分类: society

  • One dead and two injured in Virginia university shooting

    One dead and two injured in Virginia university shooting

    NORFOLK, Va. – A deadly shooting at Old Dominion University’s business school building Thursday has been officially designated as an act of terrorism by the FBI, culminating in the death of the assailant at the hands of quick-acting ROTC students. The incident resulted in one fatality and two injuries before the armed suspect was neutralized.

    The FBI identified the gunman as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 31, a former Virginia National Guard member with established extremist ties. Special Agent Dominique Evans confirmed Jalloh had previously served prison time after pleading guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group. He was released from federal custody in 2024.

    According to law enforcement sources, Jalloh entered a classroom in Constant Hall and specifically inquired whether it was an ROTC class before opening fire. Multiple students from the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program immediately intervened, physically subduing the attacker and ultimately causing his death. FBI officials confirmed Jalloh was not shot but declined to specify the exact manner of his demise, citing the ongoing investigation.

    FBI Director Kash Patel praised the students’ bravery, stating their actions ‘undoubtedly saved lives’ alongside the rapid response of campus police. The three shooting victims included two Army personnel, with one succumbing to injuries at a local hospital. CBS News identified the deceased victim as the class instructor, a retired military officer.

    Agent Evans revealed the terrorism classification stems from Jalloh’s established extremist background and reports that he shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ – Arabic for ‘God is greater’ – prior to the attack. Evidence indicates Jalloh had previously planned an attack mirroring the 2009 Fort Hood shooting that killed 13 people. Authorities confirmed no connection to current geopolitical events involving Iran.

    The Virginia incident occurred hours before an unrelated vehicle attack targeting a Michigan synagogue, where one security guard was injured but all children and staff evacuated safely.

  • UFC fighters to train FBI agents at Quantico

    UFC fighters to train FBI agents at Quantico

    In an unprecedented collaboration between professional sports and federal law enforcement, Ultimate Fighting Championship athletes are set to conduct specialized training sessions for FBI agents this week. The initiative brings together current and former UFC fighters with senior FBI staff and trainees at the Bureau’s prestigious Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

    FBI Director Kash Patel characterized the partnership as “a tremendous opportunity” for agents to “learn and train with some of the greatest athletes on earth.” He emphasized that the unique training seminar would enhance the agency’s preparedness to ensure public safety and protect American citizens.

    UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the organization’s participation, stating that UFC is “proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques.” According to official statements, the mixed martial arts specialists will provide valuable insight into professional training methodologies while demonstrating specific combat techniques and tactical approaches.

    The distinguished roster of participating athletes includes interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, inaugural BMF champion Jorge Masvidal, former middleweight champion Chris Weidman, former strawweight title challenger Claudia Gadelha, former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler, top flyweight contender Manel Kape, and renowned martial artist Renzo Gracie. UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard will also attend the sessions.

    This collaboration occurs alongside preparations for an unprecedented UFC event scheduled at the White House in June, which will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence. While full details remain unconfirmed, preliminary plans indicate approximately 5,000 spectators may attend the South Lawn event, with an additional 80,000 fans potentially watching from a nearby Washington park.

    The partnership continues a longstanding relationship between the UFC leadership and political figures, with CEO Dana White’s association with former President Donald Trump dating back to the early 2000s when Trump hosted initial UFC events at his commercial properties.

  • Peter Thiel’s lecture series on the Antichrist comes to Rome, and Catholic institutions back away

    Peter Thiel’s lecture series on the Antichrist comes to Rome, and Catholic institutions back away

    ROME — Silicon Valley mogul Peter Thiel has generated intense controversy with his private lecture series on the Antichrist, hosted near Vatican City this week. The four-part conference, running from Sunday to Wednesday, became so contentious that multiple Catholic institutions have publicly distanced themselves from the event.

    Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and data analytics firm Palantir, has long demonstrated fascination with apocalyptic themes. The billionaire, an early supporter of Vice President JD Vance’s political career, previously explored these concepts in a November essay for Catholic magazine First Things, where he pondered: ‘Christians debated these prophecies for millennia. Who was the Antichrist? When would he arrive? What would he preach?’

    Initial reports suggested the lectures would occur at Pontifical St. Thomas Aquinas University (Angelicum), Pope Leo XIV’s alma mater. However, the institution issued a formal denial: ‘We would like to clarify that this event is not organized by the University, will not take place at the Angelicum, and is not part of any of our institutional initiatives.’

