Category: NEWS

Antoine Griezmann, the French forward, has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an impressive chapter of his career with the national team to a close. The 33-year-old Atletico Madrid player leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having made 137 appearances for France and scoring 44 goals. His contributions were instrumental in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, where he netted a crucial penalty in the final against Croatia, helping secure a 4-2 victory in Moscow. Griezmann also celebrated a Nations League title with his teammates in 2021.

In a touching video posted on social media, Griezmann reflected on his journey, stating, “With a heart full of memories, I close this chapter of my life. Thank you for this magnificent tricolour adventure and see you soon.” He continued, “After 10 incredible years filled with challenges, successes, and unforgettable moments, it’s time for me to turn the page and pave the way for the new generation. Wearing this jersey has been both an honour and a privilege.”

Griezmann’s last appearance for France was as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Belgium, following a starting role in a 3-1 loss to Italy in the Nations League last September. He made this announcement just ahead of the upcoming international break in October, during which France will take on Israel and Belgium in the Nations League.

Since his debut in 2014, Griezmann has been a key figure for the French squad under manager Didier Deschamps. He was also the top scorer at Euro 2016, where he scored six goals, leading France to the finals against Portugal. Furthermore, he took part in the 2022 World Cup final, where France faced Argentina, ending in a thrilling penalty shootout following a dramatic 3-3 draw.

On October 8, Mohamed Bahi, a former city government employee, was arrested and charged with obstructing a federal investigation into the fundraising activities of Eric Adams’ mayoral campaign. Bahi faces serious allegations, including witness tampering and destruction of records, each of which could result in a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Bahi worked as a senior liaison in the community affairs department of the mayor’s office from 2022 until October 2024. According to an indictment filed by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy, and DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber, Bahi participated in a December 2020 fundraising event for then-candidate Eric Adams, referred to in the indictment as “Official 1.” During this event, four employees of a construction company made contributions under their own names at the request and financial backing of their boss, identified as the “Businessman” in the indictment. This practice, known as “straw donor” contributions, allegedly violates federal law.

The indictment claims that as the federal investigation into these donations was underway, Bahi attempted to bribe several witnesses and destroy evidence to obstruct the inquiry.

On June 13 of this year, FBI agents executed a search warrant at the Businessman’s residence and issued subpoenas to him and the four donors. Following communications with Adams, referred to as “Official 1,” Bahi allegedly conveyed a message to the Businessman urging him to lie to investigators. He additionally advised the four donors to do the same. After a meeting with Adams on June 14, Bahi relayed that Adams had faith in the Businessman and believed he would not cooperate with law enforcement.

On July 24, FBI agents searched Bahi’s home and seized his phone. Just before their arrival, Bahi reportedly received a tip-off and swiftly deleted the Signal app, which he had been using to communicate with Adams. The indictment asserts that his actions were intended to destroy evidence and obstruct the investigation.

Williams underscored the seriousness of interfering with a federal investigation and emphasized that cases like this serve as a stark reminder of the law’s importance.

The U.S. government is considering a bold move: breaking up Google, the largest search engine in the world. This potential action arises amid serious allegations that Google has caused “pernicious harms” to the American public. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently evaluating possible remedies following a significant court ruling in August that found Google guilty of anti-competitive practices against its rivals in the online search sector.

If the DOJ pursues these remedies and a judge approves them, it could signal a pivotal moment for regulatory measures against major tech companies. Google’s response has been vociferous; they have denounced these proposals as “radical” and “sweeping,” cautioning that such actions may ultimately hurt consumers, businesses, and developers.

At present, Google commands an overwhelming share of the online search market, holding roughly 90% of the global market. The DOJ alleges that Google has been using its other products—such as the Chrome browser and the Android operating system—to drive users toward its search engine, reaping profits from advertising in the process. A recent DOJ court filing states, “Google’s unlawful conduct persisted for over a decade and involved a range of self-reinforcing tactics,” which stifled competition and allowed Google to charge inflated prices for ads while compromising their quality and related services.

