Global Pulse

标签： North America

北美洲

  • Trump says he is pardoning Democratic congressman in bribery case

    Trump says he is pardoning Democratic congressman in bribery case

    In a significant political development, President Donald Trump has announced his intention to grant a complete pardon to Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar of Texas and his wife Imelda, both facing federal corruption charges. The announcement came via Trump’s social media platform where he promised “full and unconditional” clemency for the couple.

    Congressman Cuellar, who has represented Texas’ 28th congressional district since 2005, was indicted last year on multiple charges including conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, money laundering, and violating bans on acting as foreign agents. The Justice Department under former President Biden alleged that Cuellar accepted approximately $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijani state-owned oil company and a Mexican bank. In exchange, prosecutors claim Cuellar agreed to influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Azerbaijan and advocate for measures benefiting the Mexican financial institution.

    The indictment further detailed that companies owned by Imelda Cuellar allegedly laundered the funds, which were used for various personal expenses including $58,000 in credit card payments, $18,000 at wholesale stores, and $12,000 for a custom gown.

    Despite these serious charges, Cuellar maintains his innocence and has surprisingly filed for re-election as a Democrat, dispelling speculation that he might switch parties to bolster Republican numbers in the House. Cuellar is known as one of the most conservative Democrats in Congress, particularly for his moderate stance on abortion and immigration.

    Trump justified his pardon decision by suggesting the charges were politically motivated, claiming Cuellar was targeted for “bravely speaking out against Open Borders.” This sentiment was echoed in a letter from Cuellar’s daughters to Trump, which suggested their father’s border security stance might have prompted the indictment.

    This marks Trump’s third act of clemency this week, following his pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, convicted of drug trafficking charges, and the commutation of former investment manager David Gentile’s fraud sentence. The pattern suggests a continued presidential focus on pardoning individuals convicted of financial crimes during Trump’s second term.

  • US pauses immigration applications from 19 nations on travel ban list

    US pauses immigration applications from 19 nations on travel ban list

    In a significant escalation of its immigration enforcement policies, the Trump administration has implemented an immediate pause on all immigration application processing for nationals from 19 countries previously subject to travel restrictions. The directive, confirmed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials, suspends green card applications and citizenship processing for affected individuals from nations including Iran, Sudan, Eritrea, Haiti, Somalia, and Venezuela.

    The policy shift follows last week’s shooting incident in Washington that resulted in injuries to two National Guard members. Authorities have identified the primary suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who obtained asylum status in April. The administration characterizes these measures as necessary for national security enhancement and quality control over the naturalization process.

    Matthew Tragesser, official spokesperson for USCIS, stated: ‘The administration is implementing rigorous vetting protocols to ensure those granted citizenship represent the most qualified candidates. We must remember that citizenship constitutes a privilege granted through careful consideration, not an automatic entitlement.’

    Immigration attorneys nationwide report widespread disruptions, including sudden cancellations of naturalization ceremonies and interview appointments without prior notification. Ana Maria Schwartz, a Texas-based immigration lawyer, described chaotic scenes at USCIS field offices where applicants were turned away without explanation after months or years of waiting for their scheduled interviews.

    The processing halt exacerbates existing systemic backlogs within the immigration bureaucracy. Legal professionals warn this administrative freeze will create cascading delays throughout the immigration system, comparing the situation to an increasingly gridlocked traffic jam with no clear resolution timeline. The affected nations represent some of the world’s most economically challenged and politically unstable regions, effectively blocking one of America’s primary legal immigration pathways for these populations.

  • Drunk raccoon found passed out on liquor store floor after breaking in

    Drunk raccoon found passed out on liquor store floor after breaking in

    Employees at an Ashland, Virginia liquor store encountered an unusual scene when arriving at work Saturday morning: a thoroughly inebriated raccoon had orchestrated an overnight break-in, leaving a trail of destruction and consumed spirits in its wake. The animal had apparently fallen through ceiling tiles before embarking on what animal control officials described as “a full-blown rampage” through the closed establishment.

    The nocturnal intruder, described as a ‘masked bandit’ by authorities, was discovered unconscious in the restroom between the toilet and trash bin, surrounded by evidence of its drinking spree. Store employees found shattered bottles and pools of liquor across the floor, with Scotch whisky appearing to be the animal’s beverage of choice.

    Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter officer Samantha Martin responded to the scene, transporting the disoriented creature for observation. After several hours of sleep and medical evaluation confirming no injuries beyond a probable hangover, the raccoon was deemed fit for release back into its natural habitat.

