The Living Archives

European Union candidate Serbia will continue to refuse to impose sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine despite Western pressure, Serbia’s leader said after his telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday.Populist Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Instagram that he believes the call, what he said was his first in more than two years with the Russian president, will help “further development of relations and trust between Russia and Serbia.”“We talked as people who have known each other for a long time, as friends, and the ten-minute conversation was marked by a personal note, and we also talked about those who are weak (pro-Western) leaders,” Vucic said.Vucic quoted Putin as saying “what is good for Serbia is also good for Russia, what is good for the Serbs is also good for the Russians.”Vucic did not say whether he would accept an earlier invitation by Putin to attend a BRICS summit of emerging economies, led by Russia and China, in Kazan later this week.Although formally seeking EU membership, traditional Russian Slavic ally Serbia has refused to join Western sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine though it has reluctantly condemned Moscow’s aggression. Vucic has said that imposing the sanctions wasn’t in Serbia’s national interest.He said Sunday he expects criticism from the West of his conversation with Putin, but stated that “Serbia is a sovereign country which makes its own decisions.”He also thanked Russia “for providing sufficient quantities of gas for Serbia at favorable prices.” Serbia was almost completely dependent on the Russian gas but has recently agreed to start to diversify its supplies.Serbia, which was never part of the Soviet bloc, on Sunday marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of its capital Belgrade from the Nazi World War II occupation, which was accomplished mostly thanks to former Yugoslavia’s communist partisans, but also the Soviet Red Army.Belgrade’s nationalist authorities marked the liberation date with a display of the pro-Russian sentiment, with thousands marching through Belgrade waving Russian flags and chanting slogans.At a meeting marking the anniversary, Vucic delivered a speech in the Russian language, which he said is a sign of respect for the Red Army, without which “there would not have been the liberation of Belgrade.”

Donald Trump on Sunday manned a fry station at McDonald's as tens and hundreds of his supporters lined up to see the former president pop out of the drive-thru window and serve them. After an employee showed him how to dunk baskets of fries in the oil, the 78-year-old took his turn and even helped fill some takeout bags after a bit.“It requires great expertise, actually, to do it right and to do it fast,” Trump said. He then took a shot at VP Kamala Harris, elaborating on his theory that she lied about working at the food chain.“I do appreciate it a little more. You say, ‘Give me french fries.’ I’ll never forget this experience.” Trump said.After someone reminded the former president that it was Harris' birthday on Sunday, he wished her. The McDonald's owner, Derek Giacomantonio said, “It is a fundamental value of my organization that we proudly open our doors to everyone who visits the Feasterville community.”Read More: Why Donald Trump Is Canceling Mainstream Events Before Election Day | Know HereHe said in a statement that was why he accepted Trump's request “to observe the transformative working experience that 1 in 8 Americans have had: a job at McDonald’s.”Donald Trump is going to attend the Pittsburgh Steelers vs New York Jets game later in the day.Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News, World and around the world.

With the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, many Israelis are sensing a window of opportunity to bring back the hostages still held in Gaza – and they are making their voices heard.Huge crowds of protesters gathered across several cities in Israel on Saturday, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government make the return of the hostages their top priority — something they believe has not been the case so far.Sinwar was a hardliner with little interest in negotiating with Israel. The US, which mediated the talks in Cairo, has repeatedly accused him of being one of the main blockers of a ceasefire deal.His demise could pave the way to a ceasefire agreement. But getting there will depend on Netanyahu.The prime minister has long been trying to balance the demands of his far-right coalition partners, who seem dead-set on refusing any kind of deal with Hamas, with the increasingly loud calls from Israel’s Western allies, including the US, who are pressuring him to strike an agreement and bring the war in Gaza to an end.Now he is once again facing large-scale protests calling for him to act.

