Major League Baseball (MLB) is experiencing its most-watched postseason in the United States since 2017, with viewership through the League Championship Series (LCS) averaging 4.48 million, marking a 13% increase from last year. This surge is largely attributed to the first two rounds of the playoffs, particularly the American League Championship Series (ALCS), which averaged 4.99 million viewers across seven games on Fox, Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes, and streaming platforms. This figure matches last year’s ALCS viewership on TNT Sports, where the New York Yankees triumphed over the Cleveland Guardians in five games. Fox and TNT Sports alternate broadcasting rights for the leagues each season. TNT Sports faced a setback due to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ four-game sweep over the Milwaukee Brewers, with Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable three-homer game and 10-strikeout performance in Game 4 drawing an average of 3.51 million viewers on a Friday night. The series averaged 4.7 million viewers, a 17% decline from last year’s six-game series between the New York Mets and Dodgers on Fox. The Toronto Blue Jays’ thrilling 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the ALCS averaged 9.03 million viewers, peaking at 12.35 million during the ninth inning, making it the most-watched ALCS game in eight years. Internationally, MLB has seen significant growth, particularly in Canada and Japan. Toronto’s victory, which secured their first World Series appearance since 1993, averaged 6 million viewers in Canada, becoming the most-watched Blue Jays game on Sportsnet. In Japan, Ohtani’s standout performance in Game 4 averaged 10.26 million viewers, the second most-watched LCS game in the country’s history. The NLCS also set a record in Japan with 7.34 million viewers, a 26% increase from last year, as fans continue to follow stars like Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki in record numbers.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Over 145 successful robotic surgeries performed at Dubai Hospital in 3 years
Dubai Hospital has marked a significant achievement in healthcare innovation, having successfully performed over 145 robotic surgeries since the launch of its robotic surgery programme in late 2022. This milestone underscores the hospital’s commitment to integrating advanced medical technologies to enhance patient care and outcomes. Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, emphasized that this progress aligns with the organization’s vision to ‘Advance Health for Humanity’ and reflects its ongoing digital transformation efforts. The robotic surgeries have demonstrated remarkable clinical results, including a reduction in hospital stays from two weeks to less than three days, and a significant decrease in blood loss, complications, and pain. Dr. Yaser AlSaeedi, Head of Urology and Director of the Robotic Surgery programme, highlighted the precision and safety benefits of these procedures, which span multiple specialties such as urology, general surgery, and gynaecology. The minimally invasive approach, utilizing 3D visualization and robotic arms, allows surgeons to perform complex operations with greater accuracy and control. Dubai Health also prioritizes training medical staff in robotic surgical systems, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice to ensure safe and effective implementation. This initiative solidifies Dubai’s position as a leader in quality healthcare and sets a benchmark for the future of medical innovation.
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American guard Rejean Ellis to join Dubai Basketball
Dubai Basketball has secured a significant addition to their roster with the signing of American guard Rejean Ellis. The 24-year-old, known for his explosive playing style and scoring prowess, will join the team for the remainder of the 2025/26 season, with his contract extending through 2027. Ellis, who began the season with ALBA Berlin in Germany, has a strong background in collegiate basketball at Memphis and USC, as well as experience in the NBA G League, where he established himself as a reliable scorer and versatile backcourt player.
Ellis’s ability to create his own shot and consistently deliver double-digit scores in international competitions has made him a valuable asset. General Manager Dejan Kamenjašević expressed enthusiasm about the signing, stating, ‘Boogie fits perfectly with our vision—young, hungry, competitive, and already tested at a high level. He brings immediate impact, creativity, and pace to our backcourt, especially during challenging moments when injuries sideline key players.’
Kamenjašević also highlighted Ellis’s potential to grow and elevate the team’s identity in European basketball. Ellis himself is eager to contribute, saying, ‘Dubai is building something exciting on a global stage, and I want to be part of that journey. I’m ready to give everything for this team and connect with the fans from day one.’
Dubai Basketball is set to face Partizan Belgrade in the ABA League on November 3 at the Coca-Cola Arena, following a successful EuroLeague debut. This match will be a crucial test for the team as they continue to establish themselves on the international basketball scene.