    The store had been closed for Thanksgiving celebrations when the ‘Black Friday break-in’ occurred. While surveillance footage captured only blurry images of the incident, the extensive damage suggested the animal had consumed substantial quantities of alcohol before succumbing to intoxication.

    In a social media statement, the liquor store expressed gratitude to animal control services for their professional handling of the situation and for providing their unexpected visitor with what they humorously termed a ‘sober ride home.’ Officer Martin reflected on the incident as representative of the unpredictable nature of animal control work, noting it was ‘just another day in the life of an animal control officer.’

  • Growing youth exchanges bring young Americans closer to China

    Growing youth exchanges bring young Americans closer to China

    CHICAGO—A transformative initiative bridging American youth and Chinese culture is demonstrating remarkable progress, with over 39,000 young Americans having visited China through the Young Envoys Scholarships (YES) program as of October. The program represents a significant component of President Xi Jinping’s 2023 commitment to welcome 50,000 American students for cultural and educational exchanges within a five-year timeframe.

    The Chinese Consulate in Chicago recently celebrated these achievements by hosting young American writers and international educators. The event marked both the publication of “East Meets West: 100 American Secondary School Students’ Tales About China” and the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding between Chinese and American educational institutions.

    Personal testimonies from participants reveal profound impacts. Lily Rabb, an 18-year-old who began studying Chinese at age three, described her experience as transformative. “You really need to witness the spectacular beauty of the country to fully feel immersed,” Rabb shared. “I felt so welcomed by the Chinese people.” Her journey culminated in a newfound aspiration to pursue international relations and potentially reside in Shanghai.

    The program’s philosophical foundation echoes ancient Chinese wisdom. Zoey Cardamone found inspiration in the proverbs “reading 10,000 books is not as useful as traveling 10,000 miles” and “a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.” Her cultural immersion included encountering distinctive culinary traditions, such as whole chicken presentations symbolizing completeness and good fortune—a practice contrasting with American customs.

    Chicago Consul General Wang Baodong emphasized the strategic importance of these exchanges: “The future of China-US relations lies in our young people.” He noted emerging cultural connectors including pickleball, the video game ‘Black Myth: Wukong,’ and Labubu figurines that resonate across both cultures.

    The initiative continues expanding through the newly launched YES Friends Club, which facilitates ongoing connection through essay collections, video projects, and cultural-sporting events. Educational leaders like Roderick Shaw of the Intercultural Montessori Language School see profound implications: “Education builds bridges, and that is the secret of schools collaborating together. That is what’s going to bring better peace in this world.”

  • Costco sues US govt for refund if tariffs ruled illegal

    Costco sues US govt for refund if tariffs ruled illegal

    Retail giant Costco Wholesale Corporation has initiated legal proceedings against the United States government, joining a coalition of major corporations seeking reimbursement for tariffs paid under the Trump administration’s emergency measures. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, contends that these levies were imposed unlawfully and seeks refunds contingent upon a Supreme Court ruling against their legality.

    The legal challenge centers on former President Donald Trump’s utilization of the Emergency Powers Act to implement sweeping tariffs beginning in April. These measures initially imposed minimum 10 percent duties on most nations, with additional tariffs reaching up to 145 percent specifically targeting China, Canada, and Mexico—justified under the declaration of a “fentanyl emergency.”

    During Supreme Court oral arguments last month, justices expressed skepticism regarding the constitutional basis for presidential tariff imposition. Justice Sonia Sotomayor notably questioned the bypassing of Congressional authority, stating: “The Constitution is structured so that if I’m going to be asked to pay for something as a citizen, that it’s through a bill that is generated through Congress.”

    Costco’s filing argues that while the Emergency Powers Act permits the president to regulate foreign transactions during national emergencies, it contains no specific provision for tariff implementation—a power explicitly delegated to Congress by the Constitution. The company joins dozens of retailers including Revlon, Kawasaki Motors, Ray-Ban, Bumble Bee Foods, and Yokohama Tires in similar litigation.

    Although Costco has not specified the exact refund amount sought, customs data estimates approximately $90 billion in tariffs collected under the emergency measures. The company acknowledges the business impact of these tariffs, with CFO Gary Millerchip noting in a September conference call that mitigation strategies included increased reliance on local sourcing and the Kirkland brand, plus production relocation where feasible.

