Global News One

Author: Arzoo Arif

  • Biden clinches victory in Michigan primary, but confronts backlash regarding Israel’s conflict with Gaza.

    The US president, along with Donald Trump, secures a win in Michigan, but initial outcomes indicate dissent from certain voters regarding Biden’s Gaza policy.

    A volunteer holds a sign asking people to vote uncommitted, instead of for US President Joe Biden, outside Maples School in Dearborn, Michigan 2024 in the US presidential primary on February 27, 2024 [Jeff Kowalsky/AFP]


    In media projections, United States President Joe Biden is declared the winner of the Democratic presidential primary in Michigan, yet early tallies reveal significant dissent over his stance on Israel’s conflict with Gaza.

    Michigan, boasting a sizable Arab-American population, saw Democratic voters urged to mark their primary ballots as “uncommitted” as a protest against Biden’s Gaza policy.

    Former President Donald Trump secures a commanding victory in the Republican presidential primary in Michigan, further solidifying his hold on the party’s nomination, with Nikki Haley trailing far behind.

    Michigan is poised to play a pivotal role in the upcoming November presidential election, with Biden and Trump likely to face off again in a closely contested battle.

    Biden’s narrow win over Trump in Michigan in the 2020 election contrasts with the current discontent among some voters, particularly within the Arab-American community, and progressive Democrats, over his support for Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

    Despite efforts from the White House and the Biden campaign to engage with Michigan’s community leaders on the Gaza conflict, the “uncommitted” movement persists, championed by groups like Listen to Michigan and supported by figures such as Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib.

    Listen to Michigan expresses satisfaction with the early results, highlighting a significant turnout for the “uncommitted” vote among disillusioned Michigan Democrats.

    Notably, a considerable portion of Michigan voters, including young people, opt for the “uncommitted” label, seeking to influence the outcome of the election by withholding full support for Biden.

    The Biden campaign acknowledges the participation of Michigan voters but refrains from addressing concerns over Gaza or the “uncommitted” vote.

    Both Biden and Trump secure victories in primaries across various states, solidifying their positions within their respective parties.

    Despite Trump’s success, Haley vows to continue her campaign, supported by a notable fundraising advantage over Trump’s primary campaign committee.

  • Wendy’s, the American burger chain, intends to experiment with ‘surge pricing’ in the coming year

    The company aims to adjust prices dynamically throughout the day according to demand, sparking criticism.

    Wendy’s is looking to try a strategy that ride-sharing companies and ticket sellers have implemented [File: Gene J Puskar/AP Photo]

    Wendy’s, a fast-food chain based in the United States, is considering experimenting with fluctuating the prices of its menu items throughout the day in response to demand. This strategy, reminiscent of practices adopted by ride-sharing companies and ticket sellers, is set to be trialed soon.

    In a recent conference call, Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner announced plans for the Dublin, Ohio-based burger chain to initiate tests of dynamic pricing, also referred to as surge pricing, possibly as soon as next year.

    “Starting as early as 2025, we’ll be testing more advanced features such as dynamic pricing and daypart offerings, alongside AI-driven menu adjustments and suggestive selling,” he stated.

    “As we continue to demonstrate the advantages of this technology in our company-operated eateries, we anticipate a surge in franchisee interest in digital menu boards, further bolstering sales and profit growth across the board.”

    Wendy’s is set to invest approximately $20 million to roll out digital menu boards in all its US company-owned restaurants by the close of 2025. Additionally, it plans to allocate around $10 million over the next two years to bolster digital menu enhancements globally.

    Tanner, formerly of PepsiCo, assumed the role of Wendy’s CEO this month, succeeding Todd Penegor, who had held the position of president and CEO since 2016.

    Last year, Penegor unveiled a restructuring initiative aimed at expediting decision-making processes and increasing investment in new restaurant development, particularly on the international front. The chain, along with its franchisees, oversees roughly 7,000 restaurants worldwide.

    Wendy’s stock experienced a slight dip in Tuesday morning trading following the announcement, which sparked backlash, with the New York Post prominently featuring the news on its front page, dubbing it “inflation’s next frontier.”

    On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), numerous users criticized Wendy’s, with some vowing to boycott the burger chain.

    “Surge pricing may work for Uber since they’re often the sole option. But you’re not. I won’t be patronizing your establishment if you proceed with this,” one user remarked.

    “Goodbye, Wendy’s,” another wrote. “Engaging in predatory pricing isn’t acceptable for a fast food chain.”

