Global Pulse

标签： North America

北美洲

  • Immigration chief departing Minneapolis as Trump sends border tsar Tom Homan to scene

    Immigration chief departing Minneapolis as Trump sends border tsar Tom Homan to scene

    MINNEAPOLIS – The Trump administration is recalibrating its immigration enforcement strategy in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of a second U.S. citizen by federal officers, a development that has ignited widespread public fury and political condemnation.

    In a significant operational shift, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino is departing the city amid escalating tensions. His replacement, former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan, will now lead on-the-ground efforts. This move signals a potential de-escalation after Saturday’s shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse who was filming agents during a raid, resulted in his death from multiple gunshot wounds.

    The Department of Homeland Security maintains that agents acted in self-defense, claiming Pretti resisted disarmament while possessing a handgun. This account has been vehemently disputed by eyewitnesses, local officials, and Pretti’s family, who assert he was holding a mobile phone, not a weapon. His parents have publicly accused the administration of propagating ‘sickening lies’ about the incident.

    Commander Bovino had become a polarizing figure prior to the shooting, actively promoting the administration’s hardline approach through social media videos of raids. His inflammatory remarks following Pretti’s death—claiming the victim intended to ‘massacre’ federal agents—further intensified community outrage.

    The shooting marks the second fatal encounter in weeks, following the January 7th killing of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agents. With over 3,000 immigration personnel currently deployed in the city, residents report living in a state of fear. ‘People aren’t able to work right now, they aren’t able to leave their house, they’re afraid,’ testified George Cordero, a St. Paul resident.

    In a potential breakthrough, President Trump held discussions with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey—both Democratic critics of the immigration crackdown. The conversations, described as positive by all parties, explored pathways to reduce federal presence and ensure an independent state investigation into Pretti’s death.

    Meanwhile, public demonstrations and memorials for Pretti continued throughout Monday, with additional vigils planned amid growing calls for accountability and policy reform.

  • Damaged homes and snowy roadways as winter storm hits US

    Damaged homes and snowy roadways as winter storm hits US

    A severe winter storm has unleashed its fury across multiple U.S. states, resulting in tragic fatalities and widespread disruption. The powerful system has brought dangerously sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall, creating hazardous conditions that extend far beyond mere inconvenience.

    Critical infrastructure has been severely compromised, with numerous roadways rendered impassable by accumulating snow and ice. The storm’s impact has triggered extensive power outages across affected regions, leaving residents without electricity amid freezing conditions. Emergency services report multiple weather-related fatalities as rescue operations continue under challenging circumstances.

    The combination of Arctic air and precipitation has created a dangerous scenario for transportation and daily life. Local authorities have issued urgent warnings for residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The National Weather Service has characterized this event as particularly dangerous due to the rapid temperature drops accompanying the precipitation.

    Utility companies are working to restore power, though complete restoration may require extended periods due to the severity of the damage and ongoing weather conditions. Shelters have been established in several communities to provide warmth and safety for those displaced by power outages or home damage. The full extent of property damage remains unassessed as the storm continues to affect parts of the country.

  • Bradman’s ‘Baggy Green’ cap worn against India sells for $460,000 at auction

    Bradman’s ‘Baggy Green’ cap worn against India sells for $460,000 at auction

    A piece of cricketing history achieved unprecedented recognition at a Gold Coast auction on Monday when Don Bradman’s iconic ‘Baggy Green’ cap from the 1947-48 series against India fetched $460,000. This remarkable price establishes a new benchmark for memorabilia associated with the legendary Australian batsman, surpassing the previous record set just two years prior.

    The cap’s extraordinary journey spans seven decades, originating as a personal gift from Bradman to Indian cricketer Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni following their historic series. Remarkably preserved by Sohoni’s family across three generations, the artifact remained under stringent protective measures. Family tradition dictated that relatives could only view the cap for five minutes upon reaching their sixteenth birthday, according to Lee Hames, Chief Operating Officer of Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers.

    The historically significant headwear, bearing both Bradman’s and Sohoni’s inscriptions inside the band, has maintained exceptional condition despite its age. This preservation quality significantly contributed to its valuation, particularly when contrasted with another Bradman cap that sold for $311,000 in 2024 despite evident sun damage and insect deterioration.

