rising to 200.

On Tuesday, James Cleverly visited London’s Trafalgar Square to witness the launch of the “winter vigilance” campaign by Counter Terrorism Policing. Speaking about the initiative, he said: “Since the tragic events in Israel on October 7 and the ongoing military action in Gaza, we have seen an increase in reports of potential terrorist activities here in the UK.

“What we aim for is to reassure the public that they can safely enjoy their Christmas shopping. Operation winter vigilance is designed to keep people safe while they’re out celebrating. If anyone notices something unusual or concerning, we urge them to trust their instincts and report it to the authorities.”

Cleverly added: “The police are here to help and ensure everyone can enjoy a secure and peaceful Christmas season.”

Haaland and Key Players Ruled Out for Man City’s Club World Cup Final Against Fluminense

Haaland and Key Players Ruled Out for Man City’s Club World Cup Final Against Fluminense

Injury Woes Continue for Haaland, Doku, and De Bruyne as Manchester City Prepare for Friday’s Decisive Clash

Manchester City will be without star striker Erling Haaland for their upcoming Club World Cup final against Fluminense on Friday. The Norwegian forward, who has been sidelined for the past three matches due to a persistent foot injury, had travelled to Saudi Arabia with his teammates for FIFA’s global tournament. However, Haaland missed training on Monday and was excluded from the 23-man squad for Tuesday’s semi-final against Urawa Red Diamonds.

Haaland’s absence adds to the woes for manager Pep Guardiola, who will also be without Belgian winger Jeremy Doku, who is struggling with a muscle issue. Additionally, club captain Kevin De Bruyne, who has been out of action since the opening match of the season due to hamstring surgery, was also unavailable for the semi-final despite taking part in training on Monday.

Guardiola confirmed that De Bruyne has started training again, but Haaland remains unable to participate. “Kevin began training yesterday and will join us again on Wednesday. He has been out for four months, but he is improving,” Guardiola explained. “Erling still cannot train.”

With Haaland, Doku, and De Bruyne all unavailable, Manchester City supporters will be disappointed to learn that none of the three players will be eligible for the final clash against the Copa Libertadores champions, Fluminense. According to tournament regulations, only the players named in the semi-final squad are permitted to participate in the final.

The trio watched from the bench during the semi-final against Urawa, and were replaced in the official 23-man squad by young players Max Alleyne, Mahamadou Susoho, and Micah Hamilton. Despite their injuries, Haaland, De Bruyne, and Doku will remain with the team in Saudi Arabia.

Haaland will have missed five consecutive matches by the time City return to England, with their next Premier League fixture set for December 27 against a resurgent Everton. Manchester City’s final game of 2023 will be at home to Sheffield United, and it remains uncertain whether Haaland, Doku, or De Bruyne will be fit to feature in these upcoming matches.

Michael van Gerwen Progresses in World Darts Championship as James Wade Faces Unexpected Exit

Michael van Gerwen Progresses in World Darts Championship as James Wade Faces Unexpected Exit

Matt Campbell delivers a stunning victory over James Wade, while Michael van Gerwen cruises into the third round.

Michael van Gerwen began his quest for a third World Darts Championship title with a dominant 3-0 victory over Keane Barry, booking his place in the third round. The Dutchman, who last claimed the prestigious title in 2019, showed glimpses of his best form, finishing with a superb 167 checkout and an average of 98.17. Although pleased with the win, van Gerwen admitted there was room for improvement.

“I’m not entirely happy with my scoring, but the important thing is that I won,” van Gerwen reflected in his post-match interview. “There’s pressure, but it’s the first round, and it’s crucial to get through it. A finish like that 167 really helps boost your confidence.”

In contrast, the World Championship proved to be a challenging tournament for 13th seed James Wade, who suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Matt Campbell. The world number 57 stunned Wade to secure the biggest win of his career and the first back-to-back victories of his life at Ally Pally. Campbell will now return to Canada to celebrate Christmas before preparing for the last 32.

“The flight home won’t be fun,” Campbell laughed. “But I need to see my family, and I’ll try to avoid jetlag by staying awake!” Despite Wade’s disappointment, including not shaking Campbell’s hand post-match, the Canadian holds no ill will. “I understand his frustration, and I’m sure he’d be fine if we saw each other now,” Campbell added.

Keegan Brown, who endured a tough match, will likely not want to hear the name Boris Krcmar again. Brown initially led in his first-round match but was eventually overwhelmed by the Croatian, who secured a 3-1 win. Despite the setback, Brown was left baffled after MC John McDonald mistakenly announced Krcmar’s name before the match.

Leading female player Mikuru Suzuki also faced disappointment, as she was knocked out 3-0 by Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko, continuing her winless streak at Alexandra Palace. Suzuki follows in the footsteps of Fallon Sherrock, who was also eliminated.

Other results saw victories for Steve Beaton, Jeffrey de Graaf, Tomoya Goto, and Mike De Decker, with all progressing to the next stage of the tournament.

