Global Pulse

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  • Guilty verdict for US father of teenage school shooter

    Guilty verdict for US father of teenage school shooter

    In a groundbreaking legal decision with profound implications for parental responsibility, Colin Gray has been convicted on multiple charges including murder and child cruelty for his role in the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting that claimed four lives. The 55-year-old father now faces the consequences of what prosecutors described as catastrophic negligence that enabled his son’s deadly rampage.

    The case represents only the third instance in American jurisprudence where parents have been held criminally accountable for mass shootings perpetrated by their children. During the emotionally charged trial, Barrow County prosecutors presented compelling evidence demonstrating how Gray systematically ignored escalating warning signs about his son’s dangerous mental state and violent tendencies.

    Evidence revealed that Gray purchased an AR-style rifle for his 14-year-old son as a Christmas gift, despite the teenager having been investigated by law enforcement just seven months earlier for making explicit online threats about executing a school shooting. The prosecution further presented a meticulously detailed notebook belonging to the younger Gray that outlined specific plans to murder students and faculty members.

    Assistant District Attorney Patricia Brooks delivered a powerful closing argument, telling jurors: “After witnessing repeated indicators of his son’s deteriorating psychological condition, violent tendencies, and fixation on school shootings, the defendant received ample warning that his child represented a ticking time bomb. Rather than implementing preventive measures, he effectively provided the detonator.”

    The defense team, led by attorney Jimmy Barry, attempted to redirect culpability exclusively toward the teenage shooter, emphasizing that the boy “made a conscious, secretive decision to carry out these horrific actions.” This strategy ultimately failed to persuade the jury amid overwhelming evidence of parental negligence.

    Background investigation revealed that federal authorities had previously alerted local police in May 2023 after the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center received anonymous tips regarding online school shooting threats. Law enforcement conducted interviews with both Gray and his son at that time, but determined insufficient probable cause for arrest despite the father’s acknowledgment of firearms in the household.

    This case follows the precedent-setting conviction of James and Jennifer Crumbley in Michigan, who received 10-15 year prison sentences for involuntary manslaughter after purchasing a firearm for their son who subsequently killed four classmates. The Gray verdict further solidifies the legal principle that parents can face severe criminal consequences when their actions—or inactions—enable mass shooting events.

    The convicted father now awaits sentencing while his son, Colt Gray, remains in custody awaiting separate trial proceedings for the actual shooting that killed students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, both 14, along with educators Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53.

  • Explainer: Virtues of planning ahead: Why five-year plans work for China

    Explainer: Virtues of planning ahead: Why five-year plans work for China

    BEIJING – As Chinese legislators convene for the annual parliamentary sessions, attention focuses on the draft 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), the latest installment in China’s distinctive approach to national development planning. This comprehensive framework continues a seven-decade tradition of strategic economic guidance that has transformed China from an agrarian society into the world’s second-largest economy.

    The forthcoming blueprint, building on recommendations adopted by the Communist Party of China Central Committee in October 2025, aligns with China’s broader vision of achieving substantial progress by 2035 across economic strength, technological capability, national defense, and global influence. The planning process incorporated unprecedented public participation, with over 3.11 million submissions received during a month-long online consultation period – a demonstration of what Chinese officials characterize as ‘whole-process people’s democracy.’

    China’s planning mechanism has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1950s, transitioning from rigid central planning to a flexible system that strategically combines market forces with government guidance. As described by American scholar John Naisbitt in ‘China’s Megatrends,’ the approach effectively ‘frames the forest and lets the trees grow’ – establishing broad national priorities while allowing sectors and enterprises considerable operational freedom.

    This system has demonstrated particular effectiveness in addressing complex, long-term challenges that often elude shorter political cycles in other nations. The successful poverty elimination campaign under the 13th Five-Year Plan exemplifies this capacity, featuring coordinated implementation that deployed over 3 million officials to rural areas, established comprehensive monitoring systems, and directed substantial infrastructure investment to remote regions.