    Organizational responsibility now appears divided between Italy’s Vincenzo Gioberti Cultural Association and Washington’s Cluny Institute at Catholic University of America. While the Gioberti group confirmed participation, CUA representatives emphasized that the Cluny Project operates as ‘an independent initiative incubated at the university.’

    Thiel’s lectures mirror a similar series delivered in San Francisco last September, examining the Antichrist through interdisciplinary lenses including technology, theology, and political philosophy. The tech billionaire approaches the concept as a framework for understanding humanity’s existential challenges, drawing from thinkers including René Girard and Carl Schmitt.

    The controversy extends beyond theological circles given Thiel’s political connections. His company Palantir maintains contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while his protege JD Vance recently faced theological criticism from Pope Francis regarding immigration policies. Months before his papacy, Pope Leo XIV shared an article criticizing Vance’s interpretation of Christian love hierarchies, creating ongoing tension between Vatican doctrine and Thiel’s intellectual circle.

  • Consumer rights protection disputes in new business models surge in Guangzhou

    Consumer rights protection disputes in new business models surge in Guangzhou

    Judicial authorities in Guangzhou have documented a substantial surge in consumer rights protection cases stemming from digital and emerging service sectors throughout 2025. The Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court disclosed that disputes linked to novel business formats—including live-stream e-commerce, online education platforms, and digital gaming—have emerged as rapidly growing areas requiring judicial intervention.

    Wu Xiang, Deputy Party Chief of the court, highlighted these trends during a press briefing held on March 12, ahead of International Consumer Rights Day. While the overall number of consumer cases remained stable at over 37,000 annually, the composition of disputes has shifted markedly toward new economic models.

    Prepaid consumption controversies continue to pose significant challenges, particularly regarding refund difficulties. Furthermore, the court identified growing vulnerabilities among elderly and minor consumers, such as deceptive live-stream marketing targeting seniors and training institutions that evade financial obligations after collecting fees from minors.

    In response to these evolving challenges, the court released ten representative cases covering critical areas like prepaid services, e-commerce livestreaming, and gaming consumption. These典型案例 aim to establish judicial precedents and guide consumers and businesses through the legal complexities of emerging commercial practices.

  • French vloggers explore highland scenery and Tibetan culture in Yunnan

    French vloggers explore highland scenery and Tibetan culture in Yunnan

    French travel influencers Nicolas and Mathilde recently documented their immersive journey through Shangri-La, Yunnan province, showcasing the region’s majestic highland landscapes and profound Tibetan cultural heritage. Their expedition offers international audiences a window into the authentic traditions preserved in this Himalayan border region.

    The vloggers initiated their cultural exploration through gastronomy, sampling traditional Tibetan butter tea and local noodle specialties. They described the savory butter tea as an acquired taste that embodies the region’s pastoral heritage, while acknowledging the noodles’ unique flavor profile that distinguishes Tibetan cuisine from other Chinese culinary traditions.

    At the heart of their experience stood the monumental prayer wheel of Shangri-La, where they observed visitors from diverse national and ethnic backgrounds participating in this spiritual practice. The couple expressed how this collective ritual generated authentic feelings of human unity and cross-cultural warmth beyond linguistic barriers.

    Their cultural immersion deepened at Dukezong Ancient Town’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Center, where they attempted Thangka painting—a meticulous Tibetan Buddhist art form. The vibrant mineral pigments, precise brush techniques, and spiritual symbolism embedded in this centuries-old practice revealed what they described as ‘the profound depth of Eastern aesthetics and living historical continuity’.

    The vloggers noted Yunnan’s remarkable ethnic diversity, particularly the distinctive traditions maintained by Tibetan and Naxi communities. From intricately woven textiles to preserved linguistic patterns and ceremonial customs, each ethnic group presented what they characterized as ‘continuous discovery and fascination’.

    Nicolas and Mathilde concluded that Shangri-La represents a rare convergence of breathtaking natural scenery and living cultural heritage. They emphasized that every landscape vista and human interaction contributed to what they deemed an unforgettable journey through one of Asia’s most culturally preserved regions.