The Department is contemplating remedies to prevent Google from leveraging products like Chrome and Android to gain an unfair edge in the search market. The DOJ is expected to present a comprehensive set of proposals by November 20, while Google will have the opportunity to suggest its own remedies by December 20.

In a public statement, Google’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, referred to the recommendations as “government overreach,” warning that they could increase costs for consumers. She acknowledged that Google provides Chrome and Android for free to enhance web accessibility and usage of its services but cautioned that detaching these products from Google would require monetization, likely driving up prices for consumers.

Mulholland further emphasized that Google’s substantial annual payments to companies like Apple and Samsung to be their default search engine effectively subsidize these devices. She argues that if these payments were eliminated, product prices would inevitably rise.

Despite Google’s arguments regarding a competitive online advertising landscape—pointing to a Wall Street Journal article that highlights the growing use of TikTok and Amazon for searches—the data still indicates that Google holds over 50% of the search ad market.

Will the proposed changes effectively challenge Google’s dominance in the search arena? Xiaofeng Wang, a principal analyst at tech consulting firm Forrester, suggests that simply implementing regulatory changes may not suffice. “It could create opportunities for smaller competitors to expand their market share, fostering a more diverse and competitive environment,” she observes. “However, innovation in technology and strategies for market adoption, including effective marketing, will be crucial for their success.”

Furthermore, the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for regulatory actions against other major American tech companies. Wang highlights that the U.S. government has also initiated legal proceedings against Meta Platforms, Amazon, and Apple for purported monopolistic practices. Consequently, a favorable ruling in the Google case could have extensive implications for the broader tech industry.

Residents in the Tampa Bay area of Florida are responding to evacuation orders as Hurricane Milton, which briefly weakened to a Category 4 storm, has regained strength and is now classified as a Category 5 storm. This poses a serious threat of landfall in the region on the evening of October 9. In light of this situation, Florida officials have issued mandatory evacuation orders for 11 counties, affecting around 5.9 million residents. President Biden has urged anyone in the hurricane’s potential path to “evacuate now,” underscoring that this is a “life-or-death matter.”

As the storm approaches, residents are taking swift action. It’s been over a century since Tampa Bay has faced a major hurricane directly, with the last significant storm hitting in 1921. With Hurricane Milton’s expected impact, airlines, energy companies, and attractions like Universal Studios have temporarily suspended operations across Florida. Specifically, Orlando International Airport announced it would close at 8 AM local time on October 9, while Tampa International Airport had already ceased operations by October 8.

“This could be the most significant storm to hit Florida in over a century,” President Biden remarked after discussing the ongoing situation with disaster officials at the White House. He mentioned a conversation with Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis the previous night, noting that DeSantis has received “everything he needs” from the federal government for the response effort.

In anticipation of the storm’s landfall, Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida and urged airlines to assist with evacuations rather than raising fares. He encouraged residents to heed the evacuation recommendations from state authorities and decided to postpone his diplomatic trip to Germany and Angola, initially scheduled for October 10-15, to focus on the governmental response to the impending disaster.

As of October 8, FlightAware reported that over 2,000 flights had been delayed or canceled, with 1,311 flights delayed and 701 flights canceled—a number that is expected to increase.

On October 8, local residents began panic buying, leading to long lines at gas stations, some of which quickly ran out of fuel. Energy companies started shutting down pipelines and fuel delivery stations in the Tampa area. Kinder Morgan, a natural gas pipeline provider, has also announced the closure of its Central Florida Pipeline system.

With Hurricane Milton threatening a potentially unprecedented direct hit, Tampa Bay residents are evacuating amid growing concerns. Local officials are taking steps to protect furniture and appliances from potential flooding. Craig Fugate, former head of FEMA and a key figure in Florida’s emergency operations, noted, “Today is the last day to prepare.”

The densely populated west coast of Florida has only recently dealt with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Once it makes landfall, Milton is expected to remain a dangerous hurricane, likely inflicting catastrophic damage and causing prolonged power outages for days to come.

