Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • Minnesota governor slams ‘another horrific shooting’ by federal agents

    Minnesota governor slams ‘another horrific shooting’ by federal agents

    Minnesota’s political landscape faces renewed turmoil as Governor Tim Walz publicly condemned federal immigration authorities for what he termed ‘another horrific shooting’ in Minneapolis. The incident occurred less than three weeks after the fatal shooting of civilian Renee Good by federal agents, further escalating tensions in the region.

    According to eyewitness accounts and circulating unverified footage, the altercation involved multiple gunshots near the intersection of 26th Street W and Nicollet Avenue. The video evidence suggests at least one individual wearing law enforcement gear marked ‘POLICE’ was present during the disturbance where a person appeared to be shot.

    The Minneapolis city administration confirmed awareness of the incident involving federal law enforcement personnel but withheld further details pending investigation. Governor Walz utilized social media platform X to express his outrage, stating: ‘I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening.’

    The governor issued a direct appeal to presidential leadership, demanding: ‘The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now.’ This statement references the substantial deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to the Democratic-led city as part of President Donald Trump’s nationwide initiative to detain and deport undocumented immigrants.

    The current crisis builds upon existing community unrest stemming from the January 7th shooting of Renee Good, a United States citizen, by federal agents. Medical examiners classified Good’s death as a homicide, though this designation doesn’t inherently imply criminal wrongdoing. Officer Jonathan Ross, who discharged the fatal shots, remains on active duty without suspension or criminal charges.

    Public outrage intensified further this week with the detention of a five-year-old child during an operation targeting his father, adding another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding federal immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota.

  • Snow, ice hit western, central US as massive storm sweeps nation

    Snow, ice hit western, central US as massive storm sweeps nation

    A formidable Arctic onslaught has unleashed a cascade of snow and freezing rain across the western and central United States, advancing relentlessly toward the Northeast. This immense weather system poses severe threats of widespread blackouts, transportation gridlock, and perilously cold conditions for tens of millions of Americans.

    In anticipation of the storm’s fury, which the National Weather Service (NWS) warned could produce ‘catastrophic’ ice accumulations, consumers engaged in frantic stockpiling, emptying supermarket shelves. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that a staggering 240 million individuals could feel the storm’s impact, prompting at least 16 states and Washington D.C. to preemptively declare states of emergency.

    The travel sector experienced immediate disruption, with over 3,400 U.S. flights canceled and an additional 1,100 delayed on Saturday alone, according to data from FlightAware. Southern metropolises like Dallas saw temperatures plunge to 21°F (-6°C) amid freezing rain. Houston Mayor John Whitmire urgently advised the city’s residents to secure themselves in place for the next 72 hours, with warming centers being activated to assist those in need.

    Officials in Texas sought to provide assurances that the state’s power grid was substantially more resilient than during the catastrophic failure five years prior, which had left millions without electricity in deadly conditions. The storm has already deposited up to six inches (15 cm) of snow in parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas.

    Meteorologists project the system will subsequently batter the densely populated mid-Atlantic and northeastern regions before a lingering frigid air mass sets in. The NWS cautioned that icy surfaces from snow and sleet will present persistently dangerous travel conditions well into the following week. Consequently, the federal government announced the preemptive closure of its offices on Monday.

    The scientific community attributes the storm’s intensity to a distorted polar vortex—a vast area of cold, low-pressure air in the Arctic. This system, which typically remains compact, has stretched and sent Arctic air spilling into North America. While a growing body of research suggests climate change may be increasing the frequency of such polar vortex disruptions, the phenomenon remains a subject of ongoing scientific debate, intertwined with natural climate variability.

    Amid the crisis, political figures responded differently. New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned that mere minutes outdoors could pose serious health risks, urging citizens to protect property and check on vulnerable neighbors. Conversely, former President Donald Trump, from Washington, used the event to question the reality of global warming on his social media platform.

    Authorities issued grave warnings about life-threatening wind chills, potentially diving below -50°F (-45°C) in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, where frostbite can occur within minutes. The severe conditions have also forced the rescheduling of numerous professional and collegiate sporting events.

  • Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariff if it completes China trade deal

    Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariff if it completes China trade deal

    In a significant escalation of North American trade tensions, former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Canada regarding its potential trade agreement with China. Should Prime Minister Mark Carney finalize the proposed trade deal with Beijing, Trump has pledged to impose comprehensive 100% tariffs on all Canadian goods entering the United States.

