SACRAMENTO — The final pieces of a multi-bill legislative package needed to implement a $52.1-billion state budget stalled in the state Senate on Monday as lawmakers made last-minute efforts to change or derail several measures.
The major issues still on the table include a proposed suspension of the renters tax credit and legislation to allow local governments to implement cheaper retirement plans for their workers.
The Senate shut down late Monday afternoon without taking major action. Senate President Pro Tem David A. Roberti (D-Van Nuys) said members would return at noon today, and “we will go until all business is completed, exhausted or until all hope is dead.”
In one late maneuver that was outside the framework of the bipartisan budget agreement, a proposal was emerging to give local governments the proceeds of a new statewide tax on tobacco while stripping them of much of their authority to regulate smoking.
Gov. Pete Wilson was awaiting passage of the package to which he had agreed last week with Democratic and Republican leaders of the Assembly and Senate. The new fiscal year begins Thursday.
“The governor will sign the budget as soon as he has the entire package on his desk,” said Dan Schnur, Wilson’s chief spokesman. “Every piece of the budget package is critical. You take out one piece and the package doesn’t fit together anymore.”
There was disagreement, however, over just what constituted the agreed-upon package.
Wilson Administration officials have said all five members of the leadership group agreed to suspend the renters tax credit for two years. The Assembly passed a bill to do that last week.
But the legislation has hit a snag in the Senate, where Roberti insists that the deal included an agreement to place a measure on the ballot next year that, if approved by the voters, would embed the renters credit in the state Constitution. Such a move would make it impossible for the Legislature to tamper with it again.
Roberti and Wilson appeared to be on the verge of a compromise late Monday, although it was not clear if there was sufficient support in the Legislature. The new deal would put the issue to the voters, as Roberti wants, but would reinstate the $60 credit only for tenants who have a state tax obligation. The credit now goes–in the form of a refund–even to renters who pay no taxes.
Senate Democrats also appeared to be dragging their feet on the local government retirement issue. That bill, passed by the Assembly, would allow local governments to implement pension options for new employees that would save the governments money over time.
In holding up the bill, which is opposed by organized labor, Democrats appeared to be gambling that Wilson would look the other way because the measure produces no immediate savings to any level of government. But Schnur said the governor would not give up any piece of the package, no matter how minor.
“Even if the specific legislation doesn’t have direct fiscal impact, it is still the part of an overall agreement,” Schnur said. “We want to get this signed before midnight Wednesday. But we need the whole package in place before he can sign it.”
Schnur said the retirement bill, and another measure pending to allow counties to reduce general assistance welfare payments by as much as 27%, helped provide the rationale for the governor’s proposed shift of $2.6 billion in property tax revenue from local government to schools.
The so-called mandate relief, he said, was intended to give counties more control of their shrinking budgets.
The tobacco tax proposal floated Monday, although not part of the package, would address the same issue.
Local government reportedly could realize about $300 million annually through the 15-cent per pack tax. But in return, they would have to agree to strict limits on their ability to control smoking, perhaps leading to a state-imposed repeal of anti-smoking ordinances in place.
Several sources said Monday that the proposal had the tacit support of the tobacco industry and of Los Angeles County, which would stand to gain several millions dollars.
Sen. Charles M. Calderon (D-Whittier) confirmed that he was pushing the tobacco tax legislation. He said it made sense to restrict local government’s regulatory powers at the same time–a goal long sought by the tobacco industry.
“If we’re going to dedicate a revenue source, we have to make sure that the locals cannot circumvent or cut down the revenue source by continuing to impact the sales of cigarettes,” Calderon said.
But anti-smoking activists were out to kill the plan before it could even become an official proposal.
“Everybody wants to do something for (Los Angeles) County, but not under these conditions,” said Sen. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles). “This is the most dishonest, diabolical scheme. It’s the worst kind of politics.”
Times staff writer Dan Morain contributed to this report.
State Budget Watch
Less than three days before the end of the fiscal year, these were the key developments in Sacramento:
THE PROBLEM: The state will end the year with a $2.7-billion deficit and faces a $9-billion gap between anticipated tax revenues and the amount needed to pay off the deficit and provide all state services at the current levels for another 12 months.
