标签: North America

北美洲

  • Federal agents arrest 81 people in Charlotte immigration crackdown

    Federal agents arrest 81 people in Charlotte immigration crackdown

    Charlotte, North Carolina, became the latest focal point of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement strategy as federal agents arrested 81 individuals in a swift five-hour operation over the weekend. The crackdown, dubbed ‘Operation Charlotte’s Web’ by US Customs and Border Patrol official Greg Bovino, targeted individuals with ‘significant criminal and immigration history,’ according to Bovino’s social media post. The operation’s name, inspired by a popular children’s book, has done little to quell public outrage. Protesters took to the streets on Saturday, condemning the Trump administration’s aggressive tactics, which included masked, heavily armed agents in unmarked vehicles. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, sharply criticized the operation, accusing agents of racial profiling and endangering citizens. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also reported an incident where a US citizen allegedly rammed a law enforcement vehicle, injuring an officer. While DHS has not specified the duration of the raids, the ongoing crackdown in Chicago, which began in September, suggests a prolonged enforcement effort. Bovino hinted at further actions, leaving Charlotte residents anxious about what lies ahead.

  • Airbus to win bulk of major flydubai jet order, sources say

    Airbus to win bulk of major flydubai jet order, sources say

    In a significant shift in the aviation industry, Airbus is on track to secure the majority of a major jet order from flydubai at the Dubai Airshow 2025, according to sources familiar with the matter. This development marks a pivotal moment as it breaks Boeing’s longstanding dominance over the fast-growing budget carrier. Airbus is reportedly nearing a deal to sell approximately 100 A321neo jets to flydubai, while Boeing is in discussions for a smaller order of several dozen 737 MAX aircraft. The final allocation of the order, however, remains contingent on ongoing negotiations, which are expected to intensify as the industry gathers for its annual summit from November 17-21. Airbus and Boeing have both declined to comment on the matter, and flydubai has not yet responded to requests for clarification. This potential deal would represent a significant milestone for Airbus, as it seeks to penetrate a market that has historically been dominated by Boeing. Flydubai, which currently operates a fleet of 175 MAX jets and has 30 larger Boeing 787s on order, has previously indicated its intention to place its largest-ever aircraft order. The airline’s move to diversify its fleet with Airbus jets could provide it with access to hundreds of new aircraft, further enhancing its operational capabilities. The Dubai Airshow has historically been a platform for major aviation announcements, and this year’s event is no exception. Airbus has also projected that the Middle East’s aircraft fleet will more than double to 3,700 planes by 2044, underscoring the region’s growing importance in the global aviation market.

  • US lifts restrictions on flights in time for Thanksgiving travel

    US lifts restrictions on flights in time for Thanksgiving travel

    The U.S. Department of Transportation has rescinded its emergency order mandating flight reductions across the nation, citing improved staffing levels of air traffic controllers. The decision comes after a 43-day government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, which saw a surge in absences among air traffic controllers. These essential workers were required to work without pay, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations. To mitigate safety concerns, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had ordered airlines to reduce scheduled takeoffs starting November 7. With the shutdown now resolved, staffing levels have rebounded just in time for the busy Thanksgiving travel period. According to AAA, over 6 million Americans are expected to fly during the holiday, marking a 2% increase from last year. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the lifting of the emergency order, emphasizing the return of controllers to their posts and the resumption of normal operations. He also highlighted plans to accelerate controller hiring and modernize the air traffic control system. The shutdown had forced many controllers to seek secondary employment to compensate for lost wages, while those who remained on duty reported heightened stress and exhaustion. Airports struggled to maintain schedules, often relying on distant control towers to manage flights. The emergency order had called for a 10% reduction in domestic flights, resulting in thousands of cancellations and delays in early November. The FAA is now reviewing reports of non-compliance by airlines during the order and considering enforcement actions. Over the past weekend, flight disruptions due to staffing shortages dropped significantly, with only nine alerts issued compared to a record 81 on November 8. With the shutdown over, controllers are set to receive back pay, and the threat of termination for absences has been lifted.

