Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • Trump’s MAGA movement ramps up attacks on ‘progressive white women’

    Trump’s MAGA movement ramps up attacks on ‘progressive white women’

    The MAGA movement aligned with former President Donald Trump has significantly escalated its rhetorical attacks against progressive white women in recent weeks, employing increasingly vitriolic language to characterize this demographic. This offensive follows the death of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was killed during protests against Trump’s immigration policies in Minnesota, an event that triggered a wave of harsh commentary from conservative voices.

    Right-wing commentators have developed derogatory terminology targeting these women, with radio host Erick Erickson introducing the acronym ‘AWFUL’ (Affluent White Female Urban Liberal). Vincent Oshana, a conservative comedian, asserted on social media platform X that ‘White liberal women are a cancer on the nation,’ claiming they engage in social causes due to boredom rather than conviction. Columnist David Marcus similarly dismissed women activists protesting immigration policies as ‘organized gangs of wine moms.’

    This targeted criticism occurs within a broader conservative campaign that challenges modern feminist ideals while promoting traditional masculinity. Some far-right elements, particularly Christian nationalists, have advocated for reconsidering women’s societal roles, with firebrand pastor Dale Partridge controversially declaring the 19th Amendment granting women suffrage ‘a moral and political tragedy for America.’

    According to Professor Juliet Williams, a gender studies expert at UCLA, these statements reflect a patriarchal worldview that necessitates male superiority. The Trump administration has concurrently emphasized masculine imagery, exemplified by Pentagon official Pete Hegseth’s frequent exercise videos and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s comments praising Trump’s testosterone levels.

    Despite Trump maintaining majority support among white women overall in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections, polling data reveals a growing generational divide. Younger white women increasingly identify as progressive, while their male counterparts show stronger conservative leanings—a demographic dynamic that contributed significantly to Trump’s recent electoral success.

    The movement’s aesthetic dimensions have also emerged, with prominent Trump-affiliated women often presenting a specific appearance characterized by stylish attire, elaborate hairstyles, and cosmetic enhancements. Katie Miller, podcast host and wife of senior adviser Stephen Miller, explicitly claimed ‘Conservative women are just hotter than Liberal women,’ linking physical appearance to political ideology and reproductive choices. This perspective coincides with several high-profile pregnancies within Trump’s circle, including the Millers’ fourth child and Vice President JD Vance’s growing family.

  • Social media firms have come to ban ‘kicking and screaming’, says Australia eSafety boss

    Social media firms have come to ban ‘kicking and screaming’, says Australia eSafety boss

    Australia’s groundbreaking social media prohibition for users under 16 has achieved remarkable early results according to the nation’s internet regulator, with millions of accounts already removed since its December implementation. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant revealed to the BBC that social media platforms have demonstrated significant resistance to the policy, fearing it might establish a global precedent that other nations could emulate.

    The comprehensive ban, which targets ten major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch, represents the world’s most stringent youth protection legislation. Unlike similar measures elsewhere, Australia’s framework notably excludes parental approval exemptions, setting a new benchmark for digital child safety regulations.

    Government data indicates substantial compliance, with approximately 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to minors already deactivated. Commissioner Inman Grant characterized children as an “incredibly lucrative” demographic for social media corporations, noting that platforms originally designed for adults incorporate addictive features that make youth protection particularly challenging.

    Despite initial concerns about potential migration to alternative platforms or circumvention through age verification manipulation, early monitoring data suggests these scenarios have not materialized significantly. The regulatory body maintains a vigilant stance, preparing to issue additional compliance notices to companies including Snapchat, with non-compliance carrying potential penalties reaching A$49.5 million.

    The international community watches closely as the United Kingdom considers parallel legislation, with the House of Lords recently endorsing similar restrictions through amendments to educational legislation. While technology firms like Meta acknowledge the need for enhanced youth protection measures, they contest the blanket ban approach, advocating instead for app store-level age verification systems.

    Legal challenges have emerged, with Reddit mounting a constitutional challenge in Australia’s High Court despite complying with the regulations, arguing the policy infringes upon privacy and political rights. The government remains resolute, with Communications Minister Anika Wells affirming that Australia “will not be intimidated by big tech” in protecting children’s digital wellbeing.