THE LEGISLATURE: Final legislative approval of the last handful of bills to complete the 1993-94 state budget was making no progress by late afternoon. The Senate met in the morning but recessed without voting on four budget bills, the stickiest of which would suspend the renters tax credit for two years.
GOV. PETE WILSON: Wilson was holding fast to his vow not to sign a new budget until all companion measures are passed by the Legislature.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS: Senate President Pro Tem David A. Roberti (D-Van Nuys) was one of those holding up his approval of legislation reducing the renters tax credit. He was seeking as a condition assurances in the form of a proposed constitutional amendment, to be considered by voters, that the credit would be protected and fully funded in future years.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Boeing, Saab, and BAE Systems have teamed up to offer the T-7A Red Hawk advanced jet trainer to the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force. With a plan to build the jets in the United Kingdom, the partnership aims to deliver a successor to the Royal Air Force’s current fleet of BAE Systems Hawks from 2030. Saab was already deeply involved with the T-7A as an original partner to Boeing.
The three companies announced today that they had signed a letter of intent to work together on the British requirement for a new advanced jet trainer. The proposal puts the T-7A — developed for the U.S. Air Force — at the center of a training system that will employ synthetic training alongside live flying.
The first T-7A Red Hawk arrives at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on November 8, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Schannuth Todd Schannuth
Synthetic work is an increasingly important part of flying training, with the latest training systems offering a blend of live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) elements. This approach reduces costs while allowing students to practice tactics and capabilities that would otherwise be impossible using an exclusively live environment, as you can read more about here.
The proposal is pitching the training system to prepare pilots for fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-generation fighters — the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon, F-35, and forthcoming Tempest, respectively.
“The strong partnership between Boeing and Saab developed the T-7 to be the world’s best solution for future pilot training,” said Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics Business Area. “By working with BAE Systems, Saab believes the U.K. can gain a worthy successor to the Hawk that is the right choice for pilots for decades to come.”
If selected for the Royal Air Force requirement, the T-7As will undergo final assembly in the United Kingdom, in an effort led by BAE Systems. This would ensure the company remains involved in the production of jet trainers in the future, after the Hawk production line ended in 2020.
Hawk T1s of the Red Arrows provide a flypast over Windsor Castle to mark President Donald Trump’s State Visit to the United Kingdom, on September 17, 2025. Crown Copyright AS1 Iwan Lewis RAF
If chosen as the Royal Air Force’s next jet trainer, the T-7A would replace the Hawk T2, which is due to be retired by 2040. It would almost certainly also be the frontrunner to replace the service’s aging Hawk T1s, which continue to serve with the Red Arrows aerobatic display team, and are set to do so until withdrawn around 2030.
The partnership is also looking to use the same approach to “support future international pilot training opportunities,” which could help the T-7A secure export orders that have so far proven elusive.
“Our new collaboration with Boeing and Saab will enable us to present a compelling offer to the U.K. Royal Air Force and our global customers, leveraging the latest tech innovation in training systems and a world-class jet trainer aircraft,” said Simon Barnes, the group managing director of BAE Systems’ Air sector. “We’re committed to ensuring this solution offers the best overall outcome for the nation to support the U.K.’s combat air readiness and deliver economic benefit.”
A three-ship flight of Hawk T2s from RAF Valley, on July 5, 2024. Crown Copyright AS1 Alex Naughalty
This document stated that the Hawk T1 and Hawk T2 “should be replaced with a cost-effective fast jet trainer. The current flying training arrangements for fast jets must be urgently revised to optimize capacity, building in maximum use of contractors and provision for training overseas students.”
U.K. military flying training is undertaken in three phases. Phase one involves initial recruitment and selection and basic military training, and is carried out within individual service commands. Phase two is known as the Military Flying Training System (MFTS), part of which is overseen by a private contractor, Ascent Flight Training Management. This phase takes pilots from introductory instruction and progresses them into specialized streams, including fast jet and rotary.
Finally, phase three involves pilots training on specific frontline aircraft such as Typhoon or F-35 within an Operational Conversion Unit (OCU).
As part of phase two, the Royal Air Force operates 28 Hawk T2 jets that train both its own and Royal Navy fast-jet pilots at RAF Valley in Wales, before they progress to an OCU.
