The United States made a strong start on the opening day of the LPGA’s International Crown tournament in Goyang, South Korea, securing victories in both of their fourball matches against China. Yealimi Noh and Angel Yin delivered a commanding 5 and 4 win over Liu Yan and Yin Ruoning, while Lilia Vu and Lauren Coughlin edged out Zhang Weiwei and Liu Ruixin 1-up. The U.S. was the only team to win both of its matches on Thursday. Meanwhile, world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand continued her impressive form, teaming up with Pajaree Anannarukarn to defeat Australia’s Hannah Green and Grace Kim 1-up. This marked Thitikul’s sixth consecutive win in team competitions. Australia’s Minjee Lee and Steph Kyriacou managed to split points with Thailand after a 2-up victory over Chanettee Wannasaen and Jasmine Suwannapura. In Pool B, South Korea earned 1.5 points, with Hyo Joo Kim and Hye-Jin Choi defeating Sweden’s Maja Stark and Linn Grant 3 and 2, while Jin Young Ko and Haeran Ryu tied with Ingrid Lindblad and Madelene Sagstrom. The tournament features seven countries and a ‘rest of the world’ team, with players determined by the women’s world ranking. Fourball matches will continue on Friday and Saturday, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to Sunday’s semifinals and finals. Thitikul, a six-time LPGA tour winner, remains the only player in the field to have previously won the International Crown.
作者： admin
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What’s at stake as Trump boat strikes strain US-Colombia alliance
The longstanding alliance between the United States and Colombia, once a cornerstone of Washington’s Latin American strategy, is now teetering on the brink of collapse. Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, tensions between him and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have escalated, culminating in a dramatic suspension of US aid to Colombia. This move came after Trump accused Petro of encouraging drug production, while Petro countered by alleging US military strikes violated Colombian sovereignty and resulted in civilian deaths. The rift between the two leaders, who hail from opposite ends of the political spectrum, has exposed deep fissures in a partnership that has endured for decades. The US-Colombia alliance, forged in the early 2000s under the ‘Plan Colombia’ initiative, aimed to combat drug trafficking and strengthen Colombian security forces. While the program achieved some successes, including weakening the FARC guerrilla group, it has faced criticism for failing to address the root causes of drug production. Cocaine production in Colombia has reached record highs, and the US military’s recent campaign in the Caribbean has highlighted the persistence of the drug trade. The suspension of aid, which exceeded $400 million in 2024, threatens to undermine Colombia’s security efforts and embolden organized crime groups. Analysts warn that the breakdown of this alliance could have far-reaching consequences for both nations, as they remain deeply interdependent in their fight against narcotics. The situation is further complicated by Petro’s domestic challenges, including rising violence from armed groups, and Trump’s controversial drug enforcement policies, which have drawn criticism for their legality and effectiveness. As the two leaders continue to clash, the future of US-Colombia relations hangs in the balance.
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North of country sees rapid shift in seasons
Residents in northern China are grappling with an abrupt transition from summer to winter, as autumn appears to vanish almost entirely. Just days ago, people were comfortably dressed in T-shirts and skirts, but now, heavy coats and down jackets dominate the streets. This sudden shift has left many puzzled, with experts warning that such weather patterns may become the new normal due to global climate change.
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‘Cleary’s their general’ – Morley’s five Australia players to watch
The much-anticipated Rugby League Ashes series is set to ignite the sporting world as Australia and England prepare to face off in a historic three-match Test series. The first match kicks off at Wembley Stadium on October 25, followed by games at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on November 1 and AMT Headingley on November 8. All matches will be broadcast live on BBC One, promising thrilling action for fans worldwide.
Adrian Morley, a legendary figure in rugby league and a 2022 inductee into the Rugby League Hall of Fame, expressed his excitement about the series. ‘It’s been over 20 years since the last Ashes series, and this rivalry is the pinnacle of rugby league,’ Morley said. The former Leeds, Sydney Roosters, and Warrington forward, who played in the 2003 series, emphasized the significance of this historic clash.
This year’s series features a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. Reece Walsh, the 23-year-old Brisbane Broncos full-back, has been dubbed the ‘Justin Bieber of rugby league’ for his star quality and massive social media following. Walsh’s electrifying performance in the NRL Grand Final, where he scored a memorable try and made a game-saving tackle, earned him his first Australia call-up. Despite his occasional off-field antics, including a viral video of him drinking water from a toilet bowl, Walsh’s on-field prowess is undeniable.
Nathan Cleary, the 27-year-old half-back for Penrith Panthers, remains one of rugby league’s modern greats. Despite a challenging season, Cleary’s leadership and skill have been instrumental in Penrith’s recent dominance. His partner, Manchester City and Australia footballer Mary Fowler, adds to his elite sporting pedigree.