  • Exploring the Origins of Amazon Deforestation: A Journey through Brazil’s Fordlandia

    In Aveiro, Brazil, flames soared skyward, engulfing the jungle in a blaze reaching over a hundred feet high. Boars fled from the underbrush, toucans darted from the trees, and thousands of acres of Amazon rainforest were soon reduced to ash.

    The year was 1928, and in north-central Brazil, a monumental project was underway: Fordlandia, a $20 million city conceived by the wealthiest man of his time, American industrialist Henry Ford. Emerging from the scorched earth were a hospital, cinema, schools, and bungalows. Golf and tennis courts were constructed to make American expats feel at home, while local workers manned the sawmill and factories.

    Over the ensuing eight decades, Fordlandia has largely fallen into disrepair, yet smoke still lingers in the air, emblematic of Brazil’s enduring struggle with deforestation and the pursuit of wealth in its renowned rainforest.

    Approximately 2,000 people still reside in Ford’s utopian experiment, a dilapidated testament to past aspirations that have shaped the forest. Trapped in poverty, these residents face conflicting pressures: to conserve their surrounding environment or exploit it for survival.

    Sadir Moata, a 31-year-old farmer, exemplifies this dilemma. Despite refurbishing one of Fordlandia’s houses for his family, his meager income from farming drives him to clear land through fire to increase crop yields.

    Moata explains, “Yes, I deforest. How else am I going to farm?” His monthly government assistance of 600 reals ($120) barely sustains his family, leaving him with few options.

    However, experts, advocates, and residents caution that the true cost of Amazon deforestation will inevitably outweigh any short-term gains.

    An estimated 2,000 people have continued to call Fordlandia home even after its heyday as a factory town [Apolline Guillerot-Malick/Al Jazeera]

    In Aveiro, Brazil, flames soared skyward, engulfing the jungle in a blaze reaching over a hundred feet high. Boars fled from the underbrush, toucans darted from the trees, and thousands of acres of Amazon rainforest were soon reduced to ash.

    The year was 1928, and in north-central Brazil, a monumental project was underway: Fordlandia, a $20 million city conceived by the wealthiest man of his time, American industrialist Henry Ford. Emerging from the scorched earth were a hospital, cinema, schools, and bungalows. Golf and tennis courts were constructed to make American expats feel at home, while local workers manned the sawmill and factories.

    Over the ensuing eight decades, Fordlandia has largely fallen into disrepair, yet smoke still lingers in the air, emblematic of Brazil’s enduring struggle with deforestation and the pursuit of wealth in its renowned rainforest.

    Approximately 2,000 people still reside in Ford’s utopian experiment, a dilapidated testament to past aspirations that have shaped the forest. Trapped in poverty, these residents face conflicting pressures: to conserve their surrounding environment or exploit it for survival.

    Sadir Moata, a 31-year-old farmer, exemplifies this dilemma. Despite refurbishing one of Fordlandia’s houses for his family, his meager income from farming drives him to clear land through fire to increase crop yields.

    Moata explains, “Yes, I deforest. How else am I going to farm?” His monthly government assistance of 600 reals ($120) barely sustains his family, leaving him with few options.

    However, experts, advocates, and residents caution that the true cost of Amazon deforestation will inevitably outweigh any short-term gains.

    The rusted shell of a Willys Rural, a jeep-style vehicle produced in Brazil, sits in Fordlandia [Apolline Guillerot-Malick/Al Jazeera]

  • State Department Screens AP-PBS Documentary on Ukraine Conflict Shortly After 2-Year Mark of Russia’s Invasion

    The U.S. State Department recently organized a screening for the acclaimed Associated Press-PBS “Frontline” documentary titled “20 Days in Mariupol,” focusing on the Ukraine conflict.

    People watch a screening of “20 Days in Mariupol” at the State Department in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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    The U.S. State Department, on Tuesday, organized a screening of the acclaimed Associated Press-PBS “Frontline” documentary titled “20 Days in Mariupol,” following Ukraine’s commemoration of the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion. Elizabeth Allen, under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs, highlighted the film’s role in presenting the realities of the conflict and countering disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. The State Department plans to screen the documentary in over 30 countries worldwide.

    During the screening, attended by diplomats from various foreign embassies in Washington, Allen emphasized the significance of cultural diplomacy in national security strategy. The event occurred amidst growing uncertainty in Congress regarding continued U.S. aid for Ukraine and mounting challenges faced by Ukrainian forces on the frontline, including ammunition shortages.

