Global Pulse

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  • Trump urges Republicans to ‘take over’ voting ahead of midterm elections

    Trump urges Republicans to ‘take over’ voting ahead of midterm elections

    Former President Donald Trump has escalated his campaign to transform American election administration, publicly urging Republican officials to seize control of voting processes nationwide. During a February 2 podcast appearance with former FBI deputy director Dan Bongino, Trump advocated for the nationalization of voting systems in 15 unspecified locations, marking his most direct intervention into election mechanics to date.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of mounting political challenges for Republicans as November’s midterm elections approach. The party faces growing public resistance to aggressive immigration enforcement operations—including a controversial January operation in Minneapolis that resulted in two fatalities—combined with persistent economic pressures affecting American households.

    Trump’s latest remarks follow a series of election-related controversies, including an FBI search at a Georgia election center last week connected to unsubstantiated fraud allegations from the 2020 presidential race. The former president has consistently promoted the false narrative that he won the 2020 election, despite losing to President Joe Biden.

    Analysts point to recent Democratic victories as evidence of shifting political dynamics. A Democratic candidate secured a state Senate seat in a traditionally Republican Texas district on Saturday, building upon previous Democratic successes in New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races, along with a progressive victory in New York City’s mayoral election.

    Trump’s presidency was marked by numerous legal challenges, including indictments in 2023 by federal prosecutors and the state of Georgia for alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. These cases were subsequently dismissed following his 2024 re-election.

  • Walmart becomes first retailer to hit $1tn market value

    Walmart becomes first retailer to hit $1tn market value

    In a landmark achievement for the retail sector, Walmart has shattered the $1 trillion market valuation barrier, becoming the first traditional retailer to join an exclusive club previously dominated by technology giants. This milestone positions the Arkansas-based company alongside industry titans including Nvidia and Alphabet in the rarefied trillion-dollar valuation sphere.

    The company’s stock surged more than 3% on Tuesday, capping months of steady growth that propelled it into this elite financial echelon. This remarkable valuation reflects Walmart’s successful transformation from a conventional brick-and-mortar retailer into a formidable digital competitor challenging Amazon’s dominance.

    Several strategic factors have converged to drive Walmart’s unprecedented market performance. The retailer has capitalized on shifting consumer behavior as inflation persists and the job market cools, with higher-income shoppers increasingly trading down to Walmart’s value-oriented offerings. The company’s expansive grocery and clothing divisions have reported robust sales, while its accelerated home delivery services have attracted customers across all income demographics.

    Walmart’s digital transformation has been particularly impactful. E-commerce sales in the United States skyrocketed 28% in the quarter ending October 31, fueled by sophisticated online ordering systems and a growing advertising business. The company’s strategic embrace of artificial intelligence has received enthusiastic endorsement from Wall Street investors, contributing significantly to its valuation surge.

    In a symbolic move underscoring its technological ambitions, Walmart recently announced the transition of its stock listing from the New York Stock Exchange to the technology-focused Nasdaq exchange. This relocation reinforces the retailer’s repositioning as a digitally-native enterprise.

    The company’s scale has provided notable advantages in navigating economic challenges. Walmart executives reported that the impact of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration proved less severe than initially anticipated, with the retail giant’s massive purchasing power enabling it to absorb import costs more effectively than competitors.

    Under CEO John Furner’s leadership, Walmart has aggressively pursued AI integration, including a significant October partnership with OpenAI. This collaboration has yielded conversational commerce capabilities that allow customers to plan meals, restock essentials, and discover products through natural language interactions.

    Despite this achievement, Walmart’s $1 trillion valuation remains substantially below Amazon’s $2.6 trillion market capitalization, indicating continued growth potential in the evolving retail landscape.

  • Jill Biden’s ex-husband charged with murdering his wife

    Jill Biden’s ex-husband charged with murdering his wife

    Delaware law enforcement authorities have formally charged William Stevenson, the former husband of First Lady Jill Biden, with first-degree murder in the death of his current wife, Linda Stevenson. The 77-year-old businessman remains incarcerated at a Wilmington detention facility after being unable to meet the $500,000 bail requirement set by the court.

    The case unfolded on December 28, 2025, when New Castle County Police responded to a domestic disturbance report at the Stevenson residence. Upon arrival, officers discovered 64-year-old Linda Stevenson unresponsive in the living room area. Despite immediate life-saving attempts by emergency responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation, spanning several weeks, culminated in this week’s murder charges against William Stevenson.

