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Binance chief Changpeng Zhao pleads guilty to money laundering charges

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Changpeng Zhao, the CEO of Binance, has stepped down from his position after pleading guilty to money laundering violations. In a statement on the platform X, Zhao acknowledged his mistakes, stating, “I made mistakes, and I must take responsibility. This is best for our community, for Binance, and for myself.”

The U.S. Justice Department has imposed penalties and forfeitures of $4.3 billion on Binance, citing the exchange’s involvement in helping users bypass sanctions worldwide. Binance is accused of facilitating transactions totaling nearly $900 million between U.S. and Iranian users, as well as enabling transactions involving users in Syria and the Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk.

The Justice Department highlighted Binance’s role in making it easy for criminals and terrorists to move money. It revealed that between August 2017 and April 2022, approximately $106 million in bitcoin was directly transferred to Binance.com wallets from Hydra, a popular Russian darknet marketplace associated with criminal activities.

As part of the settlement, Binance is now required to report suspicious activity to federal authorities, aiding criminal investigations into cybercrime and terrorism financing. Richard Teng, the head of regional markets at Binance, has been appointed as the new CEO.

Changpeng Zhao, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, expressed the emotional difficulty of letting go in his farewell post on X. Earlier in March, U.S. regulators sought to ban Binance, alleging illegal operations in the country. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) accused Binance of breaking U.S. financial laws, including rules against money laundering.

In June, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed another lawsuit against Binance, accusing the company and Zhao of disregarding investor protection rules to continue operating in the U.S. Binance vowed to defend itself vigorously against these allegations. The legal actions against Binance come amid increased scrutiny of the cryptocurrency industry by U.S. authorities.

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Dire Straits star Mark Knopfler to auction Brothers In Arms guitars

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Dire Straits star Mark Knopfler is preparing to auction over 120 of his guitars and amps, with a notable 25% of the proceeds earmarked for charitable causes. Among the instruments up for sale is the iconic 1983 Les Paul that Knopfler used to record hits like “Money For Nothing” and played on stage at Live Aid in 1985. The auction, scheduled for January at Christie’s in London, spans the entirety of Knopfler’s illustrious 50-year career, offering fans a chance to own a piece of music history.

The collection boasts a range of guitars, including the revered 1959 Gibson Les Paul with a sunburst finish, often referred to as the “Holy Grail of electric guitars.” This particular instrument carries an estimated value between £300,000 to £500,000. In keeping with Knopfler’s diverse musical influences, the auction also includes more accessible items, such as a mandolin once owned by blues legend Yank Rachell, with an estimated value of £300 to £500. Knopfler expressed his appreciation for both the expensive and more affordable instruments, stating, “I like the cheap ones as much as the expensive ones.”

Mark Knopfler, considered one of the greatest guitar virtuosos of all time, shared his sentiment about parting with his beloved instruments, citing his age as a primary factor. The 74-year-old musician emphasized his desire for the guitars to find new owners who will play and appreciate them, rather than being confined to cases. Knopfler’s guitars have been companions throughout his career, contributing to the distinctive sound of Dire Straits and his solo work.

Reflecting on his lifelong connection with the guitar, Knopfler reminisced about his childhood fascination with the instrument, inspired by the likes of Elvis Presley and Hank Marvin of The Shadows. His journey began with a Spanish guitar plucked off the wall of a shop in Newcastle, England, where he spent hours dreaming of owning his own instrument. Despite initially yearning for a Fiesta Red Fender Stratocaster, he received a twin-pickup Höfner Super Solid, sparking a lifelong love affair with the instrument.

The decision to part with his cherished guitars, including the first lot—a twin-pickup Höfner Super Solid—is rooted in practicality. Knopfler acknowledged owning around 20 guitars for recording purposes, leaving approximately 100 others that won’t see much play. Despite the bittersweet farewell, he emphasized having enough guitars left to continue playing and creating music. The guitars will be on display in New York and London before the auction, allowing fans to witness these iconic instruments up close.

Mark Knopfler’s illustrious career began with the formation of Dire Straits in 1977, and the band achieved widespread success with albums like “Brothers in Arms.” Beyond his role in Dire Straits, Knopfler engaged in session work for notable artists, contributed to film soundtracks, and forged a successful solo career. Known for his fluid and cinematic guitar solos, he downplayed his technical prowess, attributing his success to songwriting and storytelling. The auction proceeds will benefit charities such as the Red Cross, Tusk, and Brave Hearts of the North East, showcasing Knopfler’s commitment to philanthropy even as he bids farewell to some of his most cherished possessions.

