Monthly Archives: November 2025

Fire at Buhne Street Triplex Sunday Afternoon Contained to Garage, and Emergency Personnel Also Treated a Bystander Who Tripped in the Road While That Was Happening

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On Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, at approximately 2:10 p.m., Humboldt Bay Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 500 block of West Buhne near Spring Street. The response included four engines, one ladder truck, and a Battalion Chief.

Engine 8113 was the first arriving unit and found smoke coming from the garage area of a single-story triplex residence. Crews immediately pulled a hose line and initiated fire attack. Shortly thereafter, Engine 8115 arrived to assist in extinguishing the fire.

Battalion 8104 took command on scene, establishing Spring Command and declaring an offensive fire attack. Incoming units worked swiftly to establish a water supply from a nearby hydrant, perform a primary search for victims, gain access to the garage, conduct ventilation, and protect the exposed buildings on the alley side. Additionally, a unit was designated as the Rapid Intervention Crew, prepared to respond in case of a firefighter emergency.

Thanks to these coordinated efforts, the fire was contained to the garage area, preventing its spread into the living spaces. Crews then carried out salvage operations, carefully removing sentimental items to prevent further damage.

During the incident, one bystander fell while crossing the street and was treated on scene by City Ambulance. To maintain emergency coverage within Humboldt Bay Fire’s jurisdiction, two additional units were requested, with Samoa Peninsula Fire and Arcata Fire responding to assist. PG&E secured gas and electrical utilities while City Ambulance remained on standby.

Humboldt Bay Fire extends its gratitude to all partnering agencies for their valued support.

The cause and origin investigation determined the fire to be accidental. Fortunately, no civilian or firefighter injuries occurred. Damage is estimated at $150,000.

Humboldt Bay Fire reminds everyone of the importance of fire safety when using torches or other heat-producing equipment. Always follow manufacturer instructions and operate these tools only as intended to prevent similar incidents.
https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2025/nov/3/fire-buhne-street-triplex-sunday-afternoon-contain/

Next version of Apple’s personal assistant Siri will be powered by Google Gemini

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Bloomberg’s Apple expert Mark Gurman has revealed that the new Siri will “lean on Google’s Gemini model” to deliver enhanced features, including AI-powered web search. Apple anticipates that integrating Gemini will make Siri more capable than ever before.

However, some Apple employees have reportedly raised concerns about whether iPhone users will be comfortable with relying on a Google model, especially considering privacy issues.

Read the entire article for more details.
https://www.techspot.com/news/110111-next-version-apple-personal-assistant-siri-powered-google.html

Is the Bitcoin price heading for its worst Q4 since 2022?

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**Can Bitcoin Price Recover Its Momentum After October’s Reversal, or Will Q4 Extend Its Weakest Run Since 2022?**

—

### Bitcoin Price Breaks the Uptober Streak

Bitcoin entered October with confidence, extending a powerful rally that lifted prices to a record high above $126,000 on October 6. However, what followed was a sharp and sudden pullback. Within days, prices dropped more than 17%, reaching about $104,500 between October 10 and 11. The month closed with Bitcoin (BTC) down roughly 3.6%, marking its first negative October since 2018.

As of November 3, Bitcoin trades near $108,000, around 14.5% below its monthly peak.

The decline stemmed from several interconnected global developments:

– The U.S.-China trade confrontation intensified after Washington imposed 100% tariffs and introduced new restrictions on software exports. This move sparked heavy liquidations across crypto markets and dampened investor risk appetite.
– At the same time, the Federal Reserve signaled that it may slow the pace of interest rate cuts. This stance strengthened the dollar and increased the appeal of yield-bearing assets, putting additional pressure on Bitcoin, which produces neither interest nor dividends.

Another key factor is Bitcoin’s deeper integration with traditional finance. In past cycles, Bitcoin often moved independently of global markets. Today, institutional trading, ETF flows, and broader macro sentiment shape its direction far more than retail activity alone.

As a result, 2025 broke the “Uptober” streak. Bitcoin is down nearly 6% in Q4 so far, turning what is usually a positive month for crypto into its weakest start since 2022.

The question now is: what lies ahead as the market moves deeper into November and the rest of Q4?

