Wednesday, 17 December 2025

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Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Abramovich Seeks to Release £2.5bn Chelsea Proceeds for Ukraine Support

Roman Abramovich has renewed efforts to unlock £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC, pledging the money to support Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The funds have been frozen in the UK since 2022, when Abramovich sold Chelsea under a special government licence after being sanctioned over alleged links to the Kremlin. From the outset, the billionaire committed to placing the entire net proceeds into a foundation dedicated to humanitarian assistance connected to the war in Ukraine.

A Deal Trapped by Sanctions

Abramovich sold Chelsea in May 2022 to a consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. While the club changed hands, the proceeds were locked in a UK bank account, pending approval from UK government regulators. Officials have insisted that any release must comply strictly with sanctions and ensure the money is used exclusively for humanitarian purposes—such as aid for refugees, medical relief, and reconstruction—rather than any military activity.

Renewed Push to Free the Funds

Sources close to the process say Abramovich has intensified discussions with UK authorities to resolve legal and technical hurdles delaying the transfer. His representatives argue that prolonged freezing undermines the original pledge to help civilians affected by the conflict and that a clear governance structure can guarantee transparent, humanitarian-only spending.

Political and Legal Sensitivities

The case remains politically sensitive. Critics question whether Abramovich should retain any influence over how the funds are distributed, given the sanctions regime and the broader context of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The UK government has signalled it will not authorise a release unless there are watertight assurances on oversight and compliance.

What Happens Next?

If approved, the £2.5bn would represent one of the largest private humanitarian commitments linked to the war, potentially funding long-term relief and rebuilding efforts. Until an agreement is reached, however, the money will remain frozen—symbolising the complex intersection of sport, geopolitics, and sanctions that followed Russia’s invasion from Russia.

For now, the world watches to see whether a breakthrough can finally turn the Chelsea sale proceeds into tangible support for those suffering from the war’s devastation.

Attached is a news article regarding abramovich being told to give out 2.5 billion to support the war in Ukraine 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2e64lr3zeo.amp

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


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Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Trump Dramatically Expands U.S. Travel Ban, Doubling the Number of Affected Countries

Washington, D.C. – December 17, 2025 — President Donald J. Trump has significantly expanded a sweeping travel ban that restricts or prohibits entry to the United States for citizens of dozens of foreign countries, intensifying one of the hallmark policies of his administration’s immigration crackdown.  

In a proclamation announced by the White House on December 16, 2025, Trump more than doubled the number of countries subject to either full bans or partial entry restrictions, bringing the total to 39 nations whose citizens now face barriers to entering the United States. The expanded policy is set to take effect January 1, 2026.  

What the Expansion Entails

Under the updated travel restrictions:

Five countries were added to the list of those whose citizens are fully banned from entering the U.S.: Burkina FasoMaliNigerSouth Sudan, and Syria.  

Individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority-issued documents are also barred entirely, marking a notable escalation in the policy’s scope.  

Laos and Sierra Leone, which previously faced partial bans, were upgraded to full bans.  

15 additional countries now face partial restrictions, affecting certain immigrant and non-immigrant visas. These include nations such as Angola, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, among others.  

Those with already-issued visas, lawful permanent residents, diplomats, and certain categories of travellers such as athletes and people entering on behalf of U.S. interests may still be exempt from the new limits.  

Administration’s Justification

The White House defended the expanded travel ban as necessary for national security and immigration control, citing concerns about inadequate vetting systems, unreliable civil documentation, visa overstay rates, and insufficient cooperation from foreign governments. Officials said the United States must “raise its entry standards” to protect Americans.  

The move follows a wave of attention to immigration policy after the recent shooting in Washington, D.C., in which two National Guard members were killed by a suspect who had entered the U.S. as an immigrant. The Trump administration has cited that incident as underscoring perceived weaknesses in current vetting procedures.  

Reactions and Criticism

The expanded ban has sparked backlash from legal advocates, human rights groups, and international leaders. Critics argue it discriminates based on nationality, undermines long-standing U.S. values on immigration and asylum, and could strain diplomatic relations with affected countries. Some advocacy organizations also warn that the policy may harm global cooperation on security and commerce rather than strengthen U.S. safety.  

There have also been calls from leaders in Africa and other impacted regions seeking clarification and engagement with U.S. officials, given the broad geographic spread of newly restricted countries.  

