A grizzly bear attack on a school group in Bella Coola, British Columbia, has left 11 people injured, including two in critical condition. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon during a walk on a local trail. Armed officers are currently searching for the bear, and residents have been advised to stay indoors. Veronica Schooner, a parent of a child in the group, recounted the terrifying experience to the Canadian Press. Her 10-year-old son narrowly escaped the attack, feeling the bear’s fur as it rushed past him. The male teacher bore the brunt of the attack, while some children were inadvertently hit with bear spray during the chaos. The injured were attended to by British Columbia Emergency Health Services, with two critically injured, two seriously hurt, and seven treated on-site. The group was from Acwsalcta School, operated by the indigenous Nuxalk Nation, located 700km northwest of Vancouver. The Nation has temporarily closed the school and is providing counseling services. Officials have urged the community to remain indoors and avoid the highway as the search for the bear continues.
标签： North America
北美洲
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Watch: What Trump and Mamdani have said about each other
The highly anticipated meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and political figure Mamdani is scheduled to take place at the White House this Friday. This marks their first in-person encounter following months of escalating verbal exchanges and public disagreements. The meeting has drawn significant attention from political analysts and the media, as it could potentially influence future political dynamics. Both figures have been vocal in their criticisms of each other, making this face-to-face discussion a critical moment for reconciliation or further confrontation. The outcome of this meeting could have far-reaching implications for their respective political agendas and public perceptions.
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AI Robot unveils “Zero to Success in 369 Days” at Sharjah International Book Fair
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2025 witnessed a historic moment as an advanced humanoid AI robot introduced and discussed the best-selling book ‘Zero to Success in 369 Days.’ Co-authored by Dr. Ajayya Kumar, a UAE-based management thinker, and Praveen Parameswar, CEO of Lifology, the book offers a unique AI-powered success model. The robot, equipped with sophisticated conversational and expressive abilities, engaged with the audience, explaining the book’s structured approach to personal growth and its innovative AI Success Companion. This marked the first time in the region that a book was presented using an interactive AI robot, making it a standout attraction at the fair. ‘Zero to Success in 369 Days’ distinguishes itself from traditional self-help literature by integrating a digital tool that helps readers set goals, track progress, and receive personalized prompts. The AI module combines behavioral science, personal mastery, and technology, offering a comprehensive approach to personal development. The robot’s demonstration of this digital companion impressed attendees with its clarity and understanding of human challenges. Dr. Ajayya Kumar emphasized the book’s mission to make personal transformation accessible, structured, and measurable, highlighting the role of AI in enhancing this journey. The event drew authors, educators, students, and literature enthusiasts, many of whom praised the innovative blend of discipline, data-driven insights, and human experience. As SIBF concluded, the AI robot’s presentation of ‘Zero to Success in 369 Days’ became one of the most photographed and widely shared highlights, signaling a new era in how books are experienced in the age of artificial intelligence.
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Mexico crowned Miss Universe 2025 after controversy-filled edition
In a dramatic and emotionally charged finale, Mexico’s Fátima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025, marking a historic moment in the pageant’s storied history. The event, held on November 21, 2025, was not without its share of controversy, adding an unexpected layer of intrigue to the competition. The final question posed to the top five contestants—representing Thailand, Philippines, Venezuela, Mexico, and Cote d’Ivoire—was: ‘If you win the title of Miss Universe tonight, how would you use this platform to empower young girls?’ Bosch’s heartfelt response resonated deeply with the audience and judges alike. She declared, ‘As Miss Universe, I will say to them: Believe in the power of your authenticity. Believe in yourself. Your dreams matter, your heart matters, and never let anyone make you doubt your worth, because you are worth everything. Your voice needs to be heard.’ Her victory comes as a surprise twist, especially after a highly publicized incident two weeks prior, where pageant host Nawat Itsaragrisil allegedly called her a ‘dumbhead’ during a dispute over her social media obligations. Bosch’s journey to the crown has been marked by resilience and determination. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia at a young age, she channeled her challenges into community service, creating art from discarded materials and donating the proceeds to marginalized groups, including migrant communities and children with cancer. Her win not only celebrates her personal triumph but also highlights her commitment to empowering others through her platform.