  • Village in Jiangxi gives 100,000 yuan bonus to residents turning 100

    Village in Jiangxi gives 100,000 yuan bonus to residents turning 100

    The rural community of Jinshun in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, has implemented an extraordinary welfare policy that grants residents a substantial one-time bonus of 100,000 yuan (approximately $13,800) upon reaching their 100th birthday. This initiative forms part of a comprehensive senior citizen support program that has garnered significant public attention following its disclosure during China’s National People’s Congress sessions.

    Among the program’s beneficiaries is a remarkable 103-year-old female resident who maintains exceptional health with preserved auditory and visual acuity, continuing to hand-knit woolen items. Earlier this year, village representatives personally delivered the financial award to her home, where she expressed delight, characterizing the substantial sum as “very durable” in its value.

    The policy gained national prominence when Luo Laichang, NPC deputy and Jinshun Village Party Secretary, detailed the program during an open panel discussion of the Jiangxi delegation at the fourth session of the 14th NPC on March 6. Official sources indicate four village residents are projected to become centenarians this year, qualifying them for this distinctive honor.

    According to village officials cited by China News Service, the centenarian bonus constitutes one component within an expansive welfare framework comprising twenty distinct benefit categories. This comprehensive livelihood program addresses multiple societal dimensions including elderly care, educational support, assistance for vulnerable demographics, and broader community wellbeing.

    The village’s structured longevity recognition system provides graduated financial awards: 6,000 yuan at age 90, 12,000 yuan at age 95, culminating in the 100,000 yuan centenarian reward. Additional benefits include distributions from village-operated enterprises, seasonal gifts for retired residents during Spring Festival, special allowances for the Double Ninth Festival, alongside scholarship programs and educational assistance grants.

  • ‘Ride to spring’ becomes a major tourist attraction in Chongqing

    ‘Ride to spring’ becomes a major tourist attraction in Chongqing

    A scenic cable car journey soaring above expansive rapeseed and plum blossom fields has emerged as Chongqing’s latest tourism sensation, captivating visitors with what locals have poetically dubbed the ‘ride to spring’. This aerial attraction forms the centerpiece of Meixin Wine Town’s inaugural spring flower festival in Fuling district, approximately 50 kilometers from central Chongqing.

    The experience offers breathtaking panoramic views where vibrant yellow rapeseed blossoms merge with delicate plum blooms, creating a spectacular floral tapestry against the backdrop of the Yangtze River and an impressive hillside Ferris wheel. Viral photographs capturing this unique perspective have generated significant online buzz, drawing urban dwellers seeking immersive natural experiences.

    Park management emphasizes the project’s dual purpose: showcasing the region’s ecological beauty while advancing rural revitalization through integrated cultural tourism initiatives. The destination has rapidly gained popularity as a comprehensive spring outing location, combining natural appreciation with diverse recreational activities that boost local consumption and sustainable tourism development.

  • Suspect dead after ramming vehicle into Jewish temple in Michigan

    Suspect dead after ramming vehicle into Jewish temple in Michigan

    A violent vehicular assault targeted Temple Israel, a prominent Jewish synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, on Thursday afternoon, culminating in the death of the assailant. According to Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, the individual deliberately drove a vehicle through the synagogue’s doors, proceeding down a hallway before the car ignited into flames.

    The incident triggered an immediate response from on-site security personnel, who engaged the suspect with gunfire as he approached the building. One security guard sustained injuries after being struck by the vehicle but is anticipated to make a full recovery. The precise cause of the suspect’s death remains undetermined pending investigation, complicated by the subsequent fire.

    Crucially, the synagogue housed an operational preschool with dozens of young students present during the attack. All children and staff were successfully evacuated to a nearby country club without injury, a outcome authorities attributed to both prepared security protocols and effective emergency response.

    Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are investigating the motive behind the attack. While the suspect’s identity remains undisclosed, community members noted the assailant appeared familiar with the temple’s layout, suggesting premeditation. The temple had enhanced its security measures following increased antisemitic tensions nationally since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023.

    In response to the event, police departments in major cities across the U.S. increased patrols near Jewish institutions as a precautionary measure. The Michigan State Police also provided additional surveillance at other Jewish sites throughout the state.

    Former President Donald Trump addressed the incident from the White House, extending sympathy to Michigan’s Jewish community and condemning the attack. Temple Israel, established in 1941, serves approximately 3,500 member families and represents a central institution for the Detroit area’s significant Jewish population.