Looking Ahead

The expanded ban reflects an ongoing Trump administration focus on tightening immigration policy through executive action. The White House has indicated that countries could be removed from the restricted list if they improve security screening and cooperation with U.S. authorities, though no formal delistings have been announced.  

The policy is expected to face legal challenges and political debate as it begins to take effect next year, shaping one of the most contentious aspects of U.S. immigration policy going into 2026.

Attached is a news article regarding countries that face bans on being allowed in to America 


Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


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Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Key Facts (Verified Reports)

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a nine-year-old girl named Aria Thorpe in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.  

The incident occurred at a residential address on Lime Close in the Mead Vale area, where police were called on Monday evening.  

Aria Thorpe was pronounced dead at the scene, and a preliminary post-mortem found she had suffered a single stab wound.  

The teenager was arrested near Worle shortly after the emergency call and has since been charged with murder.  

He is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court.  

Authorities and the community are in shock, and police say they are working with local schools and support services to help those affected.  

Official Statements and Investigation

Avon and Somerset Police have expressed condolences to Aria’s family and appealed for privacy and calm, emphasizing support for the community and ongoing investigations.  

What Is Known and What Isn’t

For legal reasons, the suspect’s name cannot be published because he is a minor. Details about motive, the relationship between the suspect and Aria, or further background have not been released at this stage while the case is before the courts.  

If you’d like, I can help you write a full news article based on the verified information available so far — just let me know the tone and audience you’re aiming for (e.g., local news, national paper, blog post, etc.).

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder following the death of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe.

The incident happened in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, at a residential address in the Mead Vale area.

Emergency services were called on Monday evening, where Aria was found seriously injured.

Aria Thorpe was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by paramedics.

A preliminary post-mortem examination indicated she suffered a stab wound.

The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and later formally charged.

Due to his age, the boy cannot be named for legal reasons.

The teenager is due to appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court.

Avon and Somerset Police are leading the investigation and have appealed for privacy for the family.

Local schools and support services have been offered specialist support as the community comes to terms with the tragedy.

No motive or relationship details have been released while court proceedings are ongoing.

Conclusion

The death of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe has left Weston-super-Mare in deep shock, raising painful questions about youth violence, safeguarding, and the pressures facing young people today. With a 15-year-old boy charged with murder, the case now moves into the judicial process, where facts will be examined and justice pursued through the courts.

As the investigation led by Avon and Somerset Police continues, authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the legal process to run its course. The focus remains on supporting Aria’s grieving family, her friends, and a community struggling to comprehend such a devastating loss. Tributes and vigils reflect a shared sense of sorrow — and a collective hope that lessons will be learned to help prevent tragedies like this from happening again.

Attached is a news article regarding aria a nine year old girl murdered by a 15 year old boy 

https://news.sky.com/story/boy-charged-with-murder-of-nine-year-old-girl-as-victim-named-13484630

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Trump Signs Executive Order Declaring Fentanyl a ‘Weapon of Mass Destruction’ in Escalation of U.S. Drug Policy

Washington, D.C. — December 15, 2025 — President Donald J. Trump has signed a sweeping executive order formally designating illicit fentanyl and its core precursor chemicals as weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), a move that dramatically reframes the United States’ approach to the ongoing opioid crisis as a national security issue.  

Speaking at a White House event honoring service members involved in border security operations, Trump said the designation was necessary to confront what his administration views as a deadly onslaught of synthetic opioids entering the United States. “With this historic executive order… we are formally classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction — because that’s what it is,” the president declared.  

What the Order Does

Under the executive order, illicit fentanyl — the powerful synthetic opioid responsible for tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually — and its chemical precursors are defined as WMDs. The order directs federal agencies, including the Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security, Treasury, and Defense, to take “appropriate action” to eliminate the threat posed by the drug and its supply chains.  

Officials argue the designation empowers U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies to use tools traditionally reserved for countering nuclear, chemical, or biological threats against drug trafficking networks. It also bolsters Trump’s earlier moves to label major cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a step that has already underpinned military actions against suspected smuggling operations at sea.  

National Security Framing and Military Involvement

The White House has emphasized that the fentanyl crisis is not merely a public health issue but a national security emergency. Trump and allies have cited the relatively small lethal dose of fentanyl and the enormous number of overdose fatalities as justification for the WMD categorization.  

The shift dovetails with an increasingly militant posture toward narcotics trafficking: since early September, U.S. military forces have carried out more than 20 strikes on vessels suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in at least 90 deaths — actions the administration frames as part of a broader armed conflict with criminal networks.  