    Although the AP did not sponsor the event, journalist and filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov attended the screening and participated in a panel discussion afterward. Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, urged viewers to recognize the film as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed by Russian forces and to humanize the victims of the conflict.

    The documentary, recognized with awards at the British Academy Film Awards and the Directors Guild Awards, documents the siege of Mariupol by Russian forces in early 2022. Chernov and his team captured the devastating impact on civilians during their three-week stay in the city, risking their lives to expose the grim realities of the war.

    Despite the risks faced by journalists in conflict zones, the State Department sees the screening as part of a broader effort to promote peace and democracy globally through film. Through initiatives like the Film Diplomacy Screening Series, the Department aims to showcase Oscar-nominated international films to advance these diplomatic goals.

  • Chappelle disapproves of Katt Williams’ remarks regarding Black comedians

    Photo: Anita Zvonar + Dreamstime

    In recent news regarding Katt Williams, Dave Chappelle responded to Williams’ criticisms on “Club Shay Shay.” During a performance at MonDERAYS, Chappelle, known for his no-phone policy, disapproved of Williams’ insults, questioning why he targeted Black comedians. Chappelle emphasized Williams’ talent but urged him to stop drawing negative pictures of their community. Mimicking Williams, Chappelle highlighted the pattern of hurtful behavior and questioned why Williams didn’t address personal grievances. Chappelle also questioned the ethics of tearing down fellow comedians and emphasized the importance of solidarity in their industry.

  • Usher clarifies: He never served as Beyoncé’s nanny.

    Photo: Usher + Dreamstime

    In the latest news regarding Usher, ahead of his Super Bowl Half Time show, he addressed rumors about babysitting Beyoncé on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast Club Shay Shay. Usher clarified he never served as Beyoncé’s nanny but supervised her and others at musician Daryl Simmons’ house. Reflecting on his role, he emphasized he wasn’t a nanny but oversaw them as a teenager. This follows Usher’s mention last year of knowing Beyoncé when she was part of The Dolls. Usher affirmed his belief in Beyoncé’s future success and highlighted their collaborations over the years, including performances and songs like

    “Bad Girl” and “Love In The Club Part II.”

  • Keanu Reeves Honored at The 51st Annual Saturn Awards Ceremony

    Keanu Reeves was in attendance to receive the very first Lance Reddick Legacy Award, presented to him by Titus Welliver star of “Bosch”. (Photo credit: JGoldsteinPR)

    A Glittering Occasion Honoring Excellence in Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror

    LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – February 5, 2024 – The atmosphere at the Saturn Awards ceremony last night was electric, as top-tier celebrities graced the event to laud the pinnacle of genre entertainment, an accolade bestowed solely by The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror since its establishment in 1972. Hosted for the second consecutive year by actor/comedian Joel McHale, renowned for his roles in DC’s Stargirl and Community, the gala witnessed a star-studded turnout of Hollywood luminaries rallying behind and acknowledging the outstanding contributions and talent in these realms of entertainment, often overlooked by other award ceremonies. The 51st Annual Saturn Awards unfolded last night (February 4, 2024) at the esteemed L.A. MARRIOTT BURBANK AIRPORT HOTEL and was broadcast live for fans on ElectricNOW, the premium OTT app and FAST channel from Dean Devlin’s Electric Entertainment. Fans who missed the live broadcast can catch the highlights on the streaming channel as it airs reruns of the historic event throughout the month.

    Christopher Nolan was honored with The Saturn’s Visionary Award by his “Oppenheimer” co-star Emily Blunt, herself a recipient of the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in the film. The iconic William Shatner bestowed Seth MacFarlane with the esteemed Robert Forster Artists Award, while Dave Filoni was presented with the George Pal Memorial Award by Ming-Na Wen, last year’s Best TV Actress winner for her portrayal in “The Book of Boba Fett.” Keanu Reeves graced the occasion to receive the inaugural Lance Reddick Legacy Award, presented to him by Titus Welliver, star of “Bosch” and “Bosch: Legacy,” while Jodie Foster was honored with The Life Career Award by Issa López, writer and director of the fourth season of “True Detective: Night Country.”

    Documented as the most illustrious Saturn Awards celebration to date, the ceremony saw a host of presenters and winners, including Nicolas Cage, Heather Graham, James Cameron, Norman Reedus, Sir Patrick Stewart, Ernie Hudson, Henry Thomas, Rebecca De Mornay, Todd Stashwick, Paul Wesley, Lee Majors, Lindsay Wagner, Danai Gurira, Xolo Maridueña, Harvey Guillén, among numerous others. All graced the Saturn Awards not only to present awards but also to extend their support to this exceptional community.

