SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — Mone Chiba of Japan delivered a breathtaking performance to clinch the Skate Canada title on Saturday night, edging out American prodigy Isabeau Levito in a thrilling showdown. Chiba, a 20-year-old world bronze medalist, showcased her technical prowess and artistry with a near-perfect free skate set to the traditional Hungarian folk tune “Csárdás,” earning a season-best score of 217.23 points. This victory marked her first Grand Prix gold after finishing as the runner-up in both of her assignments last year. Levito, the 18-year-old reigning world silver medalist, had set the stage with a flawless free skate to the soundtrack of “Cinema Paradiso,” scoring 209.77 points. Despite her valiant effort, she had to settle for silver. Ami Nakai of Japan secured third place with 203.09 points. In the pairs competition, Canadian duo Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps thrilled the home crowd at SaskTel Centre by claiming their third consecutive Skate Canada gold with a score of 213.40 points, narrowly defeating German pair Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin, who scored 207.18. The men’s and ice dance events are set to conclude on Sunday, with two-time reigning world champion Ilia Malinin leading the men’s short program with a commanding score of 104.84. The competition for the final U.S. Olympic spot remains fierce, with Levito and Bradie Tennell vying for the coveted position.
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Families separated, children killed as survivors flee Sudan’s ‘apocalyptic’ Al Fasher
The city of Al Fasher in Sudan has become a scene of devastation as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control following an 18-month siege, leading to widespread atrocities and a humanitarian crisis. Survivors fleeing the city recounted harrowing tales of families being forcibly separated, children executed in front of their parents, and mass killings. Germany’s top diplomat, Johann Wadephul, described the situation as ‘apocalyptic,’ while satellite imagery from Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab suggested ongoing mass killings. Reports of summary executions, sexual violence, looting, and abductions have emerged, with tens of thousands of civilians still trapped in the city. The UN estimates that over 65,000 people have fled Al Fasher since the RSF’s final assault, but around 260,000 residents remain in grave danger. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) highlighted the limited number of survivors reaching safer areas, with only 5,000 making it to Tawila, 70 kilometers west of Al Fasher. Eyewitnesses reported that groups attempting to flee were often killed or captured, with individuals separated based on gender, age, or ethnicity. The RSF, descended from the Janjaweed militias accused of genocide in Darfur two decades ago, now controls all five state capitals in the region, effectively dividing Sudan along an east-west axis. The conflict has displaced nearly 12 million people, creating the world’s largest displacement and hunger crises. UN officials warn that the violence is spreading to the neighboring Kordofan region, with reports of large-scale atrocities perpetrated by the RSF.
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Dubai: How to sponsor your parents; minimum salary, all you need to know
Dubai, renowned for its high quality of life, safety, and world-class healthcare, has introduced a one-year residency visa that allows expatriates to sponsor their parents to live in the city. This initiative caters to the growing number of expats who, after establishing themselves in Dubai, wish to reunite with their families. The visa aims to provide a seamless process for bringing parents to the UAE, ensuring they can enjoy the city’s exceptional lifestyle. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, including a minimum monthly salary of Dh10,000 and proof of adequate accommodation, such as a two-bedroom home registered under Ejari. The application process involves submitting essential documents, including the applicant’s Emirates ID, passport copies, labor contract, and proof of relationship with the parents. Additionally, a security deposit of Dh5,000 and various processing fees, including entry permits, medical tests, and Emirates ID charges, are required. This initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to fostering family unity and enhancing the well-being of its diverse expatriate community.
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Devastation on repeat: How climate change is worsening Pakistan’s deadly floods
Pakistan has been ravaged by catastrophic floods, affecting both urban and rural areas, including the capital of Punjab, Lahore. The monsoon season, which began in late June, has claimed over 1,000 lives and impacted at least 6.9 million people, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The floods have highlighted the severe consequences of climate change in a country that contributes just 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
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UAE official calls out ‘fake Emirati identities’ on social media
A senior UAE official has raised concerns over the proliferation of ‘fake Emirati identities’ on social media platforms, urging the public to remain vigilant. Afra Al Hameli, Director of Strategic Communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized individuals who masquerade as experts under fabricated names, accusing them of spreading misinformation and tarnishing the nation’s reputation. Al Hameli emphasized that the UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to truth, hope, and benevolence, stating, ‘No lies can conceal the truth, and no clamour can drown out facts.’ She further reiterated that the UAE focuses on constructive actions rather than engaging with baseless rumors. Al Hameli shared a video originally posted by X user Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, which exposed a fraudulent account allegedly misusing regional crises to defame the UAE. The account in question employed a fake profile picture and aimed to mislead the public. The UAE continues to prioritize transparency and integrity in its communications, reinforcing its dedication to fostering goodwill and combating false narratives.
