The Daily Populous

Sunday May 25th, 2025 day edition

image for Saudi Arabia to lift 73-year alcohol ban ahead of World Cup

A night view of Al Tahlia Street featuring the iconic Al Faisaliah Tower in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, accessed on May 24, 2025.

Saudi Arabia will begin permitting the sale and limited consumption of alcohol in 2026 under a tightly regulated licensing system, as part of its preparations to host major international events, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, Saudi media reported.

An alcohol ban has been in place in Saudi Arabia since 1952, prohibiting both citizens and foreigners from consuming alcoholic beverages.

A view of Al-Tabakha Market, known for its long-standing restaurants in Medina, Saudi Arabia on June, 27 2024.

Permitted venues will be allowed to serve beer, wine, and cider; however, beverages with more than 20% alcohol content—such as spirits—will remain restricted.

Front view of the Mövenpick Hotel Al Madinah, a Swiss-owned international hotel chain in Medina, Saudi Arabia on June 26, 2024.

According to government officials, the objective is to manage the change in a way that supports economic goals while preserving the country’s identity. »

Nebraska Republican mayor loses reelection after running anti-transgender ads

Authored by advocate.com

On Tuesday, Democrat John Ewing pulled off a surprise upset in Omaha’s mayoral race, defeating longtime Republican incumbent Jean Stothert 56–44 percent.

Ewing’s victory makes him the first Black mayor in the city’s history—and delivers a sharp rebuke to anti-transgender campaign tactics.

Stothert had blanketed airwaves and mailboxes with anti-trans ads, attempting to turn the race into a referendum on gender identity. »

Police officer who arrested Georgia teen that was detained by ICE resigns from department

Authored by cbsnews.com

The resignation comes after Dalton police said the officer had mistakenly pulled over Ximena Arias Cristobal on May 5.

"You ever been to jail?," the officer can heard asking Arias Cristobal in the dashcam footage.

Police dashcam video shows a Dalton Police Department officer arresting 19-year-old Ximena Arias Cristobal on misdemeanor traffic charges on May 5, 2025, in Dalton, Georgia. »