During a recent fundraising event in Little Neck, Queens, Mike LiPetri, the Republican candidate for New York’s 3rd Congressional District, took the opportunity to connect with a notable number of Asian American voters. At the event, he made it clear that, if elected, he would prioritize listening to and representing the voices and needs of the Asian community.

At just 34 years old, LiPetri was born and raised in Farmingdale, Long Island. With a background as a seasoned attorney, he previously served as a state assemblyman for the 9th District from 2019 to 2021. LiPetri emphasized that he comes from a non-political background, explaining that his motivation for entering politics stems from a desire to amplify the legal system’s voice and offer the public a credible choice while concentrating on solutions for future generations.

Reflecting on his time in the New York State Assembly, LiPetri highlighted his achievements in public safety, immigration reform, and community service. He believes that his legal expertise, coupled with a solid understanding of the Constitution and legislative processes, equips him to tackle intricate policy issues and work toward bipartisan solutions.

LiPetri’s platform primarily addresses the specific challenges faced by Long Island residents. He expressed a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of community life, pointing to initiatives focused on improving drinking water and infrastructure. On immigration policy, he plans to put an end to the “catch and release” approach, advocating for a more rigorous screening process to ensure that immigrants can contribute positively to American society. Additionally, he stands firmly against bail reform laws, vowing to challenge such measures—at the federal level as well—in efforts to reduce crime rates.

During the event, LiPetri also shared his favorable experiences with the Asian community, noting that he has hosted several snack gatherings and tea sessions. He stated his intention to maintain open lines of communication with local communities, intending to use social media, email, and video conferencing as tools for engagement. “We will leverage platforms like WeChat and WhatsApp to ensure effective communication with the Asian community,” he affirmed. “Translation services will also be provided to guarantee that every voter, regardless of language, can engage in meaningful discussions with us.” Furthermore, he assured that his office would always be open for constituents to voice their concerns.

LiPetri also took a firm stance against hate incidents targeting Asian Americans. “Under my oversight, I will not allow any form of hatred to persist. It’s imperative that our streets are safe for everyone, including our Asian friends,” he asserted.

When asked about his strategy to win support from Asian voters, LiPetri acknowledged the historical Democratic leanings within the community. However, he believes that Republican values resonate more closely with their beliefs. “If you want a safe, stable, and affordable community, those are the values of the Republican Party. If you believe in achieving success through hard work and personal merit instead of relying on handouts and identity politics, then you are a Republican. If you desire secure neighborhoods and strong support for law enforcement, that makes you a Republican too,” he concluded.

In an interview following his inaugural address to the Diet this past Friday, Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba articulated his top economic priority: combating deflation and guiding Japan toward stable economic growth.

“I will decisively put an end to deflation and pave the way for our economic future,” Ishiba declared, reflecting the core messages of his recent campaign for the leadership of the ruling party. His remarks indicated a commitment to continue many policies of the previous administration.

The Prime Minister also emphasized his dedication to raising wages, boosting productivity, and revitalizing rural areas. He aspires to transform Japan into a “nation strong in investment” by encouraging a cultural shift from saving to investing. Politically, Ishiba pledged that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) would enhance transparency and uphold the rule of law.

His address seemed to appeal directly to voters as the elections on October 27 approach, as he seeks to rally their support.

Additionally, Ishiba instructed his cabinet to develop a spending program aimed at addressing the rising costs of essential items—ranging from rice to fuel—particularly for low-income families. This initiative will be implemented over a three-year period and focuses on eliminating deflation, indicating that the government is not yet prepared to declare victory over this economic challenge.

Interestingly, while Ishiba did not touch on monetary policy during his speech, he clarified to the media the day before that his views would align with those of Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda.

On the foreign policy front, Ishiba reaffirmed that the U.S.-Japan alliance will remain fundamental in tackling regional security issues, and he signaled Japan’s intention to bolster its own defense capabilities.