  • Gold and tech stocks surge to lift ASX despite widespread market falls

    Gold and tech stocks surge to lift ASX despite widespread market falls

    The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) registered modest gains on Friday, propelled by a powerful surge in gold mining stocks and a robust rebound in technology shares, effectively counterbalancing significant declines within the banking sector. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index advanced by 11.40 points, or 0.13 percent, concluding the session at 8,860.10. The broader All Ordinaries index demonstrated a stronger performance, climbing 17.40 points, or 0.19 percent, to settle at 9,189.90.

    This upward momentum on the local bourse was partially inspired by a Wall Street recovery overnight. The shift in sentiment followed US President Donald Trump’s decision to retract threats of military intervention and tariffs concerning Greenland, coupled with an encouraging upward revision of US third-quarter GDP growth to an annualized rate of 4.4 percent. Concurrently, the Australian dollar sustained its rally, appreciating to a fresh 15-month peak of 68.48 US cents.

    Market activity revealed a sectoral divergence. Only three out of the eleven primary sectors finished the trading day positively. The information technology sector emerged as a standout performer, spearheaded by an extraordinary rally in Life360 Inc. The family safety application developer witnessed its stock price skyrocket by 27.37 percent to $33.79, following an announcement of a projected 32 percent year-on-year revenue increase for fiscal 2025, estimated between $US486 million and $US489 million. Other tech giants also contributed significantly, with Xero Ltd. ascending 3.54 percent to $101.22 and TechnologyOne Ltd. gaining 2.76 percent to close at $27.18.

    The resources sector provided substantial buoyancy, primarily fueled by record-breaking gold prices which momentarily touched approximately $US4,965 per ounce. Leading gold producers recorded impressive gains: Northern Star Resources surged 5.42 percent to $27.60, Evolution Mining rallied 5.32 percent to $14.86, and Regis Resources led the pack with a formidable 10.16 percent climb to $8.35. According to AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver, this historic gold rally is underpinned by concerns over U.S. Federal Reserve independence and escalating geopolitical tensions, driving investor demand for a reliable inflation and risk hedge.

    However, these gains were substantially offset by pronounced weakness in the financial sector. The ‘big four’ banks all closed in negative territory: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) receded 0.75 percent to $149.48, Westpac dropped 0.44 percent to $38.74, National Australia Bank (NAB) edged down 0.19 percent to $42.35, and ANZ Banking Group declined 0.52 percent to $36.21.

    Other notable movers included Guzman y Gomez, whose shares jumped 3.83 percent to $23.30 after the fast-food chain publicized a new multi-year exclusive delivery partnership with Uber Eats in Australia. In contrast, Capstone Copper shares fell 3.36 percent to $14.95 following operational updates at its Mantoverde site, where a workers’ strike is underway. Defence contractor DroneShield Ltd. was the session’s most significant laggard, slumping 5.50 percent to $4.47 without any accompanying corporate announcement.

  • Australian Open 2026: Daniil Medvedev speaks on his comeback win from two sets down

    Australian Open 2026: Daniil Medvedev speaks on his comeback win from two sets down

    In a stunning display of resilience and tactical brilliance, Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev orchestrated a remarkable comeback at the Australian Open, overcoming a two-set deficit against Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan. The world No. 11 found himself trailing after losing the first two sets 6-7, 4-6 before launching an extraordinary turnaround that saw him claim victory with 7-5, 6-0, 6-3 in the subsequent sets.

    The match’s pivotal moment came during a mesmerizing 45-minute stretch where Medvedev won nine consecutive games without reply, demonstrating what he described as his ‘fight for the next game’ mentality. The fourth set proved particularly dominant, with Medvedev wrapping it up in just 19 minutes—a performance he attributes to his superior physical conditioning entering the tournament.

    Medvedev acknowledged the psychological challenge of overcoming past disappointments, referencing several matches in the previous year where he had similarly fought back from two sets down only to lose in the fifth. ‘The demons of those losses came knocking,’ Medvedev confessed, noting moments in the decider where he thought ‘Not again’ as Marozsan threatened a resurgence.

