Global Pulse

标签： North America

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  • Elon Musk misled Twitter investors, jury finds

    Elon Musk misled Twitter investors, jury finds

    A federal jury in San Francisco has delivered a significant legal verdict against technology magnate Elon Musk, concluding he disseminated misleading information during the pivotal period of his contentious $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in 2022. The decision, reached following two days of intensive jury deliberations, represents a victory for a consortium of Twitter investors who initiated legal proceedings against the billionaire. The plaintiffs successfully argued that they suffered financial damages after relying on Musk’s public declarations and tweets when making investment decisions.

    During courtroom testimony earlier this month, Musk defended his communications, asserting that the public and investors had misinterpreted his statements and attributed excessive significance to his social media posts. Contrary to his defense, the jury determined that Musk’s deliberate public claims regarding purported flaws in Twitter’s user metrics were materially deceptive. Furthermore, the panel found his subsequent announcements about withdrawing from the historic acquisition agreement constituted intentional misinformation.

    This legal outcome underscores the substantial accountability facing high-profile executives for their public communications, particularly those capable of influencing financial markets. The case establishes a notable precedent regarding the legal responsibilities of corporate leaders and influential figures in the digital age, where social media statements can instantly impact investment landscapes. The verdict highlights the judicial system’s role in scrutinizing public claims made during high-stakes corporate negotiations, reinforcing that public figures cannot make misleading statements without potential legal consequences.

  • Iranian strikes on bases used by US caused $800m in damage, new analysis shows

    Iranian strikes on bases used by US caused $800m in damage, new analysis shows

    New analysis reveals Iranian retaliatory strikes have caused approximately $800 million in damage to US military installations across the Middle East during the initial phase of the ongoing conflict. The assessment, conducted jointly by the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) and BBC Verify, demonstrates the substantial financial impact of Iran’s targeted campaign against American assets in the region.

    The damage primarily occurred during the first week of hostilities following the joint US-Israeli offensive initiation on February 28. According to CSIS senior adviser Mark Cancian, ‘The damage to US bases in the region has been underreported. Although that appears to be extensive, the full amount won’t be known until more information becomes available.’

    Iran’s strategy has focused on disabling critical defense infrastructure, particularly air-defense and satellite-communication systems. A single strike on a THAAD missile defense radar system at a Jordanian air base accounted for $485 million of the total damage, based on defense budget documentation reviews. Additional strikes caused approximately $310 million in damage to buildings, facilities, and supporting infrastructure across multiple bases.

    Satellite imagery analysis confirms Iran’s pattern of repeated strikes on three key air bases: Ali Al-Salim in Kuwait, Al-Udeid in Qatar, and Prince Sultan in Saudi Arabia. These targeted attacks demonstrate Iran’s systematic approach to degrading specific US capabilities. Intelligence sharing between Russia and Tehran has reportedly enhanced the precision of these operations.

    The conflict has resulted in significant human casualties, with 13 US military personnel killed and an estimated overall death toll of 3,200, including 1,400 civilians according to Hrana. President Trump maintains that US objectives of dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and reducing its conventional military capabilities are being achieved.

    Financial implications extend beyond direct damage, with the Pentagon reporting $16.5 billion in total war costs during the first twelve days of conflict. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has requested an additional $200 billion in funding, acknowledging that the figure ‘could move’ as operations continue.

    The near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz has created global economic disruptions, while uncertainty persists regarding potential ground troop deployments and conflict duration. Satellite imagery restrictions imposed by US-based providers have complicated damage assessment efforts, though visible evidence confirms destruction of critical radar components and protective enclosures at multiple facilities.

  • Justice department seeks to dismiss charges against ex-officers over Breonna Taylor raid

    Justice department seeks to dismiss charges against ex-officers over Breonna Taylor raid

    In a significant legal development, the U.S. Department of Justice has formally requested a federal judge to dismiss all criminal charges against two former Louisville police officers connected to the controversial 2020 raid that resulted in the death of Breonna Taylor. The motion targets former detective Joshua Jaynes and former sergeant Kyle Meany, who faced allegations of providing false information to obtain the search warrant for Taylor’s residence.