    The diplomatic relationship between the neighboring nations has deteriorated substantially since Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025. The current friction stems from Carney’s recent visit to China, where he announced a preliminary trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs between Ottawa and Beijing. Trump responded vehemently on his Truth Social platform, asserting that Canada would become a ‘Drop Off Port’ for Chinese products destined for American markets if the agreement proceeds.

    Trump’s rhetoric intensified with dramatic claims that China would ‘completely devour’ Canada, potentially destroying its business sector, social fabric, and way of life. This exchange represents the latest development in an ongoing war of words between the two leaders that began at the World Economic Forum in Davos. There, Carney received a standing ovation for his critique of the ‘rupture’ in the US-led global order—a remark widely interpreted as targeting Trump’s unconventional foreign policy approach.

    The confrontation has extended beyond trade matters, with Trump rescinding Carney’s invitation to participate in his proposed ‘Board of Peace’—an initiative initially conceived to address postwar Gaza but now apparently expanding into a broader international conflict resolution body that some observers view as a potential rival to the United Nations.

    Despite the heated rhetoric, Canada maintains substantial economic dependence on its southern neighbor, with over 75% of Canadian exports destined for US markets. While previous Trump tariffs affected key Canadian industries including automotive, aluminum, and steel sectors, the existing North American free trade framework has somewhat mitigated the economic impact. With negotiations to revise this agreement scheduled for this year, Trump’s repeated assertions that the United States doesn’t require access to Canadian products suggest potentially sweeping consequences for Canada’s economy.

    The situation remains particularly volatile given Trump’s additional threats of Canadian annexation, recently symbolized by a social media post depicting Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela under the American flag. This developing diplomatic crisis unfolds as both nations, along with Mexico, prepare to co-host the upcoming World Cup.

  • Franzoni gains Olympic boost edging Odermatt in Kitzbuehel downhill

    Franzoni gains Olympic boost edging Odermatt in Kitzbuehel downhill

    In a stunning pre-Olympic upset, Italian skier Giovanni Franzoni captured victory at the prestigious Kitzbuehel downhill event on Saturday, edging out Swiss favorite Marco Odermatt by a mere 0.07 seconds. The World Cup race, often hailed as alpine skiing’s equivalent of the Super Bowl, saw Franzoni complete the challenging 3.3km Streif course in 1 minute 52.31 seconds under overcast conditions before tens of thousands of spectators.

    The 24-year-old Italian, who previously never considered himself a downhill specialist, delivered a technically masterful run reaching speeds of 144 km/h (89 mph) while navigating the course’s notorious 80-meter jumps and extreme 85% gradient sections. France’s Maxence Muzaton claimed third place at 0.39 seconds behind the leader, despite starting with the disadvantageous bib number 29.

    Franzoni emotionally dedicated his victory to former teammate Matteo Franzoso, who tragically died in a training accident in Chile last September. “I had an emotional moment at the start because of Matteo,” Franzoni revealed. “This is the race to dedicate to him because of Kitzbuehel’s legendary status. I know he’s watching from heaven.”

    The win marks only Franzoni’s second World Cup victory but carries extraordinary significance as the ultimate achievement in downhill skiing. “Taking a first podium in Wengen and a first victory in Kitzbuehel is unbelievable,” he stated. “Every downhill skier wants to win here—it’s everyone’s dream.”

    For Odermatt, the current super-G champion who had won three of four World Cup downhills this season, the narrow defeat proved particularly painful. “I feel stupid that I can be that disappointed about second place,” the Swiss skier admitted. “Victory was my big goal, my big dream. I didn’t make it.”

    The event attracted celebrity spectators including former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp, football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who declared the Hahnenkamm “the best run with the best athletes” before enthusiastically listing his favorite Austrian foods.

    Notably, the competition concluded without serious crashes on a course known for dangerous wipeouts, providing positive momentum ahead of the February 6-22 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics where Franzoni will compete with newfound confidence on home snow.

  • Djokovic ‘hanging in there’ after landmark 400th Slam win

    Djokovic ‘hanging in there’ after landmark 400th Slam win

    Tennis legend Novak Djokovic reached an unprecedented milestone at the Australian Open on Saturday, becoming the first player in history to secure 400 Grand Slam match victories. The 38-year-old Serbian champion demonstrated his enduring prowess with a commanding 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) triumph over Dutch competitor Botic van de Zandschulp during their third-round encounter.

