标签: North America

北美洲

  • India charges Pakistan-based group over deadly Pahalgam attack

    India charges Pakistan-based group over deadly Pahalgam attack

    India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally charged six individuals and a Pakistan-based militant organization in connection with the devastating April attack on tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam resort that claimed 26 lives. The chargesheet, filed Monday, explicitly accuses Pakistan of orchestrating the assault through the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) organization and its proxy faction, The Resistance Front (TRF).

    The April 22nd assault, which predominantly targeted Hindu tourists, ignited four days of intense cross-border hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The subsequent military exchanges involved missile strikes, drone attacks, and artillery fire resulting in approximately 70 casualties on both sides of the Kashmir divide.

    According to the NIA’s investigation, Pakistani handler Sajid Jatt stands charged alongside three other militants identified as Faisal Jatt (alias Suleman Shah), Habeeb Tahir (alias Jibran), and Hamza Afghani. These three operatives were reportedly eliminated by Indian security forces during counter-insurgency operations in Kashmiri woodlands several weeks following the initial attack.

    The agency has additionally charged two local Kashmir residents—Parvaiz Ahmad and Bashir Ahmad Jothatd—who were apprehended in June under allegations of providing sanctuary to the attackers. The comprehensive chargesheet outlines what Indian authorities describe as ‘Pakistan’s conspiracy’ behind the planning, facilitation, and execution of the assault.

    The Himalayan region of Kashmir remains a perpetually disputed territory between India and Pakistan since their 1947 partition from British colonial rule. Both nations claim sovereignty over the entire region, having engaged in two full-scale wars over its control. Since 1989, separatist insurgent groups have waged a persistent campaign seeking either Kashmir’s independence or unification with Pakistan.

  • What we know about Nick Reiner, son arrested in death of director Rob Reiner

    What we know about Nick Reiner, son arrested in death of director Rob Reiner

    In a shocking development that has rattled the entertainment industry, acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his producer wife Michele Singer Reiner were discovered deceased in their Brentwood residence on Sunday. Law enforcement authorities have confirmed their 32-year-old son Nick Reiner has been taken into custody and formally charged with murder in connection with the case.

    The grim discovery was made by the couple’s youngest daughter, Romy, within their exclusive Los Angeles neighborhood known for housing numerous celebrities and luxury properties. While official causes of death remain pending formal release, multiple sources indicate both victims sustained multiple stab wounds during the violent incident.

    Los Angeles Police Department records confirm Nick Reiner remains in custody without bail eligibility following his Sunday night apprehension. Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated their preliminary investigation revealed evidence suggesting the suspect’s responsibility in his parents’ deaths. The case file will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging decisions.

    The tragedy has sparked widespread speculation across social media platforms, including politically charged commentary from former President Donald Trump that has drawn bipartisan criticism. However, law enforcement officials have not disclosed any potential motives for the horrific crime.

    This devastating outcome follows the family’s publicly documented struggles with their son’s substance abuse issues. Ahead of their collaborative 2015 film ‘Being Charlie’—a semi-autobiographical project co-written by father and son depicting drug addiction and recovery—the Reiners openly discussed Nick’s lengthy battle with hard drugs and multiple rehabilitation attempts.

    In previous interviews, both parents expressed regret about sometimes prioritizing professional medical advice over their son’s personal experiences during treatment. Michele Reiner told the Los Angeles Times in 2015: ‘We were significantly influenced by these professionals who frequently characterized him as manipulative. Unfortunately, we believed them rather than our own child.’

    Despite these challenges, the filmmaking collaboration appeared to foster familial reconciliation. Rob Reiner noted their relationship had substantially improved during production, while Nick acknowledged appreciating the joint creative process while simultaneously desiring professional independence.

    Beyond his cinematic legacy including classics like ‘The Princess Bride’ and ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ Reiner actively advocated for early childhood development initiatives. In 1998, he helped establish California’s First Five program funding prenatal and early childhood support through cigarette tax revenues, expressing hope that early investment in children would reduce future societal problems including substance abuse.

    The entertainment industry and beyond mourns the loss of the influential director and his wife, whose professional contributions and personal struggles with parenthood resonated with many families facing similar challenges.

  • Epstein’s UK flights had alleged British abuse victims on board – BBC investigation

    Epstein’s UK flights had alleged British abuse victims on board – BBC investigation

    A groundbreaking BBC investigation has uncovered nearly 90 UK airport arrivals and departures linked to Jeffrey Epstein—significantly more than previously documented—revealing systematic exploitation of British women and raising serious questions about border security failures. The comprehensive analysis of flight logs and court documents shows Epstein’s UK operations spanned from the early 1990s until 2018, with 15 flights occurring after his 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor.

