In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has initiated the demolition of the White House East Wing, a move that contradicts his earlier assurances to preserve the historic structure. The East Wing, which housed the first lady’s office and ceremonial spaces, is being torn down to make way for a sprawling 90,000-square-foot ballroom, a project that significantly alters the iconic building’s profile. Trump, known for his bold and often controversial decisions, dismissed the East Wing as “never thought of as being much” and described it as “a very small building.” The demolition, expected to be completed by this weekend, marks the largest renovation to the White House in decades. The ballroom, now estimated to cost $300 million—$100 million more than initially projected—will nearly double the size of the White House residence. Trump initially pledged that the East Wing would remain untouched, stating in July that the new construction would “pay total respect to the existing building.” However, further evaluation revealed that demolishing the East Wing was both cheaper and more structurally sound than building an addition. The West Wing and the White House residence remain unaffected by the project. This decision has sparked debate, highlighting Trump’s determination to leave a lasting imprint on the White House, even if it means overriding traditional sensibilities.
分类： world
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Israel’s top court to hear petition demanding foreign media access to Gaza
Israel’s Supreme Court is poised to deliberate on a significant petition filed by the Foreign Press Association (FPA), which advocates for independent media access to Gaza. The hearing, scheduled for Thursday, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for press freedom in the region. Since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, Israeli authorities have imposed stringent restrictions, barring foreign journalists from entering the war-torn territory, except for a select few who are allowed under tightly controlled conditions. The FPA, representing hundreds of international journalists, has been persistently lobbying for unrestricted access to Gaza, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive and unbiased coverage of the conflict. Tania Kraemer, the FPA chairperson, expressed optimism about the court hearing, stating, ‘We are pleased to finally have our day in court and hope the justices will swiftly approve our request to enter Gaza.’ The petition has garnered support from media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which has highlighted the severe implications of Israel’s media blockade. Antoine Bernard, RSF’s director for advocacy and assistance, underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that over 210 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began. ‘The result is an unprecedented violation of press freedom and the public’s right to reliable, independent, and pluralistic media reporting,’ Bernard remarked. He urged the Supreme Court to uphold democratic principles and end the systematic suppression of journalism in Gaza. The hearing comes amid a backdrop of international efforts to broker peace, including a ceasefire declared by Israel on October 10, as part of a broader plan to de-escalate the conflict.
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UN says delivering aid to northern Gaza remains challenging
The United Nations has highlighted the persistent difficulties in delivering humanitarian aid to northern Gaza, even after a ceasefire has been in effect for over ten days. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), while progress has been made in scaling up response efforts in central and southern Gaza, the continued closure of key border crossings—Zikim and Erez—has severely hindered access to the northern region. These crossings are crucial for direct aid delivery, and their closure has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the area. Meanwhile, OCHA reported that more than 425,000 people have moved from southern to northern Gaza since the ceasefire began on October 10. Andrew Saberton, Deputy Executive Director of the UN Population Fund, recently returned from Gaza and noted that some aid, including medical supplies and equipment, has been distributed through the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing. However, he emphasized that the amount of aid entering Gaza remains insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs. On Tuesday, out of ten coordinated humanitarian missions, six were facilitated, allowing the collection of essential items like water tanks, hygiene kits, and fuel. The UN continues to call for greater access and support to address the dire situation in Gaza.
