Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • A seal galumphs into a bar. The bartender says ‘Grab the salmon!’

    A seal galumphs into a bar. The bartender says ‘Grab the salmon!’

    WELLINGTON, New Zealand — An unexpected visitor disrupted the tranquil Sunday evening atmosphere at Sprig + Fern The Meadows craft beer bar in Richmond, New Zealand, when a juvenile fur seal galumphed into the establishment far below the legal drinking age. The curious marine mammal, later named Fern by staff, wandered into the pet-friendly venue located at the top of the South Island during a rainy evening.

    Co-owner Bella Evans initially mistook the creature for a canine before realizing their unusual patron was actually a lost seal pup. “Everyone was in shock,” Evans recounted. “Oh my gosh. What do we do? What’s going on?”

    Patrons sprang into action as the seal evaded capture, darting into a restroom before ultimately hiding beneath the bar’s dishwasher, which staff promptly unplugged for safety. The situation required creative problem-solving: one customer retrieved a dog crate from home while Evans devised a plan using salmon pizza toppings from the menu to lure the adventurous visitor from its hiding spot.

    Conservation rangers, who had been tracking the wandering seal throughout the day, arrived promptly. Department of Conservation spokesperson Helen Otley confirmed they had received “numerous” public reports about the Richmond seal before its pub appearance, praising bar staff for “doing a great job keeping the seal safe” during the unusual incident.

    The young seal was successfully transported and released on nearby Rabbit Island, selected for its dog-free environment. Otley explained that such behavior is normal for curious young seals during this season, as they frequently follow rivers and streams up to 15 kilometers inland during their exploratory phase.

    This incident reflects the success of New Zealand’s conservation programs, which have resulted in growing seal and sea lion populations bringing these marine mammals into closer contact with humans. Scientists refer to an annual “silly season” when both species regularly appear in unexpected locations including houses, golf courses, and busy roads.

    Despite being the first unruly patron Evans has had to evict since taking ownership of the pub months ago, the co-owner extended an open invitation to Fern, noting the establishment had gained the “seal of approval” through the memorable encounter. Salmon will remain on the menu.

  • ‘The apprehension is palpable’: Minnesota’s Somali community braces for immigration crackdown

    ‘The apprehension is palpable’: Minnesota’s Somali community braces for immigration crackdown

    Minnesota’s substantial Somali-American community is experiencing intensified apprehension following critical remarks from former President Donald Trump and the initiation of targeted immigration enforcement operations. Speaking at the White House, Trump declared, “I don’t want them in our country,” referring to Somali immigrants, and characterized their presence as the nation taking in “garbage.

    Community representatives describe an environment of palpable fear in neighborhoods like Cedar-Riverside, known locally as Little Mogadishu for its significant Somali population. Aj Awed, executive director of the Cedar-Riverside Community Council, labeled Trump’s comments as “dangerous” and “not becoming of a president to be just attacking other Americans.”

    The psychological impact coincides with operational activities by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting individuals with final deportation orders. Kowsar Mohamed, a south Minneapolis resident, reported witnessing “boots on the ground activity where folks are just being plucked off of the streets and being asked about their residency status.”

    Community organizations have responded with emergency preparedness measures, including legal observer training sessions organized by groups like Monarca to educate residents about their rights during immigration encounters. Private messaging networks have been established to share photographs of unmarked vehicles and masked agents throughout Minneapolis, home to over 80,000 people of Somali descent.

    The political context stems from fraud allegations involving a Minnesota social assistance program during the COVID-19 pandemic, where some Somali immigrants were implicated in a scheme that allegedly cost the state tens of millions of dollars. While representing a tiny fraction of Minnesota’s Somali community, these allegations have prompted broader investigations and become the basis for Trump’s characterization of the state as a “hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.”

    Governor Tim Walz has cautioned against demonizing entire communities, stating: “Do not paint an entire group of people with that same brush – demonising them, putting them at risk when there is no proof to do that.” Meanwhile, the Trump administration has terminated Temporary Protected Status for Somali residents and maintains that ICE operations target immigration status rather than specific ethnicities, with Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin asserting enforcement is based solely on whether individuals are “in the country illegally.”

