US President Donald Trump has announced the demolition of the White House East Wing to make way for a new $250 million ballroom, a project that has ignited significant debate. Construction crews began dismantling parts of the structure on Monday, with plans to complete the demolition by the weekend. This marks a major expansion of a construction initiative initially announced earlier this year. Trump has emphasized that the project is fully funded by himself and private donors, with military involvement also noted. The East Wing, built in 1902 and last modified in 1942, houses offices for the First Lady and staff, as well as hosting meetings and special events. Trump dismissed criticisms, stating that the changes have been desired ‘for at least 150 years’ and that the East Wing was ‘never thought of as being much.’ He also defended the transparency of the project, asserting, ‘I think we’ve been more transparent than anyone’s ever been.’ However, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has expressed deep concern, urging a pause on demolition and calling for a public review process. Critics, including former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, have accused Trump of disregarding the White House’s historical significance. Clinton remarked on social media that the White House ‘is not Trump’s house, and he’s destroying it.’ Despite the backlash, Trump has celebrated the project, describing the sound of construction as ‘music to my ears’ and a reminder of prosperity.
标签： North America
北美洲
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US announces sanctions on Russia’s largest oil companies
The United States has unveiled a significant escalation in its sanctions regime against Russia, targeting the country’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. The move, announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, aims to pressure Moscow into negotiating a peace deal in Ukraine. ‘Given President Putin’s refusal to end this senseless war, Treasury is sanctioning Russia’s two largest oil companies that fund the Kremlin’s war machine,’ Bessent stated. The sanctions come in response to Russia’s intensified military actions in Ukraine, including drone and missile strikes that claimed at least seven lives, including two children, on Wednesday. The US decision follows similar measures by the UK last week, which also targeted Rosneft and Lukoil, responsible for nearly half of Russia’s oil production. The announcement coincided with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s visit to the White House to discuss peace negotiations. Rutte is expected to present a 12-point plan formulated by European NATO allies and Kyiv, which includes freezing the current front lines, repatriating deported children, and establishing a prisoner exchange. The plan also proposes a war recovery fund for Ukraine, security pathways, and a clear route for Ukraine’s EU membership, alongside increased military aid and economic pressure on Russia. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has expressed frustration over the stalled peace talks, accusing Putin of not engaging honestly. Trump has previously supported proposals to freeze the conflict along current frontlines, stating, ‘Let it be cut the way it is. Stop fighting, stop killing people.’ However, Russia has rejected such proposals, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterating Moscow’s demand for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from the Donbas region. The US sanctions also aim to deter other nations from purchasing Russian oil, with lawmakers awaiting White House approval to enforce stricter measures. As the conflict continues, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the US to supply long-range Tomahawk missiles, suggesting their deployment could compel Russia to negotiate.
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Identifying new growth engines in the evolving global economy
The global economy in 2025 is undergoing profound transformations, driven by the convergence of technological advancements and policy shifts. According to Emirates NBD’s 2025 Global Outlook, titled “Winds of Change,” these changes are accelerating two significant trends: the rebalancing of the global economy and the accumulation of debt in developed nations. This collision is expected to have lasting impacts on investments and economic structures worldwide. The year has already proven favorable for portfolios, with strong performance across asset classes, supported by resilient global growth, contained inflation, and central bank rate cuts. However, the landscape is not without risks. Sovereign debt sustainability in developed countries is a pressing concern, with rising debt levels and servicing costs nearing unsustainable limits. Meanwhile, the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and uncertainties. While AI investments are expected to yield returns, their timing and broader economic impact remain unclear, raising questions about potential unemployment and societal divides. On the flip side, the AI sector continues to offer vast opportunities across the value chain, from energy to software. Geopolitical shifts toward a multipolar world, particularly in the Indian Ocean region, also unlock significant growth potential, supported by young, educated populations and robust trade prospects. For investors, the current environment calls for strategic portfolio positioning rather than reactive trading. Success will depend on patience, long-term thinking, and a focus on navigating the complexities of this evolving economic landscape.
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UAE’s Emaar chief Alabbar says ‘can raise $400 billion in a week’ to fix US housing woes
Mohammed Alabbar, the founder of UAE-based Emaar Properties, has unveiled an ambitious plan to address the escalating housing crisis in the United States. Speaking at the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit in Abu Dhabi, Alabbar asserted that he could raise $400 billion within a week to tackle the shortage of nearly five million housing units in the US. He emphasized that the crisis, if left unresolved, could have catastrophic consequences for the American economy. Alabbar proposed collaborating with major US players to not only alleviate the housing deficit but also generate substantial revenue for the government. He highlighted that solving the housing issue could reduce inflation by 50%, create 20 million jobs, and generate $2.5 trillion in tax revenue over a decade. Despite his bold vision, Alabbar clarified that Emaar is not currently in talks with any American companies to enter the US real estate market. Shifting focus to the UAE, he expressed optimism about the local property market, predicting a balance in prices by 2026-2027 due to increased supply. Alabbar also critiqued the European economy, urging EU leaders to address their economic challenges to stem the flow of migrants to the UAE. He praised the UAE’s leadership and its multicultural harmony. Additionally, Alabbar revealed Emaar’s interest in expanding into markets like India, China, and Europe, leveraging the company’s strong financial position and strategic partnerships. He cited the overwhelming success of Emaar’s Red Sea development in Egypt as evidence of the company’s global potential.