  • Lawmakers with disabilities advocate AI and robotics to improve lives

    Lawmakers with disabilities advocate AI and robotics to improve lives

    Three Chinese legislators with disabilities are spearheading a transformative movement to harness cutting-edge technologies—including artificial intelligence, brain-computer interfaces, and advanced robotics—to dramatically improve quality of life and employment prospects for China’s 85 million disabled citizens. Their advocacy emerged as a significant theme during the recent National People’s Congress sessions.

    Jia Hongguang, a national lawmaker who lost both arms in childhood, delivered powerful testimony about technological empowerment. During the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics torch ceremony, he utilized a robotic arm to grasp an object for the first time in nearly three decades. “That moment was profoundly emotional,” recalled Jia, who now champions AI and robotic solutions to create entrepreneurial and vocational opportunities for people with disabilities.

    Concurrently, NPC Deputy Wang Jiapeng is advancing legislative efforts to establish robust special education frameworks. He emphasized that “comprehensive legal safeguards are fundamental to ensuring people with disabilities receive quality education, which directly correlates with meaningful employment outcomes.”

    Another advocate, NPC Deputy Wen Xiaoyan, proposed reforming driving license restrictions by leveraging autonomous vehicle technology. She highlighted how domestic electric vehicles with self-driving capabilities could significantly enhance mobility independence. “The most substantial barriers often exist in our perceptions. We must eliminate self-imposed limitations,” Wen asserted.

    These initiatives represent a growing recognition that technological innovation, coupled with supportive policy, can dismantle longstanding accessibility challenges and foster greater social inclusion.

  • Shanghai’s Jing’an unveils major cultural and tourism initiatives

    Shanghai’s Jing’an unveils major cultural and tourism initiatives

    Shanghai’s Jing’an District has launched a comprehensive blueprint for integrated development across cultural, commercial, tourism, sports, and exhibition sectors throughout 2026. The major initiatives announcement ceremony, held on Thursday, revealed ten strategic programs designed to transform the district into a multifaceted urban destination.

    The unveiled initiatives span multiple domains including audio-visual experiences, performing arts, fashion innovation, light art installations, lifestyle enhancements, block revitalization, sports competitions, exhibition programming, park tours, and trend-setting entertainment concepts. These programs establish foundational projects and signature events that will define Jing’an’s urban landscape throughout the coming year.

    Recent performance metrics demonstrate Jing’an’s growing prominence as a cultural-tourism destination. During the recent Spring Festival holiday, the district’s core cultural-tourism sites attracted more than 70,000 visits, ranking third citywide. Total cultural-tourism consumption exceeded 5 billion yuan ($727.4 million), securing second place in Shanghai, while retail shopping consumption reached 4.9 billion yuan, claiming the top position citywide.

    The century-old Zhangyuan historic compound continues to demonstrate remarkable vitality, with its west section achieving over 90% brand occupancy and approximately 50,000 daily visits. The development’s east section is scheduled for partial opening in 2026, with full operational capacity expected by late 2027. The expansion will introduce premium office spaces, performing arts centers, trend culture hubs, and diverse commercial formats.

    International cultural programming will expand significantly with the Shanghai Illustration & Pop Show, leveraging Italy’s prestigious ‘Oscar of Illustration’ intellectual property. Scheduled for May 29-31 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center, the event will assemble 50 brands and institutions from ten countries alongside 200 illustrators, with anticipated attendance exceeding 30,000 visitors.

    The cultural calendar will further intensify with the Shanghai Jing’an Theater Festival launching during the National Day holiday, featuring over 8% of performances making their Chinese debut. The district will also host the world’s first League of Legends IP immersive musical, ‘Immersive Arcane,’ establishing long-term residency.

    Sports programming will contribute to economic activation through high-profile events including the Shanghai Esports Masters and Suhewan Shanghai Paddling Open. Environmental and urban beautification initiatives will introduce Jing’an’s inaugural International Flower Show alongside a collaborative international sculpture exhibition, building upon the success of the 2025 light art exhibition.

    The district simultaneously enhanced its global outreach through the appointment of five International Jing’an Ambassadors spanning digital technology and artistic cultural fields. The launch of an official ‘Shanghai Jing’an’ Instagram account establishes a dual-channel overseas communication matrix alongside the existing Facebook presence, amplifying international visibility and engagement.