    Historical context reveals Stevenson married Jill Biden (then Jill Jacobs) in 1970 when both were young adults—she was 18 and he was 23. Their marriage ended after five years, coinciding with Jill’s meeting of then-senator Joe Biden in 1975. Stevenson has maintained a presence in Delaware business circles as the proprietor of the Stone Balloon, a popular college bar near the University of Delaware.

    Linda Stevenson’s obituary memorializes her as a devoted family woman who cherished creating memories with her daughter, granddaughter, and sister during family vacations. The medical examiner’s office continues to investigate the exact cause of death through autopsy procedures.

    The case has drawn significant media attention due to the Biden connection, though representatives for both the former First Lady and President have not issued public statements regarding the charges. The judicial process continues as Stevenson awaits further court proceedings.

  • Ningbo village welcomes expats for festive fun

    Ningbo village welcomes expats for festive fun

    The historic Banpu village in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, transformed into a vibrant hub of cross-cultural celebration on February 1st as it welcomed approximately 100 expatriates from nearly 30 countries. The 800-year-old settlement, renowned for its 24 preserved cultural heritage sites from the Ming and Qing dynasties, organized special festivities ahead of the Lunar New Year commencing February 17th.

    Participants, primarily comprising faculty, students, and their families from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), were greeted with traditional drum performances and folk dances by local residents. The visitors immersed themselves in the village’s rich history as a former center of water transport while exploring ancient architectural treasures.

    The cultural exchange flourished through hands-on culinary experiences where international guests collaborated with villagers in preparing traditional New Year delicacies. Activities included dumpling making, spring roll preparation, and rice cake pounding using traditional techniques. British educator John Burrows, a Ningbo resident since 2016, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to engage with local traditions and strengthen community bonds.

    Professor Derek Irwin of applied linguistics at UNNC attempted rice cake pounding and marveled at the villagers’ expertise, noting their remarkable skill and endurance. Following the culinary activities, the expatriates visited residents’ homes to decorate courtyards with festive couplets, red lanterns, and exchange gifts. Burrows shared homemade cookies with hosts, who reciprocated with local snacks and symbolic red envelopes, embodying the spirit of mutual cultural appreciation and friendship.

  • France teacher fighting for life after knife attack by pupil

    France teacher fighting for life after knife attack by pupil

    A violent assault at La Guicharde secondary school in Sanary-sur-Mer has left a 60-year-old art teacher fighting for her life after being stabbed multiple times by a 14-year-old student. The attack occurred during class hours on Tuesday afternoon, witnessed by approximately twenty students who observed the horrifying incident unfold in their classroom.

    According to Toulon public prosecutor Raphaël Balland, the adolescent suspect fled the scene immediately following the assault but was apprehended by authorities in the schoolyard. The minor has since been taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder. Preliminary investigations indicate the attack stemmed from personal grievances rather than ideological motivations, with prosecutor Balland noting recent tensions between the student and educator.

    Local educational authorities evacuated the entire campus following the stabbing and canceled Wednesday’s classes to allow for psychological support and investigation. France’s Education Minister Edouard Geffray announced his immediate departure to the coastal Var region school, expressing solidarity with the victim, her family, and the educational community via social media platform X.

    This incident represents the latest in an alarming pattern of school-based violence across France. Recent years have witnessed several similar tragedies, including the June 2025 fatal stabbing of a teaching assistant by another 14-year-old student, an April knife attack in Nantes that resulted in one student’s death and multiple injuries, and the 2020 beheading of educator Samuel Paty by a religious extremist near Paris.

  • Malatang, leafy greens: Chinese flavor wins taste buds of Dubai

    Malatang, leafy greens: Chinese flavor wins taste buds of Dubai

    The aromatic steam of Sichuan peppercorns and simmering meat broths now permeates the air across Dubai’s diverse culinary landscape. Malatang, the customizable Chinese hot pot dish, has transcended its cultural origins to become a gastronomic phenomenon embraced by the city’s multicultural population.

    At bustling malatang restaurants throughout Dubai, stainless steel baskets overflow with fresh leafy greens, premium meats, and an assortment of noodles while patrons of Asian, Arab, African, and European backgrounds sit side-by-side. The distinctive sound of clinking chopsticks and forks accompanies lively conversations, creating a unique cross-cultural dining experience that bridges culinary traditions.

    This culinary migration represents more than just food trend adoption—it signifies Dubai’s evolving identity as a global gastronomic hub where Eastern and Western flavors converge. The malatang experience, traditionally characterized by its build-your-own bowl concept and numbing-spicy flavor profile, has been adapted to accommodate local tastes while maintaining its authentic Chinese character.

