Paul Ingrassia, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), has withdrawn his candidacy following the revelation of a series of offensive text messages he allegedly sent. Ingrassia, 30, cited insufficient Republican support as the reason for his withdrawal. The controversy erupted after Politico reported that Ingrassia had described himself as having a ‘Nazi streak’ in a group chat. Several Republican senators, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Florida Senator Rick Scott, expressed their opposition to his nomination. Ingrassia, a former right-wing podcast host and current White House liaison at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), stated on X that he would continue to support President Trump’s agenda. His lawyer, Edward Paltzik, suggested the messages could be AI-generated and characterized them as satirical. Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, condemned the messages as disqualifying. This incident marks the third high-profile withdrawal of a Trump nominee in recent weeks.
标签： North America
北美洲
-
Thunder begin title defence with overtime win
In a nail-biting season opener, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his MVP prowess, securing a dramatic 125-124 victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Houston Rockets in double overtime. The reigning NBA champions began their title defense in spectacular fashion, with Gilgeous-Alexander delivering the decisive free throws with just 2.3 seconds left on the clock, capping off a 35-point performance. Houston’s Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points, including a career-high five three-pointers, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s resilience. Chet Holmgren also played a pivotal role, contributing 28 points to the Thunder’s hard-fought win. Reflecting on the game, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the team’s grit and defensive effort, stating, ‘We know that when we do it (on defense), we give ourselves a chance no matter what’s going on.’ The victory was celebrated with the raising of Oklahoma City’s championship banner and the presentation of championship rings, marking their first title since relocating from Seattle in 2008. The Thunder will face the Indiana Pacers next, while the Rockets take on the Detroit Pistons. In other NBA action, Luka Doncic’s impressive 43-point, 12-rebound, and 9-assist performance couldn’t save the Los Angeles Lakers from a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors, who were led by Jimmy Butler’s 31 points and Stephen Curry’s 23. The Lakers were notably without LeBron James, who is recovering from sciatica.
-
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI releases browser in attempt to rival Google
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has introduced a groundbreaking artificial intelligence-powered web browser named ChatGPT Atlas, aiming to compete with industry giants like Google’s Chrome. Launched on Apple’s MacOS operating system, Atlas eliminates the traditional address bar, a staple of conventional browsers, and is designed to integrate seamlessly with ChatGPT. According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the browser is ‘built around ChatGPT,’ offering users a unique, AI-driven browsing experience.
Atlas features a paid ‘agent mode’ exclusively for ChatGPT subscribers, enabling the chatbot to autonomously conduct searches and enhance browsing efficiency by leveraging contextual information. This innovation is part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to monetize its AI investments and expand its user base, which has grown to 800 million weekly active users as of October, according to Demandsage.
To further attract users, OpenAI has forged partnerships with e-commerce platforms like Etsy and Shopify, as well as booking services such as Expedia and Booking.com. However, industry experts like Pat Moorhead, CEO of Moor Insights & Strategy, remain skeptical about Atlas’s ability to challenge Chrome or Microsoft Edge, citing the reluctance of mainstream and corporate users to switch from their preferred browsers.
The launch of Atlas coincides with growing scrutiny of Google’s dominance in online search, following a recent ruling that declared the tech giant an illegal monopolist. Despite calls for Google to divest its Chrome browser, no such action was mandated. Meanwhile, the adoption of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT for search purposes is on the rise, with Datos reporting that 5.99% of desktop searches now involve LLMs—more than double the figure from a year ago. Google, too, is heavily investing in AI, prioritizing AI-generated answers in its search results.
As OpenAI continues to innovate, the tech industry watches closely to see if ChatGPT Atlas can carve out a significant niche in the competitive browser market.
-
Why Trump made breakthrough in Gaza but can’t with Putin over Ukraine
Planned talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the nearly four-year-long conflict in Ukraine have been indefinitely suspended. The anticipated summit, initially proposed to take place in Budapest within weeks, was canceled following the abrupt halt of preliminary discussions between the two nations’ top diplomats. Trump emphasized his reluctance to engage in what he termed a ‘wasted meeting,’ signaling a pause in diplomatic efforts. This development marks another twist in Trump’s ongoing attempts to mediate an end to the Ukraine war, a task that has proven far more complex than his recent success in brokering a Gaza ceasefire. Trump’s diplomatic strategy, which has oscillated between pressuring Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has yet to yield tangible results. While Trump has threatened sanctions on Russian energy exports and considered arming Ukraine with advanced weaponry, he has also faced pushback from European allies concerned about regional destabilization. Putin, meanwhile, appears to be leveraging Trump’s eagerness for a deal to influence U.S. policy, as seen in previous summits that yielded no concrete outcomes. Zelensky, who left a recent White House meeting empty-handed, noted Russia’s waning interest in diplomacy as Ukraine’s military prospects improved. Trump, who once vowed to end the war swiftly, now acknowledges the formidable challenges of achieving peace in a conflict where neither side is willing to concede.
