In a rare bipartisan move, both chambers of the U.S. Congress have unanimously agreed to compel the Department of Justice to release its extensive files on Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. The House of Representatives passed the measure with an overwhelming 427-1 vote, while the Senate expedited the process through unanimous consent, bypassing a formal vote. This decision follows President Donald Trump’s unexpected reversal of his stance, urging Congress to disclose the records after facing public pressure from his supporters. Trump’s ties to Epstein resurfaced last week when over 20,000 pages of documents, some referencing the president, were released. The White House has denied any wrongdoing. Republican Clay Higgins of Louisiana was the sole dissenter in the House, expressing concerns about potential harm to innocent individuals. The bill, now headed to Trump’s desk for his expected signature, mandates Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all unclassified materials related to Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days. However, Bondi retains the authority to withhold information that could jeopardize ongoing investigations or reveal victims’ identities. Epstein, who died in prison in 2019, was accused of sex trafficking and had previously been convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor. The push for transparency was spearheaded by Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna, who introduced the legislation. Massie faced criticism from Trump but remained steadfast, accusing opponents of protecting pedophiles. Marjorie Taylor Greene, another Republican advocate for the release, clashed with Trump, labeling him a ‘traitor’ for his reluctance. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse, including Annie Farmer, have condemned the secrecy, calling it an ‘institutional betrayal’ that allowed further harm. The controversy has sparked significant political fallout, with some viewing it as a threat to Trump’s MAGA movement.
标签： North America
北美洲
-
Call My Doctor launches digital platform to strengthen UAE’s home healthcare ecosystem
Call My Doctor Health Care LLC, a prominent Dubai-based home healthcare provider, has unveiled a cutting-edge digital platform aimed at revolutionizing the home healthcare ecosystem in the UAE. The newly launched website is designed to streamline the booking of essential medical services, catering to residents and visitors across the Emirates. This initiative reflects the region’s shift towards fast, convenient, and patient-centric healthcare solutions.
The platform enables users to request licensed doctors, nurses, and specialists for home visits, often within 30 minutes. It addresses the growing demand for home-based care among elderly individuals, children, working professionals, and those with mobility challenges, who benefit from receiving treatment in a familiar and comfortable environment. Since its establishment in 2022, Call My Doctor has conducted over 10,000 home visits, offering services such as Doctor on Call, IV Therapy, Lab Tests, Physiotherapy, Nursing, and Pediatric Care, all delivered by Dubai Health Authority (DHA)-licensed practitioners.
Jay Aondhiya, founder and CEO of Call My Doctor, emphasized the company’s mission to make healthcare fast, personal, and professional. ‘Our new website empowers patients to connect with DHA-licensed experts within minutes, ensuring that healthcare in Dubai remains efficient, compassionate, and accessible,’ he stated. The platform allows users to browse services, book consultations, and receive timely updates, all while adhering to DHA guidelines and national health standards.
Call My Doctor’s rapid-response model is tailored for cases requiring prompt but non-emergency medical attention, offering a viable alternative to traditional clinical visits. The company also prioritizes patient data protection, transparent communication, and ethical medical practices, fostering trust in home-care environments. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of creating a connected healthcare ecosystem that emphasizes accessibility and clinical integrity.
Residents can now explore services or schedule appointments directly through the Call My Doctor website. This development is expected to enhance the efficiency of home-based healthcare in Dubai, providing patients with greater flexibility in managing their medical needs.
-
Judge rules Meta doesn’t have monopoly after Instagram, WhatsApp acquisitions
A US district judge in Washington has ruled that Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, did not violate antitrust laws through its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp over a decade ago. The decision, delivered by Judge James Boasberg, marks a significant setback for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which had accused Meta of monopolizing the social media market by purchasing its competitors. The FTC filed the lawsuit in 2020, alleging that Meta’s acquisitions stifled competition. However, Judge Boasberg concluded that the FTC failed to prove Meta holds a monopoly in the relevant market, stating, “Meta faces fierce competition.” The court also noted that the FTC had previously approved Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. The FTC argued that Meta overpaid for these platforms, but the judge emphasized the dynamic nature of the social media landscape, where apps constantly evolve and compete. Meta celebrated the ruling, asserting that its products drive innovation and economic growth. The FTC expressed disappointment but has not yet decided whether to appeal. The case highlights the challenges of antitrust enforcement in the rapidly changing tech industry. Meanwhile, Meta continues to face legal scrutiny, including an upcoming trial addressing the impact of social media on young people, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri are set to testify.