    Restaurant owners report consistently growing demand across all demographic groups, with particular popularity among young professionals and families seeking both flavorful and customizable dining options. The dish’s interactive nature and health-conscious preparation—with customers selecting fresh ingredients cooked to order—align perfectly with contemporary dining preferences.

    The successful integration of malatang into Dubai’s food scene demonstrates how culinary diplomacy can foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. As Chinese cuisine continues to gain international recognition, malatang stands out as a particularly successful ambassador of China’s rich culinary heritage, creating new opportunities for cultural exchange through shared dining experiences.

  • Trump lawyers call BBC’s Panorama defence ‘untenable’

    Trump lawyers call BBC’s Panorama defence ‘untenable’

    In a significant legal development, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s legal representatives have formally contested the BBC’s defensive maneuvers in an ongoing multi-billion dollar defamation lawsuit. The dispute centers on the editing of Trump’s January 6, 2021 address in the Panorama documentary “Trump: A Second Chance?” which aired shortly before the 2024 presidential election.

    The recent court filing from Trump’s attorneys characterizes the British broadcaster’s legal arguments as “untenable,” “misplaced,” and “unpersuasive.” This response comes after the BBC requested the Florida court to postpone the discovery phase—the process where both parties exchange relevant documents and evidence—pending a decision on their motion to dismiss the entire case by March 17.

    Trump’s legal team maintains that Florida courts have established rigorous standards for granting discovery stays, arguing that such a delay would be “premature” at this juncture. They contend that the BBC’s defense essentially constitutes mere denials and speculative predictions about what the plaintiff might prove, rather than providing compelling grounds for case dismissal.

    The core jurisdictional battle continues to unfold, with the BBC previously asserting that the Florida court lacks personal jurisdiction over the corporation and that the venue is improper. Conversely, Trump’s lawyers emphasize that Florida residents had access to the controversial program, thereby establishing sufficient grounds for the case to proceed in the state.

    A BBC spokesperson reiterated their commitment to defending the case while declining to comment further on ongoing proceedings. Although the broadcaster previously apologized for the editing approach, it has consistently rejected compensation demands and denied any basis for defamation or trade practices claims.

    Should the case advance beyond preliminary motions, a tentative trial date has been set for 2027, indicating the potential for prolonged legal proceedings between the former president and the international media organization.

  • South Sudan’s leader sacks aides after dead man appointed

    South Sudan’s leader sacks aides after dead man appointed

    In a significant administrative shakeup, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has terminated two senior presidential staff members following a highly publicized incident involving the posthumous appointment of a deceased opposition figure to an electoral oversight panel.

    The controversy emerged when a presidential decree dated December 30th named Steward Soroba Budia, a member of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), to a committee tasked with overseeing election preparations. However, local media outlets quickly revealed that Budia had passed away five years prior, triggering widespread ridicule on social media platforms.

    Without specifying reasons for the dismissals, an official statement announced the removal of Presidential Press Secretary David Amour Major and Chief Administrator of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs Valentino Dhel Maluet. The communiqué, posted on the president’s official Facebook account and signed by Minister of Presidential Affairs Africano Mande Gedima, expressed the president’s ‘profound gratitude’ for their service while indicating they had been ‘relieved of their duties.’

    Prior to his dismissal, Amour had issued a statement explaining that the presidential office had relied on the ‘accuracy and currency’ of names submitted by unspecified ‘stakeholders’ for panel inclusion. ‘It is now evident that a thorough verification was not done by one of the stakeholders which resulted in this unfortunate administrative oversight,’ Amour stated, though he declined to identify the responsible party. The UDP has remained silent on the matter.

    The deceased appointee, Budia, had been a signatory to the 2018 peace agreement that aimed to stabilize South Sudan following years of conflict after gaining independence in 2011. President Kiir established the electoral panel with representatives from various political factions to facilitate December elections, though significant doubts persist regarding the feasibility of holding votes amid ongoing violence.

    The United Nations reports that recent fighting has displaced over 180,000 civilians, with Jonglei state experiencing particularly severe clashes between government forces and militants aligned with suspended Vice-President Riek Machar. Currently under house arrest facing charges of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity—all of which he denies—Machar remains a central figure in the country’s political landscape. Both Kiir and Machar were supposed to collaborate within a unity government established through the 2018 settlement, which ended a five-year civil war stemming from their power struggle.