Political and Policy Reactions

Supporters of the order, including Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.), praised the designation as a necessary escalation to protect American families and confront what they describe as narco-terrorism and geopolitical challenges posed by precursor chemical flows from abroad. Banks’ own legislative efforts pushed toward defining fentanyl as a chemical threat in U.S. law.  

However, experts and critics have expressed deep skepticism about both the label and its potential effectiveness. Drug policy specialists and scholars note that fentanyl has not been used as a weapon in the way chemical agents have historically been, and they warn that militarizing a public health crisis could undermine treatment and prevention efforts. “It is not obvious to me that this is a threat,” said one expert on drugs, crime and terror research.  

Legal analysts also caution that expanding military and national security authorities into drug enforcement could strain international cooperation, blur civil-military roles, and raise constitutional questions.  

What Comes Next

It remains unclear how the new designation will play out in practice. While Trump’s executive order does not itself create new laws, it reframes the federal government’s strategic priorities, potentially allowing for harsher prosecutions, broader sanctions, and expanded use of intelligence resources against trafficking networks.  

Public health advocates fear that equating a substance with legitimate medical uses to a weapon of mass destruction may further stigmatize patients and distract from harm-reduction strategies proven to save lives.

As Washington digests the implications of this unprecedented policy shift, lawmakers from both parties and international partners will likely debate whether this new framework strengthens America’s hand against fentanyl trafficking—or whether it conflates two separate crises with far-reaching consequences.

 Attached is a news article regarding trump signing fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/12/16/trump-fentanyl-weapon-mass-destruction/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


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Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers sponsored by smileband, 

Trump Faces Backlash Over Xenophobic Tirade Targeting Somali Immigrants

Former US president Donald Trump is facing renewed criticism after delivering a speech widely condemned as xenophobic, in which he launched a verbal attack against Somali immigrants living in the United States. The remarks, made during a recent campaign-style appearance, have sparked outrage among civil rights groups, community leaders, and elected officials, who warn that such rhetoric risks inflaming racial hatred and deepening divisions.

Remarks Spark Outrage

During the speech, Trump portrayed Somali immigrants as a threat to public safety and social cohesion, using sweeping generalisations that critics say unfairly stigmatise an entire community. Advocacy organisations described the language as inflammatory and misleading, arguing it reinforces harmful stereotypes and ignores the positive contributions Somali Americans have made to US society.

Human rights groups said the comments echo some of the most controversial moments of Trump’s presidency, when his hardline immigration stance included travel bans and aggressive deportation policies. They argue that the rhetoric is particularly dangerous at a time of heightened political tension, where minority communities already face rising levels of harassment.

Community Leaders Respond

Leaders from Somali American communities — many of whom fled civil war in Somalia and rebuilt their lives in the US — expressed deep concern over the impact of the remarks. In cities such as Minneapolis, home to one of the largest Somali populations in North America, organisers warned that such statements can translate into real-world consequences, including hate crimes and discrimination.

“Words from political leaders matter,” one community advocate said. “When a former president speaks this way, it gives permission to others to treat Somali people as outsiders, regardless of how long they’ve lived here or how much they’ve contributed.”

Political and Legal Criticism

Democratic lawmakers and several Republicans also criticised the speech, accusing Trump of using immigrants as political scapegoats. Some pointed out that Somali Americans serve as doctors, small business owners, teachers, and even members of the US armed forces — a reality they say is erased by Trump’s rhetoric.

Civil liberties organisations warned that the language could violate the spirit, if not the letter, of protections against incitement and discrimination. While Trump has defended his comments as “telling the truth” about immigration, legal experts caution that repeated dehumanising language can undermine democratic norms.

A Familiar Pattern

This is not the first time Trump has been accused of xenophobia. Throughout his political career, he has repeatedly targeted specific ethnic and religious groups, often during campaign periods. Analysts note that such rhetoric tends to resurface when Trump seeks to energise his political base, particularly on issues of immigration and national identity.

Critics argue that focusing on Somali immigrants distracts from broader policy debates and reduces complex social issues to simplistic and harmful narratives.

Wider Implications

The controversy has reignited debate about the responsibility of political leaders in shaping public discourse. Anti-racism campaigners warn that normalising attacks on one community risks setting a precedent that could be turned on others.