    China’s advances in artificial intelligence further illustrate the planning system’s forward-looking nature. AI development was incorporated into national planning a decade ago, followed by a dedicated next-generation AI strategy in 2017. By 2025, China’s AI sector had grown dramatically, with over 6,000 specialized firms and a core industry projected to exceed 1.2 trillion yuan. Similar strategic planning underpins China’s leadership in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and 5G infrastructure.

    The system provides crucial predictability for businesses and investors, reducing policy uncertainty through consistent long-term direction. This stability is being further institutionalized through forthcoming legislation that will standardize planning processes and implementation mechanisms.

    According to Dong Yu, executive vice dean of the Institute of China Development Planning at Tsinghua University, ‘China’s five-year plans represent a fully integrated system for transforming strategic goals into concrete reality.’ This integrated approach continues to guide China’s development amid global technological disruption, demographic changes, and evolving international relations.

  • US Homeland Security chief grilled over immigration crackdown

    US Homeland Security chief grilled over immigration crackdown

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confronted intense congressional scrutiny during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on Tuesday, where Democratic lawmakers launched sweeping criticisms against the administration’s immigration enforcement policies. The hearing marked Noem’s first congressional appearance since recent controversial agent-involved shootings during protests.

    Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered particularly sharp rebukes, accusing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of operating “devoid of any moral compass or respect for the rule of law.” Durbin characterized DHS operations as creating widespread havoc through paramilitary-style patrols that allegedly target individuals based on racial profiling and linguistic characteristics.

    The Illinois senator referenced two recent fatal shootings by immigration agents in Minnesota, claiming Noem had subsequently leveled “baseless accusations of domestic terrorism” against the deceased Americans. Noem offered condolences to the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti while clarifying her previous remarks, stating she had only suggested the incident “appeared to be” domestic terrorism rather than making definitive declarations.

    Secretary Noem staunchly defended her department’s record, highlighting historic achievements including plummeting border crossing numbers and the removal of nearly three million undocumented individuals during the past year. “Our department has delivered historic results and has made our community safer since the start of President Trump’s second term,” Noem testified.

    The hearing revealed stark partisan divisions, with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham praising the administration’s enforcement efforts while blaming the previous Biden administration for creating “absolute chaos” through what he characterized as uncontrolled border policies.

    Democratic Senator Chris Coons raised constitutional concerns, alleging DHS operates under implicit deportation quotas that drive unconstitutional practices including profiling and operations at sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals, and schools. Noem categorically denied operating under any quota system, emphasizing targeted enforcement focused on public safety threats.

    The Secretary additionally addressed the ongoing partial government shutdown, urging lawmakers to reach funding agreements that would restore pay for thousands of furloughed DHS employees. Democrats maintain opposition to funding without significant operational reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including curtailed patrols, mask prohibitions for agents, and warrant requirements for private property entries.

  • Israel launches ground assault in southern Lebanon

    Israel launches ground assault in southern Lebanon

    Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared the approval of an expanded ground military operation in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The authorization, coordinated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, empowers Israeli forces to advance beyond previously established positions and secure strategically dominant terrain within Lebanese territory.

    According to official statements released Tuesday, the primary objective of this offensive is to establish enhanced defensive buffers that would prevent direct artillery and rocket fire targeting Israeli border communities. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the deployment of troops deeper into southern Lebanon, exceeding the five positions maintained since the 2024 ceasefire arrangement.

    Military officials characterized the operation as implementing an ‘enhanced forward defense posture’ designed to proactively counter security threats. This development follows a dramatic resurgence of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, triggered by the Lebanese militant group’s rocket barrage targeting northern Israel on Monday.

    Hezbollah claimed its attacks were retaliatory measures responding to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel subsequently launched intensive airstrikes targeting southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, resulting in numerous casualties and initiating renewed civilian displacement throughout the region.

    The escalation occurs against the broader backdrop of ongoing conflict involving Iran, further complicating regional security dynamics and raising concerns about potential broader confrontation.

