In a surprising turn of events, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and American pop icon Katy Perry have confirmed their romantic relationship. The couple was photographed holding hands in Paris last weekend, leaving the Crazy Horse cabaret after celebrating Perry’s 41st birthday. This unexpected pairing has captured global attention, blending the worlds of politics and pop culture in a way few could have anticipated. Both Trudeau and Perry have faced significant public scrutiny in recent years, making their union a fascinating chapter in their respective journeys. Trudeau, who stepped down from politics earlier this year amid declining popularity, and Perry, who has weathered professional setbacks and personal challenges, appear to be finding solace in each other. Their relationship offers a rare glimpse into Trudeau’s private life, which has been largely shielded from public view since his resignation. For Perry, the partnership opens doors to new civic and philanthropic opportunities, while Trudeau benefits from a softer, more relatable image in the realm of pop culture. Observers note that their connection is rooted in shared experiences of navigating life post-separation, with both recently ending long-term relationships. As the couple continues to make headlines, their romance serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of love and the enduring allure of high-profile relationships.
标签: North America
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Number of Irish citizens deported from US up more than 50%
The United States has witnessed a significant surge in the deportation of Irish citizens, with figures revealing a more than 50% increase in 2025 compared to the previous year. According to data from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), 99 Irish nationals were deported between January and September 2025, up from 60 in the 2024 fiscal year. This trend has sparked widespread concern, particularly among families facing separation due to stringent immigration enforcement.
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Businesses are running out of pennies in the US
The discontinuation of the US penny has created a ripple effect across businesses, leaving many struggling to manage cash transactions. Earlier this year, the Trump administration halted the production of the one-cent coin, citing excessive costs and inefficiency. Since the US Mint officially ceased minting pennies in May, the shortage has intensified, with banks unable to replenish their supplies. This has forced retailers to adopt creative solutions, such as rounding cash transactions to the nearest five cents. However, this practice has sparked confusion and financial strain, particularly for businesses reliant on cash payments. Dylan Jeon, senior director of government relations at the National Retail Federation, highlighted the widespread impact, noting that the shortage affects any business handling cash. Convenience stores, in particular, have been hit hard, with industry giant Kwik Trip estimating losses of up to $3 million this year due to rounding down transactions. While some cities mandate exact change, many retailers are opting to round down to avoid legal disputes and customer dissatisfaction. Mark Weller, executive director of Americans for Common Cents, emphasized the disproportionate effect on lower-income Americans who rely on cash transactions. He argued that the savings from discontinuing penny production may be offset by the increased demand for nickels, which are more expensive to produce. As the shortage persists, calls for federal guidance on rounding practices and transaction management have grown louder. Despite the challenges, pennies remain in circulation, often forgotten in pockets or stored in jars, leaving businesses and consumers alike navigating an uncertain financial landscape.
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International Modern Hospital hosts first conference on mechanical ventilation
The International Modern Hospital (IMH) marked a significant milestone by hosting its inaugural Clinical Conference on Mechanical Ventilation in 2025. Titled ‘Mechanical Ventilation: A Comprehensive Clinical Approach,’ the event united UAE’s foremost critical-care specialists, including physicians, anesthesiologists, intensivists, pulmonologists, emergency experts, nephrologists, and nurses. The one-day conference, accredited with 6 Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours, featured immersive workshops, interactive discussions, and cutting-edge evidence-based updates on mechanical ventilation practices. Dr. Kishan Pakkal, CEO of IMH, underscored the hospital’s dedication to advancing clinical excellence and patient safety, stating, ‘Knowledge sharing is the foundation of exceptional healthcare. This conference exemplifies our commitment to empowering healthcare professionals with the skills to deliver precise and compassionate care to patients reliant on mechanical ventilation.’ Dr. Rohit Kumar, IMH’s Medical Director, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, noting, ‘Modern medicine thrives on teamwork. By uniting experts across specialties, we can exchange insights and elevate critical care standards nationwide.’ The event, masterfully orchestrated by Dr. Remya Venugopalan, IMH’s Director of Operations, highlighted IMH’s vision for continuous learning and professional development. The conference was structured into four sessions, covering airway assessment, ventilation in special conditions, ARDS and traumatic brain injury management, and cardiogenic shock post-cardiac arrest. The day concluded with a panel discussion, certificate distribution, and networking lunch, fostering meaningful connections among participants. Co-hosted by Dr. Venugopalan and Jessy Sebastian, the event reinforced IMH’s role in fostering cross-institution collaboration within the UAE’s healthcare ecosystem.
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US judge blocks Trump administration from halting Snap food benefits
In a significant legal development, federal judges have intervened to prevent the Trump administration from halting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a vital food aid initiative relied upon by over 40 million low-income Americans. The decision comes amid an ongoing government shutdown that has now stretched into its second month. On Friday, a Rhode Island judge issued a temporary restraining order, deeming the administration’s plan to suspend SNAP benefits likely unlawful. This ruling followed a similar decision by a Massachusetts federal judge, who mandated that the administration must provide at least partial benefits, citing legal obligations. The US Department of Agriculture had earlier announced that SNAP funds would not be distributed in November, claiming the ‘well has run dry’ due to the shutdown. The program, which provides reloadable debit cards for purchasing essential groceries, is a lifeline for millions, with an average family of four receiving $715 per month. While some states have pledged to cover the shortfall using their own funds, the federal government has warned that reimbursements will not be made. Half of US states have sued the administration, urging it to tap into a $6 billion emergency contingency fund for SNAP. The Massachusetts judge has given the administration until Monday to report on whether it will authorize partial benefits for November. In Rhode Island, a lawsuit brought by cities and NGOs challenged the ‘unlawful suspension’ of the program, with plaintiffs hailing the ruling as a ‘lifeline’ for vulnerable populations. The case underscores the broader political stalemate over the shutdown, with Republicans and Democrats continuing to trade blame without meaningful progress toward a resolution.