  • ID of Thai agricultural worker’s remains leaves 1 final hostage in Gaza

    ID of Thai agricultural worker’s remains leaves 1 final hostage in Gaza

    In a significant development within the ongoing ceasefire agreement, militants in Gaza have returned the remains of Sudthisak Rinthalak, a 42-year-old Thai agricultural worker, to Israeli authorities. This transfer, confirmed by both Israeli and Thai officials on Thursday, marks a pivotal step in the hostage repatriation process, leaving only one Israeli hostage’s remains yet to be returned under the current deal.

    Rinthalak was employed at Kibbutz Be’eri, a community devastated during the Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Israeli officials stated he was killed during the initial attack, and his body was subsequently taken by the militant group Islamic Jihad. He was officially declared dead on May 16, 2024. His remains were handed over on Wednesday, following a previous transfer where the remains did not match the last two hostages.

    The Thai Foreign Ministry, through spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura, confirmed that Rinthalak’s family has been notified. The ministry extended gratitude to the Israeli government for its assistance, which has now led to the resolution of all 31 Thai nationals taken hostage at the war’s outset. The fate of these individuals is now clear: 28 were returned alive, while three, including Rinthalak, were confirmed deceased. Tragically, beyond the hostages, the Thai Foreign Ministry also reports that 46 Thai citizens have been killed during the conflict, highlighting the severe impact on foreign workers in the region.

    The sole remaining hostage whose remains are outstanding is identified as Israeli police officer Ran Gvili. Officials noted that Gvili heroically assisted in evacuations during the Nova music festival attack before being killed in a subsequent engagement.

    Since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire commenced on October 10, a total of 20 living hostages and the remains of 27 others have been repatriated to Israel. In a reciprocal measure, Israel has released the bodies of hundreds of Palestinians back to Gaza, though many remain unidentified. This exchange is a cornerstone of the ceasefire’s first phase, a agreement that both sides have accused the other of violating. The broader context of the war, ignited by the October 7th attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and saw over 250 taken hostage, continues to cast a long shadow. While nearly all hostages or their remains have been returned through various deals, the human cost is staggering. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, whose data is generally considered reliable by international observers, reports the Palestinian death toll has surpassed 70,100, a number that continues to climb due to ongoing Israeli strikes in response to alleged truce violations and the recovery of victims from earlier stages of the conflict.

  • Admiral tells lawmakers there was no ‘kill them all’ order in attack that killed drug boat survivors

    Admiral tells lawmakers there was no ‘kill them all’ order in attack that killed drug boat survivors

    A contentious congressional investigation into a lethal naval engagement near Venezuela has reached a critical juncture, with senior military officials facing intense scrutiny from lawmakers. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of two survivors from an initial strike on a suspected drug vessel, has sparked allegations of a possible “kill them all” directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

    During classified briefings on Capitol Hill, Navy Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley explicitly denied receiving any such order from the Defense Secretary. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton emerged from the session stating, “Adm. Bradley was very clear that he was given no such order, to give no quarter or to kill them all. He was given an order that, of course, was written down in great detail.”

    The political divide over the incident became immediately apparent. While Republicans largely defended the military operation, Democratic lawmakers expressed profound concern. Connecticut Representative Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, described viewing strike footage as “one of the most troubling things I’ve seen in my time in public service,” noting the victims were “in clear distress without any means of locomotion.”

    The investigation has expanded to examine multiple aspects of the operation, including the rules of engagement, intelligence identifying the vessel as a legitimate target, and criteria used to distinguish combatants from civilians. Lawmakers from both parties are demanding complete video evidence of the September 2 attack alongside written records of all orders and directives.

    Adding complexity to the situation, the Defense Department’s inspector general concurrently released a partially redacted report criticizing Hegseth’s previous use of the Signal messaging app to share sensitive information about military operations, finding he endangered service members through this action.

    Admiral Bradley’s distinguished military career, spanning over three decades primarily with Navy SEALs and joint operations command, has positioned him as a respected figure facing difficult questions about an operation that legal experts suggest might constitute a war crime if survivors were intentionally targeted.

    The outcome of this investigation carries significant implications for military accountability and the legal boundaries of anti-narcotics operations in international waters, with more than 80 casualties reported in related strikes since September.

