Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Parents of fugitive New Zealand dad apologise for ‘trouble’ caused

    Parents of fugitive New Zealand dad apologise for ‘trouble’ caused

    The parents of Tom Phillips, who disappeared with his three children into the New Zealand wilderness in 2021, have issued a public apology for the first time since Phillips was fatally shot by police on September 8. Neville and Julia Phillips expressed their remorse in a letter published in the King Country News, a local community newspaper, on Thursday. They stated, ‘We would like to send our sincere apology… for all the trouble, inconvenience, loss of privacy, and property caused by Tom. We in no way supported him or agreed with any of his actions over the past four years. We are truly sorry for all that you had to endure.’

    Tom Phillips had evaded capture for nearly four years despite a nationwide manhunt and numerous reported sightings. His evasion ended tragically during a shoot-out with police in September, which also left an officer seriously injured. The officer has since been discharged from the hospital, according to local media reports. One of Phillips’ children, who was present during the confrontation, provided crucial information that led to the safe recovery of the other two children later that day.

    Phillips and his children had been living in Marokopa, a small rural town in Waikato, surrounded by dense bush and forested terrain, before their disappearance. Detective Superintendent Ross McKay described the area as ‘difficult, steep terrain almost completely obscured from all angles by dense bush.’ The police’s primary objective during the operation was ‘locating and returning the children safely,’ McKay emphasized, noting that Phillips was known to possess firearms and was willing to use them.

    Phillips’ family had previously made public appeals for his return. In a televised message, his sister Rozzi urged, ‘We’re ready to help you walk through what you need to walk through.’ His mother Julia also penned a heartfelt letter, expressing her daily hope that ‘today will be the day that you all come home.’

    Police have refrained from providing further details as investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

  • California bans loud ads on streaming platforms

    California bans loud ads on streaming platforms

    California has introduced a groundbreaking law targeting the volume of commercials on streaming services, ensuring they are no louder than the primary video content being viewed. This legislation extends the scope of the federal Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, which originally regulated ad volumes on broadcast TV and cable stations, to now include streaming platforms. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on Monday, marking a significant step in addressing consumer complaints about excessively loud streaming ads. The law, set to take effect from July 1, 2026, mandates that streaming services comply with the same volume standards as traditional broadcasters. Critics, including major players in the entertainment industry, argued that implementing such controls on streaming platforms would be challenging due to the diverse sources of ads and lack of direct control over device volume settings. However, the bill was amended to include a provision preventing private lawsuits against streaming services for violations, leading industry groups to adopt a neutral stance. The legislation was inspired by personal anecdotes, such as that of State Senator Thomas Umberg’s legislative director, whose infant daughter was awakened by a loud streaming ad. This law aims to protect consumers from disruptive advertising practices, reflecting California’s role as a hub for streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

  • Escaped New Orleans inmate captured after 5 months on the run

    Escaped New Orleans inmate captured after 5 months on the run

    After a five-month nationwide manhunt, the last of 10 inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in Louisiana has been apprehended. Derrick Groves, 28, was captured in Atlanta, Georgia, following a tense standoff with law enforcement. Authorities deployed gas canisters into a residence where Groves was believed to be hiding, eventually discovering him concealed in a crawl space. The dramatic escape in May involved the inmates tearing a toilet from a wall, breaking metal bars, and fleeing across a highway. Messages left on the wall, including ‘To Easy LoL’ and a taunting smiley face, underscored the audacity of their breakout. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson attributed the escape to a combination of staffing shortages and structural vulnerabilities. While three inmates were captured within 24 hours, Groves remained at large until a tip led investigators to Atlanta. Groves, convicted of second-degree murder in 2024 for a deadly Mardi Gras shooting, now faces additional charges for his role in the escape. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill vowed to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law. He will be extradited to Louisiana for processing.

