标签: North America

北美洲

  • Vehicle explodes in huge fireball in the Bronx

    Vehicle explodes in huge fireball in the Bronx

    A dramatic vehicle explosion in the Bronx sent shockwaves through the community, resulting in a massive fireball that injured seven firefighters. Despite the severity of the incident, the New York City fire chief has provided reassuring news: all injured firefighters are awake, alert, and able to communicate. Medical professionals anticipate a full recovery for each of them. The explosion, which occurred under circumstances still under investigation, highlights the inherent risks faced by first responders. The incident has drawn attention to the importance of safety protocols and the resilience of emergency personnel in the face of danger. Authorities are working diligently to determine the cause of the explosion and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

  • Appeal to stop controversial ostrich cull dismissed by Canada’s top court

    Appeal to stop controversial ostrich cull dismissed by Canada’s top court

    Canada’s Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal to halt the contentious culling of hundreds of ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in British Columbia, leaving the farm owners with limited legal recourse. The cull was mandated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in December following an avian flu outbreak that claimed the lives of 69 birds. Despite the farm’s efforts to challenge the order, including proposing the use of surviving ostriches for scientific research, the courts have consistently upheld the CFIA’s decision. The agency argues that the birds’ exposure to the virus poses significant risks to both wildlife and humans, disputing claims of immunity among the surviving flock. The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeal on Thursday paves the way for the cull to proceed, though the CFIA has not specified a timeline. The farm owners, including Katie Pasitney, who tearfully appealed for a miracle on social media, now face the grim reality of losing their flock. Protesters gathered at the farm as the court’s decision was announced, highlighting the emotional and ethical dimensions of the case. The CFIA has emphasized its expectation that the farm owners and their supporters will respect the legal outcome.

  • Dallas Cowboys’ Kneeland dies aged 24

    Dallas Cowboys’ Kneeland dies aged 24

    The sports world is mourning the untimely death of Marshawn Kneeland, a promising defensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, who passed away at the age of 24. Kneeland, who was the 56th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had a brief but impactful career with the Cowboys, playing in 18 games and making four starts. His sudden death has left teammates, fans, and the NFL community in shock. According to the Frisco Police Department in Texas, Kneeland’s death appears to be a result of suicide following a vehicle pursuit and a multi-agency search on Wednesday night. The police reported that Kneeland crashed his car and fled on foot. Officers were alerted that he had expressed suicidal intentions before he was found deceased at 01:31 local time on Thursday. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will confirm the official cause of death. The Dallas Cowboys released a heartfelt statement, expressing their grief and extending their condolences to Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina, and his family. Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, shared his deep sorrow, recalling Kneeland’s journey from a hopeful college player at Western Michigan to a respected professional in the NFL. Kneeland had recently scored his first touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals, recovering a blocked punt. The NFL has also expressed its profound sadness over the loss. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the mental health challenges faced by athletes. For those affected by similar issues, resources like the BBC Action Line are available for support.

  • Watch: Three times the Pelosi-Trump feud was caught on camera

    Watch: Three times the Pelosi-Trump feud was caught on camera

    The political rivalry between US Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and former President Donald Trump has been a defining feature of recent American politics. Throughout Trump’s presidency, Pelosi emerged as one of his most vocal critics, with their confrontations frequently playing out in the public eye. These tense exchanges were often captured by the media, providing a vivid record of their contentious relationship. From heated debates in the Oval Office to sharp exchanges during press briefings, their clashes highlighted the deep ideological divides within the US government. This article revisits three key moments when their feud was documented on camera, offering a glimpse into the high-stakes drama that characterized their interactions. These incidents not only underscored their personal animosity but also reflected broader political tensions in a deeply polarized nation.

  • Nancy Pelosi announces retirement after decades in US Congress

    Nancy Pelosi announces retirement after decades in US Congress

    In a significant announcement, US Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi has revealed her decision to retire at the conclusion of her current term in January 2027. Pelosi, 85, shared this news through a heartfelt video message, marking the end of an illustrious political journey spanning nearly four decades in the House of Representatives. Pelosi’s career has been nothing short of historic; she broke barriers as the first female Speaker of the House and led her party in the lower chamber of Congress from 2003 to 2023. Known for her strategic acumen, the San Francisco Democrat played a pivotal role in shaping key political decisions, including influencing then-President Joe Biden to step aside during concerns about his mental acuity, which ultimately led to Kamala Harris’s candidacy. As this story continues to develop, further updates will be provided. Stay tuned for the latest information via the BBC News App or follow @BBCBreaking on X for real-time alerts.