Meta Confirms Layoffs at Instagram and WhatsApp Amid Cost-Cutting MeasuresMeta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced another round of layoffs as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce costs and streamline its operations. This latest restructuring affects key teams within Instagram and WhatsApp, two of the company's most popular platforms.The layoffs, confirmed by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are part of a broader strategy to focus on efficiency and profitability as the company navigates a challenging economic environment. While the exact number of employees affected has not been disclosed, it is expected to impact hundreds of workers across various departments.In a statement, Meta emphasized that the decision was driven by the need to optimize resources and focus on its long-term vision, including advancements in artificial intelligence, the metaverse, and enhancing user experience across its platforms. "We’re restructuring our workforce to ensure we can continue to innovate and grow while maintaining financial discipline," the statement said.Instagram and WhatsApp have both seen significant growth in recent years, but Meta's broader operations have been facing increasing scrutiny due to rising operational costs and competition from other tech giants. The company has previously cut budgets for several projects, including virtual reality initiatives, and closed down studios as part of its overall cost-cutting drive.This round of layoffs is part of Meta’s plan to cut tens of thousands of jobs globally, following previous workforce reductions earlier this year. Despite these moves, Meta remains committed to expanding its influence in areas such as AI, augmented reality, and digital commerce.The news has raised concerns among employees and industry experts, with many questioning how these layoffs might affect innovation and future development at Instagram and WhatsApp. However, Meta assured users that the platforms' core functionalities and future updates will not be compromised.As Meta continues to reshape its workforce, investors are keeping a close eye on how these moves impact the company’s stock price and overall market performance.

Hollywood icon Al Pacino, known for his legendary roles in films like The Godfather and Scarface, has made headlines for a more unexpected reason — his financial woes. According to recent reports, the veteran actor found himself in a dire financial situation after spending a staggering $50 million on extravagant purchases, including 16 luxury cars, 23 cellphones, and $400,000 on landscaping.Pacino, now 84, allegedly admitted he "didn't understand how money worked," leading to an overspending spree that left him nearly broke. The report claims that the actor had no idea how quickly his fortune was dwindling as he indulged in high-end cars, lavish home improvements, and multiple cellphones, which he replaced frequently due to habit or losing them.Financial advisors reportedly warned Pacino about his spending habits, but it was too late to reverse the damage. This revelation has stunned fans who always viewed Pacino as a shrewd and disciplined figure, both on and off the screen.Despite this financial misstep, Pacino continues to act and remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. However, his story serves as a cautionary tale of how even Hollywood's elite can fall victim to financial mismanagement.

Rescue teams continue to search for dozens of missing residents in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene tore through the state, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The Category 4 storm, which made landfall earlier this week, has caused widespread flooding, power outages, and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.Local authorities report that nearly 50 people remain unaccounted for, particularly in coastal areas where the storm surge was most severe. Emergency responders have been working around the clock to locate survivors amidst the rubble of collapsed buildings and submerged neighborhoods.Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency before the hurricane hit, allowing resources to be mobilized quickly. Despite this, the sheer intensity of Helene overwhelmed some areas, with many residents forced to evacuate at short notice."Every hour counts in finding these missing people," Governor Cooper said during a press conference. "We’re doing everything we can to get people to safety and provide relief to the affected communities."

K-pop sensation Fifty Fifty has officially announced their highly anticipated debut U.S. tour, sending fans into a frenzy! The rising girl group, known for their chart-topping hits and dynamic performances, is set to hit stages across major U.S. cities starting this December 2024.Fifty Fifty’s tour will include stops in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and more, giving fans across the country a chance to experience their electric live shows. This marks the group’s first-ever tour in the U.S., and fans can expect a mix of their viral hits, high-energy choreography, and stunning visuals.Tickets for the tour are available now through official platforms, and demand is expected to be sky-high, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out. As K-pop continues to take over the global music scene, Fifty Fifty's U.S. tour promises to be one of the hottest events of the year.

Health researchers are sounding the alarm about the increasing impact of poor posture on overall well-being. With more people spending time sitting for long hours at desks, using mobile devices, and working from home, experts warn that bad posture can lead to a range of long-term health problems, including chronic back pain, neck strain, and even potential joint issues.According to a new report, poor posture not only affects physical health but can also have psychological effects. Slouching or hunching over can lead to decreased energy levels and negatively influence mood. Researchers stress the importance of regular posture checks, ergonomic workstations, and stretching exercises to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting."Posture isn’t just about appearance—it’s about protecting your body from strain and injury," said Dr. Alicia Morris, a leading expert in physical health. "We’re seeing more young adults developing musculoskeletal issues typically associated with older generations, and much of it is preventable."Experts recommend simple changes, such as taking frequent breaks, adjusting chair height, and using lumbar support, to maintain a healthy posture throughout the day. They also suggest practicing core-strengthening exercises like yoga or pilates to support better spinal alignment.