A former Alaska Airlines pilot, Joseph Emerson, who attempted to shut off a passenger plane’s engines mid-flight, will not serve additional prison time, a federal court has ruled. Judge Amy Baggio sentenced Emerson to credit for time served and three years of supervised release during a hearing in Portland, Oregon. Emerson, who was off-duty during the October 2023 flight, attributed his actions to a mental breakdown induced by hallucinogenic mushrooms. He had previously pleaded guilty to a federal charge of interfering with a flight crew and no contest to state charges of endangering an aircraft and 83 counts of endangering another person. For the state charges, he received five years of probation and 50 days in jail. The federal deal spared him a potential 20-year prison sentence. Emerson expressed remorse for his actions, stating, ‘I’m not a victim. I am here as a direct result of my actions.’ He also mentioned that the incident has prompted personal growth. The flight, which was en route from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California, with 80 passengers aboard, was diverted to Portland, Oregon. The incident lasted about 90 seconds, during which Emerson had to be subdued by the pilot. After being restrained, Emerson warned flight attendants to cuff him immediately and attempted to reach for the emergency exit handle during descent. Emerson, who lost his pilot’s license post-arrest, is now working part-time as a pressure washer and has paid $60,000 in restitution. He is also pursuing a career as a substance abuse counselor and, along with his wife, has founded the group Clear Skies Ahead to address mental health issues among pilots.
标签： North America
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New video shows stunning Aurora Borealis over South Dakota
A breathtaking display of the Aurora Borealis recently illuminated the night skies over South Dakota, captivating onlookers with its vibrant hues and ethereal beauty. This rare phenomenon, typically confined to polar regions, has ventured further south due to heightened solar activity. According to NASA, the sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, referred to as the “solar maximum.” This phase is characterized by increased sunspots and solar flares, which can trigger more intense geomagnetic storms. These storms, in turn, enhance the visibility of the Northern Lights, allowing them to be observed in regions where they are seldom seen. The recent event in South Dakota serves as a vivid reminder of the sun’s profound influence on Earth’s atmospheric conditions. Scientists anticipate that such occurrences may become more frequent in the coming months as the solar maximum continues to unfold.
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US judge says government ‘missteps’ may have tainted Comey case
A US federal judge has raised concerns over potential ‘investigative missteps’ and ‘government misconduct’ in the criminal case against former FBI director James Comey, initiated during the Trump administration. In a detailed 24-page opinion, Judge William Fitzpatrick mandated the release of grand jury materials, including transcripts and evidence, to Comey’s defense team. The case stems from President Donald Trump’s call for Comey’s prosecution, leading to the appointment of Lindsey Halligan as the lead prosecutor, who secured an indictment just three days later. Comey, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including obstructing a congressional investigation, was fired by Trump in 2017 after leading an inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Judge Fitzpatrick identified at least two statements made by Halligan to grand jurors that could be seen as ‘fundamental misstatements of the law,’ potentially compromising the integrity of the grand jury process. The judge’s decision to grant access to all grand jury materials and complete audio recordings of the proceedings underscores the need to protect the rights of the accused in this high-profile case.
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IATF 2025 opens in Dubai, marking 20 years as the Gulf’s leading fashion sourcing fair
The International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) 2025 has officially commenced at the Dubai World Trade Centre, marking its 20th anniversary as the Gulf’s leading B2B fashion sourcing event. Running from November 17 to 19, the fair features over 400 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, including the UK, USA, Italy, China, India, France, Germany, Russia, Spain, and Portugal. This milestone edition highlights the event’s pivotal role in shaping the region’s apparel and textile industry over the past two decades.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, Vice Chairman of Dubai World Trade Centre, and Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President, emphasizing Dubai’s growing prominence as a global fashion trade hub. The fair spans Halls 6 and 7, attracting thousands of sourcing professionals, industry buyers, and decision-makers from the GCC, Europe, and beyond.
This year’s edition introduces ‘Moda Sole & Accessories,’ a dedicated showcase featuring over 70 curated booths for footwear, handbags, laces, trims, and premium accessories. The event also emphasizes sustainability, ethical production, and circular design, aligning with global industry trends.
