Global Pulse

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  • Federal officers in Minneapolis to get body cameras ‘effective immediately’

    Federal officers in Minneapolis to get body cameras ‘effective immediately’

    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the immediate deployment of body cameras to all federal immigration agents operating in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This policy shift follows escalating tensions over the January deaths of two American citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, during heightened immigration enforcement operations in the region.

    DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the rollout via social media on Monday, coinciding with the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s classification of Pretti’s January 24th death as a homicide. The examiner’s report specified Pretti sustained multiple gunshot wounds from one or more law enforcement officers before succumbing to injuries at Hennepin County Medical Center. While homicide denotes a human killing another, it does not automatically imply criminal wrongdoing.

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection disclosed that two agents involved in Pretti’s shooting were equipped with body cameras and have been placed on administrative leave. The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation into the incident.

    Secretary Noem indicated plans to expand the body camera program nationally once funding becomes available. This commitment emerges amid a partial government shutdown, with Democrats insisting on immigration reforms—including universal body camera usage—as conditions for funding legislation.

    President Donald Trump endorsed the technology, stating body cameras ‘generally tend to be good for law enforcement because people can’t lie about what’s happening,’ estimating they’re ‘80% good for law enforcement.’

    In response to the shooting, the administration replaced Minneapolis-based U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino with former immigration official Tom Homan. Homan has met with local leaders including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Michael Frey to address community tensions. Both officials have demanded complete withdrawal of federal agents from the capital region.

    Homan acknowledged authorities are developing plans to reduce federal presence in Minneapolis, though operational changes would depend on state and local cooperation with federal authorities. The administration has criticized Minneapolis’ sanctuary city policy prohibiting municipal employees from enforcing immigration laws.

    Mayor Frey emphasized prioritizing local police focus on community safety while maintaining selective cooperation with federal authorities. The ongoing deployment of over 3,000 federal immigration officers throughout Minnesota implements President Trump’s campaign promise to intensify immigration enforcement.

  • Watch: US and Canada at loggerheads after groundhogs disagree

    Watch: US and Canada at loggerheads after groundhogs disagree

    The annual trans-border meteorological tradition faced renewed diplomatic tension as North America’s foremost furry forecasters delivered conflicting predictions for the impending spring season. Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil, emerging from his slumber at Gobbler’s Knob, glimpsed his shadow amidst ceremonial proceedings – an omen traditionally signaling six additional weeks of wintery conditions. Concurrently, Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam, Canada’s representative rodent, failed to witness any shadow during his parallel prognostication ceremony, thereby forecasting an early spring arrival.

    This meteorological disagreement marks the second consecutive year of discord between the two animal oracles, reintroducing playful tensions between neighboring nations. The centuries-old tradition, rooted in European folklore and popularized in North America since 1887, continues to capture public imagination despite its questionable meteorological accuracy. Scientific analyses indicate the forecasts demonstrate approximately 39% reliability, yet the cultural phenomenon consistently generates international media coverage and public engagement.

    Municipalities surrounding both prediction sites have leveraged the tradition for tourism promotion and local economic stimulation. The event’s persistence highlights how lighthearted cultural practices can momentarily transcend international boundaries while simultaneously highlighting gentle international rivalries. Meteorological authorities from both nations maintain professional distance from the rodent predictions, instead emphasizing data-driven seasonal forecasting models.

  • Wallabies to open the 2027 Rugby World Cup against Hong Kong in Perth

    Wallabies to open the 2027 Rugby World Cup against Hong Kong in Perth

    SYDNEY (AP) — Rugby World Cup 2027 organizers have unveiled the complete tournament schedule, confirming Australia will commence their campaign against debutants Hong Kong in Perth on October 1. The championship final is scheduled for November 13 at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.

    The comprehensive schedule released Tuesday outlines 52 matches across 19 match days, utilizing eight venues throughout seven Australian cities. The tournament structure, determined during December’s draw ceremony in Sydney, features defending two-time champion South Africa opening against Italy on October 3 in Adelaide.