    Federal prosecutors submitted the dismissal petition exactly six years after the tragic incident, arguing that the case should be terminated “in the interest of justice.” The DOJ’s legal team specifically requested dismissal with prejudice, which would permanently bar any future prosecution of these charges. This development follows a federal judge’s August 2025 decision to downgrade the original felony charges against both officers to misdemeanors, with the court determining that the government could not establish a direct connection between the warrant issues and Taylor’s death.

    The case stems from the March 13, 2020 incident where plainclothes officers executed a controversial “no-knock” warrant at Taylor’s apartment during early morning hours. Authorities believed Taylor’s former boyfriend was using her residence to conceal narcotics, though no drugs were subsequently discovered on the premises. When officers forced entry, Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, discharged a single shot that struck one officer in the leg. Walker maintained that the officers failed to identify themselves, leading him to believe they were intruders. The officers responded with 32 rounds of gunfire, fatally striking Taylor.

    Tamika Palmer, Taylor’s mother, expressed profound disappointment with the DOJ’s action, stating on social media that the notification call informing her of the dismissal was “utterly disrespectful.” She noted this marked the first communication she had received from authorities since they assumed control of the case and asserted that “they have not served me or Breonna well.”

    Of the officers involved in the raid, Brett Hankison remains the only one convicted, found guilty in 2024 of violating Taylor’s civil rights through excessive force. Despite facing a potential life sentence, Hankison received 33 months imprisonment following a Trump administration recommendation for a one-day sentence. Another former officer, Kelly Goodlett, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to falsify the warrant affidavit and conceal evidence, though sentencing remains pending.

    Taylor’s death became a catalytic moment for the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, occurring alongside the police killing of George Floyd and sparking nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism.

  • Chuck Norris, martial artist and Hollywood movie star, dies aged 86

    Chuck Norris, martial artist and Hollywood movie star, dies aged 86

    The entertainment world is mourning the loss of martial arts legend and Hollywood action star Chuck Norris, who passed away at age 86. Tributes from colleagues, family members, and political figures have flooded social media and news outlets worldwide, celebrating the life and legacy of the iconic performer.

    Norris’s family announced his sudden passing through an emotional Instagram statement, describing him as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and the heart of their family. “He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved,” the statement read, noting how his “work, discipline and kindness inspired millions around the world.”

    Fellow action stars offered heartfelt remembrances of Norris. Swedish actor Dolph Lundgren, who shared the screen with Norris, stated he “always looked up to him as a role model,” while Sylvester Stallone praised Norris as “All American in every way” and “a great man” whom he enjoyed working with.

    Born Carlos Ray Norris in Oklahoma in 1940, Norris’s journey to stardom began during his military service in South Korea where he first trained in martial arts. He eventually earned black belts in multiple disciplines including karate, taekwondo, and Brazilian jiu jitsu, and founded his own martial art called chun kuk do. His competitive success in karate championships during the 1960s paved the way for his film career.

    Norris’s breakthrough role came when martial arts superstar Bruce Lee invited him to play the final villain in the 1972 classic “The Way of the Dragon.” Norris once humorously recalled their conversation about the fight’s outcome: “I said to Bruce, ‘Well, who wins?’ And he says, ‘I win, I’m the star of this movie.’ I say, ‘Oh, you want to beat the world champion?’ And he said, ‘No I don’t, I want to kill the world champion.’”

    Following advice from friend Steve McQueen, Norris transitioned into acting full-time, appearing in numerous 1970s and 1980s action films including “Breaker! Breaker!,” “Good Guys Wear Black,” “Missing In Action,” and “Delta Force.” He achieved household name status through his starring role as Cordell Walker in the popular CBS series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” which ran from 1993 to 2001.

    Beyond his screen career, Norris promoted fitness through his martial arts schools, was an outspoken supporter of conservative politics, and became an internet phenomenon through “Chuck Norris facts” that humorously exaggerated his toughness and abilities.

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott honored Norris as someone who “electrified generations of conservatives” and “embodied the toughness, grit, and patriotism that makes Texas supreme.”

    Norris is survived by his wife Gena O’Kelley and five children. His granddaughter Greta Norris poignantly captured the dual nature of his legacy: “You all knew Chuck Norris as the man that counted to infinity twice… The world truly lost an icon and I lost my grandpa.”

