Global Pulse

标签： North America

北美洲

  • Trump orders increased vetting of resumes, LinkedIn profiles of H-1B visa applicants

    Trump orders increased vetting of resumes, LinkedIn profiles of H-1B visa applicants

    In a significant policy shift impacting international tech recruitment, the Trump administration has instituted rigorous new screening protocols for H-1B visa applicants. A recently disclosed State Department directive mandates comprehensive review of professional backgrounds, including detailed examination of resumes and LinkedIn profiles, to identify individuals involved in content moderation activities.

    The diplomatic cable, circulated to all U.S. missions on December 2, 2025, instructs consular officers to scrutinize applicants’ employment histories for evidence of involvement in misinformation management, disinformation mitigation, fact-checking operations, or online safety enforcement. The policy specifically targets those who have participated in what the administration characterizes as ‘censorship of protected expression’ within the United States.

    Under the new guidelines, consular officials are directed to pursue visa ineligibility findings under the Immigration and Nationality Act for applicants deemed complicit in speech suppression practices. The enhanced vetting applies to both initial applicants and renewal cases, with particular emphasis on technology sector professionals employed by social media and financial services companies.

    A State Department spokesperson confirmed the administration’s position, stating: ‘We do not support aliens coming to the United States to work as censors muzzling Americans.’ The spokesperson referenced President Trump’s personal experiences with social media platform restrictions as motivation for the policy, adding that ‘allowing foreigners to lead this type of censorship would both insult and injure the American people.’

    This development represents the latest escalation in the administration’s broader campaign against perceived suppression of conservative voices online. The policy aligns with previous actions including heightened student visa screenings and new fee structures for H-1B visas, continuing Trump’s extensive immigration reform agenda. The administration has previously engaged with European governments regarding right-wing speech limitations, with officials like Marco Rubio having threatened visa bans for foreign nationals involved in regulating American tech companies.

  • They contracted hepatitis before the vaccine was given at birth – now the shot may be delayed again

    They contracted hepatitis before the vaccine was given at birth – now the shot may be delayed again

    A potential overhaul of America’s newborn vaccination protocol has ignited fierce debate among medical experts and patients who have experienced hepatitis B’s devastating consequences firsthand. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is poised to vote on delaying hepatitis B vaccinations from birth to an unspecified later date—a move that contradicts three decades of established medical practice.

    The controversy stems from recent appointments by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who replaced the entire ACIP committee with vaccine-skeptical members. During September meetings, new appointees questioned the necessity of vaccinating infants against what they characterized as an ‘adult problem,’ despite overwhelming evidence that early immunization prevents mother-to-child transmission and provides crucial early protection.

    Medical professionals warn that even a two-month delay could have catastrophic consequences. Northwestern University’s Dr. Claudia Hawkins projects that such a change could result in ‘hundreds of additional deaths from liver disease and liver cancer’ over time. Since universal birth-dose vaccination began in 1991, childhood hepatitis B infections have plummeted by 95%, preventing approximately 90,000 deaths according to CDC data.

    The human impact of hepatitis B is illustrated through patients like John Ellis, who contracted the virus before receiving his delayed vaccination at age 12. Despite his mother’s 30 years of nursing experience, the diagnosis shocked their family. ‘That was kind of a dark time for me,’ Ellis recalled. ‘Having to navigate conversations about this chronic illness that people aren’t familiar with.’

    Phil Shin’s story reveals the silent danger of the virus. Diagnosed before middle school, he remained asymptomatic until age 48, when doctors discovered a racketball-sized tumor in his liver. After emergency surgery and a life-saving transplant, Shin now serves on the American Liver Foundation board, advocating for awareness.

    The virus’s indiscriminate nature is underscored by Helen Ouyang’s childhood tragedy. Her father died from hepatitis B-related liver cancer when she was three, experiencing only vague symptoms before his rapid decline. As an emergency physician at Columbia University, Dr. Ouyang understands both the personal and medical implications of the disease.