  • Suspected cocaine and heroin worth €8.2m seized after searches

    Suspected cocaine and heroin worth €8.2m seized after searches

    In a significant crackdown on organized crime, An Garda Síochána, the Irish police force, has confiscated drugs worth over €8 million (£7 million) in a meticulously coordinated operation. The raids, conducted across 16 locations in Dublin, Meath, Westmeath, Laois, and Offaly over two days, targeted a sophisticated criminal network. Authorities recovered approximately 110 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 1.5 kilograms of suspected heroin from two vans, with the combined street value estimated at €8.2 million. The seized substances have been sent for detailed forensic analysis. A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking and is currently under interrogation. The operation, involving around 60 Garda personnel, also resulted in the seizure of significant amounts of cash, totaling approximately £38,000 (€43,700) and €63,000 (£54,600). Gardaí have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, underscoring their commitment to dismantling drug-related criminal activities in the Republic of Ireland.

  • San Francisco’s Fleet Week goes on despite federal shutdown, with help from Canada and Colombia

    San Francisco’s Fleet Week goes on despite federal shutdown, with help from Canada and Colombia

    San Francisco’s iconic Fleet Week, a beloved annual event celebrating military service, has faced an unexpected twist due to the ongoing government shutdown. The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, known for their high-flying aerobatics, have been grounded, leaving a gap in the weekend’s airshow. However, international partners have stepped up to ensure the show’s success. The Royal Canadian Air Force’s Snowbirds will headline the airshow, showcasing their precision aerobatics, while the Colombian Navy’s majestic three-masted tall-ship, ARC Gloria, will dock at the Port of San Francisco, adding a maritime highlight to the festivities.

    Fleet Week, initiated in 1981 by the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, has become a cherished tradition in San Francisco, drawing over a million visitors annually. The event not only honors military personnel but also boosts the local economy, with attendees filling hotels, dining at restaurants, and exploring the city’s natural beauty. This year’s program includes live music, ship tours, and exhibits focused on military readiness and disaster response.

    At a press event held at Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie emphasized the event’s significance, noting that the roar of jets has become a familiar October soundtrack for the city. Sonia Marina Pereira Portilla, Colombia’s Consul General, highlighted the cultural exchange fostered by the ARC Gloria’s visit, calling it an opportunity to strengthen international friendships. Despite the absence of the Blue Angels, officials assure that the airshow will remain a world-class spectacle, thanks to the Snowbirds’ participation.

  • Arrivals of international students to the US dropped almost a fifth in August, data shows

    Arrivals of international students to the US dropped almost a fifth in August, data shows

    The United States has witnessed a significant drop in international student arrivals, with a 19% decline in August compared to the same period in 2024, according to preliminary data from the National Travel and Tourism Office. This marks the latest indication of the challenges faced by American universities in attracting foreign students, exacerbated by the Trump administration’s intensified scrutiny of student visas and travel restrictions. August, typically the peak month for international student arrivals, saw only 313,138 students this year, continuing a downward trend observed in June and July. The federal government’s crackdown on student visas has raised concerns among industry groups, warning of potential budget shortfalls and a diminished global standing for U.S. colleges. Last year, approximately 1.1 million international students contributed significantly to tuition-driven institutions, as they are ineligible for federal financial aid and often pay full tuition. Visa challenges and travel bans have further complicated matters, with the State Department pausing visa interviews in late May and imposing new social media vetting rules. The travel ban affecting 19 countries, predominantly in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, has added to the uncertainty, leading to notable declines in student arrivals from these regions. For instance, India, the largest source of international students, saw a 45% drop. Some students already in the U.S. have avoided traveling abroad this summer, fearing reentry issues. The political climate and cost concerns have also deterred prospective students, with some opting for institutions in other countries like Germany and the United Kingdom. Higher education consultants emphasize the need for caution and backup plans in the current environment, as the presumption of continuity in U.S. admissions processes may no longer hold.

