Category: NEWS

On October 9th, the inaugural Qunjia National Forest Park Music Festival kicked off under a light drizzle in Qunjia Tibetan Township, nestled in the Huzhong District of Xining, Qinghai Province. This event also marked the official opening of the “Cloud Above Qunjia” camping site, welcoming its very first visitors.

Qunjia, meaning “the place where the white phoenix has landed” in Tibetan, is a stunning locale with a vegetation coverage of 79.32%. This lush environment is home to over 200 wildlife species, including white-lipped deer, sika deer, and musk deer, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

The music festival showcased a diverse array of performers from across Qinghai, featuring everything from piano solos to poetry readings accompanied by ethnic instruments. A standout moment came when artists from the Cultural Center of Qixia District in Nanjing presented a captivating folk music ensemble entitled “Autumn Elegance.”

One of the festival’s most moving performances was by blind pianist Shiyuan Rongming, who played “The Red Blossoms of the Mountain” to thunderous applause. Shiyuan shared his thoughts on the experience, saying, “Even though I can’t see, I can hear the support and appreciation from my audience. It’s quite cold today, but the lively atmosphere of the concert warms every performer standing in the chilly wind.”

The partnership between Qixia District in Nanjing and Huzhong District in Xining has roots going back to 2016, with the goal of fostering collaboration between eastern and western China. This year, the “Cloud Above Qunjia” camping project stands out as a key initiative from this partnership.

Spanning 201 acres in the Heixia Scenic Area of Qunjia National Forest Park, the camping site is backed by an investment of 81.86 million yuan, with 45 million yuan contributed by cooperative funds. The site features a visitor service center, a tent restaurant, and temporary parking, and is set to begin trial operations this October.

Xu Ning, Deputy Secretary of the Huzhong District Committee and Deputy District Chief, underscored the significance of this initiative. “Currently, our focus on cooperation between the east and west centers on industrial revitalization. The ‘Cloud Above Qunjia’ project aims to establish an international eco-tourism destination and a high-end accommodation hub, which could become a model for tourism collaboration between our regions.”

Xu further noted that the camping site is expected to stimulate local development. “The national forest park provides a unique competitive edge. The operation of the camping site will not only create job opportunities for local herders but also indirectly boost the local dining industry. Once the project becomes profitable, we can distribute dividends to villagers, thereby strengthening our collective economy.”

In recent years, the collaboration between Qixia District and Huzhong District has yielded positive results, with a total investment of 290 million yuan funding 52 cooperative projects. Qixia District has facilitated sales worth 255 million yuan for local products and connected 412 rural workers with job opportunities in Jiangsu Province, while also sending 145 skilled professionals to support Huzhong.

Xu Ning expressed his appreciation for the successful music festival and the opening of the camping site, attributing these achievements to the robust cooperation between the two regions. “With Qixia situated by the Yangtze River and Huzhong at the source of the Three Rivers, we are harmonizing to create a beautiful melody of ‘drinking from the same river and building a shared future.'”

**Interview with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara**

**Interviewer:** Governor Fubara, recent violent incidents tied to the local government elections have raised concerns in Rivers State. How is your administration responding to these events?

**Fubara:** We’re actively working with the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the recent attacks on council secretariats in Ikwerre, Emohua, and Eleme. We will not allow political thugs to disrupt our communities, and those found guilty will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

**Interviewer:** You’ve set up a judicial commission to investigate the violence. Can you provide more details on that?

**Fubara:** I decided it was essential to create a commission of inquiry to examine the killings and destruction that occurred. This commission, led by Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, has a mandate of one month to investigate these incidents. We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served.

**Interviewer:** Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has accused you of instigating the violence by proceeding with the local government elections despite a court ruling. How do you respond to that?

**Fubara:** It’s unfortunate that Wike has chosen to politicize this issue. I believe in the rule of law, and we have acted with integrity throughout the process. We had received intelligence suggesting there would be unrest, and we took all necessary precautions.

**Interviewer:** The new Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, emphasized restoring peace as a priority. How do you envision your administration’s collaboration with the police?