  • UAE: Emirates announces free Starlink WiFi on flights; rollout over 2 years

    UAE: Emirates announces free Starlink WiFi on flights; rollout over 2 years

    Emirates Airline has announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide free Starlink WiFi across its entire fleet, marking a significant leap in inflight connectivity. The rollout will begin in November 2025 with Boeing 777 aircraft and is expected to be completed by mid-2027. The service will be available to all passengers, regardless of cabin class, with no additional fees or Skywards membership required. The first aircraft equipped with Starlink, a Boeing 777-300ER (A6-EPF), is currently on display at the Dubai Airshow, where visitors can experience the high-speed internet firsthand. The first commercial flight featuring Starlink will depart immediately after the Airshow. Emirates plans to install the technology on approximately 14 aircraft per month, with the Airbus A380 fleet scheduled for upgrades starting in February 2026. This initiative underscores Emirates’ commitment to delivering industry-leading inflight experiences, allowing passengers to stream, game, work, and stay connected seamlessly at cruising altitude. The airline’s partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink aligns with its broader fleet refurbishment program, which includes new Premium Economy cabins, enhanced Business Class, and upgraded entertainment systems. Emirates President Sir Tim Clark emphasized that this move reflects the airline’s dedication to redefining air travel. Other regional carriers, such as Qatar Airways and Saudi airlines, have also adopted Starlink, further solidifying its position as a game-changer in aviation connectivity.

  • Silver’s 2025 ascent: Why there’s so much more to the metal

    Silver’s 2025 ascent: Why there’s so much more to the metal

    Silver, often dubbed ‘poor man’s gold,’ has proven to be a lucrative investment in 2025, surging over 70% in the past year. Trading at approximately $51 per ounce in the London spot market, it remains a key player in both jewelry and industrial sectors, particularly in the production of electric vehicles, electronics, solar panels, and medical devices. The metal’s ascent has been fueled by increased ETF flows, though it remains vulnerable to price corrections. Analysts predict a robust upward trajectory, with prices potentially averaging $57 per ounce by the fourth quarter of 2026. The U.S. government’s recent classification of silver as a critical mineral has sparked speculation about tariffs, though the market remains resilient. Despite a projected 11% decline in demand next year, Bank of America forecasts silver could reach $65 per ounce by 2026. The metal’s value has also been bolstered by a weak U.S. dollar and ongoing supply deficits. Experts anticipate continued volatility, driven by industrial demand and investor behavior.

  • Trump says House Republicans ‘should vote’ to release Epstein files

    Trump says House Republicans ‘should vote’ to release Epstein files

    In a surprising shift, former US President Donald Trump has called on House Republicans to vote for the release of documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This move marks a reversal from his previous stance, as Trump had initially resisted such actions. The announcement came via a post on his Truth Social platform, where he emphasized the need for transparency, stating, ‘House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide.’ Trump framed the issue as a Democratic ‘hoax’ aimed at undermining Republican successes, including their recent victory in averting a government shutdown.

  • UN Security Council to vote on Trump peace plan for Gaza

    UN Security Council to vote on Trump peace plan for Gaza

    The United Nations Security Council is poised to vote on a draft resolution supporting former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comprehensive peace plan for Gaza. The proposal, submitted by the United States, outlines the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) and the establishment of a transitional administration in the region. While the U.S. claims several unnamed nations have pledged contributions to the ISF, its precise mandate—whether to enforce Hamas’s disarmament or serve as a peacekeeping entity—remains ambiguous. This initiative is a cornerstone of Trump’s 20-point strategy, which recently facilitated a ceasefire in the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas. The draft resolution also cautiously introduces the concept of a Palestinian state, a notion vehemently opposed by Israel. Intense negotiations have surrounded the text, with Washington cautioning that rejection could reignite hostilities. Beyond authorizing the ISF, which would collaborate with Israel and Egypt, the draft advocates for the creation of a newly trained Palestinian police force in Gaza, replacing the current Hamas-controlled authority. Reports suggest the ISF would focus on disarming non-state armed groups, including Hamas, while safeguarding civilians and humanitarian corridors. Hamas, however, has denounced the resolution as ‘dangerous,’ rejecting any foreign military presence and disarmament clauses, which it views as an infringement on Palestinian sovereignty. The draft also proposes a Board of Peace, likely led by Trump, to oversee a temporary technocratic administration tasked with Gaza’s reconstruction. Amid pressure from key Arab states, the text hints at a potential future Palestinian state, though it stops short of explicitly endorsing one. This inclusion has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reiterated Israel’s unwavering opposition to a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River. Trump’s plan has temporarily halted the Israel-Gaza conflict, which erupted after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, resulting in significant casualties and hostages. The Hamas-run health ministry reports over 69,483 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began.

