Global Pulse

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  • British police chief resigns after criticism for decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans

    British police chief resigns after criticism for decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans

    A senior British police commissioner has stepped down from his position following intense criticism over his handling of a contentious decision to prohibit Israeli football supporters from attending a European match in England. Chief Constable Craig Guildford of West Midlands Police announced his retirement on Friday after facing mounting pressure regarding the controversial ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending the Europa League fixture against Aston Villa in Birmingham.

    The resignation comes after UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood publicly expressed her loss of confidence in Guildford’s leadership, citing serious concerns about the intelligence assessment methods used to justify the security measure. An official review by the chief inspector of constabulary identified significant flaws in how local police gathered and evaluated risk information concerning the Israeli club’s supporters.

    During parliamentary hearings, Guildford acknowledged that portions of the evidence presented to support the ban contained inaccuracies, including reference to a non-existent match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and West Ham United that was incorrectly documented using artificial intelligence tools. Despite this admission, the police chief maintained that the decision was a necessary precaution for public safety rather than an antisemitic action.

    The controversy emerged from intelligence shared by Dutch authorities regarding Maccabi fan behavior during a November 2024 match in Amsterdam. According to documents obtained by media outlets, Dutch police characterized hundreds of Maccabi supporters as ‘experienced fighters’ with military connections who displayed highly organized violent tendencies. Video evidence from the Amsterdam incident showed fans attacking local residents and chanting racist slogans.

    Independent MP Ayoub Khan, representing Birmingham Perry Barr where Aston Villa is based, condemned Guildford’s treatment as a ‘dark and shameful chapter,’ accusing authorities of scapegoating an honorable official who prevented potential violence. This incident reflects broader concerns about football-related violence, with Israeli authorities having previously canceled domestic matches involving Maccabi Tel Aviv due to fan riots and security concerns.

  • ‘Dangerous:’ Australian Greens to oppose Federal Government’s Bondi Bill over hate speech laws

    ‘Dangerous:’ Australian Greens to oppose Federal Government’s Bondi Bill over hate speech laws

    The Australian federal government is confronting significant legislative hurdles as parliament reconvenes, with its comprehensive national security package facing bipartisan opposition. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026, drafted in response to the Bondi terror attack, appears unlikely to pass the Senate without substantial amendments.

    The Greens party, led by Senator Larissa Waters, announced their intention to block the omnibus legislation unless it undergoes substantial revision. Waters emphasized that while her party supports proposed gun law reforms, the current bill’s provisions risk criminalizing legitimate political expression and fail to provide adequate protection for all religious communities, including Islamic groups.

    “The risk of unintended consequences is too substantial to rush this legislation’s passage,” Waters stated, indicating the Greens would require extended consultation periods with legal experts and community representatives that the government’s accelerated timeline doesn’t permit.

    Simultaneously, the Coalition opposition declared the legislation “unsalvageable” in its present form. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley criticized the proposal as “half-baked” and characterized by “confusion and contradiction,” pledging to introduce an alternative security package focusing on deportation protocols for non-citizens promoting extremism and enhanced arrest powers for Australian citizens engaging in hate speech.

    The parliamentary impasse leaves the Albanese government needing to negotiate either with the Greens or Coalition to pass any version of the bill. The government’s fallback position involves referring the legislation to an intelligence committee for recommendations that might satisfy the Coalition’s concerns, though both major opposing parties have expressed fundamental objections to the bill’s current architecture.

  • US justice department investigates Minnesota Democrats over alleged obstruction of ICE

    US justice department investigates Minnesota Democrats over alleged obstruction of ICE

    The U.S. Justice Department has launched a formal investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement operations. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders regarding immigration policy.

    The inquiry centers on potential violations of 18 U.S.C. § 372, a federal statute that criminalizes conspiracies to impede federal officers through “force, intimidation or threats.” According to CBS News, federal subpoenas have been issued to both officials following their public criticisms of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

    The political conflict intensified following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week. Official reports obtained by CBS indicate Good sustained at least three gunshot wounds to the chest and forearm, with possible fourth injury to the head. Paramedics found her unresponsive with an irregular pulse, and she was pronounced dead en route to the hospital.

    While federal authorities claim Good attempted to run over an ICE agent during an enforcement operation, local officials describe her as a legal observer who posed no threat. Video footage shows ICE agents approaching a vehicle blocking traffic, with an officer instructing Good to exit her Honda Pilot SUV. As she apparently attempted to drive away, an agent standing near the front of the vehicle discharged their weapon.

    Governor Walz responded to the investigation announcement by declaring on social media platform X: “Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic. The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.” Walz had previously drawn administration criticism for comparing ICE to a “modern-day Gestapo,” while Mayor Frey has demanded ICE agents leave Minneapolis entirely.

