Global Pulse

分类： society

  • From Elon Musk to the former Prince Andrew, a who’s who of powerful men are named in Epstein files

    From Elon Musk to the former Prince Andrew, a who’s who of powerful men are named in Epstein files

    NEW YORK — A massive document release by the U.S. Justice Department has unveiled the extensive social network of late financier Jeffrey Epstein, connecting numerous global elites to the convicted sex offender. The files, made public Friday, reveal previously undisclosed communications and interactions between Epstein and prominent figures from technology, finance, politics, and royalty.

    The documents provide unprecedented insight into how Epstein maintained relationships with powerful individuals even after his 2008 conviction for sex crimes. While none have been charged with crimes related to the investigation, the correspondence reveals the breadth of Epstein’s connections and his attempts to leverage these relationships.

    Among the most frequently mentioned figures is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, whose name appears hundreds of times throughout the documents. The files include emails showing Epstein’s invitation to Buckingham Palace, discussions about introducing the royal to a 26-year-old Russian woman, and photographs depicting the prince in compromising positions.

    Technology billionaires feature prominently in the release, with both Elon Musk and Google co-founder Sergey Brin appearing in Epstein’s correspondence. Musk exchanged emails in 2012-2013 discussing potential visits to Epstein’s Caribbean compound, though the Tesla CEO has publicly stated he refused these invitations. Brin’s communications show planned meetings with Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell years before Epstein’s public exposure as a sexual predator.

    The documents also reveal extensive connections within financial and political circles. New York Giants co-owner Steven Tisch appears in over 400 documents, including emails where Epstein offered to connect him with women. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon exchanged hundreds of friendly texts with Epstein, discussing politics and reputation rehabilitation projects.

    The immediate fallout has already begun, with Slovakian national security adviser Miroslav Lajcak resigning Saturday following the revelation of his communications with Epstein. Virgin Group founder Richard Branson’s correspondence included an invitation for Epstein to visit his private island, asking him to ‘bring your harem.’

    While many figures have denied close ties to Epstein or knowledge of his criminal activities, the documents paint a picture of a sophisticated network that enabled Epstein to maintain social credibility despite his notorious reputation. The release represents the most comprehensive public accounting to date of Epstein’s associations with the world’s elite.

  • Rape trial puts Norway’s royal family in unwelcome glare of public

    Rape trial puts Norway’s royal family in unwelcome glare of public

    Oslo’s district court has become the epicenter of Norway’s most significant criminal proceeding in recent memory as Marius Borg Høiby, stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, stands trial facing 38 criminal charges. The seven-week trial, which commenced Tuesday, involves allegations spanning multiple years and includes four counts of rape, physical assault, threats against a former girlfriend, property damage, drug offenses, and driving violations.

    The 29-year-old, whose mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit married into royalty when he was four, appears without family support in the courtroom. The palace has emphatically distanced itself from the proceedings, emphasizing Høiby’s non-royal status despite his lifelong connection to the monarchy. Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit are notably absent, with the latter battling serious pulmonary fibrosis that requires potential lung transplantation.

    Prosecutors detail disturbing allegations dating from 2018 to November 2024, including sexual assaults occurring while women were incapacitated or asleep—acts legally constituting rape under Norwegian law. One identified accuser, social influencer Nora Haukland, alleges violent physical abuse including punching, kicking, and choking alongside verbal degradation.

    Høiby’s defense counsel Petar Sekulic acknowledges his client takes the accusations seriously while maintaining innocence regarding most charges, particularly those involving sexual violence. The defense also contests a recent addition of marijuana transportation charges involving 3.5 kilograms of the substance.

    The trial unfolds against a backdrop of royal scandals, including Princess Märtha Louise’s controversial marriage to an American shaman and revelations about Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s past connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite these challenges, recent polling indicates 73% of Norwegians still support the monarchy, with many apparently distinguishing between the institution and individual family members’ actions.