    The record-shattering performance occurred before an enthusiastic center court audience, extending Djokovic’s existing record for major tournament wins. This achievement places him significantly ahead of tennis icons Roger Federer (369 wins) and Serena Williams (365 wins). Additionally, the victory marked Djokovic’s 102nd win at Melbourne Park, equaling Federer’s record for most Australian Open singles victories at the venue where he has claimed ten championships.

    Despite his dominant performance, Djokovic faced physical challenges during the match, including a concerning tumble that required medical attention for foot issues. The fourth-seeded player displayed moments of frustration but ultimately demonstrated his trademark resilience during the critical tiebreak.

    Reflecting on his continued competitiveness against younger opponents, Djokovic remarked: ‘I’m still trying to give these young guys a push for their money. I’m still around. I’m hanging in there.’ While acknowledging the exceptional current form of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, whom he identified as the world’s top two players, Djokovic maintained that ‘when you enter the court and the ball rolls, you always have a chance.’

    The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who has been tied with Margaret Court’s record since his 2023 US Open victory, advances to face either Czech rising star Jakub Mensik or American debutant Ethan Quinn in the fourth round. Djokovic emphasized a cautious approach moving forward, noting lessons learned from last year’s Grand Slam performances where excitement led to premature injuries.

  • Ukraine says deadly Russian strikes threaten US-backed peace talks

    Ukraine says deadly Russian strikes threaten US-backed peace talks

    Ukraine has accused Russia of deliberately sabotaging U.S.-mediated peace negotiations through a series of deadly military strikes occurring simultaneously with diplomatic talks in Abu Dhabi. The attacks resulted in one fatality and 27 injuries across Kyiv and Kharkiv, while thousands endured sub-zero temperatures without heating due to damaged energy infrastructure.

    Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga condemned the coordinated assault, stating President Vladimir Putin’s missiles ‘hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table’ as delegations convened to advance the American-led peace process. The talks marked the first direct contact between Ukrainian and Russian officials since last summer’s Istanbul meetings, with discussions focusing on parameters for ending the conflict.

    The core dispute remains the status of Donbas territory, with Moscow demanding complete Ukrainian withdrawal from the eastern region—a condition Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. The Kremlin reaffirmed this position hours after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Putin in Moscow, emphasizing territorial control as ‘a very important condition’ for any settlement.

    Energy infrastructure suffered severe damage, with Ukraine’s largest provider DTEK reporting 88,000 families temporarily without power in Kyiv alone. The northern Chernigiv region experienced even more extensive blackouts affecting ‘hundreds of thousands’ after strikes critical energy facilities. President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously declared a state of emergency in the energy sector following systematic Russian targeting of heating and electricity supplies.

    While diplomatic efforts have intensified, including Zelensky’s meeting with Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum where they discussed post-war security guarantees, the fundamental territorial impasse appears unresolved. Trump previously pressured Ukraine to accept terms viewed as capitulation, remarking both parties would be ‘stupid’ if they failed to reach an agreement.

  • Oaklands Ave, Ferntree Gully: Two dead in horror crash, driver taken to hospital

    Oaklands Ave, Ferntree Gully: Two dead in horror crash, driver taken to hospital

    A devastating single-vehicle collision in Melbourne’s eastern suburb of Ferntree Gully has resulted in two fatalities, with the driver currently hospitalized under police supervision. The tragic incident occurred on Oaklands Avenue shortly before 6:00 PM on Saturday evening when the vehicle collided with a stationary pole.

    Victoria Police confirmed that two unidentified passengers succumbed to their injuries at the crash scene despite emergency response efforts. The surviving driver was transported to a medical facility with injuries and remains under official guard as investigations continue.

    Detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit have launched a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. Authorities are appealing to potential witnesses and anyone with relevant dashcam footage or information to contact Crime Stoppers to assist with the ongoing investigation.

    The accident’s location at the intersection of Oaklands Avenue and Burwood Highway, a significant transportation corridor in Melbourne’s eastern region, prompted immediate road closures. The Department of Transport implemented full closures in both directions east of Commercial Road to facilitate emergency response and investigation procedures.

    This tragedy adds to Victoria’s concerning road safety statistics, with the Transport Accident Commission reporting 16 fatalities on state roads since the beginning of the year. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances that led to this devastating outcome.

