Quebec is expanding its secularism laws with a new bill, “secularism 2.0,” which builds upon the existing 2019 law restricting religious symbols in public sector jobs. The new legislation proposes to extend the ban on religious symbols to subsidized daycares and restrict “collective religious practices” in public spaces without municipal authorization. This move follows recent protests and aims to address concerns about religious displays in public areas. The bill has already faced criticism from opposition parties and Muslim organizations, who accuse the government of creating division and engaging in identity politics.
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Following the targeting of Russia’s largest oil firms, a US group, Dekleptocracy, has identified crucial, yet obscure, sanctions that could disrupt Russia’s war effort. These sanctions focus on chemicals used in mechanical lubricants and military-grade tires, areas where Russia lacks domestic production capabilities. Xinxiang Richful, a Chinese company, is a key supplier of lubricant additives and should be blocked. This action, along with targeting other suppliers, would create shortages.
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As of November 27, 2025, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine reported that 16,230 civilians have been killed due to Russian shelling, a significant increase from previous years. The number of injured civilians also rose to 38,036, reflecting a substantial surge in casualties. This increase is attributed to intensified missile and drone attacks, particularly affecting infrastructure and residential areas, as highlighted by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. These attacks have caused widespread damage, blackouts, and tragically, a rising death toll across the country.
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As Amazon prepares for a major shopping event, a global coalition of unions, tech workers, and human rights groups is organizing strikes and protests in over 30 countries as part of the “Make Amazon Pay” campaign. The campaign accuses Amazon of exacerbating inequality, undermining democratic rights, and contributing to environmental harm. This year’s demonstrations will address the company’s expanding influence, including its involvement in logistics, cloud services, and political lobbying, while highlighting issues such as harsh working conditions and environmental impacts. Protests are planned worldwide, and the campaign demands that Amazon fairly compensate workers, pay taxes, and address the environmental damage caused by its operations.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged a US plan to end the war in Ukraine could be a foundation for future agreements, confirming an upcoming meeting with a US delegation. However, he reiterated Russia’s demand for Ukrainian troop withdrawal from occupied territories, threatening to achieve this through military means. This stance, coupled with Russia’s maximalist demands, suggests slim chances for immediate resolution, despite ongoing negotiations and discussions of a revised peace plan.
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During a meeting with journalists, Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to confuse the names of settlements in the Donetsk region, incorrectly stating that a battle for Komsomolsk was ongoing. Putin also reiterated false claims about the encirclement of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, as well as control over a significant portion of Siversk. This misidentification of locations and exaggerated reports of territorial gains follow previous inaccurate statements regarding the situation in the region. The statements suggest a disconnect between Putin’s assertions and the reality on the ground.
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Expanding educational ties, Russia has accepted 96 North Korean students to universities last year, including MGIMO, and enrolled 29 in geology programs this year. Collaboration extends across sectors like banking, energy, medicine, and geology, with Russia constructing a language center in North Korea. These actions reflect growing relations, further strengthened by North Korean military and cyber support, and increased tourism since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
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New footage shows Israeli forces fatally shooting two Palestinians in the West Bank who appeared to have surrendered during an ongoing military operation in Jenin. The Israeli military claimed the men were wanted individuals associated with a “terror network,” and the incident is under review. The Palestinian Authority condemned the killings as a “war crime,” while Israel’s national security minister fully supported the officers involved. The raid is part of a larger Israeli campaign in the northern West Bank, which has seen a spike in violence since the Hamas attack in October 2023.
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In the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, a region known for the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, research reveals that plastic debris acts as artificial habitats for marine life. Scientists discovered that many coastal species, like barnacles and crabs, are thriving on these floating plastic objects, creating a “neopelagic” community far from shore. These organisms not only survive but also reproduce on the plastic, indicating a shift in marine ecosystems. This research underscores that plastic pollution is not only a waste problem but also a factor that’s reshaping where marine life lives and expands the ranges of coastal organisms.
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On October 14, Steve Witkoff advised Russian official Yuri Ushakov to have President Putin call President Trump, offering suggestions on what Putin should say. Following this, Putin did call Trump on October 16, and on October 17, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky, Trump did not offer Tomahawk missiles, potentially due to the influence of the call. Witkoff’s actions, including promoting Putin’s positions, may have contributed to prolonging the war by encouraging the Russians and could be influencing Trump to not pressure Russia. This behavior and the conversations about potential investments with Russia suggest a deeper motivation, which is still unknown.
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John Q. Hosedrinker