    President Trump amplified tensions by accusing protesters of being “highly paid professionals” and claiming local leaders had “totally lost control” of the situation. Though the president suggested earlier this week he might invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy troops to Minnesota, he later stated he saw no current necessity for such measures.

    Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers conducted hearings in Minnesota on Friday, with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar accusing ICE of attempting to “provoke chaos and fear” and New York Representative Adriano Espaillat describing the agency as a “deadly weapon.” Proposed reforms included requirements for ICE agents to wear body cameras, display identification, and obtain warrants before making arrests.

    The Department of Homeland Security defended its practices, with spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin telling CNN that individuals “in the vicinity” of operations might be asked to confirm their identity based on “reasonable suspicion,” while denying such tactics reflect racial discrimination.

    Protests continued in Minneapolis throughout the weekend as thousands of ICE officers remain deployed in the state, with local officials appealing for calm during the holiday period.

  • From camouflage to tracksuits – Guinea’s junta leader poised to become civilian president

    From camouflage to tracksuits – Guinea’s junta leader poised to become civilian president

    Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in Guinea through a military coup in September 2021, is poised to be sworn in as the nation’s elected president on Saturday following a controversial electoral process. The 41-year-old former special forces commander, who initially promised not to seek elected office, secured 87% of the vote in December’s election against a severely constrained opposition field.

    Doumbouya’s political transformation has been accompanied by a deliberate image makeover. The once-imposing military figure, known for his mirrored sunglasses and red beret, has increasingly adopted civilian attire—baseball caps, tracksuits, and traditional Guinean boubous—while engaging in public activities such as school openings and cycling through Conakry’s streets. This carefully curated presentation aims to project him as a civilian leader working on behalf of the people, according to security analyst Beverly Ochieng of Control Risks.

    Despite his popular support evidenced by Afrobarometer polls showing trust in the president growing from 46% to 53% between 2022-2024, Doumbouya faces significant criticism over his democratic credentials. Exiled former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo has dismissed the election as a charade with fabricated results. Researchers point to banned political demonstrations, excluded opposition candidates, suspended parties, and mysterious disappearances of activists and journalists as evidence of democratic backsliding.

    Doumbouya’s governing philosophy emphasizes national sovereignty and resource nationalism. His government has canceled dozens of mining contracts deemed insufficiently beneficial to Guinea and is pursuing greater local processing of mineral resources. The development of Simandou’s massive iron-ore deposits, partially owned by Chinese and Western companies, represents a potential economic transformation that could define his presidency.

    Internationally, Doumbouya has maintained a pragmatic approach, avoiding the outright rejection of France seen in other West African coup states despite his French education and marriage to a French citizen. His administration promises to invest mining revenues in infrastructure, health, and education as Guinea seeks to leverage its natural resources despite persistent poverty.

  • Wind wreaks havoc as McIlroy, Fleetwood falter and Lowry, Elvira seize control

    Wind wreaks havoc as McIlroy, Fleetwood falter and Lowry, Elvira seize control

    The Dubai Invitational witnessed a dramatic power shift during its second round as ferocious winds exceeding 39 km/h transformed the Emirates Golf Club into an arena of survival rather than skill. In an astonishing reversal of fortunes, world No. 2 Rory McIlroy surrendered his commanding lead through a series of uncharacteristic errors that saw four balls find water hazards, resulting in a disappointing three-over 74.

    Amid the challenging conditions that saw only nine players from the 60-strong field break par, Ireland’s Shane Lowry and Spain’s Nacho Elvira demonstrated exceptional composure to seize joint leadership at five-under 137. Lowry, the 2019 Open champion, delivered a masterclass in controlled golf with five birdies against two bogeys, showcasing superb iron play and resilient putting under immense pressure.

    Elvira’s ascent was equally impressive, featuring a spectacular finish with four birdies in his final six holes. The Spaniard attributed his success to recent technical adjustments that improved his driving accuracy, allowing him to capitalize on scoring opportunities despite the adverse weather.

    The tournament’s defending champion, Tommy Fleetwood, experienced similar difficulties, carding a seven-over 78 that included five bogeys and a double bogey. The brutal conditions highlighted the course’s relentless design, particularly its water-lined holes that punished even minor miscalculations.

    Amid the competitive drama, American Ryggs Johnston provided a moment of brilliance with a spectacular six-iron hole-in-one on the 218-yard eighth hole, climbing to level par and a share of 15th position.

    As the competition moves into its third round, the leaderboard remains tightly contested with Englishman Marcus Armitage and Spaniard David Puig trailing the leaders by two strokes at three-under par.

