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- Ancient padlock from Ann Francis shipwreck cracked, revealing 400-year-old mystery
- Two dead and two injured in suspected electrocution at Bengaluru hotel pool
- EU tells Ukraine to speed up reforms, sets out cautious path for accession
- Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate seat, defeating Mike Rogers
- Saskatoon transportation committee postpones land expropriation talks for BRT stations
- Democrat Rebecca Bennett defeats GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey’s 7th District
- Six flights across Europe grounded due to bomb threats, including two from the UK
- Bomb threats disrupt multiple flights in Europe with no explosives found
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Ancient padlock from Ann Francis shipwreck cracked, revealing 400-year-old mystery
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Get you up to speed: Ancient padlock found in shipwreck treasure finally cracked solving 400-year mystery | News UK
Experts have solved the code of a brass padlock found in the wreck of the Ann Francis, an Elizabethan merchant vessel that sank during a storm on Margam beach near Port Talbot, Wales, in 1583. The combination revealed was “ANCE” after specialists used a CT scan to examine the lock’s internal mechanism without causing damage.
The padlock, found buried with the Ann Francis shipwreck treasure, is believed to have secured a small chest of valuable items onboard. Experts from Museum Wales and Cardiff University successfully decoded the lock’s mechanism using CT scans, creating a detailed 3D image to identify its combination: ANCE.
Experts from Museum Wales and Cardiff University successfully decoded the 400-year-old padlock from the Ann Francis shipwreck, revealing the combination “ANCE” through a CT scan that provided a detailed 3D image of the mechanism. Senior curator Alastair Willis noted the rarity of such artefacts in good condition linked to dated shipwrecks and expressed curiosity about the significance of the code to the lock’s original owner.
What remains unclear — The significance of the letter combination ANCE to the chest’s owner is not known.
Ancient padlock from Ann Francis shipwreck cracked, revealing 400-year-old mystery
A padlock found in a shipwreck treasure trove remained uncracked for more than 400 years until one move solved it, finally revealing its message.
The mystery surrounding the brass lock that washed ashore from the shipwrecked Ann Francis has been cracked.
Ann Francis, an Elizabethan merchant vessel, was on her way home from Spain when she ran aground during a storm on Margam beach near Port Talbot, Wales, in 1583.
Her treasure, including hundreds of gold and silver coins and one padlock, lay buried under sand for centuries before being found by metal detectorist Peter Hughes between 1996 and 2017.
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Experts spent years trying to solve the code for the padlock without damaging the precious artefact.
Roughly the size of one of the ancient coins, it had letters engraved on the surface, topped with a small handle.
Specialists at the Museum Wales (Amgueddfa Cymru) where the artefact was housed and from Cardiff University joined forces to try and open the lock, which is believed to have secured a small chest of valuable items on board the doomed ship.
Eventually, a CT scan offered a solution, allowing the experts to study the mechanism inside without damaging the precious lock.
The scans allowed the teams to spot which notches matched the letters, creating a combination: ANCE.
A section of the padlock can then be pulled out, revealing a key-like item.
Dr David Williams, a researcher at Cardiff University’s Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility, said: ‘By creating a detailed 3D image of the internal mechanism, I could see how the notches lined up with the letters and identify the exact combination. We normally use this technology to study bones and other biological structures, so investigating a 400-year-old padlock was certainly a first for us.’
The scientist had to wait until later in the evening for the museum experts to test the combination.
Despite the ‘satisfying’ answer, mystery still surrounds what the letter combination ANCE meant to the chest’s owner.
Elizabethan combination locks have been found in Britain before, but it is rare to find one that is in ‘exceptionally’ good condition and linked to a dated shipwreck, senior curator Alastair Willis from Museum Wales said.
‘Of course, now we’ve solved it, we are left wondering if the code meant something to its owner,’ Alastair said.
Two dead and two injured in suspected electrocution at Bengaluru hotel pool
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Get you up to speed: Two dead after being ‘electrocuted in swimming pool’ at five-star hotel | News World
Two people died and two others were injured following a suspected electrocution at the Conrad Hotel swimming pool in Bengaluru, India, at around 5.10pm local time on Friday. The deceased have been identified as Alexander Maximilian Theiss, a 57-year-old German national, and Juraj Horvat, a 45-year-old Slovak national, while two men attempting to help them are being treated at Manipal Hospital.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a complaint filed by Alexander Maximilian Theiss’ wife alleging negligence in pool maintenance. The Conrad Hotel has suspended operations in the affected area until the end of the month for maintenance.