    Three British women identified as alleged trafficking victims appear in Epstein’s flight records and related documents. Shockingly, despite one victim’s testimony being instrumental in convicting Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell in the 2021 U.S. trial, UK authorities have never contacted her. The woman, identified pseudonymously as ‘Kate’ during proceedings, was documented on over 10 Epstein-funded UK flights between 1999 and 2006.

    Legal representatives for hundreds of Epstein victims expressed astonishment at the absence of a comprehensive UK investigation. ‘The UK was one of the centrepieces of Epstein’s operations,’ stated U.S. attorney Sigrid McCawley, criticizing British authorities for failing to examine flight patterns, passenger manifests, and local contacts.

    The investigation reveals Epstein utilized a combination of private jets (over 50 flights primarily through Luton Airport), chartered aircraft, and commercial flights (mainly via Heathrow) to transport alleged victims. Critical security loopholes allowed private aircraft to bypass passenger disclosure requirements until April 2023, enabling unchecked movement of trafficking victims.

    Particularly alarming is Epstein’s continued UK access after his 2008 conviction. Documents indicate he flew Virgin Atlantic to London Heathrow in September 2010, merely two months after completing probation. Immigration experts note that U.S. citizens typically faced no visa requirements for short stays, leaving admission decisions to individual border officers’ discretion.

    The Metropolitan Police, when presented with the BBC’s findings, declined to reopen investigations, stating they had ‘not received any additional evidence that would support reopening the investigation.’ This response drew sharp criticism from victim advocates who argue the message undermines confidence in pursuing powerful perpetrators.

    Human trafficking expert Professor Bridgette Carr emphasized that such operations require extensive networks: ‘It’s never just one bad person. You have to consider the accountants, lawyers, bankers—all those who implicitly or explicitly enabled this to continue.’

    The findings emerge as the Jeffrey Epstein Transparency Act deadline approaches for releasing all U.S. government files on the financier, though many documents including these flight records have already entered the public domain through court proceedings and estate disclosures.

  • Watch: What to know about the growing US military presence in Puerto Rico

    Watch: What to know about the growing US military presence in Puerto Rico

    A significant strategic military enhancement is underway in the Caribbean as the United States substantially increases its defense assets in Puerto Rico. This buildup, analyzed by a retired U.S. vice admiral, involves the deployment of advanced military hardware and personnel to the island territory over recent months.

    The expansion includes sophisticated defense systems, surveillance technology, and logistical support units designed to bolster regional security. Military analysts interpret this move as a strategic response to multifaceted challenges, including transnational criminal operations, potential adversarial activities in the Western Hemisphere, and natural disaster response preparedness.

    Puerto Rico’s geographical position makes it a crucial hub for U.S. Southern Command operations, serving as a strategic vantage point for monitoring maritime routes and airspace. The military official elaborated that this reinforcement enhances rapid response capabilities while strengthening deterrence measures in the region.

    This development occurs amid evolving global security dynamics that have increased the Caribbean’s strategic importance. The infrastructure improvements and personnel deployments represent one of the most substantial military enhancements in the territory in recent decades, signaling a renewed focus on Caribbean security as part of broader national defense strategy.

  • Rob Reiner’s son Nick arrested for murder after director and wife found dead

    Rob Reiner’s son Nick arrested for murder after director and wife found dead

    A tragic incident has shaken the Hollywood community as renowned film director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were discovered deceased in their Los Angeles residence on Sunday. Law enforcement authorities have arrested their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, on suspicion of murder following the gruesome discovery.

    According to official reports from the Los Angeles Police Department, emergency responders were dispatched to the Reiners’ Brentwood home at approximately 3:38 PM local time after receiving a distress call. Upon arrival, medical personnel pronounced both victims dead at the scene. The couple’s 28-year-old daughter, Romy, reportedly discovered her parents with multiple stab wounds, as confirmed by CBS News, the BBC’s US news partner.

    Nick Reiner was taken into custody several hours later at around 9:15 PM Sunday and is currently being held without bail. While investigators have confirmed they are treating the case as a homicide, they have not disclosed any potential motive for the alleged crime. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

    Rob Reiner, 78, enjoyed a distinguished career spanning over five decades, having directed iconic films including “When Harry Met Sally,” “This Is Spinal Tap,” “Stand By Me,” “Misery,” and “A Few Good Men.” The son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, he first gained fame portraying Michael “Meathead” Stivic in the groundbreaking television series “All in the Family” during the 1970s.

    Michele Reiner, 68, was an accomplished actress, photographer, and producer who founded Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company. The couple married in 1989 after meeting during the production of “When Harry Met Sally” and shared three biological children together.

    Court records and previous interviews reveal that Nick Reiner had publicly discussed his struggles with substance abuse and homelessness. These experiences inspired the semi-autobiographical 2015 film “Being Charlie,” which he co-created with his father. The project explored themes of addiction and recovery within privileged environments.