    This year’s event was dedicated to the memory of the Saturn Awards’ esteemed friend Lance Reddick, whose legacy will endure for generations to come.

    Below is the complete list of winners at the 51st Annual Saturn Awards:

    Special Awards:

    VISIONARY AWARD – Christopher Nolan

    ROBERT FORSTER ARTIST’S AWARD – Seth MacFarlane

    GEORGE PAL MEMORIAL AWARD – Dave Filoni

    THE DAN CURTIS LEGACY AWARD – The Walking Dead Franchise

    LANCE REDDICK LEGACY AWARD – Keanu Reeves

    LIFE CAREER AWARD – Jodie Foster

    LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Star Trek: The Next Generation Cast

    Film Categories:

    BEST SCIENCE FICTION FILM – Avatar: The Way of Water

    BEST FANTASY FILM – Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

    BEST HORROR FILM – Talk to Me

    BEST SUPERHERO FILM – Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3

    BEST ACTION/ADVENTURE FILM – Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

    BEST THRILLER FILM – Oppenheimer

    BEST ANIMATED FILM – Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

  • Important Hispanic LGBTQ+ Figures You Should Be Aware Of

    Top left: Jennicet Gutiérrez/Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images; Bottom left: Sylvia Rivera/Commons.Wikimedia.Org; Middle: Dennis deLeon/Theo Wargo/Getty Images; Top right: Ricky Martin/Mike Windle/Getty Images For Iheartmedia; Bottom right: Gloria Evangelina Anzaldua/Pax Ahimsa Gethen At Commons

    Pride month may be celebrated in June, but it’s essential to acknowledge those who have advocated for LGBTQ+ rights year-round. Let’s take a moment to recognize individuals who have tirelessly championed inclusion for both the Hispanic and LGBTQ+ communities. Here are five trailblazers you should know:

    Sylvia Rivera: Dubbed the “Rosa Parks of the modern transgender movement,” Sylvia Rivera was a prominent American gay liberation and transgender rights activist. Alongside Marsha P. Johnson, she co-founded the STAR group, dedicated to supporting homeless LGBTQ+ youth and trans women.

    Dennis deLeon: A leading human rights activist and HIV/AIDS advocate, Dennis deLeon played a pivotal role during the AIDS crisis within the Hispanic community. As president of the Latino Commission on AIDS, he spearheaded efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and provide critical support to Latino communities.

    Gloria Evangelina Anzaldúa: An esteemed writer and scholar, Gloria Evangelina Anzaldúa made significant contributions to Chicana feminism and queer theory. Her work, including the influential anthology “This Bridge Called My Back,” explored themes of cultural marginalization and intersectional identity.

    Ricky Martin: Beyond his musical success, Ricky Martin is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion. As one of the first mainstream Latin artists to come out, he has used his platform to advance LGBTQ+ rights and representation, co-founding initiatives like the Hispanic Federation’s ACT program.

    Jennicet Gutiérrez: An activist for transgender and immigrant rights, Jennicet Gutiérrez gained national attention for her advocacy efforts. As a founding member of La Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement, she works to achieve equity and safety for LGBTQ+ immigrants of color.

    These individuals have made lasting impacts on both the Hispanic and LGBTQ+ communities, paving the way for progress and fostering greater understanding and acceptance.

  • Debut Album by TikTok Sensation Climbs the Charts

    Kristan Toczko’s new debut album reached the charts. (Kristan Toczko)

    It’s quite a departure to imagine iconic bands like Metallica or AC/DC being interpreted by a harpist, but that’s precisely what one former Moncton musician has accomplished, and her success knows no bounds.

    Kristan Toczko, renowned for her captivating performances, whether before a live audience or to her vast online following, has now made her mark on the charts.

    Using her extensive classical training, Toczko skillfully covers beloved classic rock favorites, infusing them with her unique harp renditions.

    Her debut album, “Rock Echoes,” released on Feb. 16, has soared to number 8 on Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart this week, a feat that has left Toczko pleasantly surprised.

    “Honestly, I really had no idea that was even something that little old me could achieve,” shared Toczko from her residence in St. John’s, N.L. “It wasn’t even on my radar to strive for something like that, so I was quite speechless. I feel so honored to have my music streamed so many times that it made the charts.”

    Toczko’s journey with the harp began at the age of nine, and her dedication to her craft has taken her from Harrison Trimble High School, where she graduated in 2006, to prestigious institutions like McGill University and Yale, where she pursued her master’s degree.