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Democratic senators urge Trump to oppose West Bank annexation
In a significant move, 44 out of 45 Democratic senators in the US Senate have penned a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to reaffirm his opposition to Israel’s potential annexation of the occupied West Bank. The letter, reported by Axios on Tuesday, highlights concerns over the impact such actions could have on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional stability. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, known for his staunch support of the current Israeli government, was the sole Democrat who did not sign the letter. The senators emphasized that annexation or settlement expansion would undermine the viability of a negotiated resolution to the conflict and jeopardize the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations in 2020. The letter was spearheaded by California Senator Adam Schiff, who has faced criticism for his unconditional support of Israel. A recent Reuters-Ipsos poll revealed that 80% of Democratic voters support the recognition of a Palestinian state, with 41% of Republicans sharing the same view. Trump had previously assured Muslim leaders that he would not allow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex the West Bank, a condition believed to have been part of his 20-point plan for Gaza. However, much of the West Bank is already de facto annexed, with US officials either condoning or ignoring the situation. Meanwhile, the Knesset advanced a bill to extend Israeli law to the entire West Bank, a move that could lead to formal annexation. The bill, which passed with a narrow majority, requires three more rounds of voting before becoming law. A senior Emirati official warned that the Abraham Accords would be at risk if Israel proceeds with annexation, calling it a ‘red line’ for the United Arab Emirates. Anwar Gargash, a top adviser to Emirati ruler Mohammed bin Zayed, stressed the need to address the Palestinian issue with a more balanced approach, rejecting maximalist views that hinder progress.
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Gen Z rising? Why young Indians aren’t taking to the streets
India’s Generation Z, comprising over 370 million individuals under 25, represents nearly a quarter of the nation’s population. Armed with smartphones and social media, they are hyper-connected and acutely aware of political corruption, inequality, and economic pressures. However, their activism remains subdued compared to their peers in Asia and Africa, where youth-led movements have toppled governments and forced significant political changes. In Nepal, young protesters dismantled a government in just 48 hours, while in Madagascar and Bangladesh, youth uprisings led to regime changes. In India, despite sporadic protests—such as those in Ladakh demanding statehood—a unified national movement remains elusive. The fear of being labeled ‘anti-national,’ regional and caste divides, and economic anxieties deter widespread mobilization. Experts argue that India’s Gen Z is too fragmented by linguistic, regional, and caste identities to coalesce into a singular force. While urban youth rally for job opportunities and infrastructure, Dalit youth focus on caste discrimination, and Tamil-speaking youth advocate for regional rights. The government, recognizing the potential of this demographic, claims to prioritize youth policies. Yet, economic pressures and waning trust in traditional politics persist. Only 38% of 18-year-olds registered to vote in the 2024 elections, reflecting a broader disengagement. Despite their muted dissent, India’s Gen Z remains watchful, their aspirations for change unmistakably clear.
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Top UAE adviser reaffirms commitment to Palestinian state, says any annexation would be ‘red line’
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reiterated its unwavering support for a two-state solution, emphasizing it as the sole pathway to enduring peace in the region. Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE’s president, delivered this message during the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit in Abu Dhabi. He declared that any annexation of Palestinian territories would constitute a ‘red line’ for the UAE, underscoring the nation’s firm stance on the issue. Gargash warned that a return to confrontation would only exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians and fail to secure lasting safety for Israel. He also highlighted the UAE’s significant humanitarian efforts in Gaza, including $2.57 billion in aid over the past two years, which accounts for nearly 46% of all assistance reaching the region. This aid has included 100,000 tons of food and medical supplies, as well as water infrastructure benefiting a million people. Gargash credited the UAE’s relationship with Israel, established through the Abraham Accords, as a critical enabler of these humanitarian initiatives. He noted that without this diplomatic connection, the UAE would not have been able to facilitate the relocation of 3,000 Palestinians and their families to the UAE. UAE Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh also emphasized the Accords as a strategic move to promote peace, coexistence, and tolerance among the region’s youth. Gargash further expressed the UAE’s readiness to play a key role in rebuilding Gaza, contingent on political clarity and a clear path toward Palestinian statehood. However, Emirati businessman Mohamed Alabbar distanced himself from reconstruction efforts, stating that those responsible for the destruction should bear the responsibility for rebuilding.
