In a remarkable discovery, two messages in a bottle written by Australian soldiers during World War I have been found on the south-western coast of Australia, more than a century after they were penned. The letters, written in 1916 by Privates Malcolm Neville and William Harley, were unearthed earlier this month on Wharton Beach near Esperance, Western Australia, by local resident Deb Brown and her family. The Browns, who regularly clean up litter on the beach during their quad bike trips, spotted the thick glass bottle partially buried in the sand. Despite the paper being wet, the messages remained legible. The cheerful notes were written just days into the soldiers’ voyage to the battlefields of France. Private Neville, who was killed in action at the age of 28, wrote to his mother, describing the food on board as ‘real good’ and expressing his happiness. Private Harley, who survived the war and returned home, addressed his letter to whoever might find the bottle, as his mother had already passed away. Ms. Brown, determined to return the letters to the soldiers’ descendants, successfully traced Private Neville’s great-nephew, Herbie Neville, through online research. The discovery has deeply moved the families, particularly Private Neville’s 101-year-old niece, Marian Davies, who remembers her uncle leaving for war and never returning. Private Harley’s granddaughter, Ann Turner, described the find as a ‘miracle,’ feeling as though her grandfather had reached out from the grave. An oceanography professor suggested the bottle may have been in the water for only a few weeks before washing ashore, where it likely remained buried for a century. The letters, now in the hands of the soldiers’ descendants, serve as a poignant reminder of the personal stories behind the global conflict of World War I.
作者： admin
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Nigeria’s Nobel-winning author Wole Soyinka says his US visa was revoked
Renowned Nigerian author and Nobel Prize laureate Wole Soyinka revealed on Tuesday that his non-resident visa to the United States had been revoked, suggesting that his recent criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump might be the reason behind the decision. Soyinka, who became the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, expressed his belief that the visa denial was less about him personally and more a reflection of broader U.S. immigration policies. The 91-year-old author, who has previously held a green card and taught in the U.S., humorously recounted how his green card ‘had an accident’ eight years ago when he destroyed it in protest of Trump’s inauguration. Soyinka stated that he has no intention of reapplying for a visa, emphasizing the principle of human dignity. The U.S. Consulate in Lagos referred inquiries to the State Department, which has yet to comment on the matter.
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US will reduce its troops on Nato’s eastern flank, Romania says
The Romanian Ministry of Defence has announced that the United States plans to reduce its military presence on NATO’s eastern flank, with approximately 900 to 1,000 American troops remaining in Romania, down from the previous 1,700. This decision, described as ‘expected,’ aligns with the Trump administration’s strategic pivot towards the Indo-Pacific region. Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu revealed that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth recently emphasized the need for European nations to bolster their own defence capabilities. A US brigade stationed at the Mihai Kogalniceanu airbase, which is set to become NATO’s largest in Europe, will be rotated out and not replaced. This brigade has elements across Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary, though it remains unclear whether US troops will also be withdrawn from these countries. Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that Warsaw has ‘no information’ about potential troop reductions on its soil. The Pentagon has yet to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the US military presence at Romania’s Deveselu and Campia Turzii bases will remain unchanged. President Donald Trump has consistently advocated for European NATO members to assume greater responsibility for their defence, reflecting his administration’s broader strategic realignment. However, the troop reduction has raised concerns among Eastern European nations, many of which perceive a persistent threat from Russia. A NATO official reassured that Washington’s commitment to the alliance remains ‘clear,’ noting that such adjustments are ‘not unusual.’ The official highlighted that the US military presence in Europe is still significantly larger than in previous years, with over 100,000 personnel deployed as of late last year. This announcement follows NATO’s recent establishment of the Eastern Sentry mission, aimed at enhancing vigilance along the eastern flank. The decision was prompted by several incidents, including Russian drones entering Polish and Romanian airspace, and Russian warplanes violating Estonian airspace.
