Author: Press Room

BEIJING: Northern China is bracing for typhoon-like gales this weekend, with Beijing postponing major sporting events, closing parks, suspending dozens of train services and warning its 22 million residents against non-essential travel. Dozens of flights were cancelled. A cold vortex from Mongolia is forecast to sweep across northern Chinese provinces from Friday (Apr 11) afternoon through the weekend, bringing unusually powerful winds, state-run Xinhua news agency reported, with gusts of up to 150kmh. Strong winds carrying sand and dust from Mongolia are normal at this time of the year, but climate change has made weather events more extreme. Beijing issued…

The United Nations has warned that the cumulative effect of Israel’s actions in Gaza is threatening “the future viability of Palestinians as a group”, as the most recent predawn strike killed at least 10 people, including seven children. Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighted on Friday “the death, the destruction, the displacement, the denial of access to basic necessities within Gaza and the repeated suggestion that Gazans should leave the territory entirely”. Shamdasani pointed in particular to the dire effect of Israel’s ongoing air attacks on civilians, lamenting that “a large percentage of fatalities…

A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from revoking temporary legal status for hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, Cubans and Haitians who were initially granted parole.U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani said on Thursday the Department of Homeland Security incorrectly read the law when it made a decision to end a two-year parole given to them by the Biden administration.Talwani, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, said the revocation of temporary legal status would open up around 450,000 individuals to an expedited deportation process.”What you’re prioritizing is not people coming over the border but the people who followed…

Two American citizens were arrested by El Centro Sector Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents earlier this week, according to that agency. A female driver and passenger, both unnamed, were transporting two girls, ages 10 and 12, when they approached the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint near Westmorland, California. CBP said the driver initially claimed she was driving from Arizona to California but later admitted that she had crossed the U.S. southern border with Mexico at the San Luis Port of Entry in Arizona earlier in the day. The vehicle was then referred for secondary inspection.  Two unnamed female suspects were caught smuggling…

Over the last 15 years, grain farmer Dale McMullen has escaped the Alberta cold for sunny Arizona. But after this winter, he has no plans on returning. “The papers are signed,” said the Innisfail, Alta., resident. “I don’t want to spend another one of my dollars down there.”He and his wife sold their winter home in Phoenix. It closed this Friday.“We’ve been tolerating the poor dollar for a few years, hoping that it would get better. But now this political mess with the U.S. and Mr. Trump. It’s very, very insulting,” said McMullen, who returned to Canada last Sunday.“It was…

Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu has had a heated altercation with rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston after their NRL victory over the Broncos.

But Lin said that if negotiations with the US do not yield meaningful tariff reductions, ASEAN countries would need to further diversify their export markets.  She said that many are already doing so, with China remaining a critical partner, especially for countries like Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, which have limited US trade exposure.  However, closer economic alignment with China depends on how well these countries’ exports match Chinese demand.  Beyond China, the EU, India, the Gulf States, and deeper intra-ASEAN trade represent key alternatives, according to Lin.  “Strengthening the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and exploring new…

European countries are promising more aid and considering deploying peacekeepers.European defence ministers from the so-called “coalition of the willing” have been meeting in Brussels to discuss boosting military support for Ukraine. Some countries are considering the possible deployment of peacekeepers if a ceasefire is agreed. The talks are part of a renewed push by Europe to arm Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, after the US made military support a condition of Kyiv’s participation in peace talks. Meanwhile, the EU’s latest effort to rally funding for Ukraine has only exposed disunity in the bloc. So, does Europe have the means and the…

Auburn Tigers men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl was named the chairman of the Board of Directors for the U.S. Israel Education Association (USIEA) on Thursday.Pearl is one of the handful of Jewish coaches in college basketball. He has been one of the most outspoken supporters of Israel, which only grew in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 terrorist attack. He was one of three Jewish head coaches who made the NCAA Final Four last weekend. Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl yells during practice at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament on Friday, April 4, 2025 in San…

Postal workers rally against any efforts to dismantle USPS Postal workers rally against any efforts to dismantle USPS 00:57 The U.S. Postal Service is seeking a rate increase this summer that includes hiking the cost of a first-class stamp from 73 cents to 78 cents. The request was made Wednesday to the Postal Regulatory Commission, which must OK the proposal. If approved, the 5-cent increase for a “forever” stamp and similar increases for postcards, metered letters and international mail would take effect July 13. The proposed changes would raise mailing services product prices approximately 7.4%.The Postal Service contends, as it…