Mother Questions Whether Her Gift-Giving Hack Makes Her ‘A Terrible Person’

Mother Questions Whether Her Gift-Giving Hack Makes Her ‘A Terrible Person’

A mother reflects on whether her clever way of managing gifts for her kids is a genius idea or morally questionable.

A mother has sparked debate over a gift-giving method she’s been using with her children, wondering if it makes her a “terrible person” or a “genius.” Elizabeth Longshaw shared her approach on TikTok, asking her followers for their opinions on whether her hack is controversial or just an innovative way of managing gifts.

In the video, Longshaw explained that she and her husband buy gifts for their children throughout the year, usually during sales or at garage sales. These gifts are stored in a bin in their basement until Christmas or their kids’ birthdays, to avoid the stress of last-minute shopping. However, Longshaw admitted to a mix-up that has left her questioning her method.

Last year, her daughter had a large birthday party with ten kids, and received multiple gifts from friends, family, and relatives. Overwhelmed by the number of presents, Longshaw put half of them away in the same bin where she and her husband had been storing their pre-purchased gifts. While wrapping the presents for her daughter’s birthday, she realised she couldn’t remember which gifts were from her and which were from other people.

“I’m wrapping up this gift and I’m like: ‘Did we buy her this, or did her friend Chloe?’” she said in the video, holding up a puzzle. “I don’t remember… I’m just going to put ‘from mom and dad’ on it, even though it might not be from us. What do you think?”

Longshaw posed the question to her viewers: “Does this make me a terrible person, or is this a genius gifting hack for kids who get too much?” The video quickly gained traction, amassing over a million views, with many commenters offering their support or sharing their own thoughts.

While some viewers found the idea clever, others warned that it may only work while the children are young and don’t remember who gave them each gift. “She’s three, so it’s fine,” one commenter wrote, while another noted, “Once they remember, they remember!”

Several followers suggested ways to keep track of who the gifts are from in future years. One commenter recommended using a sticker system to mark presents from specific people, while another proposed rotating the gifts once the children get older, so they’re not overwhelmed by too many toys at once.

Despite the mixed opinions, Longshaw’s video has sparked a wider conversation about the pressures of gift-giving and managing presents for young children. While some see it as a smart, practical solution, others raise questions about the ethics of taking shortcuts when it comes to holiday traditions.

Rudy Giuliani Ordered to Pay Nearly $150 Million in Defamation Case to Election Workers

Rudy Giuliani Ordered to Pay Nearly $150 Million in Defamation Case to Election Workers

A jury rules in favour of Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss after Giuliani’s baseless fraud claims triggered a wave of harassment.

Rudy Giuliani, the former lawyer of Donald Trump, has been ordered to pay almost $150 million to Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss after making false claims that led to significant harassment and abuse. A Washington D.C. jury awarded Freeman $16.2 million and Moss $16.99 million in compensatory damages, alongside $20 million each for emotional distress. In addition, they were granted $75 million in punitive damages.

The case stemmed from Giuliani’s unfounded accusations that Freeman and Moss had manipulated the 2020 election results. He falsely claimed the women were involved in ballot fraud, including carrying suitcases of ballots and using a flash drive to alter votes in favour of Joe Biden. These allegations triggered a torrent of racist abuse, threats, and public scorn, deeply affecting their personal lives.

During the trial, the two women shared harrowing accounts of the emotional toll they suffered. Freeman explained how the false claims left her feeling trapped in a cycle of fear and distress, and Moss expressed hopes that no one else would ever have to endure the same ordeal.

While Freeman was forced to leave her home due to threats, both women continued to seek justice in the courts. Freeman reflected that the damages, though substantial, would never resolve the ongoing challenges she faces from the smear campaign. “I miss my home, I miss my neighbours, and I miss my name,” she said after the ruling.

Giuliani’s conduct continues to have far-reaching consequences, with the legal team of Freeman and Moss initially requesting $24 million each to compensate for the damage done to their reputations. The verdict is seen as a major blow to Giuliani, who remains entangled in various legal challenges related to the 2020 election fraud conspiracy.

Giuliani, who maintained that he did not regret his statements, described the damage award as absurd. Despite this, he did not take the stand in his own defence. His lawyer, Joseph Sibley, suggested the responsibility for the spread of the false claims lay with far-right media outlets, which disseminated the accusations after Giuliani’s statements. However, Giuliani’s remarks about Freeman and Moss were integral to the ongoing campaign of defamation that led to the harassment.

The case also highlights Giuliani’s role in spreading the “stolen election” narrative, which continues to fuel conspiracy theories and drive a wedge in American politics. His remarks and those of Trump, alongside far-right outlets, prompted violent rhetoric and a political atmosphere ripe for false accusations against election workers.

This ruling is just one part of Giuliani’s broader legal troubles, as he faces multiple defamation lawsuits and charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.