An F-35B from No. 207 Squadron, Royal Air Force, the Lightning Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Marham on March 16, 2024. Crown Copyright AS1 Butler RAF
While the ‘second-generation’ Hawk T2 only entered service in 2009, the Hawk T1, now used exclusively by the Red Arrows, is much older, having first entered service in 1976.
Other contenders to replace the Royal Air Force Hawk include the TF-50, a version of the Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 offered by Lockheed Martin. At the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition held in London in September of this year, Lockheed Martin displayed a model of the TF-50 in Red Arrows colors.
A model of a Lockheed Martin TF-50 advanced jet trainer displayed in Red Arrows colors during the Defense Security Equipment International (DSEI) at London Excel on September 9, 2025, in London. Photo by John Keeble/Getty Images John Keeble
Meanwhile, British aerospace startup Aeralis is offering a clean-sheet modular jet trainer, which it plans to build in Scotland. While Aeralis has yet to win any orders for its products, it has been provided with funding from the Royal Air Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office. The service’s Chief of the Air Staff has also said in the past that the company’s approach was something the RAF was “very interested in.”
A model of an Aeralis advanced jet trainer displayed during the Defense Security Equipment International (DSEI) at London Excel on September 9, 2025, in London. Photo by John Keeble/Getty Images John Keeble
That the Hawk T2 needs replacement has been clear for some time now, with the relatively young fleet already suffering from well-documented availability issues, which have had an adverse effect on the training pipeline.
In 2022, a fault was reported within the Hawk T2’s Adour powerplant, reducing the planned design life of each engine from 4,000 to 1,700 hours, leading to an average of just eight serviceable aircraft being made available each day throughout fiscal years 2022 and 2023.
In 2023, the entire Hawk T2 fleet was temporarily grounded after an engine-related incident on the runway.
Among others, these issues have resulted in a need to train British pilots overseas to make up the shortfall, at a considerable cost. This has included buying training slots in Italy, Qatar, and with the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) in the United States.
U.S. Air Force T-38C Talon jet trainers assigned to the 90th Flying Training Squadron, above Wichita Falls, Texas, July 21, 2022. The 90th FTS is part of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT), which has also trained Royal Air Force pilots. U.S Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick Tech. Sgt. Joseph Pick
Meanwhile, an update on the T-7A’s progress was provided by Steve Parker, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security, at a pre-show media roundtable ahead of the 2025 Dubai Airshow in the United Arab Emirates that TWZ attended.
Parker identified “really good performance this year” for the T-7A, which should see the first operational example delivered to the U.S. Air Force at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, next month. Parker added: “We’ve got the first ground-based training simulators already stationed at the base and operational, and the program is doing well in its flight test; we are really seeing some good progress there.”
“We’re about 78 percent through test points at Edwards Air Force Base, so making good progress,” including having started high-angle-of-attack testing, Parker added. “The feedback from the United States Air Force has been great, both the testers as well as folks who’ve flown it from the Air Force […] We think it’s going to be a game-changer. Once we get it into the air with our main user, it’s going to sell itself.”
However, full entry into service is now not expected until 2027, a delay of over four years. Earlier this year, we reported on information that emerged about serious and potentially dangerous deficiencies with the emergency ejection system on the T-7A. This followed environmental testing of the aircraft, which also exposed new problems. More generally, the U.S. Air Force has been working with Boeing to fix or otherwise mitigate a host of issues with the T-7A, which, as well as delays, prompted a shakeup of the overall plans for the program. You can read more about what has been disclosed in the past about T-7A testing in this previous TWZ feature.
When asked about export prospects for the T-7A, Bernd Peters, vice president of business development and strategy for Boeing Defense, Space and Security, confirmed that the current focus is on delivering the 351 jets on order for the U.S. Air Force. However, he noted that “customers around the world are watching and seeing the program and the potential that it has, particularly when you think about the [Middle East] region.”
Peters said that Boeing is “definitely having conversations” with potential T-7A customers in the Middle East and identified what he said was “significant potential” for the trainer with “just about any operator that flies an F-15, an F-16, or an F-35 around the world.”
“We do think that there is a significant opportunity, particularly as we begin to ramp up deliveries to the United States Air Force and some of those other nations begin to think through how they want to recapitalize their trainer fleet and close the gap on pilot shortage,” Peters added.