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Global geopark in Tanzania revived with Chinese aid
In a remarkable display of international collaboration, Tanzania’s Ngorongoro-Lengai Global Geopark has been revitalized with the assistance of Chinese expertise, showcasing the transformative power of green development and advanced technology. This project, spearheaded by engineers from the Tianjin Center of the China Geological Survey, marks a significant milestone in the geopark’s journey from near exclusion from the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network to full recognition of its progress. The geopark, Tanzania’s first and only global geopark, has become a symbol of China’s commitment to sustainable development and the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. The reconstruction project involved a meticulous geoheritage survey of the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, a task that required Chinese and Tanzanian teams to undertake a grueling seven-hour climb to the crater. The survey, conducted under the cover of darkness to capture the molten lava’s golden hue before it turned gray in daylight, provided crucial data for planning sightseeing and scientific expedition routes. This endeavor not only highlights the technical prowess of Chinese engineers but also underscores the potential of international partnerships in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
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British royals visit Vatican in historic step for churches and welcome respite from Epstein scandal
In a landmark event aimed at strengthening ties between the Church of England and the Catholic Church, Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at the Vatican on Thursday. The visit, which comes amid ongoing turmoil within the British royal family over the Epstein sex scandal, marked a significant moment in the centuries-long relationship between the two Christian denominations. The royal couple was greeted in a nearly empty St. Peter’s Square, secured by heightened security measures, before meeting with Pope Leo XIV for their first audience since his election in May. The highlight of the visit was a midday prayer service in the Sistine Chapel, the first joint prayer by the heads of the two churches since the Reformation. This historic gesture underscores ongoing efforts toward unity, despite lingering divisions over issues such as the ordination of female priests and LGBTQ+ inclusion. During the visit, Charles was formally bestowed the title of ‘Royal Confrater’ at St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, a basilica with strong ties to the Church of England. In a reciprocal gesture, Pope Leo XIV received the title of ‘Papal Confrater of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.’ The visit, initially planned for earlier this year, was rescheduled following the illness and subsequent passing of Pope Francis. Charles had expressed a strong desire to visit the Vatican during the 2025 Holy Year, a significant Christian celebration held every 25 years. The Anglican-Catholic split dates back to 1534, when King Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church after being denied a marriage annulment. While recent popes have worked to foster warmer relations with the Anglican Communion, fundamental differences remain. The royal visit coincides with renewed scrutiny of Prince Andrew’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the publication of a memoir by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre. Prince Andrew, who has denied the allegations, faces growing pressure to relinquish his titles and privileges. The Vatican visit offers a spiritual respite for the royals, highlighting the enduring significance of faith and diplomacy in bridging historical divides.
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Watch: Millions of red crabs begin annual migration on Christmas Island
Every summer, the remote Christmas Island, located off the coast of mainland Australia, becomes the stage for one of nature’s most extraordinary phenomena: the annual migration of millions of red crabs. This year, an estimated 50 million crabs have begun their journey from the island’s lush forests to the shoreline, where they will lay their eggs. The migration, a critical part of the crabs’ life cycle, transforms the island into a vibrant sea of red as the crustaceans scuttle across roads, trails, and even human-made structures. Local authorities have implemented measures to protect the crabs, including road closures and specially constructed crab bridges, ensuring their safe passage. This natural spectacle not only highlights the island’s unique biodiversity but also draws tourists and researchers from around the globe, eager to witness this awe-inspiring event. The migration typically lasts several weeks, culminating in the release of crab larvae into the ocean, where they will begin their own journey of survival and growth.
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Ten dead in blast at Russian munitions plant in Urals – reports
A catastrophic explosion rocked the Plastmass military plant in Kopeisk, near Chelyabinsk in Russia’s Urals region, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and 18 injuries, according to reports. The facility, which manufactures ammunition and weapons for the military, was engulfed in flames following the blast, with witnesses recounting scenes of explosions and a massive fireball. CCTV footage captured the harrowing moment of the incident, which has sent shockwaves through the local community. Regional Governor Alexei Teksler confirmed the death toll but did not identify the specific factory involved. He emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting the explosion was caused by a drone attack. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the blast, but a criminal investigation has been launched. A day of mourning has been declared in the region, and Teksler confirmed that the fire at the Kopeisk plant has been extinguished. The incident underscores the ongoing risks associated with military production facilities and raises questions about safety protocols in such high-risk environments.
