A controversial reform to Ley de Glaciares has intensified debate in Argentina, as the government moves to relax environmental protections in high-altitude regions to facilitate mining investment.

The decision has triggered protests from environmental groups and raised concerns among communities dependent on glacier-fed water systems.The shift follows years of tensions surrounding mining operations such as the Veladero mine, a gold and silver project that began operating in 2005 in San Juan Province.

The mine, jointly owned by Barrick Mining Corporation and Shandong Gold, has long been at the center of environmental scrutiny. A cyanide spill in 2015 polluted rivers in the region, raising concerns about downstream water safety in the Jáchal basin, although subsequent studies indicated that contamination levels remained within safe limits.

Additional spills reported in 2016 and 2017 remain under investigation.Local residents and environmental advocates have argued that operations at Veladero violate glacier protection laws, which were originally designed to prohibit industrial activity in sensitive high-mountain ecosystems.

These concerns have persisted despite legal challenges by mining companies, including attempts to have the law declared unconstitutional, which were rejected by Argentina’s Supreme Court.The newly approved reform, backed by President Javier Milei, introduces significant changes to how glacier protection is applied.

Passed by 137 votes to 111 in the Chamber of Deputies following earlier Senate approval, the legislation allows provincial authorities to determine which glaciers and periglacial areas qualify for protection.

The criteria hinge on whether these ice formations serve a “relevant water function,” effectively decentralizing decision-making that was previously governed by national standards.

Government officials argue that the reform is essential to unlocking Argentina’s mineral wealth, particularly as global demand for critical resources such as lithium and copper rises in response to the energy transition.

Milei described the previous framework as overly restrictive, stating that it created “artificial obstacles” and prevented development even in areas lacking significant environmental value.However, critics contend that the changes weaken a foundational environmental safeguard.

Andrés Nápoli, executive director of the Foundation of Environment and Natural Resources, warned that the reform undermines protections for key water reserves. He argued that linking glacier exploitation to sustainable energy goals presents a contradiction, emphasizing that glaciers play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance.

Environmental groups estimate that approximately 7 million people, or 16 percent of Argentina’s population, rely on glacier-fed water systems. Beyond supplying rivers, glaciers regulate fragile ecosystems that are increasingly vulnerable to climate change.

In the country’s northwest, scientists report that glacier mass has declined by around 17 percent over the past decade, heightening concerns about long-term water availability.The reform has prompted public demonstrations, including protests organized by Greenpeace outside the National Congress.

Several activists were detained earlier this year during a demonstration coinciding with Senate deliberations. Protesters argue that transferring authority to provincial governments risks prioritizing short-term economic gains over environmental sustainability.

Supporters of the reform, including provincial leaders in resource-rich regions, maintain that the previous law was overly broad and hindered investment in areas where environmental impact is minimal. Luis Lucero stated during a congressional hearing that framing mining and environmental protection as mutually exclusive is misleading, describing it as a misconception that should be removed from public discourse.

Experts caution that the issue extends beyond technical definitions of glaciers. Ruiz noted that glaciers are dynamic systems whose role in water supply can vary over time, making it difficult to assess their importance through fixed criteria.

He argued that the debate is ultimately political, centering on who has the authority to determine what constitutes a resource worth protecting.In communities such as Jáchal, the stakes are immediate and tangible. Residents have expressed fears about water contamination and long-term environmental degradation.

Activists like Zeballos, a local campaigner, have taken personal measures such as avoiding river water, citing concerns over safety. For many, the issue is framed not only as an environmental question but as one of survival.The reform underscores the broader challenge facing resource-rich nations seeking to balance economic development with environmental preservation.

As Argentina positions itself as a key supplier of minerals critical to global energy systems, tensions between national growth strategies and local ecological concerns are likely to intensify.

On a recent morning inside Jimmy’s Corner, a narrow dive bar tucked into the commercial intensity of Times Square, 73-year-old David Gladman leaned over a series of photo-covered tables, searching through decades of memories laminated beneath worn surfaces.

Using the light from his phone, he scanned images from the 1970s and 1980s before stopping at one that captured a younger version of himself sitting beside his then-wife, cigarette in hand.The photograph, he said, was just one fragment of a routine that defined much of his adult life.

Gladman, a former executive chef, recalled frequenting the bar daily between 1988 and 2012, often spending hours there after work. He described it as a place where he could decompress from the pressures of his profession before returning home.