**Fubara:** The newly appointed Commissioner of Police and I share a common goal: restoring calm in Rivers State. We are committed to working closely with law enforcement to ensure our communities feel safe again. This will include tackling cultism and enhancing community engagement.

**Interviewer:** APC governorship candidate Tonye Cole has proposed that past governors, including Wike and Amaechi, should come together for peace talks. Do you agree with this idea?

**Fubara:** Dialogue is essential. I believe if all stakeholders, including former governors, can set aside personal interests for the greater good of Rivers State, we can foster lasting peace. It’s crucial that we come together to address these deep-rooted issues.

**Interviewer:** Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has raised alarms about the situation potentially escalating into a national security issue. How do you assess the current state of affairs in Rivers?

**Fubara:** I appreciate her concerns, and I believe awareness is critical. This situation indeed requires urgent attention from all parties involved, including federal authorities. Our primary focus should be on ensuring stability and addressing challenges before they escalate further.

**Interviewer:** Considering the economic implications of issues like oil theft, what measures is your administration implementing to address these challenges?

**Fubara:** We recognize the significant impact oil theft has on our economy. We’re enforcing stricter controls and collaborating with relevant parties to boost production and revenue. The long-term stability of Rivers State and Nigeria is our priority, and it requires collective efforts toward a common goal.

**Interviewer:** Lastly, you mentioned plans to showcase initiatives your administration has undertaken. What can the people of Rivers State look forward to?

**Fubara:** We have several projects aimed at improving the wellbeing of our citizens that we intend to unveil soon, potentially before the end of October. It’s crucial to show our commitment to progress despite the political distractions. We want to keep the people informed about our efforts to enhance their lives.

The United Cultural Association recently celebrated a milestone anniversary at their cultural center located on 8th Avenue in Brooklyn. The event drew a notable crowd, including State Senator John Liu, Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou, Councilmember Sandra Ung, and many esteemed guests.

During the celebration, Director Liang Huazhao took a moment to express his heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, community partners, volunteers, and attendees. He reflected on the past year, highlighting the various free community services organized by the United Cultural Association. These included health workshops, free English classes, food distribution, mental health seminars, free flu vaccinations, and school supply giveaways. Liang noted that these initiatives have greatly enhanced the quality of life for residents, eased economic pressures, and promoted cultural exchange and integration.

Looking forward, Liang reiterated the center’s dedication to providing high-quality free services and resources to the community, with the aim of helping more residents improve their living standards and seize development opportunities. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that the center will work closely with the community to contribute to its growth and success.

The anniversary gala showcased an exciting variety of performances, ranging from traditional dances to popular songs in both English and Chinese, including the captivating traditional Chinese face-changing act. To further honor community involvement, the center also presented more than ten Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, celebrating the invaluable contributions of volunteers who have been instrumental in the center’s accomplishments over the past year.

The 17th Automotive Lightweight Conference kicked off on October 9th at the Yangzhou National Exhibition Center, drawing renowned experts and industry leaders from both China and abroad. The focus of the conference was to explore the acceleration of lightweight technology applications in the new energy vehicle sector, aiming to drive innovation and foster industrial upgrades. During the opening ceremony, a significant signing event marked the launch of ten automotive and component industry projects, as well as several tech innovation platforms, officially beginning operations in Yangzhou.

In his opening remarks, Wang Jinjian, Secretary of the Yangzhou Municipal Committee, shared, “For many years, the people of Yangzhou have held two dreams: one is to join the ranks of cities with a GDP exceeding a trillion yuan, while the other is to establish Yangzhou as a landmark automotive city.” He stressed the interdependence of these two ambitions, noting that for Yangzhou to achieve its trillion-yuan GDP goal, it must enhance and expand its automotive industry, focusing on upgrades in the overall vehicle sector and the specialization of auto parts. Wang articulated a vision for the automotive and parts industries to reach a scale of 100 billion yuan, fostering a comprehensive ecosystem powered by leading enterprises.

The conference put a spotlight on critical shifts in the automotive industry, propelled by a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation. Key discussions revolved around energy-saving and lightweight technologies for new energy vehicles, with organizers aiming to promote electrification, intelligence, and connectivity in the automotive space.

