The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is set to host the world’s largest autonomous car race, where 11 teams from across the globe will compete for a $2.25 million prize pool. This event, part of the Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), features six fully autonomous cars from Germany, Italy, and the UAE, alongside five others in the Silver Race. The competition highlights the intersection of human ingenuity and artificial intelligence, as engineers and mechanics work tirelessly to refine the algorithms and systems that power these driverless vehicles. Unlike traditional Formula One races, there are no pit-to-driver radios or tyre strategies. Instead, each car relies on sensors, algorithms, and the ‘personality’ coded into it by its creators. The event also includes a Human vs AI showdown, pitting reigning champions TUM against former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Teams like Code 19, founded by ex-military personnel, bring a unique perspective, emphasizing speed, innovation, and precision. The race underscores the rapid advancements in autonomous technology, with cars now achieving speeds comparable to human-driven vehicles. As the machines grow faster, the human role shifts from driving to strategic oversight, marking a new era in motorsport.
标签： North America
北美洲
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BBC apologises to Trump, but rejects defamation claim
The BBC has issued an apology to former US President Donald Trump for a misleading edit of one of his speeches but has firmly rejected any grounds for a defamation lawsuit. The controversy stems from a documentary aired in October 2024, which suggested Trump had directly incited ‘violent action’ before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The broadcaster acknowledged the error, with BBC Chair Samir Shah sending a personal letter to Trump expressing regret. However, the BBC emphasized that it does not believe the incident justifies a defamation claim, as stated in a response to Trump’s legal team. The editing row has escalated, leading to the resignation of the BBC’s director-general and top news executive. The broadcaster is also investigating another instance of a misleading edit from June 2022, where phrases from Trump’s speech were spliced together to imply he urged supporters to ‘fight like hell.’ This controversy arises during a politically sensitive period for the BBC, as it prepares to renegotiate its Royal Charter, set to expire in 2027. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government have been cautious, supporting the BBC’s independence while avoiding direct confrontation with Trump.
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Bad Bunny wins five Latin Grammys ahead of Super Bowl
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny emerged as the standout winner at the 2024 Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas, securing five prestigious trophies, including Album of the Year for his critically acclaimed project, *Debí Tirar Más Fotos*. The album, which celebrates Puerto Rico’s rich musical heritage, has also paved the way for his highly anticipated performance at next year’s Super Bowl halftime show. In his acceptance speech, Bad Bunny dedicated his win to ‘all the youth of Latin America,’ emphasizing the power of music as a form of patriotism.
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Canada’s new budget aims to curb reliance on single market
In a bold move to reshape its economic strategy, Canada has unveiled a comprehensive federal budget aimed at reducing its reliance on the US market. Announced on November 4, 2025, by Prime Minister Mark Carney, the budget allocates over C$25 billion ($17.8 billion) to support industries impacted by US tariffs and trade disruptions, with an additional C$25 billion pledged by 2030 to enhance trade facilitation. The budget underscores Canada’s commitment to forging new economic and security partnerships beyond its southern neighbor. Carney emphasized that the era of deepening economic ties with the US has ended, stating, ‘Many of our former strengths — based on close ties to America — have become our vulnerabilities.’ The budget is seen as a confidence motion, and its failure to pass could trigger an early election, potentially unsettling markets. Economists like Mesbah Fathy Sharaf of the University of Alberta view the budget as a pragmatic response to a more protectionist global trade environment. Sharaf noted, ‘Canada is clearly looking East and West, such as Europe and the Asia-Pacific, for new opportunities.’ The budget also seeks to accelerate domestic economic activity through financial incentives and expedited project approvals. However, critics like Ron Stagg of Toronto Metropolitan University argue that the measures are largely defensive and short-term. Stagg remarked, ‘The government is hoping to increase economic activity within Canada by providing financial incentives and by fast-tracking approval for projects seen as of national importance.’ Despite the uncertainties, the budget signals Canada’s determination to diversify its economic relationships and assert greater independence on the global stage.