  • Traffic drones, automated public transport: 9 deals to ease Abu Dhabi commutes

    Traffic drones, automated public transport: 9 deals to ease Abu Dhabi commutes

    Abu Dhabi is taking a giant leap toward revolutionizing urban transportation with the signing of nine strategic agreements aimed at creating a smart, safe, and sustainable mobility ecosystem. These initiatives, unveiled during the DRIFTx 2025 event as part of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, span across air, land, and sea, showcasing the emirate’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and innovation. The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), in collaboration with global and national partners, is spearheading these efforts to transform the way residents and visitors navigate the city. Key projects include AI-powered traffic-monitoring drones, personal driverless vehicles, mini robo-buses, electric air taxis, and autonomous marine vessels. Additionally, the agreements focus on enhancing connectivity through 5G and 5.5G networks, bolstering cybersecurity, and advancing autonomous logistics with self-driving trucks and cargo drones. These initiatives not only aim to reduce congestion and emissions but also to improve first- and last-mile connectivity, ensuring a seamless and eco-friendly transportation experience. With these partnerships, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a global leader in smart mobility, setting a benchmark for other cities to follow.

  • US scraps tariffs on some foods over inflation woes

    US scraps tariffs on some foods over inflation woes

    In a significant policy shift, the US administration has announced the removal of tariffs on over 200 food products, including essential items like coffee, beef, bananas, and orange juice. This decision comes as American consumers grapple with escalating grocery prices, which have fueled widespread discontent. The move represents a notable departure from President Donald Trump’s earlier stance, where he maintained that the tariffs imposed earlier this year were not contributing to inflation. The executive order, released on Friday, modifies the scope of reciprocal tariffs initially announced on April 2 and took immediate effect. Duties already collected will be refunded. Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, acknowledged that tariffs might ‘in some cases’ raise prices but reiterated his belief that the US has ‘virtually no inflation.’ He also revealed plans to distribute a $2,000 payment to lower- and middle-income citizens next year, funded by tariff revenues. The list of exempted products includes everyday staples that have seen double-digit price increases, such as oranges, cocoa, and fertilizers. Critics, including US Representative Don Beyer, argue that the administration is finally acknowledging the inflationary impact of its trade policies. Despite the tariff rollback, consumers remain frustrated by high grocery prices, which economists attribute partly to import duties. Richard Neal, the top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, criticized the move as ‘putting out a fire that they started.’ The US Consumer Price Index for September 2025 showed a 3% year-over-year increase, with beef and coffee prices surging by 14.7% and 18.9%, respectively. While some industry groups have praised the exemptions, the broader economic implications of the tariff reversal remain a contentious issue.

  • Climate protesters seek action at COP30

    Climate protesters seek action at COP30

    Thousands of climate activists gathered in Belem, Brazil, on Saturday, staging a vibrant and peaceful protest to demand stronger global action against climate change. The demonstration, dubbed the ‘Great People’s March,’ coincided with the halfway point of the COP30 climate conference, where negotiations have stalled amid disagreements among nations. Protesters, including indigenous leaders and environmental advocates, marched through the city under the scorching sun, chanting slogans and rolling a massive inflatable globe to symbolize the planet’s fragility. Some participants staged a symbolic funeral procession for fossil fuels, carrying coffins labeled ‘coal,’ ‘oil,’ and ‘gas’ to highlight the need for a transition to renewable energy. Indigenous leader Txai Surui, 28, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘We are here to pressure countries to fulfill their promises and prevent any regression.’ The march concluded near the COP30 venue, where security forces were deployed to maintain order. Inside the conference, COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago acknowledged the lack of progress in negotiations and urged delegates to prioritize meaningful dialogue over procedural delays. He pledged to release a summary of key positions on Sunday to guide ministers in the final week of talks. The protesters’ demands include reparations for environmental damage caused by corporations and governments, particularly to marginalized communities, and greater representation of indigenous voices in climate discussions.