Global Pulse

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  • Fact-checking White House plaques targeting former US presidents

    Fact-checking White House plaques targeting former US presidents

    The White House has installed a series of newly crafted plaques beneath presidential portraits along the West Wing’s exterior, marking a permanent institutional effort to reshape historical narratives about former commanders-in-chief. Unlike previous presidential commentary delivered through transient media channels, these bronze inscriptions represent an unprecedented official attempt to cement specific historical interpretations directly within the executive mansion’s architecture.

    The plaques contain sharply critical assessments of recent Democratic presidents while offering glowing accounts of Donald Trump’s current term. President Joe Biden’s display notably excludes his portrait, instead featuring an image of an autopen machine—a visual reference to Trump’s unsubstantiated claim that Biden’s staff used automated signing devices without his knowledge. The accompanying text describes Biden’s 2021 inauguration as following “the most corrupt election ever seen in the US,” despite exhaustive investigations by multiple agencies and media organizations finding no evidence supporting widespread election fraud allegations.

    Immigration assertions on the plaques claim Biden “let 21 million people from all over the World pour into the US,” substantially exceeding official border encounter statistics. Government data indicates approximately 10 million migrant encounters occurred during Biden’s term, with Department of Homeland Security estimates suggesting 11 million undocumented immigrants resided in the country as of January 2022—most arriving before 2010.

    Economic criticisms target both Biden and Barack Obama, alleging Biden caused “the highest inflation ever recorded” and Obama presided over “a stagnant economy.” While inflation peaked at 9.1% in June 2022 during Biden’s presidency, historical records show higher rates in 1920 (23.7%) and during the 1970s-80s. Economic analysis reveals Obama averaged 1.7% GDP growth annually while navigating post-financial crisis recovery, comparable to Trump’s pre-pandemic growth rates.

    The current president’s plaque makes bold claims about “defeating inflation” despite November 2025 figures showing 2.7% year-over-year inflation, and asserts Trump ended “eight wars in his first eight months.” Verification shows this includes conflicts lasting merely days and disputes regarding Trump’s actual influence in resolutions, with India’s defense ministry explicitly rejecting his claimed role in ending tensions with Pakistan.

    White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the installations as “eloquently written descriptions of each president and the legacy they left behind.” The displays incorporate some bipartisan elements, criticizing Republican George W. Bush’s wartime decisions while praising Democrat Jimmy Carter’s achievements. Neither Biden nor Obama has publicly commented on their critical portrayals in this permanent White House exhibition.

  • Man City reach League Cup semis, late Newcastle goal downs Fulham

    Man City reach League Cup semis, late Newcastle goal downs Fulham

    Manchester City demonstrated their squad depth while Newcastle United delivered last-minute drama to secure their places in the English League Cup semifinals on Wednesday evening.

    At the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola’s rotated lineup comfortably dispatched Brentford with a 2-0 victory. Despite making seven changes from their weekend Premier League triumph at Crystal Palace, the reigning champions controlled proceedings from start to finish. The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when French midfielder Rayan Cherki unleashed a spectacular right-footed strike into the top corner after expertly controlling a cleared corner. Cherki celebrated by mimicking teammate Erling Haaland’s signature robot celebration, later exchanging pleasantries with the Norwegian striker who was rested on the bench.

    The victory was sealed in the 67th minute through Brazilian winger Savinho, whose effort took a decisive deflection off Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer, looping over the helpless goalkeeper. City’s dominance was such that Brentford managed only one meaningful attempt throughout the match, a Mathias Jensen free kick comfortably saved by James Trafford.

    Meanwhile, at St. James’ Park, Newcastle United needed a 92nd-minute header from teenage sensation Lewis Miley to overcome a resilient Fulham side 2-1. The Magpies initially took the lead through Yoane Wissa, who capitalized on a spilled cross from Fulham goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte to mark his first start with a goal. Fulham responded swiftly with Sasa Lukic directing a precise header into the net from Antonee Robinson’s cross.