Zhang Jinhua, Vice Chairman of the China Association for Science and Technology and President of the China Society of Automotive Engineering, highlighted the necessity of strategic planning and technological innovation. He called for a focus on collaborative innovation and the establishment of platforms that facilitate industry development, while also emphasizing the importance of enhancing the application of new technologies, broadening their reach, and creating mechanisms that support market acceptance.

Guo Liping, Secretary of the Party Group and Vice Chairman of the Jiangsu Provincial Association for Science and Technology, remarked, “Hosting this conference will further encourage Yangzhou to integrate global innovation resources. It will help establish a new model for the innovative development of the automotive lightweight industry and is crucial for nurturing new productive forces in the new energy vehicle sector, while also contributing to the transformation and upgrade of Jiangsu’s automotive industry.”

Since its launch in 2019, the Automotive Lightweight Conference has been held in Yangzhou for five consecutive years. This year’s event, co-organized by the China Society of Automotive Engineering, the Jiangsu Provincial Association for Science and Technology, the Automotive Lightweight Technology Innovation Strategic Alliance, and the Yangzhou Municipal Government, will span three days and feature two main venues, multiple workshops, forums, and over 200 specialized technical reports.

At a recent fundraising gala organized by the United Mutual Association, renowned acupuncture physician Dr. Mei-lan Chiao provided free medical consultations, drawing notable figures such as New York State Senator John Liu and his aide, Jessica Liu, to Flushing, Queens, New York.

The evening was energized with activities that included karaoke performances for fundraising, a charity auction, and a raffle. Awards were handed out, with Janet Leow being named the fundraising champion. Teacher Si-tan Chen received the Best Stage Presence award, and Danny Lam snagged the Golden Voice award. Contestant #0300, Pei-chen Chen, won the grand raffle prize of an iPad, while Annie Yin (#0717) and Nancy Cheung (#0708) secured the second and third prizes, respectively; the latter prize was collected by Si-yuan Chen on Nancy’s behalf. Additionally, the association distributed four scholarships to high school and college students, with recipients Yue Liu, Farrah Yuen, Teresa Lau, and Scout Chen honored for their achievements.

Since its registration as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on April 30, 2015, the United Mutual Association has relied on its officers, who serve without pay. The newly inaugurated board for 2024-2026 includes Honorary President Albert Wai-kit Chan, Ph.D., founding President Jean Lai Tong, President Stanley Kung, Vice Presidents Alfred Chan, Patrick Lau, and Betty Lai, Financial Officer Ken Cheung, as well as Committee Members Lucia Chan, Winnie Eng, Monica Wong, Sunny Yuan, Agnes Lau, Nina Cheng, Kitty Chan, and Christina Chin.

Shortly after the inauguration, Honorary President Albert Chan hosted over ten executive members for a tea gathering at East Cloud Restaurant in Flushing, where he expressed appreciation for their efforts in organizing the gala. Special recognition was also given to acupuncturists Dr. Mei-lan Chiao and Jie Sun for their dedication to community service through their voluntary medical consultations during the event.

The United Mutual Association traces its origins to the New York United Mutual Association established in 2010, which evolved from the New York United Women Association formed back in March 2006. This milestone marks 18 years of service to the community. The organization upholds the motto of “Happy & Healthy Longevity” and remains committed to philanthropic initiatives aimed at supporting the Chinese community in New York, particularly focused on aiding the elderly in navigating life’s challenges with resilience and hope.

For more information, the United Mutual Association can be reached at 718-321-1815, via mail at P.O. Box 528295, Flushing, NY 11352, or through their website at www.uma-ny.org.

In a vibrant interview, Lucy Mangan shared her thoughts on the new Netflix comedy, *Nobody Wants This*, calling it a delightful blend of humor, sweetness, and romance, all centered around the captivating dynamic between a rabbi and a sex podcaster. “The tension between these two characters is one of the most charming elements I’ve seen in quite some time,” she remarked with enthusiasm.