  • Ban plant-based ‘burger’ label, EU Parliament urges

    Ban plant-based ‘burger’ label, EU Parliament urges

    The European Parliament (EP) has taken a significant step toward restricting the use of meat-related terms like ‘burger’ and ‘steak’ for plant-based alternatives. In a 355-247 vote, lawmakers supported the proposal, which aims to prevent plant-based products from being marketed with labels traditionally associated with meat. This move is seen as a win for livestock farmers, who argue that such labeling practices threaten their industry and livelihoods. However, the proposal is not yet law, as it requires approval from the European Commission and the governments of all 27 EU member states. The plant-based food industry has seen rapid growth in recent years, driven by increasing consumer interest in meat-free diets. Critics of the proposal, including environmentalists and liberal lawmakers, argue that it is unnecessary and could hinder sustainability efforts. Key players in the German food industry, such as Aldi, Lidl, and Burger King, have also opposed the ban, stating that it would confuse consumers. Meanwhile, supporters, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the French meat industry, emphasize the need for clear labeling. This proposal follows a similar, unsuccessful attempt in 2020.

  • ChatGPT image snares suspect in deadly Pacific Palisades fire

    ChatGPT image snares suspect in deadly Pacific Palisades fire

    A 29-year-old man, Jonathan Rinderknecht, has been apprehended on suspicion of starting the catastrophic Pacific Palisades fire in Los Angeles, which claimed 12 lives and obliterated over 6,000 homes in January. According to the U.S. Justice Department, evidence retrieved from Rinderknecht’s digital devices included an AI-generated image of a burning city, created using ChatGPT. The fire, which ignited on January 7 near a popular hiking trail in the affluent coastal neighborhood, smoldered underground for days before erupting above ground. Concurrently, the Eaton Fire, which broke out the same day in the Los Angeles area, resulted in 19 fatalities and the destruction of approximately 9,400 structures, though its cause remains undetermined. Rinderknecht, a former resident of Pacific Palisades who relocated to Florida post-fire, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with destruction of property by means of fire. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated that further charges, including murder, may be forthcoming. Rinderknecht allegedly ignited the fire with an open flame after completing an Uber ride on New Year’s Eve. The blaze, which spread days later, became one of the most devastating in Los Angeles history, destroying homes of several celebrities, including Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, and Jeff Bridges. Rinderknecht is set to appear in court in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday.

  • Social media content restricted in Afghanistan, government sources confirm

    Social media content restricted in Afghanistan, government sources confirm

    The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has implemented stringent restrictions on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), according to sources from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. While the specific criteria for content filtering remain unclear, users in Kabul have reported issues such as unviewable videos on Facebook and restricted access to Instagram. These measures follow a recent two-day nationwide internet and telecommunications blackout, which caused widespread disruptions to businesses, emergency services, and daily life. The blackout, which ended with public relief, heightened concerns about the further isolation of women and girls, whose rights have been severely curtailed since the Taliban regained power in 2021. Social media users across various provinces have reported limited access to platforms since Tuesday, with some experiencing severely slow internet speeds or complete outages of fibre optic connections. A government source stated that the filtering measures are widespread and cover most provinces, though no formal explanation has been provided. Cybersecurity organization NetBlocks confirmed the intentional nature of these restrictions, noting intermittent accessibility on smartphones. The Taliban’s actions align with their interpretation of Islamic Sharia law, which has led to numerous societal restrictions, including bans on education for girls over 12 and the removal of books authored by women from universities. For Afghan women, the internet has been a crucial connection to the outside world, making these restrictions particularly impactful.

  • Four dead after six-storey building partially collapses in Madrid

    Four dead after six-storey building partially collapses in Madrid

    A tragic incident unfolded in the heart of Madrid as a six-storey building undergoing refurbishment partially collapsed, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The building, located on Hileras Street, was being converted into a four-star hotel when the disaster struck. Madrid’s mayor, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, confirmed that the bodies of the last two missing persons were recovered on Wednesday morning, approximately 15 hours after the collapse. The victims included a 30-year-old Spanish woman overseeing the project and three male workers from Mali, Guinea, and Ecuador, aged between 30 and 50. Three others sustained injuries in the incident. Emergency services, equipped with drones and sniffer dogs, conducted extensive search and rescue operations. Two bodies were retrieved on Tuesday night. Martinez-Almeida expressed his condolences, stating, “All our love and support go to their families, friends, and colleagues in this very difficult time.” A construction worker recounted escaping the scene after witnessing a massive dust cloud. Despite the internal collapse, the building’s façade remained intact. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the collapse. The developer, Rehbilita, described the renovation as “comprehensive” on its website.