  • Saudi Arabia has ‘no ego’ to prevent it from cancelling megaprojects, finance minister says

    Saudi Arabia has ‘no ego’ to prevent it from cancelling megaprojects, finance minister says

    Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan has delivered a definitive statement on the kingdom’s flexible approach to its landmark Vision 2030 initiative, declaring the government possesses “absolutely no ego” in its execution. The remarks, made during a post-budget briefing in Riyadh, represent the most explicit confirmation that Saudi authorities are conducting a comprehensive reassessment of several futuristic megaprojects originally conceived under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic diversification blueprint.

    This pragmatic stance emerges amidst multiple international reports indicating significant scaling back of ambitious developments. Key components of the flagship NEOM project, including the revolutionary 170km linear city known as ‘The Line,’ are undergoing substantial downsizing according to architectural and development sources. Concurrently, construction of the Trojena desert ski resort has reportedly fallen behind schedule, prompting internal discussions about potentially relocating the 2029 Asian Winter Games.

    Minister al-Jadaan emphasized that this recalibration does not equate to reduced government expenditure but rather a strategic reallocation of resources. “Spending efficiency doesn’t mean cutting spending,” he clarified. “It means decreasing spending on some items to increase on others.” This shift prioritizes sectors where Saudi Arabia holds competitive advantages, particularly artificial intelligence—which benefits from cheap electricity—and tourism, leveraging its status as home to Islam’s holiest sites.

    The financial context for this strategic pivot is outlined in Saudi Arabia’s newly unveiled budget, which projects a substantial reduction in the national deficit from 5.3% of GDP in 2025 to 3.3% in 2026. al-Jadaan characterized this deficit as “by design,” noting the government’s deliberate policy choice to maintain deficit spending through 2028 while ensuring fiscal sustainability.

    Despite project modifications, Saudi Arabia continues to advance its economic transformation agenda. The kingdom is proceeding with major expansion projects around Mecca’s Grand Mosque and has recently relaxed restrictions on alcohol sales, signaling ongoing efforts to attract Western visitors and diversify its revenue streams beyond hydrocarbon exports.

  • Kings League’s Gerard Piqué and 8Flamez’s AboFlah headline exclusive creator meetup at BRIDGE Summit 2025

    Kings League’s Gerard Piqué and 8Flamez’s AboFlah headline exclusive creator meetup at BRIDGE Summit 2025

    In a landmark convergence of digital entertainment empires, BRIDGE Summit 2025 will host an exclusive meetup featuring Gerard Piqué’s Kings League and AboFlah’s 8Flamez on December 10th. This rare access event brings together two of the world’s most disruptive creator-driven platforms that are fundamentally reshaping sports entertainment and digital content creation.

    The session, scheduled for 10:30am on the Impact Stage, offers confirmed summit attendees unprecedented opportunity to engage directly with the visionaries behind these revolutionary ventures. Participants will gain insider perspectives on how creator-led leagues and fan-first ecosystems are transforming global entertainment economies through innovative community-driven business models.

    Gerard Piqué, the legendary Spanish football icon and founder of Kings League, has pioneered a streamer-led football revolution that has taken Spain by storm. The Barcelona and Manchester United veteran, who played pivotal roles in Spain’s 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 victories, has successfully translated his athletic excellence into entertainment innovation.

    He is joined by Hassan Suleiman (AboFlah), co-founder of 8Flamez and one of the Arab world’s most influential digital creators. With nearly 50 million subscribers, AboFlah has dramatically shaped the Middle East’s online entertainment landscape through gaming content, philanthropic initiatives, and record-breaking charity livestreams. He is accompanied by fellow co-founder Saad Sarwar, the Dubai-raised entrepreneur with background in global esports and brand partnerships, including co-founding OG Esports, who has been instrumental in driving creator-led growth across the MENA region.

    This exclusive meetup exemplifies BRIDGE Summit 2025’s core mission as a global platform for unprecedented connections between creators, entrepreneurs, and media talent. The summit itself, running from December 8-10, represents the world’s largest debut media gathering with over 60,000 expected participants, 400 international speakers, and 300 exhibitors across a 1.65 million square foot venue.