—

### Trade Truce Meets Tight Liquidity

Early November brought what appeared to be relief for global markets.

During a summit in South Korea, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached a broad trade-truce framework that marks a partial de-escalation of the trade war that had intensified earlier this year.

Key points of the agreement include:

– China will begin lifting its export ban on automotive computer chips, including components critical to car production worldwide, addressing a major bottleneck that had disrupted global manufacturing chains.
– The two sides agreed on U.S. soybean exports, with China committing to purchase 12 million metric tons this season and 25 million tons annually for the next three years.
– Cooperation will also involve the supply of rare earth minerals and precursor materials used in the production of the drug fentanyl.
– The U.S. reduced tariffs on Chinese goods from 57% to 47%, while China agreed to delay export restrictions on rare earths, gallium, and germanium for one year.

Despite the political optics of progress, China’s manufacturing sector continues to struggle. The country’s October manufacturing PMI stood at 49, extending its contraction streak to seven months and pointing to lingering weaknesses in global demand and production.

In the U.S., the Federal Reserve moved slightly toward monetary easing, cutting its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to a 3.75-4.00% range at its October 28-29 meeting. This decision came as unemployment inched up from 4.0% to 4.3%, while inflation remained around 3% year on year.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell reiterated that future policy remains data dependent, and markets now expect a 70% chance of a further rate cut in December.

A parallel move came from the U.S. central bank’s liquidity operations. On October 31, the Federal Reserve injected $29.4 billion through overnight repo operations — its largest since 2020.

For Bitcoin and the broader crypto markets, greater liquidity, reduced tariffs, and easing trade tensions theoretically create a supportive backdrop. However, real recovery depends on whether supply chains and credit conditions stabilize enough to renew investor confidence.

—

### The Verdict That Could Shake Bitcoin

The next major test for global markets, and indirectly for Bitcoin, is set to unfold at the U.S. Supreme Court.

On November 5, the Trump administration will face challenges from small businesses and several U.S. states over the legality of tariffs imposed earlier this year under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The plaintiffs argue that the president exceeded his constitutional authority since the law allows regulation of trade during emergencies but does not explicitly authorize tariffs.

The court’s decision is expected sometime between March and June 2026.

The case involves roughly $90 billion in import taxes already collected through September 2025, according to Wells Fargo estimates. However, administration officials warn that this figure could swell to as much as $1 trillion if the court takes until June 2026 to decide and tariffs remain in place throughout that period.

**Potential outcomes:**

– Should the court rule against the administration, those tariffs could be invalidated and refunds ordered, potentially disrupting fiscal balances and triggering volatility in the dollar and equities.
– If the decision favors the White House, it would cement the executive branch’s ability to impose or adjust tariffs unilaterally, giving the U.S. president far greater flexibility in trade negotiations.

For Bitcoin and the broader crypto market, this legal showdown presents a complex scenario.

Once celebrated for moving independently of traditional markets, Bitcoin now behaves much more like a macro-linked instrument. Over the past several years, Bitcoin’s correlation with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite has risen sharply, especially during periods of policy-driven volatility.

– If the Supreme Court outcome disrupts confidence in U.S. trade policy or weakens the dollar, risk assets could see renewed speculative inflows, temporarily supporting crypto prices.
– Conversely, a ruling that strengthens executive control and stabilizes the dollar could pressure Bitcoin, as investors move back toward traditional safe assets.

—

### Analyst Outlook and Bitcoin’s Next Move

Market sentiment remains divided on where Bitcoin heads next.

Analyst Ted Pillows noted that Bitcoin has now tested its $107,500 support level for the third or fourth time in just two weeks — a pattern often seen before a decisive breakout or breakdown. He warned that failure to hold this range could open the door for a retest of $100,000, which has served as Bitcoin’s psychological and technical base for much of 2025.

The repeated tests suggest buying strength around $107,000 is weakening, while short-term volatility could rise sharply if that level gives way.

On a more macro level, analyst PlanB, known for the stock-to-flow model, highlighted that Bitcoin closed October at $109,000, marking six straight months above $100,000. He views this range as solidifying long-term support rather than forming a short-term ceiling.

According to his model:

– Bitcoin’s realized price currently sits near $56,000.
– The 55-day moving average is roughly $55,000.

