UK judge upholds detention after detainee swallowed vape battery to avoid deportation
A High Court judge found that an Indian national, identified as Sharma, intentionally ingested a vape battery so he would be taken to hospital instead of boarding a September 23 removal flight. Sharma was convicted in Scotland last year of sexual activity with a child and supplying Class B drugs, sentenced to three years in August 2024, released in November due to time served, then moved to immigration detention. Multiple deportation attempts have stalled, largely because the Indian High Commission has not issued emergency travel documents, including for a November 6 flight. Justice Simon Tinkler ruled his continued detention lawful given his criminal record, bail breaches, and risk to the public, noting he was not released on immigration bail because suitable accommodation, away from schools and parks, could not be secured. He remains detained in Scotland. The Home Office says removal is likely imminent, and the judge acknowledged he could still pursue a separate claim alleging parts of his detention were unlawful. In the year to July 2025, the UK carried out 9,115 enforced returns, including 5,179 foreign national offenders.
Fonthill Castle goes full sparkle for the holidays in Doylestown
Fonthill Castle is lit for the season, turning the historic estate into a twinkling postcard and serving up maximalist holiday decor with turrets. It is open to visitors for the festivities.
BRICS+ backers pitch The Unit, a gold and currency-indexed token to loosen the dollar grip
Supporters of a BRICS+ initiative are promoting The Unit, a decentralized index token pegged to 60 percent gold and 40 percent diversified BRICS+ currencies. It is slated to launch early next year on the Cardano blockchain, governed by the UN-era IRIAS institute, and pitched not as a crypto or a stablecoin but as a reserve-like medium of exchange, pricing benchmark, and store of value for the Global South. The plan pairs blockchain rails with fiat on-ramps via regulated partners so it can move through exchanges and traditional banks. Proponents say it offers apolitical, non-censorable settlement outside other nations currencies, an alternative to dollar-pegged stablecoins and Wall Street managed crypto products. Even JPMorgan has been cited calling it perhaps the most thoroughly fleshed-out BRICS+ de-dollarization proposal. If it works, it could bridge fiat and digital value for participating countries. If it does not, at least the transaction fees will not be the most painful part.
Stephen A. Smith calls foul on Trump over affordability claims
On his SiriusXM show, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith criticized Donald Trump for labeling affordability concerns a Democratic con job. Smith argued the affordability crisis is real and top of mind for voters, and said Trump wants to act as if there is no concern. Sports talk took a seat so he could throw a flag on political spin.
Sixers sweep back-to-back vs. short-handed Bucks
Philadelphia delivered its most balanced effort of the season in a win over a depleted Milwaukee squad, completing a back-to-back sweep and improving to 13-9. More spring cleaning than statement win, but clean is still clean.
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