Gehamat Shibasaki, the 27-year-old centre for Brisbane Broncos, has had a remarkable comeback season. After struggling to secure a spot in the NRL, Shibasaki’s perseverance paid off with a Grand Final title and an Ashes call-up. His story is a testament to hard work and determination.
Isaah Yeo, the 30-year-old loose forward and captain of the Kangaroos, continues to be a cornerstone for Penrith Panthers. His leadership and work ethic have been pivotal in Penrith’s sustained success.
Mark Nawaqanitawase, the 25-year-old winger for Sydney Roosters, has also earned his first Kangaroos call-up. Known for his incredible try-scoring ability, Nawaqanitawase’s transition from rugby union to league has been seamless.
Morley highlighted the depth of Australia’s squad, acknowledging the challenge it poses for England. ‘They are world champs and have been the benchmark for years, but playing on home soil will be huge for England,’ he said. The series promises to be a gripping contest, with both teams vying for supremacy in one of rugby league’s oldest and fiercest rivalries.
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Forty migrants, including infants, die as boat sinks off Tunisia
In a harrowing maritime incident off the coast of Tunisia, at least 40 migrants, including children, lost their lives when their boat sank near the port of Mahdia. Authorities confirmed that the vessel was carrying approximately 70 individuals, all of whom hailed from sub-Saharan Africa. This tragedy marks one of the deadliest migrant disasters in the Mediterranean this year. About 30 survivors were rescued, while an investigation has been launched to determine the causes of the sinking. The incident underscores the perilous journey faced by migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa in search of better opportunities in Europe. According to UN data, over 210,000 people attempted to cross the Central Mediterranean in 2023, with more than 60,000 intercepted and nearly 2,000 perishing at sea. Tunisia, a key transit country, faces mounting pressure to manage migration flows. The EU recently signed a $118 million deal with Tunisia to combat irregular migration, focusing on curbing smuggling, strengthening borders, and facilitating migrant returns. This disaster follows a similar tragedy in February, when a boat carrying over 40 Sudanese migrants sank off Sfax. The Mediterranean route remains one of the world’s most dangerous migration paths, with countless lives lost annually.
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An ex-first lady, a tycoon and a ‘safe pair of hands’ vie for power in a cocoa superpower
The upcoming presidential election in Ivory Coast, scheduled for Saturday, is set against a backdrop of vibrant campaign rallies, yet the festive atmosphere masks deep-seated political tensions in the world’s largest cocoa producer. Incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, affectionately known as ‘Ado’ by his supporters, is seeking a controversial fourth term, a move that has sparked significant backlash despite being constitutionally permissible. Ouattara, credited with steering the nation towards economic growth following a brutal civil war, now faces criticism from those who view his candidacy as a threat to democratic principles. The political landscape is further complicated by the disqualification of prominent opposition figures, including Tidjane Thiam and former President Laurent Gbagbo, whose refusal to accept defeat in the 2010 election triggered a violent conflict that left over 3,000 dead. Ouattara’s challengers include Simone Gbagbo, Laurent Gbagbo’s former wife and a prominent opposition leader, Jean-Louis Billon, a wealthy businessman, Henriette Lagou Adjoua, a women’s rights advocate, and Ahoua Don Mello, a former ally of Gbagbo. Each candidate brings a unique vision for the country, with Billon focusing on economic modernization and generational change, while Simone Gbagbo emphasizes education and youth opportunities. Despite the economic progress under Ouattara, many Ivorians feel left behind, with rising living costs and unemployment fueling discontent. The election is also marked by regional loyalties, with Ouattara enjoying strong support in the north, Simone Gbagbo drawing backing from the west and southwest, and Billon appealing to urban voters. The campaign has not been without controversy, with recent protests met with a swift government crackdown, raising concerns about potential post-election unrest. As the nation prepares to vote, the question remains whether Ivory Coast will choose continuity with Ouattara or opt for a new direction with one of his challengers.
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Blackouts hit Russia’s Belgorod as Ukrainian drone attacks surge
The Belgorod region in Russia has become a focal point of escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, as residents report increasingly frequent drone strikes, blackouts, and air-raid sirens. According to local accounts, the sound of gunfire aimed at incoming Ukrainian drones has become a daily occurrence, with Kyiv retaliating against Russian bombardments of its cities. Nina, a Belgorod resident, described the terrifying experience of hearing sirens and explosions while trying to seek shelter. Data from local authorities analyzed by BBC News Russian reveals a nearly fourfold increase in Ukrainian drone attacks on the region since the start of 2025, with over 4,000 drones recorded in September alone. The strikes have targeted key infrastructure, including power plants and substations, leaving thousands without electricity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has framed these attacks as a direct response to Russia’s ongoing assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Belgorod, a critical logistics hub for Russian forces near the Ukrainian border, has seen its once-unaffected city center now grappling with frequent power outages and fuel shortages. Residents like Ekaterina recount the sudden onset of missile alerts and the ensuing chaos of explosions and darkness. The region’s authorities admit to being overwhelmed, urging residents to purchase backup generators amid a fuel crisis exacerbated by Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. The introduction of Ukraine’s lightweight ‘Darts’ drones and heavier weapons like Himars rockets has intensified the strikes, overloading Russian air defense systems. For Belgorod residents, the war is no longer a distant conflict but a daily reality, marked by anxiety and uncertainty. As the conflict continues, many, like Yakov, fear that Russia is racing toward an inevitable collapse.