    A highlight of the pool stage will be ‘Super Sunday’ on October 17, 2027, featuring five simultaneous matches concluding group play: Italy versus Georgia, Ireland against Uruguay, Scotland facing Portugal, France taking on Samoa, and South Africa meeting Romania.

    The tournament will introduce a round of 16 knockout phase for the first time, hosted across Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Quarterfinals will follow in Brisbane and Sydney, with semifinals, bronze final, and championship final all concentrated in Sydney.

    Australia faces a formidable challenge in their second match, confronting rugby powerhouse New Zealand on October 9 in Sydney. This marks the first pool stage encounter between these trans-Tasman rivals in Rugby World Cup history.

    Wallabies captain Harry Wilson acknowledged the significance of both fixtures: ‘Initiating our campaign against Hong Kong will be particularly meaningful as they make their World Cup debut, and Perth has consistently provided tremendous support for our team. The subsequent match against New Zealand in Sydney will undoubtedly represent a monumental occasion in the tournament.’

  • SpaceX to take over Elon Musk’s AI firm

    SpaceX to take over Elon Musk’s AI firm

    In a strategic consolidation of his technological empire, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has orchestrated the acquisition of artificial intelligence startup xAI by aerospace manufacturer SpaceX. The merger, formally announced through an official corporate memorandum on Monday, represents Musk’s latest effort to create synergistic connections between his diverse business interests.

    The integration positions xAI—recognized for developing the Grok conversational AI platform—within SpaceX’s operational structure, creating what Musk describes as a comprehensive ‘innovation engine.’ This combined entity will pursue advancements across multiple technological domains including artificial intelligence, rocket propulsion systems, satellite internet services, and media platforms.

    Financial specifics of the transaction remain undisclosed to the public. This development follows Tesla’s recent $2 billion investment in xAI, which Musk previously characterized as an ‘orchestra conductor’ for the electric vehicle company’s autonomous manufacturing robotics initiatives. That earlier investment faced shareholder resistance, with opposition votes and abstentions surpassing approvals during last year’s investor referendum.

    Musk’s vision extends beyond terrestrial applications, proposing that orbital infrastructure could address the substantial energy requirements of advanced AI systems. ‘In the long term, space-based AI is obviously the only way to scale,’ he stated in the memorandum, identifying Earth-launched AI satellites as the project’s immediate priority.

    The acquisition coincides with reports that SpaceX is preparing for a potential public listing, though the company has not confirmed these speculations. Musk’s ambitious roadmap suggests that revenue generated from space-based data processing centers could eventually fund extraterrestrial colonization efforts, including self-sustaining lunar installations and Martian settlements, ultimately supporting humanity’s expansion throughout the solar system.

  • Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian spark dating rumours with secret UK getaway

    Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian spark dating rumours with secret UK getaway

    Speculation mounts over a potential romantic connection between Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton and reality television mogul Kim Kardashian following their discreet joint retreat at a luxury English estate. The Sun reports the high-profile pair shared an intimate weekend at Oxfordshire’s exclusive Estelle Manor, where accommodations command over £1,000 per night.

    The 41-year-old Ferrari driver allegedly arrived via helicopter from London while the 45-year-old SKIMS founder traveled from Los Angeles aboard her £100 million private jet, accompanied by substantial security and luggage. Insider sources indicate the couple received privileged access to the property’s spa facilities, indulged in couples’ massages, and maintained complete privacy during dining experiences away from fellow guests.

    Despite their longstanding acquaintance through Kardashian’s former husband Kanye West, the two celebrities have never previously been romantically associated. Their deliberate avoidance of social media documentation throughout the weekend has further intensified curiosity about the nature of their relationship. The carefully orchestrated secrecy surrounding their movements, combined with the extravagant transportation arrangements, suggests a concerted effort to maintain privacy amid growing public interest.

  • Jordan says will not be ‘launching pad for any military action against Iran’

    Jordan says will not be ‘launching pad for any military action against Iran’

    Jordan has formally communicated to Iranian leadership that it will not permit its territory or airspace to be utilized for military operations against the Islamic Republic. The assurance came during a diplomatic phone conversation on Monday between Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

    Safadi, who concurrently serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, explicitly stated that the Hashemite Kingdom would not function as ‘a battleground in any regional conflict or a launching pad for any military action against Iran.’ The declaration arrives amidst heightened regional tensions and reported U.S. threats of potential strikes against Iranian targets.

