Category: NEWS

California leads the nation in families spending half or more of their income on housing, according to a report from the Orange County Register. With the largest housing market in the United States, it’s not surprising that California has 2.7 million households—14% of the national total of 19.3 million—devoting such a significant portion of their income to housing expenses. Texas follows with 1.7 million households, Florida with 1.6 million, New York with 1.5 million, and Pennsylvania with about 689,000.

Disturbingly, the 2.7 million figure in California represents 20% of the state’s population, which is significantly higher than the national average of 15%. New York and Hawaii also have 19% of families spending half or more of their income on housing. Florida and Nevada come in at 18%, while Texas ranks 14th at 15%.

In contrast, North Dakota and West Virginia have the lowest percentages of families facing severe housing stress, at just 9%. South Dakota follows with 10%, while Iowa and Missouri both stand at 11%.

This data reveals a stark reality: renters are often in a much worse financial situation than homeowners. California has the highest number of tenants paying 50% or more of their income in rent, with 1.63 million renters making up 15% of the national total. Texas has 993,500 renters in this category, New York has 934,800, and Florida has 843,500, while Pennsylvania has 373,100.

Interestingly, California ranks fourth in the percentage of renters paying half or more of their income on rent, at 28%, slightly higher than the national average of 26%. Florida tops the list at 31%, followed by Louisiana at 30% and Nevada at 29%. Texas is ranked 17th with 25%. At the bottom of the list, North Dakota has 16%, followed by Wyoming, South Dakota, and Kansas at 19%.

When we look at homeowners, California again takes the lead, with 1.1 million homeowners spending half or more of their income on housing costs, amounting to 13% of the national total of 8.4 million. Florida comes next with 760,000 homeowners, Texas with 685,700, New York with 537,500, and Illinois with 324,300.

Additionally, California and Hawaii have the highest rates of homeowners under this financial strain, at 14%, compared to the national average of 10%. New York and Florida each have 13%, while New Jersey has 12%, and Texas ranks 15th with 10%. North Dakota has the lowest percentage at 5%, followed by West Virginia at 6%.

To celebrate the centennial anniversary of Sun Yat-sen University, the Lingnan Alumni Association of the East Coast is hosting a cultural celebration titled “Roots of Lingnan • Century of Sun Yat-sen,” on Saturday, October 26th, from 10 AM to 12 PM at the basement conference room of the Flushing Library. This meaningful event is co-hosted by the Flushing Library, the New York Liyuan Troupe, and the Chih Shun Alumni Association of the East Coast. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant cultural feast that includes book sharing, art exhibitions, and performances of Kunqu opera and street dance.

One of the highlights of the event will be Yale University professor Su Wei, who will discuss the creative journey behind his symphonic cantata “Iron Man Jin Ding.” Additionally, Professor Yu Renqiu from the State University of New York will interpret his new historical work, “Save the Nation, Save Yourself.” Alumni from Sun Yat-sen University and their children will showcase their artworks, while the New York Liyuan Troupe and Yes I Can Performing Arts Center will present performances that juxtapose traditional and contemporary art forms.

The event will take place in the basement conference room of Flushing Library, and will also be livestreamed via Zoom at queenslib.org/47K1.

The annual “Wife Carrying Championship” took place in Newry, Maine, drawing multiple teams of contestants who raced through a challenging 275-meter course filled with water, mud, and wooden obstacles, all while carrying one partner on their back. The winners were rewarded with beer and cash prizes.

This unusual competition has its roots in a politically incorrect Finnish tradition. According to reports from the Associated Press, there is a legend dating back to the 19th century in Finland about a man named “Ronkainen the Robber,” who would raid villages and abduct women with his gang. Traditionally, the event involved men carrying women, but in modern times, participants do not have to be married couples, and it doesn’t always have to be a husband carrying his wife.

During the weekend event, many contestants donned eye-catching costumes, while spectators cheered from the sidelines. Some participants employed unique carrying techniques, positioning their “wives” head down from their backs to allow for greater mobility and free use of their arms as they navigated the muddy course. It was not uncommon for contestants to slip and fall multiple times before getting back on their feet to continue.

