Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has embarked on a significant five-day visit to Brazil, blending royal diplomacy with environmental advocacy. The visit, which began on Monday, has already seen the future king engage in a series of high-profile activities, from receiving an honor from Rio de Janeiro’s mayor to participating in training drills with children at the iconic Maracana Stadium. However, the heart of his mission lies in his environmental initiatives, particularly the presentation of the Earthshot Prize and his upcoming speech at the COP30 climate summit. On Tuesday, Prince William took a 50-minute ferry ride to Paqueta, a car-free island where bicycles are the primary mode of transport. There, he interacted with locals, cuddled a baby, and planted new trees in the mangrove area, highlighting the island’s commitment to environmental protection. The visit was declared a ‘Day of the Prince,’ with children given time off school to meet him, armed with colorful drawings as gifts. The prince’s engagement with the community was warmly received, with residents expressing their admiration for his humility and dedication to environmental causes. Eugenia Maria Dos Santos, one of the ‘Guardians of the Mangroves,’ praised the prince for his hands-on approach, stating, ‘The most important thing for me is his humility.’ Prince William’s visit to Brazil marks a pivotal moment in his environmental advocacy, as he prepares to conclude his trip with a significant appearance at COP30 in the Amazon rainforest. This visit not only underscores his commitment to the Earthshot Prize but also positions him as a key figure in the global fight against climate change.
分类： society
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Day 35: Millions of Americans to get reduced food aid during shutdown
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now in its 35th day, is causing widespread hardship as millions of Americans face reduced food assistance. The White House has announced that only partial payments will be made to the 42 million individuals reliant on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. This decision comes as the shutdown nears a record length, crippling essential public services. Federal courts recently ruled that the Trump administration must allocate $4.65 billion from an emergency fund to cover part of November’s SNAP costs, estimated at $9 billion. However, officials from the Agriculture Department confirmed they would not bridge the funding gap, leaving 50% of eligible households with reduced benefits. The shutdown has also jeopardized other critical programs, including WIC, which supports pregnant women and infants, and Head Start, which provides nutrition and family support to thousands of children. At the core of the political impasse is the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies, set to lapse at year’s end unless Congress intervenes. Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked, with Democrats demanding a deal to extend health care subsidies and Republicans refusing to negotiate until the government reopens. President Trump has instructed government lawyers to explore legal avenues to fund SNAP, but delays are expected. Critics, including top Senate Democrat Patty Murray, have condemned the administration for failing to fully fund SNAP payments, calling the partial funding ‘not acceptable.’
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US fugitive Nicholas Rossi to serve at least 10 years in jail
Nicholas Rossi, a 38-year-old American fugitive who notoriously faked his own death and assumed a false identity to evade extradition from Scotland, has been sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison for raping two women in Utah in 2008. His elaborate attempts to escape justice captivated global attention after he was identified in a Glasgow hospital’s COVID ward in 2021. Despite claiming to be an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight, hospital staff recognized him from an Interpol notice due to his distinctive tattoos. Rossi’s charade continued through court hearings, where he appeared in an electric wheelchair, wearing an oxygen mask, and maintained his innocence. However, his claims were debunked, and he was extradited to the U.S. in January 2024. Following separate trials in August and September 2024, Rossi was convicted of both rapes. Utah’s indeterminate sentencing system means he could face life imprisonment, with the state’s parole board determining his final release date. During the trials, Rossi’s victims delivered emotional impact statements, describing the lifelong trauma he inflicted. Rossi, however, denied the allegations and vowed to appeal. His defense argued for concurrent sentences, but prosecutors highlighted his manipulative behavior, including thousands of unauthorized prison calls. Judge Derek Pullan labeled Rossi a serial sex offender and a danger to society. Born Nicholas Alahverdian in Rhode Island, Rossi had a troubled past, including time in foster care and a brief stint as a child welfare advocate. Reports of his death in 2020 were later revealed as a ruse to escape FBI investigations into alleged credit card fraud. His eventual capture and conviction mark the end of a long and bizarre saga of evasion and deception.
