In the shadow of escalating US-Venezuela tensions, Venezuelan fishermen like Wilder Fernández face an unprecedented threat. For 13 years, Fernández has fished the waters north of Lake Maracaibo, but now he fears his livelihood could turn deadly. The US military presence in the Caribbean, part of an operation targeting alleged ‘narco-terrorists’ linked to the Venezuelan government, has cast a pall over the region. Since September 2, US strikes on ‘narco-boats’ have killed at least 27 people, though no evidence of drug smuggling has been presented. Experts argue these actions may violate international law. President Donald Trump has further heightened tensions by considering strikes on Venezuelan soil and authorizing CIA covert operations. For fishermen like Fernández, the risk of being caught in the crossfire is a daily concern. His wife urges him to quit, but with few alternatives, he feels trapped. The fear extends across Venezuela’s fishing communities. Jennifer Nava, spokeswoman for the Council of Fishermen in El Bajo, warns that the industry’s decline could push fishermen into the arms of drug traffickers. Usbaldo Albornoz, a veteran fisherman, reports that his crew refuses to work, fearing US strikes. Despite the fear, some fishermen, like José Luzardo, remain defiant. In late September, hundreds protested the US military deployment, pledging to defend their homeland. The Venezuelan government has mobilized militias, with over 16,000 fishermen joining the call. As tensions mount, the fishing industry—already struggling with piracy, oil spills, and declining earnings—faces an uncertain future. The US claims its actions are self-defense, but for Venezuela’s fishermen, the stakes are life and death.
标签： North America
北美洲
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Unlock the Power of Your Money with Fee-Free Banking & 6.25% interest p.a.: Here’s How Mashreq NEO PLUS is Redefining the Way UAE Banks Reward You
In a groundbreaking move, Mashreq NEO PLUS is transforming the banking landscape in the UAE by offering unparalleled financial benefits and convenience. This innovative digital banking solution is designed to help individuals and businesses maximize their savings and investments with ease. With the NEO PLUS Saver Account, customers can earn up to 6.25% interest per annum by transferring a monthly salary of AED 10,000 or more. For those unable to transfer their salary, maintaining a balance of AED 50,000 or more still yields an impressive 5% interest per annum. Notably, this account also offers a Shariah-compliant option, catering to a broader audience. Managed through the highly-rated Mashreq Mobile App, NEO PLUS ensures a seamless and user-friendly banking experience. Additionally, the platform eliminates hidden fees on everyday banking services, including local and international transfers, ATM withdrawals, and chequebooks. New customers are welcomed with a joining bonus of up to AED 5,000, which includes salary transfer incentives, debit card cashback, and referral rewards. Beyond savings, NEO PLUS opens the door to diverse investment opportunities, allowing customers to invest in US equities, UAE stocks, mutual funds, and bonds with as little as $1. The platform also offers 10 free trades every month in US stocks & ETFs, making it easier than ever to grow wealth. For aspiring homeowners, NEO PLUS provides exclusive perks, such as 100% cashback on valuation fees when booking a Mashreq Home Loan. With integrated services ranging from credit cards and loans to insurance and mortgages, Mashreq NEO PLUS offers a comprehensive banking solution. Recognized as the ‘Best Digital Bank in the Middle East’ for five consecutive years and the ‘Best Islamic Digital Bank’ globally for two years running, Mashreq NEO has earned a 4.8 customer rating, the highest in the UAE. Mashreq NEO PLUS is not just banking; it’s a smarter, more rewarding way to manage your finances. For more information, visit mashreq.com/NEOPLUS or download the Mashreq Mobile App to open your account.
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Cats fighting bear, fake investments: UAE officials warn deepfake videos can trick anyone
In a stark warning about the growing threat of deepfake technology, UAE officials have highlighted the potential dangers of manipulated videos, which are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from reality. Speaking at Gitex Global 2025, Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasized the global scale of this challenge. He shared an anecdote about a dinner conversation where attendees debated whether to adopt a cat after watching a deepfake video of a cat fending off a bear. Al Olama warned that such deceptive content could influence critical decisions, from voting in elections to sharing sensitive information. Meanwhile, Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, cautioned residents and investors against trusting social media videos falsely depicting him endorsing specific investments. He clarified that such videos are deepfakes and urged the public to remain vigilant. Both ministers stressed the need for global collaboration to address the issue, including the implementation of watermarks to identify deepfake content. Al Olama also highlighted the importance of upskilling the public and fostering a global dialogue to combat the misuse of AI technology.