    The anonymous winning bidder has arranged for public display at an Australian museum, ensuring cricket enthusiasts worldwide can appreciate this tangible connection to sporting greatness. Bradman’s statistical dominance remains unmatched in cricket history, with his test batting average of 99.94 standing approximately 40 runs above any other player in the sport’s history across his 52-test career.

  • Tech giants face landmark trial over social media addiction claims

    Tech giants face landmark trial over social media addiction claims

    In a groundbreaking legal confrontation with far-reaching implications for the technology sector, major social media corporations are preparing for a pivotal courtroom battle in California’s Los Angeles Superior Court. The trial, commencing Tuesday, represents the first in an anticipated wave of litigation challenging the fundamental design principles underpinning modern social platforms.

    The case centers on allegations brought by a 19-year-old plaintiff identified as KGM, who contends that algorithmic architectures employed by Meta (parent company of Instagram and Facebook), ByteDance (TikTok’s owner), and Google (YouTube’s parent) deliberately fostered addictive usage patterns that severely compromised her mental wellbeing. Notably, Snapchat reached an out-of-court settlement with the plaintiff preceding trial proceedings.

    This litigation marks a significant evolution in judicial approach toward technology firms, testing the boundaries of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act—legislation historically invoked to shield platforms from liability regarding third-party content. The current proceedings uniquely target design elements including recommendation algorithms, notification systems, and engagement-optimizing features that plaintiffs argue directly cause psychological harm.

    Matthew Bergman, representing KGM, emphasized the trial’s historic nature: “This constitutes the first instance where social media entities will answer before a jury regarding their operational methodologies. Numerous adolescents globally endure similar struggles attributable to deliberately addictive algorithms prioritizing corporate profitability over youth welfare.”

    Legal experts observe heightened stakes for the industry. Professor Eric Goldman of Santa Clara University warned that adverse rulings could pose existential threats to social media business models, though establishing causal relationships between platform design and specific psychological harm presents substantial evidentiary challenges.

    The trial will feature testimony from top executives including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, whose congressional testimony last year denied established scientific connections between social media usage and deteriorating youth mental health. Company internal documents previously shielded from public scrutiny are expected to feature prominently in proceedings.

    This judicial development coincides with intensified global scrutiny, including multi-state lawsuits against Meta in the United States, Australia’s implementation of under-16 social media prohibitions, and potential regulatory action in the United Kingdom. Professor Mary Anne Franks of George Washington University noted: “The technology sector has historically received deferential treatment. Current developments suggest this paradigm may be undergoing fundamental transformation.”

  • This Week in Golf: Reed in Bahrain, Koepka returns, and what fans should watch

    This Week in Golf: Reed in Bahrain, Koepka returns, and what fans should watch

    The world of professional golf enters a dynamic phase this week with simultaneous high-stakes tournaments across multiple continents, headlined by Patrick Reed’s Middle Eastern campaign and Brooks Koepka’s anticipated return to PGA Tour competition.

    In the Arabian Gulf, the DP World Tour’s International Swing progresses to the $2.75 million BAPCO Energies Bahrain Championship at Royal Golf Club. Fresh from his commanding victory at the HERO Dubai Desert Classic, Patrick Reed leads an impressive field that includes major champions Sergio Garcia of Spain and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington. Defending champion Laurie Canter of England and previous winner Dylan Frittelli from South Africa complete the star-studded lineup, offering regional golf enthusiasts a showcase of elite talent.

    Meanwhile, California’s iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course hosts the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open, featuring the noteworthy comeback of five-time major winner Brooks Koepka. The 35-year-old American’s transition back from LIV Golf to the PGA Tour has progressed smoother than anticipated despite his acknowledged struggles with form and injuries throughout 2025. Currently positioned 254th in the Official World Golf Ranking—a dramatic fall from his former world number one status—Koepka seeks competitive redemption on familiar grounds.

    The professional circuit continues to navigate the complex landscape of player affiliations as the PGA Tour’s February 2nd deadline approaches for potential returns by LIV golfers Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cam Smith, all of whom have reportedly declined for the present moment. Reed’s competitive status remains particularly intriguing following his recent comments in Dubai confirming he hasn’t yet committed to LIV Golf for 2026, maintaining speculation about his future moves while he continues to climb the OWGR, now ranked 29th globally.

