Australia has begun enforcing a new law that bans children under 16 from using social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. The legislation, passed last year, requires companies to delete accounts belonging to users aged 13 to 15. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced it will start removing such accounts from December 4 and has already begun sending access restriction warnings. The government warned that platforms failing to comply by December 10 could face fines of up to 32 million dollars. Meta stated it supports the government’s goal of online safety but expressed concern that isolating teens from their communities is not a viable solution. Users mistakenly flagged as underage will be able to verify their age using video selfies or national IDs. The move has drawn global attention, with New Zealand and the Netherlands considering similar measures to address social media risks for minors.

Federal immigration enforcement operations have intensified in New York City as the Trump administration deploys additional ICE agents ahead of incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s January 1 swearing-in. Former border policy chief Tom Homan confirmed that agents are already conducting raids and warned that the administration will take a hard stance against the city’s sanctuary policies. The move follows the city council’s cancellation of an agreement granting ICE access to Rikers Island jail. Meanwhile, reports suggest the administration is considering opening a new immigrant detention center at a Coast Guard facility on Staten Island. New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the federal actions, warning they could harm the city’s economy and stability. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, has pledged $165 million in legal aid for immigrants and initiated talks with the White House to address housing and federal assistance issues. ICE has also ramped up operations in North Carolina, where over 200 arrests were made last weekend, as nationwide deportations surpass 550,000 this year.

Australia has announced its playing XI for the first Ashes Test against England, set to begin on Friday, November 21, in Perth. With regular captain Pat Cummins sidelined due to injury, Steve Smith will lead the side. The team faces several injury setbacks, leaving only Mitchell Starck fully fit among the frontline pacers. Two players—fast bowler Brendan Doggett and opener Jack Weatherald—are set to make their Test debuts. Doggett’s inclusion follows Josh Hazlewood’s injury, while Weatherald earns his spot at the top of the order. Marnus Labuschagne returns to the No. 3 position, and Cameron Green reclaims a place in the top six. This marks the first time since 2019 that two players will debut together for Australia in a Test match, and the first such instance in an Ashes series since the 2010–11 season. The probable XI includes Weatherald, Khawaja, Labuschagne, Smith (captain), Head, Green, Carey (wk), Starc, Lyon, Doggett, and Boland.

President Donald Trump has signed a bipartisan bill directing the U.S. Department of Justice to release documents from its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. The move marks a reversal from Trump’s earlier opposition, as he had warned that disclosing internal records could set a harmful precedent for the presidency. The legislation, which passed both chambers of Congress with broad support, allows the Justice Department to withhold sensitive information about victims and any material that could compromise ongoing investigations. Trump framed the decision as a step toward exposing alleged Democratic ties to Epstein, accusing his political rivals of using the scandal to distract from his administration’s achievements. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the department will comply with the law while prioritizing transparency. The release is expected to reignite public scrutiny of Epstein’s connections with powerful figures, amid widespread suspicion that the government has concealed key details about his activities and death in custody in 2019.

Australia is set to make history in the upcoming Ashes Test against England in Perth by including two Indigenous cricketers, Scott Boland and debutant Brendan Doggett, in the playing XI for the first time in 148 years of Test cricket. The team faces a bowling crisis as Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott, and Josh Hazlewood are sidelined due to injuries. Mitchell Starc will lead the pace attack, supported by Boland and Doggett, while all-rounder Cameron Green returns from injury to replace Beau Webster. In the batting lineup, left-hander Jake Weatherald will make his Test debut, opening alongside Usman Khawaja. This marks the first time since 2019 that two Australian players will debut in the same Test match. The historic inclusion of two Indigenous players highlights Australia’s growing diversity in cricket and a significant step toward representation in the national team.

Ahead of the Ashes series in Australia, tensions flared as former England spinner Monty Panesar reignited the 2018 Sandpapergate controversy, suggesting England would mentally target Steve Smith over his past ball-tampering scandal. Panesar claimed Smith should still feel guilty and unfit for captaincy. Smith, now leading Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins for the first Test in Perth, responded humorously at a press conference. He referenced Panesar’s infamous appearance on the quiz show 'Mastermind,' mocking his incorrect answers about geography and literature. The room erupted in laughter as Smith dismissed Panesar’s comments as inconsequential. The 2018 scandal saw Smith and David Warner banned for a year, while Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month suspension. As the first Test approaches, England captain Ben Stokes hopes on-field cricket, not psychological warfare, dominates the series narrative.

U.S. President Donald Trump verbally attacked ABC News journalist Mary Bruce on Tuesday after she questioned Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump criticized Bruce for making their guest 'uncomfortable' and called her question 'terrible' and 'arrogant.' He further disparaged both Bruce and ABC News, suggesting the network’s broadcast license should be revoked. Trump downplayed Khashoggi’s murder, saying such incidents 'sometimes happen,' while the crown prince has denied involvement. The National Press Club condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them a threat to press freedom. Trump has repeatedly clashed with journalists, often using harsh or sexist language, and recently threatened ABC’s license again after a defamation settlement. The confrontation occurred during the crown prince’s first U.S. visit since the Khashoggi killing, which drew global outrage.

