Global Pulse

标签： North America

北美洲

  • US cities hold anti-ICE protests during nationwide day of action

    US cities hold anti-ICE protests during nationwide day of action

    A wave of coordinated demonstrations, dubbed the ‘National Shutdown,’ swept across the United States as thousands of protesters mobilized against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The movement, catalyzed by the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents, prompted widespread civil action with participants urged to abstain from work, education, and commerce on January 30th.

    Minneapolis emerged as the epicenter of dissent, where large-scale protests unfolded following the deaths of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, and Renee Good. Pretti’s killing, which occurred after Good’s January 7th death, marked the second fatal shooting by federal immigration officials in the city, prompting the U.S. Justice Department to initiate a civil rights investigation.

    Visual symbolism dominated the protests as demonstrators formed a massive ‘SOS’ signal on the frozen surface of Lake Bde Maka Ska in south Minneapolis, while others marched through urban centers carrying an enlarged replica of the U.S. Constitution’s Preamble. The cultural dimension of the movement gained prominence when Bruce Springsteen performed his newly released tribute song ‘Streets of Minneapolis’ at a local concert.

    The political landscape revealed deepening divisions as the Trump administration defended its immigration enforcement strategy. Tom Homan, the administration’s border coordinator, suggested potential reduction of federal forces contingent on local cooperation, emphasizing strategic refinement rather than mission abandonment. President Trump reiterated his commitment to national security, stating ‘We will keep our country safe, we’ll do whatever we can to keep our country safe.’

    Operation Metro Surge, which deployed approximately 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota at presidential directive, has drawn significant criticism. While the Department of Homeland Security maintains it targets ‘the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens,’ opponents argue the campaign has ensnared immigrants with clean records and U.S. citizens alike. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have jointly demanded the withdrawal of federal agents from their jurisdiction.

    The protest movement expanded beyond Minneapolis to include major demonstrations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C., with organizers highlighting additional casualties including Silverio Villegas-Gonzales, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in September 2025.

  • Canada’s Conservative leader calls for national unity ahead of key leadership vote

    Canada’s Conservative leader calls for national unity ahead of key leadership vote

    CALGARY – Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre delivered a defining address to party faithful on Friday, framing national unity as paramount while confronting growing separatist sentiments in Alberta and Quebec. Speaking before a consequential leadership review vote, Poilievre invoked Lincoln’s historic warning that “a house divided cannot stand” as he outlined his vision for a cohesive Canada.

    The address came amid significant political challenges for Poilievre, who lost both the 2025 general election to Mark Carney’s Liberals and his own parliamentary seat after two decades in office. Despite these setbacks, the Conservative leader received strong support from delegates at the Calgary convention, where he positioned affordability concerns and crime reduction as central pillars of his platform.

    Poilievre’s speech directly addressed the escalating separatist movements in Conservative strongholds. In Alberta, grassroots activists are gathering signatures for an independence referendum, while in Quebec, the sovereignist Parti Québécois leads polls ahead of provincial elections. The Conservative leader attributed these centrifugal forces to Liberal policies that have allegedly eroded hope in the federation.

    The leadership review, automatically triggered after the party’s election defeat, represents Poilievre’s most significant political test since assuming leadership. His supporters point to historic gains under his guidance, including a record 41% popular vote share in the last election and remarkable success with younger voters concerned about housing affordability and cost-of-living issues.

    However, challenges persist. Recent defections of Conservative MPs to Carney’s centrist Liberal camp have raised questions about party unity, while Poilievre struggles with personal popularity—surveys indicate over half of Canadians view him negatively, citing an overly combative tone. His ambiguous stance toward U.S. President Donald Trump, whose tariffs and “51st state” rhetoric alarm many Canadians, remains another vulnerability.

    Current polling shows Conservatives trailing Liberals by nine points, according to recent Léger data. The leadership vote, conducted by constituency delegates immediately following Poilievre’s speech, will determine whether he maintains command to lead the party into the next electoral contest.

  • What we learned – and didn’t – from the Melania documentary

    What we learned – and didn’t – from the Melania documentary

    A new documentary offering a curated glimpse into Melania Trump’s world has sparked both public fascination and significant controversy. ‘Melania: 20 Days to History,’ co-produced by the First Lady herself and director Brett Ratner, premiered in U.S. theaters this Friday, presenting a carefully constructed narrative of her transition into the White House during the lead-up to her husband’s January 2025 inauguration.

    The film arrives amidst a turbulent political climate, with its release timing criticized as insensitive following fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis. Despite this backdrop, the documentary deliberately sidesteps political discourse, focusing instead on the First Lady’s personal journey, her meticulous attention to detail in event planning and fashion, and her navigation of grief following her mother’s death in January 2024.

