Category: Articles and Tweets

Conversations – 8:26 AM 12/1/2025  thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com…

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Dec 1, 2025

Trump’s approval rating drops to lowest so far in second-term: Gallup | LiveNOW from FOX  livenowfox.com/news/trumps-a…

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 30, 2025

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#news  #today
The rising  #death toll from the Hong Kong fire, a deadly shooting at a California gathering, and post-Thanksgiving travel disruptions in the U.S.
Major news headlines for today, Sunday, November 30, 2025, include escalating tensions with Venezuela
U.S. News
National Guard Shooting & Immigration Policy: The suspect in the shooting that wounded two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., and resulted in one death, has been identified as an Afghan national. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the suspect was likely “radicalized” in the U.S.. In response, the Trump administration has paused all asylum decisions and all migration from what the President called “Third World countries”.
California Shooting: A shooting at a family gathering in a California banquet hall left four people dead and ten injured; police are investigating it as a targeted attack.
Political Developments: A Trump ally in Congress, Rep. Troy Nehls, will not seek re-election in 2026, while his twin brother announced a campaign for the seat. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a pardon from Israel’s president during his ongoing corruption trial.
Winter Travel: A winter storm is walloping parts of the Midwest, causing significant disruptions on one of the busiest post-Thanksgiving travel days of the year.
World News
have escalated, with President Trump stating that Venezuelan airspace should be considered closed to fight drug smuggling. Venezuela has condemned this as a “colonialist threat”.Venezuela Tensions: Tensions between the U.S. andVenezuela
Hong Kong Fire: The death toll from a devastating fire that engulfed an apartment complex in Hong Kong has climbed to 146 people, with search efforts ongoing in the high-rise buildings.
Southeast Asia Floods: More than 700 people are dead and hundreds are missing across Southeast Asia after severe flooding and mudslides caused by a cyclone in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Ukraine War: Top Ukrainian officials are meeting with U.S. officials in Florida to discuss potential peace proposals to end the war with Russia. Ukrainian naval drones reportedly hit two Russian “shadow fleet” oil tankers in the Black Sea.
Swiss Referendum: Swiss voters have rejected a proposed tax on the super-rich and a measure for mandatory national service for women.
For more details on these stories, you can visit major news outlets such as ABC News, the BBC, or CNN.

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 30, 2025

PM Netanyahu, the escape artist

“escape artist” is a common and long-standing metaphor used by political analysts and critics to describe his ability to navigate and survive numerous political and legal challenges. This term is particularly relevant in the context of his ongoing corruption trial, efforts to avoid blame for the October 7, 2023 attack, and recent request for a presidential pardon.The characterization of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an
Key Contexts for the “Escape Artist” Label
Corruption Trial: Netanyahu is currently on trial for charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes. Critics argue that his political maneuvering, including attempts to pass legislation granting immunity to sitting prime ministers, are efforts to “escape justice”. Most recently, on November 30, 2025, he formally requested a presidential pardon to end the trial, which opponents immediately denounced as an attempt to place himself above the rule of law.
Political Survival: Despite facing multiple elections, shifting coalition partners, and intense public scrutiny, Netanyahu has remained a dominant force in Israeli politics for over two decades, serving as the country’s longest-serving prime minister. This resilience and ability to form governments against the odds have often been compared to a Houdini-like feat.
Accountability for October 7 Failures: Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, there has been significant tension between the political and military leadership regarding accountability. While top military officials have faced disciplinary action, Netanyahu has been broadly accused of sidestepping blame and resisting calls for a full state commission of inquiry until after the war in Gaza is over.
Public Opinion and Media Portrayal: The metaphor is frequently used in opinion pieces and news headlines, often portraying Netanyahu as someone who carefully constructs a parallel universe where he is never at fault and never takes responsibility for failures. This narrative is a point of deep division within Israeli society.

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— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 30, 2025