  • Under fire from the sea, families in Odesa try to escape Russian barrage

    Under fire from the sea, families in Odesa try to escape Russian barrage

    From the 16th-floor apartment of Mariia and Sergii in Odesa, the panoramic Black Sea view contrasts starkly with the daily reality of drone attacks and power outages. Their nine-year-old daughter Eva has developed an unsettling familiarity with aerial threats, identifying risks through social media channels when air raid sirens blare. ‘She distinguishes between potential dangers and immediate threats, which helps her cope,’ explains Sergii, watching his daughter monitor the skies.

    This family’s experience reflects the broader crisis in Ukraine’s third-largest city, which has faced intensified assaults on its critical infrastructure in recent weeks. Russian strikes targeting port facilities and energy grids have plunged Odesa into frequent darkness while crippling the regional economy. The strategic southern port, responsible for 90% of Ukraine’s maritime exports last year, has seen agricultural shipments drop by 45% due to relentless attacks.

    The human cost extends beyond economic damage. Residents navigate a precarious existence where 800 air-raid alerts annually disrupt daily life, and descending to shelters for 16-hour periods has become impractical. ‘People have grown dangerously accustomed to the danger,’ admits Maryna Averina of the State Emergency Service, surveying a destroyed gym after an overnight drone strike injured seven people.

    Winter has compounded the crisis, with temperatures hovering around -1°C while power remains severely disrupted. Ada, 36, walking along the beach despite active air alerts, notes: ‘The shelling isn’t as scary as this cold is.’ Families like Yana’s have invested in expensive generators, but operating them costs approximately $10 for seven hours—a significant burden in a country where average monthly salaries reach about $500.

    The city’s historical significance adds layers to its current struggle. Odesa, once hailed as the jewel of the Russian empire, now actively dismantles symbols of that heritage under the 2023 Law on Decolonization. Regional leader Oleh Kiper champions these efforts, replacing Russian-themed street names and removing monuments like the statue of Catherine the Great. ‘The enemy is doing far more than we are to ensure a Russian-speaking city becomes Ukrainian,’ Kiper asserts, referencing how attacks have pushed residents to reconsider their relationship with Russian culture.

    As ballistic missiles continue striking port facilities like Chernomorsk, and partial blackouts enter their second month, Odesa embodies Ukraine’s resilience against Russia’s determination to either capture or cripple vital territories. The city’s residents, from fishermen like Kostya who once served in the Soviet army to young families like Mariia’s, demonstrate remarkable adaptability amid relentless adversity.

  • Elon Musk’s X down for tens of thousands of users globally, Downdetector shows

    Elon Musk’s X down for tens of thousands of users globally, Downdetector shows

    A significant service disruption hit Elon Musk’s social media platform X on Friday, January 16, 2026, affecting tens of thousands of users across multiple continents. According to real-time outage monitoring service Downdetector, the technical failure generated over 62,000 user-reported incidents in the United States alone by 10:22 AM Eastern Time.

    The widespread connectivity issues manifested differently across global regions. United Kingdom users reported approximately 11,000 incidents, while Indian users documented over 3,000 separate service interruptions. The outage tracking platform aggregates its data from multiple sources, compiling status reports from users experiencing accessibility problems.

    Downdetector’s methodology relies on user-submitted reports rather than internal platform metrics, meaning the actual number of affected users could potentially exceed the documented figures. The disruption represents one of the most substantial technical incidents for the platform since its rebranding from Twitter under Musk’s leadership.

    The timing of the outage during peak usage hours in multiple time zones amplified its impact, preventing users from accessing core platform features. Service reliability has become increasingly critical for X as the platform expands its functionality into financial services and content monetization.

    Technical teams at X Corporation have not yet released an official statement regarding the root cause of the service interruption or projected restoration timeline. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing large-scale social media infrastructures in maintaining consistent global service availability.

  • Who is Ali Shaath, the Palestinian civil engineer tasked with rebuilding Gaza?

    Who is Ali Shaath, the Palestinian civil engineer tasked with rebuilding Gaza?

    In a significant development following the US-backed peace agreement, Palestinian civil engineer Ali Shaath has been appointed to lead Gaza’s reconstruction efforts with an ambitious seven-year revitalization plan. The former deputy planning minister, who holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast, will chair a committee of 15 technocrats tasked with governing the Palestinian territory after years of Hamas rule.

    Shaath’s innovative approach involves addressing the estimated 68 million tonnes of rubble and unexploded ordnance by potentially creating new land through strategic placement of debris into the Mediterranean Sea. “If I brought bulldozers and pushed the rubble into the sea, and made new islands, new land, I can win new land for Gaza and at the same time clear the rubble,” Shaath stated in a radio interview, suggesting this massive cleanup could be completed within three years.