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Cambodian police arrest 57 South Koreans over alleged links to online scams
In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, Cambodian authorities have arrested 57 South Korean nationals linked to an alleged online scam operation. The arrests were made during a police raid on a building on the outskirts of Phnom Penh on Wednesday. According to a statement released by Cambodia’s Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams, 86 individuals were found at the site, including 29 Chinese nationals. A delegation of South Korean lawmakers, led by Kim Seok-ki, accompanied the raid as part of an ongoing parliamentary investigation into reports of employment scams, illegal confinement, and torture of South Korean citizens in Cambodia. This marks the second South Korean delegation to visit Cambodia in recent weeks, following a visit by Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina last week. The arrests come in the wake of the repatriation of 50 South Koreans accused of involvement in similar scams. These individuals were among 64 South Koreans detained in Cambodia in recent months and flown back to South Korea on a charter flight. Upon arrival, they were detained for further investigation to determine whether they participated voluntarily or were coerced. The crackdown follows the tragic death of a South Korean student allegedly forced to work in a Cambodian scam center, which sparked public outrage in South Korea. Online scams, particularly those based in Southeast Asia, have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, victimizing both those forced to work in such operations and the targets of their fraud. Monitoring groups estimate that these scams generate billions of dollars annually for international criminal networks. Cambodian authorities have intensified efforts to combat these operations, raiding 92 locations across 18 provinces over the past four months, arresting 3,455 individuals from 20 nationalities. Most of those detained were identified as victims and have been deported, while 75 suspected ringleaders face charges in Cambodian courts. The Korean National Police Agency has issued arrest warrants for 49 of the 64 returnees, with courts reviewing warrants for 10 others. These individuals are accused of engaging in various online fraud schemes, including romantic scams, fake investment pitches, and voice phishing, primarily targeting South Koreans.
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At a pumpkin festival near Berlin, powerful women take shape — one gourd at a time
The Klaistow Farm near Berlin has transformed into a vibrant celebration of pumpkins, drawing thousands of visitors to its annual Pumpkin Festival. Now in its 22nd year, the event showcases over 100,000 pumpkins of 500 varieties from around the world, each meticulously labeled with its name and origin. The festival, which began in 2004 as Germans embraced the American tradition of Halloween, has grown into a cultural phenomenon, attracting up to 12,000 visitors on weekends and 5,000 on weekdays. This year’s theme, “Women’s Power,” features 15 larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures depicting iconic figures such as Frida Kahlo, Pippi Longstocking, and Cleopatra. The festival also offers a culinary journey with pumpkin-inspired dishes, from stuffed pumpkin to pumpkin crème brûlée. Families can explore the farm’s winding paths, marveling at creative displays like Marge Simpson’s hair made of winter squash and Elsa from “Frozen” adorned in pale yellow pumpkins. The event not only celebrates the pumpkin’s versatility but also highlights its historical journey from America to Europe, as recounted by Antje Winkelmann, co-owner of the family-run farm. Visitors can purchase 30 different types of pumpkins and indulge in a variety of pumpkin delicacies, making it a must-visit autumn destination.
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Wall Street quietly mixed early while crude prices soar $3 after Trump sanctions Russian oil giants
Wall Street exhibited a cautious stance on Thursday as U.S. President Donald Trump announced sanctions targeting Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, causing crude oil prices to surge over 5%. Futures for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq edged up marginally, while Dow Jones futures dipped slightly. The sanctions aim to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Concurrently, European Union leaders convened to approve additional sanctions and explore utilizing frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s economy and war efforts for the next two years. U.S. benchmark crude oil rose to $61.63 per barrel, with Brent crude climbing to $65.72. In corporate news, Tesla’s shares dropped 3.2% after reporting a 37% decline in third-quarter earnings, marking its fourth consecutive quarterly profit drop. CEO Elon Musk shifted focus to Tesla’s AI and robotaxi ventures during an investor call. IBM’s shares fell 6.8% despite beating sales and profit targets, as cloud revenue growth slowed. Molina Healthcare plummeted over 20% after missing profit forecasts and revising its full-year earnings outlook downward. European markets showed mixed results, with Germany’s DAX down 0.3%, Britain’s FTSE 100 up 0.6%, and France’s CAC 40 rising 0.4%. Asian markets were similarly mixed, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gaining 0.7% and Japan’s Nikkei 225 shedding 1.4% amid stimulus package discussions. Gold prices rebounded 1.6% to $4,131.80 after a two-day decline.