The Common Pulse

B y   Mutunga Tobbias / The Common Pulse/latest news /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / NOVEMBER2025   The Maasai Mara at a Crossroads, tourism ambition meets an ecosystem under pressure The Maasai Mara is one of the world’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries, yet it is increasingly defined by a growing tension between conservation and commercial expansion, a conflict now sharpened by the rise of luxury developments along fragile ecological zones. The reserve has faced decades of mounting construction, spreading lodges, private camps and exclusive riverfront properties across land that historically served as open migratory pathways for millions of animals. Now, with wildebeest veering off their ancient routes, herds hesitating at new barriers and community leaders sounding the alarm, the Mara stands at a decisive moment. The recent legal battle involving the Ritz-Carlton luxury safari camp, priced at $3,500 a night and positioned along the Sand River, has become the latest flashpo...

 B y   Mutunga Tobbias / The Common Pulse/latest news /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / NOVEMBER2025. The Etosha National Park in northern Namibia has long stood as one of Africa’s most breathtaking wildlife sanctuaries, a shimmering salt pan surrounded by semi-arid savanna that supports elephants, lions, rhinos, and countless other species. Yet in recent months, the park’s tranquil rhythm has been violently disrupted by a series of wildfires that tore through large swathes of grassland and bush. The flames, fueled by prolonged drought, high winds, and extreme heat, left a scar on the landscape that has reignited debate about conservation practices, climate change, and the fragile balance between nature and tourism in southern Africa’s ecological crown jewel. The wildfire season in Etosha has been growing more unpredictable, with 2025 bringing some of the most intense fires recorded in years. Sparked initially in late September by lightning strikes and worsened by human negligen...

 B y   Mutunga Tobbias / The Common Pulse/latest news /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. The tale of Nicolas Puech is one of luxury, trust and betrayal, a story that reads like a parable of wealth mis-management and the fragility of power behind closed doors. A fifth-generation heir to the prestigious Hermès dynasty, Puech once held an estimated 5.7 % stake in the company his forebear,  Thierry Hermès, founded in 1837, a stake reportedly worth over €12 billion at its peak. Yet in recent years, he has insisted that his immense fortune has vanished, slipping away through the hands of a trusted advisor who isolated him from friends and family, siphoned off assets, and concealed the truth. The saga raises profound questions about the nature of trust, governance in ultra-wealthy families, and the checks and balances that even the most powerful can lack. Heiress, Heir and Outsider Puech was born in 1943 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, into the Hermès family, the son ...

   By   Justin Kirangacha| The Common Pulse/latest news /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. Among the countless monuments scattered across China, few evoke such visceral disgust as the kneeling statues of Qin Hui and his wife, Wang. Every day, in Hangzhou’s West Lake, visitors spit, curse, and sometimes slap the life-sized bronze figures, their heads bowed in eternal shame before the tomb of Yue Fei, the legendary Song dynasty general they betrayed. This daily ritual of contempt is not merely an act of cultural theater, but a living reminder of how treachery, hypocrisy, and political cowardice can echo through the ages long after empires fall and dynasties crumble. The story of Qin Hui is a study in disgrace, a political fable about power’s corrosion of the soul, and a warning carved in metal about the enduring memory of betrayal. Qin Hui was born in 1090, during the Northern Song dynasty, and rose through the imperial bureaucracy as a talented scholar and offici...

  By   Peninah  Mbula/ The Common Pulse/latest news/ Europe/china/ /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. Lake Como, Italy: Where Luxury Meets Love, Legacy, and La Dolce Vita  Nestled in the heart of Lombardy, Lake Como isn’t just a destination it’s an emotion. Draped in timeless Italian elegance, surrounded by emerald waters and snow-kissed Alps, it’s the kind of place that lures the world’s elite, honeymooners, and dreamers alike. From George Clooney’s private villa to weddings that look straight out of a Dolce & Gabbana campaign, Lake Como has become the ultimate blend of romance, sophistication, and serenity.   The Magic of Lake Como: Italy’s Crown Jewel Unlike crowded Mediterranean hotspots, Lake Como offers a tranquil, cinematic charm that few destinations can rival. Its Y-shaped glacial lake , framed by charming villages like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, feels like a painting brought to life. Each curve of the lake tells a story of old...

