Author: Elizabeth Jenrola Oso

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pledged the Trump administration’s full support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to Jerusalem, stating that Washington’s priorities remain the liberation of Israeli hostages and the destruction of Hamas. Standing alongside Netanyahu, Rubio made no reference to a possible ceasefire and avoided repeating earlier criticism of Israel over last week’s airstrike in Doha, the capital of Qatar, which targeted Hamas leaders. Asked whether further strikes on Qatar could be ruled out, Netanyahu said Israel would adhere to the principle that “terrorists would not have immunity where they are, wherever…

Washington and Beijing have reached a framework agreement concerning the transfer of TikTok to US-controlled ownership, according to Jamieson Greer, a United States trade representative. Speaking following negotiations with Chinese officials, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the deal was progressing, though he declined to disclose the commercial terms. “We have a framework for a TikTok deal,” Bessent told reporters after high-level talks in Madrid. “We’re not going to talk about the commercial terms of the deal. It’s between two private parties, but the commercial terms have been agreed upon.” The agreement marks a significant development in the protracted…

Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer of Tesla, has acquired nearly $1 billion worth of shares in the electric vehicle manufacturer, according to a regulatory filing released on Monday. The purchase, which took place via open-market transactions on Friday, saw Musk buy approximately 2.57 million shares at prices ranging from $372.37 to $396.54 per share. The move has been interpreted as a clear signal of Musk’s intent to consolidate his influence over the company. As of December, Musk held an estimated 13 per cent stake in Tesla, based on data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). The latest acquisition is…

Two men have been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment with hard labour in Zambia after being convicted of plotting to use witchcraft to kill President Hakainde Hichilema. Leonard Phiri, a village chief, and Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, a Mozambican national, were arrested in December following a report by a cleaner who claimed to have heard unusual noises. Upon investigation, authorities discovered the men in possession of a live chameleon, a red cloth, an unidentified white powder, and an animal’s tail—items described by officials as “assorted charms”. Delivering the verdict at Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, Magistrate Fine Mayambu stated: “The motive of the…

Spain Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has called for Israel to be barred from international sporting competitions for as long as its military campaign in Gaza continues, accusing the country of using high-profile events to “whitewash” its actions. His remarks came a day after pro-Palestinian protests brought the Vuelta a España cycling race to an abrupt halt in Madrid, following clashes between demonstrators and police. Sánchez expressed “deep admiration” for those who had protested peacefully against the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team. The prime minister, who has faced fierce criticism from political opponents for his comments, said Sunday’s events should…

New York governor Kathy Hochul has endorsed Zohran Mamdani in his bid to become mayor of New York City, offering a significant boost to the democratic socialist’s campaign. In an opinion piece for The New York Times, Hochul wrote: “In the four years since I took office, one of my foundational beliefs has been the importance of the office of New York governor working hand in hand with the mayor of New York City for the betterment of the 8.3 million residents we both represent. The question of who will be the next mayor is one I take extremely seriously…

Former mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor has withdrawn from Ireland’s presidential election, denouncing the nomination process as a “straitjacket” that stifles genuine democratic competition. In a statement posted on X on Monday morning, McGregor said: “Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race. This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time.” The presidency, a largely ceremonial seven-year role, is currently held by Michael D Higgins. McGregor had pledged to curb immigration to protect what he described as “Irish culture” and…

United States Vice President JD Vance is set to host a special edition of The Charlie Kirk Show from the White House on Monday

Two men have been arrested in Utah on suspicion of placing an incendiary device beneath a news media vehicle in Salt Lake City, authorities have confirmed. The device, which had been ignited, failed to detonate. Police and fire department bomb squads were called to the scene on Friday after a suspicious object was discovered under the parked vehicle, which was located near an occupied building. According to court records cited by CBS affiliate KUTV, investigators determined that the device “had been lit but failed to function as designed”. The Federal Bureau of Investigation subsequently identified two suspects and executed a…

President Donald Trump has moved to reassure foreign investors that skilled overseas workers remain welcome in the United States, following the arrest of hundreds of South Korean nationals at a construction site in Georgia earlier this month. In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he did not wish to “frighten off or disincentivise investment” and emphasised the value of allowing foreign experts to work temporarily in the country. He said such workers could “teach and train our people how to make these very unique and complex products” before returning home. On 4 September, approximately 475 people,…