As the backlash continues, Somali American organisations are calling for unity and urging political leaders across the spectrum to reject what they describe as divisive and dangerous rhetoric. Whether the criticism will have any lasting political impact on Trump remains unclear, but the episode has once again highlighted the deep fault lines surrounding immigration, race, and power in American politics.

Attached is a news article regarding Trump facing criticism over xenophobic tirade against Somali immigrants 

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-garbage-rhetoric-about-somalis-draws-cheers-administration-silence-2025-12-04/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


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Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Inside the pound-printing factory: how Britain’s currency is made

Cash still matters. Every day millions of coins clink and banknotes change hands across the UK — and behind every coin and polymer note is a tightly controlled, highly technical manufacturing process. Here’s a clear, behind-the-scenes look at how British currency is made: from design and security features to printing, minting, quality control and distribution.

Two factories, two crafts

The UK’s money is produced in two very different kinds of factories:

Banknotes for England and Wales are issued by the Bank of England and printed on its behalf under contract at a high-security printing works in Debden, Essex (operated by specialist security printers). The site handles everything from sheet printing to final cutting and despatch.  

Coins — pennies to £2 pieces, plus commemorative and bullion coins — are struck at The Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Wales, a mechanised foundry and striking plant that converts raw metal into finished legal tender.  

Both operations run to stringent security and quality standards, but the techniques and materials are very different.

The story of the modern banknote: polymer and high tech

Since 2016 the Bank of England’s notes have been produced on polymer — a thin, durable plastic — rather than traditional cotton paper. Polymer allows much tougher, longer-lasting notes and enables advanced security elements such as transparent windows, holograms and complex foils that are extremely difficult to copy. The Bank explains polymer’s advantages in durability and forgery resistance.  

From design to sheet

1. Design & artwork — Artists and security specialists work together on the note’s visual themes (portraits, historical figures, imagery) while integrating security features that must align exactly with printing plates and transparent windows.

2. Substrate preparation — Polymer sheets (the base material) arrive ready for printing — often with features such as the clear window already formed (suppliers and exact steps are tightly controlled).

3. Multi-stage printing — The sheet goes through several specialist printing presses:

Offset/toner printing for colourful backgrounds and images.

Intaglio (raised-ink) plates for tactile ink used in portraits or value numerals — the raised feel helps both authentication and accessibility.

Foiling and patch application for metallic strips and holographic elements.

UV and microprinting steps add covert security elements visible only under special light or magnification.

4. Inspection and cutting — After printing the sheets are inspected (often partly automated with human oversight), then guillotined into individual notes, counted, banded and packed for distribution to banks.  

Security and secrecy

Banknote manufacture is a high-security business: the printing works are in guarded, access-controlled facilities; all staff undergo vetting; movement of sheets is minimised; and quality control processes discard or securely destroy imperfect items. The Bank of England publishes overview material about lifecycle and security, but much of the detailed know-how is confidential for obvious reasons.  

Scale and lifecycle

There are billions of Bank of England notes in circulation and the Bank closely manages supply and replacement. Worn notes are returned, assessed and destroyed; older designs are withdrawn as needed. The Bank publishes figures and explains how new notes are introduced and older ones removed.  

How the Royal Mint makes coins

Coin production is an industrial metal-working process rather than printing.

1. Alloy & casting — The mint starts by creating the correct alloy (e.g., cupro-nickel, nickel-brass) in furnaces and rolling it into large coils.

2. Blanking — The coiled metal is fed into presses that punch out round blanks (the undecorated discs that become coins).

3. Annealing & cleaning — Blanks are heat-treated (annealed) and cleaned so the metal is soft enough and surface-ready for striking.

4. Die making — Master designs are engraved (now often CNC-assisted) and hardened into dies — the negative images that will be stamped onto blanks.

5. Striking — High-tonnage presses strike the blanks between obverse and reverse dies. Modern presses can strike hundreds of coins per minute; commemorative and proof coins are struck more gently and often multiple times for sharp detail.

6. Edge treatment & plating — Some coins get milled edges, edge-inscriptions or plating (e.g., bi-metallic £2), and are inspected, counted and bagged.  

The Royal Mint also runs recycling and sustainability programmes (including recovery of metals and redeploying waste streams) and operates distinct production lines for circulation coins, commemorative pieces and bullion.  