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Finnish ex-PM Marin says her female cabinet faced torrent of sexism
Sanna Marin, Finland’s former Prime Minister, has revealed the pervasive sexism and misogyny she and her female-dominated cabinet faced during her tenure in her newly published memoir, *Hope in Action: A Memoir About the Courage to Lead*. Marin, who became the world’s youngest elected head of government at 34 in 2019, led a coalition of five women party leaders, four of whom were under 35. Despite her groundbreaking leadership, she and her team were subjected to relentless online harassment, including threats of rape and sexual assault. Marin recounts how their competence was frequently undermined, with their government dismissively labeled the “lipstick government” and “girl government.” She also highlights the outdated moralizing of her behavior, particularly after a leaked video of her dancing at a private party sparked global controversy in 2022. Marin’s memoir underscores the challenges of being a young, female leader in a society that often clings to traditional expectations of political figures. After her party’s defeat in the 2023 elections, Marin stepped away from politics, taking on a role as a strategic counsellor at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.
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The County Clare lion which was actually a ‘Mouse’
A recent case of mistaken identity in County Clare, Ireland, has brought unexpected fame to a Newfoundland dog named Mouse. Reports of a ‘lion-like’ animal spotted in a wooded area prompted a police investigation after a video went viral on social media on October 29. Gardaí (Irish police) later confirmed that the animal in question was not a lion but Mouse, a friendly Newfoundland dog. The confusion arose due to Mouse’s shaved coat, which altered his appearance significantly. Gardaí from Killaloe humorously remarked, ‘If you go down to the woods today… it’s not a lion you will find but the very friendly Newfoundland dog named Mouse.’
Mouse’s owner had recently shaved his coat, a practice generally discouraged for Newfoundland dogs due to their double-layered fur, which regulates body temperature and protects their skin. Siobhan McHaffie, Director of Operations at The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA), emphasized that shaving such breeds is not advisable unless for medical reasons. ‘Their thick double coat plays a vital role in regulating temperature and protecting their skin. Removing it can lead to sunburn, overheating, and other health complications,’ she explained.
Despite the grooming controversy, Mouse has reportedly embraced his newfound fame. The USPCA expressed relief that the situation was resolved without harm to the dog or the public. The incident highlights the importance of proper pet care and the unexpected consequences of viral social media posts.
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Illegal gold panning resurfaces in Gansu river amid soaring prices
In a recent resurgence of illegal gold panning, dozens of individuals were spotted wading into the Yanzi River in Kangxian county, Gansu province, despite repeated warnings from local authorities. The activity, captured in a now-deleted video circulating on Chinese social media, showed people braving the cold temperatures of around 4°C at 1 am, with some reportedly finding over 5 grams of gold in a single basin. This illegal practice has been ongoing since the start of the year, despite previous efforts by local authorities to halt it. The recent dredging work in the riverbed has seemingly reignited the activity, according to nearby shop owners. The Kangxian county government has reiterated that individual gold panning is strictly prohibited, with police patrolling the area to disperse those entering the river at night. In July, the county’s natural resources bureau issued a public notice banning illegal gold panning and set up a hotline for reporting violations. The Chengguan township government also warned in June that unauthorized mining was damaging the river’s ecology and threatening waterway safety. Under China’s Mineral Resources Law, all mineral resources are owned by the State, and no individual or organization may explore or extract them without official permission.
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Son who sued parents must stay at Ghana boarding school, judge rules
A 14-year-old British boy, who was sent to a boarding school in Ghana by his parents, has been ordered by a High Court judge to remain there until he completes his GCSEs. The boy, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was taken to Ghana in March 2024 under the pretense of visiting a sick relative. However, court documents reveal that his parents decided to relocate him due to concerns about his behavior in London, including school absences, possession of unexplained money, and carrying a knife. The boy denies any involvement in gang activity or carrying a weapon.
In February, the boy, feeling unhappy and homesick, sought publicly funded legal representation and filed a case against his parents in the High Court in London. His initial attempt to return to the UK was denied when a judge ruled that he would face greater harm if he returned. However, in June, he won a Court of Appeal bid to have the case rehearted after Sir Andrew McFarlane, the most senior judge in the Family Division, identified confusion in the previous decision.