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UAE: One dead, four injured in two-vehicle collision in Fujairah
A devastating traffic accident on Ghub Road in Fujairah has resulted in the death of a young Emirati man and left four others injured. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, involved a collision between two vehicles. According to Brigadier General Saleh Mohammed Abdullah Al Zanahani, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Department at the Fujairah Police General Command, the accident was caused by one vehicle entering the road without ensuring it was clear. Emergency services, including traffic patrols and the National Ambulance, responded promptly to the scene. The young man, in his twenties, tragically died at the scene, while the injured were transported to Dibba Fujairah Hospital for treatment. The injuries sustained by the four individuals ranged from minor to moderate. This incident underscores the critical importance of road safety and vigilance while driving.
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How parent communication with schools can reduce exam stress
As the December end-of-semester exams approach, schools across the UAE are intensifying efforts to foster a collaborative environment between parents and educational institutions. This initiative aims to reduce exam stress by encouraging parents to adopt a balanced and informed approach to their children’s academic journey. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has reinforced this focus by mandating that schools cover all costs for external assessments, ensuring no additional financial burden on parents. This policy shift is part of broader efforts to standardize and enhance the assessment process. Education leaders are urging parents to move beyond exam pressure and instead provide constructive support. Schools like Shining Star International and GEMS Wellington Academy are leading the way with structured communication, personalized guidance, and mental health support. Woodlem American School in Ajman emphasizes transparency through parent portals and regular updates. Experts like Girish Hemnani, a Dubai-based life coach, stress the importance of parental empathy and collaboration over control. Parents, too, are recognizing the value of this balanced approach, with many reporting reduced stress and improved outcomes for their children.
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American missionary reportedly kidnapped in Niger
An American missionary has been abducted in Niger’s capital, Niamey, in a shocking incident that occurred just 100 yards from the presidential palace. The kidnapping took place on Tuesday, according to multiple security sources cited by CBS News, a partner of the BBC. The victim, who has not been officially identified, has reportedly been working with a US-based charity and has resided in Niger since 2010. The circumstances surrounding the abduction remain unclear, with no immediate demands from the kidnappers.
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Why Beyond Meat shares have surged 1,000% in four days
Beyond Meat Inc., the pioneer of plant-based burgers, has experienced an extraordinary surge in its stock price, rising approximately 1,000% over just four days. This remarkable rally comes despite the company’s ongoing struggles with sluggish sales and a lack of quarterly profits for over five years. The sudden spike has reignited debates about the frothiness of the stock market, particularly fueled by online enthusiasm among retail investors. The momentum began last week when a Reddit user sparked a wave of purchases, reminiscent of the meme stock rallies seen with GameStop and AMC. The surge was further amplified when Roundhill Investments added Beyond Meat to its meme stock ETF, triggering a short squeeze as investors betting against the company scrambled to cover their losses. Additionally, a newly announced distribution deal with Walmart provided another boost to the stock. However, market strategists caution that the company’s fundamentals remain weak. Mark Hackett of Nationwide noted that while the Walmart deal is a positive catalyst, it doesn’t address all underlying issues. Beyond Meat’s stock, trading at just over $4, is still far below its 2019 peak of $230. This meme stock frenzy occurs against a backdrop of broader market concerns, including fears of an overvalued AI industry and potential market corrections. The Securities and Exchange Commission has also flagged risks tied to meme stock manipulation, though calls for stricter regulations have yet to gain significant traction.
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UK king to be first to pray with pope in five centuries
King Charles III of the United Kingdom is set to make history during his state visit to the Vatican, marking the first public prayer between a British monarch and a pope since the 16th-century schism between the Church of England and the Catholic Church. The visit, which began on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, will see Charles and Queen Camilla meet Pope Leo XIV for the first time since his succession in May following the passing of Pope Francis. This momentous event underscores a significant step in the reconciliation of the two Christian denominations, which have been estranged since King Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church in 1534. The highlight of the visit will be an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, focusing on environmental conservation, a cause close to Charles’s heart. The service will feature a joint choir from the Sistine Chapel and Saint George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, symbolizing unity between Anglican and Catholic traditions. Buckingham Palace described the visit as a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two churches. Additionally, Charles will be honored as a ‘Royal Confrater’ at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, a gesture recognizing the spiritual connection between the denominations. The visit coincides with preparations for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, a major event that attracts millions of pilgrims. However, the trip occurs amid personal challenges for the king, including new revelations about his brother Prince Andrew’s involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and Charles’s ongoing battle with cancer. Despite these difficulties, the monarch’s visit to the Vatican highlights his commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and unity.
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Dubai’s Majid Al Futtaim launches discount grocery brand Sava
Dubai-based retail conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim has introduced its new discount grocery brand, Sava, marking a significant expansion in the UAE’s retail sector. The company inaugurated its flagship store in Deira on Wednesday, with a second outlet opening in Murjan Tower at Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR). Two additional stores are set to launch this week, with plans to establish 10 locations across the UAE by the end of the year. This move follows the closure of several Carrefour branches in the region, including one in Al Nahda, Dubai, which is currently undergoing renovation to rebrand as Sava. Majid Al Futtaim has also replaced Carrefour stores in Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan with its new hypermarket brand, HyperMax. However, the company has confirmed that Carrefour operations in the UAE will continue for now. Sava aims to redefine value in grocery retailing, offering over 1,600 products and 160 weekly deals to help customers maximize their budgets without sacrificing quality. Majid Al Futtaim, which operates 29 shopping malls across the Middle East, including Mall of the Emirates and Mall of Egypt, emphasized its commitment to innovation in the grocery retail sector through this launch.