    The match appeared destined for penalties until Miley’s intervention in added time. The 19-year-old connected perfectly with a corner, glancing his header into the net to spark wild celebrations among the home supporters. “I thought I’d try to flick it on, and it luckily hit the back of the net and I’m buzzing,” Miley told broadcasters after the match, referencing Newcastle’s successful defense of their League Cup title.

    Newcastle now face Manchester City in a highly anticipated two-legged semifinal, while Chelsea await the winner of next Tuesday’s quarterfinal between Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

  • Trump expected to expand access to cannabis in a major shift in drug policy

    Trump expected to expand access to cannabis in a major shift in drug policy

    The United States stands on the brink of a historic transformation in its drug policy framework. President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order that would initiate the most substantial overhaul of federal cannabis regulation in over five decades. This long-anticipated action would reclassify cannabis from its current status as a Schedule I narcotic—a category reserved for substances deemed to have no medical value and high abuse potential—to the less restrictive Schedule III classification.

    Schedule III substances, which include pharmaceuticals like Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, and anabolic steroids, are recognized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency as having a ‘moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.’ This administrative recalibration, expected to be enacted as early as Thursday according to CBS News, would not equate to federal legalization. However, it would dismantle a significant barrier to scientific inquiry, permitting expanded research into cannabis’s therapeutic applications.

    The policy shift carries substantial economic implications. State-authorized cannabis dispensaries, currently operating in a legal gray area, would gain eligibility for certain federal tax deductions from which they are barred under Schedule I restrictions. Reports also indicate the potential establishment of a pilot program to provide reimbursements to older Americans for cannabidiol (CBD) used in managing conditions related to cancer treatments.

    This move aligns with a clear national trend. A majority of states have already legalized cannabis for medical purposes, with 24 states and the District of Columbia permitting its recreational use. President Trump has consistently advocated for this reform, stating last year on Truth Social, ‘I believe it is time to end endless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use.’ His position echoes the Biden administration’s earlier, stalled efforts to propose a similar rule change in April 2024.

    Despite broad public support—a recent Gallup poll indicated 64% of Americans favor legalization—the proposal faces staunch opposition from within the President’s own party. A cohort of 22 Republican Senators articulated their dissent in an open letter, contending that normalizing cannabis use would hinder national re-industrialization efforts and contradict public health objectives. They cited concerns over impaired judgment and a lack of conclusive scientific evidence supporting medical benefits. Separate correspondence from nine Republican representatives to Attorney General Pam Bondi argued that rescheduling would send a dangerous message to youth about the drug’s safety.

  • Key economic sectors powering the UAE’s new business elite

    Key economic sectors powering the UAE’s new business elite

    The United Arab Emirates is witnessing the emergence of a formidable class of corporate leaders as key economic sectors demonstrate remarkable resilience amid global market uncertainties. Unlike many international counterparts struggling with trade disruptions, UAE-based enterprises are reporting robust revenue performance, enhanced policy clarity, and growing confidence in cross-border expansion.

    Manufacturing has evolved into a cornerstone of non-oil economic development, transitioning from basic assembly operations to sophisticated production facilities. Companies are implementing multi-country manufacturing strategies, particularly strengthening production links with South Asia. Approximately 31% of UAE firms have increased output in India, with parallel expansion occurring in Sri Lanka—far exceeding global averages.

    The logistics sector has transformed from a support function to a strategic growth engine, leveraging the UAE’s geographic position as a trade corridor connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. Freight operators, customs technology firms, and logistics platforms are capitalizing on the reorganization of global trade routes, building flexible networks adaptable to tariff shifts and geopolitical changes.

    Financial services have emerged as critical enablers of economic expansion, with Dh167.6 billion in foreign direct investment recorded in 2024. Banking institutions and fintech platforms are developing sophisticated solutions to support increasingly complex international business operations, structuring capital around growth and cross-border scalability.

