By NINIEK KARMINI and KASPARMAN PILIANG, Associated Press

PADANG, Indonesia (AP) — The death toll from flash floods and landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra island rose to 164 on Friday with 79 people missing, authorities said, as rescue workers found their efforts hampered by damaged bridges and roads and a lack of heavy equipment.

Monsoon rains caused rivers to burst their banks in North Sumatra province Tuesday. The deluge tore through mountainside villages, swept away people and submerged more than 3,200 houses and buildings, the National Disaster Management Agency said. About 3,000 displaced families fled to government shelters.

The death toll in North Sumatra province rose to 116, while 25 people died in Aceh. Rescuers also retrieved 23 bodies in West Sumatra, National Disaster Mitigation Agency’s Chief Suharyanto said.

“Mudslides that covered much of the area, power blackouts and lack of telecommunications were hampering the search efforts,” Suharyanto, who goes by a single name like many Indonesians, told a virtual news conference. He spoke from an airport in North Tapanuli district, shortly after conducting an aerial inspection above the devastated areas to see the scale of the disaster.

At a National Teachers’ Day commemoration speech, President Prabowo Subianto noted that three aircraft —including a Hercules C-130 and a newly Airbus A-400 — carrying rescue personnel, food, medicines, blankets, field tents and generators were deployed Friday morning as part of ongoing relief operations.

“We continue to send aid and support the needs of those affected,” Prabowo said. “Many roads are cut off and the weather remains unfavorable. Even our helicopters and planes sometimes struggle to land,” he added.

Prabowo said the disaster highlights growing global challenges such as climate change, global warming and environmental degradation. He suggested that environmental awareness should be strengthened in school curricula.

“We must teach the importance of protecting our environment and our forests, and seriously prevent illegal logging and destruction,” he said.

Footage on the aerial view above devastated areas in the three provinces shows swathes of emerald forest and terraced hillsides have been ripped open, their scars bleeding torrents of mud into valleys below. In North Sumatra, entire neighborhoods in the provincial capital of Medan and Deli Serdang regency lie submerged under a vast sheet of brown water, rooftops barely visible as rivers burst their banks. Roads that once pulsed with traffic now resemble canals, littered with stranded vehicles and uprooted trees.

Rescue workers on Friday were trying to reach many people in isolated villages after floods or landslides damaged roads and bridges, Suharyanto said. Aid and other logistic supplies in some places can be distributed only by foot over the severe terrain,

Rescue teams struggled to reach affected areas in 12 cities and districts of North Sumatra province. while the flooding in West Sumatra also destroyed rice fields, livestock and public facilities.

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In Aceh province, authorities struggled to bring excavators and other heavy equipment over washed-out roads after torrential rains sent mud and rocks crashing onto hilly hamlets.

The extreme weather was driven by tropical cyclone Senyar, which formed in the Strait of Malacca, said Achadi Subarkah Raharjo at Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency.

He warned that unstable atmospheric conditions mean extreme weather could persist as long as the cyclone system remains active.

“We have extended its extreme weather warning due to strong water vapor supply and shifting atmospheric dynamics,” Raharjo said.

Senyar intensified rainfall, strong winds, and high waves in Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau, and nearby areas before dissipating. Its prolonged downpours left steep, saturated terrain highly vulnerable to disasters, he said.

Seasonal rains frequently cause flooding and landslides in Indonesia, an archipelago of 17,000 islands where millions of people live in mountainous areas or near fertile flood plains.

Karmini reported from Jakarta, Indonesia.

“New York cannot fix affordability while ignoring rising flood risk, and it cannot build resilient infrastructure that prices people out.”

Flooding in Queens following Hurricane Ida. (Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of the Governor)

The campaign is over, the ballots counted, and now the hard part begins. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani ran on a promise to tackle New York City’s affordability crisis, pledging to triple the pace of affordable housing construction, freeze rents, and make housing attainable again. Voters agreed: the ballot measures that passed made clear that New Yorkers see expanding the housing supply as the city’s most urgent challenge. But affordability alone isn’t enough. The floods that took lives and homes last month are a stark warning that resilience must be part of the solution.

