Global Pulse

标签： North America

北美洲

  • Trump signs order declaring national emergency to ‘safeguard Venezuelan oil revenue’: White House

    Trump signs order declaring national emergency to ‘safeguard Venezuelan oil revenue’: White House

    In a significant escalation of US policy toward Venezuela, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Friday declaring a national emergency to protect Venezuelan oil revenues held in United States Treasury accounts. The White House announced this unprecedented measure aims to shield these funds from legal claims and judicial processes, ensuring they serve American foreign policy objectives rather than private creditors.

    The executive order specifically blocks all forms of judicial action—including attachments, judgments, liens, executions, and garnishments—against what are termed Foreign Government Deposit Funds. These assets comprise revenues generated from Venezuelan oil and diluent sales currently held within US Treasury accounts. The order further prohibits any transfers or dealings involving these funds unless explicitly authorized, effectively overriding any previous executive orders that might have restricted or regulated them.

    According to the presidential declaration, the potential seizure of these assets through legal channels represents “an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States,” originating primarily from outside the country. The White House emphasized that these funds constitute sovereign property of Venezuela maintained in US custody strictly for governmental and diplomatic purposes, explicitly excluding them from private claims.

    The administration clarified that the United States government will maintain these funds “solely in a custodial and governmental capacity, and not as a market participant,” with no intention of utilizing them for commercial activities within the country. This development follows recent statements by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicating that the United States plans to not only market Venezuela’s stored oil but also indefinitely control sales of the country’s oil output, signaling a prolonged American oversight of Venezuela’s primary economic resource.

  • Expanding lanes, parking spaces: Dubai rolls out 6 road projects in January 2026

    Expanding lanes, parking spaces: Dubai rolls out 6 road projects in January 2026

    Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the successful completion of six significant road network enhancement projects during January 2026 as part of its comprehensive infrastructure development strategy. These initiatives represent the latest phase in Dubai’s ongoing commitment to improving urban mobility and addressing the city’s growing transportation needs.

    The completed projects feature substantial infrastructure upgrades across multiple districts, including the construction of new internal roads in Nad Al Sheba 1, Al Warqa 3, and Wadi Al Safa communities. In the Al Mizhar area, authorities have modernized a key roundabout and expanded parking facilities near GEMS Founders School to alleviate congestion during peak hours.

    A major achievement includes the comprehensive traffic expansion along Al Warqa’a 1 Street, covering a 7-kilometer stretch in both directions between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Ras Al Khor Road. This project involved the conversion of four traditional roundabouts into intelligent signalized intersections, resulting in a documented 30% improvement in traffic flow efficiency.

    Additional enhancements include the redevelopment of a critical roundabout in Mirdif to optimize traffic movement, lane expansion at the Oud Maitha Road and Sheikh Rashid Road intersection bridge toward Al Khail Road, and the creation of supplementary parking spaces around Dubai Heights Academy in Al Barsha South.

    The RTA has implemented these projects using rapid construction techniques and smart traffic solutions, focusing particularly on improving access routes, exits, and internal road networks. These developments align with Dubai’s broader vision of creating a seamless transportation ecosystem that supports continued urban growth and enhances quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

  • ‘I had no electricity for six months’: US families struggle with soaring energy prices

    ‘I had no electricity for six months’: US families struggle with soaring energy prices

    A deepening energy affordability crisis is gripping American households as skyrocketing utility bills force millions into severe debt and service disconnections. The plight of Kristy Hallowell, a 44-year-old New York resident, exemplifies the nationwide struggle. After losing her job, Hallowell faced an unexpected tripling of her energy bill to $1,800 monthly, resulting in complete service termination that left her family relying on generators for six months during 2025.

    Recent analysis of consumer credit data reveals nearly one in twenty U.S. households now risk having utility debt sent to collections this winter. The severity of overdue payments has intensified, with the number of severely delinquent accounts increasing by 3.8% during the first half of President Donald Trump’s second term.

