Global Pulse

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北美洲

  • Juventus pick Luciano Spalletti as new coach: Italian media

    Juventus pick Luciano Spalletti as new coach: Italian media

    In a significant shake-up, Juventus has reportedly appointed Luciano Spalletti as their new head coach, following the dismissal of Igor Tudor. The decision comes after a dismal performance streak, with the team failing to secure a victory in their last eight matches across all competitions. The Serie A club officially announced Tudor’s departure on Monday, citing the need for a fresh direction.

    Italian media outlets revealed on Wednesday that Spalletti, the former Italian national team coach, has been chosen to lead the Turin-based giants. While the club has yet to confirm the appointment officially, reports suggest an announcement could follow the Juventus-Udinese match scheduled for 17:30 GMT on Wednesday.

    Spalletti, who recently faced criticism for his underwhelming tenure with the Italian national team, expressed his eagerness to return to coaching. Speaking at an event in Milan on Tuesday, he stated, ‘It would be nice for me to get a new opportunity to get back into the game after that.’ He also emphasized that managing Juventus would be a coveted role for any coach.

    The move marks a pivotal moment for Juventus, a club historically synonymous with success but currently grappling with a challenging phase. Fans and analysts alike are keen to see if Spalletti can reignite the team’s fortunes and restore its competitive edge in Serie A and beyond.

  • Fed cuts US interest rates again despite ‘flying blind’

    Fed cuts US interest rates again despite ‘flying blind’

    The US Federal Reserve has proceeded with another interest rate cut, reducing its key lending rate by 0.25 percentage points to a range of 3.75% to 4%. This decision, announced on Wednesday, comes as concerns over a slowing labour market overshadow fears of inflation. Economists noted that the ongoing US government shutdown, now nearing its one-month mark, has left central bankers ‘flying blind’ due to delays in official job market data. The Fed last cut rates in September, marking the first reduction since December 2022, in response to sluggish hiring trends. Chairman Jerome Powell highlighted ‘downside risks’ to unemployment as a key factor. Despite the shutdown, the Labor Department released September inflation data last week, showing a 3% year-over-year increase, slightly below expectations. This reinforced the likelihood of further rate cuts. Earlier this year, fears of tariff-driven inflation dominated discussions as President Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on major trading partners. While inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target, the milder-than-expected September reading allowed policymakers to prioritize labour market concerns. Bank of America economists noted that ‘policymakers are slightly more focused on downside risks to the employment mandate.’ The latest cut brings the key lending rate to its lowest level in three years. Wall Street anticipates another quarter-point reduction at the Fed’s December meeting, with investors pricing in an over 80% chance. However, JP Morgan’s chief US economist, Michael Feroli, cautioned that upcoming jobs reports could ‘significantly change perceptions of the labour market.’ Meanwhile, President Trump has criticized Powell for not cutting rates faster and hinted at replacing him before his term ends in May 2024.

  • Heathrow, NatWest and Minecraft sites down amid global Microsoft outage

    Heathrow, NatWest and Minecraft sites down amid global Microsoft outage

    A widespread Microsoft outage has caused significant disruptions to numerous websites and services globally, including Heathrow Airport, NatWest Bank, and Minecraft. The issue, which began on Wednesday, affected Microsoft 365 applications such as Outlook and Teams, as well as the Azure cloud computing platform. Microsoft attributed the outage to DNS issues, similar to the root cause of last week’s Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage. Azure reported a ‘degradation of some services’ at 1600 GMT, with its network infrastructure marked as ‘critical’ in every region worldwide. Other impacted entities include UK supermarket Asda, mobile operator O2, US coffee chain Starbucks, and retailer Kroger. The Scottish Parliament also suspended business due to technical issues with its online voting system, believed to be linked to the Microsoft outage. Microsoft is working to reroute affected traffic and restore services using a recent backup, though no timeline for resolution has been provided. Experts warn that the concentration of cloud services in a few major providers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google increases the risk of widespread disruptions. Dr. Saqib Kakvi of Royal Holloway University noted that such outages can cripple hundreds, if not thousands, of applications and systems, highlighting the risks of resource consolidation in the tech industry.