-
Loose wire on ship may have led to Baltimore bridge collapse, report says
A critical investigation into the 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge has identified a loose wire on the Dali container ship as the likely cause of the disaster. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed during a recent hearing that the ship experienced a power outage moments before crashing into the bridge, leading to the tragic deaths of six construction workers. The incident, which occurred on March 26, 2024, also caused several vehicles to plunge into the icy waters of the River Patapsco. NTSB engineer Scott Parent stated that had the workers been notified of the ship’s deviation from its course, they might have had approximately 89 seconds to evacuate, potentially saving their lives. The collision not only disrupted operations at the Port of Baltimore but also severed a major interstate roadway. Initial repair estimates of $1.9 billion have now ballooned to $5 billion, with completion expected by 2030. Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasized the challenges posed by rising costs but reaffirmed the state’s commitment to rebuilding the bridge.
-
Diddy denies sexual battery allegation after Los Angeles authorities open probe
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the imprisoned rap mogul, has vehemently denied a new sexual battery allegation currently under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The accusation, reportedly dating back to 2020, involves a male music producer who claims Combs assaulted him during a photoshoot at a Los Angeles warehouse. Combs, already serving a four-year prison sentence in New Jersey for prostitution-related charges, has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct. His attorney, Jonathan Davis, stated to the BBC, ‘Mr. Combs categorically denies as false and defamatory all claims that he sexually abused anyone. He looks forward to vindicating himself in court, where such matters are decided—and not in the media—based on admissible, material evidence, not rank speculation and unsubstantiated allegations.’ The sheriff’s department confirmed that its special victim’s bureau is in the preliminary stages of investigating the case, but declined to release further details due to its sensitivity. According to US media, the producer alleges that Combs exposed himself and masturbated during the photoshoot, and when the producer refused to participate, Combs threw a dirty shirt at him. This latest allegation adds to a series of civil lawsuits filed against Combs by dozens of individuals, including underage accusers, who claim they were drugged and sexually assaulted. Some accusers allege that Combs used promises of career advancement or threats to silence them. Earlier this year, Combs was convicted in a New York trial on two counts of transportation for prostitution and sentenced to 50 months in prison. The high-profile case accused him of running a sex-trafficking operation, with testimonies from notable figures like rapper Kid Cudi and Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Although he was acquitted of the most severe charges, which could have resulted in a life sentence, Combs expressed remorse in a letter to the judge before his sentencing, stating, ‘I lost my way. My downfall was rooted in my selfishness. I have been humbled and broken to my core.’ Combs is currently serving his sentence in New Jersey.
-
‘Quiet, piggy’: Trump responds to reporter after Epstein question
In a tense exchange aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump responded sharply to a female reporter who raised questions about his alleged connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The incident occurred on Friday during a press briefing, where Trump, visibly irked, retorted with the phrase ‘Quiet, piggy.’ This remark has sparked widespread criticism and reignited debates about the president’s demeanor towards the media, particularly female journalists. The context of the Epstein question adds another layer of complexity, given the ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s past associations with Epstein, who was accused of running a sex trafficking ring involving underage girls. The president’s response has drawn attention not only for its content but also for its timing, as it comes amidst heightened public interest in the Epstein case and its potential implications for various high-profile figures.
-
US court blocks Texas from using newly redrawn voting maps
A US federal court has intervened to prevent Texas from implementing its recently redrawn voting maps for the 2026 midterm elections. The court’s decision, which is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court, cited substantial evidence that the new districts were ‘racially gerrymandered.’ This ruling mandates that Texas revert to the maps established in 2021 by the state legislature.
-
‘Parasocial’ crowned Cambridge Dictionary word of 2025
The Cambridge Dictionary has declared ‘parasocial’ as its Word of the Year for 2025, reflecting the growing phenomenon of one-sided emotional connections individuals form with celebrities, influencers, and even AI chatbots. The term, which dates back to 1956, was originally coined by sociologists to describe the bond television viewers felt with on-screen personalities. Today, it has evolved to encompass the intense, often unreciprocated relationships people develop with public figures and digital entities. Lexicographers selected ‘parasocial’ amid a year marked by heightened interest in these dynamics, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into daily life. The dictionary also introduced new entries such as ‘skibidi’, ‘delulu’, and ‘tradwife’, reflecting the rapid evolution of language driven by internet culture. ‘Skibidi’, a slang term with varied meanings, can denote something cool or bad, or be used humorously. ‘Delulu’, a playful take on ‘delusional’, and ‘tradwife’, shorthand for a traditional wife who focuses on homemaking, were among the 6,212 new words and phrases added. Colin McIntosh, a lexicographer, emphasized that only words with ‘staying power’ are included, highlighting the fascinating impact of internet culture on language. Professor Simone Schnall of the University of Cambridge praised the choice, noting the rise of unhealthy parasocial relationships with influencers and AI tools like ChatGPT, which some treat as friends or therapeutic substitutes.
