Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died at the age of 111, as announced by Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols on Monday. Fletcher was just seven years old when a white mob attacked Greenwood, a prosperous Black neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in May 1921. The massacre, one of the deadliest episodes of racial violence in U.S. history, claimed an estimated 300 lives and left Greenwood, often referred to as Black Wall Street, in ruins. Over 1,200 homes, businesses, and churches were destroyed, and no one was ever held accountable for the atrocities. Fletcher spent her later years advocating for official recognition of the massacre and reparations for its survivors and descendants. Despite her efforts, a lawsuit filed by Fletcher and other survivors was dismissed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 2024. However, Tulsa recently announced a $105 million reparations package to address the massacre’s enduring impact. Fletcher’s life was marked by resilience and advocacy. In 2021, she testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee, recounting the horrors she witnessed and emphasizing that the massacre’s legacy remained with her every day. Mayor Nichols, Tulsa’s first Black mayor, praised Fletcher’s lifelong commitment to justice, describing her as a beacon of hope and purpose. The last known survivor of the massacre, Lessie Benningfield Randle, is now 111 years old. The Tulsa Race Massacre, sparked by false accusations against a Black teenager, Dick Rowland, remains a stark reminder of systemic racism and its devastating consequences in American history.
标签： North America
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‘We’re in a pivotal place’ – Tennessee voters on Trump’s performance
As the final congressional election of the year unfolds in Tennessee’s 7th District, all eyes are on the political landscape shaped by former President Donald Trump’s significant influence. Trump secured a commanding 22% victory in this district during the 2024 election, cementing its status as a stronghold for his supporters. Voters in the area describe this moment as ‘pivotal,’ reflecting on Trump’s performance and its implications for the future of the Republican Party. The outcome of this election could serve as a barometer for Trump’s enduring political clout and the direction of conservative politics in the region. Analysts are closely monitoring voter turnout and sentiment, as the results may offer insights into broader national trends ahead of the next presidential cycle.
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UAE: Man awarded Dh15,000 as compensation for moral damages after car theft
In a landmark ruling, the Al Ain Civil, Commercial, and Administrative Court has ordered a man to pay Dh15,000 in compensation to a car owner for moral damages resulting from the theft of the vehicle. The verdict, issued on November 24, 2025, follows the defendant’s prior criminal conviction by the Al Ain Public Prosecution, which was upheld in an appeal and became final after no further challenges were lodged with the Court of Cassation. The plaintiff initiated a civil lawsuit after the theft, seeking redress for both material and emotional harm. The court, referencing Article 88 of the UAE Evidence Law, affirmed that the criminal judgment held binding authority over the civil proceedings, thereby establishing the defendant’s liability. Additionally, the court invoked Article 282 of the UAE Civil Transactions Law, which mandates compensation for wrongful acts. The judge determined that the Dh15,000 award would adequately cover the plaintiff’s material losses and emotional distress. The defendant was also ordered to bear the court fees and legal costs. This case underscores the UAE judiciary’s commitment to ensuring justice and accountability in civil matters following criminal convictions.
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Two outstanding students named 2025 UAE Rhodes Scholars, set to study at Oxford
Two exceptional Emirati students, Amal Musa Ali Alrebh and Fatima Mohammed Abdulla AlNuaimi, have been awarded the prestigious 2025 UAE Rhodes Scholarship, securing their places for postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in October 2026. The scholars, aged 22 and 24 respectively, were chosen from a highly competitive pool for their intellect, leadership potential, moral character, and dedication to service. Their selection aligns closely with the UAE’s National Youth Agenda 2031 and its vision for nurturing the next generation of homegrown changemakers.
Amal Alrebh, a biomedical engineering student at Khalifa University, aims to pursue a master’s in healthcare improvement and evaluation, followed by a master’s in medical physics at Oxford. Her goal is to develop culturally grounded, sustainable healthcare solutions for the UAE. Fatima AlNuaimi, currently studying English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University, will pursue a Master of Studies in World Literature at Oxford. She is committed to elevating Gulf literature and integrating marginalised regional narratives into global academic and creative spaces.
The UAE Rhodes Scholarship, established in 2013 and endowed by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, has supported 26 scholars to date. The programme plays a strategic role in advancing the UAE Centennial 2071 plan, which emphasizes education, innovation, and leadership development. Previous Emirati Rhodes Scholars now hold senior positions in government and various sectors, demonstrating the programme’s impact on national progress.
Omar Saif Ghobash, Advisor to the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Selection Committee, praised the scholars, stating, ‘Rhodes Scholars embody the UAE’s enduring belief in education as a catalyst for growth on individual, national, and global levels.’ Angela Migally, Executive Director of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, highlighted the transformative power of the scholarship, emphasizing its role in creating environments where young people can learn, grow, and lead with integrity.
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Watch: President Trump pardons the Thanksgiving turkeys
In a time-honored tradition at the White House, President Donald Trump officially pardoned two Thanksgiving turkeys, named Waddle and Gobble, during a festive ceremony. The event, held in the Rose Garden, showcased the president’s playful side as he humorously remarked on the turkeys’ good fortune. This annual ritual, dating back several decades, symbolizes a gesture of mercy and goodwill during the holiday season. The pardoned turkeys will now live out their days at a farm, spared from the Thanksgiving table. The ceremony also provided a lighthearted moment amid the often intense political climate, drawing smiles from attendees and viewers alike.