    The Jordanian diplomat further emphasized Amman’s commitment to national sovereignty, declaring that Jordan ‘will not permit any party to violate its airspace or threaten its security and the safety of its citizens.’ This position aligns with similar statements recently issued by other regional powers, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, who have likewise declared their unwillingness to facilitate military actions against Iran.

    The diplomatic exchange represents a significant development in Middle Eastern geopolitics, demonstrating Jordan’s cautious approach to navigating complex international relationships while maintaining its security interests. The kingdom’s stance reflects broader regional concerns about potential escalation and the destabilizing effects of military confrontation in the already volatile Middle East.

  • Iran weighs nuclear diplomacy with US to cool fears of war

    Iran weighs nuclear diplomacy with US to cool fears of war

    Diplomatic channels between the United States and Iran show signs of reactivation as both nations demonstrate willingness to resume negotiations concerning Tehran’s nuclear program. According to a foreign ministry official speaking on Monday, Iranian authorities are currently evaluating the conditions for reengaging in dialogue with American representatives. This development emerges against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions, amplified by a substantial US naval presence near Iranian territorial waters following last month’s violent suppression of anti-government protests—the most severe domestic unrest since Iran’s 1979 revolution.

    Multiple sources indicate that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi may convene in Turkey within coming days, with Turkish officials reportedly facilitating de-escalation efforts. The potential meeting represents a significant diplomatic opening amid heightened military posturing from both sides. President Donald Trump, who previously abstained from direct intervention during Iran’s domestic crackdown, has subsequently intensified pressure on Tehran through both military deployments and demands for nuclear concessions.

    The negotiation framework remains contentious, with Washington historically insisting on three primary conditions: complete cessation of uranium enrichment, limitations on ballistic missile development, and termination of support for regional proxy forces. Iranian officials have consistently rejected these demands as violations of national sovereignty, though sources suggest Tehran might demonstrate flexibility regarding enrichment activities. Specifically, Iranian officials indicate readiness to transfer 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium abroad and potentially accept zero enrichment under a consortium arrangement, provided the United States removes preconditions and reduces military assets near Iran’s borders.

    Satellite imagery analysis reveals preliminary reconstruction efforts at nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Natanz previously damaged during joint US-Israeli airstrikes in June last year. While new roofing appears on two destroyed structures, no comprehensive rebuilding is evident. The International Atomic Energy Agency continues seeking clarification regarding Iran’s current highly enriched uranium stockpiles, with Western nations expressing concern about potential weapons development—a claim Tehran consistently denies, maintaining its nuclear program serves exclusively peaceful purposes.

    The diplomatic impasse, stalled since May 2023 after five inconclusive negotiation rounds, centers on Iran’s insistence on maintaining domestic enrichment capabilities and retaining existing uranium stockpiles. Iranian sources suggest a potential compromise involving uranium shipment abroad and temporary enrichment pause in exchange for sanctions relief, indicating that ballistic missile programs rather than nuclear activities presently constitute the more significant negotiation obstacle.

  • Steve Bannon boasted about Farage ties in exchange with Epstein

    Steve Bannon boasted about Farage ties in exchange with Epstein

    Newly disclosed court documents reveal a March 2018 exchange between former Trump strategist Steve Bannon and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, exposing Bannon’s central role in coordinating Europe’s far-right political movements. In messages arranging a Paris meeting, Bannon boasted to Epstein about serving as advisor to Britain’s Nigel Farage alongside other prominent nationalist leaders including Italy’s Matteo Salvini, Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

    The correspondence occurred hours after Bannon addressed France’s Front National party, declaring that ‘history is on our side and will bring us victory.’ Bannon specifically highlighted upcoming European Parliament elections, predicting nationalist parties could surge from 92 to 200 seats to block cryptocurrency legislation and advance their agenda. Epstein responded with ‘Roger that,’ acknowledging the strategic discussion.