    Despite campaign promises to slash energy costs by half, the Trump administration confronts a harsh reality: electricity prices surged 6.9% year-over-year in November, significantly outpacing overall inflation. The White House attributes persistent economic pressures to former President Biden’s policies and Federal Reserve interest rates, while simultaneously proposing cuts to federal assistance programs for low-income households’ energy bills.

    Multiple structural factors drive the crisis. Natural gas prices have jumped dramatically, affecting nearly half of U.S. electricity generation. Simultaneously, the artificial intelligence boom has created unprecedented demand from energy-intensive data centers, particularly in states like Virginia. Experts warn that the administration’s rollback of clean energy initiatives—including paused offshore wind projects—further exacerbates price pressures by increasing dependence on foreign oil.

    Laurie Wheelock of New York’s Public Utility Law Project reports utility debts have ballooned from pre-pandemic averages of $400-$900 to frequently exceeding $6,000. Winter heating costs are projected to jump 9.2% this season, compounding financial distress across all regions from California to Georgia.

    While some states like Virginia are implementing tiered rate systems to shield residential customers from data center energy demands, federal solutions remain contentious. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent maintains electricity pricing is a ‘state problem,’ while analysts argue national clean energy investment could provide relief. For millions of Americans like Hallowell, who still faces $3,000 in utility debt despite partial service restoration, the crisis shows no signs of abating.

  • US military strikes Islamic State group targets in Syria, officials say

    US military strikes Islamic State group targets in Syria, officials say

    In a significant military escalation, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the execution of large-scale airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets across Syria. The operation, authorized directly by President Donald Trump, represents a forceful response to the December 13th ambush in Palmyra that resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.

    Dubbed Operation Hawkeye Strike, the mission involved a formidable coalition of air assets. An official speaking to CBS News detailed that over 20 aircraft, including F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130J gunships, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and Jordanian F-16 fighter jets, delivered more than 90 precision-guided munitions against in excess of 35 confirmed ISIS targets.

    The strategic objective, as stated by CENTCOM, is twofold: to degrade terrorist capabilities and to ensure the security of US and partner forces operating within the region. The command issued a stark warning on social media platform X: ‘Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice.’

    This recent action is part of a sustained campaign. Prior to Saturday’s strikes, CENTCOM reported that nearly 25 ISIS operatives had been killed or captured in 11 separate missions conducted between December 20th and 29th. The operation commenced with a massive joint US-Jordanian assault on December 19th, which employed over 100 precision munitions against more than 70 targets.

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the operation not as the start of a new war but as a ‘declaration of vengeance,’ affirming the administration’s unwavering commitment to defending American personnel. The exact location of the latest strikes and assessments regarding enemy casualties remain undisclosed at this time.

    The ongoing operations occur against a complex geopolitical backdrop. Syria remains in a fragile state following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, which concluded a devastating 13-year civil war. The country is now under the control of rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Jolani). Although significantly weakened, ISIS persists as an active insurgent threat, primarily conducting attacks against Kurdish-led forces in the nation’s northeast.

  • ‘The answer cannot be nothing’: The battle over Canada’s mystery brain disease

    ‘The answer cannot be nothing’: The battle over Canada’s mystery brain disease

    A perplexing medical saga unfolding in Canada’s New Brunswick province has sparked intense debate between patients, physicians, and scientific authorities regarding the existence of a mysterious neurological condition affecting hundreds of residents.

    The controversy began in early 2019 when hospital officials identified two patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare and fatal brain disorder. While the CJD cases were contained, neurologist Dr. Alier Marrero revealed he had been documenting patients with similar yet unexplained symptoms for several years. These cases displayed a bewildering array of neurological manifestations including rapid-onset dementia, muscle atrophy, hallucinations, movement disorders, and cognitive impairments—particularly concerning as they appeared in unusually young patients.

