Category: NEWS

During a candidate endorsement lunch held on October 25 in Monterey Park, the Chinese-American Elected Officials (CEO) gathered to support local candidates as they near election day. Stan Liu, the president of CEO, highlighted that the event aims to provide a final boost for candidates while increasing the influence of Chinese-American representatives in local government.

The five endorsed candidates include Sabrina Bow, running for the Azusa City Council District 2; Tony Yeh for the Torrance Unified School District; David Fu for the Arcadia City Council District 1; Mindy Yeh for the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District District 2; and Kaylee Law for the Walnut City Council. The luncheon featured insights from seasoned political consultants Luis Alvarado and Andrew Pina, who shared election analysis, information on ballot return rates, voting trends, and last-minute campaign strategies to help candidates gain more supporters in the final days of their race.

The event attracted several community leaders, including Monterey Park Mayor Jack Huang, Arcadia City Councilmember Cheng Bo-rin, and San Gabriel City Councilmember Ding Yan-yu. Ding noted the improvement of road quality ratings from 52 to 82 during his term and expressed that public safety would be his top priority if re-elected.

If elected, Sabrina Bow would make history as the first Asian American city council member and the first female council member in 125 years for Azusa. Her platform focuses on enhancing public safety, maintaining cleanliness in the city, and supporting youth development. Meanwhile, Tony Yeh from Torrance emphasizes campus safety, innovative curricula, and teacher housing initiatives.

David Fu has previously served as chair of the Real Property Law Committee at the California Bar Association. Mindy Yeh, running for the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, is dedicated to water resource management and is the only candidate endorsed by the majority of current water commission members. Kaylee Law from Walnut holds a Master’s in Government Administration from Johns Hopkins University and aims to continue her family’s American dream.

Irvine mayoral candidate Lee Sun, who has served on the city’s investment advisory and finance committees for over 22 years, is focusing on public safety, improving traffic, increasing housing affordability, and addressing homelessness. His housing policy proposes downsizing new housing projects and carefully managing development. Hong Diana Zhao, a candidate for the Walnut City Council, plans to introduce more dog parks and walking trails, establish a diverse food plaza, and beautify city lighting while maintaining fiscal health.

This luncheon not only provided a platform for candidates to connect but also showcased the increasing enthusiasm of the Chinese-American community in participating in politics. Ding expressed a desire for such events to inspire more Chinese-Americans to engage in public affairs, ensuring that their voices are given greater consideration in policy-making at both local and federal levels.

The Chinese-American Elected Officials Association has grown from just a handful of members at its inception to over 50 today, reflecting the increasing engagement of Chinese-Americans in the American political landscape.

During a recent interview, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed significant concern about the escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea. He highlighted that these assaults are not only disrupting the export of vital agricultural products but are also hindering the delivery of aid intended for Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict with Israel.

In early October, multiple strikes resulted in Russian forces targeting at least four cargo ships, one of which was reportedly transporting 6,000 tonnes of corn. When asked about the implications of these actions, Sir Keir remarked that President Vladimir Putin seems ready to “gamble on global food security” in his relentless efforts to undermine Ukraine.

These comments were made during his visit to Samoa for a meeting with Commonwealth heads of government, emphasizing the broader international ramifications of the situation.

On October 25th, major Chinese banks including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Postal Savings Bank, and Bank of Communications implemented a significant adjustment to existing mortgage rates. This action followed a directive to reduce the adjustment range for applicable existing mortgage rates to no less than “a 30 basis point cut,” specifically targeting those rates that initially exceeded this threshold.

According to reports, the adjustments were carried out uniformly by the banks, allowing the vast majority of borrowers to benefit without needing to visit bank branches or actively modify settings online. As a result of this mass adjustment, existing mortgage rates are expected to decrease by an average of around 0.5 percentage points, which could save borrowers approximately 150 billion yuan in interest payments, benefiting around 50 million households and 150 million residents.

Experts believe that this policy adjustment will generate a series of positive effects on the macroeconomic landscape.

First, there’s an effective boost to market confidence. The consistent concern regarding high existing mortgage rates has long been a focal point for the public, especially as the economy faces downward pressure. The high burden of home loans has been a significant source of stress for many families. This policy change is seen as a proactive response to public worries. The capital markets reacted positively to this critical moment of rate adjustment.

Secondly, the policy provides substantial support for both consumer spending and investment. For individual households, the reduction in mortgage interest translates directly into increased disposable income. Given that the LPR for loans over five years has decreased cumulatively by 0.6 percentage points this year, associated mortgage rates may see a reduction of up to 1.45 percentage points after repricing. With reduced repayment pressure, borrowers will have more disposable income to meet diverse consumption needs.