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Young Russians are being seduced by a cheap, dangerous weight-loss pill called Molecule
A dangerous trend has emerged among young Russians, fueled by the unlicensed weight loss drug ‘Molecule,’ which has gone viral on TikTok. Promising rapid weight loss, the pill has been aggressively marketed with captions like ‘Take Molecule and forget food exists’ and ‘Do you want to sit in the back of the class in oversized clothes?’ The drug, packaged in blue boxes with holographic labels, has gained popularity through social media ‘weight-loss journeys’ shared by teenagers. However, the consequences have been severe. Maria, a 22-year-old from St. Petersburg, experienced extreme side effects, including dry mouth, loss of appetite, severe anxiety, and negative thoughts. ‘These pills were having a profound effect on my psyche,’ she said. Other users reported dilated pupils, tremors, insomnia, and hospitalizations. At least three schoolchildren have been hospitalized, including a 13-year-old boy who suffered hallucinations and panic attacks after being teased about his weight. Investigations revealed that Molecule contains sibutramine, a substance banned in many countries due to its links to heart attacks and strokes. Despite being illegal without a prescription in Russia, the drug is widely sold online, often mislabeled as ‘dietary supplements’ or ‘sports nutrition.’ Endocrinologist Ksenia Solovieva warned of the risks of overdose, emphasizing the lack of regulation. Despite government efforts to curb its sale, Molecule continues to appear under new names and packaging. Online communities promoting eating disorders have also become hubs for Molecule promotion. Influencer Anna Enina, who has struggled with eating disorders, urged her followers to avoid the drug, stating, ‘The consequences will be dire.’ Maria, now a vocal critic, discourages others from using Molecule, but the drug remains popular, leaving a trail of health crises in its wake.
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300 million tourists just visited China’s stunning Xinjiang region. There’s a side they didn’t see
In 2024, Xinjiang, China’s northwestern region, witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism, welcoming over 300 million visitors—more than double the figure recorded in 2018. This influx comes despite the region’s controversial past, marked by allegations of human rights abuses and cultural suppression. The Chinese government has invested heavily in infrastructure and promotional campaigns, rebranding Xinjiang as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international tourists.
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Three pedestrians die in separate crashes
A series of tragic road incidents over the weekend resulted in the deaths of three pedestrians in different counties across the Republic of Ireland. The fatal collisions occurred in Galway, Kildare, and Carlow between Friday night and Saturday afternoon, leaving communities in mourning and authorities urging for public assistance.
The first incident took place on Friday evening shortly after 11:30 PM local time on the Tuam Road in Loughgeorge, County Galway. An elderly man in his 80s lost his life after being struck by a car. The following day, at approximately 3:30 PM, a man in his 30s was fatally hit by a bus on the N7 motorway in Kill, County Kildare. Just an hour later, another tragedy unfolded in Ballyroughan Big, County Carlow, where a man in his 40s died after being hit by a car.
In response to these incidents, Gardaí (Irish police) have launched investigations and are appealing to the public for any information or dashcam footage that could aid in understanding the circumstances surrounding these collisions. The authorities emphasized the importance of road safety and urged drivers and pedestrians alike to remain vigilant.
These incidents have cast a somber shadow over the affected communities, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve road safety measures and prevent such tragedies in the future.
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Shein accused of selling childlike sex dolls in France
French authorities have launched an investigation into the Asian fast fashion retailer Shein following allegations of selling ‘sex dolls with a childlike appearance’ on its platform. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) flagged the products, stating that their online descriptions and categorizations ‘make it difficult to doubt the child pornography nature of the content.’ The DGCCRF has escalated the matter to French prosecutors and Arcom, the nation’s online and broadcasting regulator. Shein responded swiftly, telling the BBC that the controversial products were ‘immediately delisted’ upon discovery. The company also emphasized that its team is ‘investigating how these listings bypassed our screening measures’ and is conducting a ‘comprehensive review to identify and remove any similar items’ listed by third-party vendors. This controversy arises just days before Shein is scheduled to open its first permanent physical store worldwide, located in a Parisian department store. The incident has sparked widespread concern and scrutiny over the platform’s content moderation practices.
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Full list of Israel’s ceasefire violations in Gaza
Since the Gaza ceasefire agreement was signed last month, Israel has been accused of repeatedly violating its terms. Reports indicate a series of unprovoked actions, including air strikes, shootings, arrests, and incursions beyond agreed deployment lines. Israel has justified these actions by citing alleged breaches by Hamas and other Palestinian groups, but Hamas has denied these claims, asserting full compliance with the ceasefire terms. Many of these violations have targeted civilians without clear justification. According to the Gaza-based Government Media Office, as of October 28, Israeli forces had carried out 52 shootings and 55 shellings across the Gaza Strip, resulting in 226 deaths, including 97 children, and 594 injuries. Additionally, at least 11 civilian homes have been demolished, and Israeli forces have deployed explosive-laden robots to destroy buildings. The Rafah crossing, crucial for humanitarian aid, remains closed, preventing critically wounded individuals from seeking treatment abroad. Only a fraction of the agreed-upon aid has been delivered, with essential medical supplies and heavy machinery for clearing rubble still blocked. Hamas has also accused Israel of breaching the prisoner exchange agreement, failing to provide a complete list of detainees and delaying the release of women and children. Despite these violations, Hamas has returned 20 living captives and 17 bodies under the agreement, with 11 more believed to remain buried in Gaza. The ongoing violations and humanitarian crisis highlight the fragility of the ceasefire and the urgent need for international intervention.
