In a significant development at the heart of Washington, D.C., the demolition of the White House East Wing has sparked a wave of public reactions. The BBC conducted interviews with individuals in the vicinity of the iconic residence to gauge their sentiments about the ongoing construction project. The East Wing, a historic section of the White House, is being dismantled to pave the way for a new ballroom, a move that has elicited a spectrum of emotions from locals and visitors alike. While some expressed nostalgia and concern over the loss of a piece of American history, others welcomed the modernization, viewing it as a necessary step to enhance the functionality of the presidential residence. The project underscores the delicate balance between preserving heritage and embracing progress, a debate that continues to resonate in the public discourse.
标签： North America
北美洲
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The $500m slugger who is taking Canada to the World Series
In a moment charged with emotion, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Toronto Blue Jays’ star first baseman, fought back tears as his team secured a historic victory over the Seattle Mariners, advancing to the World Series for the first time in 32 years. The Canadian-born, Dominican Republic-raised slugger, who recently signed a record-breaking $500 million contract—the third-largest in Major League Baseball (MLB) history—has been instrumental in Toronto’s postseason success, earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title in the division series. Guerrero Jr., affectionately known as ‘Vladdy Jr,’ has vowed to bring the championship ring home to his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., a baseball Hall of Famer who never won a World Series during his illustrious career. ‘My personal goal is to win a World Series and give the ring to my dad,’ Guerrero Jr. said in an interview with Fox Sports and Sports Illustrated. The Blue Jays are set to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday, in a highly anticipated match-up between the defending champions and the underdogs. The Dodgers are led by Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, whose $700 million deal made headlines worldwide, while the Blue Jays are anchored by Guerrero Jr., whose $500 million contract earlier this year symbolized his commitment to Canada’s sole MLB team. Guerrero Jr.’s journey to this moment has been years in the making, with fans celebrating his sportsmanship, humility, and dedication to Toronto both on and off the field. As the Blue Jays prepare for the World Series, the entire country has rallied behind them, with fans flooding the streets in celebration and even interrupting hockey games to announce the team’s victory. The emotional snapshot of Guerrero Jr. fighting back tears after the win against Seattle has gone viral, capturing the culmination of a father-son dream and a journey that has inspired a nation.
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What’s in controversial Reagan advert and is it what he really said?
In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate suspension of all trade negotiations with Canada. The decision comes in response to an advertisement sponsored by Ontario, Canada, which features excerpts from a 1987 radio address by former President Ronald Reagan. The ad, released last week, highlights Reagan’s critique of tariffs, stating they ‘hurt every American.’ Trump dismissed the ad as ‘FAKE,’ while the Ronald Reagan Foundation accused it of misrepresenting Reagan’s original speech. The advertisement opens with Reagan’s assertion that tariffs may seem patriotic but only provide short-term benefits. However, the ad rearranges and condenses Reagan’s original address, omitting context and altering the flow of his arguments. In his 1987 speech, Reagan emphasized his commitment to free trade, warning that high tariffs lead to retaliation, trade wars, and economic decline. He also linked protectionist policies to the exacerbation of the Great Depression. The Ontario ad, while using Reagan’s exact words, strategically edits his message to critique Trump’s trade policies. This has sparked a diplomatic row, with Trump accusing Canada of misusing Reagan’s legacy. The controversy underscores the ongoing debate over tariffs and their long-term economic impact, as well as the political stakes of trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada.
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Canada’s lumber sector reels from Washington’s tariffs
Canada’s lumber sector is grappling with significant challenges following the imposition of new tariffs by the United States on timber and furniture imports. On October 14, Washington introduced a 10% tariff on imported timber and lumber, alongside a 25% duty on kitchen cabinets, in addition to the existing 35% levy on Canadian lumber. Experts warn that these measures could exacerbate price disparities and strain the already fragile trade relationship between the two nations. Harry Nelson, an associate professor of forestry at the University of British Columbia, described the combined 45% tariff on Canadian softwood as ‘unprecedented,’ predicting it could persist for at least six months. The tariffs are expected to widen the gap between domestic and export prices, with Canadian lumber prices likely to fall relative to the US market. Beyond the immediate impact on lumber, the broader North American economy could also suffer, with potential declines in housing starts and increased economic uncertainty. Industry groups, including the British Columbia Lumber Trade Council (BCLTC), have expressed deep disappointment, arguing that the tariffs will drive up costs, threaten jobs, and exacerbate the US housing supply crisis. The Canadian government has pledged C$1.2 billion in aid to softwood producers, but experts warn this may be insufficient to address the widespread effects across the interconnected sector. With the US threatening to raise tariffs further in January, pressure is mounting on Canada to negotiate a resolution. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hinted at the possibility of a trade deal ahead of the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, but uncertainties remain.
