Global Pulse

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  • Low and slow meets forever: US postage stamps honor lowrider car culture

    Low and slow meets forever: US postage stamps honor lowrider car culture

    The United States Postal Service is officially recognizing lowrider culture with a groundbreaking commemorative stamp series, celebrating the vibrant automotive artistry that emerged from Mexican American communities in the 1940s. The stamps, featuring meticulously designed lowrider vehicles, will be unveiled Friday in San Diego, marking a significant cultural milestone for the community.

    Lowrider culture—characterized by custom-painted vehicles with hydraulic systems, elaborate chrome detailing, and luxurious interiors—has evolved from its origins in working-class neighborhoods of the American Southwest to achieve global recognition. From barrios in Southern California to international appreciation in Japan and beyond, these rolling works of art represent creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural identity.

    Antonio Alcalá, the Postal Service’s art director and a San Diego native, led the design project. After extensive research, he selected five iconic vehicles: a 1946 Chevy Fleetline, three classic Chevy Impalas, and a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Each stamp showcases distinctive features including curvaceous body lines, low stances, and hints of the hydraulic mechanics that enable the characteristic bouncing motion.

    The final artistic touch comes from master pinstriper Danny Alvarado, whose intricate designs adorn each stamp corner. With fifty years of experience, Alvarado views the project as particularly meaningful—his father served as a mail carrier for over two decades, creating a personal connection to this official recognition.

    This celebration comes after decades of challenges for lowrider enthusiasts. During the 1980s, many municipalities implemented anti-cruising laws and height restrictions that disproportionately affected Chicano youth. Recent years have seen a reversal of these policies, with California repealing cruising bans in 2024 and New Mexico establishing Lowrider Day at its state capitol.

    Roberto Hernández, founder of the San Francisco Lowrider Council, describes the postal honor as “the final stamp of approval” for a community that has long sought recognition beyond stereotypes. Photographer Humberto ‘Beto’ Mendoza, whose work inspired three stamps, notes the project arrived at a pivotal moment in his recovery from a 2022 stroke, providing both personal and communal inspiration.

    The stamps feature vehicles that have achieved legendary status within the community, including ‘El Rey,’ a red 1963 Chevrolet Impala currently displayed at the National Museum of American History. This official recognition signals a broader cultural acceptance of lowriding as both an art form and significant American cultural contribution.

  • Trump’s immigration comments may incite hate crimes, UN watchdog says

    Trump’s immigration comments may incite hate crimes, UN watchdog says

    A United Nations human rights monitoring body has issued a stern condemnation of inflammatory political rhetoric emanating from the highest levels of U.S. leadership, warning that such discourse has directly contributed to human rights violations. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), comprising independent experts operating under UN auspices, published a comprehensive assessment expressing grave concerns about the characterization of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers as criminal elements or societal burdens by prominent political figures.

    The Geneva-based committee’s report specifically highlighted problematic language employed by President Donald Trump and other influential officials, noting that such discourse risks inciting racial discrimination and potentially violent hate crimes. The assessment urged the United States government to realign its policies with international human rights standards and conduct a thorough review of current practices.

    In a sharp rebuttal, the White House dismissed the UN committee’s findings as fundamentally biased and irrelevant. Presidential spokesperson Olivia Wales characterized the report as “useless” while defending the administration’s border security initiatives. “Americans are living in a safer, stronger country than ever before,” Wales asserted, adding that “no one cares what the biased United Nations’ so-called ‘experts’ think.”

    The committee expressed particular alarm about arbitrary identity checks targeting refugee and migrant populations, citing these practices as evidence of systemic discrimination. While the report avoided referencing specific incidents, it did mention Operation Metro Surge—an immigration enforcement action in Minnesota that resulted in nationwide protests following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by federal agents. The UN body classified these shootings as “gross violations of international human rights law.”

    Among its recommendations, the committee called for the immediate cessation of immigration operations near sensitive locations including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and places of worship. The report also noted concerns about the escalating use of derogatory and dehumanizing language against vulnerable populations.

    The CERD has previously issued assessments critical of racial discrimination patterns in the United States across multiple administrations, including those of former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The current report comes as the Trump administration intensifies its deportation efforts, deploying thousands of federal agents to conduct widespread raids in various cities including Minneapolis—fulfillment of a key campaign promise that garnered substantial electoral support.

    The committee specifically referenced controversial remarks made by President Trump in December, when he suggested Somali immigrants should “go back to where they came from” and characterized certain immigrants as “garbage” that would lead the country “the wrong way.” Such statements, the committee concluded, represent exactly the type of inflammatory rhetoric that undermines human rights protections.