    Viewers are offered intimate, though often superficial, moments: Melania reviewing fabric swatches with her long-time stylist Hervé Pierre, discussing mutual interests with France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron, and privately mourning her mother. The documentary reveals her musical preferences, including a fondness for Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean,’ and captures her candid admission of the challenges inherent in her ‘structured’ role, which affords ‘fewer quiet moments.’

    President Donald Trump appears sparingly, primarily to offer praise, stating on camera that his wife ‘has done a great job.’ Notably absent are deeper explorations of Trump family dynamics or substantive policy discussions. The film instead portrays Melania’s philosophy of using her influence to ‘fight for those in need,’ exemplified by an emotional meeting with former Israeli hostage Aviva Siegel.

    The project’s association with Amazon MGM Studios—which reportedly spent $40 million for rights and $35 million on marketing—has drawn scrutiny from government watchdogs, questioning the optics of such financial investment during heightened billionaire access to the White House. Furthermore, the involvement of director Brett Ratner, previously accused of sexual misconduct, has added another layer of controversy. Despite these criticisms, initial screenings attracted supportive, flag-attired audiences who cheered throughout, highlighting the deeply polarized reception of a documentary that seeks to redefine a famously enigmatic figure.

  • Cuba declares international emergency in response to US executive order

    Cuba declares international emergency in response to US executive order

    The Cuban government has formally declared an ‘international emergency’ in response to a new executive order signed by US President Donald Trump that threatens crippling tariffs on nations trading oil with the Caribbean island. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla announced the drastic measure on Friday, characterizing the US policy as an existential threat with global implications.

  • Stay or go – what’s next for coyote that swam to Alcatraz?

    Stay or go – what’s next for coyote that swam to Alcatraz?

    In an unprecedented wildlife event, a solitary coyote has successfully completed a mile-long swim across the treacherous currents of San Francisco Bay to reach the shores of Alcatraz Island. Dubbed Floyd by observers, this resilient canine represents the first documented coyote presence on the island since its transfer to the National Park Service in 1972.

    The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) has confirmed Floyd’s identity through photographic evidence, matching him to sightings from nearly two weeks prior. Park biologists are now conducting intensive monitoring to understand how the animal is surviving on the 22-acre island renowned for its abandoned federal prison and lacking natural freshwater sources.

    Tour guide Aidan Moore, who originally shared footage of Floyd’s arrival, notes the coyote appeared gaunt and shivering from the 10°C (50°F) bay waters initially but has since gained weight, apparently sustaining himself through avian predation. This dietary adaptation raises concerns among conservationists as Alcatraz serves as a registered sanctuary for seabirds, with sensitive nesting activities occurring from February through September.

    Wildlife experts propose various theories regarding Floyd’s motivation for the daring crossing. Self-taught naturalist Janet Kessler, with two decades of coyote documentation experience, suggests interspecies population pressure in urban areas might have driven Floyd to seek new territory. Wildlife ecologist Brett Furnas adds that increasing coyote sightings in the Bay Area over the past 25 years indicate growing population pressures may be pushing some individuals to extreme habitat choices.

    The situation presents complex management challenges for authorities. While coyotes are remarkably adaptable survivalists, Project Coyote founder Camilla Fox emphasizes that human behavior will ultimately determine outcomes. ‘Coyotes are incredibly resourceful and able to coexist even in densely populated urban environments,’ Fox notes, adding that without harassment, Floyd could potentially survive on the island—though likely facing a solitary existence without a mate.

    Public access to Alcatraz remains unaffected, though concerns exist regarding potential safety risks for both the animal and tourists. Moore and colleagues continue monitoring efforts, collecting biological samples including droppings for DNA analysis to better understand Floyd’s origins and prospects.

  • Did Beyoncé split country music in two?

    Did Beyoncé split country music in two?

    In a significant restructuring of its awards system, the Recording Academy has divided the Grammy for Best Country Album into two distinct categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Contemporary Country Album. This decision comes precisely one year after Beyoncé’s groundbreaking victory in the category with her album ‘Cowboy Carter,’ which sparked both celebration and controversy within the country music establishment.

    The reorganization, announced ahead of this Sunday’s Grammy ceremony, represents the Academy’s response to decades of genre evolution that have seen country music increasingly incorporate elements from pop, rap, and hip-hop. While some critics have interpreted the timing as a reaction to Beyoncé’s unexpected win, Academy officials maintain that the change resulted from years of deliberation within the country music community.

    Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. emphasized that the category split had been proposed multiple times before finally gaining approval from voting members in 2025. ‘The addition of the Traditional Country Album category creates space to celebrate even more music and the many artists who are shaping the genre’s future,’ Mason stated in an official communication.

    The 2026 nominations reflect this new dichotomy. The contemporary category features both established country acts like Miranda Lambert and Eric Church alongside genre-blending artists like rapper-turned-country star Jelly Roll and pop-country singer Kelsea Ballerini. Meanwhile, the traditional category showcases living legend Willie Nelson alongside emerging talents including his son Lukas Nelson and critically acclaimed artist Charley Crockett—the only person of color nominated in this division.

    Music historian Jason King from the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music noted that while Beyoncé’s win may have accelerated the change, conversations about category division had been ongoing for years. King referenced Lil Nas X’s 2019 viral hit ‘Old Town Road’ as a previous boundary-pushing moment that challenged genre definitions.

    The controversy surrounding Beyoncé’s win highlighted deeper racial tensions within country music, a genre with diverse roots that has historically struggled with representation. Black artists like Darius Rucker, Mickey Guyton, and Kane Brown have previously broken racial barriers in country music, but Beyoncé’s album specifically celebrated the Black origins of the genre, featuring Grammy winner Rhiannon Giddens on banjo for her hit ‘Texas Hold ‘Em.’

    Despite her Grammy victory, Beyoncé received no nominations from Nashville’s Country Music Association Awards in the same year, underscoring the industry’s ongoing struggle with genre boundaries and inclusion. The Recording Academy’s category split may signal a broader movement toward recognizing country music’s evolving identity while honoring its traditional foundations.

  • Veesham’s 2026 calendar combines print, play, and purpose

    Veesham’s 2026 calendar combines print, play, and purpose

    DUBAI – Veesham Printing Press, an established Dubai-based luxury printing house, has fundamentally reimagined the conventional desk calendar with its groundbreaking 2026 edition. Titled ‘Let the Game Begin,’ this innovative product transforms mundane date-tracking into an immersive, design-forward experience that blends nostalgic board game elements with modern interactive features.

    Marking its third decade of operation, Veesham has undertaken its most ambitious creative project to date. Each month’s layout draws inspiration from classic games including Ludo, Chess, Bingo, and Crosswords, featuring artwork that merges vintage aesthetics with contemporary pop culture references.

    The calendar transcends visual appeal through integrated physical components: a fold-out Ludo board complete with playing pieces and dice, truth-or-dare activity cards, a magnetic dart game, and word search puzzles. Selected pages incorporate QR codes that unlock digital extensions of the gaming experience, creating a seamless blend of physical and digital engagement.

    Company leadership emphasizes this project reflects Veesham’s internal culture of collaboration and innovation. “We didn’t just print the calendar, we lived it,” stated Director and Co-Founder Raakhi Rupani, noting that cross-departmental teams participated in development, testing, and refinement.

    Managing Director Dheeraj Rupani revealed the project was entirely team-driven with “zero input” from himself, demonstrating the company’s commitment to empowering creative initiatives at all organizational levels.

    Already distributed to corporate clients throughout the UAE and internationally, the calendar has gained recognition within design communities and social media influencers. Veesham has incorporated the product into its sales kits, pop-up activations, and exhibition displays, redefining expectations for branded corporate merchandise.

    “Traditional calendars often become obsolete as digital tools dominate,” explained Raakhi Rupani. “We sought to restore emotional connection and the tactile pleasure of print through playful interaction.”

    Founded in 2003, Veesham Printing Press specializes in luxury packaging, corporate stationery, and event branding, serving clients across fashion, hospitality, healthcare, and food beverage sectors. The 2026 calendar was produced entirely in-house using specialty materials, warm color palettes, textured papers, and matte finishes to achieve both nostalgic resonance and premium quality.

    As Veesham expands its UAE operations, this project demonstrates how print media can evolve from purely informational to experiential, creating meaningful emotional impact. The overwhelmingly positive response suggests potential for similar design-led innovations across Veesham’s product offerings.

  • American Hospital Dubai sets new regional benchmark with da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system

    American Hospital Dubai sets new regional benchmark with da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system

    American Hospital Dubai has achieved a groundbreaking medical milestone by becoming the first healthcare institution in the United Arab Emirates and the broader Middle East region to deploy the revolutionary da Vinci 5 surgical robotic system. This strategic acquisition, implemented on January 30, 2026, establishes a new benchmark for advanced surgical capabilities in regional healthcare.