Jimmy’s Corner, established in 1971 by former boxer Jimmy Glenn, has long operated as an anomaly within its surroundings. While Times Square has undergone decades of commercial transformation, evolving into a global hub of tourism and entertainment, the bar has retained elements of an earlier era.

Its interior is marked by aging photographs of boxers, sticker-covered restroom walls, and a narrow bar lined with worn stools. The space offers little in terms of modern amenities but has maintained a reputation for authenticity among its patrons.

That continuity is now under threat. The building housing Jimmy’s Corner is owned by the Durst Organization, which has informed current operator Adam Glenn, the founder’s son, that the bar will be evicted as the property is prepared for sale.

Glenn, who assumed control of the establishment in 2015, has contested the move through legal action, filing a lawsuit in an attempt to delay or prevent the eviction.The dispute has drawn attention from both patrons and local officials, prompting a public demonstration aimed at preserving the bar.

On Friday, supporters gathered outside the premises, framing the potential closure as emblematic of broader tensions between longstanding local institutions and large-scale commercial redevelopment.

Participants described the effort as a final attempt to retain a venue that, for many, represents continuity in a rapidly changing urban environment.Inside the bar, however, the mood remained outwardly upbeat. Low-cost drinks and familiar surroundings sustained a sense of normalcy even as uncertainty loomed.

Regulars continued to gather, sharing stories and reflecting on their experiences within the space. For individuals like Gladman, the bar’s significance extends beyond its physical structure.He described a longstanding relationship with Jimmy Glenn, characterizing the founder as a mentor figure who provided personal advice over the years.

Those interactions, he said, contributed to the bar’s role as more than a place of business. It functioned as a social anchor, offering stability through different phases of his life.Gladman acknowledged that the photograph he had rediscovered captured a period that has since passed.

His first marriage ended, and his former wife relocated to California. He later remarried and has been with his second wife for more than three decades. Despite these changes, his connection to Jimmy’s Corner has endured, rooted in the accumulation of shared experiences and personal history.

The potential closure has therefore been received not simply as the loss of a commercial venue but as the erosion of a communal space. Patrons interviewed at the bar emphasized its role in fostering relationships and preserving a sense of identity within a district otherwise defined by transience and commercial turnover.

The broader context reflects ongoing patterns in New York City’s real estate market, where rising property values and redevelopment pressures have contributed to the disappearance of smaller, independently operated establishments.

In high-demand areas such as Times Square, such dynamics are particularly pronounced, often favoring large-scale tenants capable of meeting increasing rental demands.Efforts to prevent the closure of Jimmy’s Corner face significant challenges.

Legal proceedings initiated by Adam Glenn remain uncertain, and the property’s sale could further complicate negotiations. Observers note that similar disputes have historically favored property owners, particularly in cases involving redevelopment of prime commercial locations.

Nevertheless, the public response underscores the cultural significance attributed to the bar. Supporters argue that establishments like Jimmy’s Corner provide continuity in an environment otherwise characterized by rapid change.

The rally, attended by patrons and local representatives, sought to highlight this dimension, though no immediate resolution has been reached.As the situation develops, regulars continue to visit the bar, aware that its future remains unresolved. For Gladman, the significance of the space is defined less by its physical attributes than by the memories it contains.

He said he does not return to revisit specific moments, such as the photograph he located, but because the environment itself evokes a sense of belonging.“I don’t want this place to go,” he said, standing near the bar where he has spent decades. “It holds a lot of memories for me. For everyone.”

A British woman convicted on terrorism-related charges after traveling to Syria has described her trajectory from personal vulnerability and radicalisation to imprisonment and eventual reintegration into society, offering a detailed account of the personal, legal and social consequences of her actions.

The woman, identified as Shakil, said her early life was marked by instability, including regular visits to her father in prison. She described a determination during adolescence to pursue a different path, excelling academically and enrolling at university to study psychology.

However, at age 20, she entered into a relationship that she said quickly became controlling. Within a year, she had married and left her studies.Shakil stated that the relationship resulted in social isolation and restricted communication, including periods during which she did not have access to a phone.

She distanced herself from family members, citing fear of disclosing her circumstances. During this period, she became involved with individuals who facilitated her travel to Syria via Turkey. She later told authorities that she concealed the truth from her family out of concern that she would lose access to her child.

Following her return, Shakil was released on bail and allowed limited contact with her son. She described this period as the most difficult phase of her life, marked by severe emotional distress and close monitoring by family members concerned about her safety.

After several months, she was formally charged with joining the Islamic State group and encouraging acts of terrorism, based on digital communications and social media activity during her time in Syria.In court proceedings, prosecutors presented messages in which Shakil expressed support for extremist causes and encouraged others to join her.