    The Supreme Court is now hearing the case on an accelerated basis following contrary rulings from both the U.S. Court of International Trade and the U.S. Court of Appeals. No timeline has been announced for the final decision that will determine the legality of the tariff implementation method.

  • Republicans hold Tennessee seat after closely-watched race

    Republicans hold Tennessee seat after closely-watched race

    In a closely watched special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, Republican candidate Matt Van Epps emerged victorious against Democratic challenger Aftyn Behn, according to projections by major U.S. media outlets. The outcome preserves Republican control of a seat that has remained in conservative hands for over four decades.

    The election, triggered by Republican Congressman Mark Green’s July resignation to enter the private sector, became a national battleground with both parties investing millions of dollars and deploying top leadership to campaign. The district, which spans from Alabama’s border to Kentucky and includes portions of Nashville, has not elected a Democrat in more than 40 years.

    Van Epps, a military veteran with nine combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, secured his victory despite a significantly reduced margin compared to Donald Trump’s 22-point win in the district during the 2024 presidential election. The Republican candidate closely aligned himself with the former president, who provided a crucial endorsement during the primary and hosted a virtual rally to support his campaign.

    The Democratic effort, led by state lawmaker Behn, focused primarily on affordability and quality-of-life issues. Despite a stronger-than-expected performance that narrowed the historical Republican advantage, Behn only carried Davidson County, which contains Nashville.

    Top figures from both parties participated in the intense campaign, with former Democratic Vice Presidents Kamala Harris and Al Gore stumping for Behn, while Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson rallied support for Van Epps. Trump personally congratulated his ally on social media, claiming Democrats had ‘thrown everything at him, including Millions of Dollars.’

    Political analysts are scrutinizing the reduced victory margin as a potential indicator for the 2026 midterm elections, particularly given the Republican Party’s narrow control of the House of Representatives. Democratic operatives involved in the campaign suggested the outcome signals vulnerability for Republicans despite the victory.

  • US cancels citizenship ceremonies for migrants from travel ban countries

    US cancels citizenship ceremonies for migrants from travel ban countries

    The United States has implemented an immediate suspension of all immigration application processing for individuals from 19 countries previously subject to travel restrictions, according to an internal government memorandum obtained by CBS News. The directive instructs immigration officials to cease final adjudication of all cases and postpone naturalization ceremonies for applicants nearing citizenship approval.

    This administrative freeze emerges amid reports that the Trump administration is contemplating an expansion of existing travel restrictions from the current 19 nations to approximately 30 countries. The policy shift represents the latest escalation in immigration enforcement measures following last week’s fatal shooting in Washington DC that resulted in the death of one National Guard soldier and left another critically wounded. The primary suspect in the shooting is an Afghan national residing in the United States.

    The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued the comprehensive guidance on Tuesday, building upon last week’s suspension of asylum determinations and initiating re-examinations of green card visas previously granted to migrants from the restricted nations. The official memorandum explicitly states that the hold encompasses ‘all form types and making any final decisions (approvals, denials) as well as completing any oath ceremonies.’

    Matthew Tragesser, USCIS spokesperson, confirmed the suspension to The New York Times, emphasizing that ‘The Trump administration is making every effort to ensure individuals becoming citizens are the best of the best. Citizenship is a privilege, not a right.’

    Immigration attorneys report numerous canceled citizenship hearings this week affecting clients from Venezuela, Iran, and Afghanistan, according to ABC News. These naturalization ceremonies typically represent the culmination of a rigorous five-year application process, featuring emotional oath-taking rituals where new citizens pledge allegiance to the United States while waving miniature American flags.

    The policy implementation coincides with President Trump’s increasingly vocal assertions blaming migrants and refugees for contributing to what he characterizes as America’s ‘social dysfunction.’ The administration’s intensified immigration crackdown follows the tragic shooting incident that claimed the life of 20-year-old guardsman Sarah Beckstrom and seriously injured 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe. The Afghan suspect entered the United States through a special protection program designed for individuals who had collaborated with U.S. forces prior to the Taliban’s return to power.

  • Police were doubtful of tip that led to Luigi Mangione’s arrest

    Police were doubtful of tip that led to Luigi Mangione’s arrest

    A Pennsylvania police officer provided detailed testimony in a Manhattan courtroom regarding the unexpected arrest of Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Wilson. Officer Joseph Detwiler revealed that he and his supervisor initially exchanged joking text messages about the tip that ultimately led to Mangione’s capture at an Altoona McDonald’s location.