  • Conference promotes Hong Kong as go-to location for education

    Conference promotes Hong Kong as go-to location for education

    Hong Kong has solidified its status as Asia’s premier international education destination during the record-breaking 2026 Asia-Pacific Association for International Education Conference and Exhibition. Hosted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong from March 1-3, the event attracted over 3,000 educational leaders, scholars and professionals from more than 70 countries and regions—the highest attendance in the conference’s history.

    Professor Venky Shankararaman, president of APAIE, emphasized Hong Kong’s unique positioning as both a global gateway and cultural melting pot. ‘Hong Kong’s open, internationalized environment creates ideal conditions for connecting China with the world,’ Shankararaman stated. ‘The city provides fertile ground for cultivating international talent and fostering diverse innovation through its exceptional connectivity, world-class infrastructure and rich blend of Eastern and Western cultures.’

    The conference coincided with the official launch of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s ‘Study in Hong Kong’ branding initiative. This strategic campaign aims to promote the city’s advantages as a top-tier study destination, highlighting its remarkable concentration of academic excellence—five universities ranked among the world’s top 100 within a metropolitan area of 7.7 million residents.

    Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor of CUHK, noted that Hong Kong’s educational strengths extend beyond rankings. ‘Our advantages include state-of-the-art facilities, groundbreaking research capabilities, innovative talent development programs, and robust technological innovation ecosystems,’ Lo explained. He emphasized that these assets, combined with the HKSAR Government’s proactive talent attraction policies and comprehensive study-to-employment pathways, make Hong Kong uniquely positioned to serve global students.

    The conference’s Youth Forum emerged as a particular highlight, featuring international student representatives from eight countries sharing their transformative educational experiences in Hong Kong. Educational experts at the event noted that Hong Kong’s appeal is magnified by broader macro trends including regional economic integration, technological advancement, demographic changes, and evolving global governance structures.

    Looking forward, the event served not only to showcase Hong Kong’s current educational offerings but also to chart a forward-looking blueprint for Asia-Pacific higher education cooperation. With strong backing from the vast mainland Chinese market and unparalleled international connections, Hong Kong is poised to continue its ascent as a world-leading education hub.

  • Germany’s Merz meets Trump for talks eclipsed by Iran war

    Germany’s Merz meets Trump for talks eclipsed by Iran war

    German Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, marking the American leader’s first diplomatic engagement with a foreign counterpart since initiating joint military strikes with Israel against Iran—actions that have dramatically escalated into full-scale Middle Eastern conflict.

    Originally intended to address critical issues surrounding the Ukraine war and strained EU-U.S. trade relations, the long-planned bilateral meeting was unexpectedly dominated by the rapidly evolving crisis with Tehran. President Trump’s indication that airstrikes against Iran could extend for several weeks has fundamentally reshaped global priorities, with Iran already launching retaliatory attacks against U.S. bases and regional allies.

    The Chancellor’s arrival notably lacked the customary ceremonial reception typically afforded to visiting leaders, entering through a side entrance without the traditional diplomatic fanfare.

    Merz, who has consistently criticized Iran’s leadership, expressed that Berlin shared the Iranian people’s sense of relief that what he termed the ‘mullah regime is coming to an end.’ However, he deliberately avoided commenting on the legal justification for the U.S.-Israel strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.

    This cautious approach reflects Germany’s official position, articulated alongside France and Britain, limiting support to defensive operations only—a stance that has drawn criticism from U.S. officials who characterized the European response to ‘Operation Epic Fury’ as insufficiently robust.

    Despite significant ideological differences between the Christian Democrat leader with multilateral inclinations and the property tycoon turned president, Merz has maintained surprisingly cordial relations with Trump. This rapport stems largely from Germany’s substantial increases in defense spending, fulfilling a key Trump demand regarding NATO commitments.

    Nevertheless, Merz has occasionally challenged the U.S. president, particularly regarding Ukraine policy, while consistently advocating for greater European sovereignty during geopolitical turmoil. During February’s Munich Security Conference, he highlighted the ‘deep rift’ in transatlantic relations and called for joint efforts to ‘repair and revive trust.’