Other export prospects could lie in a light fighter development of the T-7A, something that we have discussed in detail in the past. Previously, the U.S. Air Force looked at the possibility of an ‘F-7’ light fighter variant or derivative of the Red Hawk as one option to supplant at least a portion of its F-16C/D fleet. Some kind of missionized or light combat aircraft version of the T-7A could fare better when offered for export.
While details of the partnership between Boeing, Saab, and BAE Systems were not provided at the pre-show media roundtable, Peters also said that Europe was earmarked for T-7A sales, especially in the 2030 to 2035 timeframe. “Europe is one where I view that there’s a significant opportunity for us to be able to address not just existing Hawk fleets, but other fleets that might be out there,” Peters said.
As to the question of whether Boeing’s manufacturing capacity will be able to cover aircraft for both the U.S. Air Force and potential export customers, Parker struck an optimistic note.
Pointing to the company’s full-size determinant assembly (FSDA) approach, which reduces build time by moving drilling to the component fabrication process, making it more controlled and efficient, Parker said it would be possible to “scale up to very large volumes” for the T-7A.
“We’re going to go well above, potentially 100 aircraft a year, and we’ll be able to scale that up further if we need to go there,” Parker said. “Right now, we’ve got good capacity that will satisfy the United States Air Force, as well as other customers, right through into the early 2030s without having to put any more capital sort of into the system for that.”
A version of the T-7 is also in the running for the U.S. Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) competition, which seeks to replace the aging T-45 Goshawk — a type that was also developed from the BAE Systems Hawk.
Of course, should the United Kingdom choose the T-7A to replace its Hawks, the prospect of an additional final assembly line would allow production to be ramped up even further, to help fulfill more export orders.
For now, however, the U.K. government hasn’t allocated funds for its new advanced jet trainer, but with the Red Arrows’ Hawks requiring a successor by 2030, time for a decision is fast running out.
The picturesque European destination only has a population of around nine million people – but it welcomes around 32 million international visitors on an annual basis
The country boasts historic cities with cobbled streets, colourful old towns, and incredible landscapes spanning from mountains to waterfalls and lakes(Image: Getty Images)
A European country has been named the world’s most overcrowded tourist destination – and it might come as a bit of a surprise.
Rather than places like Spain or Greece, which attract holiday-makers in their throngs, there is a landlocked location which welcomes the most visitors per local – Austria. Research carried out by MoneyTransfers.com in 2024 found that for every resident in Austria, there are almost four times the number of tourists, at a ratio of one resident to 3.6 tourists.
The country only has a population of around nine million; however, Austria accepts around 32 million international visitors yearly. Most of the tourists are concentrated in Austria’s capital, Vienna.
The capital city is the country’s top tourist draw. Known as the ‘City of Dreams’, it’s no wonder so many people are eager to explore it. Top attractions include the Schonbrunn Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and the Museum of Natural History. It is packed with beautiful baroque architecture, historic landmarks and a great nightlife thanks to the bustling bars and restaurants.
But while Vienna is used to catering for huge numbers of visitors, other areas of the country are becoming increasingly popular – but they are not equipped to take on the influx of tourists.
One example is Hallstatt, a small town known for its picturesque Alpine houses, waterfalls and salt lakes, all backed by a beautiful snowy mountain range.
The town, the rumoured inspiration for the kingdom of Arendelle in Disney’s Frozen, was previously caught up in a battle with overtourism.
Wooden fences were constructed to obstruct the view of the lake, which had become a famous selfie backdrop, amid attempts to scale back the number of visitors to the area.
But they were later dismantled following backlash on social media. In a statement to local website Upper Austrian News in 2023, Mayor Scheutz said: “The only thing that would help is if the photo point is no longer a photo point.”
The town, a protected Unesco World Heritage site, has seen over a million tourists a year since it was rumoured to be the muse for Frozen.
Before the pandemic, foot traffic in the small town rose to around 10,000 visitors a day, causing Hallstatt’s mayor, Alexander Scheutz, to introduce a cap on the number of tour buses and cars allowed to enter the area.
The town itself only has around 800 residents, leading Scheutz to declare at the time that he’d like to slash tourist numbers by a third.