This is why Environmental Defense Fund, Regional Plan Association, the Association for Neighborhood Housing and Development, and Cornell University are taking a new approach that addresses these two deeply intertwined realities. New York cannot fix affordability while ignoring rising flood risk, and it cannot build resilient infrastructure that prices people out. With a new administration preparing to take office, this is the moment for a truly holistic approach that brings housing, safety, and long-term community stability under the same umbrella.

Mayor-elect Mamdani’s affordability campaign created a movement, which has led to a mandate for his administration to tackle the housing crisis once and for all. That same movement compels New York City to return to its rightful place as the leader in the fight against climate change. Yet, we live in a moment in which we can no longer treat the intertwined housing, affordability, or climate crises separately as if they require different solutions. They are all intrinsically linked, and we have an incoming administration that has the opportunity to make both a statement by acknowledging this hard truth and an impact by working to solve them for the future of New York. 

To figure out how to do that, we asked a simple but urgent question: how can New York build housing that is both affordable and resilient? Our new report, “Policy Solutions for the Climate and Housing Crisis in New York City,” draws on expert interviews, mapping analysis, and stakeholder workshops to find solutions. The result is a four-part framework for meeting New York’s twin challenges head-on.

We know the stakes are high because tens of thousands of New Yorkers already face the risk of losing their homes to rising seas and more damaging storms. RPA estimates that 19,000 housing units could be lost to coastal flooding by 2040, displacing more than 40,000 people. Without decisive action, that number is expected to triple by 2070, putting as many as 100,000 New Yorkers at risk. And that loss of stock will only drive up the cost of rents and mortgages for years to come. These figures make one thing clear: affordability and resilience are inseparable parts of the same housing crisis.

Here’s how the City of New York can solve the problem: 

First, it’s imperative our leaders create a unified, flood-resilient land use strategy. New York currently plans housing, land use, and climate adaptation in silos, which leads to building in high-risk areas while safer neighborhoods remain underdeveloped. Instead of this piecemeal approach, the city needs one framework that directs growth to low-risk areas, limits development in flood zones, and puts equity and long-term safety first. That means assessing housing needs and climate risk together, requiring resilient design for all new buildings, and evaluating the full costs and benefits of developing in high-risk coastal areas. It also means expanding affordable housing and green infrastructure in safer neighborhoods while maintaining affordability, and restoring high risk “blue zones” to manage stormwater.

Such a comprehensive plan also requires us to safeguard our existing housing stock. Much of the city’s housing is aging and increasingly exposed to flooding, yet retrofit programs are scattered and difficult to navigate. New York needs a one-stop, user-friendly system that consolidates assistance, expands support across housing types, and prioritizes low- and moderate-income households. Streamlined access to grants, loans, and resilient design guidance will help residents stay safely in their existing homes and preserve the affordable housing the city already has.

This year’s election was nothing short of a referendum on affordability, which is why we recommend creating stability and wealth in safer neighborhoods. As growth shifts to lower-risk neighborhoods, rising rents will push out longtime residents unless protections are in place. To prevent displacement, the city should pair new development with tools that build community wealth and local ownership. Discouraging property flipping, expanding co-ops and community land trusts, and giving tenants and nonprofits first chance to buy buildings will help ensure that safer neighborhoods remain affordable and stable.

Finally, these efforts must be backed by a dedicated resilience fund. New York currently lacks a reliable funding source to protect homes and neighborhoods from escalating flood risks. Coastal infrastructure projects, which are only increasing in volume, depend on inconsistent federal dollars, and local resilience upgrades are chronically underfunded. A dedicated resilience fund is needed to support home retrofits, green infrastructure, and coastal protections through tools such as flood management fees, or development fees, all structured to protect low-income residents. Stable and reliable funding is essential if housing and infrastructure are to withstand the storms ahead.

Together, these solutions point to a practical, achievable way forward. A new era of ambition and results are sweeping into City Hall at a time when crucial federal funds are treated like a political football. New York City’s leaders can rise above these challenges to overcome the housing and climate crises if we finally acknowledge how intertwined they truly are.

We have created a roadmap forward for those decision makers to deliver security and affordability all in one. New Yorkers cannot wait any longer for these solutions—the time to put them in motion is now.  