    The event will feature more than 300 specialized activities including 200 panel discussions, 50 workshops, and interactive sessions designed to foster cross-sector collaboration within media, cultural, and creative industries. Registration is currently available through the official BRIDGE Summit website and dedicated mobile application.

  • Lyon out of home Test for first time since 2012

    Lyon out of home Test for first time since 2012

    In a seismic selection shock that has reverberated through the cricketing community, Australia has dropped veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon from their lineup for the second Ashes Test against England at Brisbane’s Gabba. This marks the first time since January 2012 that Lyon has been excluded from a home Test squad, ending his remarkable streak of 71 consecutive appearances on Australian soil.

    The decision forms part of a radical strategic shift as the hosts prepare for the day-night encounter under lights. Instead of their premier spinner, Australia has opted for an all-seam attack, bringing in pace bowler Michael Neser for his third Test cap. Captain Pat Cummins remains sidelined with a back injury, with Steve Smith continuing to lead the side in his absence.

    Smith explained the tactical reasoning behind the controversial move: “With the pink ball, we anticipate significant movement, particularly during the evening session. Our analysis suggested that a specialized seam attack gives us the optimal chance to take twenty wickets in these specific conditions.”

    The exclusion carries particular significance given Lyon’s legendary status in Australian cricket. With 560 Test wickets, he stands as the country’s third-highest wicket-taker behind only Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. The 38-year-old needs just two more scalps to surpass McGrath’s tally of 562.

    Cricket analysts expressed surprise at the decision, noting Lyon’s impressive record at the Gabba. Former England spinner Alex Hartley commented: “This is genuinely surprising given Lyon’s historical performance here and how quickly the pink ball tends to lose its hardness. You’d typically want a specialist spinner to control the game during those middle phases.”

    The selection continues a recent pattern for Lyon, who was also omitted from Australia’s day-night Test against West Indies in Jamaica last July. At the time, Lyon expressed his disappointment, stating: “I believe I can contribute in any conditions. Every cricketer should maintain that self-belief.”

    Meanwhile, England won the toss and elected to bat first—marking the first time they have batted initially in a day-night Test in Australia. The visitors made one forced change, bringing in spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks to replace injured quick Mark Wood.

    England face formidable historical challenges at the Gabba, where they haven’t recorded a victory since 1986 and have lost all three of their previous pink-ball encounters in Australia.

  • How a sperm bank for cheetahs might one day save the fastest land animal

    How a sperm bank for cheetahs might one day save the fastest land animal

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa — For over three decades, pioneering American zoologist Dr. Laurie Marker has been meticulously building a biological insurance policy against the potential extinction of the world’s fastest land mammal. At her Cheetah Conservation Fund laboratory in Namibia, she has assembled one of the world’s most comprehensive cheetah sperm banks—a collection she hopes conservationists will never need to use.

    This genetic repository, established in 1990 and containing specimens from approximately 400 individual cheetahs, represents a critical safeguard against what Marker describes as a ‘worst-case scenario’ for the species. The initiative comes as cheetah populations face unprecedented threats, with fewer than 7,000 individuals remaining across just 33 fragmented wild populations, primarily throughout Africa.

    The urgency of such conservation measures was highlighted on World Cheetah Day, with current cheetah numbers mirroring those of critically endangered black rhinos. Modern threats including habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal wildlife trafficking have reduced global cheetah populations by 80% over the past half-century, eliminating them from 90% of their historical range.

    Compounding these challenges is the species’ concerning genetic profile. Scientific research indicates cheetahs narrowly avoided extinction during the last ice age approximately 10,000-12,000 years ago, resulting in significantly reduced genetic diversity. This historical bottleneck, combined with contemporary population isolation and documented reproductive challenges—including 70-80% abnormal sperm rates—creates a perfect storm of vulnerability.

    Marker’s approach represents a established conservation strategy increasingly employed for endangered species worldwide. Similar reproductive technologies are being deployed in the desperate attempt to save the northern white rhino, of which only two females remain. While that effort has yet to produce successful pregnancies, other species like the black-footed ferret have been successfully bred through artificial reproduction techniques after reaching critically low population levels.

    The Cheetah Conservation Fund collects samples opportunistically rather than through active pursuit—gathering genetic material during veterinary interventions with injured or captured animals, as well as from deceased specimens. All samples are preserved at ultralow temperatures using liquid nitrogen technology.

