In a dramatic move, US President Donald Trump announced the immediate termination of all trade negotiations with Canada. The decision, shared via a post on Truth Social late Thursday, was prompted by an advertisement from the Ontario government featuring former US President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. Trump labeled the ad as ‘egregious behavior’ and declared, ‘ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.’ The US president has already imposed a 35% levy on Canadian imports, with exemptions for goods covered under the USMCA, a trade agreement negotiated during his first term. The Ontario ad, part of a $75 million campaign on US mainstream TV channels, included excerpts from Reagan’s 1987 national radio address, where he warned that tariffs harm workers and consumers, provoke trade wars, and lead to job losses. Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended the ad, stating, ‘We’ll never stop making the case against American tariffs on Canada.’ The Ronald Reagan Foundation criticized the ad for using ‘selective audio and video’ without permission and misrepresenting Reagan’s views, adding that it is reviewing legal options. Trump’s tariffs, particularly on steel, aluminum, and automobiles, have significantly impacted Canada, causing job losses and economic strain. Earlier this year, China’s embassy in Washington also used a similar Reagan clip to critique Trump’s global tariffs. This development marks another escalation in US-Canada trade tensions, with further updates expected.
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UAE billionaire slams ‘racist rhetoric’ of Israeli minister asking Saudi to ‘keep riding camels’
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, Emirati billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, founding chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, criticized Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for his ‘racist and provocative’ remarks about Saudi Arabia. Smotrich, in a viral video, had mockingly suggested that Saudi Arabia should ‘keep riding camels’ if it demands an independent Palestinian state in exchange for normalizing relations with Israel. Although Smotrich later apologized, calling his comments ‘unfortunate,’ Al Habtoor dismissed the apology as insufficient to erase the magnitude of the insult. He emphasized that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, including Saudi Arabia, have achieved significant progress in energy, technology, and urban development, becoming global models of prosperity. Al Habtoor argued that Israel, not the Arab world, needs peace with its neighbors to secure its future. He called for a united Arab stance against such rhetoric, stating that dignity is a principle that must be defended through action, not just words. Opposition leaders in Israel, including Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, also condemned Smotrich’s comments, with Lapid asserting that Smotrich does not represent the State of Israel.
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Alaska Airlines flights grounded across US due to IT outage
Alaska Airlines faced significant operational disruptions on Thursday as a technical issue forced the grounding of all flights across its US airports. The airline announced in a statement that it was grappling with an IT outage that severely impacted its operations, leading to the implementation of a temporary ground stop. While the carrier did not specify the duration of the outage or the exact number of affected flights, it assured that efforts were underway to restore normal operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the ground stop also impacted Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. Based in Seattle, Washington, Alaska Airlines is a major player on the US West Coast, serving 140 destinations across 37 states and 12 countries. This incident marks the second IT-related disruption for the airline this year, following a similar outage in July that halted flights for approximately three hours. The recent US government shutdown, which began earlier this month, has further complicated air travel, with shortages of air traffic controllers causing delays at several airports. Alaska Airlines has yet to respond to media inquiries regarding the latest outage.
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Watch: Historic moment King Charles prays alongside Pope Leo
In an unprecedented event marking a significant milestone in religious history, King Charles and Pope Leo shared a moment of prayer together, a gesture unseen since the Reformation. This historic encounter symbolizes a profound step towards unity between the Anglican and Catholic churches, which have been divided for centuries. The meeting, held in a serene and solemn atmosphere, underscored the mutual respect and shared spiritual values between the two leaders. Observers noted that this momentous occasion could pave the way for enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the two faiths, fostering a spirit of reconciliation and understanding in a world often marked by religious discord.
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UAE Lottery drops dramatic call revealing Dh100 million jackpot winner’s reaction
In a heartwarming revelation, the UAE Lottery has shared the electrifying moment when a lucky winner was informed of his Dh100 million jackpot victory. The winner, identified only as Anilkum** B**, matched all seven numbers in the October 18 draw, defying odds of more than 1 in 8.8 million. The UAE Lottery posted the actual phone call on Instagram, capturing the winner’s stunned reaction. The caller, Shah from the UAE Lottery, calmly announced the life-changing news, prompting an emotional outburst from the winner. ‘Oh my God,’ the winner exclaimed, his voice trembling with disbelief. This historic win marks a significant milestone for the UAE Lottery, which has already created four millionaires since its inception. While the winner’s full identity remains under wraps pending verification, the post teased an upcoming reveal. This extraordinary event not only highlights the life-altering potential of the lottery but also underscores its growing impact in the UAE.
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China launches new communication technology test satellite
In a significant stride for its space and communication technology endeavors, China successfully launched a cutting-edge communication technology test satellite on Thursday evening. The satellite was propelled into space from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan province aboard a Long March-5 rocket at 10:30 pm Beijing Time. This mission marks the 602nd launch in the Long March carrier rocket series, underscoring China’s growing expertise in space technology. The satellite has already entered its designated orbit and is poised to conduct critical multi-band and high-speed communication technology validation tests. These tests are expected to enhance China’s capabilities in advanced communication systems, potentially paving the way for innovations in global telecommunications. The launch reaffirms China’s commitment to advancing its space exploration and technological infrastructure, positioning the nation as a key player in the global space race.