    The victory sets up an intriguing encounter with American prospect Learner Tien, with whom Medvedev has previously engaged in marathon matches. This hard-fought triumph not only advances Medvedev in the tournament but also serves as testament to his evolved mental toughness and strategic maturity on the court.

  • Fugitive Australian shooter on bail at time of alleged murders

    Fugitive Australian shooter on bail at time of alleged murders

    A massive police operation involving approximately 100 tactical officers is underway across rural New South Wales as authorities intensify their search for Julian Ingram, a 37-year-old man accused of perpetrating a deadly shooting spree that claimed three lives in the small town of Lake Cargelligo. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday afternoon in this remote community located approximately 450 kilometers west of Sydney, sending shockwaves through the region.

    Disturbing details have emerged that Ingram, who also goes by the surname Pierpoint, was out on bail for prior domestic violence offenses at the time of the shootings. According to police authorities, the victims all appear to have been personally connected to the alleged perpetrator, with the investigation focusing on these relationships.

    Among the deceased is 25-year-old Sophie Quinn, reportedly Ingram’s former partner who was seven months pregnant with their son, due in March. Local media, citing police sources, indicate that another victim was Quinn’s friend who was shot dead alongside her inside a vehicle. A relative of Quinn was killed in a subsequent shooting incident that occurred shortly after the initial attack. A fourth victim, a 19-year-old, remains in critical condition at a nearby hospital.

    Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland of the NSW Police provided an update to reporters, confirming that the last confirmed sightings placed Ingram on a road leading out of Lake Cargelligo. Holland expressed particular concern about Ingram’s extensive knowledge of the local terrain, noting his employment with the local council would enable him to potentially evade detection for an extended period in the area.

    Authorities have revealed that Ingram never legally possessed a firearm license, raising serious questions about how he obtained the weapons used in the attacks. The investigation is actively pursuing this line of inquiry alongside the manhunt.

    The tight-knit community of Lake Cargelligo, with its population of approximately 1,500 residents, has been left reeling from the violence. Quinn’s mother, Cathy Quinn, remembered her daughter as someone who ‘did not have a mean bone in her body’ and described her as ‘a fun girl to be around.’ Assistant Commissioner Holland acknowledged that the families of the victims ‘were not doing well’ in the aftermath of the tragedy.

  • Canberra woman Millie Jepkemboi Omonei charged after allegedly assaulting cabin crew on flight bound for Perth

    Canberra woman Millie Jepkemboi Omonei charged after allegedly assaulting cabin crew on flight bound for Perth

    A 52-year-old Canberra woman is confronting serious criminal charges following an alleged physical altercation with flight attendants aboard a Perth-bound aircraft last month. Millie Jepkemboi Omonei was taken into custody by Australian Federal Police (AFP) upon landing at Perth Airport on December 13 after allegedly displaying disruptive behavior during the flight.

    According to official reports, the incident began during pre-takeoff procedures when Omonei reportedly exhibited erratic conduct toward another passenger. When cabin crew members intervened to check on her welfare, she allegedly responded by physically assaulting one attendant, grabbing both the staff member’s arm and head resulting in minor injuries.

    The situation escalated to require police intervention upon arrival, with AFP officers boarding the aircraft to escort the allegedly combative passenger from the flight. Law enforcement officials reported that Omonei remained argumentative and aggressive toward officers during the removal process.

    The Australian Federal Police have formally charged Omonei with two aviation offenses: behaving in an offensive and disorderly manner on an aircraft and assaulting crew members of an aircraft. The case has been forwarded to the judicial system with Omonei scheduled to reappear in court on February 20 for further proceedings.

    AFP Acting Superintendent Hayley Faithfull emphasized the seriousness of such incidents, stating that aggressive behavior aboard aircraft poses direct threats to flight safety and creates unnecessary disruptions for passengers and crew alike. The AFP maintains close coordination with airline partners to address any behaviors that compromise the security of workers or the traveling public at Australian airports.

