The Canadian lumber sector is facing heightened challenges as the United States imposes additional tariffs on timber and furniture imports, exacerbating an already strained trade relationship. On October 14, 2025, the US introduced a 10% tariff on imported timber and lumber, alongside a 25% duty on kitchen cabinets, supplementing the existing 35% duty on Canadian lumber. Harry Nelson, an associate professor of forestry at the University of British Columbia, described the new tariffs as creating ‘unprecedented levels’ of trade barriers, with little expectation of reduction in the near future. The tariffs are expected to widen the price gap between domestic and export markets, with Canadian lumber prices likely to fall relative to US prices. Nelson warned that the broader North American economy could also suffer, with potential declines in housing starts and increased economic uncertainty. Industry groups, including the British Columbia Lumber Trade Council, have expressed deep disappointment, arguing that the tariffs will not enhance US national security but will instead drive up lumber costs and undermine the integrated trade relationship. The Canadian government has announced C$1.2 billion in aid for softwood producers, but Nelson emphasized that the impact extends beyond sawmills to contractors, loggers, and other interconnected sectors. With the possibility of further tariff increases in January 2026, the pressure on Canada to reach a trade agreement with the US is mounting. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated that a deal could be possible ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in South Korea, though negotiations remain ongoing.
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Tyson hails Congolese roots on Rumble in the Jungle visit
Mike Tyson, the legendary boxer, recently captivated fans in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, as he honored his Congolese heritage during commemorations of one of boxing’s most historic events—the Rumble in the Jungle. The iconic fight, held in October 1974, saw Muhammad Ali triumph over George Foreman to reclaim the world heavyweight championship, marking the first time a heavyweight title bout was contested on African soil. Tyson’s visit to Kinshasa was a heartfelt tribute to the legends of the sport and a celebration of the fight’s enduring legacy. His embrace of his African roots resonated deeply with local fans, who welcomed him with enthusiasm. The event underscored the cultural and historical significance of the Rumble in the Jungle, which remains a pivotal moment in both boxing history and African sports heritage.
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Harvest season of cotton starts in Xinjiang
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The first EU-Egypt summit is to focus on economic ties, migration and Gaza
In a landmark meeting in Brussels, Egypt and the European Union (EU) convened for their first bilateral talks on Wednesday, focusing on critical issues such as security, trade, migration, and the ongoing instability in Gaza. The summit brought together Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa, who are poised to announce enhanced European economic assistance to Egypt and its inclusion in the EU’s Horizons research program. This meeting underscores the EU’s strategic efforts to deepen ties with Mediterranean nations, including Egypt, as part of its broader ‘Pact for the Mediterranean’ initiative, which aims to foster regional integration and address migration challenges. The EU has already pledged significant financial support to Egypt, including a 7.4 billion euro ($8.6 billion) aid package announced last year, to bolster its struggling economy amid soaring inflation, the fallout from the Israel-Hamas conflict, and disruptions to Suez Canal revenues due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Migration remains a pressing concern for both parties, with Egypt serving as a key transit point for migrants and refugees seeking entry into Europe. Human rights organizations have urged the EU to address Egypt’s human rights record while calling for greater support for Gaza. The summit highlights the EU’s broader geopolitical strategy to navigate global uncertainties, including the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump and China’s export controls, by forging stronger alliances with regional partners.
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This seat taken? Thieves busted for stealing over 1,000 restaurant chairs in Spain
MADRID (AP) — In a bizarre yet significant operation, Spanish authorities have dismantled a criminal network specializing in the theft of outdoor seating from restaurants and bars. The National Police announced on Wednesday the arrest of seven individuals accused of stealing over 1,100 chairs in just two months. The suspects, comprising six men and one woman, targeted 18 establishments in Madrid and Talavera de la Reina, a smaller city southwest of the capital, during August and September. The stolen chairs, primarily made of metal or hard plastic, were resold both domestically and internationally, including in Morocco and Romania. The total estimated value of the stolen property is approximately €60,000 ($69,000). In Spain, it is common for restaurants and bars to leave outdoor furniture, often chained together, unattended overnight. The suspects now face charges of theft and involvement in a criminal organization.
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4 scientists awarded Shaw Prize in Hong Kong
On October 21, 2025, the prestigious Shaw Prize was awarded to four eminent scientists at a grand ceremony held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The laureates, recognized for their groundbreaking contributions across three categories, each received a cash award of $1.2 million. The event highlighted the global significance of their work and underscored Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering scientific innovation.
In the field of Astronomy, the prize was jointly awarded to John Richard Bond, a professor at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, and George Efstathiou, an astrophysics professor at the University of Cambridge. Their pioneering research in cosmology has led to precise determinations of the universe’s age, geometry, and mass-energy content.
Wolfgang Baumeister, director emeritus and scientific member of the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, was honored in the Life Science and Medicine category. His development and application of cryogenic-electron tomography have revolutionized the three-dimensional visualization of biological samples in their natural cellular environments.
Kenji Fukaya, a professor at the Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications and the Yau Mathematical Sciences Center of Tsinghua University, received the Mathematical Sciences prize. His innovative work on symplectic geometry, particularly the conceptualization of the Fukaya category, has had a profound impact on the field.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, lauded the laureates for their exceptional contributions to science and civilization. He emphasized the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s dedication to advancing innovation and technology through substantial investments in research and development. Lee also paid homage to the late physicist Chen Ning Yang, a Nobel laureate and founding member of the Shaw Prize, for his transformative influence on modern physics and his commitment to China’s scientific and educational progress.