  • CBS News shuts down radio service after nearly 100 years

    CBS News shuts down radio service after nearly 100 years

    CBS News announced the termination of its radio broadcasting service this May, concluding nearly a century of audio news dissemination. The decision forms part of a broader restructuring initiative that will eliminate approximately 6% of the workforce, impacting over 60 employees. More than 700 affiliate stations nationwide will be affected when the service ceases operations on May 22.

    Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss and President Tom Cibrowski disclosed the difficult choice in an internal communication Friday, acknowledging that economic pressures and evolving radio programming strategies rendered continuation unsustainable. “While this was a necessary decision, it was not an easy one,” they stated, emphasizing that certain newsroom divisions must contract to enable strategic growth areas.

    The move occurs amidst significant corporate transformation following David Ellison’s acquisition of Paramount Global last year. The technology scion, whose father Larry Ellison maintains close ties with former President Trump, initiated substantial content modernization efforts at CBS News. Ellison appointed Weiss—a former New York Times opinion writer and vocal critic of partisan media bias—to lead editorial reforms last October.

    Weiss’s tenure has already witnessed notable developments, including the departure of high-profile journalists like Anderson Cooper and controversial editorial decisions. In December, she withdrew a 60 Minutes segment about Trump-era deportations to El Salvador, asserting the reporting insufficiently advanced the story. Simultaneously, she has spearheaded digital expansion plans, announcing new contributor hires and restructured online news coverage in January.

    The organization maintains its content-sharing partnership with BBC News, which remains editorially independent despite the collaboration. Leadership characterizes these changes as essential adaptations to industry evolution, noting that “new audiences are burgeoning in new places” requiring strategic investment shifts.

  • Hottest March temperature in US history recorded in Arizona

    Hottest March temperature in US history recorded in Arizona

    An extraordinary early-season heatwave has engulfed the American Southwest, shattering temperature records that had stood for over six decades. The National Weather Service confirmed that a remote desert location near Martinez Lake in Arizona’s Yuma Desert reached 43°C (110°F) on Thursday, marking the highest March temperature ever recorded in United States history.

    This unprecedented thermal event overwhelmed multiple states during winter’s final days, with California, Arizona, and Nevada all reporting record-breaking early heat. The previous national March record of 42°C (108°F), established in Rio Grande, Texas in 1964, was simultaneously matched in North Shore, California on March 18th.

    Urban centers experienced remarkable deviations from seasonal norms. Phoenix recorded its hottest March day at 40°C (105°F), breaking the record set just one day prior. Las Vegas reached 35°C (95°F), exceeding previous records by significant margins.

    Meteorologists attribute this extreme weather phenomenon to a massive high-pressure system—commonly termed a heat dome—that trapped hot air across the region, elevating temperatures 20-30°F above historical averages. The National Weather Service issued urgent warnings about the dangerous combination of extreme early-season heat and high tourism activity.

    Climate scientists emphasize that this event aligns with patterns of human-induced climate change, which have increased the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves globally. Since the industrial era began, the planet has warmed approximately 1.1°C, with temperatures projected to continue rising without substantial emissions reductions worldwide.

  • Watch timelapse of Artemis II rocket rollout to launch pad

    Watch timelapse of Artemis II rocket rollout to launch pad

    In a critical prelaunch milestone, NASA has successfully transported its colossal Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. The 322-foot-tall (98-meter) integrated stack embarked on a meticulously orchestrated, four-mile journey from the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Launch Pad 39B at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. The slow-moving crawl, captured in a dramatic timelapse video, signifies a major step forward for the ambitious Artemis II mission. This rollout operation is a repeat of procedures validated during the Artemis I campaign, ensuring the ground infrastructure and vehicle are poised for the next phase of preparations. The mission, which will carry a crew of four astronauts around the Moon, represents humanity’s first return to lunar space in over 50 years. The rocket will now undergo a series of final checkouts and testing at the pad before its scheduled launch.

  • BBC Breakfast Time speaks to Chuck Norris in 1985

    BBC Breakfast Time speaks to Chuck Norris in 1985

    A false online report claiming the demise of martial arts icon and Hollywood actor Chuck Norris has been categorically debunked. The viral misinformation, which incorrectly stated the 86-year-old action star had passed away, was swiftly addressed by representatives and fact-checking organizations. The origin of the hoax appears to be a misinterpretation or malicious alteration of a genuine BBC interview from 1985, which has recently recirculated on digital platforms. Norris, renowned for his tough-guy persona in films like “Missing in Action” and his television series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” remains alive and well. This incident highlights the persistent challenge of celebrity death hoaxes in the digital age, where unverified claims can gain rapid traction across social media, causing unnecessary distress to fans and families alike. The Norris family has not issued any statements, as no actual event has occurred to warrant one.