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Action urged ahead of UN climate meeting
As the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) approaches, South African officials are urging developed nations to deliver actionable commitments, particularly in the realm of climate finance. The conference, scheduled to commence next month in Brazil, is seen as a critical juncture for translating climate pledges into tangible outcomes. Dion George, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, emphasized the need for the operationalization of the loss and damage fund, which must be adequately capitalized and accessible to vulnerable nations, especially in Africa. George highlighted the necessity of technical and capacity-building support to enable developing countries to effectively mitigate and address climate-induced losses. South Africa, in collaboration with the African group of negotiators, will advocate for the continent’s unique needs, including its limited historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. The call for action comes against the backdrop of the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge made by developed countries in 2009, which has yet to be fully realized. The New Collective Quantified Goal, adopted at COP29 in Azerbaijan, aims to raise $300 billion annually by 2035 to support developing countries’ climate efforts. The Baku to Belem Roadmap, established at COP29, further underscores the need for enhanced international cooperation in climate finance. Dorah Modise, Executive Director of South Africa’s Presidential Climate Commission, stressed the importance of clarity on funding availability and disbursement mechanisms. She emphasized that COP30 must demonstrate the efficacy of multilateralism in addressing global challenges like climate change, without burdening the Global South with additional debt. Modise called for grants and concessional loans to support infrastructure damage caused by climate change, ensuring accessibility and localization. South Africa’s decarbonization efforts will align with its developmental goals, including economic growth and job creation, while fostering intra-African collaboration and South-South partnerships. Boitumelo Molete, a policy coordinator at the Congress of South African Trade Unions, underscored the need for COP30 to deliver concrete outcomes that operationalize the Just Transition Work Programme and support vulnerable communities. Makoma Lekalakala, Director of Earthlife Africa, echoed the call for a clear roadmap from COP29 to COP30, emphasizing the urgency of addressing loss and damage financing.
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Trump says trade talks with Canada ‘terminated’ over anti-tariffs advert
In a dramatic move, US President Donald Trump announced the immediate termination of all trade negotiations with Canada. The decision, shared via a post on Truth Social late Thursday, was prompted by an advertisement from the Ontario government featuring former US President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. Trump labeled the ad as ‘egregious behavior’ and declared, ‘ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.’ The US president has already imposed a 35% levy on Canadian imports, with exemptions for goods covered under the USMCA, a trade agreement negotiated during his first term. The Ontario ad, part of a $75 million campaign on US mainstream TV channels, included excerpts from Reagan’s 1987 national radio address, where he warned that tariffs harm workers and consumers, provoke trade wars, and lead to job losses. Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended the ad, stating, ‘We’ll never stop making the case against American tariffs on Canada.’ The Ronald Reagan Foundation criticized the ad for using ‘selective audio and video’ without permission and misrepresenting Reagan’s views, adding that it is reviewing legal options. Trump’s tariffs, particularly on steel, aluminum, and automobiles, have significantly impacted Canada, causing job losses and economic strain. Earlier this year, China’s embassy in Washington also used a similar Reagan clip to critique Trump’s global tariffs. This development marks another escalation in US-Canada trade tensions, with further updates expected.
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UAE billionaire slams ‘racist rhetoric’ of Israeli minister asking Saudi to ‘keep riding camels’
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, Emirati billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, founding chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, criticized Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for his ‘racist and provocative’ remarks about Saudi Arabia. Smotrich, in a viral video, had mockingly suggested that Saudi Arabia should ‘keep riding camels’ if it demands an independent Palestinian state in exchange for normalizing relations with Israel. Although Smotrich later apologized, calling his comments ‘unfortunate,’ Al Habtoor dismissed the apology as insufficient to erase the magnitude of the insult. He emphasized that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, including Saudi Arabia, have achieved significant progress in energy, technology, and urban development, becoming global models of prosperity. Al Habtoor argued that Israel, not the Arab world, needs peace with its neighbors to secure its future. He called for a united Arab stance against such rhetoric, stating that dignity is a principle that must be defended through action, not just words. Opposition leaders in Israel, including Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, also condemned Smotrich’s comments, with Lapid asserting that Smotrich does not represent the State of Israel.