Anushi Garg is the Environmental Defense Fund’s senior analyst for climate resilient coasts and watersheds, New York – New Jersey. Robert Freudenberg is the Regional Plan Association’s vice president of energy and environmental programs. 

The post Opinion: Mamdani Has a Golden Opportunity to Address Housing and Climate Together appeared first on City Limits.

By SYLVIE CORBET, Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — Paris’ Louvre museum has approved a ticket hike from 22 to 32 euros ($25 to $37) for non-European visitors from January to help finance an overhaul of the building whose degradation has been exposed by the Oct. 19 crown jewels heist.

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The measure comes as other major cultural sites across the country, including the Palace of Versailles, are considering similar moves to bring extra money needed for costly maintenance and renovation.

The Louvre ticketing changes come as part of a decade-long plan to modernize the museum. Security breaches that allowed the 88 million-euro ($102 million) theft highlighted the urgency of the situation.

On Friday, a suspect in the Louvre robbery was handed preliminary charges of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, the Paris prosecutor said Friday, meaning all four alleged members of the team caught on camera stealing the jewels are in custody.

From Jan. 14, nationals from outside the European Union will have to pay 10 euros ($12) more. The measure was approved Thursday by the Louvre governing board. Nationals from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, countries that signed up to the European Economic Area agreement, will be exempted from the hike.

The courtyard and the pyramid of Le Louvre museum are seen Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

The Louvre welcomes many international visitors

In 2024, the Louvre welcomed 8.7 millions visitors, 77% of them foreigners. Top nationalities include people from the U.S. (13%), China (6%) and Britain (5%), who will be affected by the price hikes.

Earlier this month, Louvre director Laurence des Cars announced more than 20 emergency measures have started being implemented following the robbery. She said the Louvre’s latest overhaul in the 1980s is now technically obsolete.

The cost for the so-called “Louvre New Renaissance” plan is estimated at up to 800 million euros ($933 million) to modernize infrastructure, ease crowding and give the famed Mona Lisa a dedicated gallery by 2031.

Some have argued that such a policy could be counterproductive if it leads to a fall in the number of visitors. But other institutions see it as a potential solution.

The director of the Chateau de Chambord, one of the most striking chateaus in the Loire Valley, said more money is needed to finance heavy renovation work at his institution.

The Chateau de Chambord decided to apply in January a 10-euro ($12) increase, bringing the ticket to 30 euros ($35) for non-EU residents, who represent about 10% of visitors, director Pierre Dubreuil told local radio Ici Orléans. Money will help finance urgent work to save the crumbling 16th century royal wing of François I from collapsing, with an estimated cost of 37 million euros ($43 million).

“Australians, people from New Zealand, Americans, when they come to see Chambord, sometimes that’s once in a lifetime,” Dubreuil said. “Paying 20 or 30 euros doesn’t change anything.”

The new policy, championed by conservative Culture Minister Rachida Dati, could be extended to other major cultural sites across France. The Palace of Versailles is considering a 3-euro ($3.5) hike for non-EU visitors.

A woman draws in the Richelieu gallery of Le Louvre museum are seen Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Charging foreigners more in the U.S. and Africa

Extra fees for international visitors are not unusual in many countries across the world, often driven by the need to increase revenue to match the costs of maintaining heritage sites.

In the United States, the National Park Service announced this week it is going to start charging the millions of international tourists who visit U.S. parks each year an extra $100 to enter some of the most popular sites, like Yellowstone and Grand Canyon.

The announcement declaring “America-first entry fee policies” comes as national parks deal with the strain of a major staff reduction and severe budget cuts, along with recovering from damage during the recent government shutdown and significant lost revenue due to fees not being collected during that time.

The idea of higher prices for tourists has been debated but not implemented in Britain, where admission to the permanent collections of major museums and galleries is free.

In its budget this week, the U.K. government announced that British cities would be able to levy a “tourist tax” on overnight visitors, similar to fees in cities including Paris and New York. The money would help fund services and infrastructure in the cities.

Charging foreign visitors to major attractions in Africa more than local or regional visitors is common practice across the continent.

Whether it’s a hike to see gorillas or a “Big 5” safari, international visitors to game parks and museums can expect to pay at least four or five times more than residents.