    As testimony begins from multiple women whose intimate experiences will be scrutinized before international media, the case represents both a personal tragedy for the victims and an unprecedented challenge for Europe’s most accessible monarchy.

  • After ICE raids… a once bustling Chicago neighbourhood has changed

    After ICE raids… a once bustling Chicago neighbourhood has changed

    Chicago’s historic Little Village neighborhood, traditionally known as the “Mexican Magnificent Mile,” has transformed into an economic ghost town following intensified immigration enforcement operations. The Trump administration’s Operation Midway Blitz, launched in September with the stated purpose of targeting “criminal illegal aliens,” has created an atmosphere of pervasive fear that has devastated local commerce.

    Business owners along the 26th Street corridor report catastrophic revenue declines ranging from 30% to 60%, with some establishments recording zero sales over extended periods. Carlos Macias, proprietor of Carniceria y Taqueria Aguascalientes established by his father fifty years ago, describes how armed ICE agents wearing balaclavas conducted raids that traumatized both employees and customers. “Business has dropped half during the week, sometimes even more than that,” Macias states, noting the incident remains etched in his memory.

    The economic impact extends beyond individual businesses. This two-mile commercial thoroughfare represents one of Chicago’s most significant economic hubs outside downtown, generating substantial tax revenues through predominantly Latino-owned enterprises. Alderman Michael Rodriguez reveals that even during peak lunch hours, restaurants remain empty, and public parking spaces sit vacant for the first time in living memory—a situation more severe than during the pandemic.

    While the Department of Homeland Security justifies the operation as necessary for public safety, citing the arrest of over 800 undocumented migrants including sex offenders and gang members, the human and economic costs continue mounting. Street vendors have largely disappeared from corners they traditionally occupied, fearing family separation despite many having lived in the community for decades.

    Chicago officials have responded with the Shopping in Solidarity initiative, encouraging residents to support local businesses. However, established institutions like Taqueria Los Comales have been forced to reduce employee hours dramatically. Owner Christina Gonzalez, also a Chamber of Commerce board member, explains the ripple effect: “The community depends on these small businesses for jobs and income. If they don’t have the hours to withstand that, then they aren’t getting the income that they need.”

    The political dimension remains deeply divisive. While Republican congressional candidate Lupe Castillo supports the enforcement actions, even some Trump voters like shoe store owner Adolfo Peña express bitter disappointment: “This is the worst thing that has happened to us. Unfortunately, I voted for him. That hurts me the most.”

    With Congress approving $170 billion in funding for ICE and Border Patrol through 2029, and plans to hire thousands of additional agents, Little Village residents brace for prolonged enforcement operations that continue to reshape their community’s social and economic fabric.

  • The king’s speech – and why it has foreigners in South Africa worried

    The king’s speech – and why it has foreigners in South Africa worried

    In a speech that dramatically contradicted its intended purpose of calming tensions, Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has ignited national controversy by employing highly derogatory language against foreign migrants. Speaking at the historic Isandlwana battleground where Zulu warriors achieved a legendary victory against British forces 147 years ago, the monarch told supporters that all “kwerekwere”—a deeply offensive term for African migrants—must leave South Africa immediately, even those in relationships with South African citizens.

    The 51-year-old king’s remarks came amid growing anti-immigrant sentiment in KwaZulu-Natal province, where approximately 2.4 million migrants constitute about 4% of South Africa’s population. While not explicitly advocating violence, the monarch insisted migrants must “pack their belongings” regardless of their family circumstances, drawing enthusiastic applause and laughter from his audience.

    The comments represent a troubling continuity with the rhetoric of his late father, King Goodwill Zwelithini, who made similar statements in 2015 that were subsequently condemned by South Africa’s human rights commission. Critics were quick to highlight the irony of the current king’s position, noting that his own mother was from Eswatini and one of his wives also hails from the neighboring kingdom.

