New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s statement on October 7, marking the second anniversary of the Hamas-led attack, has ignited a firestorm of reactions across the political spectrum. Mamdani began by mourning the 1,100 Israelis killed and hundreds taken hostage, but swiftly pivoted to condemn Israel’s military response, labeling it a ‘genocidal war’ with a death toll exceeding 67,000. He criticized the U.S. government’s complicity and called for an end to occupation and apartheid. However, his failure to explicitly mention ‘Palestinians’ or ‘Palestine’ drew sharp criticism from pro-Palestine advocates, who accused him of flattening the power imbalance between Israelis and Palestinians. Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani denounced the statement as ‘disgraceful,’ arguing it dehumanized Palestinians by equating Hamas’s actions with Israel’s systemic violence. Journalist Sana Saeed accused Mamdani of ‘genocide apologia’ for framing Palestinian resistance within the same moral register as Israel’s decades-long occupation. Others, including journalist Aaron Mate, criticized factual inaccuracies in Mamdani’s statement, particularly regarding the number of Israeli casualties. Meanwhile, the pro-Israel base, including the Israeli foreign ministry, condemned Mamdani for allegedly advocating for Hamas and spreading propaganda. Despite attempts to strike a measured tone, Mamdani’s statement left him politically isolated, alienating both his progressive base and Israel’s defenders. Critics argue his centrist approach risks losing credibility, while supporters contend he faces the pragmatic realities of electoral politics in a city with a significant Jewish population.
作者： admin
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US diplomat fired over relationship with woman accused of ties to Chinese Communist Party
In a significant move underscoring the Biden administration’s stringent stance on national security, the U.S. State Department has terminated a diplomat for engaging in a romantic relationship with a Chinese woman reportedly connected to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This marks the first such dismissal since the implementation of a ban on such relationships late last year. The policy, introduced during the final days of President Joe Biden’s tenure, prohibits all U.S. government personnel, their family members, and contractors with security clearances in China from forming romantic or sexual ties with Chinese nationals. Tommy Pigott, a State Department spokesperson, confirmed the dismissal, stating that the diplomat admitted to concealing the relationship, which was deemed a breach of national security protocols. The case was reviewed by former President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who supported the decision. The diplomat’s identity remains undisclosed, though the relationship was exposed in a covertly recorded video by conservative activist James O’Keefe. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun declined to comment, emphasizing China’s opposition to ideological discrimination and unfounded allegations.
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Have Russians set up a military base in my childhood home?
In a poignant reflection on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, satellite imagery has unveiled the stark transformation of Verkhnya Krynytsya, a small village in the Zaporizhzhia region. Once a serene and idyllic locale, the village now bears the scars of Russian occupation, with evidence suggesting that Russian soldiers have taken over abandoned homes, including that of BBC reporter Vitaly Shevchenko. The images, analyzed by BBC Verify, show a newly formed path leading to Shevchenko’s childhood home, first appearing in June 2022 and becoming more pronounced by January 2023. This path, used periodically, aligns with the movement patterns of Russian military personnel, who have reportedly occupied vacant properties in the area. The village, once a peaceful retreat near the Kakhovka reservoir, has been irrevocably altered by the war. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam in June 2023 further devastated the region, flooding homes and farmland. Locals, fearful of retribution, have largely fled or remain silent, leaving the village a ghostly shadow of its former self. The Ukrainian 128th Detached Heavy Mechanised Brigade confirmed the likelihood of Russian troops occupying the area, highlighting the grim reality of life on the front lines. As the war continues, Verkhnya Krynytsya stands as a microcosm of the broader devastation wrought by Russia’s invasion.
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America’s top banker sounds warning on US stock market fall
Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JP Morgan, has expressed heightened concerns about a potential significant downturn in the US stock market, suggesting that the risk is greater than what is currently reflected in market valuations. In a comprehensive interview with the BBC, Dimon indicated that a serious market correction could occur within the next six months to two years. He emphasized that the current geopolitical climate, fiscal spending, and global remilitarization are contributing to an atmosphere of uncertainty, which he believes is underappreciated by most investors.
Dimon also touched on the rapid growth of the stock market, largely driven by investments in artificial intelligence (AI). He drew parallels to the dot-com boom of the late 1990s, cautioning that the valuations of AI tech companies appear stretched and could lead to a sharp correction. While he acknowledged the transformative potential of AI, he warned that not all investments in the sector would yield positive returns, with some likely resulting in losses.
In addition to his market concerns, Dimon highlighted the US’s declining reliability as a global partner, attributing some of this to the Trump administration’s actions. He noted, however, that these actions have spurred Europe to address underinvestment in NATO and improve its economic competitiveness. Dimon also shared optimism about potential progress in US-India trade negotiations, suggesting that a deal to reduce tariffs on India could be imminent.
On the domestic front, Dimon reiterated his concerns about inflation but expressed confidence in the Federal Reserve’s independence, despite ongoing criticisms from the Trump administration. He also dismissed speculation about his political ambitions, stating that his primary focus remains on maintaining JP Morgan’s health and vitality.
During his visit to Bournemouth, Dimon announced a £350 million investment in JP Morgan’s campus there, alongside a £3.5 million philanthropic commitment to local non-profits. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves praised the investment, noting its positive impact on the local economy and employment.
Dimon’s broader reflections included a call for increased military investment to address global security risks, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in an increasingly dangerous world.