    Beyond security matters, the Chancellor prepared to present the EU’s coordinated position on trade, emphasizing the critical need for predictable business conditions on both sides of the Atlantic. Germany’s Mechanical Engineering industry association specifically urged Merz to leverage his relationship with Trump to secure a comprehensive tariff agreement, despite the current focus on military operations.

  • Iran hits US embassy in Riyadh as American citizens urged to leave Middle East

    Iran hits US embassy in Riyadh as American citizens urged to leave Middle East

    In a significant escalation of regional hostilities, two Iranian drones successfully struck the US Embassy compound in Riyadh on Tuesday. The attack resulted in a substantial fire and considerable material damage to the facility, according to confirmations from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense.

    Eyewitness sources reported hearing a powerful explosion accompanied by visible flames engulfing sections of the diplomatic compound. Initial assessments indicate no casualties, primarily because the embassy building was reportedly unoccupied at the moment of impact. Hours following the initial strike, additional explosions reverberated through Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter—an area housing numerous international missions—with black smoke seen billowing over the district.

    The embassy assault represents part of Tehran’s coordinated retaliation for the joint US-Israeli military offensive initiated last Saturday, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, multiple senior officials, and hundreds of Iranian civilians. Among the casualties were approximately 150 schoolgirls killed during a strike on an educational facility in southern Iran.

    According to data compiled by the Washington-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the conflict has claimed 742 lives through US and Israeli attacks, while Iranian counterstrikes have resulted in at least 11 fatalities in Israel and five in Gulf states.

    President Donald Trump, addressing the attacks and the reported deaths of six American soldiers, provided cryptic remarks during a NewsNation interview regarding potential retaliation measures: “You’ll find out soon.” The president notably dismissed the likelihood of ground troop deployment within Iranian territory.

    Simultaneously, the US Embassy in Kuwait sustained targeting, prompting authorities to announce its indefinite closure with all consular services suspended. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims to have executed strikes on over 500 US and Israeli sites utilizing 700 drones and hundreds of missiles, with additional attacks reported across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan.

    Amid deteriorating security conditions, the US State Department issued evacuation advisories on Monday, urging American citizens to depart from multiple regional nations including Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Palestinian territories, Jordan, Egypt, Yemen, and Gulf states. The US Embassy in Israel concurrently acknowledged its limited capacity to facilitate evacuations or directly assist citizens seeking to leave the country, with Ambassador Mike Huckabee characterizing departure options as “very limited” amid intensifying regional tensions.

  • Is it time to trust South Africa as World Cup ‘favourites’?

    Is it time to trust South Africa as World Cup ‘favourites’?

    The narrative of South African cricket in World Cup tournaments has long been defined by agonizing near-misses and spectacular collapses under pressure. From the Sydney rain of 1992 to Grant Elliott’s final-over heroics for New Zealand in 2015, and most recently, the catastrophic loss to India in the 2024 final where they needed just 26 runs from 24 balls, the Proteas have perfected the art of heartbreak.

    Yet, a profound shift appears underway. Fresh from a triumphant World Test Championship victory against Australia at Lord’s in June 2023, the South African squad arrives at the T20 World Cup semi-final in Kolkata with an unblemished record of seven consecutive wins. This formidable run has compelled even the traditionally cautious team management to embrace the ‘favorites’ label ahead of their crucial clash against New Zealand.

    Coach Shukri Conrad expressed a newfound confidence, stating, ‘I’m glad that we’re favourites… it’s easy being an underdog.’ This sentiment reflects a transformed mentality within the camp, significantly influenced by the painful lessons of the 2024 final defeat. Captain Aiden Markram, who struggled personally in the previous tournament, has emerged as a dominant force, currently ranking as the tournament’s third-highest run-scorer with 263 runs at a strike-rate of 175.16. Former captain Faf du Plessis attributes this explosive form to Markram’s development in the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League.

    The team’s success has been built on remarkable all-round performance. South Africa boasts the tournament’s highest batting run-rate and best bowling economy, with their pace attack of Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi having taken more powerplay wickets than any other side. Their only true test came in a dramatic double-super-over victory against Afghanistan, which Conrad believes significantly strengthened team cohesion.