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Max Verstappen to turn the screw as Ferrari milestone looms
As the Formula One season intensifies, Max Verstappen of Red Bull is poised to extend his dominance, particularly at the Mexican Grand Prix, where he has previously clinched victory five times. Verstappen’s remarkable resurgence, from trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 104 points in August to narrowing the gap to just 40, underscores his relentless pursuit of a fourth win in the last five grands prix. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s struggles persist, with the team approaching a full year without a victory in Mexico. Their last triumph came in October last year, courtesy of Carlos Sainz, who has since moved to Williams and faces a grid penalty this weekend. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, has yet to secure a podium finish in 19 starts this season, while teammate Charles Leclerc has managed six podiums but only one second-place finish in Monaco. McLaren’s Andrea Stella acknowledges Verstappen and Red Bull as the most formidable combination currently, though he remains optimistic about McLaren’s prospects in Brazil, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. With Piastri’s lead over Lando Norris dwindling to 14 points, the battle for supremacy within McLaren intensifies. Mercedes’ George Russell, trailing by 94 points, is effectively out of contention, leaving McLaren and Red Bull to vie for the title. However, Ferrari and Russell could still influence the championship by siphoning crucial points. Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies emphasizes the unpredictability of the remaining races, where track conditions and team performance will be decisive. Additionally, Yuki Tsunoda’s recent improvement adds another layer of intrigue, as Red Bull evaluates his future. The team standings remain fiercely contested, with Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull locked in a tight race for second place, while Williams, Sauber, Aston Martin, and Racing Bulls battle for sixth.
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Does joy feel out of reach? There’s a word for that
Anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure, is a symptom often associated with mental health disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD. While it is not a standalone diagnosis, its impact on individuals can be profound, affecting mood, motivation, and overall quality of life. Dr. Judith F. Joseph, a clinical assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, emphasizes that anhedonia is an existential crisis, often overlooked because it doesn’t present as an immediate emergency. For Michela, a 49-year-old woman living with major depressive disorder, anhedonia has made even simple celebrations feel like insurmountable tasks. She describes feeling numb and devoid of energy, a sentiment echoed by many who experience this condition. Anhedonia can manifest in various ways, from reduced enjoyment of once-loved activities to complete emotional detachment. It can also lead to withdrawal from social interactions and exacerbate feelings of emptiness. Research suggests that anhedonia may be linked to disruptions in neurotransmitter activity, particularly dopamine, which plays a key role in motivation and reward. Chronic stressors, genetic factors, and even certain medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can contribute to its development. While there is no FDA-approved treatment specifically for anhedonia, addressing underlying conditions like depression can help alleviate symptoms. Behavioral activation therapy, which encourages individuals to engage in meaningful activities, has shown promise in rekindling joy and motivation. Experts urge those experiencing anhedonia to seek professional help, emphasizing that joy is not a luxury but a fundamental aspect of well-being.
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UAE calls for ceasefire in Sudan, says ready to bring aid into the country
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a strong call for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, emphasizing the need for a civilian-led transition to secure the nation’s future. Speaking at the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit in Abu Dhabi, Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE’s president, outlined the country’s stance on the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Gargash highlighted the UAE’s commitment to scaling up humanitarian support and its opposition to a military junta ruling Sudan. He acknowledged that the UAE’s position has drawn criticism, particularly from factions favoring military control. Gargash referenced the quartet statement, a significant diplomatic agreement in which the UAE played a pivotal role, as a testament to its dedication to peace and stability in Sudan. Despite facing obstacles in delivering humanitarian aid due to restrictive conditions in Sudan, the UAE expressed readiness to intensify its efforts once granted access. The UAE has a long history of engagement in Sudan, including supporting economic development and aiding the country’s transition during the civilian period. Gargash’s remarks underscored the UAE’s proactive role in addressing global crises and its unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable peace and development in conflict-ridden regions.
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North Korea says latest missile tests demonstrate new hypersonic systems
North Korea announced on Thursday that it had successfully tested new hypersonic missile systems, aimed at enhancing its nuclear deterrent capabilities. The tests, conducted under the supervision of leader Kim Jong Un, are part of an ongoing effort to develop advanced weapons capable of penetrating South Korea’s missile defenses. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the launches involved two hypersonic projectiles that precisely struck a land target in the country’s northern region. The agency described the system as ‘strategic,’ suggesting its potential for nuclear armament. The tests occurred just days before global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, are set to convene in South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings. This timing has led analysts to speculate that North Korea may be seeking to assert its military prowess on the international stage. The latest tests follow a massive military parade in Pyongyang earlier this month, where Kim showcased new weaponry, including a short-range ballistic missile system equipped with hypersonic glide vehicles. Experts have noted that hypersonic weapons, which travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, are designed to evade missile defense systems. However, questions remain about the consistency of their performance in real-world scenarios. Pak Jong Chon, a senior military official, praised the ‘new cutting-edge weapon system’ and emphasized North Korea’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities. The tests also come amid stalled diplomatic efforts between North Korea and the United States, with Kim demanding the lifting of economic sanctions as a precondition for talks. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who took office in June, has called for dialogue to restore peace on the Korean Peninsula, but Kim has so far rejected these overtures. Analysts suggest that North Korea’s recent missile tests may be a strategic move to reinforce its position as a nuclear power ahead of key international gatherings.