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China's United Front Work Department (UFWD), described by both Mao Zedong and Xi Jinping as a "magic weapon," is increasingly raising concerns in the West. This long-standing arm of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), designed to build broad coalitions, is now under scrutiny for alleged foreign interference.   While the UFWD publicly reports some of its activities, the full extent of its reach is unclear. A key focus is influencing overseas Chinese communities, shaping narratives on sensitive topics like Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Tibet, and targeting critics of the Chinese government. While some UFWD activities may involve espionage, its broader goal is mobilizing overseas Chinese populations to support Beijing's agenda. China's growing global influence under Xi has enabled it to expand these efforts, with Xi urging the Chinese diaspora to promote "China's story."   The UFWD operates through various overseas Chinese […]

Dominique Pelicot, 72, has been sentenced to the maximum 20 years in prison after being convicted of drugging and raping his ex-wife, Gisèle, and facilitating her sexual abuse by dozens of other men over nearly a decade. The verdict, delivered in Avignon, France, concluded the country's largest ever rape trial, a three-month ordeal that has garnered international attention. Fifty other men were also convicted on related charges, though they received shorter sentences than prosecutors had sought.   Gisèle Pelicot's decision to waive her right to anonymity brought the case into the public eye, prompting nationwide discussions about France's legal definition of rape and the issue of consent. She attended nearly every day of the trial, facing her former husband of 50 years, from whom she is now divorced. Gisèle expressed her gratitude to supporters and her hope for a future […]

The Federal Aviation Administration enacted temporary drone flight restrictions on Wednesday covering nearly two dozen New Jersey communities, responding to recent reports of unexplained aerial activity in night skies. The temporary flight restrictions (TFR), extending through January 17, prohibit drone operations over designated critical infrastructure across central and northern New Jersey. The affected area spans from Hancocks Bridge in the south to Cedar Grove and Clifton in the north, including major population centers like Elizabeth, Camden, and Bayonne. Over the past month, residents have reported sightings of illuminated objects in the night sky, though no entity has claimed responsibility for the reported drone activities. Some observers have suggested the sightings might be misidentified stars or conventional aircraft rather than drones. The restrictions come amid growing concerns from residents and political leaders seeking answers about the nature and purpose of these […]