    The reconstruction timeline presents a stark contrast to UN assessments, which estimated in 2024 that rebuilding Gaza’s shattered homes would require until at least 2040, possibly extending for decades. Shaath’s immediate priorities include providing urgent relief and temporary housing for displaced Palestinians, followed by rehabilitation of essential infrastructure and ultimately reconstruction of homes and buildings.

    The appointment marks the implementation phase of former President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which envisions transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” While Israel has withdrawn from nearly half of Gaza, its troops maintain control over the other half, where extensive destruction has occurred. The committee’s jurisdiction will initially cover Hamas-controlled territories, gradually expanding as Israeli forces withdraw further.

    Notably, Hamas has expressed support for Shaath’s committee, with senior official Bassem Naim stating that the “ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to empower the committee.” However, significant challenges remain, including ongoing negotiations about disarming Hamas, obtaining permissions for heavy machinery imports typically restricted by Israel, and addressing continued violence that threatens reconstruction efforts.

  • Son of last Shah says Iran ‘will fall’, appeals for more pressure to help protesters

    Son of last Shah says Iran ‘will fall’, appeals for more pressure to help protesters

    In a significant address from Washington D.C., Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s deposed Shah, declared the inevitable collapse of Iran’s clerical establishment while urging intensified international pressure to support protest movements. The opposition figure asserted that substantial segments of Iran’s military and security apparatus have privately pledged allegiance to his cause, positioning himself as a unifying force for transitional stability.

    Pahlavi’s Friday conference marked a strategic appeal for comprehensive international intervention—encompassing political, economic, and military dimensions—against Tehran’s leadership. Despite acknowledging that government crackdowns have temporarily suppressed demonstrations, the 65-year-old monarchist heir maintained that popular discontent continues to simmer beneath the surface.

    The U.S.-based descendant of the Pahlavi dynasty, who has lived abroad since before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, faces skepticism regarding his actual influence within Iran’s fragmented opposition landscape. His claims of military support contrast with assessments from Western officials, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently expressed doubts about Pahlavi’s capacity to consolidate domestic backing.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of reported thousands of casualties during recent anti-government protests and escalating geopolitical tensions, including Saudi Arabia’s refusal to permit its territory or airspace for potential U.S. operations against Iran. Pahlavi’s emergence as a prominent opposition voice represents both the persistent yearning for change among segments of Iranian society and the challenges of unifying disparate anti-regime factions operating from exile.

  • ‘Weird couple of years’ for Stranger Things star

    ‘Weird couple of years’ for Stranger Things star

    Irish actress Amybeth McNulty has described her rapid ascent in the entertainment industry as a “weird couple of years” since joining the global phenomenon Stranger Things. The County Donegal native, who entered the Netflix series in its fourth season as Vickie, Hawkins High School student and Robin Buckley’s girlfriend, shared her profound journey on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show with host Patrick Kielty.

    McNulty characterized her experience on the massively popular sci-fi horror series as feeling like “a little cog in this very massive machine,” emphasizing the surreal nature of her transition from fan to cast member. Her deep familiarity with Stranger Things proved instrumental during the audition process, providing her with unique insight into the show’s distinctive pacing and narrative style.

    The 24-year-old actress recounted the emotional moment she received news of her casting, describing how she was “screaming, crying down the phone” with excitement. This professional milestone carried additional emotional weight as it marked the final audition her parents knew about before their passing. “They said they had a good feeling about it and they were right,” McNulty reflected with poignant remembrance.

    Her artistic journey began in Letterkenny where she was raised by her Irish father and Canadian mother. McNulty’s childhood involved rigorous ballet training and performances in local productions at An Grianán Theatre, experiences she credits to the supportive community that fostered her early development. “There is a real sense of family there. It was everything,” she affirmed.

    McNulty’s breakthrough came at age 14 when she relocated to Canada to star as the lead in CBC/Netflix’s Anne with an E, a move made possible by her retired parents’ complete dedication. “They moved with me to Canada… I was very, very lucky they were able to do that for me,” she expressed with enduring gratitude. “They said they would do anything for me and they did. I will always appreciate it.”

    The actress also addressed the significance of her LGBTQ+ representation on Stranger Things, drawing from her personal experience as someone who came out as bisexual at 16/17 while growing up in Donegal. McNulty recalled encountering prejudice in her hometown, where some community members approached her parents to express sympathy about her sexuality.

    “I’m going ‘right okay, nothing to apologise for’, so it gives me more of an invigoration when I do roles like this,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to authentic representation. McNulty strives to “do it justice and do it right for kids like me growing up,” viewing the normalization of queer storylines within broader narratives as particularly valuable. “It doesn’t have to be about that. It is just a part of it. I think that is ideal.”