The victors of this quirky competition received beer and cash rewards — specifically, five times the weight of their “wife” in beer and an equivalent amount in cash. One of the most amusing moments involved placing the “wife” on one end of a scale and counterbalancing it with a barrel of beer to determine weight.

Among the couples participating this year were Wade and his wife from Cuba, New York. Wade shared, “We come here every year. The chances of winning are slim, but everyone cheers each other on, and the atmosphere is fantastic.”

Wike Advocates for Amendments to FCT Procurement Act

In a recent event in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration officially launched the full-scale expansion of Obafemi Awolowo Way, extending from the Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III. This significant project, also known as Arterial Road N5, spans approximately 4.4 kilometers and will feature two six-lane carriageways.

The flag-off ceremony was presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who underscored the importance of this road project in alleviating traffic congestion and stimulating socio-economic growth within the region. The road will serve as a vital connection between Herbert Macaulay Way and Julius Berger Roundabout, impacting neighborhoods like Gwarinpa, Kado, and Iddo Gwari.

Shehu Hadi Ahmad, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), emphasized that this development is expected to enhance the quality of life and broaden economic opportunities for local residents in areas such as Old Keffi Road and Dei-dei.

In his remarks, Senator Akpabio, represented by Senate Committee on FCT Chairman Senator Ibrahim Bomai, reiterated the Senate’s commitment to supporting the FCT Administration in fulfilling its responsibilities.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike spoke candidly about the existing challenges posed by the current state of the road, particularly the chaotic traffic conditions in the Life Camp area. He expressed optimism that the project would significantly improve the situation.

While appreciating the National Assembly’s support for the Tinubu administration and FCTA, Wike criticized the existing Procurement Law in the FCT, arguing that it hampers the timely execution of projects. He called on lawmakers to consider amending the law to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles.

“While the procurement law is meant to safeguard public funds, its lengthy processes often hinder our progress,” Wike stated. “In many instances, we find ourselves waiting four months for procurement approval, which can stretch to six months or more. This delays essential projects and constrains our development efforts.”

Looking ahead, the minister also shared plans to initiate infrastructure projects in Kwali, Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Bwari Area Councils starting next week. He confidently stated, “By the end of President Tinubu’s first term, the people of Abuja will recognize the positive changes and will have no choice but to embrace this renewed vision for our capital.”

Recently, a wave of cold air has been quite active across China, causing temperatures in several regions to hit new lows for the latter half of the year. Notably, cities like Beijing, Tianjin, and Taiyuan have for the first time this season dipped below freezing. Starting October 21, the effects of a new cold front began to manifest, resulting in temperature drops of 3 to 6 degrees in central and eastern China, with some areas experiencing declines of over 8 degrees.

As the harsh weather sets in, many regions are facing rain and snow. Significant rainfall and localized heavy downpours have been reported in places like Chongqing, Hubei, and Henan. In northwest areas like Xinjiang and Tibet, mixed rain and snow have occurred. By the night of October 20, Mohe in Heilongjiang Province experienced intense snowfall, which escalated to blizzard conditions by midday on the 21st.

In the Hexi region of Gansu, cities like Jiuquan, Zhangye, and Jinchang also encountered rain and snow, leading to temporary traffic restrictions on several highways. Authorities have deployed heavy machinery for snow and ice removal operations. Meanwhile, in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, rain and snow were accompanied by strong winds of 5 to 6 levels, resulting in icy roads and the suspension of some passenger transportation services.

In response to the dropping temperatures, many northern cities have提前启动供暖工作, starting their heating systems earlier this winter. For example, Changchun in Jilin officially began its heating season on the 18th of this month. During a visit to a resident’s home, a reporter noted that the indoor temperature had stabilized at around 25 degrees Celsius.

Starting October 20, Heilongjiang Province also entered its heating season in full swing, with the first thermal power plant in Harbin stockpiling 300,000 tons of coal for the demand ahead. Similarly, cities in Yulin of Shaanxi and Lüliang of Shanxi have also switched on their heating systems ahead of schedule. Other regions like Ningxia and Liaoning have completed pipeline water injections and pressure testing, preparing to provide heating as needed based on weather conditions.