PlanB believes these levels form a structural floor reminiscent of early bull markets in 2013, 2017, and 2021. He also noted that Bitcoin’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 66, signaling a strong uptrend but not yet in the overheated zone that has historically preceded market tops.

Based on his stock-to-flow projections, Bitcoin’s fair value range lies between $250,000 and $1 million, though he acknowledged wide uncertainty around timing and peaks.

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### Conclusion

The bullish camp believes the absence of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and the steady divergence between realized price and moving average point toward another expansion phase. Meanwhile, the bearish view argues Bitcoin may have already peaked at $126,000 following the halving cycle.

Overall, Bitcoin’s near-term direction depends heavily on whether the $107,000 to $108,000 zone holds. A breakdown below could trigger a sharper correction, while stability above that level could set up the next leg higher.

For now, markets remain heated. Proceed with caution and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/bitcoin/is-the-bitcoin-price-heading-for-its-worst-q4-since-2022/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=is-the-bitcoin-price-heading-for-its-worst-q4-since-2022

NYC Voters want real change. They hope the next mayor can deliver it.

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**New York City Mayoral Race: Voices from Harlem 24 Hours Before the Final Vote**

*By Taya Graham and Stephen Janis*

This is Taya Graham and Stephen Janis reporting from Harlem, New York, just 24 hours before the final vote in the New York Mayor’s race. We visited this bustling neighborhood to ask voters about the issues important to them, their opinions on the frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, his opponent former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and what they hope the new mayor will accomplish.

But first, let’s hear directly from the voters themselves.

—

**Mamdani vs. Cuomo: Who Do Harlem Voters Want as Mayor?**

James B Cray shared his preference:

*“Mayor Mamdani.”*

When asked why, he explained:

*“Well, Mamdani is speaking about a lot of things that really address the people, such as housing and transportation issues. I think he’s more at the forefront of what a lot of young people want to hear about. We’ve had de Blasio and Bloomberg, and the cycle just keeps going on without a lot of our issues being addressed.”*

Another voter, who asked to be identified as “Vincent,” expressed a desire for change:

*“It’s time for a change and time for new blood.”*

When pressed if that meant support for Mamdani, Vincent agreed:

*“Yes. People that care about people, it’s important.”*

He added that he appreciated how Mamdani focuses on working-class concerns:

*“He wants to do things for people who are working class, trying to get by, make a living, put food on the table, and get to work.”*

—

**Views on Media Coverage and Socialist Label**

Taya Graham noted the mainstream media narrative about Mamdani’s socialist label and asked for Vincent’s thoughts.

Vincent responded:

*“It’s interesting because our democracy used to be about helping people and supporting working people. We’ve gone away from that. Now it’s all about corporations and giving tax breaks to the wealthy. I think it’s time we let someone who represents working-class people have a chance at the table.”*

—

**Expectations and Predictions**

Richard shared his thoughts on the race:

*“Mamdani’s going to win because he’s young and a new face. Many people can’t resist that. Cuomo has had his issues; people say he messed up a lot. I don’t really hear any negativity about Mamdani.”*

Kimberly took a more cautious approach:

*“At this point, it’s about whoever is best for the job. There have been many mayors we thought were best, but we often end up with the short end of the stick. So time will tell.”*

—

**Important Issues for the Next Mayor**

When asked about the issues they want the next mayor to focus on, conversations frequently centered around housing, food security, and public transportation.

Pastor Dave expressed skepticism about both candidates:

*“Not really inspired by those choices. We had a lot of issues with Cuomo in the last couple of years when he left office. Mamdani comes with an agenda that isn’t very American or patriotic. It’s just another socialist program, and we’re not really interested in that. What would really empower people is to make them less dependent on the government and its system. So, I’m not a big fan of him because of that.”*

—

**Voting Motivations**

One voter, who spoke with us as Speaker 7, shared their reason for voting early:

*“I voted earlier because I had to do my duty. I will always vote. I didn’t want either of the other two choices, and I knew who I was voting for. Hopefully, Mamdani will be the new mayor.”*

When asked what inspired their choice, they said:

*“He’s just something different. I worry about his experience, but hopefully, he’ll have enough help. We just need something new.”*

—

As New Yorkers head to the polls, the voices from Harlem reveal a neighborhood eager for change and representation that acknowledges the daily challenges residents face—from housing and transportation to economic fairness.