    This resurgence of xenophobic discourse occurs against a backdrop of severe economic challenges, with unemployment hovering around 33%—among the highest rates globally. Political newcomers like uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), led by former President Jacob Zuma, have capitalized on this discontent by promoting populist policies advocating the expulsion of undocumented migrants.

    The climate has fostered the emergence of vigilante groups such as Operation Dudula and March on March, which have gained notoriety for their aggressive campaigns against foreign nationals. Recently, these tensions manifested dramatically when protesters surrounded Addington Primary School in Durban, falsely claiming that 90% of students were children of migrants. Official statistics later revealed that foreign pupils constitute only 1.8% of South Africa’s public school population nationwide, and 37% in the specific school.

    Human rights advocates have expressed grave concerns about the king’s statements. Dr. Vusumusi Sibanda, a specialist in African diaspora issues, described the language as “unfortunate” and “worrying,” noting that such rhetoric from influential figures encourages citizens to take the law into their own hands. Security analyst Lizette Lancaster similarly warned that the comments “fuel anti-migrant sentiment and should be strongly condemned.”

    The monarch additionally revived his father’s campaign to remove “Natal” from the province’s name, advocating for simply “KwaZulu.” Cultural experts caution that such a move would represent a dangerous embrace of Zulu nationalism in a multicultural province, potentially reviving historical tensions that nearly derailed South Africa’s transition to democracy in the 1990s.

    With no formal political power but influence over a fifth of South Africa’s population and control of significant communal lands, the Zulu monarchy’s stance on migration carries substantial weight. The king’s controversial comments mark a significant departure from his previous media coverage, which focused primarily on royal succession battles and personal matters, suggesting a new chapter in his public engagement with South Africa’s complex social landscape.

  • Ski Dubai visitors can enjoy up to 6 hours of free parking at Mall of the Emirates

    Ski Dubai visitors can enjoy up to 6 hours of free parking at Mall of the Emirates

    Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates has announced significant enhancements to its parking benefits, offering extended complimentary parking for visitors to its premier attractions. Parkin, the city’s leading parking facility operator, confirmed that guests visiting Ski Dubai can now obtain up to six hours of free parking by validating their attraction payment at the mall’s customer service desk.

    The new policy provides Ski Dubai visitors with two additional hours of complimentary parking beyond the standard four-hour free period, effectively creating a six-hour parking benefit. Similarly, VOX Cinemas patrons can claim an extra two hours of free parking by validating their movie ticket purchases.

    For retail shoppers, the mall maintains its existing policy offering all-day free parking for customers spending Dh150 or more, subject to purchase validation. Weekend visitors continue to enjoy completely free parking on Saturdays and Sundays, though overnight parking remains prohibited with a Dh200 daily penalty for violations.

    The updated parking fee structure at Mall of the Emirates operates on a graduated scale: complimentary for 0-4 hours, Dh20 for 4-5 hours, Dh40 for 5-6 hours, Dh60 for 6-7 hours, Dh100 for 7-8 hours, and Dh150 for exceeding eight hours.

    These parking enhancements form part of the mall’s comprehensive parking management strategy, which transitioned to a barrierless paid parking system in February 2025 following a five-year agreement between Majid Al Futtaim and Parkin PJSC. The innovative technology eliminates traditional entry and exit barriers, significantly improving traffic flow and visitor experience at one of Dubai’s most popular shopping and entertainment destinations.

  • RTA announces temporary road closures on February 1 for Dubai Marathon

    RTA announces temporary road closures on February 1 for Dubai Marathon

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan to facilitate the smooth execution of the Dubai Marathon scheduled for February 1, 2026. The strategic road closures, announced on January 31st, are designed to ensure runner safety and optimal event organization while minimizing disruption to city mobility.

    Beginning at 1:00 AM on race day, Abdullah Omran Taryam Street will experience complete closure between Umm Suqeim Street and Al Thowima Street. Subsequent partial closures will commence at 4:45 AM along key arteries including Jumeirah Street and King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, specifically affecting segments between Al Mehemal Street intersection and Dubai Internet City intersection.