  • Philips highlights UAE’s shift toward smarter, more connected healthcare

    Philips highlights UAE’s shift toward smarter, more connected healthcare

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is witnessing a paradigm shift in its healthcare sector, driven by technological advancements, patient empowerment, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. According to the latest Philips Health Trends Research UAE, residents are increasingly taking charge of their health, with 92% actively managing their wellbeing. This transformation is fueled by improved access to information, trust in telehealth, and confidence in AI-driven healthcare solutions. Tamer Said, General Manager for Health Systems at Philips West Africa, Gulf and Levant, highlighted the role of the UAE’s robust digital infrastructure and clear governance in fostering innovation. Philips is at the forefront of this evolution, co-creating solutions that integrate seamlessly into daily life, enabling better care for more people. AI is playing a pivotal role, with 77% of UAE residents expressing confidence in its ability to enhance care delivery. Philips’ AI-enabled tools, such as intelligent monitoring systems and precision-guided surgical navigation, are streamlining workflows and improving diagnostic accuracy. Virtual care is also gaining traction, with telehealth platforms like Philips eICU providing remote monitoring and expert oversight. Sustainability is another key focus, with 83% of patients favoring environmentally responsible providers. Philips is leading the charge by embedding sustainability into its operations, aiming for 75% renewable energy and zero waste to landfill by 2025. The research also reveals a shift in consumer behavior, with sustainability and data trust becoming core expectations. Philips is collaborating with the UAE government and healthcare providers to accelerate progress toward a connected, future-ready system. As the UAE strengthens its position as a global healthcare innovation hub, Philips remains committed to advancing patient-centered care, leveraging technology to create smarter, more inclusive, and sustainable healthcare systems.

  • Trump wants South Africa out of the G20 as it gears up for world summit

    Trump wants South Africa out of the G20 as it gears up for world summit

    The diplomatic relationship between the United States and South Africa has deteriorated significantly this year, marked by sharp exchanges over South Africa’s role in the G20 and contentious refugee policies. US President Donald Trump has openly criticized South Africa’s inclusion in the G20, stating that the country ‘shouldn’t even be in the Gs anymore.’ Trump, who has repeatedly accused South Africa of discriminating against its white minority, opted not to attend the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, sending Vice-President JD Vance instead. South Africa, however, remains confident in its ability to host a successful summit, with Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya emphasizing the country’s readiness to welcome global leaders. The G20, established in 1999 to address global economic stability, holds significant weight in international diplomacy, with member states representing over 85% of the world’s wealth. Despite Trump’s criticisms, there is no formal procedure for expelling a country from the G20, as noted by Dr. Andrew Gawthorpe of the Foreign Policy Centre. South Africa has adopted themes of solidarity, equality, and sustainability for this year’s summit, reflecting its commitment to addressing global inequalities and the legacy of colonialism. Tensions were further exacerbated earlier this year when Trump offered refugee status to Afrikaners following South Africa’s land reform legislation, which allows the government to seize land without compensation in rare cases. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa attempted to ease tensions with a visit to the White House in May, but the meeting was overshadowed by Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of white farmer persecution. Efforts to mend relations have largely failed, with South Africa facing a 30% tariff on exports to the US, the highest rate in sub-Saharan Africa. The ongoing friction highlights the complex dynamics of US-South African relations, with both countries grappling with historical legacies and contemporary political challenges.