  • From hiding motherhood to running top company: How these women CEOs broke glass ceiling

    From hiding motherhood to running top company: How these women CEOs broke glass ceiling

    In a compelling panel discussion at the ‘We the Women’ conference organized by Khaleej Times, several trailblazing female leaders from the UAE shared their journeys of overcoming societal barriers and achieving remarkable success. Among them was Kimberley Pierce, CEO of King’s College Hospital London in Dubai, who recounted her early struggles of balancing motherhood and education. Fearing discrimination, Pierce concealed her status as a mother during her postgraduate nursing program, even bringing her two-year-old daughter to her nursing home. With the support of her classmates, she managed childcare while excelling academically, ultimately ranking first in her final exams. Her story highlighted the need to challenge stereotypes about women with children pursuing ambitious careers. The event, moderated by Emmy-nominated journalist Barkha Dutt, also featured Shamsa Al-Falasi, a seasoned banker who rose to become Citi Country Officer and Booking Head in the UAE. Al-Falasi emphasized the importance of setting clear career goals and persistently striving for the next milestone. Isobel Abulhoul, CEO of the Emirates Literature Festival for over 15 years, shared her mission to combat stereotypes about Arab and Emirati women through storytelling. The festival, she explained, brings together diverse voices to foster understanding and humanity. The panel also explored the role of men in supporting gender equality. Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafer, CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, recalled her father’s encouragement, which enabled her to pursue her studies. She also highlighted Abdulla Al Ghurair’s pioneering efforts in promoting girls’ education in the UAE. These stories collectively underscored the resilience, determination, and collaborative efforts required to shatter the glass ceiling and pave the way for future generations.

  • What we know about US strikes targeting alleged drug boats

    What we know about US strikes targeting alleged drug boats

    Recent US military operations targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific have resulted in significant casualties, with at least 57 individuals reported dead. The BBC’s Bernd Debusmann has analyzed video footage of the strikes, shedding light on the intensity and scope of these operations. The strikes, aimed at disrupting illegal drug networks, have sparked widespread debate over their legality and humanitarian implications. While US officials argue that these actions are necessary to combat transnational crime, critics question the collateral damage and the lack of transparency surrounding the missions. The incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing drug trafficking and the complex ethical dilemmas involved in such military interventions.

  • Character.ai to ban teens from talking to its AI chatbots

    Character.ai to ban teens from talking to its AI chatbots

    Character.ai, a popular AI-driven chatbot platform, has announced significant changes to its services for users under 18, following widespread criticism and legal challenges. Starting November 25, teenagers will no longer be able to engage in conversations with virtual characters but will instead be limited to creating content such as videos. This decision comes in response to mounting concerns from regulators, safety experts, and parents about the potential risks posed by AI chatbots to young and vulnerable users. The platform, which has faced lawsuits in the U.S., including one linked to a teenager’s death, has been accused of being a ‘clear and present danger’ to youth. Karandeep Anand, CEO of Character.ai, emphasized the company’s commitment to building the ‘safest AI platform on the planet’ for entertainment purposes, citing parental controls and guardrails as part of their aggressive approach to AI safety. However, online safety advocates argue that such measures should have been implemented from the outset. The platform has previously been criticized for hosting harmful or offensive chatbots, including avatars impersonating tragic figures like Brianna Ghey and Molly Russell, as well as a chatbot based on Jeffrey Epstein. The Molly Rose Foundation and other critics have questioned the platform’s motivations, suggesting that sustained media and political pressure prompted the changes. Moving forward, Character.ai plans to introduce new age verification methods and fund an AI safety research lab. Social media expert Matt Navarra described the move as a ‘wake-up call’ for the AI industry, highlighting the challenges of balancing engagement with safety. Dr. Nomisha Kurian, an AI safety researcher, praised the decision as a ‘sensible move’ that separates creative play from emotionally sensitive interactions, emphasizing the importance of protecting young users navigating digital boundaries.

  • 2 nurses on first flight to UAE save passenger from cardiac arrest 35,000 ft in air

    2 nurses on first flight to UAE save passenger from cardiac arrest 35,000 ft in air

    Two nurses from Kerala, Abhijith Jees and Ajeesh Nelson, embarked on their first international flight to the UAE on October 13, 2025, to begin their new careers with Response Plus Medical. Little did they know, their journey would turn into a life-saving mission before they even landed. During the flight, a 34-year-old passenger, Sameer (name changed), suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at 35,000 feet over the Arabian Sea. Abhijith, seated nearby, immediately noticed the distress and sprang into action, performing CPR in the narrow aisle. Ajeesh, seated a few rows away, joined him, and the two nurses worked seamlessly to revive the passenger. After two intense rounds of CPR, the man regained a faint pulse and began breathing again. Dr. Arif Abdul Khadir, another passenger, assisted in stabilizing the patient with IV fluids and monitoring his vitals for the remainder of the flight. Upon landing in Abu Dhabi, the passenger was transferred to airport medical teams and later reported to be in stable condition. The nurses, who had quietly continued to their new workplace without mentioning the incident, were later honored by Response Plus Medical for their professionalism and quick thinking. The passenger’s family expressed profound gratitude, stating that the nurses’ actions gave their loved one another chance at life. For Abhijith and Ajeesh, the experience reinforced their commitment to their profession and marked a memorable start to their new lives in the UAE.