Technology, people and reassurance

Both banknote and coin production blend heritage craft with cutting-edge technology. Intaglio printing, die-engraving and presswork are centuries-old arts; today they sit alongside laser engraving, automated optical inspection, anti-counterfeit nanotechnology and sophisticated supply-chain controls.

For the public the important takeaway is simple: producing legal tender is an expensive, secure, closely supervised national function. The systems are designed so counterfeiters are kept at bay, circulation stays reliable, and cash remains accessible for people who need it most.

Want to go deeper

If you’d like, I can:

produce a step-by-step illustrated explainer showing each stage of a banknote or coin’s journey; or

write a shorter “what you’ll see if you visit” tour-style piece about Debden and Llantrisant (what’s public and what’s always off-limits).

Sources: Bank of England explainer on polymer notes and the Bank’s account of the Debden printing works; official overviews of the Royal Mint’s coin production and recent Royal Mint sustainability reporting.  

Attached is News article regarding inside the pounds printing factory were Britains currency is manufactured 

https://news.sky.com/story/bank-of-england-currency-printer-de-la-rue-in-300m-sale-13233434

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Starlink pours thousands of satellites into low-Earth orbit — and AT&T is meeting the threat with partnerships, not rockets

SpaceX’s Starlink has reshaped the satcom landscape by doing what few legacy operators ever attempted: mass-producing and launching thousands of low-Earth-orbit (LEO) broadband satellites, at a cadence and scale that is changing who — and how — the world stays connected. That push has left traditional players such as AT&T — a giant in terrestrial telecoms but not a large owner of space assets — scrambling to compete through partnerships, spectrum deals and service integrations. Here’s how the two strategies stack up in late-2025.

How many Starlinks are up there — and how fast are they going

Starlink’s deployment in 2025 continued at a blistering pace. Recent mission reports show Falcon 9 flights through December adding roughly 24–32 satellites per batch, with dozens of launches across the year. Independent trackers and industry reporting put the Starlink constellation at over 9,000 active satellites by December 2025 (with total launched satellites exceeding 9,300 in some tallies). Those launches include the latest Starlink “V2 Mini” batches used to expand coverage and capacity.  

SpaceX’s model is simple and aggressive: build satellites in quantity, fly them frequently with the reusable Falcon 9, iterate design rapidly (V1 → V2 Mini and other variants) and sell broadband directly to consumers, enterprises, airlines and governments. That operational tempo makes Starlink the single largest single-operator satellite constellation on orbit today and accounts for a large fraction of newly launched satellites worldwide.  

AT&T’s approach: partner, integrate, and leverage spectrum — not mass launch

AT&T is one of the world’s largest telecom operators, but it is not competing with SpaceX by building and launching its own mega-constellation. Instead, AT&T has pursued a partnership and integration model:

Commercial agreements with AST SpaceMobile (the “BlueBird” satellites) have enabled AT&T to trial native voice, text and video calls passing over satellite using AT&T spectrum — milestones reported through 2024–2025 included initial commercial BlueBird launches and demonstrator calls.  

AT&T continues to rely on established geostationary satellite providers (ViasatIntelsat) as the backhaul for many aviation and enterprise services; for example, major airline connectivity deals involve Viasat/Intelsat capacity that AT&T can manage or resell in various packages.  

Put simply: AT&T is strengthening its service portfolio with satellite partnerships (direct-to-device trials, FirstNet resilience work, inflight Wi-Fi integrations) rather than trying to replicate Starlink’s vertically integrated launch-and-fleet model. This gives AT&T quicker market entry in niche use cases (first responders, direct handset coverage in underserved areas, aviation customers) without the upfront capital and orbital launch program that SpaceX executes.  

Where the competition actually plays out

The rivalry between Starlink and AT&T isn’t a simple “who has more satellites” contest — it’s a battle across several business axes:

Coverage & latency: Starlink’s LEO network offers low latency and growing global coverage for consumer and enterprise broadband. That makes it attractive for home internet, maritime, and some aviation use cases. AT&T’s satellite play, via partners, focuses on providing continuity for mobile customers, critical voice/text for first-responders (FirstNet), and managed connectivity for airlines and enterprise customers.  

Business model: SpaceX vertically integrates (manufacture → launch → retail service). AT&T leverages partner capacity and integrates satellite links into its broader mobile and IoT service stack — often reselling or managing satcom capacity alongside terrestrial networks.  