  • Exclusive: Sole Muslim woman on Trump religious committee resigning in protest

    Exclusive: Sole Muslim woman on Trump religious committee resigning in protest

    A significant upheaval is unfolding within President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberties Commission as Sameerah Munshi, the sole Muslim woman serving on its advisory board, has tendered her resignation. Middle East Eye has obtained her resignation letter, which states her departure is a direct protest against the White House’s dismissal of anti-Zionist Catholic commissioner Carrie Prejean-Boller from the panel.

    The controversy stems from Prejean-Boller’s removal, which she revealed via social media platform X, attributing it to her vocal opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and her anti-Zionist stance, which she insists is not antisemitic. This dismissal followed a widely circulated video from a February commission meeting featuring a heated debate where Prejean-Boller argued that Catholicism and Zionism are incompatible.

    In her resignation letter, Munshi powerfully questioned the state of religious freedom, writing, ‘If we are not free in America to abide by our religious beliefs and hold fast to them despite others’ disagreement, then in what country are we free to do so?’ She further leveled serious accusations, claiming certain commission members exhibited hostility and mockery towards the Muslim faith.

    The commission’s structure reveals a notable lack of Muslim representation at the commissioner level, the panel’s top tier. All three involved Muslims, including Munshi, held only advisory roles appointed by the administration. Munshi detailed a pattern of isolation that began after she testified in September 2025 about the constitutional right to protest Israel’s actions in Palestinian territories, after which she claims she was no longer provided witness lists before hearings.

    The bond between Munshi and Prejean-Boller formed following that testimony, with Munshi describing her as a rare conservative who ‘really respects Muslims.’ Munshi’s resignation is also motivated by the recent U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran, which her letter condemns as ‘unlawful killing of children and civilians.’

    Allegations from a Heritage Foundation member suggested Munshi provided Prejean-Boller with talking points, which Munshi firmly denied, explaining she was merely recording as requested to ensure her colleague’s comments were captured. Prejean-Boller, emotionally recounting her experience to MEE, stated she felt compelled to speak for Palestinians and described her removal as ‘un-American,’ expressing absolute disgust with the president for what she sees as a betrayal of the American people and the Constitution.

    The commission now faces scrutiny from lawmakers from both parties investigating potential violations of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) concerning balance, transparency, and fair representation, compounding existing legal challenges from religious groups questioning the panel’s motives.

  • Israel targets building in central Beirut in new wave of strikes

    Israel targets building in central Beirut in new wave of strikes

    BEIRUT – Israeli military forces conducted a new wave of airstrikes in central Beirut on Thursday, specifically targeting locations allegedly associated with Hezbollah operations. The bombardment represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group.

    The Israeli military issued pre-strike warnings urging residents to evacuate specific buildings in the Bachoura and Zkak al-Blat districts. One of the targeted structures housed a branch of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, an institution Israel identifies as Hezbollah’s financial apparatus for weapons procurement and fighter compensation.

    The precision strikes triggered widespread panic among residents, including numerous families who had previously fled from other conflict zones and sought refuge in central Beirut. The attacks have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Lebanon.

    According to Lebanon’s Public Health Ministry, the death toll from Israeli operations has reached 687 since March 2, with 1,774 individuals sustaining injuries. The ministry further reported that 18 paramedics have been killed and 45 others wounded in the ongoing hostilities.

    Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the deteriorating situation, pledging government efforts to halt the conflict and facilitate the safe return of displaced citizens. “We will work around the clock to stop this war and enable you to return to your homes as soon as possible, to a safe and dignified return,” Salam stated in a public address.

    The current escalation began on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel, breaking a ceasefire that had been in effect since November 27, 2024. Israel responded with what it described as an “offensive military campaign” involving extensive airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, southern and eastern Lebanon regions, and ground incursions along the border areas.

  • US eases Russia oil sanctions as Iran war pushes up energy prices

    US eases Russia oil sanctions as Iran war pushes up energy prices

    In a significant policy shift amid escalating Middle East tensions, the United States has granted authorization for countries to purchase sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products currently aboard vessels at sea. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced this as a temporary measure designed to mitigate the severe economic disruptions caused by the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, particularly focusing on promoting stability within global energy markets. The authorization is set to remain in effect until April 11th.

    Secretary Bessent emphasized the narrowly tailored nature of this decision, stating, ‘This short-term measure applies only to oil already in transit and will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government.’ The move comes as a direct response to the dramatic upheaval in energy supply chains. Recent attacks on commercial shipping and energy infrastructure in the Gulf, coupled with the effective closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply—have sent shockwaves through markets.

    The impact was immediately felt as oil prices surged back above $100 per barrel, triggering a downturn in global stock markets. This spike followed reports of three additional cargo vessels being struck in the Gulf and a vow from Iran’s new supreme leader to continue blocking the vital waterway. While prices showed slight stabilization in early Asian trading on Friday, with Brent crude dipping 0.2% to $100.29, the week’s overall volatility prompted a coordinated international response.