    Real estate development has matured beyond speculative cycles, with successful firms focusing on infrastructure that supports trade, logistics, and manufacturing. Industrial zones, logistics-linked developments, and mixed-use business districts are attracting substantial long-term investment, creating operational ecosystems rather than standalone projects.

    Wholesale and retail sectors have transcended domestic limitations, utilizing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with Asia, Europe, and Africa to scale rapidly across borders. This expansion, combined with free zone ecosystems and streamlined licensing, has enabled mid-sized firms to achieve unprecedented growth.

    Technology functions as a multiplicative force across all sectors, with supply chain analytics, customs automation, and industrial software embedding deeply into the UAE’s economic framework. This integration has contributed to dramatic business formation growth, with operating companies surpassing 1.3 million—a significant increase from approximately 400,000 in 2020.

    This sectoral strength reflects deliberate policy alignment including regulatory reform, full foreign ownership provisions, competitive free zones, and strategic infrastructure investment. As HSBC’s Deyana Cherneva notes, UAE companies are proactively reshaping operations to capture opportunities rather than merely adapting to change, creating an ecosystem where confidence is engineered through structure, policy, and execution.

  • US government admits liability in fatal helicopter-plane collision in January

    US government admits liability in fatal helicopter-plane collision in January

    In a significant legal admission, the US Justice Department formally acknowledged federal government liability for the catastrophic January air collision that resulted in 67 fatalities near Washington DC. The devastating incident, occurring on January 29th, 2025, involved a mid-air collision between a US Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet operating as flight 5342.

    The tragedy, which stands as the deadliest aviation disaster on American soil in over two decades, claimed the lives of all 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the commercial aircraft, along with three military personnel on the helicopter. The collision occurred in close proximity to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, sending wreckage into the Potomac River and triggering extensive recovery operations.

    According to official investigations cited in media reports, the collision resulted from dual systemic failures. The Army pilot failed to maintain proper situational awareness and adequate operational control of the helicopter simultaneously with an FAA air traffic controller’s violation of established procedures by disregarding a direct agency order.

    This admission of liability represents a crucial development for affected families seeking compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act, bypassing the need for prolonged litigation to establish government responsibility. The Justice Department’s acknowledgment underscores the gravity of the operational failures and marks a significant step toward resolution for the victims’ families.

  • Trump Media to merge with nuclear fusion firm in $6bn deal

    Trump Media to merge with nuclear fusion firm in $6bn deal

    In an unexpected strategic pivot, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) has announced a landmark merger with California-based energy firm TAE Technologies, creating a combined entity valued at over $6 billion. The agreement, unveiled Thursday through a joint statement, marks TMTG’s dramatic transition from social media and financial services into the advanced energy sector.

    The newly formed organization will position itself as one of the world’s first publicly traded nuclear fusion companies, with ambitious plans to commence construction of the inaugural utility-scale fusion power plant as early as next year. This venture represents a significant bet on fusion energy—a cutting-edge technology that generates power through nuclear fusion reactions, potentially producing enormous energy output with minimal radioactive byproducts.

    Under the merger terms, both companies will maintain equal 50% ownership stakes upon deal finalization, anticipated by mid-2026 pending regulatory reviews and shareholder approvals. TAE Technologies brings to the partnership substantial expertise in energy storage systems and power delivery solutions for batteries and electric vehicles, alongside its subsidiary TAE Life Sciences which focuses on cancer treatment technologies.

    Devin Nunes, CEO of TMTG, characterized the move as a transformative step toward securing American energy dominance through revolutionary technology. He emphasized that his organization would provide crucial capital markets access and financing to accelerate the commercialization of TAE’s fusion technology.

    The timing coincides with resurgent interest in reliable clean energy solutions, particularly driven by soaring electricity demands from artificial intelligence data centers. This energy crunch has revitalized nuclear power investments globally, including reactor restarts, facility expansions, and development of small modular reactors.