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Trump defends Israel’s strikes on Gaza, says ‘should hit back’ if soldiers are killed
US President Donald Trump has defended Israel’s recent air strikes on Gaza, stating that Israel ‘should hit back’ if its soldiers are killed. The strikes, which resulted in at least 38 fatalities according to Gaza’s civil defence agency, were ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Hamas was accused of violating the fragile ceasefire. Hamas, however, denied the allegations and reaffirmed its commitment to the US-brokered truce. Trump emphasized that ‘nothing was going to jeopardise’ the ceasefire, even as tensions escalated. The conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, has already claimed thousands of lives. Despite the ceasefire, the situation remains precarious, with both sides accusing each other of breaching the agreement. The return of hostages’ bodies has become a contentious issue, with Hamas claiming it needs more time to locate the remains buried under Gaza’s war-torn landscape. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance expressed confidence that the ceasefire would hold, despite the ongoing ‘skirmishes.’ On the ground, Gaza residents fear a resurgence of violence, with one local stating, ‘We want to rest. I believe the war will come back.’
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At least 30 killed in Israeli strikes, Gaza civil defence tells AFP
In a tragic escalation of violence, Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people, with dozens more injured, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. The attacks, which occurred despite an ongoing ceasefire, have left rescue teams scrambling to recover victims from the rubble. Mahmud Basal, a spokesman for the agency, confirmed the casualties to AFP, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to assist the wounded and retrieve the deceased. Israel has justified its actions by accusing Hamas of attacking its troops and breaching the ceasefire agreement. This latest surge in hostilities underscores the fragile nature of the truce and raises concerns about the potential for further violence in the region.
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‘I have to get what I need right now’: Americans brace for expiry of critical food benefits
Chantille Manuel, a Florida resident, has achieved remarkable personal milestones over the past five years, including overcoming addiction, losing over 140 pounds, and launching her own beauty salon. Despite these accomplishments, she continues to rely on food assistance from local churches and the U.S. government to feed herself. ‘I don’t want to have to have help from anybody, I want to be self-sufficient,’ she says. However, her situation is precarious as the ongoing government shutdown threatens to cut off essential food aid for millions of Americans like her. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides reloadable debit cards for food purchases, is at risk of running out of funds starting November 1. This program is a lifeline for one in eight Americans, including Ms. Manuel, who spent her October benefits last week on essentials like coffee, creamer, and tuna. ‘It’s either going to be there or it’s not,’ she says. ‘So I might as well get what I need right now.’ The Trump administration has declined to use a contingency fund to continue SNAP benefits, citing the need to reserve funds for emergencies like natural disasters. Even if used, these funds would only cover about 60% of a single month’s benefits, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Democrats and Republicans remain divided on the issue, with Democrats accusing the administration of prioritizing other services over SNAP. On Tuesday, Senate Democrats introduced legislation to fund SNAP during the shutdown, but its passage is uncertain. Meanwhile, food banks like All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota, Florida, are bracing for increased demand. Last year, the food bank served over 80,000 people with more than 22 million pounds of food. ‘Receiving food is an inalienable right,’ says Nelle Miller, the food bank’s CEO. ‘I just can’t imagine denying food, water, or air to any human being.’ As the shutdown enters its 29th day, the longest in U.S. history, the fate of SNAP recipients hangs in the balance, with many fearing they will soon have to turn to food banks for survival.
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Paris police acknowledge major gaps in Louvre’s defenses after jewel theft
The recent daylight theft at the Louvre Museum has sparked a national reckoning over France’s ability to safeguard its cultural treasures. Paris Police Chief Patrice Faure revealed significant vulnerabilities in the museum’s security systems during a Senate hearing on Wednesday. He highlighted outdated technology, including analog video networks that produce low-quality images and slow real-time sharing. A long-awaited $93 million security upgrade, involving 60 kilometers of new cabling, is not expected to be completed until 2029–2030. Alarmingly, the Louvre’s authorization to operate its security cameras expired in July and was not renewed, a lapse that underscores broader negligence. On October 19, thieves exploited these weaknesses, breaking into the Apollo Gallery and stealing eight pieces of the French crown jewels valued at $102 million. The theft was first reported by a cyclist, not the museum’s alarms, further exposing flaws in the alert system. Two suspects were arrested, but their custody is set to expire, raising concerns about the investigation’s progress. The incident has also revealed an insurance blind spot, as the jewels were not privately insured, leaving the Louvre to bear the total financial loss. Faure emphasized the need for advanced tools like AI-based anomaly detection to enhance security, while rejecting calls for a permanent police post inside the museum. The heist has intensified scrutiny on the Louvre’s management, already strained by chronic understaffing and mass tourism. Experts fear the stolen jewels may be irreversibly altered, adding urgency to France’s debate on protecting its cultural heritage.