One message indicated a desire to die as a martyr. Additional evidence included photographs recovered from her phone, among them an image of her young child holding an assault rifle. Shakil denied the charges, arguing that she had not formally joined the group and that her actions were influenced by coercion and surveillance within Syria.

The presiding judge rejected her account, citing inconsistencies in her statements and the nature of the evidence. The court emphasized the risks posed to her child, including exposure to extremist ideology. Shakil was found guilty on both counts and sentenced to six years in prison.

Her case unfolded against the broader backdrop of the territorial defeat of Islamic State, marked by the fall of Baghouz in March 2019. Around the same time, another British national, Shamima Begum, re-emerged in a refugee camp.

Begum had left the United Kingdom as a minor and later became the subject of international attention when her citizenship was revoked by the British government on national security grounds. Authorities argued that she was eligible for citizenship elsewhere through her family, a claim that has been contested in ongoing legal proceedings.

Shakil drew a distinction between her own case and that of Begum, while acknowledging similarities in their circumstances. She expressed the view that Begum had been groomed as a minor, but argued that differences in their experiences, including the duration of time spent in Syria, shaped their respective outcomes.

Following her conviction, Shakil served approximately half of her sentence, including time spent on remand, before being released under strict probation conditions. These included geographic restrictions, limits on contact with family members, electronic monitoring, and a curfew.

Despite these constraints, she secured employment in multiple roles, including cleaning, hospitality and administrative work, often holding more than one job simultaneously.After completing her probationary period in 2021, Shakil began to speak publicly about her experiences.

She participated in a documentary and media appearances aimed at raising awareness about online grooming and radicalisation. She described her actions as the result of vulnerability and manipulation, while acknowledging public skepticism regarding such claims.

Efforts to establish a charitable initiative focused on educating young people about extremism did not materialize, which she attributed in part to a lack of public trust. She continued to receive negative reactions online but indicated that such responses did not significantly affect her.

In the years following her release, Shakil reported gradual improvements in her personal circumstances. Contact with her son was eventually restored, and she described rebuilding relationships with family and establishing a stable social network. By 2024, she indicated that she had reached a level of stability that had previously seemed unattainable.

More recently, she has used social media platforms to engage with audiences on topics including relationships, self-esteem and personal development. While she does not regularly discuss her past, she views her current lifestyle and public presence as part of a broader effort to demonstrate the possibility of rehabilitation.

Shakil remains subject to long-term monitoring requirements and continues to report regularly to law enforcement authorities, a condition that will remain in place until 2034. She stated that she accepts these measures as part of the consequences of her actions.

Her account reflects the intersection of personal vulnerability, extremist recruitment, legal accountability and reintegration challenges, illustrating the long-term implications of involvement in conflict zones and proscribed organisations.

Recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Iran have prompted renewed discussion among some Democratic lawmakers about the potential use of the 25th Amendment to remove a sitting president from office.

The debate, however, reflects more of a political signal than a viable constitutional pathway, given the significant institutional and partisan barriers involved.The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967 following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, was designed to clarify presidential succession and ensure continuity of executive authority.

It addressed longstanding gaps in the Constitution, particularly the absence of a clear mechanism for filling a vacancy in the vice presidency. Historical data from the Congressional Research Service indicates that between 1789 and 1967, the vice presidency remained vacant for a cumulative total exceeding 37 years due to deaths, resignations, or succession.

The amendment comprises multiple sections, but current political discussion has centered on Section 4, which outlines a process for involuntarily transferring presidential powers if the president is deemed unable to discharge the duties of the office. Under this provision, the vice president, together with a majority of the cabinet or another congressionally designated body, can declare the president unfit.

If the president contests the determination, Congress must convene within 48 hours, and a two-thirds majority in both chambers is required to uphold the decision.While Section 3 of the amendment has been used in limited circumstances, primarily involving temporary medical incapacitation, Section 4 has never been invoked.

In 2021, then-President Joe Biden temporarily transferred authority during a medical procedure, illustrating the amendment’s routine procedural application rather than its more controversial provisions.

Calls to consider Section 4 have surfaced previously, most notably after the January 6 United States Capitol attack, when some Democratic leaders urged then-Vice President Mike Pence to initiate the process. Among those advocating such action were Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Those efforts did not advance, reflecting both political constraints and the high constitutional threshold required.The current discussion emerges in a similarly constrained environment. Republicans maintain narrow majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, making bipartisan cooperation essential for any attempt to proceed.