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Jamala: Ukrainian Eurovision winner added to Russia’s wanted list

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Ukrainian Eurovision song contest winner Jamala, whose real name is Susana Jamaladinova, has been added to Russia’s wanted list, according to state media. The accusations against her include spreading fake information about the Russian armed forces, a charge often used by the Kremlin against those critical of Russia’s actions. Jamala, known for openly criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was placed on the wanted list last month. The independent Russian human rights website Mediazona reported this, and details of the listing became widely known on Monday.

Russian breaking news Telegram channel Shot claimed that Jamala was added to the list for posting alleged “fakes” about atrocities in the Ukrainian town of Bucha in 2022. The Kremlin has denied responsibility for the Bucha massacre, despite evidence indicating Russian forces’ involvement. Jamala, currently in Australia after fleeing Ukraine with her family following the invasion, responded to the news by posting a photo of herself in front of the Sydney Opera House with a link to an article about it and a facepalm emoji.

Jamala won Eurovision in 2016 with the song “1944,” inspired by the forced deportation of her people, the Crimean Tatars, by Russia during that year. The song, perceived as addressing Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, caused controversy for allegedly breaking the competition’s rule against overtly political songs. However, organizers allowed it, and it ultimately won, defeating Russia. Jamala, in her 40s, has been vocal about using her music to give a strong voice to her homeland, Crimea, and to counter the historical narratives propagated by the Russian Empire and Soviet Union. She emphasized the importance of revealing the truth through her songs in her latest folk album, Qirim.

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French Auction Sets Record as Napoleon Bonaparte’s Hat Fetches $2.1 Million

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Napoleon Bonaparte’s iconic bicorne hat, worn during his reign as the French emperor, achieved a remarkable sale at a recent French auction, fetching nearly two million euros ($2.1 million). The prestigious Osenat auction house conducted the sale, surpassing its own previous record set in 2014. The bicorne, adorned with Napoleon’s signature black color and French flag insignia, garnered global attention from collectors. The auction featured items from the late businessman Jean-Louis Noisiez’s collection, including a Legion of Honour medal and silver spurs owned by Napoleon, all of which exceeded initial estimates.

The final price for the bicorne hat, totaling over double the estimated value and nearly four times the reserve price, demonstrated the immense interest in Napoleon memorabilia. Auctioneers declined to disclose the identity or nationality of the buyer, who participated in the spirited bidding. The hat, last owned by Jean-Louis Noisiez, who passed away the previous year, holds historical significance as part of the emperor’s image during a pivotal period of his rule.

Napoleon’s distinct fashion choice, wearing the hat sideways, not only contributed to his unique silhouette but also served a practical purpose on the battlefield. This particular hat was worn by Napoleon during the middle years of his reign. The emperor, who rose to prominence during the French Revolution, donned the bicorne in a manner easily recognizable by his troops. Despite owning around 120 such hats over 15 years, most have been lost to history.

The successful auction coincided with the upcoming release of a biopic on Napoleon directed by Ridley Scott. The film explores Napoleon’s life, showcasing massive-scale battles across Europe and delving into his complex relationship with Josephine. Actor Joaquin Phoenix, who plays Napoleon, described the emperor as “socially awkward” yet “romantic.” Phoenix noted the challenges of researching Napoleon’s life, citing conflicting historical accounts and emphasizing the film’s focus on inspiration rather than rigid historical accuracy.

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ATP Finals 2023 results: Novak Djokovic beats Jannik Sinner to win title

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Novak Djokovic secured his record seventh ATP Finals title with a commanding victory over Jannik Sinner, avenging his earlier loss in the group stage. The 36-year-old Serbian’s 6-3, 6-3 win in Turin, Italy, marked another milestone in a remarkable season where he set records in rankings and titles. Djokovic expressed that it was one of the best seasons of his life, especially significant to crown it against the hometown hero, Jannik.

Before the singles final, British success was celebrated in the doubles as Joe Salisbury and his American partner Rajeev Ram retained their title. They claimed victory in straight sets against Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos.

In the singles final, Djokovic took control early with a break and dominated, dropping only two points on his serve in the flawless opening set. Despite Sinner’s efforts, Djokovic secured another break in the second set, sealing his victory with a double fault from Sinner on the first match point. This win marked Djokovic’s seventh ATP Finals title, surpassing Roger Federer’s six.