    The International Energy Agency (IEA) announced plans to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to calm markets. Simultaneously, major Asian oil-importing nations have implemented a series of emergency measures. The Philippines, which sources approximately 95% of its crude from the Middle East, has mandated a four-day workweek for public sector employees to conserve fuel. Japan, South Korea, and Thailand have all instituted price caps on petrol to shield consumers from soaring costs.

    Looking forward, Secretary Bessent framed the current price instability as a ‘short-term and temporary disruption,’ asserting that the long-term strategic benefits for the U.S. and its allies would be substantial. He also confirmed that the U.S. government is preparing to commence military escorts for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. ‘The possible need for a military escort was always in our planning,’ Bessent stated, adding that the operation would begin ‘as soon as it is militarily possible to ensure safe passage.’

  • French soldier killed in attack in Iraqi Kurdistan

    French soldier killed in attack in Iraqi Kurdistan

    A French military serviceman has been killed in a drone attack targeting an international coalition base in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, marking the first French combat fatality since the recent escalation of Middle East hostilities. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death occurred during an assault on a base in the Erbil region where French troops were conducting counter-terrorism training with Iraqi partners.

    The attack, which involved multiple drones according to local officials, struck the Mala Qara base approximately 40 kilometers from Erbil’s regional capital. Several other French soldiers sustained injuries in the assault, though specific numbers remain unconfirmed. The incident follows a pattern of increased attacks against international forces in the region since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran last month triggered broader regional conflict.

    President Macron characterized the attack as ‘unacceptable’ while emphasizing that France’s military presence in Iraq operates ‘within the strict framework of the fight against terrorism.’ He stated that the war in Iran does not justify such attacks against coalition forces. The French military maintains that their mission remains strictly defensive despite the escalating violence.

    This incident parallels a recent drone strike targeting an Italian military base in the same region, though no casualties were reported in that attack. Italy has subsequently announced the temporary withdrawal of its personnel from the base. The international coalition, led by Washington, continues to train Kurdish security forces in counter-terrorism operations despite the deteriorating security situation.

    The identity of the attackers remains officially unconfirmed, though regional analysts attribute the pattern of attacks to pro-Iranian factions operating in Iraq. The French government has vowed to continue its counter-terrorism mission while enhancing protective measures for its deployed personnel.

  • ‘Say a prayer and send it’: Paralympic alpine skiers tackle fear

    ‘Say a prayer and send it’: Paralympic alpine skiers tackle fear

    MILAN-CORTINA – Athletes competing in the Paralympic alpine skiing events are demonstrating extraordinary courage as they navigate treacherous slopes at speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, despite physical impairments including limb differences and visual disabilities. The competition, divided into three classifications—visually impaired, standing, and sitting—showcases remarkable athleticism and mental fortitude.

    Visually impaired skiers rely on guides and radio communication to navigate the course, with some wearing blacked-out goggles to ensure fair competition. Meanwhile, many competitors in standing and sitting categories ski with one or more limbs absent. The downhill event, renowned for its extreme velocity, presents a unique set of psychological and physical challenges.

    American skier Meg Gustafson, 16, who is classified as AS4 due to her limited vision, described the sensation of racing as akin to ‘flying.’ Before each run, she admits, ‘I say a little prayer and then I send it.’ Her teammate, Allie Johnson, 31, acknowledged the fear involved, stating, ‘Being scared and doing things scared—that’s what it is to me.’

    Even seasoned athletes are not immune to mishaps. American sitting skier Anna Soens experienced a crash during her Paralympic debut, later quipping that the lesson was to ‘land straighter.’ Swedish gold medalist Ebba Aarsjoe emphasized the razor-thin margin for error, noting that imprecise technique can lead to disastrous outcomes.

    The risks are substantial—high-speed accidents can result in severe injuries, as evidenced by Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn’s recent near-amputation on the same course. Yet, for athletes like Australia’s Michael Milton, 52, who returned from retirement, the adrenaline and emotional intensity are irresistible. ‘It’s the feeling of standing at the start… and then overcoming that fear,’ he explained.

    For Slovakia’s Alexandra Rexova, a double bronze medalist, skiing has been transformative. ‘It opened new doors for me,’ the 20-year-old said. ‘I’m glad I can race here… and survive.’

  • Fantastic Mr Stowaway: fox sails from Britain to New York port

    Fantastic Mr Stowaway: fox sails from Britain to New York port

    In an extraordinary case of animal migration, a red fox successfully completed a transatlantic journey as a stowaway aboard a cargo ship traveling from Southampton, England to the Port of New York and New Jersey. The remarkable discovery was confirmed by the Bronx Zoo, which reported that customs officials detected the unexpected passenger upon the vessel’s arrival.