   By   Justin Kirangacha| The Common Pulse/latest news/Ethiopia/Eritrea /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. In the cliffs of Andalusia, something extraordinary has been preserved not just bones and feathers, but lost fragments of human life from centuries past. The Discovery: A Sandal Older Than Most Nations Researchers investigating abandoned nests of the bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) in southern Spain made a surreal find: a complete sandal woven from esparto grass cord, dated to about 650-700 years ago. Alongside it was a fragment of sheep leather painted with ochre , also around 650 years old evoking images of dyed garments, artistry, and everyday life in the late Middle Ages.  Nests as “Natural Museums”: More Than Just Bones The nests weren’t just full of prey remains. Of all the material unearthed, about 9% was man-made artifacts . Over 200 objects were found: cloth fragments, leather, basketry, ropes, slingshots, even a crossbow...

By   Peninah Mbula| The Common Pulse/latest news/Mexico/US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. Disney parks aren’t just amusement hubs  they’re the heartbeat of American tourism. Yet this season, travelers planning their dream Disney trip are noticing something curious: prices are inching up, but discounts are popping up everywhere. From Florida to California, Disney is reshaping how families experience the “Happiest Place on Earth,” and the strategy is pulling in both luxury travelers and budget dreamers alike.   The Magic Meets Money: How Disney Is Rewriting Its Tourism Game For years, Walt Disney World and Disneyland have been the ultimate pilgrimage spots for families, influencers, and travel bloggers. Now, Disney is reinventing the guest experience through pricing psychology  balancing aggressive promotions with selective price increases . By raising ticket prices slightly on high-demand days while rolling out juicy local and off-season discounts, Disne...

  By   Peninah Mbula| The Common Pulse/latest news/US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025.   Travelers across the country are facing unprecedented disruptions as the ongoing government shutdown spreads delays to major airports , leaving millions frustrated and stranded. From canceled flights to longer security lines, the shutdown is revealing vulnerabilities in the nation’s travel infrastructure. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s happening, why it matters, and how travelers can navigate the chaos. Airport Chaos: Flights Delayed or Canceled Nationwide Major airports, including hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta, are experiencing massive delays , with some flights canceled entirely. Airlines are struggling to adjust schedules amid limited federal staffing, particularly in security and air traffic control. Passengers report long lines at TSA checkpoints, missed connections, and increased travel stress. Airlines have issued advisories urging trave...

  By   Mutunga Tobbias| The Common Pulse/latest news/US/Qatar /Israel/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. Milan has always been more than just Italy’s financial heart or a fashion capital dazzling the world with its catwalks and design fairs. It is a city with centuries of prestige, ambition, and power woven into its fabric. But in recent years, Milan has transformed from a playground for designers and bankers into something even more ambitious, a global magnet for the ultra-rich, billionaires, and nomadic elites. They come for the Aperitivo culture, the high fashion, the timeless architecture, but they stay, increasingly, for something far more practical: generous tax breaks. Milan is positioning itself as a rival to London, Paris, and Monaco in attracting wealth, offering a seductive blend of lifestyle and fiscal benefits. The city is becoming a case study in how glamour, lifestyle, and government incentives can reshape global migration patterns among the world’s wealt...

  By   Peninah Mbula| The Common Pulse/latest news/US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025.   Japan's Centenarian Population Reaches Record High: A Glimpse into Longevity As of September 2025, Japan has set a new record with 99,763 centenarians, marking the 55th consecutive year of growth in its centenarian population This milestone underscores Japan's status as a global leader in longevity, with a significant proportion of its elderly population remaining active and engaged in society. The Centenarian Demographics: A Closer Look Women account for 88% of Japan's centenarians, highlighting the nation's exceptional life expectancy among females. The oldest living person in Japan, Shigeko Kagawa, is a 114-year-old retired physician who continues to inspire with her vitality and participation in public events . Factors Contributing to Longevity Japan's longevity can be attributed to several key factors: Diet : A traditional Japanese diet rich in fish, vegetable...

By   Mutunga Tobbias | The Common Pulse/latest news/ Kenya/United States/Africa /October 2025 The Smooth Sound That Defined an Era There are few musicians whose name alone instantly conjures up the image of smooth, silky melodies flowing from a saxophone. Kenny G, born Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, is one of those rare artists. His music transcends generations, borders, and genres, reaching listeners in every corner of the world, including Kenya, where his sound has resonated deeply with lovers of jazz, R&B, and easy listening. To tell the story of Kenny G is to trace the journey of a boy from Seattle who became the best-selling instrumental musician of all time, all while shaping the global soundscape of contemporary jazz.The Early Years in Seattle Kenny G’s story begins on June 5, 1956, in Seattle, Washington, where he grew up in a middle-class Jewish family. His childhood was marked not by fame or privilege, but by a love for music that set him apart from his peers. At the ...