Djokovic reflected on his tactical adjustments from the group stage and described the week as phenomenal. He acknowledged the need to step up his game against younger challengers like Sinner and attributed his success to a brilliant performance, winning an impressive 91% of first-serve points.

Djokovic’s victory in the ATP Finals added to his list of achievements in a record-setting year. He surpassed Federer for titles won at the ATP Finals, secured the year-end men’s world number one position for a record eighth time, and spent a record 400 weeks at the top of the singles rankings. This year, Djokovic won three of the four Grand Slam singles titles, overtaking Rafael Nadal’s men’s tally and tying Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24. The victory in Turin set the stage for Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th major at the upcoming Australian Open in January. Despite the tour season ending, Djokovic continued his playing season at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Spain, where he led Serbia in the quarter-final against Great Britain.

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Taylor Swift ‘devastated’ as fan dies before show

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Taylor Swift expressed deep sorrow and devastation after a fan tragically passed away before her concert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The pop star shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, describing the fan as incredibly beautiful and lamenting that she was far too young.

Despite the soaring temperatures in the city, Swift was actively involved in trying to keep fans hydrated during the concert. She was seen handing out water bottles to the audience, showing a genuine concern for their well-being.

Swift confessed on Instagram that she felt overwhelmed by grief and, as a result, couldn’t bring herself to discuss the incident on stage. She expressed her condolences, stating that her broken heart goes out to the fan’s family and friends, emphasizing that this was the last thing she expected to happen during her tour in Brazil.

Details surrounding the fan’s death emerged from Brazilian newspaper Fohla De Sao Paolo, indicating that the fan had fainted at the stadium and later succumbed to cardiorespiratory arrest. Swift’s Instagram story addressing the tragedy was posted after the show, where videos circulated on social media showing her actively involved in urging staff to provide water to fans during the concert.

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Russia Pushes for Designation of “Extremist” Status for LGBT Movement

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Russia’s Ministry of Justice has officially requested the Supreme Court to classify the “international LGBT public movement” as extremist, leaving the scope of this classification ambiguous – whether it targets the entire LGBT community or specific organizations within it. The ministry contends that the movement has engaged in what it deems as extremist activities, including the incitement of “social and religious strife.” If approved, this move could expose LGBT activists to criminal prosecution, following the pattern of the Russian government’s use of the “extremist” label against rights groups and opposition entities in the past.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to review the motion on November 30, potentially leading to a ban that would significantly impede the operations of LGBT organizations and put activists at serious legal risk. Critics view this as a potential populist maneuver, strategically timed to gain support ahead of an upcoming presidential election, where Vladimir Putin is widely anticipated to run for a fifth term. Under Putin’s leadership, Russia has intensified its crackdown on LGBT activism, framing it as an attack on “traditional Russian values.” This crackdown notably escalated after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Recent legislative measures further demonstrate this trend, with a December law expanding the prohibition of “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” to all age groups, equating positive depictions of same-sex relationships with activities like distributing pornography or promoting violence. In July, additional legislation banned gender reassignment surgery, exacerbating concerns about transgender rights in the country. Despite official claims that “non-traditional sexual relations” are not banned in Russia, this latest move deepens existing concerns within the already vulnerable LGBT community.

The LGBT community in Russia faces dual pressures from both the state and homophobic/transphobic groups, often resulting in physical attacks against activists. Dilya Gafurova, the head of an LGBT charity who has left Russia, highlighted that the authorities aim not only to erase the community from the public sphere but also to formally ban it as a social group. Despite these challenges, Gafurova affirmed the community’s determination to continue the fight for their rights and visibility.

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Italy bans lab-grown meat in nod to farmers

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Italian Members of Parliament have given their approval to a law that bans the production, sale, or import of lab-grown meat or animal feed, a move championed by the right-wing government under the banner of defending Italian culinary traditions. Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida asserted that Italy has become the first nation to shield itself from the perceived social and economic risks associated with synthetic food. The parliamentary vote prompted both support and opposition, leading to a physical altercation between farmers and some MPs.

Despite the scuffle, the bill passed with a majority of 159 votes in favor and 53 against. Violating the law could result in fines of up to €60,000. Presently, the impact of the law is limited, as lab-grown meat has only been approved for human consumption in Singapore and the United States. The European Union has yet to give the green light to lab-grown meat, categorized as “novel foods.” If EU approval is granted, Italy’s new law may face challenges from the European Commission.