    Reflecting on her early years, Norval McConnell, Toczko’s former high school principal, fondly recalled a time when she graced an assembly with her enchanting performance.

    Kristan Toczko poses for a portrait, harp in-hand. (Megan Cary Photography)

    “Picture this: an empty stage, with a young student, virtually unknown to most, standing before over 1,000 peers, her harp poised in front of her. We were spellbound,” reminisced McConnell. “It was a truly unforgettable moment during my tenure as principal.”

    Toczko’s rise to social media stardom unfolded during the pandemic, while she found herself confined to her home in Arizona with ample time on her hands.

    “I had this yearning to perform again. I missed it dearly,” she confessed.

    Discovering the social media phenomenon TikTok, Toczko began crafting covers of themes from movies and video games.

    Her first viral hit was a rendition from the beloved film “Finding Nemo.”

    “I arranged it, played it, shared it, and it started gaining traction. It felt wonderful, reminiscent of the connection I’d feel with an audience after a live concert,” Toczko recalled.

    As subsequent videos gained hundreds of thousands of views, Toczko found herself hooked.

    Requests from her growing online fanbase flooded in, prompting her to tackle covers of classic rock and alternative bands, some more challenging than others.

    Over the past few years, Toczko has amassed around 1,800 videos, garnering a staggering 2.5 million followers on TikTok.

    It’s not uncommon for the artists she covers to take notice and offer their praise.

    “Many leave comments on the videos. Metallica themselves have seen my work. Recently, I shared a video covering Muse’s ‘Uprising,’ and they reposted it on their Instagram story,” Toczko revealed.

    While she plans to continue her online performances, Toczko also has aspirations for live engagements this year.

    “I’ll be doing a few performances here and in St. John’s. But I truly love the reach and connection I can achieve online,” she concluded.

  • Tyler Perry Halts $800 Million Expansion of Atlanta Studio Upon Discovering AI Capabilities

    Tyler Perry in a file photograph. (Getty Images | Dia Dipasupil)

    Actor and producer Tyler Perry has made the decision to pause the planned $800 million expansion of his Atlanta, Georgia, studio in response to the unveiling of OpenAI’s latest artificial intelligence (AI) creation, Sora. Perry expressed his concern during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, stating that witnessing Sora’s ability to generate video imagery from text prompts was alarming.

    The expansion, which was set to include 12 additional sound stages, has been put “currently and indefinitely on hold,” Perry revealed. This decision comes from Perry’s realization of the potential disruptive impact Sora could have on filmmaking practices. He envisions a future where traditional location shoots and elaborate set constructions may become obsolete, fundamentally altering the creative process.

    Reflecting on his discovery of Sora’s capabilities, Perry expressed shock at the technology’s potential implications: “I had gotten word over the last year or so that this was coming, but I had no idea until I saw recently the demonstrations of what it’s able to do. It’s shocking to me.”

    Perry elaborated on how Sora could revolutionize filmmaking, allowing for the creation of scenes set in diverse environments with just text prompts. While acknowledging the cost-saving potential, Perry voiced concerns about the impact on jobs within the industry, recognizing the far-reaching effects it could have on various roles, from actors to crew members.

    His decision to halt the studio expansion reflects broader industry sentiments about grappling with the disruptive force of AI technologies. Perry emphasized the need for collective action within the industry to adapt and implement safeguards to protect jobs and livelihoods. He called for unity in addressing these challenges, both within the entertainment industry and in governmental bodies like Congress.

    OpenAI’s unveiling of Sora on Feb. 15 represents a significant step into Hollywood for the technology company under the leadership of Sam Altman. The system demonstrates the ability to produce high-quality videos with complex scenes and characters based on text prompts. While demonstrations of Sora’s capabilities have been impressive, AI researcher Gary Marcus notes that there are still limitations, particularly in terms of consistency and quality for high-production-value projects.

    Concerns about job displacement due to AI advancements are mounting within the entertainment industry. Concept artist Karla Ortiz warned of potential devastation to the labor force, particularly in fields like concept art and visual effects (VFX). A recent study revealed that three-fourths of industry leaders surveyed believed AI tools would lead to job elimination or reduction within the next three years, affecting thousands of positions.

    Despite the potential benefits of AI in filmmaking, challenges remain, including legal issues surrounding copyright and intellectual property rights for AI-generated content. The widespread adoption of AI tools will require careful consideration and collaboration to ensure a balanced approach that supports innovation while protecting jobs and creative rights within the industry.