Global Pulse

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  • Dodgers outlast Blue Jays in World Series epic

    Dodgers outlast Blue Jays in World Series epic

    In a historic and marathon showdown, Freddie Freeman delivered a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 18th inning, propelling the Los Angeles Dodgers to a dramatic 6-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the World Series. This epic clash, lasting over six-and-a-half hours, tied the record for the longest postseason game in Major League Baseball history in terms of innings. The Dodgers now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1, with the next game set to take place at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday.

    Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani showcased his brilliance with two home runs, but it was Freeman, the 2024 World Series MVP, who stole the spotlight. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams exchanging leads and opportunities. Toronto initially surged ahead in the fourth inning, thanks to Alejandro Kirk’s three-run homer, but the Dodgers clawed back to tie the score at 4-4 in the fifth inning, fueled by Ohtani’s clutch hitting and Freeman’s RBI.

    The Blue Jays regained the lead in the seventh inning, but Ohtani’s second homer of the night leveled the score again at 5-5. From there, the game descended into a tense stalemate, with both teams stranding multiple baserunners and failing to capitalize on loaded bases. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who had earlier apologized for complaining about travel delays, finally savored a hard-fought home victory.

    The game also featured notable moments, including Ohtani being intentionally walked four times and veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw making a brief appearance in his final series before retirement. Ultimately, Freeman’s heroics in the 18th inning ended the marathon, leaving fans breathless and setting the stage for an intense Game 4.

  • Meta launches ‘ghost posts’ that disappear after 24 hours on Threads

    Meta launches ‘ghost posts’ that disappear after 24 hours on Threads

    Meta has unveiled a new feature called ‘ghost posts’ on its Threads app, designed to automatically archive posts 24 hours after they are published. This innovation mirrors the popular ‘stories’ feature found on Instagram and Facebook, aiming to increase user engagement and provide more flexible sharing options. The feature allows users to share spontaneous, unfiltered thoughts without the concern of long-term visibility, fostering a more casual and immediate form of communication. To create a ghost post, users simply toggle the ghost icon in the post creation menu, and these posts are distinguished in the feed by a grayed-out dotted chat bubble. Replies to ghost posts are sent directly to users’ messaging inboxes, maintaining privacy by not displaying likes or replies publicly. Launched in 2023 as a competitor to Elon Musk’s X, Threads has rapidly grown to 400 million active users as of August. Meta’s introduction of ghost posts is a strategic move to further solidify its position in the competitive social media landscape.

  • Brother of journalist killed in occupied West Bank says new report reveals cover-up

    Brother of journalist killed in occupied West Bank says new report reveals cover-up

    Three years after the tragic killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by the Israeli army, new allegations have surfaced suggesting a US cover-up. Tony Abu Akleh, the brother of the slain Al Jazeera correspondent, claims that a retired US military officer, Colonel Steve Gabavics, has revealed that his superiors and the Biden administration softened findings to protect US-Israel relations. Colonel Gabavics, who investigated the incident, concluded in 2022 that Ms. Abu Akleh was intentionally shot, despite wearing a press vest clearly identifying her as a journalist. The Israeli army initially blamed Palestinian gunmen for her death but later admitted she was likely killed by its soldiers by mistake. The Biden administration supported this narrative, stating it found no evidence of intentional targeting. However, Colonel Gabavics now asserts that the evidence pointed to a deliberate act, and the findings were altered for political reasons. Tony Abu Akleh criticized the US government for downplaying the truth, accusing it of prioritizing political interests over justice. He called for accountability and a thorough investigation into his sister’s death. The BBC has reached out to the US Department of State and the Israeli embassy in Washington for comment. The case has reignited debates about US-Israel relations and the safety of journalists in conflict zones.

