Nestled in the heart of Congjiang county, Guizhou province, Basha Miao village emerges as a picturesque tableau under the soft embrace of early winter sunlight. Aerial photographs reveal the village’s winding roads, ridgelines, and stilt houses shimmering along the mountainside, creating a scene of serene beauty. Known as the last gun-bearing tribe, the Basha Miao people maintain their unique cultural practices, including carrying traditional muskets, using sickles for head shaving, and performing rituals to honor ancient trees. The village’s gate, old wells, ancient groves, and traditional granaries have retained their original layout and structure, offering a glimpse into a way of life that has endured for generations. This enchanting village stands as a testament to the resilience and cultural richness of the Miao people, drawing visitors into its timeless charm.
分类： society
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US judge resigns after being disciplined for wearing Elvis wig in court
A Missouri judge has faced disciplinary action for his unconventional courtroom behavior, which included dressing as Elvis Presley and playing the singer’s music during legal proceedings. Judge Matthew EP Thornhill, the longest-serving circuit judge in St Charles County, is a self-proclaimed Elvis enthusiast. However, his fondness for the King of Rock’n’Roll led to a formal complaint by the Missouri Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges. The commission cited his frequent and ‘irrelevant’ Elvis references as undermining the integrity of the court. In a letter to the Missouri Supreme Court dated 12 November, Judge Thornhill admitted that his actions, intended to lighten the mood, were inappropriate and acknowledged their impact on the solemnity of judicial proceedings. The disciplinary report highlighted instances where Judge Thornhill wore an Elvis wig and sunglasses on the bench, particularly around Halloween, and occasionally played Elvis music during swearing-in ceremonies. Additionally, he was criticized for sharing his political views and promoting his re-election campaign from the bench. The commission recommended a six-month suspension without pay, followed by an 18-month probationary period before retirement. Judge Thornhill accepted the terms, concluding his 20-year judicial career.
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Dubai Police respond to emergencies in 5.8 minutes
Dubai Police have set a new benchmark in emergency response efficiency, achieving an average response time of just 5.8 minutes in the first ten months of 2025. This marks a significant improvement from 6.2 minutes in 2024 and 6.8 minutes in 2023, showcasing the department’s commitment to rapid and effective service. The Dubai Police General Department of Transport and Rescue, equipped with advanced resources such as heavy rescue trucks and the Dubai Police Air Wing, has been instrumental in this achievement. Lt-Gen Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Dubai Police commander-in-chief, highlighted that over 5,200 rescue and salvage missions were conducted from January to October 2025, including responses to accidents, fires, and rescues of individuals trapped in vehicles, homes, and elevators. Al Marri emphasized the critical role of rescue teams as the first line of defense in safeguarding lives and property. He stressed the importance of continuous investment in both human and technological capabilities to enhance operational efficiency and readiness. The department’s strategic target for response time was 6.6 minutes, making the 5.8-minute average a remarkable accomplishment. Al Marri also reviewed the readiness of rescue vehicles, inflatable boats, and modern equipment, underscoring the need for preparedness in handling diverse incidents across land, sea, and mountainous terrains. This achievement reflects Dubai Police’s high level of preparedness, precise field response, and outstanding operational efficiency, further solidifying Dubai’s reputation as a city with world-class emergency services.
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Abu Dhabi Police catch 5 drivers for reckless overtaking, lane indiscipline
In a recent enforcement drive, Abu Dhabi Police have apprehended five drivers for multiple traffic violations, including reckless overtaking, lane indiscipline, and improper use of the emergency shoulder. The violations also encompassed failing to maintain a safe distance, overtaking from the right side, and sudden stops without warning. Authorities emphasized that the emergency shoulder is strictly reserved for emergency vehicles, enabling them to swiftly reach accident sites and save lives. Drivers were reminded to overtake only from the left side and to adhere to lane discipline. The crackdown comes as part of broader efforts to enhance road safety and reduce accidents. In a related development, Dubai Police announced the seizure of 210 motorcycles and e-scooters for reckless driving on the same day. Motorists were also warned against rapid lane switching without signaling or observing road conditions. These measures underscore the UAE’s commitment to enforcing traffic laws and ensuring public safety on its roads.
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Watch: Dubai Police seize 210 motorbikes, scooters for reckless driving
In a significant move to enhance road safety, Dubai Police have confiscated 210 motorcycles and electric scooters for reckless driving. The operation, announced on Friday, November 21, 2025, also resulted in 271 traffic violations being issued for dangerous behaviors. The police force emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to ensure public safety. A video shared by Dubai Police on social media highlighted several instances of reckless driving, including an e-scooter rider traveling on the leftmost lane and a motorcyclist dangerously overtaking vehicles. The campaign underscores the authorities’ commitment to maintaining order and safety on Dubai’s roads. Residents are urged to follow traffic rules and prioritize safety to avoid penalties and contribute to a safer community.