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UAE President adviser welcomes US efforts to end Sudan war, condemns atrocities
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed strong support for the United States’ initiatives to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, while condemning the widespread atrocities committed by both the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, made this statement on Tuesday, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to peace in the region. US President Donald Trump, responding to a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has pledged to prioritize resolving the Sudanese crisis. Trump’s advisor for African and Arab Affairs, Massad Boulos, reiterated this commitment during a media briefing in Abu Dhabi, noting that the US has presented a robust peace proposal to both warring factions, though neither has yet accepted it. Earlier on Tuesday, the RSF announced a unilateral three-month humanitarian truce, citing international efforts led by President Trump. However, the RSF’s declaration was followed by renewed attacks on army territory, undermining the ceasefire. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 over disputes regarding the integration of the army and RSF, has resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths, widespread famine, and accusations of genocide against the RSF. The US, UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, collectively known as the Quad, have proposed a three-month truce followed by peace talks, but the situation remains volatile.
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Who is Trump’s ‘drone guy’ Dan Driscoll, taking key role in Ukraine talks?
In a surprising twist to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Trump administration has deployed Dan Driscoll, the youngest-ever U.S. Army Secretary, to spearhead high-stakes diplomatic efforts. Known as President Donald Trump’s ‘drone guy’ for his advocacy of advanced battlefield technologies, Driscoll has recently emerged as a key figure in international negotiations aimed at ending the war. Despite his limited experience in diplomacy, Driscoll’s close ties with Vice President JD Vance have propelled him into the political spotlight. Driscoll’s journey began with a military career, including deployments to Iraq, followed by a law degree from Yale University and a stint in finance. His rapid ascent continued when Vance invited him to join Trump’s 2024 campaign, leading to his swift confirmation as Army Secretary. Driscoll’s recent unannounced visit to Ukraine, alongside other Pentagon officials, marked the highest-level U.S. military delegation to Kyiv since Trump’s return to office. His meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and subsequent discussions in Geneva and Abu Dhabi have been pivotal in refining a peace framework. Driscoll’s vision for the future of warfare, emphasizing drones and artificial intelligence, underscores his transformative approach to military strategy. As speculation grows about his potential to replace Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Driscoll’s influence within the administration continues to expand.
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Trump begins process of labelling Muslim Brotherhood chapters as terrorist
US President Donald Trump has initiated the process of designating certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists. This move, announced on Monday, aims to impose sanctions on one of the Arab world’s oldest and most influential Islamist movements. Trump signed an executive order directing Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to submit a report within 45 days on whether to designate specific Muslim Brotherhood chapters in countries such as Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. The Trump administration has accused these factions of supporting violent attacks against Israel and US allies, as well as providing material support to the Palestinian group Hamas. The White House stated that Trump is confronting the Muslim Brotherhood’s transnational network, which allegedly fuels terrorism and destabilization campaigns against US interests in the Middle East. This effort aligns with long-standing Republican advocacy for such designations. Notably, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, also a Republican, imposed a similar designation at the state level last week. The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in the 1920s as an Islamic political movement, has historically countered secular and nationalist ideas, spreading across Muslim countries and often operating in secret.
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Watch: Homes damaged as tornado, severe storms rip through Houston
A powerful tornado and severe storms tore through Houston on Monday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Numerous homes sustained significant damage, and trees were uprooted across affected neighborhoods. Despite the widespread devastation, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported. Emergency response teams swiftly mobilized to assess the damage and assist residents. The sudden weather event has left many families grappling with the aftermath, as they begin the arduous process of recovery and rebuilding. Meteorologists are investigating the storm’s intensity and path, while local officials urge residents to remain vigilant during the ongoing severe weather season.
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Inconvenient Indian author discovers he has no indigenous roots
Thomas King, a celebrated Canadian-American author whose literary career has been deeply intertwined with his presumed Indigenous heritage, has recently discovered that he has no Cherokee ancestry. This revelation came to light in an opinion piece published in the Globe and Mail on Monday, following a mid-November meeting with the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds (Taaf), a U.S.-based organization dedicated to exposing individuals who falsely claim Native American lineage. The 82-year-old author, known for his award-winning works such as *The Inconvenient Indian* and *Indians on Vacation*, expressed profound personal turmoil, stating, ‘I feel as though I’ve been ripped in half.’ King, who grew up believing his paternal grandfather was part Cherokee, acknowledged that he never intended to mislead anyone, operating under the sincere belief in his mixed-blood heritage. Despite rumors about his ancestry persisting over the years, he had largely ignored them until this year, when he sought to uncover their origins. A genealogist with Taaf found no evidence of Cherokee ancestry in King’s family lineage. While Taaf suggested an apology might be in order, King argued that an apology implies wrongdoing, which he does not believe applies in this case. Born in California and a resident of Canada since 1980, King has built a distinguished career as an Indigenous studies professor at the University of Lethbridge. He has announced plans to return the National Aboriginal Achievement Award he received in 2003, emphasizing that his other accolades are based on his writing, not his ethnicity.