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US government allowed and even helped US firms sell tech used for surveillance in China, AP finds
Since September last year, U.S. lawmakers have made four unsuccessful attempts to close a significant loophole allowing China to bypass export bans on advanced AI chips by renting them through U.S. cloud services. Despite bipartisan efforts, these proposals have been thwarted by extensive lobbying from tech companies and their trade associations, with over 100 lobbyists actively opposing the measures. The issue has become a focal point as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping prepare for a high-stakes meeting, with billions of dollars and technological dominance hanging in the balance. An Associated Press investigation reveals that, despite warnings about national security and human rights abuses, successive U.S. administrations have facilitated the sale of American technology to Chinese police, government agencies, and surveillance firms. For instance, in 2024, China purchased $20.7 billion worth of chipmaking equipment from U.S. companies, circumventing export controls. The tech industry’s immense lobbying power, coupled with political reluctance, has repeatedly undermined efforts to regulate these exports. Critics argue that this inaction has enabled China to strengthen its surveillance state, with American companies playing a pivotal role in its development. The AP’s findings highlight a complex interplay between economic interests, national security, and human rights concerns, raising questions about the U.S. government’s commitment to addressing these issues.
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France expected to adopt consent-based rape law in the wake of landmark Gisèle Pelicot case
France is poised to take a monumental step in its fight against sexual violence as the Senate prepares to give its final approval to a landmark bill on Wednesday. The legislation redefines rape and sexual assault as any non-consensual sexual act, marking a significant shift in the country’s legal framework. This move follows the harrowing trial of Gisèle Pelicot, whose case exposed systemic issues in France’s approach to sexual violence and consent. The bill, introduced in January, gained momentum after 51 men were convicted of raping and abusing Pelicot over nearly a decade, sparking a national reckoning on rape culture. Lawmakers Marie-Charlotte Garin and Véronique Riotton, who spearheaded the initiative, emphasized the urgency of addressing sexual violence, stating, ‘It’s time to take action and take a new step forward.’ The legislation explicitly defines consent as ‘freely given, informed, specific, prior, and revocable,’ and clarifies that silence or lack of resistance does not imply consent. It also stipulates that any sexual act involving violence, coercion, threat, or surprise is non-consensual. The bill received overwhelming support in the National Assembly last week, with only the far-right opposing it. Once enacted, France will join other European nations like Germany, Belgium, and Spain in adopting consent-based rape laws. The Pelicot case, which revealed the role of pornography, online chatrooms, and misconceptions about consent in perpetuating rape culture, has made her a global symbol in the fight against sexual violence.
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City showcases digital urban future
Chongqing, China’s largest megacity with over 32 million residents, has emerged as a global model for sustainable urban development through the innovative application of digital technologies. This was highlighted during the 2025 World Cities Day China Observance, held in the southwestern municipality on October 29. The event, themed ‘People-Centered Smart Cities Towards the Future,’ attracted approximately 1,200 participants, including UN representatives, foreign diplomats, officials, and industry leaders. Anaclaudia Rossbach, UN undersecretary-general and executive director of UN-Habitat, praised Chongqing’s advancements in housing, governance, infrastructure, and public services, calling them a blueprint for other megacities worldwide. The two-day event featured forums, exhibitions, and field visits focusing on urban renewal, community governance, ecological restoration, and industrial heritage protection. Chongqing, designated as China’s fourth municipality in 1997, has transformed from an outdated industrial base to a hub of intelligent manufacturing and international exchange. In 2023, the city partnered with Alibaba to launch China’s first large AI model for urban operations and governance. A voluntary local review shared during the event detailed Chongqing’s decade-long progress in leveraging digital technologies for urban transformation. Vice-Mayor Xu Jian emphasized the city’s enhanced competitiveness and growing global reputation. This year’s observance marked the first time the event was hosted in China’s less-developed central and western region, underscoring the nation’s commitment to balanced regional development.