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People use garden tools to protect millions of migrating red crabs on Christmas Island
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The annual migration of tens of millions of red crabs has commenced on Christmas Island, a remote Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. This natural phenomenon, triggered by the onset of the Southern Hemisphere summer rains, sees up to 100 million Gecarcoidea natalis crabs journey from their forest burrows to the shoreline for breeding. The event, which began last weekend, involves a slow, methodical march of crabs across roads and gardens, creating a vivid red carpet that captivates both locals and visitors. The island’s 1,200 human residents play a crucial role in facilitating this migration. Many use leaf blowers and garden rakes to clear paths for the crabs, ensuring their safe passage to the ocean. Alexia Jankowski, acting manager of Christmas Island National Park, emphasized the unique privilege of witnessing this event. ‘Some people might think they’re a nuisance, but most of us think they’re a bit of a privilege to experience,’ she said. The crabs’ journey is indiscriminate, often leading them into homes and driveways, where residents must carefully navigate to avoid harming them. On the shores, male crabs excavate burrows where females lay and incubate eggs. The females are expected to release their spawn into the ocean at high tide on November 14 or 15, during the last quarter of the moon. The young crabs spend a month as larvae in the ocean before returning to Christmas Island as small crabs. Jankowski noted the challenges of protecting these tiny crabs, stating, ‘When they’re little babies only about half the size of your fingernail, we can’t rake them, because you’d crush them. So instead we use leaf blowers.’ This annual event not only highlights the island’s unique biodiversity but also underscores the delicate balance between human activity and natural processes.
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Forty migrants, including infants, die as boat sinks off Tunisia
In a harrowing maritime incident off the coast of Tunisia, at least 40 migrants, including children, lost their lives when their boat sank near the port of Mahdia. Authorities confirmed that the vessel was carrying approximately 70 individuals, all of whom hailed from sub-Saharan Africa. This tragedy marks one of the deadliest migrant disasters in the Mediterranean this year. About 30 survivors were rescued, while an investigation has been launched to determine the causes of the sinking. The incident underscores the perilous journey faced by migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa in search of better opportunities in Europe. According to UN data, over 210,000 people attempted to cross the Central Mediterranean in 2023, with more than 60,000 intercepted and nearly 2,000 perishing at sea. Tunisia, a key transit country, faces mounting pressure to manage migration flows. The EU recently signed a $118 million deal with Tunisia to combat irregular migration, focusing on curbing smuggling, strengthening borders, and facilitating migrant returns. This disaster follows a similar tragedy in February, when a boat carrying over 40 Sudanese migrants sank off Sfax. The Mediterranean route remains one of the world’s most dangerous migration paths, with countless lives lost annually.
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Blackouts hit Russia’s Belgorod as Ukrainian drone attacks surge
The Belgorod region in Russia has become a focal point of escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, as residents report increasingly frequent drone strikes, blackouts, and air-raid sirens. According to local accounts, the sound of gunfire aimed at incoming Ukrainian drones has become a daily occurrence, with Kyiv retaliating against Russian bombardments of its cities. Nina, a Belgorod resident, described the terrifying experience of hearing sirens and explosions while trying to seek shelter. Data from local authorities analyzed by BBC News Russian reveals a nearly fourfold increase in Ukrainian drone attacks on the region since the start of 2025, with over 4,000 drones recorded in September alone. The strikes have targeted key infrastructure, including power plants and substations, leaving thousands without electricity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has framed these attacks as a direct response to Russia’s ongoing assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Belgorod, a critical logistics hub for Russian forces near the Ukrainian border, has seen its once-unaffected city center now grappling with frequent power outages and fuel shortages. Residents like Ekaterina recount the sudden onset of missile alerts and the ensuing chaos of explosions and darkness. The region’s authorities admit to being overwhelmed, urging residents to purchase backup generators amid a fuel crisis exacerbated by Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. The introduction of Ukraine’s lightweight ‘Darts’ drones and heavier weapons like Himars rockets has intensified the strikes, overloading Russian air defense systems. For Belgorod residents, the war is no longer a distant conflict but a daily reality, marked by anxiety and uncertainty. As the conflict continues, many, like Yakov, fear that Russia is racing toward an inevitable collapse.