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Bridging screens, sharing stories: Festival highlights cooperation between China and US film industries
The 21st Chinese American Film Festival and Chinese American TV Festival, held annually in Los Angeles, showcased the deepening ties between the Chinese and US film industries. The event, which took place on November 6, 2025, brought together filmmakers, actors, and industry leaders from both nations, emphasizing the power of storytelling to bridge cultural divides. Major Hollywood studios, including Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, and Warner Bros Discovery, were honored for their success in the Chinese market, with blockbusters like ‘Venom: The Last Dance,’ ‘Jurassic World Rebirth,’ and ‘Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning’ receiving the ‘Most Popular US Film in China’ awards. Industry executives expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering collaboration with Chinese partners. Jason Brenek, CEO of MetaMedia, highlighted the potential for increased cultural exchange, noting the growing appetite for Chinese-language films in the US. Hollywood producer Bill Borden, known for China-inspired films like ‘Kung Fu Hustle,’ emphasized the importance of cultural blending in creative processes. Chinese actor Zhang Luyi, who won the Best Actor Award for his role in ‘The Secret Path,’ and director Yang Zi, whose film ‘The Shadow’s Edge’ won Best Golden Angel Film of the Year, both underscored the value of cross-cultural understanding in filmmaking. The festival, launched in 2005, has become a vital platform for fostering long-term partnerships through coproductions, distribution deals, and artistic dialogue. With China’s film and television industry projected to reach 1.49 trillion yuan ($207 billion) in operating income by the end of 2025, the potential for further collaboration between the two nations remains immense.
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Scholar warns of ‘weaponizing uncertainty’
A year after his election victory, US President Donald Trump’s economic policies are fulfilling campaign promises but are simultaneously weaponizing uncertainty, exacerbating global economic divisions and risks, according to Adam Posen, president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Posen described Trump’s approach as consistent yet incoherent, leading to patchwork outcomes that are not economically beneficial. He highlighted Trump’s core agenda, which includes a 15% across-the-board tariff, targeted duties on key industries like semiconductors and autos, and trade barriers that are ‘anti-China, but less anti-China than the hawks in either the Joe Biden administration or the Republicans wanted.’ Posen emphasized that Trump’s policies are characterized by hostility to foreigners, extreme skepticism toward trade and migration, fiscal excess, and the exercise of executive power. He noted that the negative impacts of tariffs and deportations take about a year to fully emerge, as shown by models created by senior fellows at the Peterson Institute. Businesses have faced prolonged uncertainty since the April 1 tariff announcement, with companies like Toyota and Caterpillar considering separate production in China. Despite the administration’s goal of deporting one million people yearly, the economy has not cratered due to ‘underground’ adaptation, with sectors like food processing and construction showing flat output and employment. Posen warned of a ‘stagflationary combination’ ahead, including shortages, inflation, and contraction, unless deportations stop. He also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence investments as an ‘exogenous salvation,’ with tech giants self-financing rapid AI spending from retained earnings, achieving early productivity gains. However, AI alone cannot mask structural issues, as tariff-hit industries will see rising domestic prices and falling output, employment, and growth. Posen’s article in Foreign Affairs noted that firms and governments are abandoning reliance on US ‘insurance’ and are self-insuring through non-dollar assets and localized investment. He also pointed out that US allies like the UK, Japan, South Korea, and Canada are suffering the most, while China has been able to stand up against the US and face Trump down.
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Ohtani wins fourth Major League MVP award
Los Angeles Dodgers’ phenom Shohei Ohtani has once again etched his name in baseball history, securing the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the third consecutive year and the fourth time overall. The 31-year-old two-way sensation played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ triumphant back-to-back World Series victories, including their recent win over the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this month. Ohtani’s unparalleled ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter has solidified his status as one of the game’s all-time greats. He now stands second on the all-time MVP list, trailing only Barry Bonds, who won seven times between 1990 and 2004. Remarkably, Ohtani has achieved all four of his MVP titles unanimously, receiving all 30 first-place votes each time. Reflecting on his achievements, Ohtani emphasized his focus on team success, stating, ‘If I’m playing well as an individual, that means I’m helping the team win. So in that sense, hopefully, I can end up with a couple more MVPs. But it’s all about winning games.’ Ohtani also made history by becoming the first player to win the MVP award in both of Major League Baseball’s two leagues, having previously claimed the American League (AL) MVP title in 2021 and 2023 while with the Los Angeles Angels. Meanwhile, in the AL, New York Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Judge joined the ranks of three-time MVP winners, a feat previously achieved by Yankees legends Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Mickey Mantle. Judge expressed his awe at the accomplishment, saying, ‘It’s tough for me to wrap my head around. It’s mind-blowing from my side of things because I play this game to win, for my teammates, my family, and all the fans in New York. You’ve got to pinch yourself every single day. It’s truly an incredible honor.’