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Watch: Moment grain silo collapses in Illinois
A dramatic incident unfolded in Martinton, Illinois, approximately 80 miles south of Chicago, when a grain silo filled with soybeans unexpectedly collapsed. The event, captured on video, showed the structure giving way under the weight of its contents, sending debris and soybeans cascading to the ground. Fortunately, local authorities confirmed that there were no injuries reported in the aftermath of the collapse. The cause of the incident remains under investigation, with officials examining potential structural failures or other contributing factors. The collapse has raised concerns about the safety and maintenance of agricultural storage facilities in the region. Residents and workers in the area expressed relief that no one was harmed, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with such structures. Authorities are now working to assess the damage and ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
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One of world’s oldest dinosaurs discovered in Argentina
In a groundbreaking discovery, Argentinian scientists have unearthed the fossilized remains of one of the world’s oldest dinosaur species in the Andes Mountains. The find, announced by the CONICET research agency, includes a nearly complete skeleton of a small long-necked reptile named Huayracursor Jaguensis. The fossil was discovered at an altitude of 3,000 meters in Argentina’s northwest region. The team recovered part of the dinosaur’s skull, a complete vertebral column extending to the tail, and nearly intact forelimbs and hindlimbs. Published in the prestigious journal Nature, the discovery is expected to provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of dinosaurs. Agustin Martinelli, one of the study’s authors, estimates that the Huayracursor roamed the Earth between 230 and 225 million years ago, placing it at the end of the Triassic period. This era marked the emergence of the first dinosaurs and the ancestors of mammals. Despite belonging to a lineage of herbivorous dinosaurs that later evolved into long-necked giants, the Huayracursor Jaguensis was relatively small, measuring about two meters in length and weighing approximately 18 kilograms. The discovery underscores the significance of the Triassic period in the evolution of life on Earth and highlights Argentina’s rich paleontological heritage.
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UAE emerges as Arab world’s most improved higher education system
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position as the Arab world’s most improved higher education system, according to the recently released QS World University Rankings: Arab Region 2026. This year, 15 UAE universities were featured in the rankings, with nine institutions climbing the ladder, one maintaining its position, and four experiencing slight declines. Notably, the University of Fujairah made its debut in the 151–160 band, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s academic landscape. The UAE, alongside Saudi Arabia, continues to dominate the region’s higher education sector, with both countries boasting three universities in the top 10 and six in the top 20—double the number of any other nation. Khalifa University achieved its highest-ever ranking, securing third place, while United Arab Emirates University held steady at fifth. The American University of Sharjah rose to ninth, and the University of Sharjah entered the top 20 for the first time, ranking fourteenth. Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, QS Executive Director for AMESA, highlighted the UAE’s excellence in internationalisation, with institutions like Al Ain University and The British University in Dubai ranking among the region’s most international universities. QS data projects that international student enrollment in the UAE will surge to nearly 120,000 by 2030. The UAE also recorded the highest system-wide improvement rate among Arab nations at 33%, with significant gains in employer reputation, web impact, and international student ratios. Nine of the top 10 universities for international faculty and seven for international students are based in the UAE, underscoring its growing global appeal.
