A shocking incident aboard a Chicago public train has reignited debates over crime policies and mental health systems in the United States. Lawrence Reed, a 50-year-old man with a lengthy criminal history, allegedly doused 26-year-old Bethany MaGee with gasoline and set her on fire on November 17. MaGee survived the attack but is now in critical condition with severe burns. Reed, who has 72 prior arrests and a history of mental illness, pleaded guilty in court, potentially facing a life sentence for charges including committing a terrorist attack. The White House has criticized Democratic leadership in Illinois and Chicago, attributing the incident to their ‘soft’ crime policies, particularly the elimination of cash bail. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has previously advocated for redirecting police funds to other public services, called the attack a ‘tragic incident’ and a failure of both the criminal justice and mental health systems. The case has drawn national attention, highlighting the intersection of crime, mental health, and political policy.
标签： North America
北美洲
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NYC ‘diva’ food influencer arrested for skipping out on restaurant bills
A 35-year-old woman, Pei Chung, has been arrested in New York City for allegedly dining at multiple high-end restaurants and refusing to pay for her meals. Known as the ‘dine-and-dash diva,’ Chung has been banned from at least seven restaurants since late October, according to police records. Her modus operandi involves arriving at restaurants dressed in expensive attire, equipped with high-resolution cameras and lighting gear, and then allegedly leaving without settling her bills. As of Tuesday, Chung is being held on $4,500 bail at Rikers Island jail, with a court appearance scheduled for this week. She faces multiple charges of misdemeanor theft of services. Restaurant staff have documented her unusual behavior on social media and in local news stories. For instance, at Peter Luger Steak House, she reportedly offered items from her handbag, including a pair of scissors, as payment and later posted a glowing review of the meal online. Other restaurateurs have accused her of offering to review their food or post photos on her social media account as payment, while some claim she simply walked out without paying. Chung, who has 26,000 followers on Instagram, did not respond to a message from the BBC. Her case has sparked discussions about the role of influencers in fine dining and restaurant policies regarding their presence. Tom Rowse, founder of Hole In The Wall, one of the affected restaurants, noted that Chung’s actions brought more exposure than coordinated influencer campaigns, even after they took back their food.
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Kuliang forum highlights China-US ties
The 2025 Kuliang Forum, held in New York, brought together descendants of American families who once lived in Kuliang, Fujian province, to celebrate and strengthen the enduring bonds between China and the United States. Organized by People’s Daily Digital Communication, the event, themed ‘Echoes of History — Peaceful Development through Mutual Success for Better Lives,’ highlighted the historical and cultural connections that continue to inspire bilateral relations. The forum traced the legacy of Kuliang, a summer retreat for Americans in the early 20th century, and expanded its narrative to include the Flying Tigers, cultural exchanges, and modern-day collaborations. Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng emphasized the importance of shared friendship, stating, ‘The bonds that have transcended time and space continue to inspire us till this day.’ He praised the ‘Friends of Kuliang,’ a group of descendants who have revisited their ancestral ties to the region, as a testament to the enduring spirit of cross-cultural understanding. Yu Shaoliang, President of People’s Daily, underscored the forum’s mission to promote China-US friendship and constructive interaction, particularly among younger generations. Personal stories, such as those of Gordon Trimble and Priscilla Brewster Gill, illustrated the deep emotional and familial connections to Kuliang. Trimble, a ‘Kuliang Friend’ and educator, highlighted the role of Kuliang in fostering global citizenship, while Gill shared her lifelong affection for the place she calls home. The forum concluded with a call for continued cooperation and mutual respect, emphasizing that the shared history of Kuliang serves as a foundation for future collaboration between the two nations.