    The transportation authority has developed a phased reopening strategy, with one lane on both Jumeirah Street and King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street scheduled to resume operations by 8:00 AM to alleviate traffic congestion. Motorists are strongly advised to conduct advanced journey planning and adhere to directional signage installations throughout affected areas.

    RTA officials have disseminated detailed route maps through official channels to keep residents informed about temporary accessibility modifications. The coordinated effort represents Dubai’s ongoing commitment to hosting world-class sporting events while maintaining its reputation for operational excellence in urban transportation management.

  • Coast Guard suspends search for missing crew after boat sinks off Massachusetts

    Coast Guard suspends search for missing crew after boat sinks off Massachusetts

    The U.S. Coast Guard has officially suspended the search operation for missing crew members from the commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean, which sank approximately 25 miles off the coast of Cape Ann, Massachusetts. The decision came after exhaustive search efforts yielded only a debris field, one deceased individual, and an unoccupied life raft.

    The incident began early Friday morning when the Coast Guard received an automated emergency alert from the vessel’s distress beacon, notably absent of any mayday call. Seven crew members were reported aboard the 42-foot scallop dragger at the time of the tragedy. Captain Jamie Frederick, commander of Coast Guard Sector Boston, described the suspension as an ‘incredibly difficult’ decision, stating that all reasonable efforts had been exhausted by Saturday.

    The Lily Jean and its skipper were well-known figures, having been featured on the History Channel’s fishing miniseries ‘Nor’easter Men.’ The vessel’s captain was described by state Senator Bruce Tarr as ‘one of the kindest, nicest individuals’ and ‘among the best’ in the Gloucester fishing community, with deep family ties to the tradition.

    Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed being ‘heartbroken’ by the tragedy, emphasizing on social media that fishermen are ‘core to the history, economy and culture of Gloucester.’ The port, America’s oldest working fishing harbor, was previously depicted in the film ‘The Perfect Storm,’ based on the similar loss of the Andrea Gail and its crew.

    The identities of the recovered individual and missing crew members have not been publicly released as the investigation continues into the cause of the sinking.

  • Traffic alert: Dubai Police warn of accident on Emirates Road towards Jebel Ali

    Traffic alert: Dubai Police warn of accident on Emirates Road towards Jebel Ali

    Dubai authorities issued an urgent traffic notification on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, alerting motorists to exercise heightened caution due to a vehicular incident on Emirates Road. The collision occurred in the inbound lanes toward Jebel Ali, specifically positioned beyond the Dubai-Al Ain Bridge interchange.

    Police communications emphasized the need for drivers approaching the affected zone to reduce speed and maintain increased awareness. The advisory, disseminated through official channels at approximately 4:16 PM local time, aimed to prevent secondary incidents and facilitate emergency response operations.

    While the precise nature of vehicles involved and potential injuries remained unspecified in the initial alert, the notification serves as part of Dubai Police’s ongoing traffic management strategy. This proactive approach to incident communication reflects the emirate’s commitment to road safety and efficient traffic flow management during emergencies.

    The strategic positioning of Emirates Road as a major arterial highway connecting key commercial and residential districts makes such incidents particularly impactful on regional transportation networks. Motorists were advised to consider alternative routes where possible and adhere to all directional instructions from traffic enforcement personnel.

  • Cross-Strait Chinese New Year bazaar unites cultures in Fuzhou

    Cross-Strait Chinese New Year bazaar unites cultures in Fuzhou

    Fuzhou’s Guixi Community transformed into a vibrant hub of cross-Strait cultural exchange during a special Lunar New Year bazaar held last weekend. The capital of Fujian province hosted this three-day event featuring over 50 booths outside the prominent residence for Taiwan compatriots, creating a sensory journey through shared Chinese New Year traditions.