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Canadian man loses legal battle to reclaim million-dollar stash
A Canadian man’s 16-year legal struggle to recover over C$1.2 million seized from his home has come to an end after an Ontario appeals court upheld a prior ruling favoring the Canadian government. Marcel Breton, a resident of north-western Ontario, had the cash confiscated during a 2009 police search for an illegal firearm. Authorities discovered the money hidden in various locations, including under his garage and within heating ducts, alongside drugs and drug-related paraphernalia. Although Breton was initially convicted of multiple offenses, he was acquitted in a retrial after arguing the search was unlawful. However, the court ruled that the majority of the funds were unlawfully obtained, citing the unusual nature of the cash’s storage and its proximity to illegal substances. Notably, the court ordered the return of C$15,000 found in the heating vents, as its lawful origin could not be definitively disproven. Breton’s failure to report income between 2001 and 2008 further weakened his case. This ruling marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal saga, with the bulk of the seized money now allocated to the government.
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Hai-Ye Ni charts incredible musical journey
Hai-Ye Ni, the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, has carved an extraordinary path in the world of classical music. Born in Shanghai, Ni began her musical journey at the tender age of six, guided by her mother. Initially experimenting with various instruments, she found her true calling in the cello, captivated by its warm, human-like tones. Her early exposure to legendary cellists like Pablo Casals through recordings deeply influenced her passion for the instrument. At just nine years old, Ni was accepted into the prestigious Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where her structured training laid the foundation for her future success. At 13, she moved to the United States to join her father, a scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. Ni’s international education included studying under renowned mentors such as Irene Sharp, Joel Krosnick, and William Pleeth. Her career skyrocketed after winning first prize at the Naumburg International Cello Competition in 1990, followed by a celebrated debut at Alice Tully Hall in 1991. In 2006, she became the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, an institution with a storied history of fostering US-China cultural ties. Ni’s illustrious career includes collaborations with luminaries like Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, and Joshua Bell, as well as performances at iconic venues such as the Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. Despite her global acclaim, Ni remains deeply grateful for her roots, crediting her family, teachers, and mentors for her success. On November 23, she will perform at Carnegie Hall alongside pianist Li Jian and violinist Siqing Lu in a concert titled ‘An Afternoon of Cultural Splendor.’ Reflecting on her journey, Ni humbly acknowledges the support that has shaped her career, stating, ‘I had a lot of help to have a career like what I have now.’
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Joby Aviation sues air-taxi rival Archer over ‘stolen’ trade secrets
In a high-stakes legal confrontation, Joby Aviation has filed a lawsuit against its competitor, Archer Aviation, alleging the theft of trade secrets. The complaint, made public on Thursday, was lodged in a California state court in Santa Cruz. Joby claims that Archer hired a former Joby employee, George Kivork, who allegedly took confidential information regarding business strategies, partnership terms, and aircraft specifications to his new employer. Joby asserts that this information was used by Archer in an attempt to undermine a contract with a real-estate developer. Archer has denied these allegations, stating that no such deal with the developer exists and that Kivork did not bring any confidential information from Joby. Eric Lentell, Archer’s chief legal and strategy officer, criticized the lawsuit as an attempt to gain a competitive edge through litigation rather than fair competition. Joby, backed by Toyota, is a prominent player in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft market, aiming to revolutionize urban transportation with sustainable solutions. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and a court order to prevent Archer from misusing Joby’s trade secrets. This legal battle underscores the intense competition in the burgeoning eVTOL industry as companies race to bring their innovative vehicles to market.
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The self-defeating tariffs killing Trump’s presidency
President Donald Trump’s second term in office is facing significant public disapproval, with his approval ratings hitting record lows. Recent polls reveal a growing dissatisfaction among Americans, particularly regarding the economy, which has become a central issue driving negative sentiment. Despite seemingly stable macroeconomic indicators such as employment and inflation, consumer confidence has plummeted, reaching levels comparable to the post-pandemic inflation peak in 2022.