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Patriots win to equal best run since Brady years
The New England Patriots continued their dominant form in the NFL, securing their eighth consecutive victory with a 27-14 triumph over AFC East rivals, the New York Jets. This marks their longest winning streak since the Tom Brady era, last achieved in 2019. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson was the standout performer, scoring three touchdowns to propel the Patriots to victory. Quarterback Drake Maye also delivered a strong performance, throwing for 281 yards and a touchdown, completing 25 of 34 passes. The win solidifies the Patriots’ position at the top of the division with a record of nine wins and two losses, while the Jets languish at the bottom with two wins and eight losses. The Jets initially took the lead with a five-yard touchdown run by quarterback Justin Fields, but the Patriots responded emphatically. Henderson scored two seven-yard touchdowns in the second quarter and added a third with a reception from Maye in the third quarter, extending the lead to 21-7. Despite a late touchdown by the Jets’ John Metchie, the Patriots sealed the win with two field goals from Andy Borregales in the fourth quarter. Maye praised Henderson’s performance, stating, ‘It was a big time for him stepping up, and it’s been great for him to keep getting these reps. He wants to be great.’ The Patriots’ resurgence continues to captivate fans as they aim for a playoff berth.
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Blue Origin launches New Glenn rocket for NASA’s Mars mission
In a significant milestone for space exploration, Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket on November 13, 2025, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission, designated NG-2, carried NASA’s ESCAPADE twin spacecraft, which are set to orbit Mars as part of the agency’s Mars exploration initiative. The launch occurred at 3:55 pm Eastern Time, with the rocket’s main engine cutting off and stage separation confirmed approximately three minutes after liftoff. Blue Origin later reported that the second stage and payload were on track to continue their journey into space. This marks the second flight of the reusable New Glenn rocket, which is designed to support the scientific objectives of the ESCAPADE mission. The successful launch underscores Blue Origin’s growing role in advancing space technology and its collaboration with NASA in exploring the Red Planet.
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American musician finds new meaning in Chinese music and community
Princeton University recently hosted a vibrant celebration of the Double Ninth Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday honoring health, longevity, and respect for the elderly. The event, organized by Asian student groups and Chinese-descendant students, featured Chinese music, graceful dance, and traditional desserts, creating a tapestry of cultural pride and community spirit. Among the attendees, one figure stood out: Vince Di Mura, a resident music composer and director at Princeton’s Lewis Center for the Arts, who has found a new musical voice in Chinese music and a deep connection with the Chinese community.
Di Mura, born into an Italian-American family, discovered his passion for music at a young age. From blues and jazz to classical music, his career has been marked by exploration and reinvention. However, it was his introduction to Chinese music that truly transformed his artistic journey. About three years ago, Di Mura began collaborating with the Princeton University Chinese Music Ensemble, learning to compose for traditional Chinese instruments like the erhu, pipa, and suona. This experience, initially ‘very alien,’ gradually became a source of profound inspiration.
His collaboration with the local Chinese community deepened when he met Wendy Fan, who challenged him to reinterpret Chinese music in his unique jazz style. This led to the formation of the Summer Breeze Chinese Jazz Fusion Ensemble, a band that blends Chinese melodies with jazz improvisation. The ensemble has performed over a hundred shows, from prestigious venues like the Lincoln Center to intimate community gatherings, and has released three albums.
Di Mura’s latest project, ‘Oh God … Beautiful Machine,’ is a 90-minute, three-part production that includes a 20-minute segment dedicated to the Chinese community. The piece, which premiered in October 2025, features librettos by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa and has been met with overwhelming support from the Chinese community. Di Mura describes his work as an expression of love and gratitude for the community that has embraced him.
Wu Hongyan, a longtime supporter of Di Mura, praised the musician’s ability to seamlessly blend Eastern and Western musical traditions. ‘The Cassowary,’ a segment of the production, exemplifies this fusion, carrying a distinctly Chinese spirit while speaking in the language of jazz. Wu noted that Di Mura’s work demonstrates how cultural voices can coexist harmoniously, creating new artistic possibilities.
Di Mura’s journey is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the transformative impact of community. His story resonates not only as a musical achievement but also as a bridge between cultures, fostering mutual respect and understanding. As he continues to explore and celebrate Chinese music, Di Mura remains a beloved figure in the Chinese community, embodying the spirit of genuine friendship and artistic collaboration.