分类: society

  • Police identify 18-year-old as suspect in Tumbler Ridge shooting

    Police identify 18-year-old as suspect in Tumbler Ridge shooting

    A tragic mass shooting in the remote Canadian community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has left eight people dead and dozens injured, with authorities identifying 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar as the sole perpetrator. The suspect was found deceased at the secondary school scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald.

    The violence unfolded in two locations on Tuesday afternoon. The initial attack occurred at a nearby residential property where Van Rootselaar’s 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother were fatally shot. The suspect then proceeded to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where six additional victims lost their lives: a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 and 13. At least 25 individuals sustained injuries during the school shooting.

    Authorities revealed significant details about the suspect’s background, noting that Van Rootselaar was born biologically male but had begun transitioning to female approximately six years prior. The suspect had dropped out of the same secondary school four years earlier and previously held a valid firearms license that had since expired.

    RCMP officials confirmed responding to multiple calls at the suspect’s family residence over recent years, with some incidents related to mental health concerns. Despite this history, the precise motive behind Tuesday’s violence remains undetermined.

    Law enforcement responded to active shooter reports at approximately 13:30 local time (20:20 GMT), arriving on scene within two minutes. Officers encountered ongoing gunfire before locating the deceased suspect. Two firearms—a long gun and a modified handgun—were recovered from the scene, though their specific roles in the shooting remain under investigation.

    The small community of Tumbler Ridge, with approximately 2,400 residents, has been profoundly impacted by the tragedy. The secondary school serves just 160 students in grades 7 through 12. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described how students and educators “bore witness to unheard of cruelty” during the attack, noting that some victims continue fighting for their lives in hospital.

    Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka characterized the community as “small and tight-knit,” anticipating he would personally know all victims. “I’ve been here 19 years, and we’re a small community,” he told CBC. “I don’t call them residents. I call them family.”

  • Pakistan Defence Minister says ‘begging mafia’ causes Gulf countries to cancel visas

    Pakistan Defence Minister says ‘begging mafia’ causes Gulf countries to cancel visas

    Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has publicly exposed a sophisticated begging syndicate operating within the country, revealing how organized networks generate substantial illicit revenues through professionalized panhandling operations. The minister shared compelling video evidence demonstrating how begging has evolved into a highly profitable criminal enterprise.

    The footage, disseminated via social media platforms, captures a revealing interaction between an interviewer and a child beggar. During the exchange, the minor discloses astonishing financial details: he and his three siblings collectively generate approximately PKR 12,000 daily through coordinated begging activities. Most notably, the child admits his brother’s physical disability is entirely performative—a carefully crafted deception to elicit sympathy and increase donations.

    Minister Asif characterized this operation as a fully organized profession managed by formal contractors who systematically recruit children, women, and individuals pretending to be disabled. These criminal networks allegedly generate billions in revenue while exporting beggars to Gulf nations by the thousands. The minister further alleged complicity among airport staff and law enforcement agencies, suggesting the operation thrives through institutional patronage.

    The consequences have been severe at the international level. Gulf countries, frustrated by the systematic exploitation of their visa systems, have begun restricting entry for Pakistani citizens. Official data from Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development substantiates these concerns, documenting over 7,800 deportations between 2019 and 2025 specifically related to begging charges.

    In response to this crisis, Pakistani authorities implemented stringent countermeasures in 2025, including the cancellation of passports for deportees involved in begging-related offenses. The interviewer featured in the viral video urged citizens to reconsider charitable giving practices, particularly during Ramadan, suggesting direct support to known individuals facing genuine medical or financial hardships rather than funding criminal begging operations.

  • Oman announces Ramadan start date as per astronomical calculations

    Oman announces Ramadan start date as per astronomical calculations

    The Sultanate of Oman has officially determined the commencement date for Ramadan 1447 through advanced astronomical calculations, establishing February 19, 2026, as the first day of the holy month. This announcement comes several days before the traditional global moon sighting event scheduled for February 17.

    The nation’s Main Committee for Moon Sighting provided scientific justification for their decision, explaining that on February 17 (corresponding to Shaban 29, 1447), the moon will set before or simultaneously with sunset across all Omani governorates. This celestial alignment makes visual detection of the crescent moon astronomically impossible throughout the Sultanate.

    Citing established principles that prioritize scientific certainty over contradictory reports, the Committee confirmed Wednesday, February 18 will mark the final day of Shaban, with Ramadan commencing the following day. This methodology aligns with neighboring UAE findings, where Sharjah’s Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology similarly concluded that crescent sighting on February 17 would be impossible even using advanced telescopic equipment across most Islamic regions.

    The coordinated scientific approach between Gulf nations demonstrates a growing trend toward harmonizing religious observance with astronomical precision, ensuring unified regional observance of Islam’s holiest month while maintaining respect for traditional moon sighting practices elsewhere in the Muslim world.

  • Watch: How the Tumbler Ridge school shooting unfolded

    Watch: How the Tumbler Ridge school shooting unfolded

    A devastating school shooting unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Educational Institution, resulting in one of Canada’s most tragic campus security incidents in recent years. The violent episode claimed nine lives and left at least 25 individuals with injuries, some in critical condition.

    Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos and terror as students and faculty implemented emergency protocols. One student survivor recounted barricading themselves within a classroom for approximately two hours during the active shooter situation, fearing for their life while law enforcement worked to secure the premises.

    The incident has triggered comprehensive responses from multiple agencies including local law enforcement, emergency medical services, and crisis intervention teams. Investigators are currently working to establish the shooter’s motives and the sequence of events that led to this tragedy.

    Community leaders have initiated grief counseling services while educational authorities nationwide are reviewing security protocols. The shooting has reignited critical discussions about school safety measures and mental health support systems within educational environments across the country.

  • Casey Wasserman to stay as chair of LA 2028 Olympics after Epstein files fallout

    Casey Wasserman to stay as chair of LA 2028 Olympics after Epstein files fallout

    The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games organizing committee has confirmed Casey Wasserman will remain as chairman following an extensive review of his connections to Jeffrey Epstein’s associates revealed in recently unsealed court documents.

    The LA28 executive committee issued a formal statement asserting Wasserman ‘should continue to lead LA28 and deliver a safe and successful Games’ after external counsel examined his limited interactions with Epstein’s network. The investigation concluded his involvement didn’t extend beyond previously documented instances.

    Court records show Wasserman traveled on Epstein’s private aircraft in 2003 during a humanitarian mission to Africa organized by the Clinton Foundation, marking his sole encounter with the convicted sex offender. He additionally exchanged emails with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s accomplice currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking minors.

    Wasserman expressed profound regret over his decades-old correspondence with Maxwell, emphasizing he ‘never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein’ and was unaware of their criminal activities at the time.

    Despite clearing him of misconduct allegations, the controversy has triggered significant professional consequences. High-profile clients including singer Chappell Roan and soccer legend Abby Wambach have severed ties with Wasserman’s talent agency, citing ethical concerns and organizational accountability.

    The decision has drawn criticism from Los Angeles city officials, with Councilmember Monica Rodriguez stating residents ‘deserve leadership that understands the gravity of these revelations.’ The LA28 board, comprising prominent entertainment, political, and business figures including Dreamworks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg, maintains confidence in Wasserman’s leadership capabilities.

  • ‘The nation mourns’ – Canada leaders react to school shooting

    ‘The nation mourns’ – Canada leaders react to school shooting

    A profound sense of national grief has enveloped Canada following a devastating school shooting in the remote community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The tragic incident, which resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, has prompted an outpouring of condolences and solidarity from the highest levels of Canadian leadership. Prominent figures, including former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, have publicly expressed their heartbreak and support for the victims’ families and the shattered community. The shooting represents one of the most severe acts of school violence in the country’s recent history, sending shockwaves far beyond the borders of the small town. Local authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack, while crisis support teams and mental health resources are being mobilized to assist survivors and first responders grappling with the trauma. The event has reignited a national conversation on community safety, gun control measures, and the protection of educational institutions, underscoring a collective resolve to prevent future tragedies of this magnitude.

  • Ancient tomb cluster in Changsha offers a glimpse into millennia of history

    Ancient tomb cluster in Changsha offers a glimpse into millennia of history

    Archaeologists in Changsha, Hunan province, have made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds new light on ancient Chinese civilization. A comprehensive four-month excavation project has revealed an extensive burial complex containing 214 ancient tombs with over 560 cultural artifacts, providing an unprecedented window into regional life spanning more than two thousand years.

    The Changsha Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology conducted the meticulous survey across a 160,000-square-meter area in Wangcheng district prior to logistics park construction. What they uncovered represents one of the most significant archaeological finds in recent years, with burial sites dating consecutively from the Western Zhou Dynasty (approximately 11th century-771 BC) through the Qin (221-206 BC) and Han (206 BC-AD 220) periods.

    Among the extraordinary findings are bronze weaponry including ceremonial swords and dagger-axes, exquisitely patterned pottery vessels, jade rings of spiritual significance, and early ironware. These artifacts collectively illustrate the sophisticated craftsmanship, material culture, ritual practices, and military traditions that flourished in the region.

    This discovery gains additional importance from its connection to previous tomb groups identified along the same mountain range in 2017 and 2024. Together, they establish this area as a persistent burial ground that served a stable, growing community for over a millennium. The continuous chronological sequence offers researchers unparalleled opportunities to study demographic shifts, settlement evolution, and social organization patterns.

    Beyond local significance, the findings contribute substantially to understanding how regional cultures in the Yangtze River basin developed and interacted with other ancient Chinese civilizations across different historical periods. The preservation quality and historical range of these tombs make them particularly valuable for archaeological research and cultural heritage studies.

  • Epstein survivor calls on Palace to search Andrew’s files

    Epstein survivor calls on Palace to search Andrew’s files

    A survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse has issued a direct challenge to Buckingham Palace, urging proactive disclosure of all communications between Prince Andrew and the convicted sex offender. Juliette Bryant, who endured abuse by Epstein in the early 2000s, expressed cautious appreciation for King Charles’s recent statement indicating readiness to support police investigations but emphasized the need for concrete action rather than diplomatic rhetoric.