    The da Vinci 5 represents a quantum leap in robotic-assisted surgery, incorporating over 150 significant technological enhancements. The system introduces the pioneering Force Feedback technology, enabling surgeons to perceive tissue pressure in real-time during procedures. This innovative feature allows medical professionals to apply up to 43% less force during operations, regardless of their experience level, resulting in improved tissue handling and accelerated patient recovery timelines.

    Additional transformative features include ultra-high-definition 3D imaging with unprecedented clarity, computational power increased by 10,000 times compared to previous models, and a completely redesigned surgeon console that optimizes ergonomic efficiency and surgical precision. These advancements collectively minimize tissue trauma while expanding the range of complex minimally invasive procedures across multiple surgical specialties.

    This achievement builds upon the hospital’s existing robotic surgery leadership, which already includes both da Vinci Xi and da Vinci SP (Single Port) systems. The institution previously made history as the first Middle Eastern hospital to implement single-port robotic surgery technology. American Hospital Dubai further distinguishes itself through its Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery (COERS), recognized as the first private healthcare facility in the region to receive accreditation from the US-based Surgical Review Corporation.

    The integration of da Vinci 5 technology reinforces the hospital’s commitment to clinical innovation and excellence while significantly enhancing surgical training capabilities. This advancement positions American Hospital Dubai at the forefront of technological adoption in healthcare, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and shape the future of advanced surgical care throughout the Middle East.

  • Will Trump’s pick to lead US central bank get him the change he wants?

    Will Trump’s pick to lead US central bank get him the change he wants?

    President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve official with extensive Wall Street experience, to replace Jerome Powell as Chairman of the U.S. Central Bank. The announcement comes as Powell’s term approaches its conclusion in May, marking a significant shift in leadership at the world’s most influential financial institution.

    Warsh, who previously served as a Fed governor during the 2008 financial crisis, brings a traditional conservative economic background with credentials from Harvard, Morgan Stanley, and the Hoover Institution. His selection represents a curious paradox given his historical reputation as an interest rate hawk—a position seemingly at odds with Trump’s frequently expressed preference for accommodative monetary policy.

    The nomination has generated mixed reactions across financial and political circles. Supporters highlight Warsh’s institutional knowledge and potential independence, noting his sensitivity to maintaining the Fed’s autonomy from short-term political pressures. Critics question whether his familial connections—Warsh’s father-in-law is a prominent Trump donor—influenced the appointment and point to his controversial opposition to economic stimulus measures during the 2008 crisis.

    Financial markets initially responded positively to the news, with gold prices dropping and the dollar strengthening, suggesting traders anticipate a return to more conventional monetary policies. However, analysts note significant uncertainty remains regarding how Warsh would navigate the tension between presidential preferences and economic realities.

    Beyond interest rate policy, Warsh has advocated for reducing the Fed’s role in bank regulation and scaling back its involvement in issues like climate change research—positions that align closely with the administration’s priorities. His criticism of the Fed’s expanded balance sheet and market interventions since 2008 suggests potential changes to the central bank’s approach to crisis management.

    The nomination now moves to the Senate for confirmation, where Warsh will likely face rigorous questioning about his evolution from inflation hawk to Trump ally and his plans for steering monetary policy through potential economic headwinds.

  • Sheikh Mohamed discusses UAE-Iran relations, regional issues in phone call with Pezeshkian

    Sheikh Mohamed discusses UAE-Iran relations, regional issues in phone call with Pezeshkian

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conducted a substantive telephone conversation with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on January 30, 2026. The high-level discourse centered on enhancing bilateral relations between the Gulf neighbors and addressing pressing regional security concerns.

    The leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding the advancement of UAE-Iran ties, emphasizing the mutual benefits of strengthened cooperation across various sectors. Both parties expressed commitment to developing relations that serve their national interests and contribute to the welfare of their citizens.

    Beyond bilateral matters, the conversation addressed critical regional and international developments, with particular attention to ongoing efforts to stabilize the region. President Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the Emirates’ dedication to supporting all initiatives aimed at establishing lasting security and stability throughout the Middle East.

    A key consensus emerged regarding the necessity of diplomatic engagement, with both leaders underscoring the importance of dialogue and peaceful solutions in resolving regional challenges. This emphasis on diplomatic channels reflects a shared commitment to de-escalation and constructive engagement in a complex geopolitical landscape.

    The timing of this exchange is particularly noteworthy given current regional tensions, suggesting both nations are pursuing avenues for reduced friction and enhanced cooperation. This dialogue represents a continuation of ongoing efforts to normalize and strengthen relations between the UAE and Iran following years of regional strain.