This move is particularly beneficial for young families, alleviating financial pressure and boosting consumer confidence. For individual business owners, lower loan costs can lead to improved cash flow, allowing them to reinvest savings into expanding their operations.

Lastly, this amendment is likely to aid in stabilizing the real estate market. With reduced existing mortgage rates, buyers are less concerned about the widening gap between new and old mortgage rates, which helps to release pent-up housing demand and supports a stable and healthy real estate market.

Following the introduction of policies aimed at lowering existing mortgage rates, there has been a noticeable increase in viewings and transactions for new and second-hand homes, particularly in first-tier cities like Beijing. According to a major bank, prepayments on mortgages in October decreased by 20% compared to the month prior, before the implementation of the new policy.

Market observers suggest that this recent package of real estate support measures has improved consumer expectations for home purchases, combined with local governments actively enforcing tailored strategies, signaling a potential bottoming out of the real estate market.

On October 15-16, the National Meteorological Science and Technology Conference took place in Beijing, attended by Chen Zhenlin, the Party Secretary and Administrator of the China Meteorological Administration. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of accelerating the establishment of a strong national meteorological science and technology framework. He called on all stakeholders to join efforts and leverage technological innovation to drive high-quality development in meteorology for the new era.

During the conference, it was highlighted that meteorological scientists are working collaboratively to overcome challenges, supported by relevant departments and industry players. This partnership aims to accelerate the design and improvement of meteorological technology innovation systems, advance foundational research, achieve breakthroughs in core meteorological technologies, and enhance service development. The conference noted significant achievements in utilizing meteorology to boost new productivity forms, ongoing reforms in the meteorological science system, and the increasing international influence of China’s meteorological technologies, laying a solid groundwork for advancing meteorological science in line with the goal of becoming a technology powerhouse.

As part of the conference, systematic plans were made concerning the goals, practical paths, and key work areas needed to achieve the objective of becoming a leading nation in meteorological science and technology. The conference addressed four primary areas:

First, it stressed the need to align with strategic objectives while modernizing meteorological capabilities and social services. The vision for a technologically advanced nation should translate into actionable plans tailored for the meteorological sector, providing a detailed roadmap for innovation.

Second, the meeting called for leveraging large-scale plans and platforms through enhanced collaboration. Initiatives such as the “Asia-Africa Monsoon” international scientific program aim to create a vibrant platform for meteorological innovation, uniting resources and fostering a coordinated organizational framework to link innovation, operations, funding, and talent within the meteorological sector.

Third, there was a focus on enhancing collaborations in education and talent development as crucial elements of deepening meteorological science reforms. Establishing a high-level self-sustaining meteorological science system, robust foundational capabilities, and comprehensive mechanisms for talent development are essential for fostering a new model of collaborative growth.

Fourth, it was noted that effective governance in science and technology requires a focus on strategy, reform, planning, and service. Adopting the “9119” working method, which emphasizes proactive, interactive, and coordinated approaches, is vital for improving the governance system and enhancing the capabilities of meteorological science governance.

The conference also featured the announcement of 21 outstanding meteorological science and technology achievements for evaluation in 2024. Institutions like Nanjing University, the National Meteorological Center, and others delivered presentations. Participants included representatives from 20 governmental departments, central enterprises such as the China National Railway Group and China Huaneng Group, and various collaborating universities and research institutions, who engaged in focused discussions throughout the event.

In a recent incident that has drawn significant attention, Labour MP Mike Amesbury has had the party whip suspended following the emergence of video footage that reportedly shows him punching a man to the ground. The footage, published by the Mail, appears to depict Amesbury, who represents Runcorn and Helsby, striking the individual in the face, causing him to fall, and then standing over him to deliver six additional punches to his head.

The security camera video captures Amesbury yelling, “You won’t threaten me again, will you?” in the heat of the moment. A Labour spokesperson confirmed that Amesbury is currently cooperating with Cheshire police, who are investigating the incident that reportedly occurred late Friday night. In light of the ongoing inquiry, the party has administratively suspended his membership, meaning he will not be counted as a Labour MP until further notice.

In a statement released Saturday evening, Amesbury explained, “Last night I was involved in an incident after I felt threatened on the street following an evening with friends. This morning, I reached out to Cheshire police to report what happened. I will not be making further comment but will, of course, cooperate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire police.”

According to Cheshire police, a 55-year-old man was voluntarily interviewed under caution regarding the event after they responded to reports of an attack in Frodsham around 2:48 AM Saturday. The police confirmed that the individual has since been released pending further inquiries.