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Colombian coffee brews up a buzz in China’s market
Colombian coffee is making significant inroads into China’s burgeoning specialty coffee market, driven by increasing demand and a growing appreciation for high-quality Arabica beans. Sebastian Ortiz, a renowned Colombian barista and roaster known as ‘Bozo,’ has observed a notable shift in the industry, with China emerging as a key destination for Colombia’s premium coffee exports. This trend is supported by one of the best coffee crops in recent years, which has boosted production and export volumes. China, which ranked as Colombia’s 18th export destination in 2019, surged to become the sixth-largest by 2023, importing approximately 540,000 60-kilogram bags. In the first quarter of 2024, China climbed to the second-largest importer of Colombian coffee, reflecting its rapidly expanding market. According to a report by iiMedia, China’s coffee imports grew by 130,800 tons between 2020 and 2024, a 6.5-fold increase, with the market projected to reach 1 trillion yuan ($141 billion) this year. Domestic coffee chains like Luckin Coffee and Cotti have played a pivotal role in this growth, competing with global giants like Starbucks. Ortiz attributes this success to China’s vast population and its openness to new coffee customs, particularly the preference for softer, nuanced flavors found in Colombian Arabica beans. Chinese consumers favor medium or light roasts, which highlight delicate floral notes rather than intense flavors. Juan Esteban Cardona Yepes, commercial director of Mantagro, a coffee producer and exporter, noted that China’s demand is primarily for green coffee beans, which are locally roasted by coffee chains. Additionally, the trade relationship between Colombia and China has expanded beyond coffee, with affordable brewing equipment from China gaining popularity among both professionals and home brewers. Colombia, the world’s third-largest coffee producer, is experiencing a strong production year, with output rising 17% to 14.87 million 60-kg bags between October 2024 and September 2025, driven by favorable weather and crop renovation. Export values have also surged, fueled by high international prices and robust demand from China. Ortiz emphasized the growing importance of China’s specialty coffee market, attracting increasing interest from Asian buyers.
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Former US ambassador sees BRI unlocking Africa’s youth potential
As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) marks its second decade in Africa, experts are lauding its transformative impact on the continent’s digital infrastructure, which is poised to harness the potential of Africa’s youthful population for shared economic prosperity. Charles Ray, former US ambassador to Zimbabwe and a seasoned expert on African affairs, emphasized the BRI’s capacity to unlock Africa’s demographic dividend through projects like 5G networks and e-commerce platforms. ‘When implemented thoughtfully, aligning with a country’s capacity and prioritizing job creation and environmental sustainability, BRI-driven digital infrastructure can significantly tap into Africa’s vast demographic potential,’ Ray stated. Since its inception in 2013, the BRI has facilitated over $290 billion in completed construction contracts across Africa, enhancing trade and connectivity through roads, ports, and railways, according to the China Global Investment Tracker. With over 60% of Africa’s population under 25, these investments are crucial in addressing youth unemployment and fostering economic diversification. Ray also underscored the BRI’s potential to exemplify multilateralism through economic collaboration rather than political imposition, provided governance risks are mitigated. He advocated for robust policy frameworks to ensure transparency and sustainability in BRI projects, emphasizing the importance of assessing a country’s ability to manage foreign debt before finalizing agreements. Recent research, including findings from the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory, debunks the ‘China debt trap’ narrative, with no empirical evidence supporting such claims. Ray highlighted the importance of African nations fostering BRI partnerships based on shared responsibility, local ownership, and equal management voice under local laws. He also noted the potential for US-China collaboration in Africa, advocating for mutually beneficial partnerships that prioritize local capacity building and self-sufficiency. Looking ahead, Ray envisioned the BRI as a catalyst for reshaping Africa-China relations into a model of shared prosperity, emphasizing the need for inclusive growth and long-term partnerships that reflect Africa’s demographic and economic potential.