Global Pulse

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  • LA Dodgers’ Alex Vesia shares death of baby daughter after sitting out World Series

    LA Dodgers’ Alex Vesia shares death of baby daughter after sitting out World Series

    Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia, who missed the team’s triumphant World Series campaign against the Toronto Blue Jays, revealed the heartbreaking loss of his infant daughter. Vesia and his wife, Kayla, shared the devastating news on Instagram, disclosing that their newborn passed away on October 26, midway through the championship series. The couple expressed their profound grief, stating, ‘There are no words to describe the pain we’re going through, but we hold her in our hearts and cherish every second we had with her.’

    Prior to the World Series, which spanned from October 24 to November 1, the Dodgers announced Vesia’s absence, citing a ‘deeply personal family matter.’ The Vesias had been anticipating the birth of their first child during the postseason, as noted by Major League Baseball. The team refrained from providing further updates, emphasizing their commitment to giving Vesia the space he needed. Dodgers president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, remarked, ‘This is so much bigger than baseball. For us, it was about doing whatever small part we could to be 100% supportive.’

    In a touching tribute, Dodgers pitchers honored Vesia by inscribing his jersey number, 51, on their caps during the third game of the series. By the sixth game, the Toronto Blue Jays’ pitchers joined in this gesture of solidarity. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his emotions, saying, ‘For these guys to recognize Alex and what he and Kay have gone through—it’s heartbreaking. But for them to acknowledge that speaks to the respect and love they have for one another.’

    The Vesias extended their gratitude to the Dodgers, the Blue Jays, baseball fans, and the medical staff at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles for their support during this difficult time. While the couple did not disclose the cause of their daughter’s passing, they concluded their post with a heartfelt message: ‘Our little angel, we love you forever & you’re with us always.’

  • US Supreme Court issues emergency order to block full SNAP food aid payments

    US Supreme Court issues emergency order to block full SNAP food aid payments

    In a significant development, the US Supreme Court has issued an emergency order to temporarily halt a lower court’s mandate requiring full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food aid payments during the ongoing government shutdown. This decision, made on Friday, has introduced fresh uncertainty for millions of Americans relying on the nation’s largest anti-hunger program. The Trump administration had sought the stay, arguing that it needed to avoid overspending from the available contingency funds. The Supreme Court’s intervention came after the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the administration’s request to pause the lower court’s order. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson granted a two-day halt on the mandate, pending further review by the appeals court. The SNAP program, which supports 42 million Americans—approximately one-eighth of the population—ran out of funding on November 1 for the first time in its history. The administration had planned to use $4.65 billion from a contingency fund to cover 50% of November’s SNAP benefits, but the lower court had demanded full payments. The legal battle continues as the Justice Department prepares to appeal both the recent and earlier rulings.

  • More than 1,000 flights cancelled in US government shutdown fallout

    More than 1,000 flights cancelled in US government shutdown fallout

    The ongoing US government shutdown has led to the cancellation of more than 1,000 flights across the country, causing widespread disruption to air travel. The crisis, now in its sixth week, has left many government employees, including essential airport staff, either working without pay or furloughed at home. The Trump administration has implemented flight reductions to alleviate the strain on air traffic controllers, with cuts affecting 40 major airports, including hubs in Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. The reductions, starting at four per cent, are expected to rise to 10 per cent next week if Congress fails to reach a funding agreement. According to FlightAware, over 1,000 flights scheduled for Friday were cancelled, with significant delays reported at Reagan National Airport in Washington, Denver International, and Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noted average delays of four hours at Reagan National, with 90-minute waits in Phoenix and one-hour delays in Chicago and San Francisco. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed frustration, stating, ‘We don’t need to be in this position.’ The shutdown, driven by a bitter standoff between Republicans and Democrats over health insurance subsidies, has left federal agencies inoperable since funding lapsed on October 1. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blamed Democrats for the shutdown, urging them to vote to reopen the government. President Donald Trump also called on Senate lawmakers to remain in Washington until an agreement is reached. The flight reductions come as the US enters its busiest travel period, with the Thanksgiving holiday approaching. Retiree Werner Buchi and other travellers expressed concerns about the impact on holiday plans. American Airlines reported 220 daily flight cancellations, while Delta Air Lines cut about 170 flights and Southwest Airlines axed around 100 flights. Despite the disruptions, the Trump administration reassured the public that flying remains safe, with Duffy stating, ‘It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking.’ However, many aviation workers are reportedly calling in sick or seeking second jobs to cope with financial stress.

  • How Trump could hamper Zohran Mamdani’s New York agenda

    How Trump could hamper Zohran Mamdani’s New York agenda

    In a dramatic turn of events, Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, has set his sights on a formidable opponent: President Donald Trump. Moments after securing his victory, Mamdani took to the podium to deliver a pointed message to the president, urging him to ‘turn the volume up.’ Trump, never one to shy away from confrontation, responded swiftly on his social media platform, Truth Social, with a cryptic message: ‘…AND SO IT BEGINS!’

  • US: Cleaning woman shot dead by homeowner after arriving at wrong address

    US: Cleaning woman shot dead by homeowner after arriving at wrong address

    A tragic incident unfolded in Whitestown, Indiana, when Maria Florinda Rios Perez de Velasquez, a 32-year-old immigrant from Guatemala and mother of four, was fatally shot after mistakenly arriving at the wrong address. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning when Rios Perez and her husband, Mauricio Velazquez, approached a home they believed was their cleaning assignment. Unbeknownst to them, the residents inside had called 911, reporting a possible burglary. As the couple stood on the porch, a shot was fired through the door, striking Rios Perez in the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that the couple had no intent to break in and were simply at the wrong address. The case has been referred to the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office, which must navigate Indiana’s ‘stand your ground’ law, allowing homeowners to use deadly force if they perceive a threat. The investigation remains ongoing, with no charges filed yet. This incident echoes similar cases nationwide where individuals have been mistakenly targeted due to misidentification.