A police investigation has been initiated following a complaint by Alexander Maximilian Theiss’ wife, alleging negligence on the part of the hotel regarding pool maintenance. In response to the incident, the Conrad Hotel has closed the pool area for maintenance for the remainder of the month.
What remains unclear — The extent of the hotel’s liability in the alleged negligence surrounding the pool’s maintenance has not been clarified.
Two dead and two injured in suspected electrocution at Bengaluru hotel pool
Two people have died and two more are injured following a suspected electrocution in a swimming pool.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred at a five-star hotel in Bengaluru, India, at around 5.10pm local time on Friday.
Of the two men who died, one has reportedly been identified as Alexander Maximilian Theiss, 57, a German national.
He was thought to be on a layover while working with Lufthansa. The company has since confirmed the death of a crew member in an accident in the same city.
The other is believed to be Slovak national Juraj Horvat, 45, who worked as a project manager for IBM, according to police.
Two other men at the Conrad Hotel pool were injured while attempting to save the men and have since been taken to Manipal Hospital for treatment.
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The men were killed at the Conrad Hotel in Bengaluru (Picture: REUTERS)
Mathew Desantis, 41, a hotel guest from the US and Rahul Tiwari, 28, a local pool attendant employed by the hotel, are both said to be out of danger.
While attempts were made by emergency services to save the men, Theiss died before arriving at the hospital, and Horvat died while doctors tried to revive him.
Theiss’ wife has filed a police complaint alleging negligence by the hotel management when it came to maintaining the pool, according to NDTV.
It claims the men suffered an electric shock while leaving the pool, which resulted in their drowning.
The hotel, which is part of the Hilton group, has closed the area for maintenance for the rest of the month, as stated on their website.
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EU tells Ukraine to speed up reforms, sets out cautious path for accession
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EU tells Ukraine to speed up reforms, sets out cautious path for accession
In a significant development for EU-Ukraine relations, the European Union has urged Ukraine to accelerate its reform agenda, establishing a more cautious trajectory for the country’s accession to the bloc. The European Commission’s latest assessment emphasises that while Ukraine’s efforts are commendable, substantial reforms are still necessary before progressing further in the integration process. This plea comes ahead of a pivotal round of discussions slated for Wednesday, aimed at consolidating support for Ukraine amidst ongoing challenges from Russia.
On the economic front, EU leaders are preparing to meet for bilateral talks, where financial commitments may be addressed, particularly concerning the influx of loans amounting to €1 billion to bolster Ukraine’s defence initiatives. As discussions progress, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the outcomes of this upcoming summit for potential shifts in policy and funding allocations, essential for Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Key developments across Europe
EU tells Ukraine to speed up reforms, sets out more cautious path for accession
EU POLITICS — The EU has urged Ukraine to accelerate its reform process as it outlines a more cautious approach to the country’s accession.
The European Commission emphasised the need for concrete reforms in governance and the rule of law before advancing Ukraine’s membership prospects, reflecting a shift towards a more measured stance amid concerns over the country’s political and economic stability.
EU urges action as Germany, Romania and UK report supermarket cyberattacks
EU SECURITY — The EU is responding to a series of cyberattacks affecting major supermarkets in Germany, Romania, and the UK.
These attacks have raised alarms over the security of digital infrastructure across member states, prompting calls for a unified EU response to bolster cyber resilience and protect critical sectors from future threats.
European Commission launches EU digital skills initiative
EU ECONOMY — The European Commission has introduced a new initiative to enhance digital skills across the EU.
This initiative aims to prepare Europeans for digital employment and boost competitiveness within the digital economy by addressing skill shortages and ensuring access to relevant training programs for all citizens.
EU tax overhaul could cut compliance costs by €6.6 billion annually
EU LAW — Proposed tax reforms in the EU aim to significantly reduce regulatory compliance costs for businesses.
This overhaul is expected to streamline tax procedures across member states, benefiting businesses while improving tax collection efficiency and enhancing economic growth potential within the union.