  • Jailing of Pakistani rights lawyers marks ‘new wave’ in dissent crackdown, says former minister

    Jailing of Pakistani rights lawyers marks ‘new wave’ in dissent crackdown, says former minister

    Pakistan’s judicial system faces mounting international scrutiny following the unprecedented 17-year prison sentencing of two human rights lawyers over social media posts. Imaan Mazari, 32, and her spouse Hadi Ali Chattha, 33, were convicted under the country’s controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for expressing solidarity with Baloch and Pashtun activists on platform X.

    The case has drawn sharp condemnation from human rights organizations and former government officials who describe it as part of a systematic crackdown on dissent. According to Amnesty International, the trial proceeded with ‘unusual haste,’ denying the defendants basic legal protections including access to counsel, family visitation rights, and the opportunity to present exculpatory evidence.

    Dr. Shireen Mazari, Imaan’s mother and former Federal Human Rights Minister, characterized the proceedings as ‘obviously pre-fabricated,’ noting that her daughter had been denied food and water during detention. The sentencing includes five years for ‘glorification of an offence,’ ten years for ‘cyberterrorism,’ and two years for disseminating ‘false information.’

    This case emerges against a backdrop of concerning constitutional amendments that have significantly altered Pakistan’s judicial landscape. The 26th Amendment (October 2024) transferred Supreme Court chief justice selection authority to parliamentary committees, while the 27th Amendment (January 2025) restructured the Judicial Commission to include parliamentary members, effectively marginalizing judicial representatives.

    Notably, the recent amendments granted lifelong immunity from prosecution to General Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces, while expanding his authority across all military branches. The United Nations Human Rights Committee has condemned these changes as attacks on judicial independence.

    The Mazari-Chattha case exemplifies a broader pattern of suppression, with at least nine journalists targeted under PECA legislation in early 2025 alone. Shahzad Akbar, former government adviser now in exile, highlighted the disproportionate nature of the sentencing: ‘A tweet and peaceful criticism of human rights violations result in 17-year sentence,’ compared to approximately 14 years for manslaughter convictions.

    As international pressure mounts, the defendants are expected to appeal their convictions while rights organizations demand immediate judicial reforms to protect freedom of expression and restore judicial independence in Pakistan.

  • PepsiCo to cut some US snack prices after backlash

    PepsiCo to cut some US snack prices after backlash

    PepsiCo has announced significant price reductions across its popular snack portfolio in the United States, marking a strategic reversal following consumer resistance to previous increases and mounting pressure from appetite-suppressing medications. The move affects flagship brands including Doritos, Lays (marketed as Walkers in the UK), and Cheetos, with prices decreasing by approximately 15% beginning this week.

    The decision comes as the food and beverage conglomerate confronts dual challenges: widespread consumer frustration over shrinking product sizes amid persistent inflation, and the growing market penetration of GLP-1 weight-loss injections such as Wegovy and Ozempic. These medications have demonstrated substantial impact on eating habits, with many users reporting significantly reduced food expenditures due to suppressed hunger.

    PepsiCo leadership emphasized their responsiveness to economic pressures facing American households. “We’ve dedicated the past year to attentive consumer listening, and the consistent feedback indicates considerable financial strain,” stated Rachel Ferdinando, PepsiCo’s US Food Division lead. “This price adjustment demonstrates our commitment to alleviating pressure where possible.”

    The timing coincides strategically with the upcoming Super Bowl on February 8th—traditionally the year’s most profitable period for snack manufacturers. The company confirmed that package dimensions, ingredient quality, and flavor profiles will remain unchanged despite the reduced suggested retail prices, though final pricing determinations rest with individual retailers.

    Financially, PepsiCo reported robust quarterly revenue of $29.34 billion for the period ending December 27th, yet its shares had declined approximately 5% throughout 2025 while underperforming against competitor Coca-Cola over a five-year horizon. Early Tuesday trading saw a nearly 4% share price increase following the announcement.

    Looking forward, CEO Ramon Laguarta revealed the company is “heavily investing in portion control strategies,” with over 70% of current US products being single-serve items. This includes increased focus on multipack offerings and the forthcoming introduction of health-conscious alternatives like Doritos Protein later this year.

    The corporation acknowledges ongoing challenges from production cost inflation, including aluminum tariffs, labor market pressures, and climate-related disruptions—factors that previously led French supermarket giant Carrefour to cease stocking PepsiCo products in multiple European markets citing “unacceptable” pricing practices. Despite these headwinds, PepsiCo anticipates 2026 will deliver record productivity savings.