Stay tuned for more coverage as the results come in.
https://therealnews.com/nyc-voters-want-real-change

Your gay guide to the 2025-26 NCAA women’s college basketball season

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This Is Going to Be the Gayest College Basketball Season Yet: Eight Bold Predictions

The 2025-26 NCAA women’s college basketball season is shaping up to be the most vibrant and inclusive yet. With increasing visibility and support for LGBTQ+ athletes, fans, and programs, this season promises to break new ground both on and off the court.

Here are eight bold predictions to look out for as the season unfolds:

Stay tuned and get ready to cheer as women’s college basketball continues to lead the way in sports inclusivity and excitement.

Originally published on Outsports.

https://www.outsports.com/2025/11/3/24121217/women-college-basketball-gay-azzi-fudd-jan-jensen-olivia-miles/

Where to find Rusted Tools in Arc Raiders

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Arc Raiders offers a wealth of materials to loot topside, and while most items clearly indicate their uses, Rusted Tools remain a bit of a mystery. Considered a rare recyclable material, many players might have simply recycled them for scrap metal without realizing their true value. However, if you’ve found some Rusted Tools already, you might have experienced the sudden urgency to find more—because Rusted Tools are vital for upgrading your Gunsmith.

### What Are Rusted Tools Used For?

At present, the only use for Rusted Tools beyond recycling them is the Gunsmith II upgrade. The good news is that you only need three Rusted Tools to complete this upgrade, making it a manageable goal if you know where to look.

### Where to Find Rusted Tools

Unsurprisingly, your best chance of finding Rusted Tools is in Mechanical and Industrial areas. These tools commonly appear in red toolboxes, crates, and various other containers scattered throughout these zones.

Some of the prime locations for farming Rusted Tools include:

– **Dam Battlegrounds**
– Scrap Yard — especially around the cars
– Water Treatment Control — lower floors
– Primary Facility — lower floors

These three areas are close to each other and can be looted in a single run, with multiple extraction points nearby for convenience.

– **Spaceport**
– Vehicle Maintenance
– Container Storage

These warehouses are situated right next to each other, making them efficient spots to loot. There’s also the Shipping Warehouse in the north. However, be cautious, as the Spaceport tends to feel much more dangerous compared to the areas on Dam.

– **Blue Gate**
– Adorned Wreckage
– Warehouse Complex
– Checkpoint

### Tips for Efficient Farming

– Focus on looting containers such as red toolboxes and crates, as Rusted Tools frequently spawn there.
– Plan your route to cover multiple high-yield areas in one run, particularly around Dam Battlegrounds, to maximize your collection.
– Keep an eye on your surroundings, especially in more dangerous zones like the Spaceport, to avoid unnecessary confrontations.

By targeting these mechanical and industrial hotspots, you can quickly gather the Rusted Tools needed to upgrade your Gunsmith and improve your arsenal in Arc Raiders. Happy looting!
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/third-person-shooter/arc-raiders-rusted-tools-locations/

Travis Scott x Fragment x Jordan 1 Low: All the November 2025 Air Jordan Release Dates

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The most loaded month of releases for Jordan Brand is finally here, kicking off the upcoming holiday season with a bang. This November, sneakerheads can look forward to multiple Air Jordan 11 colorways, classic re-releases, and a highly anticipated collaboration drop.

### Air Jordan 11 Releases Celebrate the 30th Anniversary

Jordan Brand is going all out with five different Air Jordan 11 colorways available this month. Notably, three of these will be exclusive to specific regions across North America, making them sought-after additions to any collection.

#### Air Jordan 11 ‘Rare Air’
– **Price:** $235
– **Release Date:** Wednesday, Nov. 5
– **Where to Buy:** StockX.com, Nike SNKRS, and select retailers
– **Details:** The “Rare Air” colorway features unique touches that differentiate it from standard Air Jordan 11 releases, including “Jordan” spelled out on the eyelets.