  • TikTok establishes joint venture to end US ban threat

    TikTok establishes joint venture to end US ban threat

    TikTok has successfully navigated around a potential ban in its largest market through the establishment of a majority American-owned corporate entity. The newly formed TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC will maintain operations for over 200 million American users and 7.5 million businesses while implementing enhanced data protection protocols and content moderation systems.

    This strategic restructuring directly addresses national security concerns raised by U.S. policymakers regarding Chinese ownership of the popular video platform. The move complies with legislation enacted during the Biden administration that mandated ByteDance either divest TikTok’s U.S. operations or face prohibition from American digital marketplaces.

    Under the finalized arrangement, Chinese parent company ByteDance will maintain a 19.9% stake in the venture—deliberately kept below the 20% threshold specified in the regulatory framework. Major American investment firms including Silver Lake, Oracle, and MGX (an Abu Dhabi-based AI investment fund) each secured 15% ownership positions. Additional stakeholders comprise Dell Family Office, Susquehanna International Group affiliates, General Atlantic, and several other financial institutions.

    The governance structure will feature a seven-member board with American majority representation, including TikTok’s global CEO Shou Chew and executives from leading investment firms. Adam Presser has been appointed CEO of the new entity, with Will Farrell assuming the chief security officer position.

    Operational responsibilities will see the joint venture maintaining authority over trust and safety policies and content moderation for U.S. users, while TikTok’s global entities will continue managing international product integration and commercial activities including e-commerce and advertising. All American user data will be housed within Oracle’s secure cloud environment, subject to third-party cybersecurity audits and compliance with federal standards.

    Former President Donald Trump publicly celebrated the resolution, claiming personal credit for preserving TikTok’s American operations while acknowledging Chinese President Xi Jinping’s cooperation in approving the arrangement. Oracle’s executive chairman Larry Ellison, a longstanding Trump associate, emerges as a significant figure in the investment consortium, recently expanding his influence through major AI partnerships and media industry acquisitions.

  • Sabalenka digs deep as Alcaraz sets sights on Melbourne last 16

    Sabalenka digs deep as Alcaraz sets sights on Melbourne last 16

    Melbourne witnessed a day of high-intensity tennis as the Australian Open’s sixth day unfolded with gripping matches and emotional victories. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka faced unexpected challenges while Carlos Alcaraz continued his determined march toward Grand Slam glory.

    World number one Sabalenka experienced what she described as an emotionally turbulent match against unseeded Anastasia Potapova. The Belarusian powerhouse required two tense tie-breakers (7-6, 7-6) to secure her place in the fourth round after a grueling two-hour battle under the Australian sun. ‘I was emotionally all over the place,’ confessed the four-time Grand Slam champion. ‘It was one of those days where you have to fight for every ball.’ Despite the struggle, Sabalenka expressed genuine enjoyment in the competitive challenge.

    The victory sets up an intriguing encounter with Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, who demonstrated remarkable composure in her three-set victory over Denmark’s Clara Tauson. Meanwhile, American sensation Coco Gauff continues to impress, describing her current form as ‘near perfect’ as she prepares to face compatriot Hailey Baptiste.

    In the men’s draw, Spanish phenom Carlos Alcaraz navigated past a testing second-round match against Yannick Hanfmann (7-6, 6-3, 6-2) and now faces French 32nd seed Corentin Moutet. The 22-year-old, pursuing a career Grand Slam, acknowledged his gradual adaptation to Melbourne conditions. ‘I’m still getting used to the conditions and improving with every match,’ Alcaraz stated, expressing optimism about his progression through the tournament.

    The evening session promises compelling matchups with Germany’s Alexander Zverev facing Britain’s Cameron Norrie, while home favorite Alex de Minaur enjoys prime-time billing against American threat Frances Tiafoe. Russian contender Daniil Medvedev, a three-time finalist in Melbourne, prepares for a challenging encounter against Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan as he seeks to overcome past disappointments at this venue.