    Speaking from her Cape Town residence, the 43-year-old former model articulated her expectations: ‘Verbal commitments represent merely the initial step. Authentic accountability necessitates comprehensive examination of Prince Andrew’s electronic correspondence and archival records.’ Bryant clarified that while she never encountered Andrew personally and levels no specific allegations against him, she believes institutional transparency remains paramount for justice.

    Buckingham Palace responded through an official spokesperson, reiterating the monarch’s ‘profound concern’ regarding the allegations while maintaining that specific claims should be addressed by Prince Andrew himself. The Palace affirmed cooperation with Thames Valley Police if formally approached and extended continued sympathies to abuse victims.

    The renewed scrutiny follows the U.S. Department of Justice’s release of over three million Epstein-related documents, including photographs depicting Andrew in unconventional poses and evidence suggesting he shared confidential government information with Epstein during his tenure as trade envoy. Bryant described her traumatic experiences with Epstein’s manipulation network, characterizing Ghislaine Maxwell as a terrifying enabler who should remain incarcerated.

    This development represents growing pressure on royal institutions to demonstrate substantive engagement with historical abuse cases rather than issuing carefully worded statements. Victims and advocates alike await tangible investigative actions that might finally provide resolution to this enduring scandal.

  • UAE closes 230 social media accounts for unlicenced domestic worker hiring in 2025

    UAE closes 230 social media accounts for unlicenced domestic worker hiring in 2025

    In a significant enforcement action against illegal recruitment practices, the United Arab Emirates has terminated 230 social media accounts throughout 2025 for promoting unlicensed domestic worker hiring services. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced this crackdown on February 11, 2026, revealing that these accounts operated without official ministry licenses or affiliations with authorized recruitment agencies.

    The ministry emphasized that these unauthorized operations constitute clear violations of the UAE’s Domestic Workers Law, carrying potential legal consequences for both the unlicensed operators and employers who engage their services. Officials warned that dealing with unlicensed recruiters jeopardizes employers’ legal protections and bypasses critical mandatory procedures including comprehensive medical examinations, background verification checks, and conduct assessments.

    Licensed recruitment offices in the UAE adhere to strict service quality standards and operate under specific terms and conditions, including approved pricing structures within comprehensive service packages. These authorized agencies provide trained and qualified domestic workers capable of delivering required services while maintaining safe and healthy family environments.

    Emirati families and resident employers have been strongly advised to exclusively utilize licensed domestic worker recruitment offices. The ministry has encouraged the public to report suspicious advertisements or unethical practices on social media platforms through the dedicated hotline 600590000. Additionally, citizens can verify licensed agencies through the official list available on the ministry’s website.

    This enforcement action follows previous warnings from Dubai Police about fraudulent recruitment advertisements on social media platforms, indicating an ongoing coordinated effort to regulate the domestic worker recruitment sector and protect both employers and workers from exploitation.

  • Expats’ Spring Festival guide

    Expats’ Spring Festival guide

    As China welcomed the Year of the Horse in February 2026, a diverse group of expatriates residing in Shanghai offered unique perspectives on experiencing the nation’s most significant traditional festival. Through a specially produced video feature, these international residents shared authentic narratives about how they celebrate Spring Festival while living abroad, providing valuable insights for newcomers and long-term foreign residents alike.

    The expats’ personal accounts reveal how cultural immersion during Spring Festival creates meaningful connections with Chinese traditions. Their stories demonstrate the evolving nature of this ancient celebration in a modern, cosmopolitan city like Shanghai, where ancient customs blend with contemporary urban life. The video documentation serves as both a practical guide and cultural bridge, helping the international community better understand and participate in festival activities.

    Concurrent with these personal stories, Chinese authorities reported significant developments across various sectors during the holiday period. Notably, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate announced a decline in prosecutors facing investigations and disciplinary actions, indicating strengthened judicial oversight. Transportation infrastructure saw technological advancements with drone networks deployed to accelerate accident response on Guangdong’s expressways, significantly improving travel safety during the busy Spring Festival migration period.

    In cultural preservation efforts, 30 panda cubs born throughout 2025 made their public debut, symbolizing new beginnings and traditional Spring Festival greetings. Meanwhile, Yunnan’s breathtaking Baishuitai terraces attracted visitors under clear spring skies, while the Confucius Museum in Shandong hosted special New Year cultural events and traditional market activities. The ancient city of Datong celebrated with spectacular lantern displays, illuminating both historical sites and modern public spaces.

    China’s technological ambitions advanced with the successful completion of a critical flight test for the nation’s manned lunar mission, demonstrating progress in space exploration capabilities. Social initiatives also gained attention as innovative programs emerged to support ‘elderly drifters’ finding community connections away from their hometowns, and Chongqing’s Firefly Stray Cat Park implemented programs where homeless felines ‘earn’ their meals through community interaction.

    The comprehensive coverage of Spring Festival 2026 illustrates how traditional Chinese celebrations continue to evolve while maintaining cultural significance, with both domestic and international participants finding new ways to engage with these time-honored traditions.