分类： society

More than 150 contributors to The New York Times have pledged to cease writing for the newspaper’s opinion section, accusing it of biased reporting on the Israel-Palestine conflict and the war in Gaza. In a collective letter, the signatories, including prominent activists, artists, and politicians such as Rima Hassan, Chelsea Manning, Rashida Tlaib, and Greta Thunberg, criticized the paper for its alleged role in perpetuating misinformation and justifying violence. They argue that withholding their work is the only way to challenge the Times’ influential position in shaping public discourse. The letter outlines three key demands: a review of anti-Palestinian bias, the establishment of new editorial standards for Palestine coverage, and the retraction of a controversial December 2023 article titled ‘Screams Without Words,’ which they claim falsely accused Palestinians of sexual assault during the Hamas-led October 7 attack. The signatories also called for a US arms embargo on Israel, emphasizing that their demands are neither impossible nor unreasonable, citing the Times’ past editorial reforms during the AIDS crisis and its apology for errors in Iraq War reporting. The letter underscores the Times’ global influence, accusing it of obfuscating and justifying Israel’s actions in Gaza, thereby perpetuating decades of biased coverage.

As winter approaches and mountain hiking becomes increasingly popular among residents, visitors, and citizens of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the RAK Police have issued a critical safety alert to ensure the well-being of outdoor enthusiasts. Over the past three months, the Air Wing Department of RAK Police has successfully conducted 52 aerial missions, including rescue operations, security patrols, and community service initiatives. These efforts underscore the department’s unwavering commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness. Lieutenant Colonel Pilot Abdullah Ali Al Shehhi, Head of the Air Wing Department, emphasized the importance of planning and preparedness for hikers. He urged adventurers to inform the Operations Room of their intended routes before embarking on their journeys. Additionally, hikers are advised to carry sufficient food and water, ensure their mobile phones are fully charged, and avoid hazardous terrains. ‘Our priority is to save lives and ensure public safety,’ Al Shehhi stated, highlighting the critical role of community cooperation in preventing accidents and enabling swift responses during emergencies. The Air Wing Department remains on 24/7 standby, ready to address any incidents promptly. Al Shehhi also stressed the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, particularly as more people explore the mountains during the winter season. ‘Being prepared can save lives,’ he concluded, reinforcing the message of caution and responsibility.

In a significant move to bolster support for individuals with disabilities, national legislators in China are pushing for comprehensive legal amendments. These changes aim to ensure that people with disabilities can access assistance more seamlessly, particularly in both urban and rural settings. The proposals were discussed during a review of draft revisions to the Organic Law of Villagers’ Committees and the Organic Law of Urban Residents’ Committees over the past weekend. The current draft amendments mandate that villagers’ committees and urban residents’ committees establish specialized divisions to cater to the needs of the elderly, women, and children. Zheng Weiping, a member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, lauded the proposal but emphasized the necessity of addressing the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities. He advocated for clear legal definitions of the services provided to this group by village and community committees. Wang Tiemin, another member of the NPC Standing Committee, supported this view, stating that including specific provisions for people with disabilities would facilitate their better integration into society and enhance their quality of life and work experiences. Hong Tianyun, a member of the NPC’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, acknowledged the long-standing focus on the elderly, women, and children by village and community committees. He agreed with the proposal to establish specialized divisions but highlighted the importance of legislative protections for elderly people with disabilities in rural areas, noting that such measures would be beneficial for their future.

Heihe, a city in Heilongjiang province, was transformed into a breathtaking winter fairy tale following a snowfall on Sunday morning. The cityscape, adorned with frost-covered trees and a pristine blanket of snow, offered a dreamlike visual spectacle. This enchanting scene was further enhanced by the natural phenomenon of rime frost, which formed when warm water vapor from the Heilongjiang River collided with the cold air. The rime frost delicately coated the surrounding trees, creating a mesmerizing display that attracted numerous tourists and photographers eager to capture the beauty of this winter wonderland. The event not only showcased the city’s natural charm but also provided a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the serene and picturesque environment.