1Politicsgulfnews.com
Ecuador ex-president sentenced to 5 years for corruption
Ecuador's former president, Lenin Moreno, has been sentenced to five years in prison for accepting bribes from a Chinese company that built the country's largest hydroelectric dam. Moreno, who ruled from 2017 to 2021, was among 20 people convicted in the case involving the construction of the Coca Codo Sinclair dam by China's Sinohydro. His wife and relatives were also sentenced to nearly three years in jail for complicity. Moreno has announced plans to appeal the court's decision, blaming the case on "the Correa regime" and his former backer, Rafael Correa, who allegedly promised revenge on him.
2Businesshindustantimes.com
China ramps up credit support in overhaul of property market
China has announced a significant increase in credit support for the property market, allowing homebuyers to borrow for a term of up to 40 years, up from the current 30 years. The central bank also announced plans to support developers through equity and bond sales. These measures are part of an overhaul of the way homes are sold nationwide, pushing developers to offer completed properties instead of using the pre-sales model that exacerbated the housing crisis. The new model will only collect a small deposit from homebuyer if they fail to deliver homes on schedule, allowing buyers to walk away from the purchase. To ease funding pressure, builders can pay land purchase fees in installment. The measures are seen as a bold attempt in years to end the downturn, which has contributed to $130 billion in defaults and weak economic performance.
3Politicskamumedya.com
Iceland Votes on Reopening EU Talks in Referendum Too Close to Call
Icelanders are voting on whether to reopen negotiations to join the European Union, a decision that the fiercely independent island nation of 400,000 people believed it had settled when it shelved its membership bid over a decade ago. The last polls put the "yes" camp ahead by just 2.6 points, down from more than six points in June. A "yes", however, would not make Iceland a member and would send the government back to Brussels for a second referendum and ratification by all 27 member states. Supporters argue that full membership would give Iceland a say over existing rules and allow for a seat at the table and a path to the euro. Critics argue that the government's framing is a deception and that applying to join without wanting to join makes "a fool of the European EU". The current government maintains that the application remains valid.
4Businesslokmattimes.com
Russian convicted of smuggling US jet parts
Russian national Alexander Mamonov, known as Ignat Vakorin, has been convicted of illegally exporting more than $900,000 in American aircraft components to Russia and its state-owned airline Aeroflot. The charges included conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act, illegally exporting controlled goods, conspiracy to commit smuggling, smuggling, submitting false export information, and conspiracy to contribute to money laundering. Mamonova, a former Aerofl employee, moved from Russia to South Florida before joining the export scheme. The scheme began after the US tightened controls on exports to Russia following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The Commerce Department had also issued a temporary denial order barring Aeroflet from receiving goods originating in the US. US Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones warned against efforts to evade export controls through third countries.
5Sportsledger-enquirer.com
Louisiana judge opens door wider for return of pro hopefuls to SEC
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has been hit by a court in Louisiana, allowing athletes from pro football to return to college. The judge restored the eligibility of some athletes and blocked the SEC's plan to punish schools that recruit former pro hopefuls. The athletes, including former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Zxavian Harris and former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae'Quan Wright, are among those affected. The SEC's new ban affects players who declared for a pro draft and did not withdraw, signed a pro contract or appeared on a pro team's roster. The ruling comes after a judge in Dallas ruled that the SEC cannot block 41 athletes from returning to college despite their past relationships with pro leagues.
6Businesstravelandtourworld.com
Thailand Targets 3 Trillion Baht Tourism Growth While Strengthening Rules for Safer Travel
Thailand is leading a new stage of tourism development as the country aims to increase tourism income to 3 trillion baht, while strengthening measures to maintain public safety and public order. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has introduced a transformation roadmap designed to increase revenue by attracting higher-spending visitors and promoting diverse travel experiences. The aim is to increase this revenue through improved experiences, premium services and stronger destination management. Alongside this expansion, Thailand is strengthening regulations to address concerns about visitor behaviour. The government has introduced stricter approach to foreign tourists who violate local laws and may face deportation under updated legal measures. The 3 trillion Baht tourism target represents a major economic ambition, but it will depend on maintaining visitor confidence and destination quality.
7Worldlokmattimes.com
Dearth of space in morgues as death toll continues to rise after Nepal-Tibet flash flood
Nepal hospitals are struggling to store and identify bodies from the Bhotekoshi flood, as the death toll continues to rise. The country only has the capacity to store about 350 bodies in morgues nationwide, leading to a shortage of storage space. The remains of victims swept away from Rasuwa and Nuwakparasi are being recovered downstream, up to Chitwan, Tanahun, Nawalparasi and low-lying areas. The district of Chitwa has already been filled with bodies, leading authorities to set up temporary facilities. The authorities have now established a temporary body storage centre in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-10, which is expected to provide space for about 250 bodies. Bodies have also been brought to Pokhara after several districts ran out of space.
8Entertainmentwbal.com
Was Dolly Parton a feminist? She wouldn't say it, but fans heard it — in her life and her lyrics
Dolly Parton, a country star who died at 80, never claimed to be a feminist, but her fans believed her in both her life and her lyrics. The magazine Ms., co-founded by Gloria Steinem, named her 12 Women of the Year in 1987. Her life choices, accomplishments, social alliances, and especially her lyrics indicated her commitment to independent identity. Despite not claiming to be feminist, Parton's fans claimed her with pride and affection. Her outspoken voice and outspoken stance helped her express progressive views. Her flamboyant style has been criticized for turning women into symbols of feminism.
9Healthtimesleaderonline.com
She Was A Pain Specialist To Top Athletes. Her Opioid Prescribing Alarmed The DEA
Joan Rubinger, a prominent pain-relief specialist who helped athletes return to the field after acute and chronic injuries, was accused by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of distributing thousands of illegal prescriptions for highly addictive painkillers. Over a four-year period, Rubinger prescribed 260,000 pills containing controlled substances to patients in more than 20 states. The DEA revoked Rubinger's ability to prescribe opioids last month following her agreement to pay $1.4 million to settle a separate Justice Department civil complaint accusing her of dispensing controlled substances without medical purpose. The case against Rubinger did not result in criminal charges.
10Entertainmentwbal.com
'RIP King': Fans pay respect to Tupac Shakur, hope for justice as murder trial nears the end
Fans of late rapper Tupac Shakur have expressed hope for justice in the murder trial of former Southern California street gang leader Duane "Keffe D" Davis, who has pleaded not guilty to orchestrating the Las Vegas drive-by shooting that killed him 30 years ago. The trial has brought fans back to a loss many have never forgotten. Shakur and his influence have lived on through fans and pop culture, including a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023 and a character in the upcoming video adventure game "Stranger than Heaven."