    TAE Technologies has previously secured more than $1.3 billion in funding from prominent investors including Google and Goldman Sachs, underscoring the technological credibility behind this unconventional partnership between political media and advanced energy innovation.

  • Two US presidents and their long associations with Jeffrey Epstein

    Two US presidents and their long associations with Jeffrey Epstein

    A comprehensive archival investigation has uncovered detailed documentation of former U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton’s social connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Both presidents maintained documented associations with the financier for approximately 15 years before distancing themselves from him years prior to his criminal convictions.

    Photographic evidence and archival records indicate Trump’s relationship with Epstein began around 1987, with multiple documented interactions throughout the following decade. Footage from 1992 shows both men socializing at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s convicted accomplice, visible in the background. Epstein attended Trump’s 1993 wedding to Marla Maples, and the two were photographed together at various high-profile events including a Victoria’s Secret fashion show in 1999.

    Clinton’s association with Epstein reportedly began in the early 1990s, with photographs capturing their interaction at a White House restoration donor event in September 1993. Public records show Epstein contributed $2,000 to Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign. The former president reportedly took four trips on Epstein’s private jet between 2002-2003 for Clinton Foundation work, including a humanitarian trip to Africa.

    Both presidents contributed to Epstein’s 50th birthday book in 2003, though Trump has disputed the authenticity of his alleged contribution and filed a defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal for publishing it. Clinton never publicly commented on his message in the book.

    According to statements from both parties, their relationships with Epstein ended around 2004-2005. Trump claims he banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago for inappropriate behavior with staff, while Clinton stated he cut ties before Epstein’s first arrest in 2005. Both have consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities during their associations.

    The White House has emphasized the Trump administration’s cooperation with Epstein-related investigations, stating they have released thousands of documents and supported congressional oversight requests regarding the case.

  • Peter Arnett, Pulitzer-winning war reporter, dies aged 91

    Peter Arnett, Pulitzer-winning war reporter, dies aged 91

    Renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Peter Arnett, whose groundbreaking frontline reporting defined modern war correspondence, has died at age 91. The New Zealand-born reporter, who naturalized as a U.S. citizen, passed away surrounded by family and friends in California while receiving hospice care for prostate cancer.

    Arnett’s extraordinary career spanned over five decades, during which he provided unparalleled coverage of major global conflicts. He earned journalism’s highest honor in 1966 for his visceral Vietnam War reporting for The Associated Press, where he documented combat operations from 1962 until the conflict’s conclusion in 1975. His firsthand accounts included harrowing moments such as witnessing a colonel shot through a map just inches from his face.

    In 1981, Arnett transitioned to CNN, where he achieved household recognition during the first Gulf War. He distinguished himself as one of the few Western journalists who remained in Baghdad during coalition bombing campaigns, delivering historic broadcasts punctuated by missile explosions and air-raid sirens. His fearless approach to journalism led to a memorable interview with then-Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, whom he questioned with notable determination despite the leader’s fearsome reputation.

    Arnett’s groundbreaking work extended beyond the Middle East. In 1997, he secured the first Western interview with Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan, during which the terrorist leader cryptically hinted at future attacks against the United States. His career also included significant photographic work, capturing compelling images from Vietnam, North Korea, and El Salvador.

    The journalist’s commitment to uncompromising reporting occasionally sparked controversy. His dismissal from NBC following an appearance on Iraqi state television, where he offered analysis perceived as critical of U.S. military strategy, demonstrated his unwavering dedication to reporting his perception of ground truth. He was swiftly hired by the UK’s Daily Mirror, where he defended his reporting integrity.

    Colleagues and contemporaries have paid tribute to Arnett’s legacy. Former AP colleague Edith Lederer described him as ‘one of the greatest war correspondents of his generation—intrepid, fearless, and a beautiful writer and storyteller.’ Retired photographer Nick Ut, who worked alongside Arnett in Vietnam, remembered him as ‘like a brother’ whose passing ‘will leave a big hole in my life.’

