In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate suspension of all trade negotiations with Canada. The decision comes in response to an advertisement sponsored by Ontario, Canada, which features excerpts from a 1987 radio address by former President Ronald Reagan. The ad, released last week, highlights Reagan’s critique of tariffs, stating they ‘hurt every American.’ Trump dismissed the ad as ‘FAKE,’ while the Ronald Reagan Foundation accused it of misrepresenting Reagan’s original speech. The advertisement opens with Reagan’s assertion that tariffs may seem patriotic but only provide short-term benefits. However, the ad rearranges and condenses Reagan’s original address, omitting context and altering the flow of his arguments. In his 1987 speech, Reagan emphasized his commitment to free trade, warning that high tariffs lead to retaliation, trade wars, and economic decline. He also linked protectionist policies to the exacerbation of the Great Depression. The Ontario ad, while using Reagan’s exact words, strategically edits his message to critique Trump’s trade policies. This has sparked a diplomatic row, with Trump accusing Canada of misusing Reagan’s legacy. The controversy underscores the ongoing debate over tariffs and their long-term economic impact, as well as the political stakes of trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada.
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How a German freight lift became an unexpected social media star in the Louvre heist
In a daring daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum, thieves demonstrated a surprising level of German efficiency, utilizing a German-made freight lift to execute their plan. The incident, which unfolded in less than four minutes, saw the criminals wheel the lift to the museum, ascend the façade, force open a window, and make off with priceless Napoleonic jewels before escaping on motorbikes through central Paris. Photos of the freight lift, manufactured by Böcker Maschinenwerke GmbH, quickly went viral, turning the spotlight on the company. Alexander Böcker, the managing director and third-generation owner, expressed initial shock at the misuse of their product but soon embraced the situation with a sense of humor. By Monday morning, the company had launched a social media campaign featuring the lift, highlighting its capabilities with a slogan that translates to ‘when something needs to be done quickly.’ The post emphasized the lift’s ability to transport up to 400 kilograms of ‘your treasures’ at a speed of 42 meters per minute, powered by a whisper-quiet 230 Volt E-Motor. Böcker acknowledged the overwhelming positive feedback, though he clarified that the lift is not designed to transport humans. The incident has inadvertently turned into a marketing coup for the company, showcasing the unexpected intersection of crime and commerce.
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Tanzania’s first female president has defied early hopes that she would ease repression
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Since her inauguration in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan has faced growing scrutiny over her leadership style. Initially seen as a reformist, Hassan’s tenure has increasingly been marked by authoritarian tendencies, according to critics and human rights organizations. A recent cartoon by Tanzanian-born artist Gado, based in Kenya, depicted Hassan in a military uniform, labeling her a “Dictatoress,” symbolizing her perceived shift from a torchbearer of liberty to a wielder of repression.
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Huge noise then I yelled to get out – Louvre attendant recalls shock of heist
In a brazen daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, thieves made off with eight priceless crown jewels, including treasures once belonging to Empress Marie-Louise and Empress Eugenie, with an estimated total value of €88 million. The heist unfolded on Sunday morning as visitors began to arrive, leaving staff and tourists in shock. An unnamed gallery attendant recounted the moment the thieves used an angle grinder to break through a reinforced window into the Gallery of Apollo, where the historic jewelry is housed. ‘No-one could have been prepared for this,’ she said, describing the chaos that ensued. The gang, equipped with a mechanical ladder mounted on a lorry, accessed the first-floor balcony and swiftly seized the treasures within eight minutes. Two tourists reportedly fled in panic as one of the criminals brandished what appeared to be a chainsaw. The attendant and her colleagues evacuated visitors and secured neighboring galleries, but the thieves escaped on scooters, leaving behind a trail of evidence, including a damaged crown. The museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, revealed that years of underfunding and inadequate security measures, such as a single misaligned external camera, contributed to the breach. While French ministers defended the museum’s security protocols, staff expressed concerns about a declining ‘culture of security’ at the iconic institution.