  • US boat strikes are crimes against humanity, says former ICC prosecutor

    US boat strikes are crimes against humanity, says former ICC prosecutor

    A former chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC), Luis Moreno Ocampo, has asserted that US airstrikes on alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific should be classified as crimes against humanity under international law. These strikes, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 66 people over the past two months, have sparked significant legal and ethical debates. The Trump administration defends the actions, claiming they are part of a formal armed conflict with South American drug traffickers. However, Moreno Ocampo argues that the campaign constitutes a systematic attack on civilians during peacetime, thereby meeting the criteria for crimes against humanity. He emphasized that the individuals targeted are civilians, not soldiers, and called for investigations and prosecutions rather than lethal force. The White House countered by stating that President Trump acted within the laws of armed conflict to protect the US from cartels and dismissed the ICC as a ‘biased, unserious entity.’ The administration also highlighted that the US is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC. The legal justification for the strikes has been questioned by experts, with former State Department legal adviser Brian Finucane describing the US position as ‘completely unconvincing.’ Meanwhile, the political response has been divided, with Republicans largely supporting the administration’s actions, while Democrats have raised concerns about the legality and lack of evidence. The situation has also strained US-Venezuela relations, with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemning the strikes as ‘heinous crimes.’

  • UAE Islamic finance market poised for major expansion amid global momentum

    UAE Islamic finance market poised for major expansion amid global momentum

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is emerging as a global powerhouse in Islamic finance, with its sector poised for significant expansion. As of the first half of 2025, Islamic banking assets in the UAE reached $242.7 billion, accounting for 18% of the nation’s total banking assets. This growth is part of a broader global trend, with Islamic finance now valued at over $5.5 trillion worldwide. The UAE ranks as the fourth-largest Islamic finance jurisdiction globally, driven by a robust national strategy aiming to more than double Islamic banking assets and sukuk listings by 2031. The strategy includes increasing Islamic banking assets to Dh2.56 trillion ($697.5 billion) and boosting sukuk issuances to Dh660 billion ($179.8 billion).

    Standard Chartered’s report, ‘Islamic Banking for Corporates: Broadening Horizons,’ highlights the UAE’s consistent outperformance of conventional banking growth. The report emphasizes the sector’s alignment with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, making it increasingly attractive to global investors. Sustainable sukuk, for instance, saw subscription rates of 4.3 times their issuance value in 2024, compared to 3.1 times for traditional sukuk. This demand is driven by non-traditional investors, particularly from Europe.

    Digital innovation is also reshaping the Islamic finance landscape. Tokenized sukuk and blockchain-enabled platforms are streamlining cross-border transactions and reducing costs. Malaysia is leading in integrating digital assets into Islamic finance, while the UAE is exploring similar advancements to enhance its financial infrastructure.

    Corporate sectors such as real estate, logistics, and food production are leveraging Shariah-compliant financing to access new markets and diversify funding sources. In July 2025, UAE-based developer Arada raised $450 million through its largest sukuk issuance to date, oversubscribed 4.4 times. This underscores the growing investor demand for Shariah-compliant assets, which continues to outpace supply.

    The UAE’s proactive approach and strategic investments are positioning it as a global hub for ethical and sustainable finance. For corporates navigating a values-driven world, Islamic banking is no longer just an alternative—it’s a competitive advantage.

  • Nixon Library revives spirit of dialogue

    Nixon Library revives spirit of dialogue

    The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California, has launched a new executive education program aimed at fostering US-China economic cooperation. The Nixon Library-Chapman Executive Education Program on US-China Business and Economics, a three-week initiative, seeks to equip Chinese business leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the US market and promote constructive economic engagement. This program is a continuation of the legacy of President Richard Nixon, whose historic 1972 visit to Beijing marked a turning point in US-China relations. Nixon’s visit ended 25 years of diplomatic estrangement and laid the foundation for a new era of cooperation between the two nations. The program, which includes lectures on trade trends, real estate investment, and the use of artificial intelligence in business growth, also emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding and dialogue in international relations. Participants, many of whom are Chinese entrepreneurs in sectors such as electronics, textiles, food service, and cosmetics, will also visit JD Logistics’ US headquarters to gain firsthand experience of Chinese global supply chain networks operating in the US. The program’s organizers believe that economic exchange is not only about commerce but also about cultural and human connections. ‘President Nixon opened the door for China to the world,’ said Jane Zhang, director of tourism, culture, and education at the Nixon Library. ‘We feel an obligation to continue that legacy to promote peace and understanding among nations.’ The Nixon Library, which houses the farmhouse where Nixon was born in 1913, serves as both a museum and the final resting place of the 37th US president and his wife, Pat Nixon. It stands as a testament to Nixon’s belief in the power of dialogue to achieve peace and cooperation.