    The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief from Hollywood figures and political acquaintances alike. President Donald Trump generated controversy by referencing the director’s criticism of his administration, attributing the deaths to what he termed “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” This characterization drew immediate condemnation from several Republican figures, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who emphasized that the incident represented a “family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies.”

    Celebrity friends including Sir Elton John, Maria Shriver, John Cusack, and Elijah Wood expressed profound sorrow, describing the couple as devoted parents and beautiful people who deserved better. The Reiners were remembered as passionate advocates for their children despite the challenges they faced.

    Brentwood, the affluent neighborhood where the tragedy occurred, remains under heightened security as media continue to gather outside the family estate. The case continues to develop as investigators work to establish a comprehensive timeline of events leading to the couple’s untimely deaths.

  • Prestige One unveils Hilton Residences Dubai Maritime City in a landmark celebration

    Prestige One unveils Hilton Residences Dubai Maritime City in a landmark celebration

    The United Arab Emirates has become the launchpad for HONOR’s groundbreaking Magic8 Pro, positioning the device as both a photographic marvel and telecommunications pioneer. This flagship smartphone enters the market with the distinctive honor of being the nation’s first commercially available handset equipped with 5.5G connectivity readiness, signaling a significant leap forward in mobile network technology.

    Beyond its advanced connectivity credentials, the Magic8 Pro establishes itself as an industry benchmark for low-light photography. The device incorporates a sophisticated multi-lens camera system engineered to capture exceptional imagery in challenging lighting conditions. Through computational photography advancements and sensor technology innovations, the smartphone demonstrates remarkable performance capabilities where previous devices have traditionally struggled.

    The 5.5G connectivity (also known as 5G-Advanced) represents an evolutionary enhancement over existing 5G networks, promising substantially improved upload and download speeds, reduced latency, and more reliable connections. This network readiness ensures the Magic8 Pro remains future-proofed as telecommunications providers gradually roll out next-generation infrastructure across the region.

    Industry analysts note that HONOR’s strategic launch in the UAE market reflects the country’s position as a key technology adoption hub in the Middle East. The combination of cutting-edge photographic capabilities with advanced network technology creates a compelling proposition for consumers seeking both creative tools and connectivity performance in their mobile devices.

    The introduction of the Magic8 Pro signals intensifying competition in the high-end smartphone segment, with manufacturers increasingly differentiating their products through specialized capabilities rather than generic specifications. HONOR’s focus on night photography excellence and network technology leadership represents a strategic positioning against established market leaders.

  • Canada’s Carney called out for ‘utilizing’ British spelling

    Canada’s Carney called out for ‘utilizing’ British spelling

    A coalition of prominent Canadian linguists and language authorities has formally requested Prime Minister Mark Carney to maintain Canadian English standards in all governmental communications, following the discovery of British spellings in key official documents. The controversy emerged after language specialists identified non-Canadian orthography in recent publications from the Carney administration, including the November fiscal budget and an October press release concerning diplomatic engagements in Washington, DC.

    In a collectively signed open letter dated December 11th and obtained by BBC News, the language professionals emphasized that Canadian English represents a crucial element of national identity that reflects the country’s unique historical and cultural position between American and British influences. The signatories—including four distinguished linguistics professors from Canadian universities and the editor-in-chief of the Canadian English Dictionary—argued that governmental deviation from established Canadian spelling conventions could generate public confusion and diminish linguistic pride.

    Canadian English incorporates distinctive characteristics that set it apart from both American and British variants. While it typically favors the British ‘ou’ construction in words like ‘colour’ rather than the American ‘color’, it consistently employs ‘z’ spellings in words like ‘organize’ and ‘analyze’ instead of the British ‘organise’ and ‘analyse’. The language also features uniquely Canadian terminology including ‘toque’ (a winter hat) and ‘washroom’ (restroom), which differ from both American and British equivalents.

    Professor Stefan Dollinger of the University of British Columbia, one of the letter’s signatories, expressed concern that the Prime Minister’s Office might be reversing decades of linguistic evolution. “Language expresses identity,” Professor Dollinger stated, noting the symbolic importance of maintaining Canada’s distinct linguistic traditions rather than reverting to colonial-era conventions.

    Some observers have speculated that Carney’s extended residence in the United Kingdom—where he served seven years as Governor of the Bank of England—might have influenced his linguistic preferences. Prominent linguist JK Chambers of the University of Toronto, another signatory, remarked via email that while Carney “obviously picked up some pretensions while he was there,” he had at least avoided using extreme British forms like ‘gaol’ for ‘jail’.