On Tuesday, the High Court delivered its final judgment, ruling against the boy’s wishes. Judge Mrs Justice Theis emphasized the ongoing disruptions to his education and family life as key factors in the decision. She acknowledged the boy’s distress but highlighted his potential to succeed with the support of his family. The boy, who holds dual British and Ghanaian citizenship, remains in school in Ghana, preparing for his GCSEs.
The boy’s solicitor, James Netto of the International Family Law Group, stated that the boy ‘welcomes’ the judge’s decision to establish a clear roadmap for his return to the UK. Netto described the case as ‘extremely difficult’ and noted that the boy never wanted to take legal action against his parents but felt he had no other choice. The boy’s mother expressed her fears about his safety if he were to return to the UK prematurely, stating that she would be unable to care for him adequately.
Judge Theis outlined a ‘road map’ for the boy’s return, which includes participation in family therapy funded by their local authority. The final decision on his return will be reviewed closer to the completion of his GCSEs.
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Bookstore manager fosters connections through love of reading
In 2024, the inaugural Reading Conference for All held in Xinjiang sparked a transformative realization for Liya, a dedicated bookstore manager. She discovered that literature and reading could serve as powerful tools to foster genuine connections among strangers. Inspired by this insight, Liya began organizing reading salons and diverse events at her bookstore, transforming it into more than just a commercial space. Her bookstore has become a sanctuary where book lovers can engage in meaningful interactions and build authentic relationships. Liya’s efforts highlight the profound impact of literature in creating a sense of community and belonging. Dive into the enchanting world of Liya’s bookstore and experience the magic of literature that brings people together.
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Aaron Ramsey’s family ‘haunted’ by dog’s disappearance
The family of Welsh football star Aaron Ramsey is grappling with the emotional toll of their beloved dog Halo’s disappearance in Mexico. Halo, a 10-year-old beagle, went missing on October 9 from a ranch in the Guanajuato region, near San Miguel de Allende. Despite extensive search efforts, including a $20,000 reward and the use of a dog tracker collar, Halo has not been found. In a heartfelt statement released on Monday, the family expressed their sorrow, stating they are ‘trying to accept that she has most likely passed away.’ They added that the uncertainty surrounding Halo’s fate will ‘continue to haunt’ them, and they cannot simply ‘move on’ from this tragedy. The statement also revealed that the family was unaware of Halo’s disappearance for a week, delaying their search efforts. Ramsey, who recently joined Mexican club Pumas UNAM, has shared numerous photos and videos of Halo on social media, highlighting the deep bond they shared. The footballer’s contract with Pumas UNAM was reportedly terminated by mutual agreement after he played in six games, though the club has yet to confirm this. The Ramsey family’s ordeal has drawn widespread sympathy, underscoring the profound impact pets have on their owners’ lives.
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At least 7 dead after passenger train collides with cargo train in central India
A tragic train collision occurred in central India on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals and leaving several others injured, according to a senior government official. The accident took place near Bilaspur, approximately 116 kilometers from Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh state. Local media broadcasted distressing visuals of the collision, with rescue teams urgently combing through the wreckage for survivors. Senior official Sanjay Agarwal reported that a local passenger train rear-ended a goods train, causing one passenger coach to overturn onto a goods wagon. Rescue operations are underway to extricate at least two passengers believed to be trapped inside the mangled wreckage. “We remain hopeful for their survival, but confirmation can only come once they are safely removed,” Agarwal stated. Around a dozen injured individuals have been transported to nearby hospitals, with one in critical condition. Indian Railways has mobilized all available resources for the rescue mission and initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Chhattisgarh’s highest-elected official, Vishnu Deo Sai, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. Train collisions are a recurring issue in India, where the extensive rail network grapples with aging infrastructure and human error. With over 12 million passengers daily across 64,000 kilometers of track, rail safety remains a pressing concern. Despite governmental efforts to enhance safety measures, hundreds of accidents, some fatal, occur annually, often attributed to outdated signaling systems or human oversight. This incident follows a devastating crash in eastern India in 2023, which claimed over 280 lives, marking one of the country’s deadliest rail disasters.