The legislation, initiated in response to a petition organized by the Coldiretti lobby group, prohibits synthetic foods produced from animal cells without causing harm to the animal. Additionally, it restricts producers from using meat-related terms on labels to describe plant-based protein. Critics argue that there is nothing synthetic about lab-grown meat, as it is created by growing natural cells without genetic modification.

The passage of this law marks a victory for Italy’s Agriculture Minister, who, a year ago, pledged to prevent “synthetic food” from entering Italian dining tables. Minister Lollobrigida praised MPs for supporting the new law, emphasizing the preservation of the relationship between food, land, and human labor that has endured for millennia. However, the petition behind the legislation faced condemnation from critics such as Prof Elena Cattaneo, a lifelong senator and bioscience specialist, who denounced it as an emotive leaflet that oversimplified the distinction between natural and cultivated foods.

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Spain’s Pedro Sánchez wins new term as PM after amnesty deal

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Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez has successfully navigated weeks of negotiations to secure a parliamentary vote, allowing him to serve another term as Spain’s prime minister. Despite the Popular Party winning elections in July, their leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, failed to form a majority. Sánchez, however, clinched a four-seat majority in the 350-seat chamber, solidifying his position.

One key aspect of Sánchez’s success was the sealing of an amnesty deal for Catalans involved in a failed bid to secede from Spain. This move was pivotal in gaining support from two Catalan pro-independence parties, even though it has stirred controversy. Critics argue that Sánchez’s proposed amnesty for politicians and activists may reignite secessionist sentiments, posing a threat to Spain’s territorial unity.

The amnesty deal, covering actions dating back to 2012, has been a point of contention, with many in Spain’s judiciary criticizing the proposal. Despite opposition, Sánchez defended the move, stating that it would help “heal wounds” and promote reconciliation. However, the main judges’ association condemned it as the “beginning of the end of democracy.”

Sánchez’s reliance on Catalan pro-independence parties has sparked protests across Spain, with tens of thousands expressing their discontent. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused Sánchez of prioritizing personal interests over the country’s, emphasizing the potential risks to Spain’s unity. The political atmosphere became tense, with incidents such as protesters booing MPs and right-wing Catholic organizations displaying anti-Sánchez messages, further highlighting the divisions.

Despite the controversies, Sánchez rejected claims that his government is dependent on parties seeking to break up Spain. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, signaling the official continuation of his leadership. However, the fragility of his new government is evident, as tensions persist and some coalition partners, like Podemos, express dissatisfaction with their role in the administration.

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The Crown: Netflix’s royal drama featuring Diana’s ghost savaged by critics

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The first four episodes of Netflix’s The Crown, marking the final season, have faced criticism from a majority of critics. This season delves into the events of the late 1990s, with a particular focus on Princess Diana’s relationship with Dodi Fayed and her tragic death. The portrayal of Diana’s character, including the use of her “ghost,” has garnered negative feedback from reviewers, with some describing it as a departure from the show’s earlier strengths.

Critics express dissatisfaction with the writing, with The Guardian giving the series a one-star review, stating that the “Diana-obsessed series is the very definition of bad writing.” The challenges of portraying events within living memory are noted, with some suggesting that the show has lost its balance and is now plummeting in quality.

Despite the negative feedback, there are acknowledgments of strong performances from the cast. Elizabeth Debicki’s portrayal of Diana receives praise, with one review calling it “outstanding.” However, the use of Diana’s ghost and the handling of certain events, such as the car crash scene, have been criticized as desperate or self-defeating.

While The Times offers a four-star review, praising the emotional depth of the season, other critics point out what they perceive as historical inaccuracies and a reliance on speculative elements. The Financial Times suggests that the series takes emotive shortcuts, externalizing the complexity of the royals’ shock and grief, indicating a lack of inspiration.

The Crown has also faced criticism for its depiction of other characters, including Dodi Fayed and his father Mohamed Al-Fayed. Some critics argue that certain portrayals amount to a brutal hatchet job on these characters, deviating from the more nuanced versions presented in earlier seasons.

Despite the mixed reviews, Variety’s Aramide Tinubu believes that the new season has helped the show “reclaim its glittering throne.” The second half of the final season, set to be released in December, will cover additional significant events in the royal family, including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, Prince Charles and Camilla’s wedding, and the courtship of William and Kate.

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