    The atmosphere buzzed with the sizzle of authentic Taiwan sausages and the comforting aroma of Fuzhou fish balls, symbolizing the blending of culinary traditions across the Strait. Zhou Jia-sin, a Taiwanese entrepreneur, showcased handcrafted sausages using her family’s secret recipe—a business venture inspired by her father’s nostalgia for home flavors during his early mainland business days. The Zhou family now operates six successful sausage stores in Fuzhou.

    This cultural integration extends beyond food. Lin Szu-shan, another Taiwanese vendor, emphasized how the round shape of fish balls represents reunion in Chinese culture, with his Fuzhou-produced delicacies reaching restaurants as far as Sichuan province and Shanghai for Spring Festival celebrations.

    The event also highlighted the growing community of Taiwan compatriots choosing to build lives in Fujian. Huang Wan-ting, a medical service provider trained in Taiwan, found her calling in Fuzhou through community service, assisting residents with medical insurance and hospital visits. She is among over 500 Taiwan residents benefiting from Guixi Community’s pioneering public rental housing program specifically designed for Taiwan compatriots with favorable rental terms.

    Under innovative shared governance standards, the community encourages Taiwan residents to lead management and volunteering initiatives, earning widespread appreciation from local neighbors. Chen Wenjing, director of Guixi Community’s neighborhood committee, stated their goal is to create “a landmark, integrated community that serves as a warm, supportive shared home for all residents.”

  • Hungarian Roma protest inflammatory comments by Orbán government minister

    Hungarian Roma protest inflammatory comments by Orbán government minister

    BUDAPEST, Hungary — More than a thousand demonstrators, predominantly from Hungary’s Roma minority, flooded the streets of Budapest on Saturday demanding the immediate resignation of Minister János Lázár following inflammatory comments widely condemned as racist. The protest marked one of the largest Roma-led mobilizations in recent years.

    Protesters converged outside the offices of Lázár, a key figure in Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s right-wing populist government, chanting slogans and holding symbolic toilet brushes in reference to the minister’s controversial statements. The demonstration reflected deepening ethnic tensions just weeks before pivotal parliamentary elections.

    Earlier this month, Lázár described Hungary’s Roma population as a labor “reserve” that could address the country’s workforce shortages by performing jobs allegedly undesirable to ethnic Hungarians. Specifically referencing toilet cleaning on intercity trains, the minister stated: “If there are no migrants… the internal reserve is Gypsies in Hungary. This is the reality.”

    The remarks ignited immediate backlash from Roma leaders and activists who accused Lázár of explicit racism and promoting harmful stereotypes. István Soltész, a protester who traveled from southern Hungary, expressed the community’s frustration: “We have always been made to feel that we are considered second-class citizens. Many of us played our part in world wars, revolutions, and building this country—only to face constant humiliation.”

    Hungary’s Roma population, estimated at approximately one million people (over 10% of the population), represents the nation’s largest yet most marginalized minority community. Historically subjected to systemic discrimination, economic exclusion, educational segregation, and occasional racial violence, the community has increasingly organized against government rhetoric perceived as dehumanizing.

    The political timing of Lázár’s comments has raised concerns within the governing Fidesz party, which traditionally relied on Roma voter support. With elections scheduled for April 12—expected to be the most serious challenge to Orbán’s 14-year rule—the controversy has created unexpected turbulence for the incumbent government.

    While Lázár has issued a public apology claiming his statements were misinterpreted, Roma musician István Szilvási told protesters the comments had “deeply offended the patriotism of Hungary’s Roma” and their fundamental humanity. Many attendees indicated the incident would influence their voting decisions in the upcoming election, where the opposition Tisza party holds a lead in recent polls.

    The governing party has attempted to deflect criticism by accusing opposition groups of exacerbating ethnic divisions, though community leaders maintain the minister’s remarks reflect deeper structural prejudices that demand institutional accountability.