    Medical experts emphasize that hepatitis B spreads through bodily fluids, including shared household items like toothbrushes, contradicting claims that it’s not ‘casually contagious.’ They also note that relying solely on maternal testing creates vulnerability, as some patients receive false negatives or lack reliable healthcare access.

    The policy change could also affect insurance coverage and create loopholes for parents to opt out of vaccination entirely. For those living with hepatitis B, the potential regression of vaccination guidelines represents both a public health threat and a dismissal of their suffering. ‘I’m a living, breathing testament to what could happen,’ Ellis stated. ‘I didn’t get the vaccine at birth. I got it later, and I still contracted hepatitis B.’

  • UAE: Cooler, humid winter days in December; average temperatures 17.7°C to 21.8°C

    UAE: Cooler, humid winter days in December; average temperatures 17.7°C to 21.8°C

    The United Arab Emirates is experiencing a significant meteorological shift as December marks the official transition into the winter season, according to the latest climate summary from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Temperature patterns show a notable decline, with mean maximum and minimum readings dropping by 3 to 6 degrees Celsius compared to November levels.

    Meteorological data reveals average temperatures now range between 17.7°C and 21.8°C across the Emirates. Daytime highs typically settle between 21.7°C and 27.4°C, while nighttime temperatures frequently drop to between 12.9°C and 17.4°C. Historical extremes include a record high of 37°C documented in Sweihan during 2016 and a remarkable low of -0.7°C recorded at Jabal Jais in 2004.

    The changing weather patterns result from a strengthening high-pressure system extending from northern regions, accompanied by northwesterly winds that drive nighttime temperatures lower, particularly across inland and mountainous areas. Simultaneously, upper-level westerly troughs contribute to the formation of low and medium cloud cover, creating conditions conducive to rainfall that occasionally intensifies into thunderstorms.

    Humidity patterns undergo significant transformation during December, with mean humidity levels reaching approximately 63%. Maximum humidity frequently climbs to between 79% and 90%, while minimum levels range from 32% to 49%. These conditions emerge as moist air masses move from the Arabian Gulf toward the UAE, creating ideal circumstances for fog and mist formation during early morning hours.

    Wind patterns remain generally light to moderate with an average speed of 11 km/h, though historical data shows occasional strong gusts, including a record 87 km/h documented at Makassib in 2019. Fog occurrence becomes notably more frequent, with 2014 standing as particularly remarkable with 20 fog days and 5 mist days recorded throughout the month.

    Precipitation, while occasional, can reach intense levels as demonstrated by the 208.4 mm rainfall recorded in Dhudna during 2006—the highest December measurement on record. The winter solstice, occurring around December 23, reinforces the cooling trend as the UAE solidifies its entry into the meteorological winter season.

  • F-16C fighter jet crashes in California during training mission

    F-16C fighter jet crashes in California during training mission

    A United States Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon combat aircraft assigned to the elite Thunderbirds demonstration squadron crashed during a routine training exercise over Southern California on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred in controlled airspace near the community of China Lake, approximately 270 kilometers north of downtown Los Angeles.

    According to official statements from the Air Force, the pilot successfully executed emergency ejection procedures and landed safely without sustaining serious injuries. The mishap took place at approximately 10:45 AM local time during what was described as a standard training mission for the prestigious aerial acrobatics team.

    Sergeant Jovante Johnson, a US Air Force spokesperson, confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that the crashed aircraft belonged to the Thunderbirds unit, which is permanently based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The Thunderbirds represent the Air Force’s premier demonstration squadron, renowned for their precision flying performances at air shows across the nation.

    The San Bernardino County Fire Department responded to the crash site in the remote desert region, though no ground injuries or property damage were immediately reported. Military investigators have launched a comprehensive inquiry to determine the exact circumstances that led to the aircraft’s failure. Standard procedure following such incidents involves examining maintenance records, pilot actions, environmental factors, and potential mechanical malfunctions.

    The safe ejection of the pilot represents a successful outcome from what could have been a tragic aviation accident, highlighting the effectiveness of military emergency protocols and safety systems.