EU cancer groups fear funding squeeze under next long-term budget
EU BUSINESS — Upcoming budget proposals are causing concern among EU cancer advocacy groups about potential funding reductions.
These groups are advocating for sustained financial support to combat cancer and are urging policymakers to prioritise health funding in light of increasing healthcare demands across member states.
What to watch — The EU is set to decide on Ukraine’s progress towards membership based on its reform actions at the upcoming summit.
Further reading from across European news sources
The Guardian
Denmark pushes for EU ban on ‘turbo chickens’ as secret footage causes outrage
POLITICO.eu
EU tells Ukraine to speed up reforms, sets out more cautious path for accession
Euronews.com
Georgia PM offers no way out of EU deadlock – and blames Brussels
Reuters
Britain, EU set for youth mobility deal at summit, student fee talks continue
Financial Times
Europe seeks to stay the course and avoid backlash from wounded Trump
Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate seat, defeating Mike Rogers
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Get you up to speed: El-Sayed defeats Rogers to win Senate seat in Michigan
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won the US Senate seat for Michigan, defeating Republican Mike Rogers. The election outcome comes after a contentious primary and extensive advertising investment exceeding $100 million.
El-Sayed’s victory marks a significant shift in Michigan’s political landscape, as no Republican has secured a Senate seat in the state since 1994. Officials have not disclosed specific details regarding the timeline for el-Sayed’s swearing-in or any upcoming legislative priorities.
Democrat Abdul el-Sayed has officially secured the US Senate seat for Michigan, defeating Republican Mike Rogers amid a competitive election cycle that emphasised significant campaign financing. El-Sayed’s victory underscores a continued Democratic stronghold in Michigan, with the party now looking to capitalise on this momentum as they prepare for congressional sessions starting in January.
What remains unclear — It is not yet known how El-Sayed’s victory will impact the balance of power in the Senate.
Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate seat, defeating Mike Rogers
BREAKINGBREAKING, NewsEl-Sayed defeats Rogers to win Senate seat in MichiganPublished On 4 Nov 20264 Nov 2026
Published On 4 Nov 20264 Nov 2026Democrat Abdul el-Sayed has won the US Senate seat for Michigan, defeating Republican Mike Rogers.
El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health director, narrowly defeated Haley Stevens in an expensive and bruising Democratic primary with the latter endorsing Rogers on Sunday.
“To all the parents who struggled to explain why the president openly mocks someone for their name or how they pray, let them know tomorrow that the bad guys lost,” El-Sayed told cheering supporters during his victory speech.
He also repeated his core campaign messaging: on affordability, getting money out of politics, passing Medicare for All, and the end to funding for foreign wars.
“It shouldn’t be this hard to pay your taxes and know that that money is going to be spent on you and your kids, instead of dropping bombs on somebody else and their kids,” he said.
El-Sayed also rounded on Vice President JD Vance and President Trump – both of whom have levied Islamophobic and racially charged rhetoric at him throughout the campaign.
To Trump, he said: “Donald – I know you struggled with my name. So after JD swears me in in January, you can just go on to call me Senator.”
No Republican has won a Senate race in the state since 1994, but the retirement of two-term Democratic Senator Gary Peters created a rare opening. The race became a focal point in the national fight for Senate control, drawing well over $100m in advertising since the August 4 primary.
“We showed that in a battle between the money and the many that the many can win,” El-Sayed said.
More to come…
Saskatoon transportation committee postpones land expropriation talks for BRT stations
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What’s the Latest: Saskatoon transportation committee defers expropriating land talks for BRT stations
Saskatoon’s transportation committee has deferred discussions regarding land expropriation for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations due to stalled negotiations with landowners at six sites. The committee decided to allow for further consultation with the property owners, while city administrators indicated they would begin outreach as soon as Wednesday.
The transportation committee will reconsider land acquisition options for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations at its next meeting in early December, following a deferral prompted by ongoing negotiations with property owners. Construction of the BRT system, which includes 94 stations, began in September 2024, with 41 stations completed and an expected launch of the system in 2028.
Saskatoon’s transportation committee has postponed discussions on expropriating land for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations, following stalled negotiations with landowners; city administrators will reach out to the property owners starting Wednesday. The committee will reassess the issue at its next meeting in early December, with assurances that this deferral will not significantly delay the overall BRT project scheduled for launch in 2028.