    Supplementing these headline events, the Korn Ferry Tour presents The Panama Championship at Club de Golf de Panama with a $1 million purse, while the MENA Golf Tour conducts the Egypt Golf Series at Address Marassi Golf Resort offering $100,000 in prizes. This multi-continental arrangement ensures golf aficionados worldwide have abundant competitive drama to follow throughout the week.

  • Deadly US winter storm leaves flights delayed and thousands without power

    Deadly US winter storm leaves flights delayed and thousands without power

    A catastrophic winter storm has unleashed chaos across a vast expanse of North America, resulting in a tragic death toll and widespread infrastructural paralysis. Meteorological authorities confirmed the system wreaked havoc from Texas through Maine and into southern Ontario, Canada, over the weekend, with the northeastern United States recording snowfall exceeding 20 inches (50.8 cm) within a 24-hour period.

    The human cost of the severe weather is mounting. Officials report at least a dozen storm-related fatalities across multiple states. In a somber announcement, New York City confirmed eight deaths occurred between Friday and Monday morning as temperatures plunged to extreme lows. Separate incidents claimed lives in other regions: a teenage girl died in a sledding accident in Frisco, Texas; a man was discovered deceased on a North Carolina highway, with authorities probing a potential weather link; and Louisiana’s health department attributed two deaths to hypothermia.

    Critical infrastructure buckled under the storm’s intensity. The National Weather Service (NWS) documented 11.4 inches of snow in New York City’s Central Park, while transportation networks faced monumental disruptions. FlightAware data revealed a staggering 19,000 flight delays and 5,900 cancellations across U.S. airlines on Monday alone, stranding thousands of travelers.

    Energy grids also failed catastrophically. Tennessee experienced a deep freeze that left over 200,000 residents without power by Monday afternoon. Joy Flores, vice president of Nashville Rescue Mission, described dire conditions: ‘There are many trees down and power lines blocking the roads.’ She added that her own home was without heating, internet, or coffee, emblematic of the hardships faced by many.

    The impacts extended northward, where Canadian officials reported serious disruption across southern Ontario. Toronto Pearson Airport set a new single-day record with 18.1 inches (46 cm) of snowfall on Sunday, according to CBC reports, with Ottawa and Quebec experiencing the heaviest impacts, including transportation halts and widespread school closures.

    With recovery efforts barely underway, forecasters are already warning of another potentially significant winter storm targeting the eastern U.S. this coming Friday. The NWS indicates this system could bring another round of very cold temperatures and widespread heavy precipitation, though its precise path and impact zones remain uncertain.

  • Former Olympian Ryan Wedding pleads not guilty to drug kingpin charges

    Former Olympian Ryan Wedding pleads not guilty to drug kingpin charges

    Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding entered a plea of not guilty to all 17 felony charges against him during his initial court appearance in Santa Ana on Monday. The charges include serious allegations of drug trafficking, witness tampering, and conspiracy to commit murder.

    Wedding, who had been on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, appeared relaxed in the Orange County courtroom, smiling occasionally at his legal counsel and observers while stretching his unshackled arms. His physical presence remained imposing at 1.91 meters tall and 109 kilograms, maintaining the athletic stature that once carried him to the 2002 Winter Games representing Canada.

    The criminal indictment alleges Wedding operated a sophisticated transnational drug network, importing substantial quantities of cocaine into Los Angeles for distribution across the United States and Canada. Federal authorities further accuse him of orchestrating the murder of a potential witness against him and allege his protected existence under the Sinaloa cartel’s protection in Mexico.

    Despite Mexican officials’ claims that Wedding surrendered voluntarily, his defense attorney Anthony Colombo publicly disputed this account outside the courthouse, labeling it ‘a false narrative.’ The case has been temporarily moved from Los Angeles to Santa Ana due to ongoing protests surrounding federal immigration operations.

    FBI Director Kash Patel previously characterized Wedding as a ‘modern-day iteration of Pablo Escobar,’ operating under multiple aliases including ‘El Jefe’ and ‘Giant.’ Law enforcement officials contend that Wedding established his criminal enterprise following his release from federal prison in 2011, where he had been serving time for previous cocaine distribution offenses.

    The international investigation has yielded significant assets, including a motorcycle collection valued at approximately $40 million seized in Mexico. Wedding remains in custody pending his next scheduled court appearance in Los Angeles on February 9th.