#### Air Jordan 11 ‘Pearl’ (Women’s Exclusive)
– **Price:** $235
– **Release Date:** Saturday, Nov. 11
– **Where to Buy:** StockX.com, Nike SNKRS, and select retailers
– **Details:** This women’s exclusive iteration dresses the shoe in a tonal white color scheme, complemented by a silver Jumpman logo on the ankle collar and ribbon-styled laces.

#### Regional-Exclusive Air Jordan 11 Releases (Nov. 22):
There are three region-specific Air Jordan 11 colorways dropping simultaneously, each paying tribute to different locations and cultures:

– **Air Jordan 11 ‘Mojave’**
A tonal colorway inspired by the purple hues of Las Vegas sunsets.

– **Air Jordan 11 ‘H-Town’**
A tribute to Houston’s car culture, featuring a premium brown suede upper with a white midsole and blue outsole.

– **Air Jordan 11 ‘285’**
Inspired by Atlanta’s Interstate 285, this design features a white base with a tie-dye-like sock liner.

All three can be purchased through StockX.com, Nike SNKRS, and select retailers.

—

### Classic Jordan Re-Releases

#### Air Jordan 12 ‘Taxi’
– **Price:** $215
– **Release Date:** Saturday, Nov. 8
– **Where to Buy:** StockX.com, Nike SNKRS, and select retailers
– **Details:** The original “Taxi” colorway is back with its classic white leather upper and contrasting black mudguard, delivering that timeless look Jordan fans adore.

#### Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Chicago’
– **Price:** $145
– **Release Date:** Saturday, Nov. 15
– **Where to Buy:** StockX.com, Nike SNKRS, and select retailers
– **Details:** The iconic “Chicago” colorway returns in a low-top design this season, featuring the signature white and red makeup paired with a black Swoosh on the sides.

—

### Special Highlights

#### Air Jordan 4 ‘Black Cat’
– **Price:** $225
– **Release Date:** Friday, Nov. 28 (Black Friday)
– **Where to Buy:** StockX.com, Nike SNKRS, and select retailers
– **Details:** The beloved “Black Cat” Air Jordan 4 returns with its stealthy all-black look. For the first time ever, this edition includes “Nike Air” branding on the heel tab, a nostalgic touch fans will appreciate.

—

### Travis Scott x Fragment x Air Jordan 1 Low Collaboration

– **Price:** $150
– **Release Date:** November 2025 (Exact date TBA)
– **Where to Buy:** StockX.com and TravisScott.com
– **Details:** The highly anticipated Travis Scott x Fragment x Air Jordan 1 Low collab is confirmed to drop this month. The shoe prominently features Fragment’s signature blue hue alongside Travis Scott’s signature reverse Swoosh, promising a standout release.

—

Grab a closer look at all of this month’s Air Jordan releases and where to purchase your pair. All products are independently selected by our editors. Complex may collect a share of sales from the links on this page if you decide to shop them.

Stay tuned and mark your calendars—this November is packed with must-have Jordan drops you won’t want to miss!
https://www.complex.com/sneakers/a/victor-deng/november-2025-air-jordan-release-dates-travis-scott-fragment-air-jordan-1

Disaster recovery co-owner depicts disastrous partnership

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A co-owner of a Yonkers disaster recovery business has accused his partner of diverting nearly $700,000 from their company, Royal Restoration & Construction Inc.

Adam Halevah filed a complaint on October 27 in Westchester Supreme Court, alleging that Eliran “Ron” Fanish unjustly enriched himself at the expense of the business. According to the complaint, Fanish used company funds for personal expenses including overseas and domestic leisure travel, food and lodging, and thousands of dollars spent at strip clubs in New York City.

Fanish, of White Plains, and Halevah, of Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, formed Royal Restoration in 2017. The company operated as Rainbow International Westchester under a franchise agreement with Neighborly Franchising, based in Waco, Texas. According to its website, Royal Restoration specializes in cleaning fire, flood, and mold damage, as well as reconstructing affected properties.

Halevah and Fanish each owned 100 shares in the company. However, throughout their partnership, Halevah claims that Fanish diverted and misused company funds for projects unrelated to Royal Restoration’s business, as well as for personal credit card expenses.

Despite repeated requests from Halevah to reimburse the company for these unauthorized expenditures, Fanish did not comply. Eventually, Halevah agreed to sell his company shares to Fanish for $500,000. Now, Halevah alleges that Fanish engaged in self-dealing that breached his fiduciary duty.