  • Thomas Sewell: Australian neo-Nazi to mount constitutional argument to offensive behaviour, obscene language charges

    Thomas Sewell: Australian neo-Nazi to mount constitutional argument to offensive behaviour, obscene language charges

    Melbourne Magistrates Court has become the battleground for a contentious legal showdown involving Thomas Sewell, the 32-year-old former leader of the National Socialist Network (NSN). Facing charges of offensive behavior and using obscene language during what he characterized as a political rally last year, Sewell is preparing to argue that his inflammatory speech delivered through a megaphone constitutes protected communication under Australia’s Constitution.

    The case has gained significant attention following the recent disbandment of the NSN and associated groups, which occurred last Sunday in response to the government’s newly enacted Hate Speech laws. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke had specifically identified both the NSN and radical Islamist organization Hizb ut-Tahrir as groups targeted by these new legislative provisions.

    Sewell’s legal strategy took formal shape when prosecutors confirmed receipt of his constitutional claim notification to Australia’s Attorneys-General, inviting their potential intervention in the proceedings. This procedural requirement sets the stage for a potentially landmark legal challenge regarding free speech protections.

    Supporting his defense, a crowdfunding initiative launched by Sewell has amassed $136,500, purportedly earmarked for a High Court challenge against the hate speech legislation. The substantial financial backing demonstrates significant support for his constitutional argument among certain segments of the population.

    Magistrate Patrick Southey has ordered the case bifurcated, with criminal allegations scheduled for hearing on February 4, while constitutional arguments will be addressed separately to allow adequate response time for any intervening Attorneys-General. Prosecutors intend to call three witnesses: a civilian who allegedly filmed portions of Sewell’s speech, a police officer who documented related social media content, and the investigating officer who filed the charges.

    The prosecution is currently evaluating whether to proceed with or withdraw the obscene language charge before the February hearing, indicating the complexity of balancing free speech protections with community standards regarding offensive language in public discourse.

  • Iran warns ‘finger on trigger’ as Trump says Tehran wants talks

    Iran warns ‘finger on trigger’ as Trump says Tehran wants talks

    A dangerous escalation in rhetoric between the United States and Iran has intensified as military leaders from both nations issued stark warnings, while President Donald Trump suggested Tehran might still be open to diplomatic engagement. The exchange occurs against the backdrop of a severe crackdown on domestic protests within Iran, which activists claim has resulted in thousands of fatalities.

    General Mohammad Pakpour, Commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, declared in a written statement broadcast on state television that his forces were more prepared than ever, with their “finger on the trigger,” to respond to any external threats. The statement, released during a national day celebrating the Guards, emphasized that Iran had learned from historical confrontations and warned the U.S. and Israel to avoid miscalculations.

    This warning followed President Trump’s remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One, where he announced a “massive fleet” was being directed toward the Gulf region, stating, “We’re watching Iran.” Trump reiterated that he would prefer to avoid conflict but left open the possibility of military action, continuing a pattern of volatile diplomacy that has characterized his administration’s approach to Iran.

    The heightened tensions are set against the aftermath of widespread protests that began in late December, shaking the foundations of Iran’s clerical leadership. Iranian authorities provided their first official death toll, claiming 3,117 individuals were killed—a figure immediately disputed by international human rights organizations. The government sought to differentiate between “martyrs,” including security forces and bystanders, and what it labeled U.S.-backed “rioters.”

    However, organizations such as Iran Human Rights (IHR) and the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) have documented significantly higher numbers, with verified counts of 3,428 and 4,902 deaths, respectively. These groups attribute the majority of casualties to security forces firing directly on demonstrators. An unprecedented internet blackout, lasting over two weeks according to monitor Netblocks, has severely hampered independent verification of the actual scale of violence and arrests, which HRANA estimates exceed 26,000.

    In parallel, General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi of the Iranian joint command headquarters warned that any American attack would make all U.S. interests, bases, and centers of influence “legitimate targets” for retaliation. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the U.S. and Israel of instigating the protests as an act of “cowardly revenge” for their perceived defeat in June’s 12-day war, which targeted Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

    The international community continues to watch closely as both nations balance aggressive posturing with assertions of diplomatic openness, all while grave concerns over human rights violations and regional stability persist.