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China as a model: Sachs says Africa can achieve 8-10% growth
Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs has proposed that African nations could significantly boost their economic growth rates to between 8 and 10 percent annually over the next four decades. This ambitious target, which would double the current growth pace, hinges on the adoption of strategies that have been instrumental in China’s remarkable economic ascent. Sachs emphasized that by emulating China’s development blueprint, African countries could unlock unprecedented economic potential and drive sustainable progress. The insights were shared during a recent discussion, highlighting the transformative impact of strategic economic policies and international cooperation. Sachs’ vision underscores the importance of leveraging proven models to foster long-term growth and development in Africa.
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Trump defends Witkoff after leak appears to show envoy coaching Russia
US President Donald Trump has publicly supported his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, describing his actions as ‘standard’ in the realm of diplomatic negotiations. This defense comes in the wake of a leaked audio recording that purportedly captures Witkoff advising a Russian official on strategies to appeal to Trump. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized that Witkoff was merely performing the duties expected of a dealmaker, aiming to ‘sell’ a peace plan to both Russia and Ukraine. The leaked conversation, which Bloomberg shared as a transcript, reportedly occurred on October 14 and involved Witkoff and Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the recording, Witkoff is said to have suggested ways to facilitate a call between Trump and Putin, including congratulating Trump on his achievements and expressing respect for his peacemaking efforts. The leaked audio has sparked controversy, particularly as it follows the release of a 28-point draft peace plan that many critics argue favors Russian interests. Despite the backlash, diplomatic talks have continued, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing readiness to meet Trump to address unresolved issues. Meanwhile, Witkoff is scheduled to visit Moscow next week, as per a preliminary agreement. The leak has also drawn ire from Russian officials, with Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev accusing the media of spreading ‘fake narratives’ to undermine relations. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on whether the revised peace plan can bridge the gap between the conflicting parties and bring an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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‘This is the first year I can’t find a holiday job’
The holiday job market in the United States is facing unprecedented challenges, with seasonal hiring expected to drop to its lowest level since the aftermath of the 2008 recession. According to the National Retail Federation, retailers are projected to hire between 265,000 and 365,000 seasonal workers this year, a significant decline from 442,000 in the previous year. This pullback reflects a cautious approach among businesses grappling with tariffs, inflation, and consumer uncertainty. Nicholas Strahl, a 41-year-old part-time retail sales associate in Indiana, exemplifies the struggles of job seekers. Despite applying to multiple retailers since October, he has yet to secure a seasonal position. ‘I’ve never seen the job market like this—it’s pretty crazy,’ he remarked. The labor market is described as ‘frozen with frostbite’ by Allison Shrivastava, an economist at the Indeed Hiring Lab, as a larger pool of job seekers competes for fewer opportunities. Retail job openings in October were down 22% compared to last year, according to Revelio Labs. Major retailers like Target and Walmart have remained tight-lipped about their seasonal hiring plans, a departure from previous years. Meanwhile, smaller businesses, such as Hobby Works in Maryland, are scaling back hiring due to economic pressures and the recent government shutdown. For many Americans, the lack of seasonal work means cutting back on holiday spending and delaying essential expenses, further highlighting the economic strain faced by households across the country.