According to the Central Meteorological Observatory, the northeastern regions can expect continued rain and snow on October 22 and 23, with moderate to heavy precipitation predicted. In particular, eastern Jilin and eastern Heilongjiang are likely to see rain transitioning to snow, with local areas experiencing blizzard conditions. Residents are advised to exercise caution while traveling and to be aware of potential impacts on agricultural facilities.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has criticized United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for accepting an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the BRICS summit while declining to participate in a “Peace Summit” focused on the Ukraine conflict.

In a post on social media platform X, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated, “The UN Secretary-General declined our invitation to attend the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.”

They further expressed, “However, he accepted an invitation from war criminal Putin to attend the summit in Kazan. This is a misguided choice that will not advance the cause of peace and will only damage the reputation of the United Nations.”

Tomorrow, Putin will host the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, which aims to showcase the influence of non-Western countries. Notable attendees include Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Earlier this month, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry revealed that Guterres had informed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the UN General Assembly last month that he intended to travel to Kazan for the summit.

When asked about Guterres’ attendance at the Kazan summit, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq responded, “Announcements regarding his future schedule will be made later.”

The Peace Summit, held in June at a resort in the Swiss mountains, gathered representatives from over 90 countries to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and seek ways to end the conflict. Russia was not invited to this summit and dismissed it as meaningless.

Dalian, China – On October 21, the MSC container ship “Maria Cristina,” a 16,000 TEU vessel constructed by Dalian Shipbuilding and China Ship Trading, was officially delivered. Notably, this ship is equipped with the world’s largest B-type LNG (liquefied natural gas) fuel tank.

The “Maria Cristina” is the first of eight LNG dual-fuel 16,000 TEU container ships being built for MSC by Dalian Shipbuilding, measuring approximately 366 meters in length, 51 meters in width, and 30.2 meters in depth.

According to Bi Hongkun, the project manager at Dalian Shipbuilding, the design of the vessel emphasizes “safety, economy, and environmental protection.” The ship features dual-fuel main engines, generators, and boilers, along with a waste heat recovery system to meet the latest environmental emission standards. The project team has implemented energy-saving measures, such as optimizing the hull form and incorporating efficient propellers and rudders, resulting in an energy efficiency design index that is 65.5% below the baseline.

One of the standout features of the “Maria Cristina” is its B-type LNG fuel tank, which has a capacity of 13,000 cubic meters and weighs 1,200 tons, making it the largest B-type LNG fuel tank in a single compartment globally.

Bi highlighted that this ship marks the first instance in China of fully independently developing a B-type LNG fuel tank, thus filling a technological gap in the domestic market. During the LNG refueling operations, the refueling team successfully executed a series of complex tasks, including inerting the fuel tank, cooling operations, replacement, and refueling, ultimately shortening the overall refueling period by approximately 66 hours compared to initial estimates.

During sea trials, the command center focused on the dual-fuel main engine and shaft generator, overcoming various challenges and completing all trial tasks in just 13 days.

The 2024 Wuhan Open is gearing up for an exciting quarterfinal round today, featuring rising stars Zheng Qinwen and Wang Xinyu as they aim for a spot in the women’s singles semifinals.

Here’s a look at today’s schedule:

In the central court’s day session, the number four seed Coco Gauff will kick things off in the first match, followed by China’s Wang Xinyu, who faces off against Aliaksandra Sasnovich. The third match of the day will see Aryna Sabalenka take on Francesca Jones.

Later in the evening session on the central court, fifth seed Zheng Qinwen will compete against third seed Beatriz Haddad Maia in the opening match. Following that, the top-seeded women’s doubles team of Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani will square off against Daniilina and Kramaracheva.

Court One will host three thrilling women’s doubles quarterfinals as well.

Stay tuned for more updates!

On October 22, during a press conference held by the Gansu Provincial Government’s Information Office, Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, An Guomin, shared some promising figures regarding Gansu’s agricultural sector. By the end of September this year, the province saw a substantial increase in agricultural processing enterprises, adding 84 new companies and surpassing its annual target. Additionally, the province signed 1,059 new investment projects worth approximately 49.9 billion yuan. In the first three quarters, agricultural exports reached 2.38 billion yuan, marking a 22.7% increase, with unique local products reaching over 100 countries and regions.

An emphasized that Gansu has been working diligently to enhance grain production, the development of specialty industries, and attracting investments. Overall, the rural economy has maintained steady growth, and economic operations have shown positive progress. The demand is recovering, and high-quality development is steadily advancing.