Established in 2002 and managed by the Shaw Prize Foundation, the Shaw Prize has been awarded annually since 2004, celebrating remarkable scientific achievements on an international scale.
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Journalists imprisoned in Belarus and Georgia win EU’s top human rights award
In a powerful statement supporting press freedom, the European Union has awarded its prestigious Sakharov Prize to two journalists currently imprisoned in Belarus and Georgia. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the decision on Wednesday, highlighting their unwavering commitment to justice and democracy. Andrzej Poczobut, a correspondent for Poland’s Gazeta Wyborcza, is serving an eight-year sentence in Belarus for allegedly “harming national security.” Mzia Amaghlobeli, a prominent Georgian journalist and founder of independent media outlets, was sentenced to two years for slapping a police chief during an anti-government protest—a case widely criticized as an attack on media freedom. Both journalists have become symbols of the fight for human rights and democracy in their respective countries. The Sakharov Prize, established in 1988 and named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, honors individuals or groups defending fundamental freedoms. This year’s award sends a strong message of solidarity to political prisoners worldwide, emphasizing that journalism is not a crime. The ceremony will take place in December at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, accompanied by a €50,000 ($58,000) endowment.
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A visual feast showcases modern China through global lenses
A captivating photography exhibition titled ‘The Greater Bay Area Sightings’ recently opened at the Santa Anita Mall in Arcadia, Los Angeles, offering a unique glimpse into modern China through the lenses of five acclaimed photographers. The exhibition, themed ‘Reflections of the Greater Bay Area: The Future City Through Our Eyes,’ showcases the work of Nick Ut, Irfan Khan, Ringo Chiu, Michael Nelson, and Sarah Reingewirtz, who traveled through the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in September. Their photographs capture the region’s energy, beauty, and potential, reflecting China’s path toward modernization and openness. Nick Ut, the Vietnamese-American photographer renowned for his Pulitzer Prize-winning image ‘The Terror of War,’ expressed his deep affection for China, highlighting the peace and joy he found in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. Irfan Khan’s works, including ‘Unseen,’ portray the serenity and vibrancy of modern Chinese life, while Ringo Chiu’s images emphasize Hong Kong’s resilience and economic integration. Michael Nelson’s piece ‘Flowing’ captures the dynamic rhythm of Hong Kong’s skyline, symbolizing China’s rapid modernization. The exhibition’s curatorial theme, ‘FUTURE,’ is explored through six key words: Flowing, Unseen, Tech-driven, Unique, Resilient, and Enjoyable. Organized by Guangdong Radio and Television and R & C Media Group, the exhibition aims to present the Greater Bay Area in a global context, using photography as a universal language to tell the story of China’s development and its place in the world.
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Louvre reopens three days after French crown jewels stolen
The Louvre Museum in Paris has resumed operations three days after a daring daylight robbery saw thieves make off with €88 million worth of jewelry. The museum reopened its doors at 09:00 local time on Wednesday, though the Apollo Gallery, the site of the heist, remains closed. The audacious theft, which took place on Sunday morning, involved masked thieves using power tools to break into the museum and escape on scooters within eight minutes. The stolen items include a diamond and emerald necklace gifted by Emperor Napoleon to his wife, a tiara worn by Empress Eugenie, and several pieces from Queen Marie-Amelie’s collection. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for accelerated security enhancements at the Louvre, labeling the incident an attack on the nation’s heritage. A preliminary investigation revealed significant lapses in the museum’s security, including the absence of CCTV in one-third of its rooms and a malfunctioning alarm system. The museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, is scheduled to address the French Senate’s culture committee to discuss the incident. Meanwhile, French authorities have intensified efforts to apprehend the perpetrators, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez expressing confidence in their capture. The heist has prompted a nationwide review of security measures at cultural institutions.
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UAE: New assessments for Arabic, English, Math in schools; weightings explained
The United Arab Emirates has introduced a groundbreaking diagnostic assessment system in public and private schools following the Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum. This initiative, aimed at enhancing personalized learning, focuses on identifying individual student strengths and challenges early in the academic year. The system combines classroom-based evaluations with centralized diagnostic exams in core subjects—Arabic, English, and Mathematics—targeting approximately 26,000 students in Grades 4 to 11 during its initial phase. The assessment framework varies by grade level, with weightings adjusted to reflect developmental needs. For instance, Grades 1–2 rely entirely on school-based evaluations, while Cycle 3 students (Grades 9–11) have 60% of their assessments centralized. School leaders emphasize that the system provides teachers with immediate insights into student performance, enabling tailored instruction and targeted interventions. Principals like Shiny Davison of Woodlem Park School Hamidiya highlight the strategic integration of assessments into the academic schedule, supported by teacher training in data analysis. Similarly, Natalia Svetenok of Woodlem British School, Ajman, notes the alignment of diagnostic practices with national standards, ensuring every student is supported from day one. Parents will receive regular updates on their child’s progress, fostering a collaborative approach to education. This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to data-driven, responsive teaching and improved student outcomes.