  • Video: US fighter jet crashes in California, pilot ejects moments before impact

    Video: US fighter jet crashes in California, pilot ejects moments before impact

    A United States Air Force Thunderbirds F-16C Fighting Falcon crashed during a training mission in the Mojave Desert near Trona, California, on Wednesday morning. The pilot successfully ejected moments before the aircraft impacted a dry lake bed, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries and achieving stable condition while receiving medical attention.

    The incident occurred at approximately 10:45 AM local time within controlled military airspace. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by military authorities. The violent impact generated a significant explosion and plume of smoke, with the sonic boom audible across the surrounding region, according to witness accounts and emergency responders.

    Dramatic video footage circulating on social media platforms captured the precise moment of ejection, showing the pilot’s parachute deploying just as the fighter jet erupted into flames. The aircraft crashed approximately two miles south of Trona Airport, though airport manager George Bass confirmed the jet was not utilizing airport facilities. Bass noted that military aircraft maintain a regular presence in the area for training exercises.

    The Thunderbirds, based at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas approximately 200 miles east of the crash site, represent the Air Force’s premier aerial demonstration team. Established in 1953, the unit is renowned for executing precision maneuvers with minimal separation between aircraft, sometimes flying within 18 inches of each other during complex aerial routines.

    This incident marks the latest in a series of military aviation accidents in the region. In 2022, a Navy pilot died when an F/A-18E Super Hornet crashed in a remote area near Trona. The Thunderbirds themselves experienced a fatal training accident in 2018 when Major Stephen Del Bagno was killed during a Nevada training exercise. The F-16C model involved in Wednesday’s crash carries an estimated value of $18.8 million per 2021 Air Force figures.

  • Sino-Canadian trade ties hailed at Toronto forum

    Sino-Canadian trade ties hailed at Toronto forum

    The Canada-China Forum on Trade and Investment Cooperation convened in Toronto this week, marking a significant step in revitalizing economic ties between the two nations. The event featured Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, leading a high-level delegation of Chinese businesses across multiple sectors including finance, engineering, logistics, and medical technology.

    This gathering represents the most substantial commercial engagement since both countries’ leaders met at recent APEC meetings in South Korea. Ren emphasized that the summit produced “important consensus” and “strategic guidance” for enhancing bilateral relations, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 20th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

    Economic fundamentals demonstrate robust trade activity, with China maintaining its position as Canada’s second-largest trading partner for 22 consecutive years. Bilateral trade reached $93 billion in the previous year, with Canada’s exports to China growing by 6.1% to $46.6 billion—representing Canada’s first trade surplus with China in many years.

    Ren outlined opportunities for expanded cooperation in emerging sectors including clean energy, climate initiatives, and technological innovation. He highlighted the “highly complementary resource endowments and economic structures” between the two nations, particularly regarding supply-chain collaboration. The Chinese official extended an invitation for Canadian businesses to participate in the upcoming China International Supply Chain Expo, described as “a globally recognized economic and trade event.”

    Bijan Ahmadi, executive director of the Canada China Business Council, noted the changing dynamics in bilateral relations, stating: “We are at a turning point in the bilateral relationship between Canada and China. There are, of course, still challenges and outstanding issues between the two countries that they’re discussing and negotiating. But there are great opportunities, and we’re glad to see these dialogues happening.”

    The Chinese business delegation—the first of its kind in seven years—signals improving economic relations. Ahmadi emphasized the complementary nature of both economies: “There are many things that we produce that China wants to buy, and there are things from China that are very beneficial for the Canadian economy.”

    Ren expressed confidence in China’s economic trajectory, noting that the country “has consistently contributed around 30 percent to global economic growth” and reported 5.2% GDP growth in the first three quarters of the year. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to high-quality development and continued opening of its markets through recent policy directives.

  • Trump and Infantino – too close for comfort?

    Trump and Infantino – too close for comfort?

    The 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington D.C. has become a stage for geopolitical theater, with President Donald Trump’s prominent involvement generating both celebration and condemnation. Held just one mile from the White House at the Kennedy Center—a venue whose board Trump recently overhauled—the event featured an unprecedented political dimension that critics argue compromises FIFA’s statutory commitment to political neutrality.