Stock up on festive fizz with a trip to the heart of Kent’s flourishing wine region. Start the tastings at Simpsons’ wine estate, 10 minutes’ drive from Canterbury, then head to Domaine Evremond, Taittinger’s UK vineyard, where its first release, Classic Cuvée Edition I, is available at the Cellar Door shop. Nearby, the medieval village of Chilham makes an ideal stop for lunch at the Woolpack Inn. Back in Canterbury, Corkk is a specialist English wine shop with more than 100 labels to try, and cheese and charcuterie platters to nibble on while you decide what to buy. Stay at the Millers Arms, in the heart of town, with B&B doubles from £93.50.
Foodie treats, Narberth, Pembrokeshire
Ultracomida delicatessen and tapas bar in Narberth. Photograph: Paul Quayle/Alamy
Swap Tesco’s crowded aisles for Narberth in Pembrokeshire, fast becoming Wales’s premier foodie hub. Wisebuys is a great first stop; pick up locally produced goodies: laverbread and rapeseed oils, handmade chocolates, chutneys and cheese, available in a range of hampers. Pop into Rock ’N’ Dough Bakehouse for fabulous freshly made pastries and coffee, before stocking up on Mediterranean treats at Ultracomida, a tapas bar and deli offering authentic Spanish cured meats, patés and cheese to take away, along with classic paella pans and ceramics. Stay at Top Joe’s Townhouse, with rooms above a buzzy pizzeria, from £90 B&B.
Outdoors kit, Bakewell, Derbyshire
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. Photograph: Roy Childs/Alamy
Blow away the winter cobwebs with a Peak District weekend and bring an empty rucksack to snaffle gifts from Bakewell’s plethora of outdoorsy shops. Trespass is good for van lifers and campers, with folding furniture, lighting and clever cooking stoves, alongside ski, surf and hiking gear; while Mallon & Green has rods, lines, tools and accessories for the angler in your life. Pause for coffee at Summat, the in-house café at Inov8 – a shop that sells everything from bags and beanies to running and hiking footwear and nifty accessories – and reward yourself with a Bakewell pudding (never a “tart”) from The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. Stay at the Rutland Arms Hotel, a grand old coaching inn right in the centre of town, with doubles from £104 a night, room only.
Jewellery, Birmingham
Birmingham’s jewellery quarter. Photograph: Chris Lawrence/Alamy
Whether you’re seeking a bespoke pair of cufflinks, a one-off pendant or something for a Christmas proposal, Birmingham’s jewellery quarter has more than 100 shops, offering everything from vintage pieces to handmade designs. Browse the historic workshops on Legge Lane, pop into Deakin & Francis, where jewellery has been designed and created in the same building since 1786, and take a guided tour of the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. Ponder your purchases over lunch at 1000 Trades, a historic pub that was originally a jewellery workshop. Stay at Saint Pauls House, a bar, restaurant and slick boutique hotel with room-only doubles from £99.
Art, Cambridge
Cambridge Contemporary Art. Photograph: Cambridge Contemporary Art
Cambridge’s historic streets are dotted with galleries and elegant museum shops, which makes it a great place to pick up a one-off artwork or unusual gift. Byard Art, opposite King’s College, is a good place to start, with works by more than 50 contemporary artists, while Cambridge Contemporary Art, just along the road, specialises in handmade prints, ceramics and crafts. Get inspiration from browsing some of the half a million artworks at the Fitzwilliam Museum, before picking up more art-themed gifts at the excellent museum shop; or dip into the shop at Kettle’s Yard for art-themed books, homeware, fashion and stationery. Stay at the Varsity on the banks of the River Cam, with room-only doubles from £155.
Books, Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway
The Bookshop in Wigtown. Photograph: Jeff Gilbert/Alamy
Home to 17 bookshops and book-related businesses, Wigtown is the perfect place to find literary treats, vintage titles and specialist books that make unusual Christmas gifts. Allow plenty of time to browse in the Bookshop, where more than a mile of shelving holds about 100,000 new and secondhand books, dip into the Old Bank Bookshop for vintage books on everything from art and architecture to travel and memoirs, and pick up presents for younger family members at Foggie Toddle Books. Pop into Books & Bakes (6 Bank Street) for hearty sandwiches and coffee, and stay at the Creebridge House Hotel, around 15 minutes’ drive away in Newton Stewart, with doubles from £120 B&B.