  • Trump dismisses 2028 VP run as ‘too cute,’ leaves door open to third term

    Trump dismisses 2028 VP run as ‘too cute,’ leaves door open to third term

    Former U.S. President Donald Trump has firmly dismissed the possibility of running as vice president in the 2028 election, labeling the idea as ‘too cute’ and suggesting it would not resonate with the public. However, he left the door open to the prospect of seeking a third term, reigniting debates about the constitutional limits of presidential tenure. Trump’s remarks, made aboard Air Force One during a flight from Malaysia to Tokyo, have fueled speculation about his political ambitions and the potential legal challenges they might face. The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution explicitly bars individuals from being elected president more than twice, but some of Trump’s allies have hinted at exploring ways to circumvent this restriction. Trump, who would be 82 in 2028, expressed enthusiasm for another term, citing his ‘best numbers ever’ and maintaining an active public schedule despite his age. He also praised Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a potentially ‘unstoppable’ team in future elections. Meanwhile, figures like Steve Bannon have suggested that plans are being developed to challenge the 22nd Amendment, further complicating the Republican Party’s future leadership landscape.

  • How a Hollywood tour guide discovered an unknown celebrity grave

    How a Hollywood tour guide discovered an unknown celebrity grave

    For decades, it was widely believed that Elsa Lanchester, the iconic actress who brought the Bride of Frankenstein to life in the 1935 Universal Horror classic, had been cremated and her ashes scattered at sea following her death in 1986. However, Scott Michaels, a historian and founder of Dearly Departed Tours, recently uncovered a surprising truth: Lanchester’s cremated remains were interred in a rose garden under her married name, Elsa Lanchester Laughton. This revelation, nearly 40 years after her passing, has reignited interest in the actress’s legacy. Michaels, a specialist in Hollywood’s darker history, has dedicated his career to uncovering forgotten stories of the entertainment industry. His discovery led him to organize a crowdfunding campaign to install a formal wall marker at Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood, where Lanchester’s ashes rest. The unveiling ceremony is set for October 28, 2025, coinciding with what would have been her 123rd birthday. Lanchester, born in London in 1902, began her career as a child actor in theatre and cabaret before rising to fame in Hollywood. Her portrayal of the Bride of Frankenstein, with her electrifying hairstyle and haunting presence, cemented her place in film history. Despite her success, Lanchester’s posthumous legacy had been overshadowed by misconceptions about her final resting place. Michaels’ discovery not only corrects the record but also honors Lanchester’s contributions to cinema. Her role as the Bride remains a beloved Halloween costume and a symbol of horror’s golden age. Michaels, who has consulted on projects like Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,’ is known for his passion for unsung Hollywood figures. His efforts to memorialize Lanchester reflect his commitment to preserving the legacies of marginalized or forgotten stars. This story also highlights the enduring cultural impact of Lanchester’s work, as Universal Studios recently celebrated the 90th anniversary of ‘Bride of Frankenstein’ with special merchandise and editions. A blue plaque was also unveiled at her childhood home in London, commemorating her and her mother Edith, a socialist, feminist, and suffragette. Michaels’ discovery serves as a reminder of the importance of historical accuracy and the power of storytelling in keeping the legacies of Hollywood’s pioneers alive.

  • ChatGPT shares data on how many users exhibit psychosis or suicidal thoughts

    ChatGPT shares data on how many users exhibit psychosis or suicidal thoughts

    OpenAI has disclosed new data indicating that a small but significant percentage of ChatGPT users exhibit signs of mental health crises, including mania, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts. According to the company, approximately 0.07% of weekly active users display such symptoms, with its AI chatbot designed to recognize and respond to these sensitive interactions. While OpenAI emphasizes that these cases are ‘extremely rare,’ critics argue that even this fraction could represent hundreds of thousands of individuals, given ChatGPT’s recent milestone of 800 million weekly active users, as reported by CEO Sam Altman.

  • Charlie Kirk murder suspect can wear civilian clothes in court, judge says

    Charlie Kirk murder suspect can wear civilian clothes in court, judge says

    In a significant development in the case surrounding the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, Utah Judge Tony Graf has issued rulings on the attire and restraints for the accused, Tyler Robinson. During a virtual court hearing on Monday, Judge Graf determined that Robinson, 22, will be permitted to wear civilian clothing during pre-trial proceedings to uphold the presumption of innocence and avoid influencing potential jurors. However, Robinson will remain in restraints during hearings, though images or footage of him in restraints will be prohibited. The judge emphasized the need to balance courtroom safety with the defendant’s rights, stating that the restraints must be the ‘least restrictive’ option. Robinson, who faces seven charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm, was arrested on September 12, more than a day after Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. Judge Graf acknowledged the high-profile nature of the case and the emotional intensity surrounding it, stressing that safety remains the court’s top priority. Robinson’s next in-person court appearance is scheduled for January 16. Utah County prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in this case.