Regulatory & spectrum: Starlink needs regulatory approvals globally for spectrum use and services (and faces increasing scrutiny over space debris and radio coordination). AT&T brings spectrum holdings and regulatory relationships to the table, enabling it to repurpose licensed terrestrial spectrum for satellite-passed voice/data in partnership arrangements.  

Customer segments: Starlink has moved aggressively into consumer and enterprise broadband, IoT, and even direct-to-cell smartphone connectivity (new partnerships demonstrate direct-to-mobile ambitions). AT&T targets B2B, government/FirstNet, aviation, and mobile-subscriber continuity — markets where a trusted telco relationship and integrated billing/networking matter.  

Industry implications: scale, congestion and consolidation

Starlink’s sheer scale has shifted market dynamics:

Orbital congestion & policy: Thousands of small LEO satellites raise questions about collision risk, spectrum coordination, and regulatory oversight. Policymakers and space situational awareness groups are more focused than ever.  

Pressure on legacy GEO players: Operators that once dominated in geostationary orbit (Intelsat, Viasat, Eutelsat) now face competition in capacity and latency. Some are pivoting to partnerships, focusing on niche high-throughput GEO services or integrating with LEO players. This market evolution favors flexible providers (including telecoms that can stitch services together) and nimble satellite manufacturers.  

Consolidation and partnerships: Expect more alliances like AT&T + AST SpaceMobile, airline carriage deals, and national telecom collaborations with LEO providers — because owning a satellite fleet is no longer the only route to satellite-enabled services.  

So who’s “winning”

If winning means owning the most satellites and rapidly expanding global LEO coverage, Starlink is indisputably ahead — the constellation grew into the thousands in a few years and continues to add capacity. If winning means delivering integrated services to mobile subscribers, enterprise clients and governments without large space-program investment, AT&T’s partnership model is very competitive: it leverages existing infrastructure, regulatory licenses and customer relationships to deliver satellite-enhanced services quickly.  

Bottom line — different plays for different problems

Starlink’s mass-launch, in-house model is rewriting expectations for satellite broadband: speed of deployment, retail reach and the growing use of LEO for consumer internet. AT&T, while not launching thousands of satellites, is not absent from the market — it is pursuing a pragmatic route of partnerships and integrations that play to a telco’s strengths (spectrum, billing, network integration, relationships with enterprises and governments). The near future will be less about a single winner and more about who can best combine terrestrial and satellite assets to meet customers where they are.

Attached is a news article regarding the amount of starlink satellite entering in to space and the competition between AT&T 

https://www.space.com/space-exploration/satellites/spacex-buys-usd17-billion-worth-of-satellite-spectrum-to-beef-up-starlink-broadband-service

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley

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Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

China Turns Ocean Water Into Fuel: A Potential Energy Breakthrough

China has announced a major scientific advance that could reshape the future of energy: the ability to extract fuel directly from ocean water. The development centres on producing hydrogen from seawater, offering a vast new energy source drawn from the world’s oceans.

With global demand for cleaner and more secure energy accelerating, scientists say this breakthrough could reduce dependence on fossil fuels while unlocking a virtually limitless supply of fuel.

How Does Turning Ocean Water Into Fuel Work. 

At the core of the technology is seawater electrolysis — a process that splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. While electrolysis has existed for decades, seawater presents a major challenge due to salt corrosion and toxic by-products such as chlorine gas.

Chinese researchers have developed new catalysts and membranes that can:

Separate salt from water efficiently

Prevent corrosion of equipment

Produce hydrogen safely and at scale

The result is clean-burning hydrogen fuel that can be stored, transported, and used in power generation, vehicles, and industrial processes.

Why This Is a Big Deal

The oceans cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface, making seawater an almost inexhaustible resource. If commercialised successfully, this technology could:

Reduce reliance on oil, gas, and coal

Strengthen energy security

Cut carbon emissions dramatically

Support the transition to renewable energy

Hydrogen fuel produces only water vapour when burned, making it one of the cleanest energy sources available.

Military, Industrial, and Civilian Uses

Experts believe the technology could have wide-ranging applications:

Naval vessels generating fuel at sea

Remote islands and coastal cities producing local energy

Heavy industry replacing fossil fuels

Hydrogen-powered cars, ships, and aircraft

For a country with vast coastlines and growing energy needs, the strategic advantages are significant.

Global Implications

China’s progress has sparked global interest, with energy analysts warning that nations failing to invest in hydrogen technologies could fall behind. If scaled successfully, ocean-derived fuel could reshape global energy markets and weaken the dominance of oil-producing states.