York Cocoa Works’ Christmas offerings. Photograph: York Cocoa Works
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without an unseemly amount of chocolate, and few places have a more cocoa-rich history than York, home to Rowntree’s, Nestlé and Terry’s. Kick off a chocoday with a visit to York’s Chocolate Story, where the interactive displays cover everything from how chocolate is produced to the history of the most familiar brands, with plenty of tastings along the way. Then pop into York Cocoa Works where the Christmas collection includes stocking fillers, hampers, vegan chocolate and mince pie-flavour caramels. Finish up at Monk Bar Chocolatiers – the oldest artisan chocolatier in town. Stay at the Fat Badger, a cosy inn with room-only doubles from £119.
Ceramics, Stoke-on-Trent
Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent. Photograph: Tony Wright/Earthscapes/Alamy
There’s no such thing as too many mugs – or vases, dinner plates or jugs – particularly when they’re handmade in one of Stoke’s historic potteries. Middleport Pottery is a great place to start; it’s the UK’s last working Victorian potbank in continuous production, with guided and self-led heritage tours, a well-stocked gift shop and the Burleigh Factory Shop, where the shelves brim with affordable seconds. For quirky, contemporary designs, head to Emma Bridgewater; while for something more classic, World of Wedgwood has a large outlet centre and a store selling Waterford crystal, alongside chinaware. Stay at the Hilton Garden Inn, with room-only doubles from £132.
Craft beers, Sheffield
The Brewery of Saint Mars of the Desert in Sheffield. Photograph: The Brewery of Saint Mars of the Desert
There are 58 breweries in and around Sheffield, making it the perfect place to pick up unusual ales and beers for the festive period, or gifts for any enthusiasts in the family. Choose from more than 200 beers – from Belgian to barrel-aged – at Hop Hideout, while the Bear offers everything from lagers and sours to dark beers and IPAs. The wonderfully named Saint Mars of the Desert is also worth tracking down; the taproom is open from 2pm to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with cans and bottles of fruity, hazy bitters to take home. If coming by train, start with a pint or two at Triple Point Brewery, a five-minute walk from Sheffield station, where all the beer is brewed on site, and stay at the Crow Inn, known for its range of cask ales, with room-only doubles from £50.
Toys, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire
Market Street, Llandeilo. Photograph: Simon Whaley Landscapes/Alamy
A small market town on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Llandeilo punches above its weight in terms of shops. Eve’s Toy Shop is a gift when it comes to buying Christmas presents for younger family members, with hand-carved wooden games and puzzles, mini gardening tools and “kidnoculars” for junior explorers, along with all the unicorns you can carry. Once the kids are ticked off, pop into Davies & Co for handmade Welsh blankets; Peppercorn for culinary-themed gifts; and Dot Clothing for elegant womenswear from niche designers. Stay at the Cawdor, a revamped coaching inn on the high street, with B&B doubles from £115.
Scores of locals were uprooted from their households following clashes between the Wazalendo militia and the Twirwaneho group in several villages of the Fizi and Mwenga territories in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Fizi Civil Society, a coalition of human rights organisations in the DRC, on Wednesday, November 12, reported that the displaced individuals mainly come from the villages of Tuwetuwe, Kitasha, Ngezi, Bilalo-Mbili, and Point Zero.
The group noted that these areas have been the hardest hit by the ongoing fighting, which has worsened the humanitarian crisis in the region. Many fled between November 4 and 7, 2025. At least 552 households, comprising approximately 3,452 people, have been forced to leave their villages, according to Fizi Civil Society.
“These clashes have today brought about negative consequences on the material and humanitarian lives of the population, such as the massive displacement of the population, theft of cattle, burning and destruction of houses of the population,” said Alimasi Jacques, the leader of the Fizi Civil Society. “The village of Ngezi has been completely devastated by the belligerents. The health centre in the village of Tuwetuwe, in the Itombwe health zone within the Mikenge health area, was completely dispossessed of its important materials, including drugs and beds.”
While the Twirwaneho, a deadly militia group linked to M23 rebels, claims to be defending its community in South Kivu, the Wazalendo group, a government-backed coalition of local militias, opposes them. Their clashes, rooted in ethnic and political tensions, have displaced thousands and worsened insecurity in eastern DRC.