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Taiwan students visit historical sites in Tianjin for exchange program
A group of Taiwanese students has embarked on a week-long cultural exchange program in Tianjin, China, aimed at exploring modern Chinese history and fostering cross-strait friendships. Organized jointly by Tianjin Foreign Studies University and Chung Hua University in Taiwan, this annual event is now in its 11th year. The program includes visits to significant historical sites such as the Dagukou Fort Ruins Museum, the Liang Qichao Former Residence, and the Tianjin Huoyuanjia School, alongside interactive sessions with local students. Hu Zhigang, deputy Party secretary of Tianjin Foreign Studies University, emphasized the program’s role in enhancing mutual understanding and camaraderie among young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. This year, 22 Taiwanese students participated, engaging in activities designed to deepen their appreciation of Chinese history and culture.
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Iran’s president says capital must move from Tehran over ecological concerns
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has highlighted the urgent need to relocate the country’s capital from Tehran, citing severe ecological challenges that make the city unsustainable. Speaking at a meeting in Qazvin, Pezeshkian emphasized that overcrowding and chronic water shortages in Tehran, home to 9.7 million people, have made the move unavoidable. The government has proposed the underdeveloped Makran region in southeastern Iran as a potential new capital. Pezeshkian acknowledged that budget constraints previously hindered such plans but stressed that relocation is no longer optional. He warned that continuing to expand Tehran is untenable due to its water crisis, exacerbated by a prolonged drought and inefficient water management. Environmental experts have long cautioned that Tehran’s ecological capacity has been exceeded, with poor resource management worsening the situation. Tehran’s water supply, primarily sourced from dams and underground reserves, has been severely impacted by low rainfall and increased evaporation. Pezeshkian has repeatedly raised concerns about the crisis, even discussing the issue with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The government now faces mounting pressure to address the city’s ecological and infrastructural challenges.
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Man jailed for 24 years for manslaughter of Irish woman in New York
A tragic incident that shook the Irish community in New York has reached a legal conclusion. Marcin Pieciak, a man responsible for the fatal stabbing of Sarah McNally, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison. The horrific event occurred on March 30 last year at the Céilí House pub in Maspeth, Queens, where McNally, originally from County Longford, Ireland, was working as a bartender. Pieciak, who had previously been in a relationship with McNally, attacked her with a knife, stabbing her 19 times. The assault resulted in severe injuries to her neck, back, and chest, including a severed spine and damage to her carotid artery. Despite being rushed to the hospital in critical condition, McNally succumbed to her injuries. Pieciak, who initially faced a murder charge, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter last month. During the court proceedings, he expressed remorse, stating that he thinks about McNally daily and hopes for forgiveness from her family in Ireland. The attack ended with Pieciak attempting to stab himself, but he was restrained by bar patrons until law enforcement arrived.
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Dubai: 2 bridges to open in January 2026 as Trade Centre Roundabout work 40% complete
Dubai is poised for a significant transformation in its traffic infrastructure, with the first phase of the World Trade Centre Roundabout project set to open in January 2026. The iconic roundabout, a central hub connecting Sheikh Zayed Road with five major arterial streets, will be converted into a surface-level intersection to enhance traffic flow. This ambitious project includes the construction of five bridges spanning 5,000 metres, with two bridges scheduled to open in January 2026, serving traffic from 2nd December Street towards Al Majlis Street and Sheikh Rashid Street. Currently, the project is 40% complete.
The initiative, reviewed by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to double the junction’s capacity, reduce average delays from 12 minutes to just 90 seconds, and cut travel time from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street from six minutes to one. The project is part of a broader effort to improve Dubai’s road network, which includes the Al Mustaqbal Street improvement project, scheduled for completion in 2027. This project will widen the street from three to four lanes in each direction, increasing capacity from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour and reducing travel time from 13 minutes to six minutes.
Together, these two projects involve the construction of seven bridges and three tunnels spanning 6,500 metres, at a cost of Dh1.3 billion. They are expected to benefit over one million residents and visitors, reducing travel time by 75%. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) continues to lead in infrastructure efficiency, constructing an average of 829 lane-kilometres of roads annually, more than double the global average. The RTA plans to deliver 72 new projects between 2025 and 2027, at an estimated cost of Dh35 billion, further enhancing the city’s transport network and contributing to increases in property values of 6% to 16%.
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Ohio officer acquitted of murdering pregnant woman suspected of shoplifting
An Ohio police officer, Connor Grubb, has been cleared of all charges related to the fatal shooting of Ta’Kiya Young, a 21-year-old pregnant woman, in a supermarket parking lot on August 24, 2023. The incident occurred outside a Kroger store in a Columbus suburb, where Grubb and another officer confronted Young on suspicion of shoplifting alcohol. Bodycam footage revealed Young’s vehicle slowly moving toward Grubb as she asked, ‘Are you going to shoot me?’ Grubb fired his weapon, resulting in the deaths of Young and her unborn daughter, who was approximately 25 weeks old. Grubb pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter, and felonious assault, claiming self-defense. The acquittal has reignited debates over police use of force and accountability in the United States.