Halevah is asking the court to order Fanish to pay at least $344,124, which represents half of $688,248 in purportedly improper business expenditures.

Fanish did not respond to a message submitted through Rainbow’s website seeking his response to the allegations.

Halevah is represented by White Plains attorneys Desmond C. B. Lyons and Thomas E. McShane, of the Harris Beach Murtha Cullina law firm.
https://westfaironline.com/courts/disaster-recovery-co-owner-depicts-disastrous-partnership/

12 Most Liberal Countries (Only 3 Aren’t in Europe)

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Some countries lean so far into liberal values that these principles shape everything from healthcare systems to who gets a say in government. When we talk about the most liberal nations, we mean places where civil liberties, social progress, and personal freedoms aren’t just ideals—they’re built into daily life.

Let’s explore the countries where liberalism has the loudest voice, embracing everything from gender equality and universal healthcare to environmental stewardship and inclusive governance.

### Sweden

Sweden consistently ranks as one of the most liberal countries in the world. Its commitment to gender equality, universal healthcare, and free higher education places liberal values at the center of society. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2009 and offers 480 days of paid parental leave per child, split between both parents.

Sweden excels in environmental protection and maintains one of the world’s most comprehensive welfare systems. It also boasts some of the best immigrant integration policies globally. Its liberal ethos runs so deep that even major right-leaning parties pledge to preserve Sweden’s robust welfare state. With a focus on civil rights and individual freedoms, Sweden offers a model of modern democratic governance.

### Norway

Norway blends oil wealth with progressive governance. Like its Nordic neighbors, it provides universal healthcare, free higher education, and generous family benefits. Civil liberties and political power are distributed evenly through a proportional representation system that ensures fair elections.

Norwegian society values individual freedom alongside cultural cohesion. The country invests heavily in essential health services and takes a proactive stance on climate change. Norway’s democracy fosters respect for race, gender, and religion both in law and daily life.

### The Netherlands

The Netherlands often leads the world on social issues. It was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. Dutch society prioritizes individual freedoms, including the right to die, soft drug decriminalization, and access to comprehensive sex education.

The nation places a strong emphasis on civil liberties, freedom of expression, and citizen participation in shaping society. The Netherlands continues to set an example for balancing law with personal freedom. Universal healthcare and subsidized higher education further support a strong sense of equality.

### Canada

Canada’s liberalism is deeply embedded in its Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, expression, and civil rights. Universal healthcare, multiculturalism, and protections for marginalized groups are hallmarks of its national identity.

While Canadian provinces hold considerable power, liberal values remain consistent across the country. Canada actively addresses climate change and gender equity through public policy. Its open-door immigration system and high-quality essential health services demonstrate how democratic nations can prioritize human rights.

### Denmark

Denmark is known for prioritizing work-life balance, supported by government policies such as parental leave and flexible labor laws. The Danish legal system emphasizes fairness and justice, and the government ranks among the least corrupt globally.

Climate change is taken seriously, with ambitions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Denmark’s strong economy, cultural cohesion, and trust in government help sustain individual freedoms and societal equality.

### Finland

Finland invests heavily in education, equality, and environmental protection. The government promotes individual freedoms while ensuring cultural and legal respect for minorities. The country boasts one of the best school systems worldwide and offers robust support for working families.

Gender equality is almost a national sport in Finland, with women making up nearly half of Parliament. Civil liberties and freedom of expression are well protected. Finland consistently ranks high on global happiness and quality-of-life indexes, indicators closely tied to liberal governance.

### Germany

Germany’s modern liberal roots were shaped after World War II. Today, it stands as a leader in the European Union and a staunch defender of civil rights and democracy. Its Basic Law enshrines human dignity and freedom above all else.

Germany balances a strong economy with social protections. Healthcare is universal, higher education is free, and civil liberties are honored across the political spectrum. The country leads in accepting immigrants and promoting integration, and its legal system reflects a strong sense of justice and responsibility by protecting against violence and discrimination.

### Australia

Australia blends British legal traditions with a distinctly liberal approach to social issues. Universal healthcare, marriage equality, and environmental protections all form part of the modern Australian identity.