    Dr. Marrero’s cluster of suspected cases expanded dramatically from initially 20 to approximately 500 patients over five years. The Cuban-born neurologist, described by patients as exceptionally compassionate and thorough, pursued extensive testing while reporting to Canada’s Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Surveillance System. Despite negative results for known prion diseases, Marrero grew convinced of an environmental connection, specifically pointing to glyphosate herbicides used in provincial forestry operations.

    The situation escalated in March 2021 when a leaked government memo brought public attention to the apparent syndrome, dubbed ‘New Brunswick Neurological Syndrome of Unknown Cause.’ Federal scientists initially supported investigation efforts, with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research offering $5 million for research. However, provincial authorities abruptly suspended collaboration and declined the funding, citing concerns about Marrero’s methodologies and what they perceived as circumvention of proper channels.

    Subsequent government investigations concluded in February 2022 that no common environmental cause or unified condition existed among patients. This conclusion was bolstered by a May 2025 study published in JAMA that examined 25 patients from the cluster. The research, led by Toronto neurologist Dr. Anthony Lang, found all patients suffered from previously identified conditions including functional neurological disorder (FND), various dementias, and other established diagnoses. The study attributed the apparent cluster to serial misdiagnosis amplified by media attention, pandemic-related institutional distrust, and limitations in provincial healthcare resources.

    The scientific consensus has sparked outrage among many patients who remain fiercely loyal to Dr. Marrero. Advocates including Bloodwatch director Kat Lanteigne allege a government cover-up of environmental contamination and have challenged the JAMA study’s ethics and methodology. Meanwhile, patients who sought second opinions through the provincially-run Mind Clinic have received diagnoses for conditions such as FND—a complex disorder where psychological factors manifest as physical symptoms without structural neurological damage.

    The human impact remains profound. Several patients have deteriorated significantly, with at least one opting for medical assistance in dying (MAID) and others considering it. Jillian Lucas, who developed symptoms after caring for her affected stepfather, represents those caught between seeking answers and facing deteriorating health: ‘I have a limit in my mind of how far I can go.’

    Dr. Marrero continues to treat patients outside the provincial system, maintaining his conviction about an unidentified neurological syndrome. As debates continue regarding medical ethics, diagnostic accuracy, and environmental safety, hundreds of patients and families await resolution while navigating uncertain medical futures.

  • Dubai: Indian star Samantha Ruth Prabhu urges women to take control of their health decisions

    Dubai: Indian star Samantha Ruth Prabhu urges women to take control of their health decisions

    At the prestigious 1 Billion Summit in Dubai, Indian actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu delivered a powerful call to action for women to reclaim authority over their healthcare decisions. The event, recognized as one of the globe’s largest gatherings for content creators, served as the platform for Prabhu’s heartfelt advocacy stemming from her personal battle with an autoimmune disease.

    Prabhu recounted the profound disorientation she experienced following her diagnosis, describing an initial period of darkness and confusion. “When I first started looking for answers, I found myself in an overwhelming abyss of information without clear direction,” she revealed. Her journey toward healing required a complete two-year hiatus from her acting career—a privilege she acknowledges isn’t available to everyone.

    This recognition inspired the creation of her podcast ‘Take 20’, which aims to democratize access to evidence-based health information. Through expert interviews and candid discussions, the podcast provides listeners with the tools to navigate their wellness journeys with confidence and clarity.

    The panel discussion featured insights from celebrity nutritionist Mona Sharma and wellness advocate Shayoon, who expanded on the systemic challenges in women’s healthcare. Sharma highlighted how medical frameworks have historically been designed through a male-centric lens, leading to the dismissal of women’s symptoms. “Technology now enables us to access female-specific research and data that was previously nonexistent,” Sharma noted, emphasizing how digital tools can personalize healthcare understanding.

    Shayoon addressed the emotional dimensions of wellness, pointing out that many high-achieving women silently endure chronic stress. She advocated for morning gratitude practices and 40-minute daily meditation sessions as foundational to emotional and physical health. “The prerequisite to everything is addressing what’s happening emotionally,” she asserted. “Without this foundation, reaching one’s highest potential remains elusive.”