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Foreign tourists to pay extra fee to visit US national parks
The Trump administration announced on Tuesday that foreign tourists visiting iconic US national parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite will face additional fees starting in 2026. The Department of the Interior revealed that international visitors will be required to pay an extra $100 (£76) on top of existing entrance fees to access 11 of the most popular parks. Additionally, non-residents will need to pay over $250 for an annual pass, while US citizens and permanent residents will maintain their current fee of $80. The fee increase is part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to prioritize American families by making national parks more accessible and affordable for US taxpayers. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized that these measures ensure US citizens continue to enjoy affordable access while international visitors contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the parks for future generations. The new fees will coincide with the launch of an upgraded online booking system and improved access for motorcyclists. The department also announced eight ‘patriotic fee-free’ days in 2026 exclusively for residents, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran’s Day. This decision follows an executive order signed by Trump in July to raise entrance fees for overseas visitors, with the additional revenue earmarked for conservation and maintenance efforts. Despite these changes, the administration has proposed significant cuts to the National Park Service budget. US national parks have experienced record-breaking visitor numbers in recent years, with over 331 million visitors in 2024, marking an increase of at least 6 million from the previous year. Among the most visited parks are Florida’s Everglades, California’s Yosemite, and Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
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Binance accused of aiding terrorists in new lawsuit
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, and its billionaire founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) are embroiled in a high-profile lawsuit in the United States. The legal action, filed by victims of the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel and their families, accuses Binance of facilitating the transfer of over $1 billion to US-designated terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah. The lawsuit alleges that Binance knowingly allowed these transactions, including $50 million sent after the attacks, and maintained lax monitoring of inbound funds, enabling illicit activities on its platform. The complaint further claims that Binance intentionally structured itself as a haven for criminal activity, with no significant changes to its core business model despite previous legal settlements. This lawsuit reignites scrutiny of Binance’s practices, coming just weeks after former President Donald Trump pardoned Zhao, who had pleaded guilty to money laundering charges in 2023. Binance has denied the allegations, stating it complies with international sanctions laws and has improved its compliance systems. The plaintiffs are seeking financial damages through a jury trial. The case has sparked controversy over Trump’s pardon, with critics arguing it sends a dangerous message to cryptocurrency executives and white-collar criminals.
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UAE-India flights impacted as Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupts with 14-km ash plumes
The eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano has caused significant disruptions to air travel between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India. On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the volcano unleashed massive ash plumes reaching up to 14 kilometers into the atmosphere, creating hazardous conditions for aircraft. The ash clouds have forced airlines to cancel or reroute flights, particularly those operating on the busy UAE-India corridor, a critical route for both business and leisure travelers. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, as volcanic ash poses severe risks to aviation, including engine damage and reduced visibility. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates and prepare for potential delays. This eruption highlights the vulnerability of global air travel to natural disasters and underscores the need for robust contingency planning in the aviation industry.
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UAE banks set for stable 2026 amid geopolitical, oil-price risks
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) banks are entering 2026 with stable credit fundamentals, robust capital buffers, and resilient profitability, according to a recent assessment by S&P Global Ratings. The agency highlights that 90% of bank ratings in the region carry a stable outlook, reflecting the Gulf’s solid economic foundation and conservative banking frameworks. However, geopolitical tensions and oil-price volatility remain significant risks. S&P analysts Mohamed Damak and Tatjana Lescova emphasize that the sector’s stability hinges on its ability to navigate these external challenges effectively. The agency’s base case assumes no major geopolitical disruptions or prolonged oil-price declines, but warns of potential downside scenarios, including regional conflicts or a sharp drop in oil prices due to global economic slowdowns. External funding needs are rising across the Gulf, with Bahrain and Qatar holding the highest levels of external debt. Saudi banks are expected to continue accessing international debt markets to support Vision 2030 projects. Despite these pressures, the region benefits from strong capital inflows, driven by high oil revenues and diversification efforts. S&P’s average long-term rating for GCC banks is A-, slightly higher than last year, reflecting improved operating conditions and government support. UAE banks, in particular, are expected to thrive due to rapid non-oil economic expansion, population growth, and robust credit demand. The UAE’s digital transformation has also enhanced retail lending efficiency. Economic activity across the Gulf is projected to strengthen, with Brent crude prices stabilizing at around $60 per barrel in 2026 and average real GDP growth estimated at 3.1%. The UAE is expected to outperform this average, supported by growth in tourism, real estate, trade, and technology. Asset quality has improved significantly, with non-performing loan ratios falling to 2.7% and loan-loss provision coverage rising to 155.6%. However, S&P cautions about latent risks, including untested credit exposures and potential defaults in Türkiye. Capitalization remains a key strength, with GCC banks reporting an average Tier-1 capital ratio of 17%. While hybrid instruments have increased, particularly in Saudi Arabia, the overall quality of capital remains solid. S&P concludes that UAE banks are well-capitalized and profitable but must remain vigilant to navigate potential turbulence.