-
Champions League: Liverpool’s Ekitike returns to face floundering Frankfurt
Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike is set to face his former club Eintracht Frankfurt in a crucial Champions League encounter on Wednesday, as both teams grapple with inconsistent form this season. Frankfurt, once a Bundesliga powerhouse, has seen a dramatic decline since their historic third-place finish last year, which secured their Champions League berth. This season, the Eagles have managed just one win in their last five matches across all competitions, conceding a staggering 18 goals in the process. Their defensive vulnerabilities could prove a golden opportunity for Liverpool’s misfiring attack, which has struggled to find its rhythm in recent games. Ekitike, who joined Liverpool in a £69 million ($92 million) deal this summer, was Frankfurt’s standout player last season, netting 22 goals and providing 12 assists in 48 appearances. His departure, alongside other key players like Omar Marmoush and Randal Kolo Muani, has left Frankfurt in a rebuilding phase, marked by flashes of brilliance and moments of chaos. Despite their struggles, Frankfurt’s youthful squad showed promise with a 5-1 victory over Galatasaray in their Champions League opener, only to suffer a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their next outing. Liverpool, currently on a four-game losing streak, will be looking to capitalize on Frankfurt’s defensive frailties to reignite their season. Sporting director Timmo Hardung believes the match could be a turning point for Frankfurt, stating, ‘It will be a completely different game. Liverpool. Champions League. There’s nothing better in football.’
-
Pen pals from Canada and Singapore meet for the first time after 43 years
In a heartwarming tale of enduring friendship, two women from Canada and Singapore met face-to-face for the first time after 43 years of correspondence. Their journey began in 1983 when they were paired as pen pals through a school project. Over the decades, they exchanged countless letters, sharing personal milestones, cultural experiences, and life stories. This week, their long-awaited reunion took place in Newfoundland, Canada, marking a poignant moment in their decades-long bond. The meeting was filled with laughter, tears, and a deep sense of connection, as they finally bridged the physical distance that had separated them for so long. Their story highlights the enduring power of friendship and the unique connections that can be forged through simple acts of communication.
-
Walmart halts job offers for H-1B visa candidates
In a significant move, Walmart has announced it will temporarily suspend hiring candidates requiring H-1B visas, a decision influenced by the Trump administration’s newly imposed $100,000 fee for such visa applications. This fee, introduced via an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last month, aims to curb what he described as the ‘abuse’ of the H-1B program, which allows skilled foreign workers to be employed in the U.S. Walmart, the largest private employer in the country with approximately 1.6 million workers, has been a major beneficiary of the H-1B program, securing over 2,000 visas in the first half of 2025 alone. A Walmart spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to hiring top talent while being mindful of its H-1B hiring strategy. The decision was first reported by Bloomberg News. The H-1B program is predominantly utilized by the tech sector, with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google leading in visa approvals. However, smaller firms and startups also rely on the program to attract skilled workers. Critics of the H-1B program argue it undermines American workers, while proponents, including figures like Elon Musk, contend it is essential for attracting global talent. India and China are the largest sources of H-1B recipients, accounting for over 70% and 12% of visas, respectively. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has opposed the fee, filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming it would make the program ‘cost-prohibitive’ and harm American businesses. The White House defended the fee as a lawful and necessary step toward reforming the program.
-
Lebanese actor Darina Al Joundi on chaos, culture, and finding freedom through art
Lebanese actress, writer, and performer Darina Al Joundi reflects on her artistic journey, the interplay of chaos and culture in her life, and her relentless pursuit of inner freedom. Born in 1968, Al Joundi’s career has been shaped by her experiences of war and self-discovery, which she has transformed into compelling art across theatre, film, and literature. In a candid interview, she discusses her creative process, the influence of her family, and her upcoming projects. Al Joundi’s work often explores themes of exile, belonging, and freedom, particularly for women. She emphasizes the importance of carrying one’s home within oneself and finding freedom through artistic expression. Her recent roles in the series ‘Kabul’ and the short film ‘Original Sin’ have introduced her to new audiences, while her upcoming projects continue to push creative boundaries. Al Joundi’s dedication to her craft and her ability to weave personal experiences into her performances make her a unique voice in the world of art and entertainment.
-
Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium to host UAE vs Iraq World Cup qualifier
The UAE Football Association has confirmed that the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi will host the first leg of the UAE national team’s crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff against Iraq. The match is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, at 8 pm local time. The second leg will take place on November 18 in Iraq, with the aggregate winner advancing to the intercontinental playoff. Despite a recent defeat to Qatar in the qualifiers, the UAE retains a chance to secure a spot in the World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The winner of the UAE-Iraq playoff will join five other teams from Africa, North and Central America, South America, and Oceania in the final intercontinental playoff, where six teams will compete for the last two World Cup slots. Qatar and Saudi Arabia have already secured their places in the tournament after topping their respective groups in the fourth round of Asian qualifying.
-
Watch: Dozens of giant pumpkins hit the water for rowing race
In a quirky and entertaining event, dozens of oversized pumpkins took to the water for an unconventional rowing race in the US state of Oregon. Participants, dubbed ‘squashbucklers,’ carved out these massive gourds, which were locally grown, transforming them into makeshift boats. The event showcased the creativity and community spirit of the region, drawing attention to the agricultural prowess of Oregon. Spectators gathered to witness the unusual competition, which blended humor, innovation, and a celebration of local produce. The race not only provided a unique form of entertainment but also highlighted the versatility of pumpkins beyond their traditional uses.