The revenue collected is credited with helping both the local economies and the protection of wildlife. Kruger National park in South Africa charges foreigners $35 a day, but South African residents $8. Masai Mara, Kenya, charges foreigners $200 day, but Kenya residents $24.

AP journalists Andrew Drake and Jill Lawless in London contributed to the story.

Gophers coach P.J. Fleck shared in October how he and Nebraska coach Matt Rhule went to a Kenny Chesney concert at the Sphere in Las Vegas last summer. In November, Fleck mentioned how he bonded with Oregon coach Dan Lanning on a recent Nike trip to a tropical locale.

Going into Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. kickoff at Huntington Bank Stadium, Fleck didn’t mention any offseason activities with Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell. It’s clear come the offseason they are not together swaying to a country crooner nor sipping Mai Tais together on a beach somewhere.

When the Gophers beat Wisconsin 24-7 last year, the two coaches’ postgame handshake more brisk than the freezing temperatures on that Black Friday in Madison, Wis. After the drive-by meeting at midfield, Fleck left out a “whoo!” as he went to celebrate with Paul Bunyan’s Axe.

Minnesota Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck yells at a referee as he disagrees with a Gophers pass interference call against the Michigan State Spartans that was eventually overturned in the fourth of a NCAA football game at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Fleck’s postgame comments can sometimes reveal a thing stuck in his craw. At Big Ten media days in 2021, Nebraska coach Scott Frost followed Fleck at the podium in Indianapolis and said, “I’m not into sloganeering.”

Fleck, of “Row The Boat” notoriety, seemed to have that snippet on his mind when the Gophers beat Nebraska 30-24 at home that October. “That was truly culture versus skill,” Fleck said.

Fleck had another reference ready a year ago at Camp Randall Stadium; the Gophers had just ended the Badgers’ 22-year streak of consecutive bowl appearances.

“Other people are playing for other things — streaks and all that other stuff,” Fleck said. “We were able to play for each other and get the victory.”

Fleck and Fickell crossed paths at Ohio State in 2006, becoming intertwined in the Jim Tressel coaching tree. Fleck had just finished up his NFL-playing career and was a graduate assistant on the offensive side of the ball; Fickell, who played for the Buckeyes, was in his fifth year on staff, then serving as co-defensive coordinator.

“Didn’t have much of a relationship,” Fickell told the Pioneer Press at Big Ten media days in Las Vegas in July. “It was a short amount of time: one year. … It makes it very difficult to not just have friends but even to share ideas with anybody. Maybe people are better, but I can’t image that many of us share anything no matter what kind of history we have with each other. It’s a shame.”

During interviews spots each week, Fleck continued his modus operandi of showing respect to each opponent. He will boost up foes, regardless of if it’s FCS-level Northwestern (La.) State or No. 1 Ohio State. He was complimenting the Badgers (4-7, 2-6) again this week, but Fleck didn’t mention Fickell by name in his weekly news conference or radio show.

Meanwhile, if Fleck sees others not give his team respect, he will seize on that, too. In 2019, a Purdue player made comments about the Gophers, so Fleck had copies of that newspaper story printed and distributed to players. Fleck carried it around postgame after a 38-31 win in West Lafayette, Ind.

It was a sore spot with then-Boilermakers coach Jeff Brohm — another one of Fleck’s coaching rivalries.

In his first year at Wisconsin, Fickell’s Badgers came to Minneapolis and left with the Axe after a 28-14 win in 2023. Then Fleck and the Gophers evened things up with Fickell last year.

Overall, Fleck is now 4-4 against the Badgers, including three wins in the last four rivalry games. He has beat Paul Chryst (twice), interim coach Jim Leonard and Fickell.

The Gophers’ 37-15 win in Madison in 2018 “was a huge step forward for us, getting over that hump,” Fleck said of ending a 14-year losing streak to the Badgers. “… Being able to get that first one, I think it brought the rivalry back. I’m not saying that we’ve dominated that or they’ve dominated us, but I think that the pendulum has gone right back to you don’t know who’s going to win that football game every single year. And I think that what rivalry should be. I think that’s a healthy rivalry.”

And a rivalry richer with personal grudges.