-
Why now is the moment for Gulf NRIs to bet big on India’s equity markets
Dubai is rapidly establishing itself as a global wealth hub, and for the millions of non-resident Indians (NRIs) across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the opportunity to invest in India’s equity markets has never been more compelling. India’s stock market has emerged as one of the most resilient and fastest-growing globally, driven by structural reforms, a thriving digital economy, and robust domestic consumption. For NRIs in the GCC, who collectively manage significant investable wealth, allocating a meaningful portion of their portfolios to India is becoming increasingly urgent.
Industry experts argue that India is no longer just a growth story; it is a ‘compounding story.’ This sentiment will take center stage at the Cafemutual Investment Summit 2025, scheduled for November 20 at Dubai’s Dusit Thani Hotel. The invite-only event aims to decode opportunities and risks for NRIs seeking exposure to India’s dynamic investment landscape.
Prem Khatri, Founder and CEO of Cafemutual, emphasizes the shift: ‘NRIs and global Indians are increasingly recognizing that their portfolios need a meaningful India allocation to capture the structural shift underway. Our summit is designed to bridge the knowledge gap and provide practical insights that can immediately translate into sharper client outcomes.’
The 2025 edition will feature distinguished investment leaders and industry experts, including Jignesh Desai, Co-Founder of NJ Group, Madhu Lunawat, Founder, MD & CEO of The Wealth Company Mutual Fund, and Neil Parikh, CEO of PPFAS, among others. Dubai-based wealth leaders will also headline special sessions on the future of wealth, the NRI ecosystem, and cross-border opportunities.
Key sessions include ‘Mutual Funds for NRIs: The Core of a Long-Term India Portfolio,’ ‘Smart Simplicity: Winning in India Without Overcomplication,’ and ‘Future-Proof Portfolios: Blending Global & Indian Assets.’ For NRIs in the GCC, mutual funds offer a simple yet effective route to participate in India’s growth without the complexity of direct stock picking. With India’s GDP projected to maintain strong momentum and sectors like technology, manufacturing, and financial services driving market performance, experts believe disciplined exposure through professionally managed funds can deliver superior risk-adjusted returns.
Dubai’s emergence as a hub for international wealth adds another layer of opportunity. As Khatri notes, ‘Bringing India’s most respected investment minds to Dubai creates a unique, high-impact platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration.’ For NRIs balancing global aspirations with Indian roots, the message is clear: the time to act is now. India’s markets are not just growing — they are compounding, and those who position early stand to benefit from a structural story that could define wealth creation for decades.
-
UAE unveils plans for Antarctica research base, mulls acquiring ice-breaker
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled groundbreaking plans to establish a permanent research base in Antarctica, marking a significant expansion of its scientific endeavors. This announcement was made during the Dubai Future Forum, where Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the National Centre of Meteorology, emphasized the UAE’s commitment to advancing global climate science and fostering international cooperation. The initiative, part of the UAE Polar Programme, aims to inspire a new generation of Emirati researchers and contribute to understanding the polar regions’ impact on global weather patterns. A key component of this project is the construction of a state-of-the-art research facility capable of accommodating over 50 researchers. Additionally, the UAE is considering acquiring an ice-breaker vessel to facilitate the transportation of personnel and equipment to Antarctica. This move follows the UAE’s accession as the 58th member of the Antarctic Treaty in 2024, which allows the nation to conduct research on the continent dedicated to peace and science. The UAE is already collaborating with several countries, including Bulgaria, New Zealand, India, Argentina, and Turkey, to enhance polar research efforts. Furthermore, the programme is focused on building local expertise by partnering with institutions like the National Centre of Meteorology, Khalifa University, and Abu Dhabi Polytechnic to train and send students and researchers to the poles.