    Arnett is survived by his wife Nina Nguyen and their children, Andrew and Elsa. His extensive body of work remains a testament to courageous conflict journalism and continues to inspire aspiring reporters worldwide.

  • Along the Texas Coast, a new sanctuary aims to protect the endangered and rare whooping crane

    Along the Texas Coast, a new sanctuary aims to protect the endangered and rare whooping crane

    SEADRIFT, Texas — Conservationists have achieved a landmark victory in wildlife preservation with the establishment of a 3,300-acre sanctuary dedicated to protecting North America’s rarest crane species. The International Crane Foundation, in collaboration with The Conservation Fund and the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, has secured vital winter habitat for the endangered whooping crane through an $8.4 million acquisition finalized this December.

    The whooping crane, standing at approximately 5 feet with a impressive 7.5-foot wingspan, represents one of the most dramatic conservation success stories in modern history. From a perilous population low of just 16 birds in the 1940s, the species has rebounded to over 550 individuals that annually complete a 2,500-mile migration from Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park to Texas’ coastal wetlands.

    Carter Crouch, Director of Gulf Coast Programs at the International Crane Foundation, describes the conservation journey as “complicated with many successes and some setbacks,” but emphasizes the remarkable progress achieved through decades of dedicated effort. The newly protected lands, named the Wolfberry Whooping Crane Sanctuary after the birds’ favored berry food source, will serve as critical buffer against mounting environmental threats.

    These majestic birds face compounding challenges from urban development, climate change-induced sea level rise, energy infrastructure expansion, and wetland degradation. Globally, crane species are particularly vulnerable, with 10 of the world’s 15 crane species currently threatened with extinction. The United Nations reports that 35% of global wetlands have disappeared since the 1970s due to human activities.

    The sanctuary acquisition represents more than mere land preservation—it embodies a comprehensive ecological restoration initiative. Conservation teams will implement prescribed burns to reclaim prairie grasslands from invasive shrubs, plant smooth cordgrass to combat shoreline erosion, and create educational opportunities for public engagement. The protected area also provides habitat for other threatened species including the aplomado falcon and black rail bird.

    For communities along the Texas coast, the whooping crane migration has become both an ecological treasure and economic asset. Bird enthusiasts from around the world flock to the region, supporting local businesses in towns like Rockport and Port Aransas. Julie Shackelford, Texas director for The Conservation Fund, notes that the sanctuary offers “the only place in the U.S. where people can reliably see whooping cranes” in their natural habitat.

    As climate change accelerates habitat loss worldwide, this conservation achievement demonstrates how targeted land protection can create resilience for endangered species. The whooping crane’s continued recovery serves as both a testament to conservation dedication and a reminder that persistent threats require ongoing vigilance and intervention.

  • Price increases in the US ease in November

    Price increases in the US ease in November

    Recent economic indicators reveal a notable cooling of inflationary pressures across the United States, with official data confirming a deceleration in price growth for November. According to the Labor Department’s delayed Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, prices increased by 2.7% annually through November, marking a discernible decline from September’s 3% rate and falling below many economic forecasts.

    The moderation was driven by declining costs across multiple consumer categories including hotel accommodations, dairy products such as milk, and select apparel items. This development occurs against a backdrop of mounting public frustration over persistent price escalations that have placed political pressure on the Trump administration to deliver economic relief.

    Market analysts interpreted the data as potentially strengthening the Federal Reserve’s rationale for continuing its interest rate reduction strategy. Art Hogan, Chief Market Strategist at B. Riley Wealth, noted that the November figures reflected aggressive retail discounting during the early holiday shopping season, though he cautioned about drawing sweeping conclusions due to data limitations.

    The statistical release faced unprecedented delays caused by the recent federal government shutdown, which also disrupted the collection of October economic data. This gap complicates trend analysis, creating what Hogan described as ‘statistical errors that might have been present in today’s report.’ Despite these irregularities, the overall trajectory suggests a moderating inflationary environment that could shape both monetary policy and political discourse in coming months.