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Alaska Airlines flights grounded across US due to IT outage
Alaska Airlines faced significant operational disruptions on Thursday as a technical issue forced the grounding of all flights across its US airports. The airline announced in a statement that it was grappling with an IT outage that severely impacted its operations, leading to the implementation of a temporary ground stop. While the carrier did not specify the duration of the outage or the exact number of affected flights, it assured that efforts were underway to restore normal operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the ground stop also impacted Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. Based in Seattle, Washington, Alaska Airlines is a major player on the US West Coast, serving 140 destinations across 37 states and 12 countries. This incident marks the second IT-related disruption for the airline this year, following a similar outage in July that halted flights for approximately three hours. The recent US government shutdown, which began earlier this month, has further complicated air travel, with shortages of air traffic controllers causing delays at several airports. Alaska Airlines has yet to respond to media inquiries regarding the latest outage.
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UAE duo make strong start at Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Emirates Golf Club
The 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship kicked off in spectacular fashion at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, with UAE golfers Sam Mullane and Ahmad Skaik making a strong impression in the opening round. Mullane, making his debut, carded an impressive 67, tying for fourth place with six birdies and one bogey. Skaik, a seasoned participant in his seventh championship appearance, finished just one stroke behind with a 68, highlighted by a remarkable streak of four consecutive birdies. However, a double bogey on his final hole slightly marred his otherwise stellar performance. The UAE duo’s familiarity with the course, having practiced up to three times a week leading up to the event, played a crucial role in their success. Mullane expressed confidence in their ability to compete, stating, ‘There’s no reason why one of us can’t win it.’ The championship, featuring 120 players from 41 countries, saw Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee, Australia’s Billy Dowling, and Vietnam’s Khanh Hung Le sharing the lead with six-under 66s. The event, held on the Majlis Course, will continue with the second round on Friday, narrowing the field to the top 60 players for the weekend’s final rounds. Additionally, it was announced that the 17th edition of the championship will take place in New Zealand in 2026, with officials praising the venue as a ‘fantastic test of golf in a spectacular location.’
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Indian doctors in US worry higher H-1B fee may destroy rural healthcare
In the heart of rural America, immigrant doctors like Dr. Mahesh Anantha are indispensable to communities that would otherwise struggle to access critical healthcare services. Based in Batesville, Arkansas, a town of 11,000 surrounded by farmland and small industries, Dr. Anantha is one of the few interventional cardiologists in the region. His practice serves as a lifeline for nearby villages and cities, with no other medical facilities within an hour or two’s drive. A gold medallist from Madras Medical College in India, Dr. Anantha is among the thousands of foreign-trained doctors who fill crucial gaps in the U.S. healthcare system, particularly in underserved rural areas. Recent data reveals that 25% of U.S. doctors are foreign-trained, with 64% working in rural regions where American graduates are reluctant to practice. Many of these doctors, including Dr. Anantha, are on H-1B visas, which allow them to work in the U.S. but leave them vulnerable to job instability and long waits for green cards. Last month, the Trump administration’s announcement of a $100,000 fee hike for new H-1B visa applicants sparked widespread fear among the roughly 50,000 India-trained doctors in the U.S. While the White House later clarified that the fee would not apply to existing H-1B visa holders, concerns remain about the future supply of foreign medical professionals. Experts warn that the fee hike could deter hospitals from hiring H-1B doctors, exacerbating the already critical shortage of physicians in rural areas. The American Medical Association (AMA) and other groups have emphasized that immigrant doctors are not taking jobs from U.S. graduates but are instead filling essential roles in communities that need them most. Dr. Rakesh Kanipakam, a nephrologist from Andhra Pradesh, India, exemplifies this contribution, traveling hundreds of miles weekly to treat patients with kidney failure in rural Alabama. The Conrad waiver, which allows foreign doctors to work in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), has been instrumental in addressing acute doctor shortages. However, the proposed visa fee hike threatens to disrupt this vital pipeline. Dr. Anantha’s hospital credits him with transforming their facility into a center of excellence, generating over $40 million annually and earning numerous healthcare awards. While the AMA remains cautiously optimistic about potential exemptions for medical professionals, the urgency for action is clear. As Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, the first Indian-origin president of the AMA, warns, ‘International medical graduates are determining their next steps now, and the possibility of this fee hike could deter highly qualified physicians from working in the U.S.’