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Rain respite aids fall harvest in Shandong
Recent clear skies have provided a much-needed boost to Shandong province’s autumn harvest, allowing farmers and local authorities to accelerate crop collection after unprecedented October rainfall disrupted agricultural activities. According to the Shandong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, as of Wednesday, approximately 82.8% of the province’s autumn grain, covering around 3.63 million hectares, had been harvested. This includes 3.34 million hectares of corn, representing 85.8% of the total planting area for this key crop. The harvest was initially delayed due to rare continuous rainfall in early October, with precipitation levels soaring to 141.3 millimeters—751.2% higher than the historical average for the same period. To address the challenges posed by the prolonged wet weather, the central government allocated 484 million yuan ($68 million) for agricultural disaster relief in seven provinces, including Shandong. These funds are being used to expedite harvesting, dry damp grain, and drain waterlogged fields. Shandong’s agricultural authorities have also mobilized resources, deploying 426 mobile drying units to major grain-producing areas and providing detailed information on accessible grain drying service centers. Farmers like An Senping, who owns a crawler harvester capable of operating in wet conditions, have been instrumental in gathering crops, even assisting neighboring smallholders. However, drying the harvested corn remains a significant challenge, as improper drying can lead to mold and substantial losses. To address this, local authorities have partnered with grain enterprises to offer purchasing and drying services, with designated drying locations available to farmers. Despite the hurdles, farmers are making the most of the improved weather, coordinating efforts across harvesting, drying, storage, and planting to ensure a successful harvest. Nationwide, the autumn grain harvest has reached nearly 80%, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of China’s agricultural sector.
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‘I admit I cried’ – Hermoso on Spain recall
Jenni Hermoso, Spain’s all-time leading scorer with 57 goals, has been recalled to the national team by new manager Sonia Bermudez after a year-long absence. Hermoso last appeared for Spain in October 2024, coming off the bench in a match against Canada. Her return follows a tumultuous period during which she testified in the trial of former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales, who was convicted of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso without her consent after Spain’s 2023 World Cup final victory. Despite not being called up for Euro 2025, where Spain lost to England on penalties, Hermoso played a crucial role in Spain’s qualification campaign and their bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics, where they were defeated by Germany. Hermoso, who currently plays for Mexican club Tigres, expressed her emotions about the recall, stating, ‘I have to admit that I cried. It was a moment I have waited a long time for and I’ve been working for a long time for. To continue at this level and to be able to enjoy football with the national team is the reward for all that work.’ Hermoso, now 35, is the oldest member of the squad but remains undeterred by her age, emphasizing that ‘age is just a number.’ She is focused on making a fresh start and contributing to Spain’s upcoming Women’s Nations League semi-final against Sweden. Bermudez, who took over as manager after Montse Tome’s contract was not renewed in August, has also recalled Barcelona defender Mapi Leon, who last played for Spain in 2022. Hermoso’s return marks a significant moment for Spanish women’s football as they aim to rebuild and move forward from the controversies of the past.
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Israel freezes legislative process for West Bank annexation
In a significant political development, Israel has temporarily suspended the legislative process for annexing parts of the West Bank. The decision came after two controversial bills, which aimed to apply Israeli law and administration to all settlements in Maale Adumim and the West Bank, passed a preliminary vote in the Knesset on Wednesday. The move has sparked widespread debate and criticism, particularly during the visit of US Vice President JD Vance to Israel. Ofir Katz, chairman of the government coalition, announced that the bills would not be advanced until further notice, citing the need for further deliberation. The parliamentary vote, which occurred during Vance’s visit, was described by the US Vice President as a ‘political stunt’ with no practical significance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office countered that the vote was a deliberate provocation by the opposition to disrupt the visit. Netanyahu’s Likud party did not support the bills, making their passage unlikely without their backing. The suspension of the annexation process underscores the complex political dynamics in the region and the delicate balance of international relations.