  • ‘I have to get what I need right now’: Americans brace for expiry of critical food benefits

    ‘I have to get what I need right now’: Americans brace for expiry of critical food benefits

    Chantille Manuel, a Florida resident, has achieved remarkable personal milestones over the past five years, including overcoming addiction, losing over 140 pounds, and launching her own beauty salon. Despite these accomplishments, she continues to rely on food assistance from local churches and the U.S. government to feed herself. ‘I don’t want to have to have help from anybody, I want to be self-sufficient,’ she says. However, her situation is precarious as the ongoing government shutdown threatens to cut off essential food aid for millions of Americans like her. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides reloadable debit cards for food purchases, is at risk of running out of funds starting November 1. This program is a lifeline for one in eight Americans, including Ms. Manuel, who spent her October benefits last week on essentials like coffee, creamer, and tuna. ‘It’s either going to be there or it’s not,’ she says. ‘So I might as well get what I need right now.’ The Trump administration has declined to use a contingency fund to continue SNAP benefits, citing the need to reserve funds for emergencies like natural disasters. Even if used, these funds would only cover about 60% of a single month’s benefits, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Democrats and Republicans remain divided on the issue, with Democrats accusing the administration of prioritizing other services over SNAP. On Tuesday, Senate Democrats introduced legislation to fund SNAP during the shutdown, but its passage is uncertain. Meanwhile, food banks like All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota, Florida, are bracing for increased demand. Last year, the food bank served over 80,000 people with more than 22 million pounds of food. ‘Receiving food is an inalienable right,’ says Nelle Miller, the food bank’s CEO. ‘I just can’t imagine denying food, water, or air to any human being.’ As the shutdown enters its 29th day, the longest in U.S. history, the fate of SNAP recipients hangs in the balance, with many fearing they will soon have to turn to food banks for survival.

  • UN representatives reaffirm support for one-China principle

    UN representatives reaffirm support for one-China principle

    During a significant gathering at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, representatives from various nations reiterated their unwavering support for the one-China principle and General Assembly Resolution 2758. This resolution, adopted by an overwhelming majority during the 26th session of the UN General Assembly, officially restored all rights to the People’s Republic of China and recognized its government as the sole legitimate representative of China within the UN. The reaffirmation of this principle underscores the international community’s continued recognition of China’s sovereignty and its pivotal role in global governance. The event highlighted the enduring diplomatic consensus on this matter, reflecting the importance of maintaining stability and unity in international relations. This collective stance also serves as a reminder of the historical significance of Resolution 2758, which has shaped China’s position on the global stage for decades.

  • A musical dialogue between the Earth and humanity

    A musical dialogue between the Earth and humanity

    In a groundbreaking performance at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey, a symphonic jazz masterpiece titled ‘O God… Beautiful Machine’ captivated an audience of 1,200. The event, held on a vibrant Saturday evening, brought together an orchestra, jazz ensemble, choir, and Chinese instrumentalists in a harmonious blend of languages and musical timbres. The performance, a collaborative effort by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa and composer Vince di Mura, explored the delicate relationship between humanity and the Earth. The concert, presented by the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, was dedicated to the late Trenton arts advocate Larry Hilton, whose vision and encouragement were instrumental in bringing this unique project to life. Hilton’s sister, Karen Hilton, shared heartfelt remarks about his belief in the unifying power of art. The evening featured a standout Chinese-language section, ‘The Cassowary,’ which showcased the pipa and Chinese percussion, described by di Mura as a tribute to his Chinese friends and inspired by traditional Chinese melodies. The performance also highlighted the talents of Chinese and Chinese American musicians, including soprano Lina Zha, violist Jing Yang, and pipa soloist Yang Jin, whose careers have bridged Eastern and Western musical traditions. Narrator Bill Engst added a bilingual gravitas to the event. The music, a seamless dialogue between improvisation and structure, Western harmony and Eastern lyricism, left the audience in a prolonged standing ovation, many feeling a profound connection across cultures and traditions.