    The December 2024 shooting of Wilson as he entered a Manhattan investors’ conference triggered an interstate manhunt and sparked national debate about the for-profit health insurance industry. Mangione, 27, now faces both state and federal murder charges while maintaining his not guilty plea.

    During pretrial proceedings that could extend for several days, the courtroom heard how Detwiler responded to what seemed like an improbable tip from a McDonald’s restaurant manager whose customers believed they had spotted the suspected shooter. Despite approaching the situation with what he described as a “semi-sarcastic” attitude, Detwiler quickly realized the tip’s legitimacy when he encountered a man matching the description exactly—wearing a large coat, brown beanie, and medical mask.

    Body camera footage presented in court showed the surreal scene of Mangione eating hash browns and a steak sandwich while Christmas music played in the background. Detwiler testified that he whistled along to the music in an effort to “keep things calm and normal” while secretly waiting for backup and fabricating a story about restaurant loitering policies.

    The defense team, led by attorney Karen Agnifilo, is seeking to exclude key evidence including a 9mm gun and notebook allegedly containing motive details, arguing that Mangione wasn’t immediately informed of his rights. The defense also aims to prevent federal prosecutors from seeking the death penalty, emphasizing the “low-priority” nature of the initial dispatch call that didn’t warrant lights or sirens during the officers’ approach.

  • Watch: Driver hoisted to safety from truck dangling over West Virginia bridge

    Watch: Driver hoisted to safety from truck dangling over West Virginia bridge

    A routine commute transformed into a perilous ordeal for a West Virginia driver this week when his truck lost control on an icy bridge, leaving the vehicle teetering over the edge and prompting a complex emergency response.

    The incident occurred during hazardous winter driving conditions, with black ice creating particularly treacherous surfaces on elevated roadways. According to preliminary reports from local authorities, the driver’s pickup truck skidded on the icy surface, crashing through the bridge barrier and coming to rest with its front section suspended precariously in open air.

    Emergency services responded with multiple agencies coordinating the delicate rescue operation. Using specialized heavy rescue equipment and harness systems, first responders carefully accessed the unstable vehicle. In a operation that combined technical rope expertise and emergency medical care, rescue teams secured the driver and hoisted him to safety using a crane apparatus.

    Miraculously, the driver emerged from the harrowing experience without physical injuries and was evaluated at the scene by medical personnel. The successful outcome highlighted both the dangers of winter driving and the advanced training of West Virginia’s emergency response teams in technical rescue scenarios.

    The damaged bridge section was temporarily closed for safety inspections and repairs, with transportation officials reminding motorists to exercise extreme caution during winter weather conditions and to ensure vehicles are properly equipped for cold weather driving.

  • ‘Come and kill me’: Sick ants invite destruction to save colony

    ‘Come and kill me’: Sick ants invite destruction to save colony

    In a remarkable display of social immunity, scientific research reveals that terminally ill ant pupae actively signal worker ants to destroy them to prevent colony-wide infection outbreaks. The study, led by behavioral ecologist Erika Dawson at Austria’s Institute of Science and Technology, demonstrates how ant colonies function as cohesive super-organisms with sophisticated disease containment strategies.

    Unlike many species that conceal illness for social reasons, ant colonies have evolved mechanisms reminiscent of cellular responses in complex organisms. When infected cells in human bodies emit ‘find-me and eat-me’ signals, similarly, young ants trapped in their cocoons—unable to practice social distancing—release specific chemical cues when fatally diseased.

    The research team working with Lasius neglectus, a common black garden ant species, discovered that worker ants respond to these olfactory signals by tearing open the cocoons and administering poison that simultaneously eliminates both the pathogen and the developing pupae. This disinfectant process protects the broader colony from potential epidemics in the densely populated nest environment.

    Crucially, the study established that pupae only produce these chemical signals when workers are present, confirming intentional communication rather than passive chemical leakage. This represents an evolutionary adaptation where individual sacrifice benefits genetic survival through colony preservation.

    Notably, queen pupae exhibit different behavior—they neither send destruction signals nor fall victim to this altruistic protocol. Researchers attribute this exception to queens’ superior immune systems, which typically enable them to overcome infections without requiring intervention. The differential treatment underscores the colony’s prioritization of reproductive success over individual worker lineages.

    The findings, published in Nature Communications, provide new insights into social insect evolution and disease management strategies in highly organized animal societies.