The Australian government has announced a new law requiring Meta to remove all Facebook and Instagram accounts belonging to users under 16 years old by December 10. The move aims to protect children’s mental health and prevent exposure to harmful online content. Meta has expressed concern over the decision but confirmed that it has already started disabling accounts of users aged 13 to 15 in Australia. From December 4, no new accounts will be allowed for users under 16, and existing ones will be deactivated. The government has warned of heavy fines for non-compliance. While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the law is designed to safeguard young Australians, child rights organizations such as the Australian Child Rights Taskforce have criticized the measure, arguing that it could isolate teenagers from their social circles and communities. The policy also applies to other social media platforms like TikTok.

OpenAI and Target have announced an expanded partnership aimed at integrating advanced AI capabilities across Target’s retail operations and customer experiences. The collaboration introduces a new Target app within ChatGPT, allowing users to receive personalized shopping recommendations, build multi-item baskets, and complete purchases through Drive Up, Order Pickup, or shipping. Target will continue using OpenAI’s APIs and ChatGPT Enterprise to enhance employee productivity and streamline operations, with 18,000 employees already utilizing the technology. The retailer’s AI tools—such as Agent Assist, Store Companion, and Gift Finder—are designed to improve customer support, optimize supply chain forecasting, and deliver more personalized digital interactions. This initiative aligns with Target’s broader strategy to embed AI throughout its business, improving both guest satisfaction and team efficiency. OpenAI CEO Fidji Simo highlighted Target as a model for enterprise-scale AI transformation, emphasizing the partnership’s role in shaping the future of intelligent retail experiences.

US President Donald Trump has announced that he will meet with New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, at the White House on Friday, November 21. The announcement was made by Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Wednesday, November 19. Trump stated that both parties agreed to hold the meeting in the Oval Office. Mamdani had earlier hinted at the meeting, saying his team had been in contact with the White House to discuss fulfilling campaign promises made to New York voters. Following Trump’s post, reporters reached out to Mamdani and his team, but they declined to comment. Mamdani recently won the New York City mayoral election with 50 percent of the vote and is scheduled to take office on January 1. The meeting is expected to focus on city–federal cooperation and policy priorities for the upcoming administration.

Formerly strained ties between U.S. President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk appear to be improving. During a White House dinner attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump praised Musk several times and jokingly asked if Musk had ever properly thanked him. Musk later posted on X, expressing gratitude to Trump for his contributions to America and global progress, sharing photos with Trump, bin Salman, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. The renewed warmth follows a period of tension after Musk’s criticism of Trump’s budget and policy plans upon leaving his post as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Reports from The New York Times suggest that Musk’s former colleagues are planning a reunion in Austin, which Musk may attend. Analysts view these developments as signs of a potential political and business rapprochement between the two influential figures.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has accused Western nations of pursuing policies in Ukraine reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s plans to annihilate Slavic populations. In an interview with the Russian news agency TASS, Zakharova claimed that Western powers are not only using Ukraine as a tool to pressure Russia but also harbor intentions to destroy the Ukrainian people. She argued that similar ideas existed 85 years ago and compared current Western actions to the spread of Nazism and fascism in Ukraine during World War II. Zakharova further alleged that the West does not want an independent Ukraine but rather a compliant one under its influence. She also criticized Ukrainian leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelensky and former President Petro Poroshenko, accusing them of betraying their nation. Zakharova urged Ukrainians to protect themselves and their families by any means necessary.

President Donald Trump announced that he will meet New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on Friday in the Oval Office, marking their first in-person encounter since Mamdani’s election earlier this month. The meeting follows months of sharp exchanges between the two, with Trump repeatedly labeling Mamdani a 'communist' and threatening to cut federal funding to New York City if he won. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, confirmed his team requested the meeting to discuss public safety, economic security, and affordability issues affecting New Yorkers. Despite their political differences, both sides have expressed a willingness to cooperate for the city’s benefit. The meeting is expected to focus on federal support for New York and the city’s cost-of-living challenges. Trump’s decision to host Mamdani comes after he previously backed Andrew Cuomo in an unsuccessful attempt to block Mamdani’s rise. The Oval Office discussion could signal a tentative thaw in relations between the White House and New York City’s incoming leadership.

US President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at the White House with unprecedented pomp, marking the most extravagant reception of Trump’s second term. The visit centered on a proposed $1 trillion trade deal expected to boost US economic interests. The White House was adorned with Saudi and American flags, and the ceremony featured a red carpet, military band, and a flyover by F-35 and F-16 jets. The day concluded with a black-tie candlelight dinner attended by global figures including Elon Musk and Cristiano Ronaldo. This was Prince Salman’s first US visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an incident that drew widespread criticism. Human rights groups expressed disappointment over the warm welcome, while Trump defended the crown prince, calling him a “very good friend” and praising his leadership. Analysts view the event as a strategic reaffirmation of US-Saudi ties despite lingering controversies.

Newly elected New York City Mayor Zohraan Mamdani has reiterated his commitment to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city, citing the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against him. Mamdani’s statement came shortly after outgoing Mayor Eric Adams met Netanyahu and encouraged him to attend Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony. Speaking live on ABC7, Mamdani criticized Adams’ meeting, calling it a source of public concern and a reflection of policy disunity. He emphasized that New Yorkers need a government focused on their immediate needs while upholding international law. Referring to New York as a “city of international law,” Mamdani said the ICC warrants must be respected, whether against Netanyahu or Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also reaffirmed his commitment to protect and celebrate the city’s Jewish community, pledging to ensure their safety and inclusion. The ICC had issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last November over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.