    The ceremony’s programming appeared carefully tailored to the American president’s preferences, featuring a performance of Trump’s campaign rally favorite ‘YMCA’ by the Village People. Most controversially, FIFA President Gianni Infantino introduced a new Peace Prize award, widely expected to be bestowed upon Trump despite no prior consultation with the FIFA Council. This gesture cemented the increasingly visible alliance between the two leaders, which Infantino has vigorously defended while citing Trump’s involvement in Middle East ceasefires.

    This relationship has drawn sharp criticism from within football’s governing bodies. UEFA delegates staged a walkout at a recent FIFA Congress, accusing Infantino of prioritizing ‘private political interests.’ The controversy extends beyond symbolism to practical concerns about Trump’s immigration policies, which threaten to affect World Cup participants and spectators from numerous countries. Iran has already announced a boycott of the draw due to visa restrictions for its delegation.

    Further complicating matters, Trump has suggested potentially relocating matches from Democratic-led host cities over security concerns and made provocative statements about Mexico during World Cup planning discussions. Meanwhile, FIFA’s commercial ambitions for the tournament include an unprecedented 30% commission on ticket resales through its official platform, drawing criticism from fan groups who accuse the organization of exploiting supporters.

    Despite these controversies, both leaders clearly view the World Cup as mutually beneficial. Trump gains an unparalleled global platform during his presidency and election campaign, while Infantino secures financial opportunities that could bolster his reelection prospects in 2027. The tournament represents what FIFA claims will be a $27 billion economic impact for the United States, though this comes alongside concerns about human rights and the politicization of the world’s most popular sporting event.

  • ‘The apprehension is palpable’: Minnesota’s Somali community braces for immigration crackdown

    ‘The apprehension is palpable’: Minnesota’s Somali community braces for immigration crackdown

    Minnesota’s substantial Somali-American community is experiencing intensified apprehension following critical remarks from former President Donald Trump and the initiation of targeted immigration enforcement operations. Speaking at the White House, Trump declared, “I don’t want them in our country,” referring to Somali immigrants, and characterized their presence as the nation taking in “garbage.

    Community representatives describe an environment of palpable fear in neighborhoods like Cedar-Riverside, known locally as Little Mogadishu for its significant Somali population. Aj Awed, executive director of the Cedar-Riverside Community Council, labeled Trump’s comments as “dangerous” and “not becoming of a president to be just attacking other Americans.”

    The psychological impact coincides with operational activities by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting individuals with final deportation orders. Kowsar Mohamed, a south Minneapolis resident, reported witnessing “boots on the ground activity where folks are just being plucked off of the streets and being asked about their residency status.”

    Community organizations have responded with emergency preparedness measures, including legal observer training sessions organized by groups like Monarca to educate residents about their rights during immigration encounters. Private messaging networks have been established to share photographs of unmarked vehicles and masked agents throughout Minneapolis, home to over 80,000 people of Somali descent.

    The political context stems from fraud allegations involving a Minnesota social assistance program during the COVID-19 pandemic, where some Somali immigrants were implicated in a scheme that allegedly cost the state tens of millions of dollars. While representing a tiny fraction of Minnesota’s Somali community, these allegations have prompted broader investigations and become the basis for Trump’s characterization of the state as a “hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.”

    Governor Tim Walz has cautioned against demonizing entire communities, stating: “Do not paint an entire group of people with that same brush – demonising them, putting them at risk when there is no proof to do that.” Meanwhile, the Trump administration has terminated Temporary Protected Status for Somali residents and maintains that ICE operations target immigration status rather than specific ethnicities, with Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin asserting enforcement is based solely on whether individuals are “in the country illegally.”

  • Steve Cropper, guitarist of Booker T and the MGs, dies aged 84

    Steve Cropper, guitarist of Booker T and the MGs, dies aged 84

    The music industry has lost one of its most influential figures with the passing of Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist of Booker T and the MGs, who died Wednesday in Nashville at age 84. According to Associated Press reports confirmed by family sources, Cropper’s death marks the end of an era for soul music enthusiasts worldwide.