Analysts note that without substantial defections from within the president’s party, the two-thirds congressional requirement effectively renders the mechanism unattainable under present conditions.

Scott Anderson, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, characterized the prospect as politically unworkable, citing the improbability of sufficient Republican support.

Public opinion data further underscores this dynamic, with approximately 82 percent of Republican voters expressing approval of Trump’s presidency, reinforcing party cohesion at a critical juncture.The political risks for Democrats are also significant.

Previous efforts to remove Trump through impeachment during his first term failed to secure conviction in the Senate, despite passage in the House. Those experiences continue to inform strategic calculations within the party, particularly as lawmakers prepare for upcoming midterm elections in which control of Congress remains contested.

Some Democratic legislators have indicated a preference to prioritize policy initiatives over procedural challenges to the presidency. Representative Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania stated that pursuing impeachment or similar measures at this stage may not represent the most effective use of legislative time, emphasizing instead issues such as economic policy, inflation, and childcare access.

Republican leaders have responded critically to the renewed focus on the amendment. House Speaker Mike Johnson described the discussion as politically motivated, arguing that it reflects a lack of substantive policy direction among Democratic lawmakers.

The exchange highlights the broader partisan divide that shapes both the feasibility and the framing of constitutional mechanisms in contemporary U.S. politics.

The renewed attention to the 25th Amendment illustrates its enduring relevance as a constitutional safeguard, while also underscoring the practical limitations of its most consequential provisions.

Although designed to address extraordinary circumstances, its application remains contingent on political consensus at the highest levels of government, a condition that appears absent in the current landscape.

The recent lunar mission under NASA’s Artemis program has drawn global attention not only for its technical achievement but also for its social significance, as astronaut Victor Glover became the first Black astronaut to pilot a spacecraft on a mission circling the moon.

The development has resonated across communities, particularly among aspiring scientists and engineers who view the milestone as a reflection of evolving representation in aerospace.For Naia Butler-Craig, now an aerospace engineer with a doctorate, the mission represents a personal and professional validation of ambitions formed in childhood.

She recalled being inspired at age 12 by a photograph of Mae Jemison displayed at her church in Orlando, Florida, which first motivated her to pursue a career in space exploration. Years later, she met Glover and described his advice as formative, quoting him as saying that success lies not in choosing the perfect path but in committing fully to the one chosen.

Glover’s participation in the Artemis II mission placed him among four astronauts who traveled farther from Earth than any humans in history. The mission is part of NASA’s broader effort to return humans to the moon for the first time since 1972, with a crewed lunar landing currently planned for 2028.

His role has amplified discussions about representation within a field historically marked by limited diversity.According to NASA data, Glover is among approximately 20 Black astronauts selected since the agency’s first astronaut class in 1959, accounting for about six percent of all astronauts chosen.

His career includes extensive experience as a U.S. Navy aviator, during which he logged around 3,000 flight hours, flew more than 40 types of aircraft, and completed over 400 carrier landings alongside 24 combat missions. Prior to Artemis II, he spent nearly five and a half months in orbit as pilot of the Crew-1 mission, the first operational International Space Station flight using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft.

The symbolic weight of Glover’s lunar mission has been amplified by broader policy debates in the United States regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Under the administration of Donald Trump, several such programs across government and private sectors have faced rollbacks or restructuring.

In this context, Glover’s visibility has prompted widespread reactions on social media and within professional networks, where his achievement has been framed as evidence of progress despite institutional challenges.Industry representatives have pointed to the mission’s influence on younger generations.

Tennesse Garvey, a Boeing 777 pilot and chair of the board of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, emphasized that while representation has improved, it remains insufficient. He noted that initiatives aimed at encouraging minority participation in aerospace careers continue to play a critical role in expanding access.

Garvey also highlighted that Glover’s daughters had participated in one such program, underscoring the intergenerational impact of exposure and mentorship.The mission also builds on a longer historical trajectory of Black contributions to aviation and aerospace, including the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American pilots who served in a segregated unit during World War II.

John William Mosley Jr. was among those pioneers, and his son, William Eric Mosley, noted that contemporary achievements in space exploration are rooted in the efforts of earlier generations who faced systemic barriers.Glover himself has acknowledged the dual nature of such milestones.

While his role marks a historic first, he has expressed a desire for a future in which such distinctions are no longer necessary. Prior to the Artemis II launch, he stated that progress should ultimately render these “firsts” irrelevant, reflecting a normalization of diversity within the field.