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CBSE announces start date of Grade 10, 12 Board Exams
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced that the Board examinations for Grades 10 and 12 will commence on February 17, 2026. This decision aligns with the recommendations outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which mandates two separate examinations for Class X students. The CBSE has meticulously planned the exam schedule to ensure minimal overlap and optimal preparation time for students. Key considerations include providing adequate gaps between subjects, aligning the schedule with entrance exams for Class XII students, and avoiding simultaneous absences of teachers during evaluation periods. Additionally, the board has ensured that no two subjects’ exams for a single student fall on the same date, addressing over 40,000 subject combinations. The exams will begin at 10:30 AM IST (9:00 AM UAE time), offering convenience for students across different time zones. This strategic scheduling aims to enhance students’ time management and reduce stress during the critical examination period.
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Disney pulls channels from YouTube TV over fee dispute
YouTube TV subscribers in the United States have been abruptly cut off from popular Disney-owned channels, including ESPN, ABC, National Geographic, and the Disney Channel, as negotiations between YouTube TV and Disney over a new licensing agreement have reached an impasse. The channels were removed just before midnight on Thursday, the deadline for the two parties to strike a deal, leaving approximately 10 million subscribers without access to these networks.
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Newbury Developments launches ‘Chapter 1’ in Al Warsan 4
Newbury Developments has introduced its latest residential venture, ‘Chapter 1,’ in Al Warsan 4, setting a new standard for modern and affordable urban living in Dubai. The project offers a limited selection of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, blending cutting-edge architecture with smart home technology and premium amenities. Each unit is designed with a fully fitted kitchen and an Alexa Smart Home system, ensuring convenience and contemporary living for residents. Key features include a podium-level swimming pool, a children’s play area, a BBQ zone, an indoor gym with scenic views, and a grand reception area with spacious corridors and a dedicated lift lobby. Additionally, the development provides ample covered parking and access to an on-site retail outlet. Strategically located, Chapter 1 boasts excellent connectivity across Dubai, with the upcoming Blue Line Metro Station just a two-minute walk away. This prime location ensures quick access to major destinations such as Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (5 minutes), Dubai Safari Park (13 minutes), Dubai International Airport (15 minutes), Downtown Dubai and Dubai Mall (20 minutes), and Burj Khalifa (25 minutes). Pricing starts at Dh577,000 for studios, Dh770,000 for one-bedroom units, and Dh1.33 million for two-bedroom units, with a flexible payment plan requiring only a 20% down payment. Targeted at young professionals and families, Chapter 1 promises a luxurious yet affordable lifestyle. To promote the launch, Newbury Developments has partnered with influencers to showcase the project’s design, amenities, and community lifestyle through social media reels and event coverage. A spokesperson for the company emphasized that Chapter 1 represents a new benchmark in smart, connected, and value-driven living, catering to the evolving needs of Dubai’s real estate market. For more updates, follow @newburydevelopments on Instagram.
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UAE: New taxi fare announced for November in Ajman
The Ajman Transport Authority has unveiled updated taxi fares and fuel prices for November, reflecting a slight reduction in costs for commuters and motorists. Effective November 1, the taxi fare will decrease by 2 fils to Dh1.75 per kilometer, down from Dh1.77 in October. This adjustment follows the announcement of revised fuel prices, which also show a notable decline. Super 98 petrol will now cost Dh2.63 per litre, a drop of 14 fils from October’s Dh2.77. Similarly, Special 95 petrol will be priced at Dh2.51 per litre, down from Dh2.66, while E-Plus 91 petrol will cost Dh2.44 per litre, a reduction of 14 fils. Diesel prices will also decrease to Dh2.67 per litre from Dh2.71. These changes mean that filling a vehicle’s tank in November will cost between Dh7 and Dh11.11 less than in October, depending on the vehicle type. The adjustments aim to align transportation costs with the fluctuating fuel market, offering financial relief to residents and visitors in Ajman.
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‘There’s a monkey running around’: Pet monkey loose inside US Halloween store
A Halloween store in the United States became the unexpected stage for an unusual incident when a pet monkey, described as acrobatic by its owner, escaped and ran loose inside the premises. According to the owner, the primate was startled by a store display, prompting it to flee and create a scene that left shoppers both amused and bewildered. Police were called to the scene to assist in capturing the runaway monkey, which had been a source of both entertainment and concern for those present. The incident highlights the challenges of keeping exotic pets in urban environments and raises questions about the safety and appropriateness of such practices. While no injuries were reported, the event has sparked discussions about the regulations surrounding pet ownership and the potential risks associated with animals in public spaces.