    Together, these voices formed a unified message: women must challenge outdated medical norms, leverage technology for personalized health insights, and prioritize emotional wellbeing as the cornerstone of comprehensive health management.

  • ‘Racing against time’: Death toll rises after Philippines trash site collapse

    ‘Racing against time’: Death toll rises after Philippines trash site collapse

    Emergency crews in Cebu City, Philippines, are engaged in a critical round-the-clock operation to locate survivors following the catastrophic collapse of a massive garbage mound at the privately operated Binaliw Landfill. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, buried approximately 50 sanitation workers under tons of refuse that fell from what officials estimate was a height equivalent to a 20-story building.

    As of Saturday, the confirmed death toll has risen to six individuals, with 32 people still unaccounted for amidst the unstable wreckage. Rescue teams have successfully extracted twelve employees alive from the debris, all of whom have been hospitalized for treatment.

    The rescue operation faces significant challenges due to the continuously shifting nature of the landfill material. Jo Reyes, a Cebu rescue official, reported that operations must periodically halt as the garbage mound continues to move, creating additional hazards for rescue personnel. The situation is further complicated by large metal beams that have trapped victims, requiring specialized equipment to cut through the obstructions.

    Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, who chairs the city’s disaster council, emphasized the urgency of the mission, stating, ‘We are racing against time, that’s why our deployment is 24/7.’ The city has deployed 20 trucks equipped with hydraulic cranes and cutting attachments to assist rescuers who must crawl through blocked areas to reach potential survivors.

    Families of the missing workers maintain vigil at the site, hoping for positive news amidst the grim circumstances. Councilor Joel Garganera described the emotional atmosphere, noting, ‘We are hoping against hope here and praying for miracles.’

    The disaster has raised serious questions about landfill safety protocols, with Garganera pointing out that the garbage mountain’s sponge-like properties made it particularly vulnerable to collapse, especially during rainfall. The facility, operated by Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, processes approximately 1,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily and serves as the primary waste management provider for Cebu and surrounding communities. The company has not responded to multiple inquiries regarding the incident.

    The collapse has created a dual crisis for the region, simultaneously causing human tragedy while disrupting essential waste management services for the entire metropolitan area.

  • India’s Shubman Gill calls it ‘destiny’ after shock T20 World Cup snub

    India’s Shubman Gill calls it ‘destiny’ after shock T20 World Cup snub

    Indian cricket star Shubman Gill has responded with philosophical acceptance after selectors delivered the stunning decision to exclude him from India’s T20 World Cup squad. The 26-year-old batsman, who maintains captaincy roles in both Test and ODI formats, addressed media in Vadodara ahead of India’s one-day series against New Zealand.

    Gill’s recent performance statistics in T20 internationals revealed a concerning trend, with merely 291 runs accumulated across his previous 15 appearances at an average of 24.25. This statistical decline ultimately influenced the selection committee’s controversial verdict.

    ‘My personal philosophy centers on believing I am precisely where I’m meant to be in life,’ Gill stated. ‘Whatever destiny has ordained for me, I shall receive. While my primary ambition remains winning matches for my nation, I respectfully accept the selectors’ decision and extend my fullest support to the T20 squad.’

    The upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka between February 7 and March 8, will see India defend their title under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. Meanwhile, Gill’s immediate focus shifts to the ODI series against New Zealand, where he’ll captain a team featuring veteran icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

    Both Kohli (37) and Sharma (38), having retired from T20 and Test cricket following India’s triumphant 2024 World Cup campaign in Barbados, continue to demonstrate exceptional form in the 50-over format. Gill emphasized the invaluable perspective these seasoned players bring to leadership dynamics.

    ‘Their presence significantly simplifies captaincy responsibilities,’ Gill noted. ‘When confronting challenging situations, their accumulated experience provides crucial strategic insight. Consulting them regarding decision-making processes offers immense value to any captain.’