    The approximately two-year-old male fox, weighing 11 pounds, managed to board the international vessel undetected and survived the lengthy ocean crossing. According to zoo representatives, the animal is currently in good condition despite its unauthorized adventure. Veterinary professionals are conducting comprehensive health assessments to ensure the fox hasn’t contracted any diseases during its journey.

    This incident highlights the ongoing collaboration between the Bronx Zoo and port authorities in rescuing wildlife that moves through New York’s transportation hubs. While the zoo confirmed the animal’s current well-being, officials are now seeking a permanent appropriate habitat for the transatlantic traveler once medical clearance is obtained.

    The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) represents one of the world’s most widespread carnivorous mammals, with native populations spanning Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of Africa. Britain specifically maintains one of the highest-density urban fox populations globally, with academic research estimating tens of thousands inhabiting British cities. These adaptable creatures have increasingly become part of urban landscapes since the 1930s, as expanding city boundaries encroached upon their traditional rural territories.

  • ‘We’ve lost one hell of a player’: Craig Bellamy unimpressed with Zac Lomax’s code switch

    ‘We’ve lost one hell of a player’: Craig Bellamy unimpressed with Zac Lomax’s code switch

    Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has expressed profound disappointment over the departure of star player Zac Lomax from the National Rugby League (NRL), characterizing it as a significant loss for the sport. Lomax’s move to Super Rugby’s Western Force, confirmed on Monday with a two-year contract, concludes a protracted contractual dispute that initially appeared destined to bring him to Melbourne.

    The situation originated when Lomax secured an early release from the Parramatta Eels, just one season into a four-year agreement, under the presumption he would join the proposed R360 competition. However, the league’s postponement until 2028 left the player in professional limbo. A specific clause in his release agreement prohibited him from signing with any rival NRL club without Parramatta’s explicit consent, ultimately thwarting Melbourne’s pursuit despite their offer of financial compensation to the Eels.

    Bellamy acknowledged understanding Lomax’s frustration while lamenting the outcome. “It’s a shame that we lost him,” the veteran coach stated. “I don’treally know what happened at the end there, but I can understand his frustration and I can understand him leaving our game. I think we’ve lost one hell of a player to another code when we didn’t really have to. But even more importantly, we lost a really good person in our code.”

    Despite missing Lomax’s potential contribution to their backline, the Storm demonstrated resilience in their season opener with a commanding victory over Parramatta. Emerging talent Sua Fa’alogo delivered an impressive performance at fullback, filling the void left by Ryan Papenhuyzen’s retirement. Bellamy attributed Fa’alogo’s success to significantly improved fitness levels, noting that the position demands exceptional endurance and that the young player returned to camp in markedly better condition this season.

    Looking ahead, Melbourne faces a challenging encounter against the St. George Illawarra Dragons in Wollongong. The Dragons seek redemption after a narrow golden-point defeat to the Bulldogs in Las Vegas, and historically they have proven formidable opponents for the Storm, having secured victories in their two most recent meetings. Bellamy identified Dragons playmakers Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook as particular threats, emphasizing the need for defensive improvements following their first-round performance.

  • Iran war brings history’s largest oil supply disruption, says IEA

    Iran war brings history’s largest oil supply disruption, says IEA

    The International Energy Agency (IEA) declared on Thursday that military actions against Iran have triggered the most severe supply disruption in global oil market history. According to the agency’s monthly market assessment, joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes initiated on February 28 have created unprecedented volatility, with Brent crude futures approaching $120 per barrel amid critical supply chain interruptions.

    The strategic Strait of Hormuz, traditionally facilitating approximately 20% of global oil transit, has experienced catastrophic declines in tanker traffic. Gulf nations are now compelled to slash production capacities as storage facilities reach maximum capacity. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol characterized the situation as requiring “emergency collective action of unprecedented size” as 32 member nations unanimously agreed to release 400 million barrels from strategic petroleum reserves.

    Market tensions intensified substantially when Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to maintain the Strait’s closure indefinitely. Concurrently, Iraq suspended all terminal operations following attacks on two vessels off its coast, with Iranian forces claiming responsibility for targeting a U.S.-affiliated tanker.

    The conflict’s environmental consequences have raised international concern, as the World Health Organization warned populations about exposure to toxic chemicals from black rain and acidic precipitation resulting from bombed energy infrastructure. Amnesty International’s regional director Heba Morayef emphasized that attacks on energy installations potentially violate international humanitarian law, creating “devastating civilian harm including uncontrolled fires, essential service disruptions, and severe long-term health risks for millions.”

    The convergence of supply constraints, military actions, and environmental hazards has created a multidimensional crisis with far-reaching implications for global energy security and economic stability.