Bhavna Nihalani, Founder and Show Director of IATF, remarked, ‘IATF has become a dynamic platform that unites the entire fashion sourcing cycle, fostering creativity, responsibility, and innovation.’ The fair’s Hosted Buyers Program facilitates thousands of pre-scheduled meetings, driving meaningful business connections and long-term partnerships.
Visitor registration is now open for November 18 and 19, welcoming designers, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and wholesalers to explore the future of fashion sourcing.
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Top US disaster agency official David Richardson resigns
David Richardson, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has resigned after six months in the role. Richardson, who assumed the position in May following the removal of his predecessor by Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, stepped down on Monday. The DHS lauded Richardson for his ‘dedicated service’ and his efforts in overseeing a review that identified and eliminated significant governmental waste and inefficiency, while refocusing the agency to deliver swift resources to Americans in crisis. Karen Evans, the current FEMA chief of staff, will succeed Richardson starting December 1. Richardson’s tenure was marred by criticism over FEMA’s response to devastating floods in Texas during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, which claimed over 130 lives, including several children at a summer camp. Richardson was notably inaccessible during the early hours of the crisis and later defended the agency’s response as a ‘model’ for handling such events, despite reports of delayed deployments and other issues. Earlier this year, Richardson made a controversial comment about being unaware of the US hurricane season, which a DHS spokesperson dismissed as a joke. A former Marine combat veteran, Richardson also led the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction office, a role he will continue. The DHS announced that Richardson will return to the private sector. The Trump administration has emphasized the need for reforms at FEMA, criticizing it as overly bureaucratic and inefficient in delivering disaster relief. President Trump has previously proposed dismantling the agency, advocating for states to take on more responsibility for disaster preparedness and response. FEMA is currently under review by a presidential council, with the DHS stating that the final report is ‘forthcoming’ and will inform ongoing efforts to fundamentally restructure the agency.
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Dubai Airshow 2025: Flydubai orders 60 GE engines for Boeing aircraft
Flydubai, Dubai’s second-largest carrier, has announced a significant agreement with GE Aerospace to acquire 60 GEnx-1B engines for its new fleet of 30 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The deal, unveiled on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow 2025, also includes spare engines and a long-term services agreement to support the airline’s ambitious entry into long-haul operations. While the financial details remain undisclosed, the partnership underscores flydubai’s strategic shift from its all-Boeing 737 fleet to diversify its offerings and meet evolving market demands. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its fuel efficiency, will enable flydubai to expand its global reach and enhance its competitive edge. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, emphasized the critical role of engine performance and durability in the airline’s expansion plans, particularly as it prepares to integrate the 787 aircraft into its fleet. The announcement comes amid challenges posed by Boeing’s delivery delays, which have impacted flydubai’s growth trajectory. Russell Stokes, President and CEO of Commercial Engines and Services at GE Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm about supporting flydubai’s expansion, highlighting the GEnx engine’s proven reliability and efficiency. Since its introduction in 2011, the GEnx engine family has logged over 62 million flight hours, cementing its reputation as a trusted powerplant for modern aircraft.
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How Dubai played a role in Russian teenager’s rise in tennis
The 2025 WTA season concluded with a remarkable story of 18-year-old Russian tennis prodigy Mirra Andreeva, who ended the year ranked World No. 9. Her breakthrough season was highlighted by a stunning victory at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (DDFTC), a pivotal moment that catapulted her into the sport’s elite ranks. At just 17, Andreeva became the youngest player to win a WTA 1000 title since Nicole Vaidišová in 2007 and the youngest champion in the women’s tournament’s 25-year history. Her triumph in Dubai, where she defeated higher-ranked opponents including World No. 2 Iga Świątek, marked her as a rising star in the tennis world. The DDFTC has long been a prestigious platform for top talents, hosting legends like Martina Hingis, Venus Williams, and Justine Henin, as well as current stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Świątek, and Coco Gauff. The 2026 edition of the tournament, scheduled for February 15-21, promises to bring together the world’s best players, including Andreeva, who will defend her title. Fans can expect two weeks of world-class tennis action at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for tennis excellence.
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When is the Epstein files vote – and what happens next?