The Artemis II crew completed their mission with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, concluding a flight that NASA officials have described as a critical step toward sustained human presence beyond low Earth orbit. The mission’s success is expected to inform subsequent phases of the Artemis program, including lunar surface operations and longer-term objectives related to deep space exploration.

For Butler-Craig, the mission’s impact extends beyond institutional or technical achievements. She described Glover’s journey as affirming the possibility of reconciling multiple aspects of identity within highly specialized professional spaces. While awaiting the crew’s return, she reflected on a biblical verse from James 1:12, which she has tattooed on her arm, framing perseverance as central to both personal and collective advancement.

The Artemis II mission has thus emerged as a focal point for both scientific progress and broader societal reflection, highlighting the intersection of technological ambition and evolving representation in one of the most demanding fields of human endeavor.

The negotiation are aimed at ending a six-week conflict between the United States and Iran that has killed thousands across the Middle East and disrupted global energy supplies, contributing to rising inflation and slower economic growth.

The arrival of the U.S. delegation marks a key step in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict, with Washington and Tehran expected to begin negotiations shortly in the Pakistani capital.

Pakistan has implemented heightened security measures in Islamabad as it hosts the talks, which are seen as a critical opportunity to stabilize the region and address broader economic fallout linked to the war.

Chasing a target of 202, the 15-year-old reached a half-century in just 15 balls, hitting eight fours and seven sixes as Rajasthan overhauled the total with two overs to spare. His aggressive innings set the foundation for a comfortable chase despite a brief middle-order wobble.

Sooryavanshi, who scored a 35-ball century in his debut season last year, has quickly emerged as one of the standout performers this season. He has amassed 200 runs in four innings at a strike rate exceeding 260, topping the run charts early in the campaign.

Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel played a supporting role with an unbeaten 81 off 43 balls, anchoring the innings after Rajasthan slipped from 129-1 to 134-4. The pair’s 108-run partnership proved decisive in the chase.

Sooryavanshi earlier dominated top bowlers including Jasprit Bumrah and continued his attacking approach against Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood, striking multiple boundaries early in his innings.

Spinner Krunal Pandya briefly slowed Rajasthan’s momentum by removing Sooryavanshi and triggering a collapse, but Jurel ensured there were no further setbacks.

The win keeps Rajasthan Royals unbeaten at the top of the standings, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru remain in third place.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and winds of up to 130 km/h (80 mph), raising concerns about flooding and damage in the country’s most populous urban area. Weather officials said the system is likely to make its closest approach on Sunday.

Cyclone Vaianu is then forecast to track west of the Chatham Islands on Monday, though its impact could still be felt across parts of the region.

Emergency authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to follow evacuation instructions and prepare for severe weather conditions as the storm system intensifies.

Wang, on a two-day visit to North Korea, said Beijing and Pyongyang should enhance communication “in the face of a turbulent and complex international situation,” according to a statement from China’s foreign ministry.

The visit marks a renewed push to strengthen bilateral relations following a period of limited exchanges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and comes as North Korea has also expanded engagement with Russia.

North Korean state media said Kim emphasized the importance of intensifying exchanges at multiple levels, describing closer ties as essential for safeguarding shared interests.

The report confirmed the meeting and highlighted mutual commitments to expand cooperation.Wang also held talks with his North Korean counterpart, pledging to build on what he described as positive momentum in relations and to advance practical cooperation between the two countries.

The diplomatic engagement comes ahead of a planned visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to China next month.

Trump has previously indicated interest in resuming dialogue with Kim, raising the prospect of renewed diplomatic activity on the Korean Peninsula.

Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop said Bamako considers Morocco’s proposal granting autonomy to Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty as “the only serious and credible basis” for resolving the conflict.

He made the remarks at a joint press conference with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony largely controlled by Morocco, remains Africa’s only territory with an unresolved post-colonial status.

The region is also claimed by the Polisario Front, which seeks full independence and advocates for a United Nations-supervised referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people.Mali’s decision comes amid worsening diplomatic ties with Algeria, a key backer of the Polisario Front.

The move is likely to deepen regional tensions, as Algeria and Morocco have long been at odds over the future of the territory.Rabat has promoted its autonomy initiative as a pragmatic solution, while the Polisario Front insists on implementing a 1991 agreement that provides for a referendum on independence under UN oversight.

The geopolitical context has shifted in recent months. In October 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan, signaling growing international backing for Rabat’s position.

The disputed territory is rich in natural resources, including phosphates, and its surrounding waters are considered among the most productive fishing zones in the region, adding economic significance to the political conflict.