This situation marks the eighth time a Labour MP has faced suspension of the whip since the July election, with Amesbury being the first to encounter such consequences due to allegations regarding personal conduct. The party had previously suspended seven other MPs who defied government initiatives concerning the two-child benefit cap.

The incident gained additional scrutiny after the release of a second video showcasing Amesbury’s behavior during the altercation, where bystanders expressed shock as one attempted to intervene. Witnesses indicated that Amesbury had approached the man shortly before the confrontation escalated, leading to the physical exchange.

Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, commented on the situation, stating, “Mike Amesbury is cooperating fully with the police. He has taken the initiative to report the incident himself, and it is appropriate for the police to investigate and determine what further action, if any, is warranted.”

As this story unfolds, the Labour party appears to be taking a firm stance, especially in light of the troubling footage that has surfaced.

In a recent interview, Ayo Yusuf, a sports journalist, shared insights into the latest happenings in the world of sports as the new season approaches. “The Rangers are feeling optimistic about their team’s prospects for success in the upcoming season,” he mentioned, highlighting the determination within the club.

On the international scene, Yusuf reported on the Nigerian envoy in Australia urging fans to rally behind the Super Falcons during their highly anticipated match against the Lionesses. “Support is crucial as the Falcons take on tough competition,” he stated.

Moreover, Yusuf noted the excitement surrounding the upcoming clash between the Gunners and Citizens, which will be broadcast live on DStv and GOtv. This showdown is set to attract significant attention from fans and analysts alike.

As the Super Falcons prepare to face England, coach Waldrum has expressed his unwavering backing for the team. “It’s about believing in our girls; they have what it takes to compete at the highest level,” Yusuf quoted Waldrum.

Shifting focus to the basketball scene, Yusuf highlighted a thrilling matchup on the horizon: “Nigeria and Senegal are poised to go all out in the finals of the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket today. This match is vital for both teams’ ambitions.”

Additionally, the Rangers have confirmed the lineup featuring Dessers and Balogun for their Scottish Premiership opener, signaling readiness for the challenges ahead.

As the sports community braces for an exciting season, many are looking forward to the intense competition and memorable moments that lie ahead.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented his ‘victory plan’ to the EU on 17 October, pitching for a Nato membership invitation and a major increase in military support for Kyiv’s campaign against Russia’s invasion. The plan contains requests that Ukraine’s allies have so far declined, such as a call for an invitation to join the Nato military alliance and permission to use western weapons to strike deep inside Russia. Zelenskyy presented the plan at a critical time, as Moscow’s forces advance in the east, a bleak winter of power cuts looms and a US presidential election casts uncertainty over the future of western support

Zelenskyy lays out Ukraine ‘victory plan’ which Moscow calls an escalation

Ukraine war briefing: Australia to send 49 Abrams tanks to Kyiv
Source: ReutersThu 17 Oct 2024 13.46 BSTLast modified on Thu 17 Oct 2024 14.09 BSTShare

Bloomberg/Getty ImagesTim Cook attended workforce advisory board meetings during Donald Trump's presidency Donald Trump has claimed he received a phone call on Thursday from Apple's chief executive Tim Cook, in which the tech boss shared concerns about the European Union.
He says Mr Cook told him he was concerned about recent financial penalties issued by the EU, which ordered Apple to pay Ireland €13bn (£11bn; $14bn) in unpaid taxes in September.
Mr Trump, who is running as the Republican candidate for the upcoming US Presidential Election, made the claim in a podcast released on Thursday.
The BBC has asked Apple for a response.
Mr Trump told presenter Patrick Bet-David in his appearance on the PBD Podcast that Mr Cook had called him a few hours prior to complain about fines the company was forced to pay after breaching EU rules.
He said Mr Cook had told him about a recent $15bn fine from the EU, to which Mr Trump said he responded "that's a lot".
"Then on top of that, they got fined by the European Union another $2bn," Mr Trump continued, "so it's a $17-18bn fine."
Apple and the Irish government lost a long-running legal dispute over unpaid taxes in September.
The EU's highest court upheld an accusation by the bloc's legislative arm, the European Commission, that Ireland gave Apple illegal tax advantages.
Mr Cook described the Commission's findings as "political" and said Ireland was being "picked on" in 2016.
The European Commission fined Apple €1.8bn several months earlier in March for allegedly breaking music streaming rules, in a win for rival service Spotify.
According to Mr Trump, the Apple chief executive went on to make a remark about the EU using the money received via antitrust fines to run an "enterprise".
Antitrust fines paid by firms which breach EU competition rules go towards the bloc's general budget and "help to finance the EU and reduce the burden for taxpayers," the Commission's website states.
A Commission spokesperson said antitrust fines are designed to sanction companies that have breached competition rules, as well as deter them and others from engaging in anti-competitive behaviour.
"When determining the amount of the fine, the Commission considers both the gravity and the duration of the infringement," they told BBC News.
"All companies are welcome in the EU, provided they respect our rules and legislation."
Mr Trump said he told Mr Cook he would not let the EU "take advantage of our companies", but he needed to "get elected first".
The former president has spent some of his campaign trying to woo prominent tech figures, with Tesla and X (formerly Twitter) boss Elon Musk among those backing Mr Trump.
He also said he spoke to Google boss Sundar Pichai earlier this week, and claims to have had multiple calls with Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg in August.
'Regulatory uncertainty'Mr Musk and the heads of several large tech firms have criticised the EU's approach to regulating their platforms.
The bloc has set of rules and requirements that firms must comply with in order to offer digital products and services in the region.
These include the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and its Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act.
Its two digital laws aim to rein in powerful "gatekeeper" tech companies, provide more choice for consumers and protect users of online platforms or services from illegal or harmful content.
Apple has previously claimed that opening up services including its app store to third parties, as required by the DMA, could be bad for users.
The EU's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, passed earlier this year, also created concern for some tech firms in regulating products according to their risks.
It will also make producers of general purpose AI systems be more transparent about data used to train their models.
Meta executive Nick Clegg recently said that "regulatory uncertainty" in the EU was behind the delayed roll out of generative AI products there.
Apple has also said its own suite of generative AI features will not be coming to iPhones in the EU when they become immediately available elsewhere.