What remains unclear — It is not clear how the city plans to address the concerns raised by business advocates regarding safety and access at the planned BRT station sites.
Saskatoon transportation committee postpones land expropriation talks for BRT stations
Saskatoon’s transportation committee has deferred discussions on land expropriation required for the construction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations due to ongoing negotiations with landowners. The decision follows recommendations from city administrators who have identified the need for more property to accommodate the new bus platforms, which include concrete pads and electrical infrastructure.
Terry Schmidt, the city’s transportation and construction general manager, indicated that consultations began in 2024, during which the city acquired ten properties with an expectation to purchase five more. Schmidt noted, “Talks with landowners at six sites have stalled. Many do not want to sell, while others have stopped responding.” The proposed parcels range in size from 30 to 57 square metres, with four located on 22nd Street West and two on 8th Street East.
At the meeting, Karen Kobussen, CEO of the Saskatoon West Business Association, expressed concerns regarding access and potential social issues related to bus stations. She remarked, “Businesses shared concerns about general access alongside loitering, littering and traffic safety,” emphasising that solutions had not been effectively addressed by the city. Henry Chan, also representing the association, characterised the city’s approach to expropriation as “heavy-handed,” questioning whether all options had been sufficiently explored.
Schmidt explained that potential alternatives, such as building stations on city-owned land, were considered substandard, lacking the necessary amenities for transit users. Council member Robert Pearce, who motioned for the deferral, referred to expropriation as a “nuclear response” and requested more time for outreach to landowners. “We need to assess whether there is a desire to continue negotiations,” he stated.
The committee plans to reconvene at the beginning of December to further evaluate the situation, with Schmidt stating that this delay will not jeopardise the overall BRT project timeline, which anticipates completion of the BRT system by 2028. Construction of 94 BRT stations commenced in September 2024, with 41 completed and an additional 14 expected to finish by year-end.
Democrat Rebecca Bennett defeats GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey’s 7th District
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Get you up to speed: GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. ousted in New Jersey reelection bid after monthslong absence
Democrat Rebecca Bennett defeated GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, according to WTX US News projections. Kean missed months of votes earlier this year due to being treated for depression, which he disclosed only after returning to Washington in late June.
Rebecca Bennett’s campaign raised approximately £8.2 million during the election season, significantly outpacing Tom Kean Jr.’s £5.9 million. The district has been identified as a critical battleground, with both House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries actively campaigning for their respective candidates.
Democrat Rebecca Bennett’s victory over GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District has underscored ongoing debates regarding transparency of elected officials’ health, particularly following Kean’s recent disclosure of his struggle with depression. The Congressional Leadership Fund’s decision to reallocate resources away from Kean’s race, combined with Bennett’s significant fundraising advantage, highlights the competitive landscape as both parties prepare for future elections.
What remains unclear — The specifics of Tom Kean Jr.’s treatment and recovery process for depression have not been disclosed.
Democrat Rebecca Bennett defeats GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey’s 7th District
Washington — Democrat Rebecca Bennett ousted GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, WTX US News projected.
The two-term congressman missed months of votes earlier this year as he was secretly being treated for depression. Kean did not disclose the diagnosis or his hospitalization until he returned to Washington in late June — nearly four months after his absence became apparent.
In a speech on the House floor upon his return, Kean said “there is no timeline for recovery” for depression. But the lack of details about his condition during his extended absence renewed the debate about how transparent elected officials should have to be about their health.
Kean was one of the most vulnerable House Republicans this cycle. Weeks before the election, the Congressional Leadership Fund, the super PAC allied with House Speaker Mike Johnson, shifted resources away from Kean’s race to other critical contests, foreshadowing the 7th District outcome.
Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, had a fundraising edge over Kean according to their most recent quarterly Federal Election Commission filings. Bennett reported raising about $3.9 million from July through September, while Kean reported less than $1 million over the same period. Through the whole election season, Bennett raised nearly $8.2 million compared to Kean’s nearly $5.9 million.
Kean, a former state lawmaker, was elected to Congress in 2022. He defeated the Democratic incumbent, Rep. Tom Malinowski, flipping the district for the second time since the 2018 election.
Since August, both House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries campaigned with their respective candidates in the district, signaling its importance to the parties as they vie for control of the lower chamber.
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