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Ebola outbreak in southern Congo shows signs of containment with no new cases, WHO reports
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday that the recent Ebola outbreak in southern Congo is showing signs of containment, with no new cases reported since October 1. As of October 5, 2025, ten consecutive days have passed without any new infections, suggesting that transmission in the affected regions may be under control. The outbreak, which was declared by Congolese authorities on September 4, marks the first Ebola incident in 18 years in the remote Kasai Province, located over 1,000 kilometers from the capital, Kinshasa. To date, the WHO has recorded 64 cases, including 53 confirmed and 11 probable, alongside 43 deaths, with 32 confirmed and 11 probable. Despite initial concerns over insufficient funding and resources, enhanced logistics and field operations, such as helicopter and ground deliveries of medical supplies and the decontamination of three health facilities, have played a crucial role in curbing the outbreak. The WHO emphasized that the decline in transmission and improved case management are the results of coordinated efforts led by the Congolese Ministry of Health, supported by the WHO and other partners. However, the agency urged continued vigilance, as nearly 2,000 contacts—individuals potentially exposed to the virus—are still under monitoring. A single oversight in tracking these contacts could reignite transmission chains, particularly in areas with high population mobility or limited community surveillance.
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United Nations to cut 25% of its global peacekeeping force in response to US funding strains
The United Nations is set to significantly reduce its peacekeeping operations, with thousands of military and police personnel expected to withdraw from global conflict zones in the coming months. This decision follows substantial funding cuts by the United States, the UN’s largest donor, as part of President Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ policy. A senior UN official, speaking anonymously, revealed that approximately 13,000 to 14,000 peacekeepers out of more than 50,000 deployed across nine missions will be repatriated. The UN’s support office in Somalia will also face reductions. The peacekeeping budget is projected to shrink by 15% this year. Countries affected by these changes include Congo, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Kosovo. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized that UN peacekeeping, which represents just 0.5% of global military spending, remains a cost-effective tool for fostering international peace and security. The decision to downsize follows a meeting between Guterres and major donor countries, including the new U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz. The Trump administration has criticized the UN’s budget as excessive and redundant, vowing to withhold further contributions until a thorough assessment of each UN agency’s effectiveness is completed. This review has already led to the U.S. withdrawing from UNESCO, the World Health Organization, and the UN Human Rights Council. Over 60 UN offices and agencies are now facing 20% job cuts as part of Guterres’ reform efforts in response to the U.S. funding reductions. The U.S. has committed $680 million to nine peacekeeping missions, a sharp decline from the $1 billion contribution made last year. China, another major contributor, has pledged to fulfill its financial obligations by year-end.
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California bans loud ads on streaming platforms
California has introduced a groundbreaking law targeting the volume of commercials on streaming services, ensuring they are no louder than the primary video content being viewed. This legislation extends the scope of the federal Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, which originally regulated ad volumes on broadcast TV and cable stations, to now include streaming platforms. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on Monday, marking a significant step in addressing consumer complaints about excessively loud streaming ads. The law, set to take effect from July 1, 2026, mandates that streaming services comply with the same volume standards as traditional broadcasters. Critics, including major players in the entertainment industry, argued that implementing such controls on streaming platforms would be challenging due to the diverse sources of ads and lack of direct control over device volume settings. However, the bill was amended to include a provision preventing private lawsuits against streaming services for violations, leading industry groups to adopt a neutral stance. The legislation was inspired by personal anecdotes, such as that of State Senator Thomas Umberg’s legislative director, whose infant daughter was awakened by a loud streaming ad. This law aims to protect consumers from disruptive advertising practices, reflecting California’s role as a hub for streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
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Escaped New Orleans inmate captured after 5 months on the run
After a five-month nationwide manhunt, the last of 10 inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in Louisiana has been apprehended. Derrick Groves, 28, was captured in Atlanta, Georgia, following a tense standoff with law enforcement. Authorities deployed gas canisters into a residence where Groves was believed to be hiding, eventually discovering him concealed in a crawl space. The dramatic escape in May involved the inmates tearing a toilet from a wall, breaking metal bars, and fleeing across a highway. Messages left on the wall, including ‘To Easy LoL’ and a taunting smiley face, underscored the audacity of their breakout. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson attributed the escape to a combination of staffing shortages and structural vulnerabilities. While three inmates were captured within 24 hours, Groves remained at large until a tip led investigators to Atlanta. Groves, convicted of second-degree murder in 2024 for a deadly Mardi Gras shooting, now faces additional charges for his role in the escape. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill vowed to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law. He will be extradited to Louisiana for processing.
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India’s fundraising gold rush is raising thorny questions
India’s stock market is witnessing an unprecedented surge in initial public offerings (IPOs), driven largely by retail investors, even as global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions loom. The country’s IPO market has become a magnet for companies across diverse sectors, from tech startups to established conglomerates, raising billions of dollars in 2025. According to Kotak Mahindra Capital Company, 79 companies have collectively garnered $11.5 billion in the first nine months of the year, with another $10-11 billion expected in the final quarter, pushing the total IPO fundraising beyond $20 billion. This excludes contributions from small and medium-sized enterprises, further highlighting the market’s vibrancy.
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King Charles hopes nature film will ‘inspire’ viewers
King Charles III is set to share his profound environmental philosophy in an upcoming Amazon Prime Video documentary titled *Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision*. Scheduled for release early next year, the feature-length film will delve into the monarch’s lifelong commitment to sustainability and his belief in working *with* rather than *against* nature. The documentary aims to inspire global audiences to prioritize environmental protection and restore humanity’s relationship with the planet.