Reflecting on the current harvest season, An noted that Gansu has made significant strides, with 22.1374 million acres of crops harvested—indicating the best growth for autumn grain crops in nearly a decade. For the year, the province is expected to exceed a planting area of 40.75 million acres for grain, including 13.109 million acres of summer grain, producing 3.462 million tons, which is an increase compared to the previous year.

With the implementation of various policies aimed at boosting the agricultural sector, livestock production has shown steady growth. An shared that Gansu has rolled out measures to stabilize the cattle and sheep industries, with total funding support of 331 million yuan. Despite a slight decline in the number of cattle and sheep, the output has increased significantly.

In terms of pig farming, An reported that the industry has entered a profit phase, with both the stock and output seeing slight increases. The prices of feed materials, including corn and soybean meal, have dropped, which is expected to reduce farming costs and improve profit margins for livestock producers.

Statistics revealed that in the first three quarters, Gansu’s primary industry added value was 121.98 billion yuan, demonstrating a 6.0% year-on-year growth, outpacing the national average. The per capita disposable income for rural residents rose to 9,415 yuan, up 7.5%, again higher than the national average.

Gu Keyong, Deputy Director of the Gansu Provincial Statistics Bureau, highlighted a rapid increase in agricultural investment, which has resulted in the establishment of 1.112 million acres of high-standard farmland, driving a 63.1% rise in primary industry investment.

This press conference featured multiple positive indicators, showing that the agricultural, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery sectors in Gansu have collectively grown by 6.1% year-on-year, the rural economy remains robust, and the population is steadily increasing their income. Gu noted that in the first three quarters, the income of urban and rural residents has consistently grown, with per capita disposable income reaching 19,108 yuan—further shrinking the income gap between urban and rural areas.

In a recent development, a Ukrainian official and two American officials disclosed that thousands of North Korean soldiers began arriving in Russia’s western Kursk region starting October 23. They’re anticipated to assemble a force of 5,000 by October 28, reportedly to assist in combating Ukrainian troops. Correspondingly, on the messaging platform Telegram, a document purportedly issued by the Ukrainian military has surfaced, detailing a “Korean Phrasebook” designed for interactions with North Korean soldiers when they are encountered or captured.

According to a report by The New York Times, South Korean and Ukrainian governments have been warning for weeks about the training of thousands of North Korean troops alongside Russian forces, with estimates suggesting their numbers could reach as high as 12,000. However, these troops have not yet officially engaged in combat, and their specific role in the ongoing conflict remains unclear.

An anonymous Ukrainian official indicated that these soldiers belong to elite units of the Korean People’s Army. They reportedly traveled by Il-76 transport planes from Vladivostok to a military airbase in western Russia before being deployed to the front lines. As for the possibility of more North Korean troops being sent to Ukraine, current signs are mixed; at this stage, they are primarily concentrated in the Kursk region.

The Times emphasizes that North Korean forces have not participated in any military engagements since the 1950s, and there are lingering doubts about the capability of their elite units. Challenges such as language barriers, unfamiliar terrain, and differing military practices could pose significant obstacles. Should they be deployed to the Kursk front, they would face seasoned Ukrainian soldiers, who have successfully repelled Russian advances since an unexpected counteroffensive began in August.

Military analyst Emil Kastehelmi from Finland’s Blackbird Group expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of North Korean troops as a fighting force, though he noted that this may not be the primary concern. “From the Russian perspective, the key is that someone must die on the battlefield, and ideally, that person would not be Russian,” he stated.

Additionally, South Korea’s YTN News and Maeil Business Newspaper report that pro-Russian Telegram accounts have circulated three images of what is said to be a Ukrainian-created “Korean Phrasebook.” The document appears to be instructions for the Ukrainian forces regarding interactions with North Korean soldiers.

The Ukrainian phrases included in the document have been translated into Korean, with their phonetic pronunciations inscribed using the Cyrillic alphabet. Among the 60 phrases are instructions such as “Surrender,” “What is your mission?” “Ukraine adheres to the Geneva Conventions,” as well as expressions like “Are you hungry?” and “Do not lie,” though the authenticity of the document has yet to be verified.