The political system supports fair elections and representative democracy. While debates about Indigenous rights continue, Australia actively reckons with its past in ways that reflect liberal values. Its university system offers broad access to higher education, and Australian cities rank among the most livable in the world.

### New Zealand

New Zealand places a premium on fairness and freedom. It consistently ranks high for civil liberties, environmental stewardship, and gender equality. The government has enacted bold reforms in areas such as drug policy, euthanasia, and family leave.

With a small population, New Zealand benefits from agile policymaking. Its commitment to liberalism shines through in inclusive education and accessible healthcare. The country fosters cultural cohesion among its diverse communities, ensuring respect for both immigrants and Indigenous peoples.

### Iceland

Iceland punches above its weight when it comes to liberal policies. It ranks very high for gender equality and, in 1980, became the first country to democratically elect a female president.

The country offers universal healthcare, strong civil rights protections, and progressive environmental policies. Iceland’s small, cohesive society enables swift action on liberal reforms, and cultural cohesion bolsters its social safety net. The nation consistently performs well on human rights indexes and is viewed as a beacon of liberal democracy in the North Atlantic.

—

These countries demonstrate how liberal values can shape societies in diverse yet impactful ways—ensuring freedom, equality, and justice are not just aspirations but lived realities.
https://people.howstuffworks.com/most-liberal-countries.htm

Six-million-year-old Antarctic ice reveals secrets of a warmer ancient Earth

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Scientists have discovered the oldest directly dated ice on Earth—an incredible six million years old—deep in the frozen expanse of East Antarctica. The ice, along with ancient air bubbles trapped inside, offers a rare and powerful glimpse into what our planet’s climate was like when global temperatures and sea levels were far higher than they are today.

The discovery was made in the Allan Hills region by a U.S. research team from the Center for Oldest Ice Exploration (COLDEX), a collaboration of 15 institutions led by Oregon State University. The findings were published in the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*.

“Ice cores are like time machines,” says Sarah Shackleton of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, one of the study’s lead scientists. “They let us see how Earth’s atmosphere and climate changed over time. The Allan Hills cores take us back much further than we ever imagined possible.”

Until now, the oldest ice directly dated by scientists was around 2.7 million years old. The new six-million-year-old sample more than doubles that record, opening a new window into an era when Antarctica’s climate was significantly warmer and large parts of its ice sheet may have melted, raising global sea levels.

John Higgins of Princeton University, another lead author, explains that the team used a noble gas isotope of argon trapped within the ancient air bubbles to directly date the ice. “This method allows us to measure the age of the ice itself, rather than relying on the age of nearby rocks or sediments,” he says. “What we have is a library of climate snapshots that are six times older than any previous ice core data.”

The COLDEX team found the ancient ice in a very different setting from traditional deep ice core sites. Instead of drilling more than two kilometers below the surface, they targeted the edges of the ice sheet in the Allan Hills, where wind, cold, and rugged terrain preserve ancient ice closer to the surface.

The team spent months in remote field camps drilling through one to two hundred meters of ice under extreme conditions. “We’re still figuring out how ice that old has survived so close to the surface,” Shackleton explains. “It’s probably a combination of strong winds that sweep away snow and the intense cold that keeps the ice nearly motionless. The Allan Hills are one of the best—and toughest—places on Earth to find shallow, ancient ice.”

Temperature readings taken from oxygen isotopes in the cores show that Antarctica has cooled by about 12 degrees Celsius (roughly 22 degrees Fahrenheit) over the past six million years. This marks the first direct measurement of how much the continent’s climate has changed since that time.

The researchers are now analyzing the ice for traces of greenhouse gases and ocean changes to better understand how natural climate shifts occurred before humans began influencing the planet’s atmosphere.

“This ancient ice will help us understand how Earth’s climate system responds to warmth and high carbon dioxide levels—conditions that may echo our own future,” says COLDEX Director Ed Brook of Oregon State University.

The team plans to return to the Allan Hills soon to continue drilling. “Given the spectacularly old ice we’ve already found,” Brook says, “we believe there’s an even deeper record waiting below—one that could stretch our knowledge of Earth’s climate history even further back in time.”
https://knowridge.com/2025/11/six-million-year-old-antarctic-ice-reveals-secrets-of-a-warmer-ancient-earth/