He also expressed a commitment to fostering constructive and stable relations with Beijing while maintaining Japan’s national interests. Additionally, he reiterated Japan’s unwavering support for Ukraine and its stance on sanctions against Russia.

As autumn sets in, fresh walnuts flood the market, providing a delightful blend of nutty richness and fruity sweetness. Many enthusiasts argue that fresh walnuts boast greater nutritional benefits than their dried counterparts. Is this assertion backed by evidence?

Walnuts are celebrated for their brain-boosting capabilities, and emerging research points to their potential in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality when consumed in moderation. But is this truly the case? What other health benefits do walnuts offer, and how can we make the most of them?

When examining the nutritional profiles of fresh versus dried walnuts, studies indicate that their overall nutritional value is fairly similar. However, fresh walnuts typically have fewer calories and boast nearly ten times the vitamin C content found in dried walnuts. With a higher moisture content and greater amounts of soluble sugars, fresh walnuts provide a tender, sweet taste that’s less greasy, offering a quick boost of energy and essential nutrients.

Let’s delve into some compelling reasons to incorporate walnuts into your diet:

1. **Lower Mortality Risk and Increased Longevity**: Research has discovered a notable connection between walnut consumption and reduced all-cause mortality, particularly from cardiovascular diseases. Individuals who consume more than five servings of walnuts per week—about 28 grams or two to three walnuts—experience the most pronounced benefits, potentially reducing overall mortality risk by 14% and cardiovascular mortality risk by 25%, translating to an increase in life expectancy by roughly 1.3 years. Even small amounts may promote a longer life, especially for those with poorer dietary habits.

2. **Boost Brain Health**: Walnuts are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including Omega-3s, essential for nourishing brain cells and enhancing cognitive function. They also contain zinc and magnesium, which are crucial for maintaining brain health.

3. **Support Heart Health and Reduce Inflammation**: Consuming walnuts may improve heart health and mitigate inflammation. A balanced Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acid ratio can minimize vascular inflammation, decrease blood clotting, curtail “bad” cholesterol levels, and enhance endothelial function. Impressively, walnuts have a beneficial Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio of 6:1.

4. **Promote Healthy Aging**: The variety of vitamins present in walnuts can help keep skin youthful and slow down the aging process. Vitamins B and E play a role in preventing cellular aging and boosting memory.

5. **Enhance Gut Health**: Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, linoleic acid, fiber, and antioxidants, walnuts contribute to a diverse gut microbiome, improving intestinal health.

6. **Lower Diabetes Risk**: Studies suggest that frequent nut consumption, particularly walnuts, correlates with a reduced risk of diabetes and obesity. Including a daily serving of nuts may help maintain a balanced and healthy diet.

7. **Improve Sleep Quality**: Walnuts can boost melatonin production by threefold, which may enhance overall sleep quality.

For those looking to incorporate walnuts into their self-care routines, here are five practical tips:

1. **Mind Your Portion Size**: Aim for 2-3 walnuts each day. The Chinese Nutrition Society recommends about 70 grams per week—roughly 10 grams daily.

2. **Fresh is Best**: Enjoy walnuts as soon as you crack them open; exposure to air can lead to oxidation and spoilage.

3. **Select Plain Varieties**: Choose unsalted, unflavored, and unroasted walnuts, since heating them above 120°C can result in harmful inflammatory substances.

4. **Eat with the Peel**: The brown skin of walnuts is rich in beneficial phytochemicals. Don’t be shy about consuming it along with the nut.

5. **Steer Clear of Bitter Nuts**: If you encounter walnuts that taste bitter, discard them immediately and rinse your mouth, as rancid nuts can generate toxic compounds.

In conclusion, when comparing fresh walnuts to dried ones, fresh walnuts are higher in moisture, lower in fats and calories, and contain more soluble sugars and water-soluble vitamins. Their numerous benefits include lowering mortality risk, protecting heart health, delaying aging, improving gut health, and enhancing cognitive function and sleep quality. Aim for 2-3 walnuts a day, preferably fresh, and remember to enjoy them with their skin, while avoiding any that have a bitter taste.