  • Violinist recounts journey to bring China’s artistry to world stage

    Violinist recounts journey to bring China’s artistry to world stage

    Renowned violinist Siqing Lu is set to grace the stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City on November 23, performing alongside acclaimed pianist Li Jian and principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Hai-Ye Ni. Lu, whose virtuosity has captivated audiences worldwide, aims to transcend cultural boundaries through his music, fostering unity and understanding. In an exclusive interview with China Daily, Lu shared his philosophy on music, emphasizing its power to communicate emotions and connect people on a profound level. Born in Qingdao, China, Lu began his musical journey at the age of four, eventually becoming the youngest student at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. His international education, including studies at the Yehudi Menuhin School in the UK and The Juilliard School in New York, shaped him into a well-rounded artist. Lu’s groundbreaking achievements include being the first Asian violinist to win the gold medal at the Paganini International Violin Competition in 1987. With over two dozen albums to his name, Lu’s renditions of the Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto have garnered global acclaim. Beyond his performances, Lu is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians, founding the Siqing Lu Shenzhen Futian International Strings Festival in 2016. He views his role as a cultural ambassador as both an honor and a responsibility, striving to showcase Chinese artistry on the world stage. Lu’s upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall is a testament to his enduring commitment to bridging cultures through the universal language of music.

  • US firms ground MD-11 cargo planes after Kentucky air disaster

    US firms ground MD-11 cargo planes after Kentucky air disaster

    A catastrophic plane crash involving a UPS cargo aircraft has left Louisville, Kentucky, in a state of devastation. The incident, which occurred during takeoff on Tuesday, claimed at least 14 lives and triggered a massive fire that engulfed nearby buildings, forcing the closure of Louisville International Airport. The UPS MD-11F aircraft, carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, burst into flames after its left engine caught fire and detached mid-takeoff. The resulting inferno gutted several structures, with emergency crews still searching for potential victims. In response, UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded portions of their fleets, specifically MD-11 models, following guidance from Boeing, the aircraft’s manufacturer. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed condolences, stating, ‘We pray for each of the victims’ families and pray that no additional victims are lost.’ UPS emphasized that the grounding of 9% of its fleet was a precautionary measure, assuring that contingency plans are in place to minimize service disruptions. The MD-11, originally manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, has been in service for over three decades, with the involved aircraft transitioning from passenger use with Thai Airways to cargo operations with UPS in 2006. The National Transportation and Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash, which has raised concerns about aviation safety in the United States.

  • James Watson, co-discoverer of DNA’s double helix, dead at 97

    James Watson, co-discoverer of DNA’s double helix, dead at 97

    James D. Watson, the renowned American biologist who co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA, has died at the age of 97. His groundbreaking work in 1953 laid the foundation for modern genetics and catalyzed the biotechnology revolution. Watson’s death was confirmed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island, where he spent much of his career. According to The New York Times, he passed away this week at a hospice in the same region. Watson’s discovery, made alongside Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962. Despite his scientific achievements, Watson’s later years were marred by controversy due to his contentious remarks on race and genetics. His legacy remains a complex blend of monumental scientific contributions and polarizing public statements.

  • Disney, YouTube TV remain in talks to restore ABC and ESPN

    Disney, YouTube TV remain in talks to restore ABC and ESPN

    Disney and YouTube TV are still engaged in discussions to reinstate ABC and ESPN on the platform after the networks were removed due to a failed licensing agreement. The negotiations, which began earlier this year, have been marked by disputes over terms and concessions. Disney has proposed a deal that would cost less than the previous agreement, potentially allowing YouTube TV to pass savings on to its customers. However, YouTube TV has been reluctant to accept terms it deems below market value. The removal of Disney’s networks, including ABC and ESPN, has left millions of YouTube TV subscribers without access to key programming, particularly during significant events like Election Day coverage. Both companies have issued separate statements acknowledging the ongoing talks but have yet to reach a resolution. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for the future of pay-TV services and content distribution.

  • Thousands of US flights cancelled or delayed over government shutdown cuts

    Thousands of US flights cancelled or delayed over government shutdown cuts

    The ongoing US government shutdown has triggered widespread disruptions in air travel, with over 5,000 flights canceled or delayed on Friday as new mandates forced airlines to reduce operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented emergency measures, cutting flights by 4% initially, with plans to increase reductions to 10% by next week. These measures aim to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers and other federal employees who have been working without pay since the shutdown began last month. The staffing crisis has led to fatigue among controllers, raising safety concerns and prompting unions to voice their frustrations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that flight cuts could escalate to 20% if the shutdown persists. Meanwhile, travelers faced significant inconveniences, with many rebooking flights or seeking alternative transportation. The shutdown has also impacted federal workers, including air traffic controllers, who are struggling to make ends meet. On Capitol Hill, negotiations between Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked, with no clear resolution in sight. President Donald Trump has suggested ending the Senate filibuster to pass a funding bill, but this proposal lacks bipartisan support. The shutdown, now the longest in US history, continues to strain essential services and workers across the nation.