  • NCEMA announces field exercise for emergency preparedness in Ras Al Khaimah

    NCEMA announces field exercise for emergency preparedness in Ras Al Khaimah

    The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) in the United Arab Emirates has unveiled plans for a comprehensive field exercise in Ras Al Khaimah, scheduled for October 28. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with strategic partners from the emergency and crisis management sector, aims to bolster the nation’s preparedness for natural disasters and unforeseen emergencies. Such exercises are a cornerstone of NCEMA’s strategy to enhance the UAE’s resilience and operational efficiency in crisis scenarios. The authority emphasized that these drills not only safeguard national assets but also reinforce the UAE’s global standing as a leader in risk management and sustainable development. This proactive approach underscores the UAE’s commitment to maintaining robust emergency response mechanisms, ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and infrastructure.

  • Buybacks take backseat as AI drives record US capex spending

    Buybacks take backseat as AI drives record US capex spending

    In a significant shift in corporate priorities, U.S. companies are increasingly diverting capital from traditional shareholder payouts like dividends and buybacks to fund artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. This trend reflects a growing recognition among investors that long-term growth, driven by AI, is more critical than immediate profits. Goldman Sachs has revised its forecast for U.S. share buyback growth down to 9% from 12%, anticipating that AI-driven investments will dominate corporate spending well into 2026.

    Capital expenditure plans by S&P 500 companies have surged to a record $1.2 trillion in 2025, the highest since Trivariate Research began tracking the data in 1999. The top nine companies alone account for nearly 30% of this spending. Despite record shareholder returns of $1.65 trillion in the 12 months ending June 2025, including $653.86 billion in dividends and $997.82 billion in buybacks, investors are prioritizing companies with robust AI strategies.

    Tech giants like Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Oracle have seen double-digit stock price gains this year, outpacing broader market performance. In contrast, Apple, despite leading in capital returns, has lagged due to concerns over its AI innovation efforts. The AI investment wave is not limited to Silicon Valley, with sectors such as banking, healthcare, and consumer staples also embracing the technology. JPMorgan Chase, for instance, is investing $2 billion annually in AI development, while companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are integrating AI into defense systems.

    While analysts remain cautious about labeling the current AI boom a bubble, many warn that the trend could face challenges as companies increasingly rely on debt and complex deal-making. Lisa Shalett, Chief Investment Officer at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, predicts that by the second half of 2026, investors may begin questioning whether the promise of AI is fully priced into the market.

  • Amazon says India’s e-commerce exports top $20 billion, despite US tariffs

    Amazon says India’s e-commerce exports top $20 billion, despite US tariffs

    Amazon announced on Monday that Indian sellers on its platform have collectively surpassed $20 billion in e-commerce exports, including nearly $7 billion in 2025 alone. This milestone comes despite the imposition of new U.S. tariffs on certain Indian goods, which doubled to 50% in August. The tariffs, a response to India’s oil purchases from Russia, have posed short-term challenges for thousands of Indian artisans and small businesses. However, Amazon remains optimistic about long-term growth, setting an ambitious target of $80 billion in exports by 2030. The company’s Global Selling program, launched in 2015, has enabled over 200,000 Indian sellers across 200 cities to reach customers in 18 global markets, including the U.S., Britain, Germany, and Canada. Smaller cities like Panipat, Bhadohi, Karur, and Erode have emerged as significant contributors, with exports from these regions growing rapidly. Categories such as health, beauty, home, apparel, and toys have seen annual growth exceeding 35%. Amazon’s head of Global Selling India, Srinidhi Kalvapudi, emphasized the structural nature of this growth, stating that e-commerce exports are still in their early stages. India’s 2023 trade policy and simplified e-commerce export rules by the Reserve Bank of India have further supported this expansion, positioning Indian brands for global success.