    Cropper’s musical legacy stands as a testament to his extraordinary career that spanned decades. As a core member of the iconic quartet Booker T & the MGs, he served as the house band for Memphis’s revolutionary Stax Records, creating the timeless 1962 instrumental hit ‘Green Onions’ that would define an entire generation’s sound.

    Beyond his work with the MGs, Cropper’s creative genius manifested through his collaborations with music legends. He co-wrote and performed on Otis Redding’s timeless classic ‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay’ and Wilson Pickett’s electrifying ‘In The Midnight Hour.’ His songwriting prowess extended to Eddie Floyd’s enduring hit ‘Knock on Wood,’ showcasing his versatile musical vocabulary.

    In the late 1970s, Cropper expanded his artistic reach by joining John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s acclaimed Blues Brothers project, contributing his distinctive guitar work to their celebrated cover of ‘Soul Man.’

    British music publication Mojo recognized his monumental talent by ranking him as the second-greatest guitarist of all time in 1996. Cropper’s philosophy toward music remained humble despite his achievements. ‘I’ve always thought of myself as a rhythm player,’ he revealed in a 2021 Guitar.com interview. ‘I get off on the fact that I can play something over and over and over.’

    His family’s statement, reported by Rolling Stone, captured the profound loss: ‘Steve was a beloved musician, songwriter, and producer whose extraordinary talent touched millions of lives around the world. While we mourn the loss of a husband, father, and friend, we find comfort knowing that Steve will live forever through his music.’

    The cause of death remains undisclosed, though associates confirmed Cropper had been actively working on new music in Nashville until Tuesday. Bandmate Eddie Gore reflected on their final meeting: ‘He’s such a good human. We were blessed to have him, for sure.’

    Cropper’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 cemented his status as a musical innovator whose contributions to Stax Records’ catalog from 1961 through 1970 helped shape the sound of American music. His enduring influence continues to resonate across generations of musicians and music lovers alike.

  • England to get even more positive against Starc threat, says Anderson

    England to get even more positive against Starc threat, says Anderson

    England’s cricket team is preparing an assertive offensive strategy to counter Mitchell Starc’s formidable pink-ball prowess as they enter the crucial second Ashes Test in Brisbane. According to former pace bowling legend James Anderson, the visitors intend to adopt an attacking philosophy rather than defensive tactics against Australia’s premier bowler.

    Australia currently leads the five-match series 1-0 after securing a decisive victory within just two days during the Perth Test. Starc’s remarkable record with the pink ball includes 81 wickets across 14 day-night Tests, featuring five five-wicket hauls, establishing him as Australia’s most threatening bowling asset.

    Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker who retired in July 2024, emphasized in his Daily Mail column that the team would focus on scoring opportunities and applying pressure to disrupt Starc’s rhythm. “The approach involves finding ways to score, to put him under pressure, to knock him off his length,” Anderson explained, noting that Brisbane’s conditions, while less extreme than Perth’s, still offer significant bounce unfamiliar to English players.

    The tactical blueprint includes innovative stroke play, with batsmen like Harry Brook potentially employing lap shots, paddle sweeps, and foot movement to neutralize Starc’s threats. Anderson stressed that improvisation would be central to England’s game plan, requiring players to quickly assess conditions and identify scoring areas rather than attempting conventional drives on bouncy Australian pitches.

    Starc’s dominance was particularly evident in the first Test where he claimed 10 wickets and earned player-of-the-match honors. His ability to strike early—with 25 wickets taken in the first over of Test innings—makes him exceptionally dangerous during the initial 10-20 deliveries of any batting session, whether under daylight or floodlights.

    England must learn from their Perth mistakes where aggressive driving proved ineffective. The team’s success in Brisbane will depend on their ability to adapt to local conditions while maintaining their positive approach against one of cricket’s most formidable pink-ball specialists.