    While approximately 1,800 cheetahs currently exist in captive environments worldwide, Marker notes that the species breeds poorly in captivity, making the frozen genetic repository potentially essential for future conservation efforts. ‘Without this resource,’ Marker emphasizes, ‘we simply wouldn’t have much of a chance should the species face imminent extinction.’

  • Russia bans Roblox over concerns about safety and extremist content

    Russia bans Roblox over concerns about safety and extremist content

    Russian authorities have implemented a nationwide ban on the popular gaming platform Roblox, citing significant concerns regarding child safety and the proliferation of extremist content. The country’s media watchdog, Roskomnadzor, officially restricted access to the U.S.-based platform after identifying numerous violations of Russian digital laws.

    According to official statements from Russian media outlets, the regulator determined that Roblox contained ‘inappropriate content that can negatively impact the spiritual and moral development of children.’ The platform’s open architecture, which enables users to create and share custom games, has reportedly facilitated the spread of content related to terrorism simulations, gambling activities, and LGBT themes—the latter being classified as extremist under Russian law.

    The multiplayer platform, which has ranked among Russia’s most downloaded mobile applications in recent years, now joins several other countries that have restricted Roblox over similar concerns. Turkey previously banned the platform, while Singaporean authorities investigated Roblox in 2023 after a self-radicalized teenager accessed ISIS-themed servers through the platform.

    Roblox Corporation responded to the ban by emphasizing its commitment to user safety. ‘We respect the laws of the countries where we operate,’ a company spokesperson stated. ‘Our platform provides a positive space for learning and creativity, backed by robust proactive and preventative safety measures designed to detect and prevent harmful content.’

    The Russian ban comes amid increasing global scrutiny of Roblox’s safety protocols. Last month, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed litigation against the company, accusing it of ‘flagrantly ignoring’ child protection laws and ‘deceiving parents’ about potential dangers. In response to mounting criticism, Roblox recently announced it would prohibit children from chatting with adult strangers, marking a significant policy shift for its networking features.

  • Prominent Munk Debates on two-state solution to feature four Israeli politicians, no Palestinians

    Prominent Munk Debates on two-state solution to feature four Israeli politicians, no Palestinians

    A prestigious Toronto debate series has ignited significant controversy by assembling an all-Israeli panel to discuss the future of Palestinian statehood without Palestinian representation. The Munk Debates, scheduled for Wednesday evening, will feature four former Israeli lawmakers debating the two-state solution while excluding Palestinian voices entirely.

    The panel composition includes former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Justice and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni advocating for Palestinian statehood, while former Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Oren and former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked will argue against it. The event will be livestreamed exclusively for paid members rather than made available to the general public.

    Rudyard Griffiths, chair of the debates, confirmed this was a deliberate choice rather than an oversight. During an October podcast appearance, Griffiths suggested that until ‘duly and democratically elected’ Palestinian representatives emerge, Israel must first determine the feasibility and parameters of a Palestinian state.

    The decision has drawn fierce criticism from pro-Palestinian groups and human rights organizations. Gur Tsubar of Jews Say No To Genocide condemned the format as ‘colonizers debating the fate of the colonized while the colonized are silenced,’ calling it racist and dangerous. Protesters are expected to gather outside Meridian Hall, the event venue, to demonstrate against what they describe as ‘a carefully curated stage for genocide apologists.’

    Notably, all four Israeli panelists have controversial backgrounds regarding Palestinian relations. Olmert led Israel during Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009) that killed 1,400 Palestinians in Gaza. Livni has faced European investigations for her role in the same operation. Oren has publicly advocated relocating two million Palestinians from Gaza, while Shaked was previously banned from Australia over incitement concerns and proposed citizenship legislation aimed at demographic control.

    Human rights organizations including Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights have called for Canadian authorities to arrest both Olmert and Livni under Canada’s obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention.

    The Munk Debates, while loosely associated with the University of Toronto’s Munk School, operate as a charitable initiative of the Aurea Foundation, co-founded by Canadian investors Peter and Melanie Munk. The series has previously hosted controversial figures including far-right commentator Steve Bannon in 2018.