Mangan reminisced about her favorite meet-cutes, recalling unforgettable moments from films like *When Harry Met Sally* and *Colin from Accounts*. Yet, she believes the chemistry between Joanne (Kristen Bell) and Noah (Adam Brody) outshines them all. “It truly encapsulates the essence of comedic romance,” she emphasized.

Bell portrays a free-spirited woman creating a popular podcast about relationships, while Brody plays a progressive rabbi dealing with the aftermath of a broken engagement. Mangan pointed out the immediate and palpable attraction between the two leads, highlighting how effortlessly it translates on screen. “The dialogue is sharp and witty. Their banter isn’t just funny; it’s incredibly relatable,” she shared, noting that their chemistry is further enhanced by their real-life friendship.

Mangan also praised the supporting cast, particularly Justine Lupe, who plays Morgan, Joanne’s sister, adding depth and a relatable perspective on the pitfalls of dating. The show addresses real themes—family expectations, cultural differences, and the complexities of modern relationships—while keeping a light tone. “It’s refreshing to see a show that honestly portrays romantic struggles without undermining more established relationships,” she remarked.

Creator Erin Foster’s personal experiences shine through the script, tackling topics that many comedies shy away from. Mangan enthusiastically recounted a hilarious scene involving a Bluetooth mishap that leads to some comedic revelations between the characters. “It’s not just about the laughs; it’s about capturing sincere moments that resonate with the audience,” she pointed out.

The emotional stakes in *Nobody Wants This* are equally engaging. Mangan stressed how the cultural clashes and family dynamics enrich the narrative, making viewers truly invest in the characters’ journeys. “These aren’t superficial conflicts; they reflect the real challenges many couples face,” she concluded, expressing her eagerness to see how the story unfolds.

*Nobody Wants This* is now streaming on Netflix, and Mangan strongly encourages viewers to check it out.

After their historic gold medal win at the Paris Olympic Games, badminton doubles duo Wang Chi-Lin and Lee Yang came together for their first appearance as a team since the competition. On September 2, they participated in a promotional event for the “Zeiss Next Generation Athlete Support Program.” In a heartfelt moment, Wang sang “Forever Scene” to Lee, reminding everyone of the beautiful memories they shared, despite having taken different paths.

It was revealed that Lee had recently undergone minimally invasive laser surgery for myopia just three days prior to the event. The procedure only took about 10 seconds and has significantly improved his vision, prompting Wang—who also wears glasses—to consider addressing his eyesight issues as well.

In addition to their partnership, the athletes both committed to supporting their alma maters—Ming Chuan Elementary School, Zhongshan Junior High School, and the National Taiwan University of Sports. They plan to contribute a substantial amount of money towards scholarships, sports equipment, and competition funding to assist the next generation of badminton stars.

The event was filled with badminton spirit, as the duo showcased their Olympic gold medals and engaged in light-hearted games and rapid-fire Q&A sessions. Wang’s vocal talent shone through once again after they finished playing, when he serenaded Lee, singing poignant lyrics about their enduring friendship despite their separation.

Looking ahead, the Taipei Badminton Open on September 3 will mark “the final dance” for the duo in Taiwan. Following that, they will participate in the BWF Year-End Finals, which is set to be their last event together. Lee expressed his intentions to continue his philanthropic efforts post-retirement, focusing on initiatives in his hometown of Kinmen. He aims to support various causes, including stray animals, rare diseases, and public health issues, using his influence for positive change.

On the evening of September 19, at 8:16 PM, the New York Jets, hailing from New Jersey, achieved a decisive 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium, with an impressive crowd of 88,012 fans in attendance. This win marked the third week of the NFL’s regular season, bringing the Jets’ record to 2 wins and 1 loss after playing three games within an 11-day span.

Leading the Jets was 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers, while the Patriots were directed by 31-year-old quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

The rivalry between the Jets and the Patriots dates back to September 17, 1960. Over the years, they have faced off 131 times in both regular season and playoffs, with the Patriots holding a record of 74 wins, 56 losses, and 1 tie. Their most recent encounter occurred on January 7, 2024, where the Jets secured a victory with a score of 17-3.