  • Iran’s army asks public to thwart ‘enemy’s plots’, says will protect property

    Iran’s army asks public to thwart ‘enemy’s plots’, says will protect property

    Iran’s armed forces have issued a unified call for public vigilance against what they term ‘enemy plots’ while vowing to protect national infrastructure amid the most significant civil unrest in years. The military’s statement, released Saturday, coincided with separate warnings from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) characterizing national security as an inviolable ‘red line’.

    The demonstrations, initially sparked by economic grievances including rampant inflation, have rapidly evolved into political challenges against the clerical establishment. According to human rights organizations documenting the crisis, at least 65 fatalities have been confirmed—including 50 protesters and 15 security personnel—with over 2,500 arrests reported nationwide.

    International tensions have escalated concurrently, with U.S. President Donald Trump issuing provocative statements suggesting potential American intervention. ‘You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too,’ Trump declared Friday, amplifying his administration’s support for demonstrators.

    Iranian authorities maintain that external actors, particularly Israel and ‘hostile terrorist groups,’ are orchestrating the unrest. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused protesters of acting as foreign ‘mercenaries,’ while state media broadcasts footage of security force funerals and attributes violence to ‘rioters.’

    The government’s response has included widespread internet restrictions and deployment of both conventional military and IRGC units. Medical professionals in northwestern regions report treating numerous protesters with severe injuries including gunshot wounds, blunt force trauma, and fractures.

    Reza Pahlavi, US-based son of Iran’s deposed monarch, has emerged as an influential voice advocating for escalated demonstrations and nationwide strikes. However, the White House has indicated reluctance to formally endorse any opposition figure during the ongoing crisis.

    European powers including France, Britain and Germany have jointly condemned the violence, urging Iranian authorities to exercise restraint while expressing concern over protester fatalities. The situation represents the most substantial challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership since the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom movement, testing the regime’s stability amid economic hardship and international isolation.

  • Building a tower in 12 days, near bankruptcy: Emaar founder shares lessons in success

    Building a tower in 12 days, near bankruptcy: Emaar founder shares lessons in success

    Prominent Emirati entrepreneur Mohammed Al Abbar, founder of Emaar Properties, delivered a remarkably candid address at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, blending humorous anecdotes with profound business insights drawn from both his spectacular successes and costly failures.

    Al Abbar revealed a groundbreaking development in construction technology stemming from a direct mandate from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The President instructed him to investigate revolutionary Chinese construction capabilities, resulting in Al Abbar’s discovery of factory-based high-rise production achieving what he described as ‘mind-blowing’ results—a 15-story tower assembled in merely 12 days.

    This transformative technology utilizes advanced prefabrication, robotics, and automated processes that not only dramatically accelerate construction timelines but also offer significantly enhanced sustainability compared to conventional methods. Al Abbar highlighted that this innovation is already being implemented in Abu Dhabi, with expectations that mass adoption will substantially reduce costs.

    Beyond technological advancements, Al Abbar shared hard-earned financial wisdom, particularly emphasizing the dangers of debt accumulation. ‘Don’t borrow,’ he cautioned attendees, reflecting on his own near-bankruptcy experience during his 1997 retail operations in Singapore. ‘Borrowing injured me deeply. I minimized my borrowing to the maximum, and that saved me all my life,’ he stated, noting the particular importance of this approach in today’s volatile global economy.

    The visionary behind iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa also discussed Emaar’s costly missteps, including a failed expansion into the US market that resulted in over $1 billion in losses but provided invaluable lessons. He stressed that innovation must be coupled with humility and relentless effort, emphasizing that success is never guaranteed regardless of past achievements.

    Al Abbar concluded with empowering advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: ‘You are not going to do everything right. Failing is also learning. The real question is whether you can stand up again.’ His presentation formed part of the three-day 1 Billion Followers Summit, one of the world’s largest gatherings for content creators, hosted across Emirates Towers, the Museum of the Future, and DIFC.