    Editors Canada President Kaitlin Littlechild noted that it remains unclear whether the British spellings resulted from a procedural misunderstanding or represented a deliberate stylistic directive. The organization has sought clarification from the Prime Minister’s Office regarding its official language policy moving forward.

  • Brown University shooting: What we know about the victims

    Brown University shooting: What we know about the victims

    The Brown University community is grieving the tragic loss of two exceptional students following a deadly campus shooting in Providence, Rhode Island. Ella Cook, a second-year student and vice-president of the College Republicans, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a first-year scholarship recipient aspiring to become a neurosurgeon, were fatally shot during an attack that also injured nine other students on Saturday.

    Ella Cook, remembered as an accomplished pianist and academically outstanding student, was attending an economics review session when a masked gunman entered her classroom. Martin Bertao, president of the College Republicans of America, described Cook as possessing a “bold, brave and kind heart” in his tribute. The Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama, near Cook’s hometown, held a vigil honoring her as an “incredible grounded, faithful, bright light.” Political figures including Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed their heartbreak over her death.

    Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a gifted scholar who overcame significant health challenges, had aspired to become a neurosurgeon since undergoing brain surgery as a child. His sister revealed to the Washington Post that he took every Advanced Placement class available in high school and worked at a convenience store to purchase a laptop. The American Uzbekistan Association noted that Umurzokov “carried himself with humility and compassion” and had “a future filled with promise.

    The shooting has reignited discussions about gun violence in American educational institutions as the university community gathers for candlelight vigils and memorial services. Both families have received outpouring support from their respective communities and beyond, with tributes highlighting the exceptional promise and character of both young victims.

  • New Year’s Eve terror plot across southern California foiled by FBI

    New Year’s Eve terror plot across southern California foiled by FBI

    Federal law enforcement agencies have successfully disrupted a sophisticated terror plot planned for New Year’s Eve in Southern California, according to official statements released Monday. The FBI, in coordination with Los Angeles Police Department, apprehended four individuals allegedly belonging to the Turtle Island Liberation Front—an offshoot of a pro-Palestinian anti-government organization—while they were en route to test improvised explosive devices in desert areas east of Los Angeles.

    The suspects, identified as Audrey Illeene Carroll (30), Zachary Aaron Page (32), Dante Gaffield (24), and Tina Lai (41), now face multiple federal charges including conspiracy and possession of unregistered destructive devices. Court documents reveal the group had transported precursor chemicals to remote locations with the alleged intention of constructing explosive ordnance.

    Advanced surveillance operations captured the group’s movements, enabling FBI SWAT teams to execute flawless apprehensions without incident. The planned attacks targeted logistical centers operated by two American corporations at midnight on December 31st across the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Additional intelligence suggests the group had discussed subsequent operations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel and vehicles using pipe bombs in early 2025.

    U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi characterized the prevented attack as ‘a massive and horrific terror plot’ orchestrated by far-left extremists. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized that interagency collaboration proved instrumental in averting potential catastrophe: ‘The successful disruption of this plot is a powerful testament to the strength of our unified response.’

    The FBI confirms that while the immediate threat has been neutralized, investigations continue to identify any additional individuals potentially connected to the planning.

  • ‘It’s outrageous’ – JetBlue pilot decries near collision with US military aircraft

    ‘It’s outrageous’ – JetBlue pilot decries near collision with US military aircraft

    A potentially catastrophic aviation incident involving a US Air Force refueling tanker and a JetBlue commercial flight is under formal investigation after the aircraft came dangerously close to colliding near Venezuelan airspace. The event occurred when the passenger jet, en route from Curaçao to New York’s JFK International Airport, was forced to abruptly halt its ascent to avoid the military aircraft.

    According to audio recordings from the cockpit, the JetBlue pilot reported the military aircraft passed directly through their flight path at identical altitude with an estimated separation of just two to five miles. The situation was critically exacerbated by the Air Force tanker’s transponder being deactivated, preventing air traffic control from tracking its position accurately. “We almost had a midair collision up here,” the pilot stated. “They passed directly in our flight path… They don’t have their transponder turned on, it’s outrageous.”

    The incident has prompted responses from multiple agencies. US Southern Command confirmed the near-miss is under review, while JetBlue acknowledged in an official statement that their crew reported the incident to airline leadership and pledged full cooperation with any investigation. An Air Force spokesperson told CBS News that while they are aware of the incident, military aircrews are “highly trained professionals who operate in accordance with established procedures and applicable airspace requirements.”

    This alarming encounter occurs against a backdrop of heightened aviation security concerns. The Federal Aviation Administration issued an official warning last month urging US aircraft to “exercise caution” in Venezuelan airspace due to “worsening security situation and heightened military activity” in the region. The incident raises significant questions about military-civilian airspace coordination and protocol compliance during operations in sensitive geopolitical zones.