In a recent interview, Transparency Scape Insurance Brokers, a prominent insurance brokerage in Nigeria, shared exciting news about the launch of their innovative InsurTech app, InsurEase. This groundbreaking app aims to provide customers with affordable, accessible, and reliable insurance policies at their convenience, marking a significant milestone for the company.

Oluseyi Ifaturoti, the Managing Director and CEO of Transparency Scape Insurance Brokers, expressed her pride during the launch. “This is a proud moment for us, as we officially introduce InsurEase into the Nigerian insurance market,” she stated. “Our mission is to make insurance easier to understand and purchase, simplifying the process for our clients by leveraging cutting-edge technology.”

Ifaturoti emphasized the company’s commitment to instilling peace of mind and confidence in their clients. “We have worked hard to establish ourselves as a trusted partner in effective risk management solutions. InsurEase is a testament to our dedication, providing a convenient platform for clients to purchase affordable and reliable insurance.”

Additionally, Olufela Olurin, the Chief Operating Officer of Transparency Scape Insurance Brokers, shared her enthusiasm about this achievement. “Launching InsurEase felt like a monumental task at first, but I am incredibly proud of our team’s perseverance. Despite the challenges we faced, we made this day a reality,” Olurin remarked.

In our recent discussion, we explored the intriguing yet flawed world of the upcoming action film “Classified,” featuring Aaron Eckhart in the role of a hapless hitman named Evan Shaw. Once considered a rising star in Hollywood, Eckhart’s career has taken unexpected turns despite his undeniable talent and charisma.

In this film, Shaw is portrayed as somewhat naïve, believing he’s part of a covert CIA unit that communicates with him through coded messages in old-school newspaper classifieds. His boss, played by Tim Roth, is depicted as a ghostly figure—Shaw never actually meets him. A flashback reveals they used to share dinners, but Roth’s performance seems to lean heavily into the comedic, perhaps suggesting a light-hearted approach to the material.

Shaw navigates his sorrow following the loss of his wife, portrayed in flashbacks by Marysia S Peres. This loss drives him deeper into his solitary life as a killer, moving through airports and retrieving high-caliber rifles from lost and found. His routine includes a series of grim assignments followed by solitary unwinding in hotel bars.

In one of these bars, he encounters Kacey, played by Abigail Breslin, who, unlike what Shaw expects, is not seeking a romantic connection. Instead, she reveals shocking truths: Shaw isn’t working for the CIA, his boss is actually dead, and he’s been used as a pawn in a dangerous game. Initially resistant to this reality, Shaw gradually comes to believe her, leading the duo to Malta in search of answers—and perhaps to showcase the island’s stunning scenery.

Directed and shot by Roel Reiné, who wears multiple hats in this project, the film has a distinct low-budget feel. The fight scenes lack energy, featuring extras who seem to be waiting for their time to dramatically fall. While the picturesque Maltese architecture provides a beautiful backdrop, viewers might find the dialogue quite disappointing, leaving much to be desired.

“Classified” is set to release on digital platforms on October 28.