The Jets last defended their home turf successfully on October 27, 2015, in an overtime game that ended 26-20 in their favor.

This victory was particularly significant for Rodgers, as it marked his first win against the Patriots since joining the Jets.

Going into the game, the Jets were favored to win, and they delivered, scoring in all four quarters—7 points in the first three quarters and 3 points in the final quarter.

Rodgers executed a stellar performance, throwing 35 passes without an interception, completing 27 of them for a maximum gain of 27 yards, totaling 281 passing yards with 2 touchdown passes. He faced 2 sacks for a loss of 14 yards. Additionally, he collaborated with three teammates for 30 rushing attempts, accumulating 115 rushing yards and securing another touchdown.

On September 20, the Jiangsu Provincial Health Commission held a press conference to announce the launch of its new online clinical testing platform. This initiative aims to streamline the online sharing and mutual recognition of clinical test results among medical institutions throughout the province.

Jiangsu has made significant strides in healthcare innovation; it became the first province in China to achieve interconnectivity with its cloud imaging platform in September 2023. This advancement allows all public medical institutions to share and recognize medical imaging results online seamlessly.

As of now, 121 medical institutions in Jiangsu have successfully developed and tested software interfaces that connect their internal information systems to the provincial cloud clinical testing platform. Among these, 38 institutions have already begun utilizing the platform, serving various cities across the province. Since its launch in September, the system has seen a remarkable upload of 6.12 million patient test reports.

Medical institutions are in the process of integrating their internal systems with the platform, and by the end of October, all tertiary public medical institutions in Jiangsu are expected to be connected for mutual recognition of test results. By December, the goal is to have all tertiary public institutions and 50% of secondary public institutions participating. Looking ahead to September 2025, nearly 2,000 public medical institutions, including all grassroots healthcare facilities, are anticipated to join, with private medical institutions also encouraged to take part.

During the press conference, Zhang Jinhong, Deputy Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Health Commission, noted the advantages of the platform for both healthcare providers and patients. As public medical institutions gradually connect, doctors will be able to access patients’ recent test reports with proper authorization. Patients, in turn, will have the convenience of viewing their own and their family members’ test results on their mobile phones, eliminating the hassle of carrying multiple paper reports and making healthcare more accessible. Additionally, when a doctor requests a test, the platform will automatically notify them if the patient has had a similar test performed recently at another facility, thereby ensuring greater quality and safety in healthcare delivery.

On October 6, the Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau unveiled a series of new measures designed to improve the entrepreneurial guarantee loan program. These changes include relaxed application criteria and an increase in the maximum loan amount to 5 million RMB, which is approximately $707,000.

In a conversation with officials from the Shanghai Human Resources Department, it was highlighted that since June, both the Shanghai Municipal Finance Bureau and the Human Resources Bureau have been working on revising the “Implementation Measures for Shanghai’s Entrepreneurial Guarantee Loans.” This new policy primarily addresses a significant concern for entrepreneurs: the challenge of securing financing. The initiative aims to enhance the role of the entrepreneurial guarantee loan program in promoting entrepreneurship and job creation within the city.

One of the key updates is the increase in the loan limit for entrepreneurial organizations, which has risen from 3 million RMB to 4 million RMB. For organizations that align with Shanghai’s strategic development industries, the loan cap has been set at an impressive 5 million RMB.

Moreover, the new guidelines have simplified the eligibility requirements for those looking to apply for these loans. Notably, young university graduates aged 35 and under can now apply for personal loans, even if they have existing consumer debt. The measures also provide greater support for essential employment groups, including veterans, young graduates, registered unemployed individuals in urban areas, and those facing employment challenges. Remarkably, these groups can apply for loans without the obligation to create jobs. Additionally, partners in entrepreneurial ventures may qualify for higher loan amounts based on the number of partners involved.

Statistics show that this year alone, Shanghai has issued around 580 entrepreneurial guarantee loans, totaling roughly 1.33 billion RMB, and has also provided about 380 interest subsidies, which amount to approximately 14.89 million RMB.