On the morning of September 20, the 16th Representative Assembly of Returned Overseas Chinese and Their Relatives took place at the Beijing Conference Center, attracting notable figures such as Yin Li, Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee, and Wan Lijun, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. Both leaders addressed the audience during the opening ceremony, with Li Xiu, Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal People’s Congress, also in attendance.

In his remarks, Yin Li highlighted the vital contributions of returned overseas Chinese and their families, as well as overseas Chinese citizens, in realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. He urged attendees to actively participate in China’s modernization efforts and to contribute to the capital’s development in this new era. Emphasizing the need for national unity, Yin called for a strong stance against divisive rhetoric and actions, stressing the importance of building a sense of community among the Chinese people and promoting national reunification. He advocated for increased exchanges and cooperation with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, encouraging contributions aimed at high-quality development in Beijing. He also underscored the significance of promoting Chinese culture and sharing stories that reflect both China’s heritage and the experiences of Beijing, urging individuals to integrate into and give back to their local communities to foster personal growth alongside that of their homeland and host countries.

Additionally, Yin proposed a comprehensive enhancement of the Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, advocating for reforms to transform it into a trustworthy, united, and welcoming space for returned overseas Chinese and their families. He called on all levels of the party and government to create favorable conditions for the federation’s initiatives.

Wan Lijun praised the efforts of the capital’s Chinese community organizations and acknowledged the strong support and attention from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, towards returned overseas Chinese and their relatives. He expressed his hopes that various organizations and members of the Federation would embrace Xi Jinping’s thoughts on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era, directing their efforts towards supporting the reform and development of the capital. Wan encouraged them to focus on improving the welfare of overseas Chinese in this new era.

During the assembly, a representative from the Beijing Youth Federation also addressed the audience on behalf of the city’s youth organizations. City leaders, including Xia Linmao, Yang Jinbo, Zhao Lei, and Cui Shuqiang, were also present at the event.

On October 7th, President Biden announced a state of emergency in Florida in response to Hurricane Milton, which began impacting the state on October 5th. In a White House statement, he ordered federal assistance to aid in managing the crisis.

At a press conference following the announcement, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stressed the urgency of taking proper precautions, as the state braces for potentially disastrous winds and rainfall. He highlighted the serious damage Hurricane Milton could cause.

Furthermore, President Biden has authorized the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to lead all disaster response efforts, focusing on alleviating the impact on local communities and providing essential emergency support. According to Reuters, Florida has already implemented extensive evacuation orders in preparation for the severe weather conditions anticipated.

In a recent poll, challenger Nathan Hochman is showing a significant lead over incumbent George Gascón in the race for Los Angeles County District Attorney, with a margin of 30 percentage points. The survey, conducted by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, reveals that 51% of county voters back Hochman, while only 21% support Gascón. The poll was based on responses from 908 voters and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Hochman’s support has surged since August 18, when he was ahead by 25 points. Mark DiCamillo, the director of the poll, highlighted the considerable gap, pointing out that Gascón faces an uphill battle to change voters’ perceptions in the weeks ahead.

In a recent interview, Gascón expressed optimism about his chances, recalling how he was “significantly behind” during the 2020 election but ultimately prevailed. He stressed that the true test of success will come on Election Day.

Conversely, Hochman shared his perspective, indicating that the poll results mirror the concerns voiced by residents over the past year. He noted that many voters feel “less safe than before Gascón took office” and are eager for a new DA who can effectively address crime, restore order, and enhance public safety.

The poll also reveals that among Hochman’s supporters, 66% prioritize “reducing chaos and bringing necessary changes to the DA’s office,” while 55% of Gascón’s supporters appreciate his commitment to “promote police accountability.”

Despite Gascón touting a reduction in violent crime during his term, many voters appear unconvinced. Hochman has leveraged these doubts, linking a series of high-profile crimes to Gascón’s policies.

Both candidates are expected to face off in a debate hosted by the Los Angeles Times and KNX Radio on Tuesday at 5 PM.