Since November 4, 2025, fighting in the region has intensified, with armed groups escalating assaults against one another. The civil society group said it has called for a ceasefire and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor.
“It is a pressing necessity and indispensable for saving human lives and upholding human rights and international humanitarian law. The parties concerned in the armed conflict in the region have a big role to play in facilitating this procedure so that humanitarian organisations can access all these zones conveniently,” Alimasi said.
Many displaced persons were found in and around the villages of Bikyaka Forest, Anunga River Forest, as well as in Kanguli, Bilende, Mulima, Abala, and other villages in Point Zero and Itombwe. Local officials said displaced persons are currently being sheltered by families, in schools, and in churches across Busumba, Mpati, Rugogwe, Kalengera, and Kibarizo. These civilians face extremely difficult conditions, having fled with only what they could carry.
The village of Kivuye, located in the Bashali area of Masisi territory in North Kivu, has been completely deserted. One section of the village is under rebel control, while the other is held by Wazalendo forces. Since Thursday, clashes between M23/AFC rebels and Wazalendo militias have paralysed socio-economic activities, forcing villagers to abandon their homes.
The Fizi Civil Society had previously highlighted a troubling humanitarian situation, including malnutrition among pregnant women and children, alongside widespread violence and human rights abuses, all of which continue to affect civilians.
Travel expert Neil Atkinson has revealed the best Christmas markets in the UK – perfect for those who want a festive break without the huge crowds
Isobel Pankhurst Audience Writer
09:46, 05 Nov 2025
These are the most underrated Christmas markets in the UK, according to one expert(Image: George Pachantouris via Getty Images)
With the festive season rapidly drawing near, Christmas markets will soon be springing up throughout Britain. From the hugely popular Winter Wonderland in London to more intimate Christmas fairs, there’s undoubtedly something to suit all tastes – and occasionally it’s the less celebrated venues that turn out to be the most unforgettable.
Neil Atkinson, proprietor of Luxury Group Stay, has shared his favourite picks of under-the-radar Christmas markets delivering genuine festive atmosphere without the packed crowds found in Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh.
He commented: “Some of the best Christmas events are tucked away in smaller spa towns and cathedral cities. They’re often more personal, better value, and filled with genuine local craftsmanship rather than mass-produced souvenirs.”
Underrated UK Christmas markets, according to a travel expert
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market – Hampshire
Championing Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas market, Neil remarks: “Set in the shadow of the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, this market has become a southern secret for those who want European-style charm without leaving the UK.”
Running from November 21 through to December 22, Winchester’s market provides visitors with opportunities to buy handcrafted presents, artisan food, and premium crafts, all beneath sparkling lights that turn the Cathedral Close into a festive scene.
With the cathedral choir delivering multiple performances throughout this time, it genuinely is pure Christmas enchantment.
From December 4 to 7, Worcester takes a nostalgic trip back in time, with the streets brimming with Victorian-garbed traders, a classic carousel and the enticing aroma of roasting chestnuts for the Victorian Christmas Fayre.
Expect to encounter local artisans peddling crafts, street food and festive beverages, while carol singers and buskers maintain a lively atmosphere.
Durham Christmas Festival – County Durham
Recommending the Durham Christmas Festival, which runs for a mere three days, from December 5 to 7, Neil added: “Few settings are as striking as Durham Cathedral at Christmas.”
This brief festival features a Craft & Producers’ Marquee on Palace Green, a vibrant outdoor market and a Children’s Lantern Parade culminating at the cathedral.
Canterbury Christmas Market – Kent
From November 12 to December 24, Canterbury adds a cathedral-city sparkle with one of the South East’s most scenic markets.
Visitors can anticipate over 170 stalls offering handmade gifts, candles, crafts and festive foods lining the streets under the glow of the city’s ancient cathedral.
The Canterbury Christmas Market strikes an ideal balance between atmosphere and size, showcasing robust local craftsmanship and an abundance of family-friendly activities.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre – North Yorkshire
The Harrogate Christmas Fayre, running from December 5 to 14, is perfect for those who prefer a more leisurely pace when soaking up the festive spirit.