  • ‘We’re all terrified’, Minnesotan tells the BBC in tears

    ‘We’re all terrified’, Minnesotan tells the BBC in tears

    A wave of fear and anguish has swept through Minnesota communities following a second fatal shooting incident involving federal immigration officers, with distraught residents expressing their terror to international media. The BBC’s Ana Faguy documented emotional accounts from Minnesotans who find themselves grappling with heightened anxiety and trauma in the aftermath of these violent encounters.

    The recent shooting marks the second such fatal incident in the state involving federal immigration authorities, raising serious concerns about use of force protocols and community safety. Through tearful interviews, residents revealed the psychological impact of these events, describing how the shootings have created an atmosphere of pervasive fear within their neighborhoods.

    These incidents have sparked broader conversations about law enforcement practices and their effect on community trust. The emotional testimony collected by the BBC highlights the human toll of such violent encounters, with one resident visibly shaken while stating ‘we’re all terrified’ – a sentiment echoing throughout the affected communities.

    The situation continues to develop as local leaders call for transparency and accountability, while federal authorities face increasing scrutiny over their operational procedures and community engagement approaches in Minnesota.

  • Trump abandons attack mode as Minneapolis shooting backlash grows

    Trump abandons attack mode as Minneapolis shooting backlash grows

    The Trump administration has executed a notable strategic pivot in its response to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, moving from its characteristic confrontational stance to a more measured approach as political tensions escalate.

    Initially, officials deployed aggressive rhetoric characterizing the 37-year-old nurse as a ‘domestic terrorist’ and ‘would-be assassin.’ Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Pretti intended to ‘inflict harm’ while Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino described the incident as an attempt to ‘massacre law enforcement.’

    However, as multiple video recordings surfaced contradicting the official narrative—showing Pretti filming agents with his phone and assisting a knocked-down woman before being pepper-sprayed—the administration’s position became untenable. The footage clearly showed Pretti unarmed when wrestled to the ground, though authorities later confirmed he legally carried a concealed firearm.

    Facing mounting criticism from both political parties and deteriorating public opinion, the White House altered its communication strategy. President Trump labeled the incident ‘tragic’ on Truth Social while blaming ‘Democrat-ensued chaos,’ and dispatched former Obama administration official Tom Homan—considered a more moderate figure—to oversee operations in Minnesota.

    The political ramifications continue to intensify as Senate Democrats now threaten to block Department of Homeland Security funding, potentially triggering a partial government shutdown. Republicans meanwhile express growing unease, with Vermont Governor Phil Scott condemning the federal response as ‘a complete failure of coordination’ at best and ‘deliberate intimidation’ at worst.

    With recent polls indicating 61% of Americans believe ICE operates ‘too tough’ in detainments, and 58% disapproving of Trump’s immigration handling overall, the administration faces mounting pressure to recalibrate its approach while maintaining its enforcement priorities.

  • TikTok apologises after thousands in US report issues

    TikTok apologises after thousands in US report issues

    TikTok’s newly established US ownership entity has issued a formal apology to users following widespread technical issues that plagued the platform over the weekend. TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, the newly formed organization overseeing American operations, confirmed the problems stemmed from a power outage at a US data center affecting multiple applications under their management.

    According to outage monitoring service Downdetector, the platform received over 663,000 problem reports from US users between Saturday evening and Monday. Users reported persistent issues including repetitive content appearing in ‘For You’ feeds, incomplete content display, and newly uploaded videos receiving zero views. The technical difficulties persisted into Monday, affecting users across different time zones.

    The technical disruption sparked speculation among users regarding potential connections to TikTok’s recent ownership restructuring. The platform’s new organizational framework resulted from a finalized agreement last Thursday that secured TikTok’s continued operation in the United States under revised ownership conditions.

    Oracle Corporation, TikTok’s US data center partner and minority stakeholder in the new venture with a 15% ownership share, declined to comment on the specific outage. The cloud computing giant has assumed expanded responsibilities under the new arrangement, including algorithm inspection and retraining for the US version of TikTok, along with comprehensive user data security management previously initiated under Project Texas.

    Concurrent technical issues were also reported with CapCut, TikTok’s affiliated video editing application, indicating broader infrastructure challenges. Users expressed frustration across social media platforms, with many reporting inability to access creator tools and revenue analytics features alongside visibility problems with their content.

    The company stated via social media platform X that they are ‘working with our data center partner to stabilize our service’ and expressed hope for a swift resolution. The incident represents the first major technical challenge for the newly structured US operation since its formal establishment.