    Despite these strengths, questions remain about their composition. The team lacks a specialist wrist-spinner, relying instead on left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj and Markram’s part-time off-breaks, resulting in the fewest spin overs bowled among semi-finalists. However, Conrad emphasizes their strategy of ‘fashioning’ a wicket-taking attack suited to their resources, highlighting Ngidi’s deceptive slower balls and the effectiveness of seamer Corbin Bosch in the middle overs.

    As they prepare to face New Zealand, the Proteas carry not just the hope of a nation but the weight of history. With former England captain Michael Vaughan noting they ‘look ready’ and pointing to their Test championship win as a critical psychological boost, South Africa stands on the cusp of rewriting their cricketing destiny. To emulate India’s 2024 achievement of winning the T20 World Cup unbeaten, they must now conquer their final two hurdles, beginning with the Black Caps in Kolkata.

  • Regional escalation casts shadow on Gaza ceasefire

    Regional escalation casts shadow on Gaza ceasefire

    The delicate Gaza ceasefire agreement faces mounting pressure as recent military actions by Israel and the United States against Iranian targets raise serious questions about regional stability and diplomatic commitments. Analysts warn that this escalation exposes fundamental contradictions in Washington’s Middle East policy while undermining its credibility as a peace mediator.

    According to security experts, the coordinated strikes have introduced a dangerous new dimension to an already volatile region. Sujata Ashwarya, professor at Jamia Millia Islamia University’s Centre for West Asian Studies, noted that these actions ‘deepen the strategic contradiction at the heart of Washington’s regional policy,’ making it increasingly difficult to sustain credible Gaza diplomacy while expanding direct military engagement.

    The immediate consequences have materialized through the closure of critical border crossings into Gaza, including the vital Rafah crossing. Israel’s COGAT military body announced ‘several necessary security adjustments’ implemented on Sunday, claiming the closures would not affect humanitarian conditions—a statement contradicted by experts who warn that humanitarian concerns are becoming collateral damage in broader escalation.

    Gulf Arab states now find themselves in a precarious position, as their hosting of US military assets makes them vulnerable to Iranian retaliation despite not seeking conflict. The situation creates particular challenges for these nations as they attempt to balance security partnerships with regional de-escalation efforts.

    The political landscape has been further complicated by the killings of Iranian leadership figures, creating uncertainty about succession and internal stability rather than strategic clarity. For Palestinians, the renewed escalation risks pushing Gaza further down the international agenda precisely when humanitarian emergencies are becoming more acute.

    While some analysts, including Elie Al Hindy of the American University in the Emirates, believe the situation is unlikely to escalate into broader regional conflict, the cumulative effect has been to make the Gaza ceasefire increasingly fragile and highlight the complex challenges facing international diplomacy in the region.

  • Lantern Festival in Luoyang: Through lens of a poem

    Lantern Festival in Luoyang: Through lens of a poem

    The timeless verses of ‘The Lantern Festival Night — to the tune of Green Jade Table’ continue to resonate through centuries as China celebrated the traditional Lantern Festival on March 3, 2026. This cultural masterpiece, composed during ancient times, serves as both historical record and artistic inspiration for contemporary celebrations in Luoyang, one of China’s ancient capitals.

    The festival, observed on the 15th day of the first lunar month, transforms the historic city into a living tableau of the poem’s vivid imagery. Through multimedia presentations and cultural exhibitions, visitors experienced the romantic and vibrant scenes depicted in the classical work, bridging the gap between ancient literary tradition and modern cultural practice.

    Luoyang’s celebration exemplifies China’s ongoing efforts to preserve and revitalize traditional cultural expressions. The integration of classical poetry with visual media demonstrates innovative approaches to cultural education, allowing both domestic and international audiences to appreciate China’s rich literary heritage in an immersive format.

    The event forms part of broader nationwide celebrations marking the conclusion of the Spring Festival period, with various regions hosting distinctive activities that blend traditional customs with contemporary interpretations. This cultural phenomenon occurs alongside significant political events, including the convening of China’s National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference sessions.