The Harrogate Christmas Fayre, with its approximately 40 adorned chalets scattered throughout the spa town, is a chic, compact and naturally festive option.
Neil commented: “It is beautifully curated, easy to explore, and perfect for a festive weekend with a touch of class. Expect artisanal gifts, gourmet treats, and mulled wine breaks between boutique shops and cosy tearooms.”
Politics in the year after a presidential election are typically focused on local and statewide contests.
But the races decided on Tuesday — which include a pivotal mayoral contest in New York and California’s referendum on congressional redistricting — will have national implications. The gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey will be a report card on President Trump’s second term.
As a result, cable news will be paying special attention. The races will also serve as an important test run for a couple of cable news networks in transition.
“This is the first election of the 2026 midterms, and we know what happens 30 seconds after the mid-terms are over — 2028 starts in earnest,” said Chris Stirewalt, political editor for Nexstar Media Group’s NewsNation. “In New Jersey and Virginia, you have two states that look a lot like the country as a whole. President Trump’s approval ratings in those places is about the same as it is nationally.”
MSNBC will be covering its first election night without the resources of NBC News. The progressive-leaning network — which changes its name to MS NOW on Nov. 15 — is being spun off by parent company Comcast into a new entity called Versant.
NBC News no longer shares correspondents or analysts with MSNBC. The channel’s line-up of opinion hosts including Rachel Maddow, Joe Scarborough, Nicolle Wallace, Ari Melber and Lawrence O’Donnell remains intact.
Loyal MSNBC viewers will notice that election data maven Steve Kornacki will not be crunching numbers on his big board. Kornacki signed a new deal last year with NBC, where he works for the news and sports divisions.
Kornacki will be a part of the network’s coverage on NBC News Now, its free streaming channel. “NBC Nightly News” anchor Tom Llamas is leading the coverage with Hallie Jackson, the network’s senior Washington correspondent; and “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker.
MSNBC host Ali Velshi will take on the voter analysis duties previously held down by Kornacki. The network said it will have 15 correspondents reporting throughout the country, including West Coast-based Jacob Soboroff delivering analysis on TikTok.
While CNN will have its usual array of anchors and experts led by anchor Jake Tapper, Anderson Cooper and Erin Burnett, the network will also offer an alternative streaming feed featuring its analyst Harry Enten alongside conservative commentator Ben Shapiro and “The Breakfast Club” radio host Charlamagne tha God.
“CNN Election Livecast” will be only be available from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pacific to subscribers of CNN All Access. The program will be a discussion of the results presented as “a more casual option” for viewers, according to a representative for the network.
The feed will mark the first time CNN, owned by Warner Bros. Discover, has produced full-scale live coverage exclusively for a streaming audience.
Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier of Fox News
(Fox News)
Fox News will rely on anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum for a special telecast at 10 p.m. Eastern and 7 p.m. Pacific, pre-empting its comedic talk show “Gutfeld!”
The 2025 election night will also mark a change in calling the results. All of the major broadcast networks and cable channels will be using data analysis from the Associated Press, which teamed with Fox News and NORC at the University of Chicago several years ago to create an alternative to the research company used by CBS, NBC, ABC and CNN.
Starting Tuesday, all five networks will get voting results at the same time.
Leland Vittert, Elizabeth Vargas and Chris Cuomo will anchor election night coverage for NewsNation.
(NewsNation)
The exception is Nexstar Media Group’s NewsNation, which will use Decision Desk HQ to call its races during its coverage co-anchored by Stirewalt, Chris Cuomo, Leland Vittert and Elizabeth Vargas. The service was the first to call the results of the 2024 presidential election, beating the competition by 15 minutes.
The ability to call the races sooner means more time for analysis, which is expected to lean heavily into what the results say about the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential campaign.
Stirewalt said the night has the potential to set up the political plot lines of the next two years. He believes the passage of Proposition 50 in California and a victory for New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani would elevate Gov. Gavin Newsom and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as 2028 presidential contenders.
“That’s would be a big feather in the cap for AOC, who can say that she’s leading a movement,” Stirewalt said. “Gavin Newsom gets to ring the bell. He gets to say ‘I won. I did something that was controversial. I took it to Donald Trump. I’m delivering a win.’”