    This collaboration developed less than two years after the Brexit referendum, where Farage had been a dominant campaign figure. The messages confirm earlier reports that throughout 2017-2018, Farage and Bannon discussed forming an international alliance of right-wing populists. The documents further reveal Epstein provided Bannon with accommodation on his private island and arranged European dinners during this period of their growing alliance.

    Subsequent messages from November 2018 show Bannon updating Epstein from Britain about being ‘pulled into the Brexit thing this morning with Nigel, Boris [Johnson] and [Jacob] Rees Mogg.’ Epstein advised extended stay in Britain, which Bannon described as a ‘hot mess.’

    The revelations gain contemporary significance with the emergence of a January 2025 photograph showing Bannon smiling alongside Matt Goodwin, Reform UK’s candidate in the critical Gorton and Denton by-election. Goodwin, an academic turned GB News presenter, previously documented attending Farage’s Washington events and private gatherings with Bannon, who declared Britain’s Conservative Party ‘finished’ and predicted Reform UK would lead a political realignment mirroring American populist movements.

  • ‘Unfounded’: UAE categorically denies claims it will oversee Gaza’s civilian administration

    ‘Unfounded’: UAE categorically denies claims it will oversee Gaza’s civilian administration

    The United Arab Emirates has issued a categorical denial of what it describes as “false and unfounded” reports suggesting the nation would assume civilian administration over Gaza. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, explicitly stated that governance and administrative responsibilities for Gaza remain the exclusive domain of the Palestinian people.

    In her official statement, Minister Al Hashimy emphasized the UAE’s unwavering commitment to enhancing humanitarian assistance for Gaza’s population while simultaneously advancing efforts toward lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. This commitment is demonstrated through the UAE’s participation as a founding member of the Board of Peace and its membership on the Gaza Executive Board.

    The diplomatic context dates to January, when UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan accepted a formal invitation from the United States to join the newly established Board of Peace. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that this decision reflects the UAE’s endorsement of the full implementation of US President Donald Trump’s comprehensive 20-point peace proposal for Gaza.

    Concurrently, Minister Al Hashimy’s appointment to the Gaza Executive Board positions her at the center of coordination efforts between the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and the broader Board of Peace framework. According to White House documentation, this executive board will function as a support mechanism for the Office of the High Representative and the NCAG, focusing on ensuring effective governance structures and superior service delivery aimed at fostering peace, stability, and economic prosperity for Gaza’s inhabitants.

    The UAE’s diplomatic stance remains consistent with its previously articulated position regarding Palestinian self-determination, with senior officials having previously characterized any annexation attempts as crossing a “red line” while simultaneously expressing reservations about participating in international security forces for Gaza.

  • Air India grounds Boeing Dreamliner plane after pilot flags fuel control switch issue

    Air India grounds Boeing Dreamliner plane after pilot flags fuel control switch issue

    Air India has temporarily removed a Boeing 787 Dreamliner from service after a pilot identified a potential malfunction with the aircraft’s fuel control switch. This specific component is currently under investigation regarding a fatal aviation disaster that occurred in June last year, claiming 260 lives.

    The Tata Group and Singapore Airlines-owned carrier confirmed the grounding in a statement on Monday, February 2nd, 2026. The airline emphasized its commitment to safety, stating, “We have grounded said aircraft and are involving the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to get the pilot’s concerns checked on a priority basis.” The matter has been formally reported to India’s primary aviation regulatory body.

    This incident brings renewed scrutiny to both Air India and Boeing. The airline sought to reassure the public and regulators by confirming it had previously inspected the fuel control switches across its entire fleet of Boeing 787 aircraft. This inspection was conducted in compliance with a directive issued by regulators following last year’s tragic crash, with the airline reporting no anomalies at that time.

    As of the initial report, Boeing and India’s Civil Aviation Ministry had not issued an immediate public response to requests for comment from Reuters. The situation highlights the ongoing safety protocols and heightened vigilance within the aviation industry following major accidents.