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news today
The rising death toll from the Hong Kong fire, a deadly shooting at a California gathering, and post-Thanksgiving travel disruptions in the U.S.
Major news headlines for today, Sunday, November 30, 2025, include escalating tensions with Venezuela
U.S. News
National Guard Shooting & Immigration Policy: The suspect in the shooting that wounded two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., and resulted in one death, has been identified as an Afghan national. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the suspect was likely “radicalized” in the U.S.. In response, the Trump administration has paused all asylum decisions and all migration from what the President called “Third World countries”.
California Shooting: A shooting at a family gathering in a California banquet hall left four people dead and ten injured; police are investigating it as a targeted attack.
Political Developments: A Trump ally in Congress, Rep. Troy Nehls, will not seek re-election in 2026, while his twin brother announced a campaign for the seat. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a pardon from Israel’s president during his ongoing corruption trial.
Winter Travel: A winter storm is walloping parts of the Midwest, causing significant disruptions on one of the busiest post-Thanksgiving travel days of the year.
World News
have escalated, with President Trump stating that Venezuelan airspace should be considered closed to fight drug smuggling. Venezuela has condemned this as a “colonialist threat”.Venezuela Tensions: Tensions between the U.S. andVenezuela
Hong Kong Fire: The death toll from a devastating fire that engulfed an apartment complex in Hong Kong has climbed to 146 people, with search efforts ongoing in the high-rise buildings.
Southeast Asia Floods: More than 700 people are dead and hundreds are missing across Southeast Asia after severe flooding and mudslides caused by a cyclone in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Ukraine War: Top Ukrainian officials are meeting with U.S. officials in Florida to discuss potential peace proposals to end the war with Russia. Ukrainian naval drones reportedly hit two Russian “shadow fleet” oil tankers in the Black Sea.
Swiss Referendum: Swiss voters have rejected a proposed tax on the super-rich and a measure for mandatory national service for women.
For more details on these stories, you can visit major news outlets such as ABC News, the BBC, or CNN.

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 30, 2025

Noem says National Guard shooting suspect could have been radicalized in US – ABC News  abcnews.go.com/Politics/noem…

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 30, 2025

Anti-corruption sweep prompts resignation of top Zelensky adviser – YouTube  youtube.com/watch?v=VLQiNAIt…

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 30, 2025

‘Conversations :  News Review – 906 AM 11302025’ by Mike Nova 2 is on  #SoundCloud  on.soundcloud.com/p8zWggT6dW…
#Conversations –  #News Review –  AM 11/30/2025
Here are some of the top news headlines for  #Today, Sunday, November 30, 2025:
U.S. News
California Mass Shooting: Four people are dead and at least ten others wounded after a shooting at a family gathering in a banquet hall in Stockton, California. The suspect remains at large, and authorities believe it was a targeted attack.
National Guard Shooting: A National Guard member wounded in a recent shooting near the White House is “fighting for his life”. House and Senate committees have launched inquiries into reports that the Defense Secretary ordered a second strike to kill survivors of an alleged drug boat interdiction in the Caribbean.
Immigration: The U.S. has halted all asylum decisions after the D.C. shooting. Protesters in New York City clashed with police while attempting to block federal agents from conducting an ICE raid.
Health & Environment: A resident in Northern Arizona has died from the plague. Meanwhile, a bizarre marijuana disorder that causes severe vomiting has received an official medical code as cases spike.
World News
Middle East Conflict: The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 70,000 since the start of the Israeli offensive, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, as a ceasefire remains fragile.
Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon on corruption charges.
Venezuela: The U.S. has closed its airspace to Venezuelan flights, and President Trump indicated that land strikes against alleged drug traffickers in the country could begin “very soon”. Venezuela has condemned these actions as a “colonialist threat”.
Asia Disasters: The death toll from a massive apartment fire in Hong Kong has risen to 146 people. Across Southeast Asia, hundreds of people have been killed and millions displaced by severe flooding and mudslides in Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Other Headlines
Sports: Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, will face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final.
Technology: Airbus has grounded thousands of planes globally due to a software glitch that could cause pilots to lose control.
Business: Black Friday online shoppers spent a record $11.8 billion, a 9.1% jump from last year.
–

Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon

Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon from President Isaac Herzog for his ongoing corruption trial. The request was submitted on Sunday, November 30, 2025, and has been described as “extraordinary” by the President’s Office due to it being made while the trial is still underway and without an admission of guilt.
Key Details
Pardon Request: Netanyahu’s request consisted of two documents: a detailed legal letter from his lawyer and a personal letter from the Prime Minister himself.
Reasoning: In the letter, Netanyahu argues that the pardon would serve the national interest by allowing him to focus fully on Israel’s significant security and diplomatic challenges and help “heal the rifts” within Israeli society, rather than being distracted by court proceedings.
Denial of Guilt: Netanyahu continues to deny all charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust and insists he would be acquitted if the trial ran its course. A pardon typically requires an admission of guilt, an expression of remorse, and retirement from public life, which he has not offered.
Trump’s Influence: The request follows a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump earlier in November, which urged President Herzog to grant Netanyahu a full pardon, calling the case a “political, unjustified prosecution”.
Ongoing Trial: Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli Prime Minister to stand trial. The trial began in 2020, and the defense case with Netanyahu’s testimony started in December 2024, but it has faced numerous delays. The proceedings are expected to continue for several more years.
Next Steps
The President’s Office has confirmed the request was received and, in accordance with standard procedures, has transferred it to the Pardons Department in the Ministry of Justice. This department will gather opinions from relevant authorities before sending a recommendation to the President’s legal advisor, who will then provide an opinion to President Herzog. Herzog will consider the opinions before making a decision. There is no set deadline for this process.
Reactions
The request has drawn sharp division in Israel:
Support: Netanyahu’s coalition partners, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, supported the request, citing the “complex security reality” and the need for national unity.
Opposition: Opposition Leader Yair Lapid urged President Herzog not to grant the pardon without an admission of guilt and a withdrawal from political life, arguing that doing so would be a “deadly blow to the rule of law”.