  • Tropical Cyclone Luana smashes Western Australian coastline north of Broome

    Tropical Cyclone Luana smashes Western Australian coastline north of Broome

    Tropical Cyclone Luana has struck the Western Australian coastline, unleashing destructive weather conditions across the Kimberley region. The Category 2 system made landfall north of Broome approximately 2,000 kilometers north of Perth on Saturday afternoon, bringing with it sustained winds of 95 km/h and powerful gusts reaching 130 km/h.

    According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), the cyclone is tracking east-southeast at 12 km/h, posing significant threats to communities throughout northern Australia. Meteorologist Jonathan How warned that Luana would continue generating dangerous weather patterns throughout the long weekend, including damaging winds up to 120 km/h and heavy rainfall likely to cause flash flooding.

    Emergency services have issued a Cyclone Emergency Warning for areas between Coulomb Point and Cape Leveque, emphasizing the immediate threat to lives and property. Evacuation centers have been activated at Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre and Derby Civic Centre to accommodate residents fleeing the dangerous conditions.

    The weather system is expected to move southward, bringing substantial rainfall to Western Australia’s interior early next week. Current forecasts predict 150-200mm of precipitation for the West Kimberley region over the next 48 hours, with a flood watch remaining in effect across broad sections of the state. The cyclone is projected to weaken below tropical cyclone strength by Sunday morning as it moves further inland.

  • Residents in Victoria’s Otways urged to take shelter as bushfire jumps containment lines

    Residents in Victoria’s Otways urged to take shelter as bushfire jumps containment lines

    Residents across Victoria’s Otways region are confronting a severe bushfire crisis as a major blaze that ignited on January 10th has breached containment lines near Gellibrand. Emergency services escalated warnings to critical levels on Saturday afternoon as the fire advanced toward populated areas.

    The Carlisle River fire, which has already consumed over 5,000 hectares of land, prompted immediate shelter-in-place orders for communities south of the fire front including Beech Forest, Ferguson, Gellibrand and Wyelangta. Official emergency alerts stated unequivocally: ‘This fire is threatening homes and lives. You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.’

    Emergency coordinators warned of an impending wind shift expected around 5:30 PM that would drive the fire northeast toward Barongarook, creating potentially lethal and unpredictable conditions. Residents in northern and eastern sectors received urgent evacuation directives while those in the direct path were advised that evacuation was no longer safe.

    The crisis unfolds amid an intense heatwave gripping Victoria from January 24-30, prompting total fire bans across the state. More than 30 emergency vehicles are actively combating the blaze, with an Emergency Relief Center established at Colac Showgrounds for displaced residents.

    This emergency represents one of the most significant fire events of the season, testing Victoria’s emergency response systems during extreme weather conditions that continue to challenge containment efforts.

  • Boy, 12, dies from injuries after Sydney shark attack

    Boy, 12, dies from injuries after Sydney shark attack

    Sydney’s community is grappling with tragedy following the death of twelve-year-old Nico Antic, who passed away in hospital days after sustaining critical injuries in a shark attack. The incident occurred on January 18th when the Argentine-born boy was jumping from rock ledges with friends in Sydney Harbour.

    Authorities suspect a bull shark was responsible for the attack that left Nico with severe leg injuries. Despite immediate rescue efforts by his courageous friends and emergency medical response, the young victim could not be saved. Nico underwent emergency surgery at Sydney Children’s Hospital and was placed in an induced coma before his condition deteriorated.

    In an emotional statement, grieving parents Lorena and Juan Antic remembered their son as “a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit.” They added: “He was always full of life and that’s how we’ll remember him.”

    The tragedy forms part of a concerning pattern along Australia’s east coast, with four separate shark incidents reported within a 48-hour period. On Monday, a surfer on Sydney’s northern beaches narrowly escaped injury from a lurking shark, while hours later a 27-year-old man suffered life-changing injuries in another attack. The following day, a 39-year-old man sustained chest wounds from a shark bite on the Mid North Coast.

    Marine experts attribute the spike in shark activity to recent heavy rainfall, which created ideal conditions for bull sharks that prefer murky waters. The precipitation flushed nutrients into coastal areas, drawing sharks closer to shore in search of food.

    As a precautionary measure, beaches across Sydney were temporarily closed, though many have since reopened for the Australia Day long weekend. The community has responded with an outpouring of support, with an online fundraiser for Nico’s family generating approximately $240,000 in donations.