In a surprising shift, former US President Donald Trump has called on Congressional Republicans to support the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. This reversal comes after Trump initially opposed making the files public, fearing potential political fallout. The House of Representatives is set to vote on a measure that would require the Justice Department to release all Epstein-related documents within 30 days in a searchable and downloadable format. While the measure is expected to pass the House, its fate in the Republican-controlled Senate remains uncertain. Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces significant pressure from both political parties, with some Republicans expressing support for transparency. However, concerns persist about the potential release of sensitive personal information and its impact on ongoing investigations. The debate has sparked intense political divisions, with some Republicans accusing Democrats of using the issue to undermine Trump. The proposed bill allows the Attorney General to redact information that could invade personal privacy or jeopardize active investigations. Legal experts warn that partial disclosure could lead to public outrage and legal challenges. Advocates for full transparency, including Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, argue that the public deserves access to the truth. The outcome of this legislative effort could have far-reaching implications for accountability and transparency in US politics.
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Appinventiv expands Middle East presence with new Dubai office to support GCC clients
Appinventiv, a leading technology solutions provider, has unveiled its new regional office in Dubai, solidifying its commitment to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market. Situated on the 6th floor of Meydan Grand Stand in Nad Al Sheba, the office will serve as a hub for delivering cutting-edge mobile development, digital transformation, and emerging technology services to public and private sector clients across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The expansion comes in response to growing demand for localized technology expertise in the GCC, where businesses face unique challenges such as Arabic-first design, right-to-left interfaces, and cultural nuances often overlooked by Western providers. Saurabh Singh, CEO and Director of Appinventiv, emphasized the importance of establishing a physical presence to better understand and address client needs. ‘Being on the ground allows us to respond with greater speed and precision,’ he stated.
Singh also highlighted the necessity of integrating local payment systems like Telr and Network International, as well as adhering to region-specific compliance standards such as the UAE’s NESA requirements, Saudi Arabia’s SAMA cybersecurity guidelines, and Qatar’s data sovereignty regulations. These factors underscore the complexity of digital transformation in the GCC.
Prior to the launch, Appinventiv conducted extensive research across GCC industries, identifying three critical areas of focus: accurate bilingual experiences, local collaboration, and data governance. Companies in the region demand culturally relevant user interfaces, in-region partnerships, and expert guidance to navigate evolving data protection laws.
The Dubai office will function as both a delivery and innovation center, aligning with the region’s digital acceleration initiatives, including Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s innovation agenda. ‘Our goal is to ensure that digital platforms not only meet global standards but also reflect local requirements,’ Singh added.
With a proven track record in global projects, Appinventiv aims to empower GCC businesses to scale their digital capabilities effectively.
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New international student enrollment drops 17% at US universities
A recent study published on Monday reveals a significant 17% decline in new international student enrollment at US universities this autumn compared to previous years. The research attributes this downturn primarily to stricter visa policies under the Trump administration, with delays and denials in visa applications cited as major contributing factors. While the overall number of international students in the US saw a modest 1% decrease, the sharp drop in first-time enrollments has raised concerns about the future of international education in the country. Foreign students, who constitute approximately 6% of total US enrollment, contributed $55 billion to the economy in 2024, according to the US Department of Commerce. The Institute of International Education conducted the survey, analyzing data from 828 higher education institutions. Clay Harmon, executive director of AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management, expressed concern about the implications for future years, stating, ‘There are warning signs for future years, and I’m really concerned about what this portends for fall ’26 and ’27.’ The 17% decline in first-time students is less severe than the 30%-40% drop predicted by NAFSA, a non-profit international educators group, earlier this summer. Despite the challenges, 84% of universities consider foreign student recruitment a priority, with many institutions offering flexibility to students facing obstacles, such as deferrals, which increased by 39% compared to the 2024 survey. Researchers identified several factors driving the decline, including visa issues, travel restrictions affecting about 2% of foreign students, and concerns about feeling unwelcome in the US. The Trump administration has implemented policies limiting the number of foreign students, including pausing visa appointments earlier this year and introducing stricter screening measures, such as social media checks, in June. These measures followed widespread pro-Palestine protests on college campuses and the revocation of over 6,000 student visas due to legal violations. President Trump has acknowledged the economic importance of foreign students, stating his intention to issue 600,000 Chinese student visas, despite national security concerns among some supporters. ‘The students pay more than double when they come in from most foreign countries,’ Trump remarked on Fox News, emphasizing the financial benefits to US universities.