  • Record-breaking heatwave hits the US West

    Record-breaking heatwave hits the US West

    An unprecedented heat dome is intensifying across the Western United States, shattering temperature records and prompting widespread heat advisories from the National Weather Service. Meteorological data indicates this extreme weather event will not only persist in its current trajectory but is projected to expand eastward in the coming days, affecting millions of residents from California to the Great Plains.

    The current heatwave has already produced dangerously high temperatures, with numerous locations reporting all-time highs. Phoenix, Arizona, recorded temperatures exceeding 115°F (46°C), while Las Vegas, Nevada, approached its historical maximum. The intensity and duration of this event have raised significant concerns among public health officials regarding heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations.

    Critical infrastructure is under strain as energy grids face unprecedented demand for cooling. Utility companies have issued alerts urging consumers to conserve electricity during peak hours to prevent rolling blackouts. The agricultural sector is also reporting severe stress on crops and livestock, potentially impacting national food supplies.

    Climate scientists note that this event fits patterns of increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves attributed to broader climate change trends. The expansion of this heat dome eastward suggests communities unaccustomed to such extreme temperatures may face unique challenges in response and adaptation.

    Emergency management agencies have activated cooling centers in major metropolitan areas while recommending that residents stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and check on elderly neighbors. This developing situation represents one of the most significant heat events to affect the continental United States in recent decades.

  • Crisis threatens more supply chain snarls: Experts

    Crisis threatens more supply chain snarls: Experts

    The escalating military confrontation between the US-Israel alliance and Iran has precipitated a severe disruption to global supply networks, creating unprecedented challenges for international commerce. According to supply chain experts, the strategic Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime corridor handling approximately 20% of global oil shipments—has become effectively impassable despite lacking official closure status, triggering a cascade of logistical complications worldwide.

    Professor Mohammad Elahee of Quinnipiac University’s International Business program warns that contemporary just-in-time inventory systems lack the resilience to withstand prolonged regional conflicts. “In an era when firms carry minimal buffer stock and rely on highly optimized supply chains,” Elahee emphasized, “a prolonged war that creates disruptions in air and shipping routes would most likely cause severe supply chain shocks with ripple effects reverberating throughout the world.”

    The strategic waterway facilitates far more than petroleum products, transporting substantial volumes of essential commodities including one-third of global seaborne fertilizer, petrochemicals, plastics, and aluminum. Container vessels also move critical supplies of food, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and industrial machinery along the vital Asia-Europe trade corridor.

    Current operational data reveals alarming developments: over 100 commercial vessels remain immobilized in the Gulf region since hostilities intensified in mid-March. Major shipping conglomerates including A.P. Moller-Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have implemented temporary suspensions of Middle Eastern operations citing safety concerns. Concurrently, freight rates for Asia-Middle East routes have experienced dramatic increases, compounding existing logistical challenges.

    The supply chain deterioration compounds recovery efforts from previous disruptions, including COVID-related logistical failures and recent tariff implementations. Retail and e-commerce sectors face particular vulnerability due to their dependence on extensive logistics networks. Elahee projects that “cost increases [will become] embedded in nearly every product they move, resulting in price escalation for consumers.”

    While the United States maintains substantial domestic oil production capacity, industry experts caution against assumptions of immunity from global disruptions. Robert Kaufmann of Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center notes that transportation costs will inevitably rise across all moved commodities, potentially impacting prices for clothing, food, and travel services for American consumers.

    The current crisis echoes recent supply chain challenges, including the two-year Red Sea blockage from 2023-2026 due to Houthi militant activities, which forced rerouting via Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. The present conflict has additionally forced closure of Middle Eastern airspace, creating critical delays for time-sensitive air cargo shipments, particularly perishable goods requiring precise logistical coordination.

    Industry analysts confirm that numerous shipping companies have begun diverting Gulf-bound cargo to alternative ports, while regional airports remain shuttered to commercial transit. This multidimensional logistics crisis demonstrates the profound interconnectedness of global supply networks, where regional disturbances rapidly propagate through international economic systems.