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 30, 2025

#Conversations – 11.30.25 – 1  thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com…
#Audio
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Conversations –  #News Review –  AM 11/30/2025
Here are some of the top news headlines for today, Sunday, November 30, 2025:
U.S. News
California Mass Shooting: Four people are dead and at least ten others wounded after a shooting at a family gathering in a banquet hall in Stockton, California. The suspect remains at large, and authorities believe it was a targeted attack.
National Guard Shooting: A National Guard member wounded in a recent shooting near the White House is “fighting for his life”. House and Senate committees have launched inquiries into reports that the Defense Secretary ordered a second strike to kill survivors of an alleged drug boat interdiction in the Caribbean.
Immigration: The U.S. has halted all asylum decisions after the D.C. shooting. Protesters in New York City clashed with police while attempting to block federal agents from conducting an ICE raid.
Health & Environment: A resident in Northern Arizona has died from the plague. Meanwhile, a bizarre marijuana disorder that causes severe vomiting has received an official medical code as cases spike.
World News
Middle East Conflict: The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 70,000 since the start of the Israeli offensive, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, as a ceasefire remains fragile.
Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon on corruption charges.
Venezuela: The U.S. has closed its airspace to Venezuelan flights, and President Trump indicated that land strikes against alleged drug traffickers in the country could begin “very soon”. Venezuela has condemned these actions as a “colonialist threat”.
Asia Disasters: The death toll from a massive apartment fire in Hong Kong has risen to 146 people. Across Southeast Asia, hundreds of people have been killed and millions displaced by severe flooding and mudslides in Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Other Headlines
Sports: Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, will face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final.
Technology: Airbus has grounded thousands of planes globally due to a software glitch that could cause pilots to lose control.
Business: Black Friday online shoppers spent a record $11.8 billion, a 9.1% jump from last year.
–

Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon

Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon from President Isaac Herzog for his ongoing corruption trial. The request was submitted on Sunday, November 30, 2025, and has been described as “extraordinary” by the President’s Office due to it being made while the trial is still underway and without an admission of guilt.
Key Details
Pardon Request: Netanyahu’s request consisted of two documents: a detailed legal letter from his lawyer and a personal letter from the Prime Minister himself.
Reasoning: In the letter, Netanyahu argues that the pardon would serve the national interest by allowing him to focus fully on Israel’s significant security and diplomatic challenges and help “heal the rifts” within Israeli society, rather than being distracted by court proceedings.
Denial of Guilt: Netanyahu continues to deny all charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust and insists he would be acquitted if the trial ran its course. A pardon typically requires an admission of guilt, an expression of remorse, and retirement from public life, which he has not offered.
Trump’s Influence: The request follows a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump earlier in November, which urged President Herzog to grant Netanyahu a full pardon, calling the case a “political, unjustified prosecution”.
Ongoing Trial: Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli Prime Minister to stand trial. The trial began in 2020, and the defense case with Netanyahu’s testimony started in December 2024, but it has faced numerous delays. The proceedings are expected to continue for several more years.
Next Steps
The President’s Office has confirmed the request was received and, in accordance with standard procedures, has transferred it to the Pardons Department in the Ministry of Justice. This department will gather opinions from relevant authorities before sending a recommendation to the President’s legal advisor, who will then provide an opinion to President Herzog. Herzog will consider the opinions before making a decision. There is no set deadline for this process.
Reactions
The request has drawn sharp division in Israel:
Support: Netanyahu’s coalition partners, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, supported the request, citing the “complex security reality” and the need for national unity.
Opposition: Opposition Leader Yair Lapid urged President Herzog not to grant the pardon without an admission of guilt and a withdrawal from political life, arguing that doing so would be a “deadly blow to the rule of law”.

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 30, 2025