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UK defence secretary warns Putin: ‘We’re watching you’
Defence Secretary John Healey has issued a stark warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring, ‘We’re hunting your submarines.’ Healey revealed a 30% increase in Russian vessels encroaching on UK waters, signaling a broader pattern of Russian aggression that extends beyond Ukraine to impact Europe as a whole. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Russian submarine activity in the North Atlantic has surged to levels reminiscent of the Cold War era. In response, the RAF and Royal Navy have intensified their surveillance efforts, with RAF P-8 aircraft conducting frequent missions, often supported by NATO allies. BBC News accompanied Healey on a flight aboard a P-8, a high-tech spy plane equipped with advanced cameras, sensors, and sonar buoys designed to detect and track submarines. The crew, working in a highly classified environment, monitors both surface vessels and underwater threats. Recent incidents, such as the tracking of the Russian spy ship Yantar near undersea cables in the Irish Sea, highlight growing Western concerns over Russia’s potential to disrupt critical infrastructure. Germany, a key ally, has ordered eight P-8 aircraft and is deepening its defense collaboration with the UK under the Trinity House Agreement. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who joined Healey on the flight, emphasized the North Atlantic’s strategic importance and the need for vigilance against Russian hybrid warfare tactics, including disinformation and threats to undersea infrastructure. The two nations are also cooperating on cybersecurity and arms production, further solidifying their partnership in the face of escalating Russian threats.
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Trump-Kim meeting speculation flares ahead of US president’s visit to South Korea
As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for his first trip to Asia since returning to office, speculation is growing about a potential meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his stop in South Korea. This would mark their first summit since their impromptu meeting at the Korean border village of Panmunjom in June 2019, which was aimed at reviving stalled nuclear talks. While many experts remain skeptical about the likelihood of another spontaneous meeting, some predict that Trump and Kim could eventually resume talks in the coming months. However, others argue that the geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly since 2019, with North Korea expanding its nuclear capabilities and strengthening alliances with Russia and China, making immediate diplomacy less probable. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to restore dialogue with Kim, praising their past relationship and calling the North Korean leader “a smart guy.” Kim, in turn, has hinted at a possible return to talks if the U.S. abandons its insistence on denuclearization. Despite these signals, neither Washington nor Pyongyang has indicated any high-profile meetings ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. Observers note that Kim’s leverage has grown significantly, with an enlarged nuclear arsenal and stronger diplomatic backing, potentially reducing his urgency for talks. While a Trump-Kim meeting could provide a diplomatic boost for both leaders, experts caution that meaningful progress remains uncertain, given the complex dynamics and entrenched positions on both sides.
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Saudi Arabia to host ATP Masters 1000 tennis event from 2028
In a landmark decision for the world of tennis, the ATP has announced the introduction of a new Masters 1000 tournament set to take place in Saudi Arabia starting in 2028. This event, which will be played on hard courts over the course of one week at the beginning of the season, marks the first expansion of the prestigious Masters 1000 series since its inception in 1990. The exact host city is yet to be determined. The announcement was made by ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi during a press conference in Paris. The Saudi tournament will join the existing nine Masters events held in iconic locations such as Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Toronto/Montreal, Cincinnati, Shanghai, and Paris. Gaudenzi described the expansion as ‘a proud moment’ and the culmination of years of planning. The decision comes amid ongoing discussions about the demanding schedule of the ATP tour, which runs from January to November. However, unlike most Masters events, the Saudi tournament will not be mandatory for players, offering them greater flexibility in their participation. The event is part of a strategic partnership with SURJ Sports Investments, a company linked to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the move underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports, particularly tennis. The kingdom has already hosted the WTA Finals in Riyadh since 2024 and the Next Gen ATP Finals since 2023. A Saudi source close to the deal emphasized the potential for tennis to grow significantly in the region, citing existing infrastructure and the sport’s appeal to younger generations. The PIF has also established partnerships with several existing Masters 1000 tournaments, further solidifying its presence in the tennis world.
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US military flew supersonic B-1 bombers up to the coast of Venezuela
In a significant escalation of military presence, the U.S. deployed a pair of supersonic B-1 Lancer bombers to the Venezuelan coast on Thursday, marking the second such exercise in just over a week. This maneuver, part of a broader training simulation designed to mimic an attack, has fueled widespread speculation about the Trump administration’s intentions toward Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro, who faces U.S. charges of narcoterrorism, has been under increasing scrutiny as the U.S. military bolsters its forces in the Caribbean Sea and surrounding waters. Since early September, the U.S. has conducted lethal strikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking off Venezuela’s coast, further intensifying tensions. Flight tracking data revealed that the B-1 bombers, capable of carrying more bombs than any other U.S. aircraft, departed from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas and traversed the Caribbean. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the training exercise. The recent deployment follows a similar mission involving B-52 Stratofortress bombers and F-35B stealth fighter jets last week. President Trump dismissed claims that the flights were intended to increase military pressure on Venezuela, stating, ‘It’s false, but we’re not happy with Venezuela for a lot of reasons. Drugs being one of them.’ The U.S. military presence in the region now includes eight warships, P-8 patrol aircraft, MQ-9 drones, and an F-35 squadron, with a submarine also operating in South American waters. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth likened the administration’s anti-drug campaign to the post-9/11 war on terrorism, vowing to dismantle drug networks with the same intensity. The latest strikes, which expanded operations to the eastern Pacific, have resulted in at least 37 fatalities. Trump has also hinted at extending these operations to land-based targets, emphasizing readiness to ‘hit them very hard.’