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Prince Andrew accuser says he acted as if sex with her was ‘birthright’: Memoir
In a shocking revelation from her posthumous memoir, Virginia Giuffre, a central figure in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, has accused Britain’s Prince Andrew of behaving as if having sex with her was his “birthright.” The memoir, titled “Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice,” details Giuffre’s allegations of sexual encounters with Andrew, including when she was under 18. Giuffre, who passed away on April 25, rose to prominence after accusing Epstein of using her as a sex slave and alleging that Andrew had assaulted her. Despite Andrew’s repeated denials and a multimillion-dollar settlement to avoid trial, Giuffre’s memoir paints a damning picture of the prince’s alleged entitlement and misconduct. The book, set to be published by Knopf on October 21, includes extracts published by The Guardian, where Giuffre describes meeting Andrew in London in 2001. She recounts how Andrew correctly guessed her age, mentioning that his daughters were slightly younger. The memoir also details their visit to the Tramp nightclub and subsequent return to Ghislaine Maxwell’s London house, where Giuffre alleges the sexual encounter took place. Maxwell, Epstein’s associate, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for recruiting underage girls for Epstein. Giuffre’s memoir further alleges that Epstein paid her $15,000 for “servicing the man the tabloids called Randy Andy.” Andrew’s association with Epstein has severely damaged his reputation, making him a source of embarrassment to King Charles III. His popularity has plummeted, and he now makes increasingly rare public appearances. The memoir is expected to reignite public scrutiny of Andrew’s actions and his ties to the Epstein scandal.
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Nestle to cut 16,000 jobs worldwide over next two years, says CEO
Nestle, the global leader in packaged foods, has unveiled plans to eliminate 16,000 jobs worldwide over the next two years as part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and drive sales growth. The announcement was made by newly appointed CEO Philipp Navratil during a press briefing on Thursday. Navratil, who previously headed Nespresso, assumed the role following the abrupt departure of his predecessor, Laurent Freixe, in September due to undisclosed personal misconduct. Despite the organizational upheaval, Nestle reported a 1.5% increase in real internal growth (RIG) for the third quarter, significantly surpassing analysts’ expectations of a 0.3% rise. This growth was attributed to strong performance in coffee and confectionery segments, driven by strategic pricing adjustments. The job cuts will include 12,000 white-collar positions and an additional 4,000 roles in manufacturing and supply chain operations. Nestle, which employs approximately 277,000 people globally, has faced mounting investor pressure amid rising costs, increasing debt levels, and a declining share price. The company, known for iconic brands such as KitKat, Nespresso, and Maggi, is striving to revitalize its sales momentum and regain market confidence. The restructuring initiative marks a pivotal moment for Navratil as he seeks to establish his leadership and steer Nestle toward sustainable growth.
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Magnitude 6.5 earthquake strikes Indonesia’s Papua
A significant earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale struck the eastern Indonesian province of Papua on Thursday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event occurred at approximately 2:48 PM local time (0548 GMT), with its epicenter located roughly 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Jayapura, the provincial capital. The quake originated at a depth of 35 kilometers. Despite the substantial magnitude, no tsunami warning was issued, and there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Papua, a region known for its seismic activity due to its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences earthquakes. The USGS continues to monitor the situation, and local authorities are assessing the impact on affected areas. This event serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the importance of preparedness in earthquake-prone zones.
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US judge halts mass layoffs during government shutdown as Trump threatens 10,000 jobs
A federal judge has intervened to halt the mass layoffs of government employees during the ongoing US government shutdown, which has now entered its third week. The decision came after President Donald Trump’s administration announced plans to terminate up to 10,000 federal workers. District Judge Susan Illston issued a temporary restraining order in San Francisco, responding to a lawsuit filed by labor unions alleging that the layoffs are unlawful. The judge criticized the government for exploiting the shutdown to bypass legal obligations, stating, ‘The evidence suggests that the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management have taken advantage of the lapse in government spending to assume all bets are off.’ The shutdown stems from a deadlock in Congress over spending, with Trump threatening aggressive cuts to the federal workforce. Court documents revealed that over 4,000 employees were already dismissed last week, primarily affecting the US Treasury and departments of health, education, and housing. Meanwhile, the Senate has repeatedly failed to pass a funding bill, leaving 1.4 million federal employees either working without pay or on unpaid leave. Trump has accused Democrats of ‘playing politics’ and warned of further layoffs targeting opposition-aligned workers. Despite the crisis, the administration has prioritized military pay, ensuring 1.3 million personnel receive their checks on time. However, Capitol Police missed their full paycheck for the first time on Tuesday. As the shutdown drags on, calls for immediate negotiations to resolve the impasse have grown louder, with Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer urging the administration to ‘stop playing politics with people’s livelihoods.’