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Snowstorms forecast as La Nina onset nears
China is bracing for a series of snowstorms and extreme weather conditions as the La Nina climate pattern approaches. The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has issued warnings of moderate to heavy snowfall in western regions, including Qinghai, Xizang, western Sichuan, and parts of Gansu, from Thursday to Sunday. Some areas may experience blizzard conditions, potentially disrupting agriculture, animal husbandry, and transportation. Zhang Daquan, an official from the National Climate Center, highlighted that recent oceanic and atmospheric monitoring indicates a transition to La Nina conditions, which historically brings colder winters to China. However, experts caution that La Nina does not always guarantee extreme cold, as global warming could lead to warmer winters. The interplay of Arctic sea ice, snow cover, and atmospheric circulation further complicates winter weather predictions. Additionally, the Yellow River is entering its ice jam flood season, with the Ministry of Water Resources warning of sharp temperature fluctuations and challenging flood prevention efforts. Authorities are preparing for potential impacts on production and daily life, urging vigilance against extreme weather events.
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Hamas, Fatah hold talks on post-war arrangements in Gaza
In a significant development, delegations from Hamas and Fatah convened in Cairo to deliberate on post-war arrangements for the Gaza Strip. The meeting, reported by Egyptian TV channel Al-Qahera News, marks a pivotal step towards Palestinian unity and reconstruction efforts. The Hamas delegation, led by senior leader and chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, met with Fatah’s representatives, including Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh and intelligence chief Majed Faraj. The discussions also encompassed the second phase of former US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, with Egypt preparing to host a reconstruction conference in November. Concurrently, Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Mahmoud Rashad engaged with Fahd Suleiman, Secretary-General of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, to foster national consensus on Trump’s plan. Rashad also reiterated opposition to the Israeli Knesset’s recent bill on annexing the occupied West Bank. The talks follow a ceasefire brokered by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye, which took effect on October 10, 2025, after two years of conflict. Despite the truce, Gaza’s health authorities reported ongoing casualties, with 89 deaths and 317 injuries since October 11, and a staggering toll of 68,280 deaths and 170,375 injuries since October 7, 2023.
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UN aid team finds poor hygiene, widespread skin diseases among displaced people in Gaza
A recent assessment by a United Nations aid team in Gaza City has unveiled alarming hygiene and health conditions among displaced populations. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Thursday that severe challenges, including a lack of clean water, widespread skin diseases, and damaged sanitation systems, are prevalent in the region. The team conducted evaluations at two collective centers in Gaza City’s Az Zaitoun neighborhood, which currently shelters over 200 families. Residents at these sites face dire circumstances, with reports of individuals walking up to two kilometers to access water due to a shortage of containers. The urgent need for repairs to latrines and sewage networks was emphasized to prevent further contamination. Displaced families also expressed immediate needs for food, clean water, hygiene items, and materials to repair water and sanitation infrastructure. Additionally, cash assistance is required for winter clothing, shoes, tarpaulins, and kitchen sets. The World Health Organization (WHO) facilitated the medical evacuation of 41 critical patients and 145 companions from Gaza, marking the first such operation since the October 10 ceasefire. However, approximately 15,000 patients remain on a waiting list for external medical care. Humanitarian partners have provided protection support to around 21,000 people in displaced and returnee communities, including psychosocial first aid for 3,000 children and caregivers. Hygiene kits were distributed to over 30 temporary learning spaces, benefiting 6,800 school-age children. The World Food Programme has also begun distributing high-energy biscuits and fortified date bars to children in 18 temporary learning spaces. On Tuesday, 147 UN and partner trucks delivered essential supplies, with two-thirds of the cargo comprising food aid. Other items included diapers, hygiene kits, and tarps for emergency shelter assistance. The UN Office for Project Services collected and distributed significant quantities of diesel and gasoline to support critical humanitarian operations.