However, challenges remain — including cost, infrastructure, and ensuring the electricity used in electrolysis comes from renewable sources rather than coal.

A Glimpse of the Future

While still in its early stages, turning ocean water into fuel represents a bold step toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. If proven viable on a mass scale, the oceans may soon power the world — not just connect it.

Attached is a news article regarding china turning ocean water into to fuel a new technology breakthrough 



Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Nick Reiner Arrested After Fatal Stabbing of Parents, Hollywood Director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner

Los Angeles, December 2025 — In a shocking and deeply tragic incident, Nick Reiner, 32, the son of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer-producer Michele Singer Reiner, has been arrested and charged in connection with the deaths of his parents.  

On Sunday afternoon, December 14, emergency responders discovered Rob Reiner (78) and Michele Singer Reiner (70) dead inside their Brentwood, Los Angeles home, with apparent stab wounds. The discovery came after a welfare check by authorities, who were called when the couple failed to respond to contacts from family members.  

Their daughter, Romy Reiner, 28, is reported to have found her parents’ bodies and later assisted law enforcement in identifying Nick as a person of interest.  


Arrest and Charges

Nick Reiner was arrested Sunday night in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Police Department shortly after the deaths were discovered. He was booked on two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances, including the alleged use of a deadly weapon.  

The charges carry the possibility of life imprisonment without parole or, in extreme cases, the death penalty, though prosecutors have said no final decision has been made on seeking capital punishment.  

Nick remains held without bail at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and is awaiting medical clearance before his next court appearance.  

Background: A Family Struggling

The Reiner family’s tragedy has layers of loss and earlier struggles behind it. Nick had been open about a long and difficult battle with addiction—a struggle that began in his teenage years, led to periods of homelessness, and inspired the semi-autobiographical 2015 film Being Charlie, which he co-wrote with his father.  

Friends and acquaintances have described him as having a troubled history with substance abuse and volatility.  

In the hours before the killings, Nick and his father were also seen involved in a heated argument at a holiday party hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, an interaction that friends said drew concern.  

Reactions and Legacy

The deaths of Rob and Michele have elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes across Hollywood and beyond. Rob Reiner was widely respected for his work in film and television—directing beloved classics such as Stand by MeThe Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally…—and for his activism and political commentary. Michele was known for her photography and advocacy.  

Family members and friends have asked for privacy as the legal process unfolds. The case now moves to the courts, where prosecutors will present evidence and determine the next steps in the prosecution of Nick Reiner.  

Attached is a news article regarding Nick Reiner killing his parents 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgj14l3v8vo.amp

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Scot’s Dad Shot Dead in Horror Attack at Motherwell Home

A Scottish family has been left devastated after a father was shot dead with a shotgun inside his own home in Motherwell, in what police are treating as a murder.

Emergency services were called to a residential address in Motherwell after reports of a serious disturbance. Officers arrived to find the man suffering catastrophic gunshot injuries. Despite urgent medical efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shock and Fear in Quiet Neighbourhood

Neighbours described scenes of disbelief as armed police sealed off the street, with forensic teams working late into the night. Residents said the area is usually quiet, making the violence all the more shocking.

One local said:

“You never expect something like this to happen here. It’s absolutely horrifying.”

Children and families living nearby were advised to remain indoors while officers secured the area, with police vehicles and cordons remaining in place for hours.

Major Murder Investigation Launched

Police Scotland confirmed a major investigation is under way, with specialist detectives leading the inquiry. Officers are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing, including how the firearm was obtained and whether the victim knew his attacker.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual in the area to come forward, stressing that even small details could prove crucial.

Community in Mourning

Tributes have begun to emerge for the victim, described by those who knew him as a devoted father and family man. Support services have been offered to relatives and neighbours affected by the incident, as grief counsellors assist those struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

Appeal for Information

Police have urged anyone with information, CCTV footage, or dashcam recordings from the area around the time of the incident to contact them immediately.

As the investigation continues, the killing has reignited concerns about gun violence in residential communities and left Motherwell grappling with the aftermath of a brutal and deeply disturbing crime.

Attached is a news article regarding Scot’s man shot dead at his Motherwell home 

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/15692280/police-swarm-scots-estate-streets-sealed-major-incident/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


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Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,  The Siberian Tiger: The World’s Largest and Most Endangered Big Cat The Siberian tiger, also...